Books with Plant Connection
Posted on Friday, July 11, 2008 by Peg
Three of the books I read on vacation featured women who made their living with botanicals. The books had completely different story lines so perhaps I was really searching for a connection in the books I read. The first, Julie and Romeo Get Lucky by Jeanne Ray, features aging star crossed lovers. Like Shakespeare's version, the lover's families are feuding. each family owns a florist shop. Despite family objections Julie and Romeo (read the first book in the series) pursue a romantic relationship. In this second installment, Romeo injures his back and is housebound in Julie's bedroom. Julie's grown daughter, husband and grand daughter live with her. The granddaughter is obsessed with Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She has convinced herself that good things happen in her life because she faithfully watches the film over and over and over...She is also convinced that her golden ticket is the Lottery. This books is a fun read with not too much substance, just right for taking on vacation.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen proved to be a nice distraction to many unplanned hours in an airport and other unintended means of transport. (Don't ask!) The story revolves around a young caterer, Claire Waverly, who is an absolute wizard with food. Her mysterious powers allow her to add flowers to food or drink that affect mood or spur action. Her sister fled the Waverly reputation to lead a fast life, returning only when the safety of her daughter is in doubt. The sisters search for love and belonging in a town long suspicious of their special gifts. After reading this book I purchased (in hardcover!) the author's newest book, The Sugar Queen.(A review for another day.)
The last book in my loose collection is Mercy by Jodi Picoult. The story line is not quite as lighthearted as the other two. The police chief's wife owns the flower shop in the small town where a man gives in to his wife's requests to end her suffering and her life. A cousin of the aforementioned police chief, the husband grieves for his loss but loved his wife too much to ignore her wishes. This is a dark look at the "right to die." As with any Jodi Picoult, a meaty book that will generate a lot of discussion!
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen proved to be a nice distraction to many unplanned hours in an airport and other unintended means of transport. (Don't ask!) The story revolves around a young caterer, Claire Waverly, who is an absolute wizard with food. Her mysterious powers allow her to add flowers to food or drink that affect mood or spur action. Her sister fled the Waverly reputation to lead a fast life, returning only when the safety of her daughter is in doubt. The sisters search for love and belonging in a town long suspicious of their special gifts. After reading this book I purchased (in hardcover!) the author's newest book, The Sugar Queen.(A review for another day.)
The last book in my loose collection is Mercy by Jodi Picoult. The story line is not quite as lighthearted as the other two. The police chief's wife owns the flower shop in the small town where a man gives in to his wife's requests to end her suffering and her life. A cousin of the aforementioned police chief, the husband grieves for his loss but loved his wife too much to ignore her wishes. This is a dark look at the "right to die." As with any Jodi Picoult, a meaty book that will generate a lot of discussion!
