From the Publisher
Hazel Gaynor’s tale of divided sisters conjures a bygone era with a poignancy so exquisite one can almost smell the violets.” — Kate Beaufoy, author of LIBERTY SILK and ANOTHER HEARTBEAT IN THE HOUSE
“Gaynor once again brings history to life. With intriguing characters and a deeply absorbing story, her latest is a fascinating examination of one city’s rich history and the often forgotten people who lived in it.” — Booklist
“Given the awards she has already received, we are sure to hear much more from Hazel Gaynor-and that is a good thing.” — New York Journal of Books
“Gaynor’s talent for evoking a time and place, as well as her ability to write a beautifully heart-wrenching story with realistic characters, enables her to touch readers. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot and jumping of timelines holds readers’ attention to the satisfying climax.” — RT Book Reviews (4 Stars)
“Historical details and the unique perspective of penniless, physically challenged young girls could make Gaynor’s second historical novel a good book club choice. A tidy ending and sweet romance will satisfy readers hoping to exhale a long, contented sigh as they finish the last page.” — Library Journal
RT Book Reviews (4 Stars)
Gaynor’s talent for evoking a time and place, as well as her ability to write a beautifully heart-wrenching story with realistic characters, enables her to touch readers. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot and jumping of timelines holds readers’ attention to the satisfying climax.
New York Journal of Books
Given the awards she has already received, we are sure to hear much more from Hazel Gaynor-and that is a good thing.
Booklist
Gaynor once again brings history to life. With intriguing characters and a deeply absorbing story, her latest is a fascinating examination of one city’s rich history and the often forgotten people who lived in it.
Kate Beaufoy
Hazel Gaynor’s tale of divided sisters conjures a bygone era with a poignancy so exquisite one can almost smell the violets.
Booklist
Gaynor once again brings history to life. With intriguing characters and a deeply absorbing story, her latest is a fascinating examination of one city’s rich history and the often forgotten people who lived in it.
JUNE 2015 - AudioFile
This intriguing historical novel brings to life the culture of the flower and watercress girls of Victorian England. Narrated expertly by Nicola Barber, the novel weaves the stories of Irish sisters Florrie and Rosie in 1876 and that of a young English woman, Tilly, in 1912. As house mother at Violet House, Tilly discovers a diary written by Florrie that propels her to find out what happened to Rosie after the diary ends. Barber aids the listener in identifying the many characters with changes in accent, tempo, and tone. Her comfortable pacing draws listeners in as she seamlessly blends history and fiction while shining a light on the harsh existence of these outcast children of Victorian England who were rescued and trained for jobs that provided a safe, stable existence. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
