Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers

Born.A.Reader

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

#flowershop #storysettings 🌸 🌹 🌻
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Gorgeous 🪻💜🌸 6mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 💜 5mo

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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Thank you so much Harper for the Christmas surprise! It sounds really good and the cover is beautiful!! 💜 I thought I had already posted this, but I can‘t find it 🤷‍♀️

#LitsyLove

CoffeeNBooks

Roary47 Aww I really liked that story. 🥰 3y

Cathythoughts I agree! Sounds lovely & beautiful cover 3y

CoffeeNBooks Merry Christmas! I really liked this book, so I hope you like it, too! 💜 3y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @CoffeeNBooks I‘m sure I will! 💜 3y

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Butterfinger

Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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I love flowers and I love this book. Its simplicity in telling a love story between sisters almost wrecked me. It is character driven without much action. It uses the memoirs of Albert Shaw and I am glad I learned about him. I come from a family of sisters. We love, we envy, we fight, we protect, and it is all in this book. #OverbookedClub @megnews @sblbooks

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Birdsong28 Probably so that they felt like they were 'useful' and that they weren't being taken advantage of and that they still had some self worth after everything they have gone through. 4y

megnews I think he gave them more than physical provision. He gave them a purpose, dignity, meaning. Those who may have only heard what a burden they were found that they were capable and had something important to contribute. I think they loved him more for that than they might have if he only sheltered, fed, and clothes them. 4y

sblbooks @Birdsong28 @megnews he was truly ahead of his time. As you both had mentioned, it is important to remember, everyone needs to feel needed and to have a purpose in life. Even today people often don't realize how capable someone with a disability is. 4y

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CoffeeNBooks @Birdsong28 @megnews @sblbooks I agree with all of you! I think Mr. Shaw provided the girls with a sense of dignity instead of treating them like they couldn't do anything because of their disabilities. 4y

Crazeedi "A hand up, not a hand out". Our innate desire for dignity and purpose was fulfilled by Mr Shaw in how he gave these girls a reason to get up in the morning. This is what needs done more, instead of just handing out, a person who accomplishes a task for pay becomes a person who has self worth instilled. Missing in our society in many ways, sad to say 4y

Crazeedi Thank you Samantha for posting! Sorry I wasnt here sooner!! 4y

sblbooks @Crazeedi Absolutely! 4y

sblbooks @Crazeedi 👍 4y

Crazeedi @megnews @CoffeeNBooks @Birdsong28 @Roary47 and anyone else who's posting! Thanks for the great answers 4y

Crazeedi @Kdgordon88 if you're answering too!! 4y

rubyslippersreads Because I think he knew people are happier if they have a purpose. Look how important the girls felt about the Alexandra Rose Day project. 4y

Butterfinger I don't think I can add. Purpose and dignity. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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megnews The busy, crowded streets of London were a picture of the stress among the people there. At the sea, Tilly seemed so calm. 4y

sblbooks @megnews the descriptions really make you feel like you're there. 4y

megnews @sblbooks yes definitely. You felt you could hear the waves and smell the water. 4y

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Crazeedi Great use of setting to convey emotions and lives lived in each environment 4y

rubyslippersreads London seemed so crowded and confined, while Clacton was peaceful. It also allowed Edward to be more himself, which then let the relationship between him and Tilly “flower.” 😊 4y

sblbooks @rubyslippersreads 👍🌺 4y

Butterfinger Great wordplay @rubyslippersreads 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Birdsong28 It's like music for me, because music enables me to express my feelings when I can't quite get the words in the right order. So the flowers enable people to express their feelings if they don't quite have the right words to say. 4y

megnews Great answer @Birdsong28 !! I was having trouble answering this one but your analogy is perfect and beautiful. 4y

Deblovestoread @Birdsong28 lovely! 4y

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Roary47 @Birdsong28 I totally agree. I pictured getting flowers for my aunt when her husband passed away. They were married for so long! What can you say, but provide flowers to try to convey you care and you are sorry. 4y

Crazeedi I've always been fascinated by this Victorian tradition. And of course I'm a flower aficionado 😊 so I love this idea. Flowers do speak a language of their own, think of how their scents trigger memories of funeral homes, homecoming parades, easter celebrations, spring blooms. Think of how we connect flowers to various holidays etc. I love them 4y

sblbooks @Crazeedi @Roary47 @Birdsong28 Well said! It's so true, that a song or a certain smell can bring back so many memories. 4y

megnews @Crazeedi so true! My grandma grew roses. She‘s been gone 35 years but to this day the smell still reminds me of her. 4y

