jayfr's review against another edition
3.0
Fluffy romance but I admit to enjoying the Harper Bride Story arc and the other two women more than Stella and Logan.
Going to read the next as I need answers about the ghost!
Going to read the next as I need answers about the ghost!
rachelnml's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Blue Dahlia
3 Stars
Following the death of her husband, Stella Rothschild returns to her roots in Tennessee with her two young sons. She accepts the position of manager at the local nursery, In the Garden, and agrees to live in the centuries-old mansion belonging to its owner, Roz Harper. Stella and her boys quickly adapt to their new circumstances, and Stella also begins a relationship with local landscaper, Logan Kitridge. But all is not well at Harper House as the resident ghost becomes increasingly angry at the developments in Stella's love life. Who is the unnamed Harper Bride and why has she been haunting the Harpers for so long?
Series note: This is the first book in the trilogy and while some details are revealed about the Harper Bride, the overarching mystery remains unresolved in this installment.
After trying to read this book several times and not being able to get past the first 3 chapters, I decided to give the audiobook a chance and do not regret it. Susie Breck's engaging narration made it easier to become immersed in the story.
This is one of Nora's earlier attempts at contemporary romance with paranormal elements, and although her later works, such as the Sign of Seven and Circle Trilogy, are better developed, there are still some compelling elements. The most significant is the mystery surrounding the identity of the Harper Bride, whose background is established in a very intriguing fashion in the prologue.
The weakest aspect of the book is the romance, which is rather tepid. While the opposites attract attraction between Stella and Logan has potential in the beginning, it loses momentum along the way and the transitions from dislike to lust to love are unclear. None of this is helped by Stella's pushy and abrasive personality, which makes it difficult to relate to her.
Finally, there are far too many descriptions and discussions of plants and gardening. While lovers of this field will probably enjoy them, they were rather tedious and boring for me. I prefer more action in my romance.
All in all, not the best example of Nora's work, but the hints at stories to come for Roz and her distant cousin, Hayley, are compelling enough to continue with the series.
3 Stars
Following the death of her husband, Stella Rothschild returns to her roots in Tennessee with her two young sons. She accepts the position of manager at the local nursery, In the Garden, and agrees to live in the centuries-old mansion belonging to its owner, Roz Harper. Stella and her boys quickly adapt to their new circumstances, and Stella also begins a relationship with local landscaper, Logan Kitridge. But all is not well at Harper House as the resident ghost becomes increasingly angry at the developments in Stella's love life. Who is the unnamed Harper Bride and why has she been haunting the Harpers for so long?
Series note: This is the first book in the trilogy and while some details are revealed about the Harper Bride, the overarching mystery remains unresolved in this installment.
After trying to read this book several times and not being able to get past the first 3 chapters, I decided to give the audiobook a chance and do not regret it. Susie Breck's engaging narration made it easier to become immersed in the story.
This is one of Nora's earlier attempts at contemporary romance with paranormal elements, and although her later works, such as the Sign of Seven and Circle Trilogy, are better developed, there are still some compelling elements. The most significant is the mystery surrounding the identity of the Harper Bride, whose background is established in a very intriguing fashion in the prologue.
The weakest aspect of the book is the romance, which is rather tepid. While the opposites attract attraction between Stella and Logan has potential in the beginning, it loses momentum along the way and the transitions from dislike to lust to love are unclear. None of this is helped by Stella's pushy and abrasive personality, which makes it difficult to relate to her.
Finally, there are far too many descriptions and discussions of plants and gardening. While lovers of this field will probably enjoy them, they were rather tedious and boring for me. I prefer more action in my romance.
All in all, not the best example of Nora's work, but the hints at stories to come for Roz and her distant cousin, Hayley, are compelling enough to continue with the series.
filipaavmonteiro's review against another edition
4.0
Primeiro livro da Trilogia das Flores.
Conta a história de Stella, Roz e Hayley. Stella tem dois filhos e perde o marido inesperadamente. Acaba por trabalhar na casa de Roz como gerente do seu horto. Hayley é prima afastada de Roz que, está grávida, pede a Roz que lhe dê um emprego. As três acabam por dar-se lindamente e fica uma curiosidade ao longo da história em saber quem é e o que aconteceu ao fantasma que assombra a casa.
Gostei muito do livro, é uma leitura muito leve e fácil!
Livro pertencente à Ne do Clube Blogring.
Conta a história de Stella, Roz e Hayley. Stella tem dois filhos e perde o marido inesperadamente. Acaba por trabalhar na casa de Roz como gerente do seu horto. Hayley é prima afastada de Roz que, está grávida, pede a Roz que lhe dê um emprego. As três acabam por dar-se lindamente e fica uma curiosidade ao longo da história em saber quem é e o que aconteceu ao fantasma que assombra a casa.
Gostei muito do livro, é uma leitura muito leve e fácil!
Livro pertencente à Ne do Clube Blogring.
lisam0183_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I went into this not knowing what to expect as romance and paranormal aren't usually for me and especially not both together. This surprised me though and I really enjoyed it.
Stella, a recent widow with 2 young boys is employed by Roz and also offered a home in the Harper house. She also then meets Hayley and falls in love with Logan. The house is haunted by the Harper Bride who appears to all children in the house and isn't happy about the romance between Stella and Logan.
Although the chapters were long it was a lovely, easy read.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series to see if we find out who the Harper Bride is and what happened to her.
Stella, a recent widow with 2 young boys is employed by Roz and also offered a home in the Harper house. She also then meets Hayley and falls in love with Logan. The house is haunted by the Harper Bride who appears to all children in the house and isn't happy about the romance between Stella and Logan.
Although the chapters were long it was a lovely, easy read.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series to see if we find out who the Harper Bride is and what happened to her.
elinaz's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.25
whaney's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable as usual. Nora Roberts always comes us with enjoyable, strong, female characters. And of course perfect men! ;-) What's not to like.
heatherdakota's review
Could not get into the characters and the story was boring.
janif49's review against another edition
4.0
I like Nora Roberts books. I am not a die hard fan but really enjoy some of them.
I picked this book up because I had an extra credit for an audio book and nothing else truly jumped out at me.. LOVED this book! I am a huge fan of paranormal romance and this had a bit of both. It has the feel of most Nora Roberts books. Fun, friendship and a little love.. (a little outdoor nookie too! teehee) I am not a writer so I can give no true justice to any book in a review but let me just say I picked up the audio of Black Rose book #2 in the trilogy as soon as this one was finished!
I picked this book up because I had an extra credit for an audio book and nothing else truly jumped out at me.. LOVED this book! I am a huge fan of paranormal romance and this had a bit of both. It has the feel of most Nora Roberts books. Fun, friendship and a little love.. (a little outdoor nookie too! teehee) I am not a writer so I can give no true justice to any book in a review but let me just say I picked up the audio of Black Rose book #2 in the trilogy as soon as this one was finished!
calinda24's review against another edition
5.0
I've liked everything I've ever read by Nora Roberts so this book isn't any different.