Official Review: Pressing Flowers by Katie Blanchard

Rachel Lea · Post by **Rachel Lea** » 02 May 2019, 17:46

I really appreciate the deep humanness of this story, in how the plot itself is quite simple but extremely profound and moving. As someone who has also dealt with the loss of a close family member, the topic of Blanchard's Pressing Flowers hits very close to home for me. To be honest, I would probably have difficulty reading this book, but I guess that speaks to my own personal struggle with "moving on."

Excellently written review, Haute_Coffee! Great synopsis of the plot and I loved how you included your own personal reaction to the book. Pressing Flowers is certainly a story that will not leave its readers unaffected in some way.

chelhack · Post by **chelhack** » 02 May 2019, 17:57

This sounds like a really good story or story plot. I am interested to see what the outcome for Miriam will be. In situations like this, the thought of losing their child as well can either make them shape up. Or just the mere thought of it could possibly be just enough to send that person overboard.

bvitolio · Post by **bvitolio** » 02 May 2019, 17:59

I have not read Pressing Flowers by Katie Blanchard but based on the review, it reaches me through the daughter Penelope needing her own mother, because I am someone who became a father in my late 30s and going through fatherhood in my 40s. My children are my everything, and they should be to us all. Kudos to grandma for stepping in to bring a stark reality to Emma about not neglecting her own child. Thank you for a detailed review that without having read the book, it managed to convey the simplicity of grief for all involved, especially for the living, and most especially, for the young and innocent.

amandathebibliophile · Post by **amandathebibliophile** » 02 May 2019, 18:06

I’m certain I would cry my eyes out if I read this story. The sample alone gave me pause. Due to a personal family tragedy, I’m afraid I’d be able to relate to this woman far too much. Still, I love the idea of her mom getting through to her using “tough love,” if you will. The list of seven things has me intrigued. If I find the emotional wherewithal, I’ll definitely add this one to my list!

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 02 May 2019, 18:10

How sad that Miriam lost her husband and went into a state of depression for three years. Hopefully, she'll be able to move on in order to properly care for her daughter, Penelope. I like that Miriam's sister was able to help her out. It's great to hear that the author was able to write in a way that evoked such deep emotions. Glad that was so realistic and that you felt for the character of Miriam; that says a lot of the author's ability to write. Glad you enjoyed this character-driven story and that you found this to be both emotional and uplifting. Might be a bit too sad for me, but thanks for sharing!

Jorge Leon Salazar · Post by **Jorge Leon Salazar** » 02 May 2019, 18:11

The story of a woman who loses her husband and can not recover from that, poses a challenge to rebuild life from a tragedy like that. This book seems to be a lesson in life and encouragement to continue despite adversity.

colorsparkle · Post by **colorsparkle** » 02 May 2019, 18:30

What a fascinating review! It’s really touching that you were able to relate to these characters so much. I think it’s time to start reading this after seeing this heartfelt and honest review.

Laura_Sumstad · Post by **Laura_Sumstad** » 02 May 2019, 18:37

Just reading the review made me tear up a little. I love books about the resilience of people in the face of heartache and grief. thanks for the review.

Katherine Smith · Post by **Katherine Smith** » 02 May 2019, 18:38

I like your review and the depth with which you connected to Miriam. I have faced loss and it can be tough to process when it happens suddenly. I think that going through the stages of grief is important, but also not letting the grief overwhelm you to the point of giving up on life. I like that Emma gave her daughter seven things to do to prove that she would be a fit parent in order to motivate her daughter to keep moving.

Marissa Michael · Post by **Marissa Michael** » 02 May 2019, 18:48

A fiction book about a grief strickened wife named Miriam who lost her husband. It's hard to live when you are in that state. Most mothers lost their will to live but they have made decision to live for the good of their children. I would love to read this book to vicariously experience Miriam's journey of life.

Ksharmilla · Post by **Ksharmilla** » 02 May 2019, 18:54

I honestly had to fight back tears while reading the first few chapters. I cannot imagine losing someone I love like Miriam did. I would love to see how this book turns out.

AA1495 · Post by **AA1495** » 02 May 2019, 18:54

The book does sound touching. I am glad that you liked reading the book. Congrats to the author on the 4/4 rating!

CinWin · Post by **CinWin** » 02 May 2019, 18:59

You said it was a heart-wrenching, emotional ride." I just read the first ten pages, and it emotionally tore me apart. I don't think I could finish it, but I am glad you enjoyed it enough to give us such an excellent review. Thank you.

Miercoles · Post by **Miercoles** » 02 May 2019, 19:01

Dealing with grief can be so difficult, and it is also hard on your loved ones, watching you struggle and not knowing what to do. In the early part of the book it was good to see a spark of fight in Miriam, especially when she stood up to her daughter's principal. Thanks for a good review. I am encouraged to read the rest of the novel.

Kizyy · Post by **Kizyy** » 02 May 2019, 19:01

When I read the book review I thought that many time in our lives we don't decide what is going to happen, and I like the idea of overcoming challenges and fighting for a happy life. I dowloaded the book and I'm anxious to start reading.