Crazeedi @megnews I have the same memories connected with flowers 4y

rubyslippersreads What @Birdsong28 said. 😊 4y

Butterfinger @Birdsong28 I love everything you said. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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megnews It‘s truly amazing to see how much attitudes have changed. I think it was awful how it was then. But I also think about how hard life was then and I think people were so busy putting a bite of food in their bellies they hadn‘t evolved to being better human beings. 4y

sblbooks @megnews another good point. I remember in Psychology class they talked about that. When someone is not getting their physical needs met they cannot think about anything else. 4y

sblbooks Things have greatly improved for the disabled since Victorian England. I can still see room for improvement though. Kids are still bullied and made fun of, a lot of people don't think disabled people should get married or they're not capable of caring for children. People will say, "oh you shouldn't work I would just get on disability." I am thankful things are as well as they are. 4y

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Roary47 I think of this as the handicap sign. It was a symbol of weakness and now it‘s being changed to a handicap-able sign. Because they are capable! 4y

Crazeedi Again I think we can take this as an example of how one person, Mr Shaw, can change the lives of so many. It should make us aware of the suffering of others even in our local communities and reach out and take even small steps to help others. I believe most people do not look down on disabled people. Children may because they are are subject to our inborn nature that parents should reprimand and teach them to think differently. That is crucial 4y

rubyslippersreads I found it very interesting (in the afterword) that these charities live on with different names and Royal patrons. 4y

sblbooks @rubyslippersreads that was good to hear, I'm glad they do live on. 4y

Butterfinger I love everything @Crazeedi said. One person can change the mindset of a community. Just look at the CNN Heroes clips - I am thinking of the Peruvian doctor who started a transportation system to bring families to the hospital so they can get cancer treatment. Identify a need. Build a platform. Inspire the community. 4y

Crazeedi @Butterfinger we must be the change by doing things locally, it's the way we can help one another and build community 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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megnews I think for me it was overcoming adversity. People with disabilities was a group looked very down on by society then. And this showed how so many people who had been written off had fulfilling, productive lives. I think that was an important story to tell. 4y

Birdsong28 I think for me it was second chances and hope. Also there was a smaller theme of destiny as Tilly's father said "There is a reason for everything, and everything has a reason" and " Keep a close eye on life, Tilly, and you will also know what reason is" which I liked. 4y

sblbooks @Birdsong28 excellent observation. @megnews I really liked how they handled the disability theme in this book. 4y

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CoffeeNBooks I liked the idea of family bonds, and the fact that Tilly seemed to find a family among the girls at the home for flower girls. 4y

Roary47 I agreed with @megnews overcoming adversity. We have classrooms at our school for the mentally impaired to teach them self care and custodial work so they too can be somewhat independent. I love stories with helping others find their purpose and livelihood. 4y

Crazeedi The way Mr Shaw helped create a home for disadvantaged showed how we can give hope and second chances if we are passionate about loving the less fortunate. And the resilience of Tilly and Flora in their own circumstances show how we can take adversity and overcome it. 4y

sblbooks @Roary47 @Crazeedi 👍 4y

rubyslippersreads Overcoming adversity. I had no idea about the Flower Homes, and I think they were a wonderful idea. 4y

sblbooks @rubyslippersreads I didn't know about the flower homes either. They definitely were a great idea. I've heard about the matchbox sellers. 4y

Butterfinger Definitely overcoming adversity. Learning a trade to be independent. Every one has value, even if you hold a paintbrush in your mouth. Mr. Shaw was a hero. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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megnews I think yes to all. There‘s a small part of me that thinks not in regards to Tilly forgiving her stepmom but in the end forgiveness gives the forgiver freedom to heal and love forward. 4y

sblbooks Yes. It's easier to forgive some situations than others of course. 4y

Deblovestoread I agree while extending forgiveness may be hard it allows us to put anger and resentment aside. 4y

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CoffeeNBooks This is a tough one! Ultimately, though, forgiveness will probably make them all feel better. 4y

Roary47 Agreed to all. Forgiveness is healing. Family even though we typically have issues or drama is still the people that know you the best. While I agree not all situations can be forgiven these in time should make the effort to heal. 4y

