The Alchemy of Flowers

The Alchemy of Flowers cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 9566
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9781400349104
  • Publisher: Harper Muse
  • Published: 2025-07-29
  • Reviews: 3

Eloise, exhausted by her fruitless attempts to start a family, answers an intriguing job ad to tend to the flowers of the ancient Jardins du Paradis in the South of France. The promise of isolation and no children on the premises is too good to pass up. Within the high garden walls, Eloise begins to heal, forming new friendships and even finding a connection with the handyman, Raphael. The flowers whisper to her, enchanting and delighting her, but strange occurrences and forbidden rules make her question the reality of her sanctuary. As Eloise digs deeper into the mysteries of the garden, she uncovers a darkness that threatens her newfound happiness. The giggles and glimpses of a little girl haunt her, and she begins to suspect there's a child in danger. When Paradise becomes a deadly prison, Eloise must risk everything to protect her new family and claim her second chance at happiness. This enchanting, modern-day take on The Secret Garden is sprinkled with magic and perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen.

Reviews
Well Read Tart · 2025-09-03
disappointing 2.50

The book is heavy on insta-romance and fertility issues but lacks in magical realism and suspense. The plot is engaging but predictable.

The reviewer found the book to be a quick and engaging read, particularly enjoying the contemporary fiction elements. However, they felt that the magical realism aspect was underdeveloped and the suspense was lacking. The romance was insta-love, which some readers might find predictable. Overall, it's a light read with some emotional depth but not as enchanting as one might hope.


Quick quotes

    The Alchemy of Flowers is heavy on insta-romance and fertility issues, but it's lacking in magical realism and suspense.

    The plot is engaging but predictable.

    It's a light read with some emotional depth but not as enchanting as one might hope.

Novels Alive · Amy Wilson · 2025-07-29
brilliant 5.00

The book is a breathtaking story with a beautiful blend of mystery and magical realism. The setting is picturesque and the characters are well-developed.

The reviewer was captivated by the picturesque setting and the well-developed characters. They appreciated the blend of mystery and magical realism, which made the story feel enchanting and immersive. The reviewer found the book to be a heartfelt and emotional read, with a good balance of contemporary fiction and magical elements. Overall, it's a stunning and heartfelt read that will leave readers enchanted.


Quick quotes

    Eloise's new job in a picturesque yet rustic walled garden offers a respite, yet it is cloaked in mystery.

    Author Laura Resau delivers a breathtaking story in The Alchemy of Flowers.

    It's a beautifully written blend of contemporary fiction and magical realism—cozy, emotional, a little mysterious, and a lot magical.

Cantina Book Club · Megan C. McCarthy-Biank · 2025-07-29
great 4.50

The author balanced the mystery, magical realism, romance, gothic vibes, and sensitive themes beautifully. The main character is brought to life with an authentic and personal backstory.

The reviewer appreciated the diversity and the authentic backstory of the main character. They found the book to be a beautiful blend of mystery, magical realism, romance, and gothic vibes. The reviewer thought the author balanced these elements well, creating a rich and engaging story. However, they acknowledged that some readers might find the insta-romance predictable. Overall, it's a well-crafted novel with a lot of heart and depth.


Quick quotes

    The author balanced the mystery, magical realism, romance, gothic vibes, and sensitive themes beautifully.

    The main character was brought to life with a back story that felt authentic and personal.

    I can see how some readers might find the insta-romance predictable.

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