Matilda "Tilly" Harper is looking for a fresh start and the job as an assistant housemother at Shaw's Training Home for Watercress and Flower Girls in London seems like the perfect fit. Tilly finds a diary written by one of the former residents and soon finds herself engrossed in the story of Florrie and her missing sister, Rosie. Will Tilly discover that happened to Rosie?

A MEMORY OF VIOLETS is set in 1912 with flashbacks to both 1876 as well as earlier periods in Tilly's life. Journal entries are also interspersed throughout the storyline as well as a few letters. I like that not just one method is utilized to share the past with us as it makes the transitions flow seamlessly along while allowing us to see the different voices of each character.

I love the concept of the Training Homes for Watercress and Flower Girls and am thrilled to discover that the character of Mr. Shaw is based on a true historical figure, John Grooms. Hazel Gaynor does a magnificent job at showing both the poverty and the total lack of disregard that was given to an entire populace. Some of the descriptions and situations are nothing short of heart-wrenching.

A MEMORY OF VIOLETS is a beautifully moving tale that shows how people can transcend even the darkest of situations or perceptions. In particular, I love how Tilly initially identifies each of the women in the home by their handicaps but eventually learns that a person is more than a disability. Hazel Gaynor ties all of the threads together as the story comes full circle to produce a hopeful and inspiring tale that resonates with the reader long after the last page is turned. A MEMORY OF VIOLETS is highly recommended!