Crazeedi The letter from her father was integral to Tilly's reconciliation with Esther. It's hard to let go of familial conflict. In Violette's case it would be easier, given that her life was so vastly different, and gratitude would figure in quickly after the shock of finding out her past 4y

Crazeedi And no Tilly had a right to be hurt, but we see the human emotions at play and how they color our lives 4y

rubyslippersreads I certainly think Violette should forgive Marguerite. The only thing Marguerite did wrong was not to tell Violette the truth about Florrie, but in every other way, Marguerite was a wonderful mother. I think it would be harder for Tilly to forgive her stepmother, and even harder for Esther to forgive Tilly for the accident. 4y

sblbooks @rubyslippersreads agreed. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @sblbooks @Kdgordon88 @CoffeeNBooks @rubyslippersreads @Crazeedi @Roary47 yes to forgiveness. Esther seems to want a relationship. Tilly needs to let things go and work on that relationship. Learn from mistakes. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Birdsong28 Relationship with parents as Tilly has issues with her mother and Rosie and Florie with their dad. 4y

Roary47 The relationships for sure is the main thing. They are different pictures of how parents and siblings interact. I don‘t feel in had to be different time periods, but them connecting helped them see the other side. 4y

Crazeedi I think the contrasting times brought the story together. We see the past in light of Tilly's present time. Well done in my opinion 4y

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sblbooks @Birdsong28 @Roary47 @Crazeedi I enjoyed the Dual timeline, I feel like it helps to build suspense. 4y

rubyslippersreads I found the dual timelines a bit confusing, although I normally enjoy that. 4y

Butterfinger It made a very tight, clean circle. The timelines were only a generation apart. And Tilly, Marguerite, Florrie, and Rosie were found to be related in one way or another. Too clean, in my opinion. I liked how Mr. Shaw was being effective in his work with the children in both timelines and it showed his progress. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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megnews I thought Tilly‘s stepmom‘s reaction was awful. One could consider this typical at the time as well...another mouth to feed. But to shut her out when her child was born. It was awful and I wished the father would have stepped in. Then to blame a child for the accident and to let the sisters become estranged because of it is very sad. I think Marguerite had a little bit of a difficult time at first because she missed her child but then being a ⬇️ (edited) 4y

megnews Mom gave her something to live for again, a way to stop feeling so sad all the time, something to focus on instead of the loss. 4y

sblbooks @megnews I agree completely. I cannot understand why Tilly's dad did nothing. Rosie on the other hand was so fortunate to find Marguerite. 4y

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Deblovestoread @megnews. I agree and was sad her dad didn‘t try to make it better between Tilly and her stepmom. Was stepmom so blinded by her love for Esther that she couldn‘t put 2 and 2 together and try to foster a better relationship between the sisters. 4y

CoffeeNBooks @megnews I agree! 4y

Roary47 The differences in the moms was the wanting. Violette/Rosies mom wanted a baby. Tried and had heartache. Tillys mom could have never had loss so it was not as cherished. 4y

Crazeedi We don't find out the reason for Tillys mom's actions till the end of the book, so I was very puzzled why she treated Tilly so badly. So in retrospect I think Tilly's mom knew her dad loved his first wife more. And that's also why he didn't intervene as much. And because she hid the letters from him, Tilly and Esther never had the chance to become closer 4y

megnews @Crazeedi I was very puzzled by Tilly‘s mom‘s treatment of her as well. At one point I wondered about that but there was just no indication of it at all. It was terrible of her to hide those letters. 4y

Crazeedi @megnews agree 4y

rubyslippersreads What @Crazeedi said. 4y

Butterfinger I think what @Crazeedi said was what I was thinking. Tilly was the product of a great love. Esther's mom was because he needed a wife and Tilly needed a mom. Moms who don't appreciate the children they have deserve all the judgment thrown at them. It just isn't a mother's heart to let a child starve for love. Marguerite was more of a mother. She was willing to love a street urchin. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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megnews I do not hold Marguerite to blame for anything. At first she went beyond what many would to try to locate Rosie‘s family. When she couldn‘t she claimed her as her own. It was typical until about the 1970s or so for adoptive families to keep the adoption a secret. Not saying it was right but it was normal then. 4y

sblbooks @megnews Yes, she did what she thought was best. Looking at it from a modern lens, I think Rosie should have been told. You bring up a good point though, that's just the way it was back then. 4y

