A mesmerizing*, moving, and elegantly written debut* novel, “The Language of Flowers” beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait* of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.

    The Victorian language of flowers was used to pass on romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion*, asters* for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief*, mistrust*, and solitude*. After a childhood spent in the foster-care* system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.

    Now 18 and freed from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist* discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor* at the flower market has her questioning what’s been missing in her life, and when she is forced to face a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking* everything for a second chance at happiness.

    At its core, the book is a meditation* on redemption*, and on how even the most deeply hurt might learn to forgive* and be forgiven. By opening up Victoria’s difficult inner world to us, author Vanessa Diffenbaugh shows us a corner of experience hidden to most, with insight and compassion*.

    (SD-Agencies)