Must Love Flowers, by Debbie Macomber

 Publication July 11, 2023

First off, welcome back Debbie Macomber. I'm glad you un-retired. You've been missed. And, what a lovely book to make your first post un-retirement. "Must Love Flowers" works on so many levels. 

I'm finding myself more and more drawn to books that are character driven. In this one that is so very true. Main character Joan is just emerging from four long years of mourning her late husband and her emergence sweeps not just her but many others into growth and changes, too. I immediately liked Joan and would love to have her as a friend. She opens the story feeling as if she has no incentive to even get out of bed in the morning since her husband's unexpected death four years ago. She found comfort in the isolation of the epidemic, using it as both an excuse to shun human contact and simply isolate herself. Then, suddenly, events bring about a change in Joan. Her sister Emmie has repeatedly told her that the key to opening up again is to focus on doing something for someone else and, boy, does she ever.

Of course, it takes more than her sister's increasingly not-so-gentle prods. Would you believe a warning from her HOA? Seems she's allowed her property to go-to-seed, so to speak. Looking outside, particularly at her flower beds that were once her pride, she suddenly decides to hire lawn care. Then she uses her sister's gift, a salon visit, for a haircut. Next thing you know, she's taking in a boarder, Maggie, not to mention a puppy her son more or less forces on her. And then there's the grief support group which, contrary to her fears, provides more laughs and human support than expected. It also brings her back into contact with Phil, the man she hired to bring her neglected lawn back to bloom. 

I won't detail the plot further aside to say that it contains everything we've come to expect from Debbie Macomber: family, friends, romance, struggle, hope, and, yes, even a darling puppy. Is it easy? Are all their problems fixed instantly? Of course not. 

There's even an alcoholic father whose seemingly combative relationship with Maggie makes you want to hug and encourage Maggie's push to become a nurse. If this makes the book sound depressive, far from it. Despite the realities of life intruding, the tone is largely uplifting, with the hope of a wonderful future for all hovering above as you read. From near recluse to mother-hen to....what? Joan makes strides toward a happy future that, yes, allows others into her world and reminds us to have meaningful conversations, not just idle chit-chat. 

Bottom line, I loved every minute of "Must Love Flowers", even the tenser ones. Some may roll their eyes at the idea of happily ever after but as long as Debbie Macomber continues to take us there through her writing, I'm there for it. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #RandomHousePublishingGroup - #BallantineBooks for allowing me to bask in the virtual warmth of Joan's friends. Welcome back, Debbie Macomber.