Birdsong28 She was right in keeping her as the alternative was a life on the streets and that she helped her with her eyesight so it was for the benefit of the child. I think she should have been told sooner but I think Marguerite was maybe worried that she would lose Rosie and be left childless even though Rosie would be a adult when she knew, I don't think she could bear losing another child how ever old. 4y

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Deblovestoread @Birdsong28 @megnews Rosie had a much better life than she might have otherwise had. The only thing that threw me was Marguerite mentioned saving the hankie with the intent of telling her the truth when she became of age and then chose not to. 4y

megnews @Kdgordon88 oh yeah I forgot that. Perhaps she worried Rosie would be upset she held the secret so long. I agree her life was much more comfortable than it would have been on the streets or in an orphanage. I just wish she‘d found out soon enough to see Florie again. 4y

CoffeeNBooks I agree with everyone. Marguerite provided a much better future for Rosie/Violette than she would have had otherwise. And Marguerite did try to find Rosie's sister/family, in case they were looking for Rosie. I'm somewhat surprised that she never told her the truth. 4y

sblbooks When Marguerite was searching for Florie, and met Albert Shaw. I got so excited I thought she was going to find her and adopt her too.😞 @CoffeeNBooks @Kdgordon88 @megnews @Birdsong28 4y

megnews @sblbooks I was afraid they‘d find the dad and he‘d take her or demand money for her 4y

sblbooks @megnews oh yeah, that would have been a bad plot twist. 4y

Roary47 I was hoping they would adopt her too. If they would have found her I wonder if they would have. Keeping the truth from her I felt was wrong. It could effect their relationship no matter how good it was. 4y

Crazeedi I had hoped Marguerite was going to find Flora too, and I think it's why she sent money to the homes, to assuage her guilt. But it was best for Rosie, just so heartbreaking for Flora. 4y

sblbooks @Roary47 good point. I know Marguerite meant well but she should have told the truth. 4y

megnews @Roary47 I don‘t think marguerite could have looked at Florie and left her on the streets. 4y

rubyslippersreads Marguerite was able to give Rosie a better life (not just material things, but her eyesight). As @megnews said, at that time, it wouldn‘t have been customary at that time to divulge Rosie‘s real background. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @sblbooks @Birdsong28 @rubyslippersreads @Roary47 @Crazeedi @CoffeeNBooks @Kdgordon88 I would have done the same as Marguerite. I would have asked Mr. Shaw about Florrie. She knew Florrie's name. She wanted to be a mother and if the truth came out, she was so afraid of losing another daughter. I think she wanted to pretend she was Violette's real mother which is why she admonished V for talking to her imaginary Florrie. That saddened me. Florrie being forgotten. 4y

sblbooks @Butterfinger I agree she did make a conscious decision to not talk about florrie, in hopes that Rosie would forget her.😞 4y

megnews @Butterfinger @sblbooks I don‘t think I‘d put a lot of thought into that but that makes perfect sense. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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megnews Florie and Rosie were close as very young girls but split apart not of their own doing. Tilly and Esther were never close and grew even further apart after Esther‘s accident. One sister depended one the other and in the other case one blamed or resented the other. 4y

Birdsong28 @megnews I agree with you on this as one is a caring and close relationship the other although she cares deep down for her sister it is mainly built upon resentment. 4y

CoffeeNBooks I agree. Both older sisters, though, blame themselves for what happened to their younger sisters. 4y

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Roary47 I looked at this differently because of my relationship with my sister. I‘m the youngest and I feel like the relationship between Tully and Ester is how I view our relationship. My sister on the other hand treats me like Rosie and still thinks of me as the baby. So related on the sister connections. 4y

Crazeedi I think the author did a beautiful job of showing how sisters can be so close or so far apart emotionally. The contrast was well done. It showed the influence the mother had on their relationships too. Tilly's mom favored esther, Rosie's mom reminded her on her deathbed to care for her sister 4y

sblbooks @Crazeedi I agree. The author showed how important the parents relationship is. On one hand they fostered a close relationship between siblings, and on the other it caused strife and sibling rivalry. 4y

megnews @Crazeedi i thought the author did a great job in this as well. 4y

megnews @Roary47 interesting how 2 people can be in the same relationship and see it so differently 4y

