The Blooming of Delphinium - by Holly Varni

Author Holly Varni takes us back to Moonberry Lake for a captivating story that illustrates many different kinds of love. Delphinium Hayes has a very intriguing talent but there's so much more to discover about her! She has a special empathy for the residents of the assisted living center in Moonberry Lake and she's about to prove it in some unusual ways! Will her support complicate her chance for romantic love? And what about her ability to judge people by their smell? Will her perception prove true about the person who finally captures her heart? The Blooming of Delphinium is a delightful tale that gave me all of the "feels". Anyone familiar with nursing homes or assisted living facilities will understand how these residents can tug at your heartstrings. I alternated between laughing out loud and wiping tears as I read their antics! If you enjoy small-town settings, sweet romance, and real-life drama sprinkled with fun and humor, grab a copy of this charming book. Fans of Hallmark movies...you'll love The Blooming of Delphinium! I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Revell Reads. There was no obligation for a positive review.

It has been awhile since I have picked up a book to read and I’m really glad it was this one to bring me back into the foray. A new author for me, I enjoyed the the plot and even the very unique name of the main character. Holly Varni was able to create characters that brought the book to life and had me eagerly flipping the pages just to get to the end of the book. Delphinium teaches us the importance of friendship and actually will encourage us, as the reader, to embark on our own journey. I enjoyed the characters in the book such as Lila, who was her encourager and then Ethan. In future visits to the the bookstore, I will be seeking out more books by this author. And whoever designed the cover, they were amazing.

Her name is Delphinium and she owns a flower shop. There are a group of lively senior citizens from an assisted living home who love her flower shop as their go-to hangout. Delphinium can tell all about someone by their scent which represents some type of a flower and that represents the person's traits. The other characters in the book are fun to engage with and "get to know" of their individual personalities. As the book started for me it was a bit slow moving, but definitely moved faster as the book progressed. There is some romance and some quirky fun as well. A good read. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni is the second A Moonberry Lake Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read On Moonberry Lake. While Delphinium is the main character, there are a number of secondary characters. The senior citizens are quirky and entertaining. It can, though, be difficult to keep them all straight. I thought Delphinium’s gift was unique. I wish her gift had been explained like her grandmother’s synesthesia. The senior’s antics will have you laughing out loud along with their unusual list of demands. I like the closeknit community of Moonberry Lake. I can understand why Delphinium made this charming town her home. There is romance as well. The story also delves into loss and how it affects people. The Blooming of Delphinium is a slow starter, but it picks up when the seniors begin their exploits. I did feel that the story was a tad too long. If the repetitive bits were removed, it would be just the right length. The Blooming of Delphinium is a quirky small-town tale with senior escapades, beautiful bouquets, transportation troubles, an intoxicating scent, a financial plight, an unwanted skunk, and a special romance.