Behind every bouquet of flowers, there is a story

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is the story of one woman’s struggle with trust and love. It is the story of a woman who finds it hard to love and be loved in return. It is a story told through the meaning of flowers.

Victoria Jones is 18 years old and she has now aged out of the foster care system. She must now learn to fend for herself. She ends up living on the street with a tiny flower garden that she has created. One day she approaches a florist looking for a job. She makes a bouquet of flowers to give as a resume. The florist, Renata, recognizes Victoria’s natural talent and hires her. Renata also realizes that Victoria is on the streets and helps her give a place to stay. Soon, Victoria has customers coming back for her special bouquets which through the meaning of the flowers helps restore relationships and brings joy into people’s lives. But she, herself, rejects and even sabotages her own chances for happiness. Why does Victoria feel unworthy of love? Will she learn she is worthy of love?

I enjoyed The Language of Flowers simply because I love flowers and the Victorian meanings behind them. It was an easy book to read. I was able to read it in one day but the story was beautiful and had me hooked to find out if Victoria would allow herself to love, be loved and learn that happiness is possible. The story is told in a series of present events and flashback which gives the readers clues as how Victoria learned the meaning of flowers, how she ended up in a group home and why she feels unworthy of love. I recommend The Language of Flowers is a great summer beach book.