Crazeedi @sblbooks exactly!! 4y

rubyslippersreads It was interesting to see how relationships between sisters can be so different. I think Esther ended up feeling closer to Hilda than she ever had to Tilly. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @Birdsong28 @CoffeeNBooks @Roary47 @Crazeedi I couldn't help but think of me and my sister and my daughters. I was very protective of my younger sister and she will tell people that I raised her. Tilly reminded me of my 18 year old - acts out of jealousy toward my 10 year old and it is so hard for me to not force a positive connection on them. I just pray that it will come. Abby wouldn't want Chaya to be hurt like Tilly though. I didn't much care for Tilly because of the resentment. 4y

Crazeedi @Butterfinger things will be better as they get older I'm sure, a mothers heartache for her children is real. Sending a hug 4y

megnews @Butterfinger I agree with @Crazeedi not always but usually sibling friendships get better with age and maturity. It seems Tilly and her sister‘s will 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Tattooedteacher I understand that what children did was necessary at the time. I don‘t agree with children so young off providing for the family, but as destitute as they were, what else could be done. More thoughts to come... 4y

sblbooks @Tattooedteacher agreed. It's unthinkable in this day and age. In Victorian England however, this was a sad reality. 4y

megnews Prior to unions, people were so underpaid that even if a father and mother both worked, children‘s income was still needed to exist, ie put food in the table and pay for shelter. It‘s sad but the way it was. 4y

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Birdsong28 This still exists today as many young people are carers for both sick parents and younger siblings so even though they aren't having to work to get money the caring element is still there. 4y

sblbooks @Birdsong28 that's true. I know of a lot of older kids that have to take care of younger siblings especially. 4y

megnews @Birdsong28 @sblbooks I was thinking this same thing. Though laws keep children from working, many still care for younger siblings. 4y

CoffeeNBooks So sad- so much work and responsibility for these young kids. I understand that it was necessary, but so sad that that was the case. 4y

sblbooks @CoffeeNBooks it was! They had no childhood. 4y

Roary47 I have students that watch their siblings because the parents go to work. It was/is in my opinion why so many high school students are failing and giving up. In poverty family is all you have sometimes. 4y

Crazeedi The disparity between the wealthy and poor was so much more striking then. But the older children taking care of younger in most ages even up to mid 19th century was very common among working classes. Women had more children and so care was often given by 7 year old siblings 4y

Crazeedi @Tattooedteacher @sblbooks @megnews @Birdsong28 @CoffeeNBooks @Roary47 see above, and my answers on questions, I'm late to do them! Litsy is messing up.and I might wait a bit, it's not posting answers on either of my devices 4y

sblbooks @Crazeedi I was having the same problem earlier. 4y

megnews @Crazeedi I was having the same problem as well 4y

rubyslippersreads I‘m amazed that Eliza Doolittle lived to grow up! 😟 4y

Butterfinger @rubyslippersreads @megnews @sblbooks @Crazeedi @Roary47 @CoffeeNBooks @Birdsong28 @Tattooedteacher the labor wasn't new to me - it is in America history also - mining, chimney sweeps, factory work where many lost their lives, but the knowledge of child trafficking. That was a punch to the gut. Florrie knew about it and tried to keep her sister away from it. Just heart wrenching and I know it was there, but it was more in the subconscious of my mind till that man grabbed Rosie. 4y

sblbooks @Butterfinger oh I know, I'm so glad she got away from him. 4y

Roary47 So true. I‘m glad she broke away so she was able to be adopted. 4y

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sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

#OverbookedClub Discussion Starts Now! @megnews @CoffeeNBooks @catebutler @Soubhiville @Crazeedi @Tattooedteacher @Roary47 @Kdgordon88 @Butterfinger @kspenmoll @SaturnDoo @Chrissyreadit @SilversReviews @shellleigh33 @rubyslippersreads @Blackink_WhitePaper @Birdsong28

Crazeedi Just got home! Jumping in 4y

sblbooks @Birdsong28 @megnews @Tattooedteacher @Roary47 @Crazeedi @CoffeeNBooks @Kdgordon88 Thank you all for joining in the discussion! I really enjoyed this one. 4y

rubyslippersreads I‘m behind but will catch up soon! 4y

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sblbooks @rubyslippersreads no worries. 4y

Deblovestoread I really enjoyed this book. Thanks for hosting! 4y

Butterfinger I have 10 more chapters and then I will join. 4y

sblbooks @Butterfinger anytime, just tag us. 4y

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Blackink_WhitePaper

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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I like the historical background mentioned in the book. I couldn‘t have imagined the poverty & desperate life back then. The bonding of the sisters are well described, & I loved the description of flowers. Moved by Florie‘s story but at times the coincidences felt too dramatic.A good #historicalfiction which is not directly about WW. I m glad to pick this for #buddyread with #overbookedclub looking forward for the discussion.

