Synopsis
Jealousy and love are sisters.
Tara no longer loves her work as a software developer in the city. Her manager is a constant irritation, and at the age of thirty, Tara yearns for a change. When her favorite flower shop goes up for sale, Tara grabs the opportunity with both hands. Running her own business is something she’s always dreamed of, and when she buys the shop, Tara’s happiness is complete. In her day-to-day work as a florist, she deals with some very interesting people, and there is never a dull moment. It doesn’t take long before aunt Jean comes to visit. Outspoken and a born matchmaker, aunt Jean is on a mission to find a good husband for Tara before it’s too late.
Eugene is charming, Aaron is devilishly handsome, but Tara’s treacherous heart can’t decide who is best for her.
She needs to choose carefully, though. For jealousy and love are sisters, and one man is determined to destroy Tara’s new life. This book promises the reader a bit of everything: laughter, clean romance, drama and unexpected twists and turns. Easy to read, hard to put down.
First Impression 5/5
Chapter One was a great introduction to this sweet short story. We meet Tara and her desire for more, looking through the lens of misery and despair. The vivid picture of office life in contrast to a flower shop owner was lovely, and I immediately wanted to keep reading to find out how Tara’s life would turn around.
Character Development 4/5
I adored Tara, Aaron, and Aunt Jean. They were such lovable characters with their unique quirks and personalities. After Tara takes a risk by dropping her office job for the ownership of a cute little flower shop, we immediately see her demeanor change from stress to joy and excitement. I also loved Tara and Aunt Jean’s relationship. They were so sweet and a wonderful representation of family love.
World-Building 4/5
The setting in this book gave me an almost nostalgic feel, leaving me warm and fuzzy. The atmosphere was homey, and the imagery was easy to picture. I loved how the story wrapped around a flower shop tucked in the heart of the city where people went to find that pop of color and life to start their morning. Seeing such a simple concept implement oceans of change and influence was beautiful. Who knew a flower shop could be so powerful?
Writing Style 3/5
Life Through A Rose was heartwarming to read. But Tara and her adventures of owning a flower shop portrayed more peril than one would think. Though I often found the writing to be more “telling” than “showing”–frequently causing me to drift away from connecting to the story–I enjoyed the pace and progression of the plot. This book flips your perspective to one beyond your own life, prompting you to see the vastness of the world and all the stories people have to tell. As someone who works in customer service, I can relate to the abundance of unique customers and the stories tagging along with them.
Emotions 3/5
Because this book was more on the shorter side of fiction, there wasn’t much time for an emotional attachment to the story. Yet, it contained the perfect amount of humor and heartwarming moments. I didn’t connect too deeply with emotion, but near the end, I found myself tearing up for Tara and all the troubles she was facing.
Cleanliness 4/5
Life Through A Rose was delightfully clean, though some implications and profanities were scattered throughout, as well as Jesus’ name taken in vain. Concerning the romance, there wasn’t anything explicit since the story focused more on Tara’s new life than her relationship with a man. Near the end, there was a mention of suicide, but other than that, nothing too triggering.
Conclusion 5/5
I loved how this book ended; all ends tied together with the promise of something more in between. Despite the quick pace, I thought Life Through A Rose progressed and concluded well.
Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
Recommended Age Group: 14+
Genres: romance, contemporary, fiction, adult
!Trigger Warnings!
Profanity, mentions of suicide
Thank you so much, C. M. Disney, for reaching out and sharing your book with me!
Follow the Author on Instagram: @claudiadisneyauthor
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 ESV
Julia Rose Books 