Book Review: Must Love Flowers
Stars: 4 X 5
Author: Debbie Macomber @debbiemacomber
Publisher: Ballantine Book from Penguin Random House
@penguinrandomhouse
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC

Joan Samples life has not been what she expected. She is now an empty nester who also happens now to be a widow. It has been few years since her husband passed and Joan has been unable to deal with her grief. She has become a recluse.
Her two son’s lives are busy and they forget things like her birthday which she ends up spending alone. After talking with her sister she finally decides to take her life back. Her house and her yard need a lot of TLC. She hires a Gardner for the yard and joins a grief support group.

Since she is an empty nester and she is alone in the house she decides to rent a room out. Along comes Maggie a nursing student who works as a Barista when not in school. Slowly as Maggie and Joan begin to know each other they become friends. Joan learns she can open her heart again. Maggie herself has family problems and finds life can be somewhat abnormal. Maggie and Joan find strength in each other. The both discover as life starts to normalize that they can open their heart to the possibility of love again.
Will these second chances be successful or not?


Debbie Macomber has always been on of my favorite authors. The topic in this book are different as the characters deal with grief, alcoholism, and depression to name a few but Debbie Macomber writes it all with a heart warming and uplifting way. After reading his story, I need to remember that not all family is blood related, family is who and what you want it to be. This book was a wonderful read and I am so happy that Debbie Macomber came out of retirement (after four months) to write it. This is a novel of self discovery, healing and found happiness. ( )

Must Love Flowers: A Novel by Debbie Macomber is a beautifully written story about loss, life, healing and learning how to find a new normal. The characters are wonderfully crafted, and the story is sad in some places yet joyful in others. It is definitely an emotionally moving story and so worth the reading!

I believe this book to be one of the best books Mrs. Macomber has written and I am so very glad to have read this story.

5 STARS!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Mrs. Macomber, Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this beautiful story. ( )

Joan lost her husband before the pandemic, sold their dental business and utilized the solitary times of Covid to retreat from the world. A letter from her HOA on the state of her yard shakes her awake and before you know it, she has a new haircut, a boarder, a new landscape company and a puppy. A quick heartwarming read about friendship, life and love. ( )

Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber is a story about grief, starting over, friendship, family, and romance. I always look forward to reading Debbie Macomber’s latest novel. They provide a great escape. The author has a casual writing style that draws the reader in and holds their attention. The characters are friendly, relatable, and realistic. I could certainly understand what Joan was going through. Grief is not something that will go away overnight. Shutting yourself away, though, is not good for you. I like how her family encouraged her to see a therapist and get a boarder. The letter from the HOA about the condition of her yard was actually a good thing. It helped Joan to get interested in gardening again. Must Love Flowers has a couple of intersecting storylines. We get to meet Maggie, a nursing student who is living with her alcoholic father. Her father has not been the same since Maggie’s mother passed. Nick, one of Joan’s sons, worries about his mother. He is not in favor of her taking a boarder. Maggie’s other son is so focused on work, he is missing out on a special woman. Phil, Joan’s landscaper, happens to be in Joan’s grief support group. He knows what Johan is going through. Phil is there to lend a listening ear when Joan needs one and to offer a helping hand. The author captured what it is like to suffer a loss and the long healing process. Must Love Flowers hit all the right notes. I started reading Must Love Flowers and kept going until I turned the last page. Must Love Flowers is more than a romance. We get to see people going outside their comfort zone. They are making changes to their lives and meeting new friends while dealing with their grief. An epilogue nicely wrapped up the character’s storylines. Must Love Flowers is a touching tale with a messy yard, a concerned sister, a nursing student, a workaholic son, a helpful therapist, and a hopeful future. ( )

"Must Love Flowers" by Debbie Macomber is a heartwarming and delightful romance novel that tugs at the heartstrings. As with many of Debbie Macomber's works, the story is infused with warmth, charm, and a genuine portrayal of human emotions.

The novel centers around relatable and lovable characters who are navigating life's ups and downs while searching for love and meaning. The author's writing style is engaging and draws readers into the small-town setting, making it feel like a familiar and comforting place.

The blossoming romance between the main characters is sweet and endearing, and their journey towards finding love is both heartwarming and filled with tender moments. Debbie Macomber's portrayal of love and relationships is authentic, highlighting the importance of communication, trust, and understanding in any partnership.

While "Must Love Flowers" is a love story at its core, it also explores themes of family, friendship, and personal growth, adding depth to the narrative. The book's optimistic and uplifting tone leaves readers with a smile on their faces and a sense of hope for love's possibilities.

Debbie Macomber's talent for crafting relatable characters and engaging storylines shines brightly in "Must Love Flowers." This novel is a delightful escape, perfect for anyone in need of a heartwarming and feel-good read. Whether you're a longtime fan of the author or new to her work, "Must Love Flowers" is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. I highly recommend it to romance enthusiasts and anyone seeking a charming and uplifting story. ( )