#bookspinbingo

megnews, sblbooks, TheAromaofBooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Stacked! Beautiful cover! 4y

Blackink_WhitePaper @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks yes it is ! 😍 4y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y

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megnews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Looking forward to discussion with #OverBookedClub.

rubyslippersreads, Soubhiville, Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, Birdsong28, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Tattooedteacher, Blackink_WhitePaper, Roary47

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megnews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

This has been repeated throughout the book and is very meaningful to me. My grandma grew roses. She died in December when I was 10 and this saying was on her funeral program. All her granddaughters had roses at their weddings in her honor. All these years later it still hurts to hear it but is at the same time a comforting memory. #OverBookedClub

Crazeedi 💔💔 but so beautiful too 4y

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megnews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

#OverBookedClub

rubyslippersreads, Soubhiville, Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, Birdsong28, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Tattooedteacher, Blackink_WhitePaper, Roary47

Crazeedi This was so good 4y

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CoffeeNBooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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In 1876, Florrie and her sister Rosie are orphaned flower sellers in London. They get separated, and Florrie ends up at Mr. Shaw's Training Homes for Watercress and Flower Girls.

In 1912, Tilly becomes a housemother at the Training Homes. She finds Florrie's journal, and tries to find out what happened to Rosie.

#OverbookedClub @megnews @sblbooks

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megnews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

I can‘t help it-this is how I feel too.

#OverBookedClub

rubyslippersreads, Soubhiville, Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Blackink_WhitePaper, Roary47

Blackink_WhitePaper Just started to read this book yesterday. Can‘t wait to finish now...😀 4y

Crazeedi Cant wait to discuss! 4y

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Soubhiville

Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

so-so

I finished up this #buddyread while Venkman supervised (or tried to get my attention) and my husband gamed tonight. Sietje is crashed out in the background.

I thought this was okay. As someone else recently said, it‘s conveniently built on a lot of coincidences. Looking forward to discussing next week.

Soubhiville #overbookedclub @sblbooks (edited) 4y

Hooked_on_books I love the array of family members in this photo! Too many coincidences in a book or those the author isn‘t deft enough to make work drive me crazy. 4y

JenniferEgnor Sphinx cat😍😍😍😍😍😍 4y

AmyG Ha! Yes what @Hooked_on_books said! ❤️ 4y

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Tattooedteacher

Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Read this for #overbookedclub and very much enjoyed it. The setting was both 1912 and 1876 London. I was saddened by the plight of families and orphans. In many cases children were left with permanent physical complications caused by a variety of illnesses such as Scarlet Fever. It‘s filled with good characters and a few surprises.

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Birdsong28

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Good. Even though this was good and very emotional I sometimes found how everyone was connected a bit contrived and forced. Felt like I was in the time period as the description of details such as clothes and attitudes at the time made it an atmospheric book.

@sblbooks
#overbookedclub
#HarperCollinsPublishers
@HarperPerennial
@HarperCollins
@HarperBooks

49 likes

kspenmoll

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

#overbookedclub #flowers #behappy
When I was single & lived in Boston there was a flower shop I walked by on my way home from work.Every Friday I treated myself to a single birds of paradise or a small bouquet. As a day are worker, I was not flush to say the least, but flowers made me happy.All 5$ and under. Weekends flowers did sell at Haymarket downtown but I did not go there often- too tempting! This book evokes my old memories...

megnews, sblbooks

sblbooks I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. 4y

megnews Oh how wonderful. Thanks for sharing! I have stopped at a flower shop a few times on my way home on Fridays to grab a small bouquet and always mean to make it a habit. 4y

MeganAnn This sounds like a lovely book and I love your story! Flowers always make me happy too 💐 4y

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LeahBergen Lovely memory. 💜 4y

