It's tough being the only florist in a family of lawyers.
Lily Farnsworth from Boston applies for a grant to open a
new business and wins one - but she has to move to Kansas.
A once-prosperous town is suffering from the closure of an
aerospace manufacturer, and the grants are seen as a way to
counter failing businesses and jobless locals. So Lily is
committed to spending some of her own money and two years
in the town of Byegones, running the florist's shop she's
always wanted, called LOVE IN BLOOM. She's shy, and she
hopes the locals are friendly.
Tate Bronson is the quiet farmer who collects Lily at the
airport, along with his chatterbox young daughter
Isabella. He's doubtful whether this Boston miss will
survive without oyster bars and fusion restaurants, the bar-
and-grills around here being more homey. And what's with
all the luggage? But anything is worth a try to save his
town. He's more impressed when the boxes turn out to
contain shop supplies, and the town's senior ladies stop by
next day and make Lily very welcome. Several new businesses
on Main Street are planning a grand opening and everyone's
pulling together to make it work. However, Lily learns that
Tate's wife died several years ago, and he still has her
photos everywhere, preferring not to move on with life.
From the slowing-down of the local economy to start, we
quickly get into more progressive times and a storekeeper
who sells gasoline by the gallon now, has every reason to
be more optimistic. I appreciated a second contrast, with
the farming setting and work, when Tate and Isabella, who
is a great character, bring Lily to their home for an
Independence Day meal. We learn how to make dewberry tea
and a flag cake topped with whipped cream, strawberries
and blueberries. The unwelcome voice of reason reminds
townsfolks that most people bake their own cakes and grow
their own flowers, that they don't drive all the way into
town just to drink iced coffee. Recessions are not easily
overcome. The romance progresses just as gently and with
its own setbacks, and while the good folk of Byegones ask
God for guidance, they aren't slow about doing anything
that's needed and helping others.
Arlene James has written a good romance full of character
and inspiration, and LOVE IN BLOOM is a fittingly cheerful
title. This is the first in a series of linked books by
different authors.
Lily Farnsworth can thank a mysterious benefactor for the
chance to open her own flower shop in Bygones, Kansas. But
Tate Bronson is the biggest challenge the relocated Boston
attorney has ever faced. Forget about tossing out the
welcome mat—the handsome widowed rancher seems determined to
keep Lily at arm's length. As everyone buzzes over the
identity of the anonymous donor, Lily's doing her part to
revitalize the struggling town. With the help of Tate's
little girl-turned-matchmaker, can she create a garden of
community and love deep in the heart of Kansas…and one
special man?
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