loribonesscaswell

Audrey’s creations are inspired by the language of flowers – their Victorian meanings. She is stunned to realize that every couple married with her flowers is still happily married, not one divorce in the bunch.

Unfortunately her childhood friend Jenny Whitney may break that record. She is set to marry the most eligible bacjelor in town but before she can even walk down the aisle with what Audrey calls a “floral disaster” (a blend of anemone, scabious, and pussy willow) the groom is found dead and Jenny is the prime suspect. Audrey decides to do a little digging on her own hoping her co-workers won’t be making floral arrangements for her funeral next.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

“Marriages and murder…flowers and felonies…cake and catastrophe”…what FUN!!!

Audrey is a treasure as is her cousin Olivia. The rest of the supporting cast is great too. I especially like Kane Bixby, police chief of Ramble, who like me is allergic to flowers, although I must say as I have aged my allergy has lessened so maybe there is hope for Kane. It was quite comical that he had to be surrounded by flowers for the entire investigation. Audrey’s interest in the Victorian meanings of the flowers was very appealing and added that little extra touch to the story.

Throughout the story The Rose in Bloom staff works extra hard to make the many flower arrangements for the funeral of groom who comes from a very important family and another high profile wedding. They even had to call in some extra reinforcements to help get everything done and delivered on time. It was crazy and I loved it!!

Allen also developed a strong mystery with plenty of suspects and twists that kept me guessing right up to the end.

Beverly Allen has found her cozy voice and this story is blooming awesome!! She has laid a great foundation for the series going forward.