Reggie What a lovely post. 4y

Crazeedi I'm listening to this, the audio is excellent 4y

58 likes1 stack add6 comments

CoffeeNBooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Yes, this! Spring is my favorite season!
#OverbookedClub @sblbooks @megnews

megnews I so agree! 4y

67 likes1 stack add1 comment

kspenmoll

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

“All I know about the years is it‘s primroses in the spring, roses in summer,lavender in autumn, and cresses in winter. That‘s all I know of the years.”—Florrie, flower seller
#overbookedclub

sblbooks

Freespirit 💕🌸🌺 4y

59 likes1 comment

Roary47

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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5✨ This is one of a few for me that I couldn‘t put it down and read in a day. There was a lot of emphasis on sister relationships, kindness, and working through the difficulties that are handed to you. Definitely would recommend this to anyone that is looking for a book that will make you sad in parts, but end feeling warmth and love. I read this for #overbookedclub

megnews, sblbooks

8 likes

Roary47

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

This is why I love #overbookedclub .They always lead me to books I would never think of, but love. Cant put this down!

megnews, sblbooks

megnews I‘m glad you like it and we‘re glad you join us! 4y

6 likes1 comment

sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Friendly reminder for all those interested. If anyone else wants to join let me know, and feel free to share this post.
#OverbookedClub @megnews @catebutler @Soubhiville @Crazeedi @Tattooedteacher @Roary47 @Kdgordon88 @Butterfinger @kspenmoll @SaturnDoo @Chrissyreadit @SilversReviews @shellleigh33 @rubyslippersreads @Blackink_WhitePaper

Birdsong28 I'm interested please tag me in other posts about this discussion 😊📚📖 4y

sblbooks @Birdsong28 glad to have you. I'll add you to the list. 4y

Crazeedi I've got the audio, it's great listening to it 4y

sblbooks @tanya1512 The date for this month's discussion is April 30th. See post. I hope you can join us. 4y

38 likes4 comments

kspenmoll

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Read 20+ hours.Rain all day Sunday certainly helped! After a walk late this afternoon I burrowed in for 2 more hours. The bottom row are the three books I finished. Each very different-mystery with medieval history/ archeology,an extraordinary memoir, historical fiction.
The top three are still in process. 58 pgs of AMOV; 2hrs left of audio mystery; section 1 of TGH finished.
I accomplished more than I had anticipated! Thanks @Andrew65

Andrew65 Fantastic 👏👏👏🙌🙌🍾🥂🍾🥂🥳🎉😊 4y

63 likes1 comment

CoffeeNBooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Sunday morning #coffeeandabook I've been looking forward to reading this one! #OverbookedClub

Mollyanna Love the mug! 4y

thegirlwiththelibrarybag Love the art on the coffee bag! 4y

MargaretPinardAuthor Love the book title! 😂👏 4y

curiouserandcurioser @CoffeeNBooks i love your mug:) 4y

74 likes4 comments

megnews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Reminder to grab your book for April‘s #OverBookedClub selection. All welcome!

rubyslippersreads, Soubhiville, Crazeedi, catebutler, kspenmoll, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, CoffeeNBooks, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, sblbooks, Blackink_WhitePaper, Roary47

CoffeeNBooks I'm looking forward to reading this! 4y

catebutler Can‘t wait! 4y

Soubhiville It‘s on my shelf! Thanks for the reminder. 4y

See All 12 Comments

Soubhiville What time zone? 4y

megnews @Soubhiville EST 4y

Crazeedi I think I have it on libby, thanks for reminder! 4y

Tattooedteacher I‘m in. Please tag me when you post. Thanks. 4y

megnews @sblbooks making sure you have the people ⬆️ on your tagging list 4y

megnews Will do @Tattooedteacher 4y

sblbooks I'll be making my list soon thank you. 4y

sblbooks @Soubhiville Eastern Standard Time 4y

Soubhiville @sblbooks thanks! I‘m putting it on my calendar 😊 4y

32 likes12 comments

megnews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Repost for @sblbooks
I‘m so excited for #OverBookedClub‘s April‘s selection! Let us know if you plan to read along.
All welcome!

