Must Love Flowers

A Novel

By: Debbie Macomber

Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two women at different stages of life find themselves on a journey of renewal after undergoing hardships in this uplifting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

“Wise, warm, witty, and charmingly full of hope, this story celebrates the surprising and unexpected ways that family, friendship, and love can lift us up.”—Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Four Winds

Joan Sample is not living the life she expected. Now a widow and an empty-nester, she has become by her own admission something of a recluse. But after another birthday spent alone, she is finally inclined to listen to her sister, who has been begging Joan to reengage with the world. With Emmie’s support, Joan gathers the courage to take some long-awaited steps: hiring someone to tame her overgrown garden, joining a grief support group, and even renting out a room to a local college student. Before long Joan is starting to feel a little like herself again.

Across town, Maggie Herbert works mornings as a barista, tending to impatient customers before rushing to afternoon nursing classes. She lives with her alcoholic father, ducking his temperamental outbursts and struggling to pay the household bills. But her circumstances brighten when she finds a room for rent in Joan’s home. In the unexpected warmth of her new situation, Maggie finds a glimmer of hope for a better life. But will Maggie’s budding attraction to one of her favorite customers ruin the harmony she’s only recently found with Joan? Meanwhile, what is Joan to make of the mysterious landscaper who’s been revitalizing her garden—a man who seems to harbor a past loss of his own?

As Maggie and Joan confront difficult life choices, they draw strength from this new friendship in surprising ways—discovering in the process that “found family” is often the very best kind.

©2023 Debbie Macomber (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Nobody does heart-happy books better than Debbie Macomber. Readers will adore these characters and cheer for them.” (Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Homewreckers)

“Uplifting, warm, and hopeful . . . With her signature charm and wit, Debbie Macomber proves that the best relationships, like the perfect blooms, are always worth the wait. This can’t-miss novel is Macomber at the height of her storytelling prowess. I absolutely adored it!” (Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Songbirds)

“Both of-the-moment and timeless, this is truly a story to embrace—and then to share.” (Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author of Sugar and Salt)

Refreshing touching read

A very refreshing and touching book.
This book made be smile at the storylines personal struggles to overcome their struggles to find fulfillment and happiness.

A Feel Good Story

Joan overcame her grief and brought along other characters in an upbeat depiction of friends helping friends through challenging times.

Engaging story of loss & recovery

I read this story over the weekend Couldn’t put it down. I started with the hard cover & finished w/Audible. Enjoyed all the characters. Hoping to see it as a movie in the future.

Hopeful and Inspirational!

I so appreciate the turn Debbie Macomber has made to include women’s fiction in her offerings! This book did not disappoint. While the book still includes some clean romance, the focus here is on a widow in her early fifties coming to terms with her grief and finding a way forward with the help of her sister, a counselor, and a support group.
I got a bit upset with the main character’s selfish sons, but I soon realized it’s because they seemed so real—they came alive for me.
An excellent narration by Thérèse Plummer.

Make lemonade out of lemons!

Another charming story by Debbie Macomber! I just love the tales that the author comes up with! People suffer loss ,but someone is always on hand to help them out! Life is really like that- a friendly helping hand shows up to lend a hand and lighten the load!! Many times , just like life!!

The story line

This story deals with the loss of a spouse and how one deals with it. I could empathize with the emotions expressed since I am a widow. It was calming and assuring to follow the main character’s passage through grief. It was uplifting and healing because you experienced the character’s growth and strength.

Inspirational

I have to say that this is one of my favorite books! It really pulled at my heartstrings and has given me courage to follow through with the things that I have “stored” throughout my life. I can’t wait to read the second book!

Another blockbuster!

As always she never disappoints! I loved the characters and story development! Characters were so real and easy to identify with.

Feel good book

Nice light reading and story that can resonate with many women. I always enjoy a Debbie Macomber novel.

Loved it

Although predictable I loved the story line. It was a heartfelt fell good story!! Enjoy