Soubhiville I have this on my shelf, so I may join you 😊 4y

Roary47 Oops thought this was March‘s 😅 4y

megnews @Soubhiville we‘d love to have you! 4y

See All 8 Comments

megnews @Roary47 we always do middle grade in March so it‘s

The Candymakers

Roary47 @megnews ooo gotcha! I had both down for this month. Lol. 4y

Deblovestoread I‘m in. 4y

Butterfinger Yes 4y

kspenmoll I am in 4y

32 likes1 stack add8 comments

sblbooks

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

#OverbookedClub April selection
Let me know if you plan to participate and share this post. Everyone welcome! @megnews @Butterfinger @kspenmoll @Kdgordon88 @CoffeeNBooks @Chrissyreadit @shellleigh33 @rubyslippersreads @catebutler @Crazeedi @melissajayne @erzascarletbookgasm @Roary47 @Littlewolf1

SilversReviews Loved this book. 4y

Chrissyreadit I plan to. 4y

CoffeeNBooks I'm planning to join! 4y

See All 15 Comments

sblbooks @SilversReviews you're welcome to join in the discussion with us. 4y

shellleigh33 I‘m planning to join in 4y

megnews Very excited! This has been in my tbr for a long time. 4y

Roary47 I‘m in it looks interesting. 😊 4y

Deblovestoread Looking forward to this one! 4y

Crazeedi Yes! I'm in. I'll try to find this book soon!! 4y

rubyslippersreads I‘m in! 4y

Butterfinger I plan to read it. 4y

catebutler Count me in! 4y

SilversReviews @sblbooks Thank you. 4y

Blackink_WhitePaper I am in 🙋🏻‍♀️ 4y

kspenmoll Me too! 4y

33 likes1 stack add15 comments

Reecaspieces

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

This is audible daily deal. It is a good one!

46 likes

SilversReviews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Thank you to eggs.

#MARCHMADNESS
@eggs

Today‘s Prompt: FLOWERS ON THE COVER

Tilly, Flora, and Rosie...three characters connected by time, London, and flowers.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/y4ckcuz5

@hazelgaynor

Eggs Beautiful 🌺🌸🌷 5y

SilversReviews @Eggs 😍 5y

55 likes2 comments

SilversReviews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

FEATURING: A MEMORY OF VIOLETS by Hazel Gaynor

The book's beginning and ending make a full circle of life filled with love, understanding, and compassion.

The ending is chilling and oh so tender and beautiful. You need to make room in your toppling TBR stacks for A MEMORY OF VIOLETS.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/y4ckcuz5

@hazelgaynor
#hazelgaynor
@williammorrowbooks

megnews I‘ve had this on my tbr for awhile. Sounds like I should move it up. 5y

Crazeedi I've read other books by her, need to read this one! 5y

SilversReviews @megnews ENJOY when you read it. 5y

SilversReviews @Crazeedi ENJOY...so good. 5y

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SonyaV

Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Starting my first read for the new year.. I've read three other of her books 'The Girl From the Savoy', 'The Cottingly Secret' & 'Last Christmas in Paris' all were very good.. Though the Cottingly one was a bit slow in the middle.. Have ' The Lighthouse Keepers Daughter' in my TBR pile for later this year

sparrowssavvy

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

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Such a beautiful and sentimental book. It definitely made me tear up once or twice which I wasn‘t expecting. And it was gorgeously written as well!

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mnsreid

Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

pick

What a lovely book, I just happened stumble upon it at my local second hand book store and boy am I glad I did.

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SilversReviews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

#GardenParty
@REPollock

1. I like tulips.

2. Juicy garden tomatoes are my favorite vegetable.

3. I have basil and two tomato plants in planters on my back porch steps.

4. My tagged book is a wonderful read. https://silversolara.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-memory-of-violets-by-hazel-gaynor.ht...

54 likes

SilversReviews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

pick

@vkois88
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks

TODAY‘S PROMPT: FLOWERS

A MEMORY OF VIOLETS by Hazel Gaynor was wonderful.

“The characters are warm and inviting.

A MEMORY OF VIOLETS has a marvelous writing style and storyline. The book's beginning and ending make a full circle of life filled with love, understanding, and compassion.”

https://silversolara.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-memory-of-violets-by-hazel-gaynor.ht...

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Sounds good!!! #HopIntoSpring 7y

SilversReviews @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Oops on the hash tag - thanks for adding it. 7y

vkois88 Sounds like a good read 7y

SilversReviews @vkois88 I really enjoyed it. 7y

68 likes4 comments

theladygreer

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor

Great treat in my #womenshistoryreads interview series today! Not only does Hazel Gaynor share great insights on why & how historical novelists do what we do, but she's also sharing a peek at the cover of her next book, THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S DAUGHTER! Greermacallister.com/blog

SilversReviews I enjoyed A MEMORY OF VIOLETS. 7y

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SilversReviews

A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers | Hazel Gaynor