Thursday, January 21, 2016

The Light of Hidden Flowers - The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday

     The Light of Hidden Flowers by Jennifer Handford is the story of an introvert whose life is overshadowed by her larger-than-life father. Her life changes dramatically when he becomes ill and eventually dies. But things get really complicated when she reconnects with her first love - a veteran from the war in Afghanistan who's going through a divorce. When she travels to Italy and then India, will she find her true calling?
     I enjoyed this story a lot - maybe because I'm not the most outgoing person myself! I also like second-chance love stories. The author did a good job of showing the main character's struggles, and I came to care about her.

Book Beginning:
I didn't usually mock my life. Really - my disposition was quite agreeable most of the time. In fact, people regarded me exactly that way: Missy Fletcher, a real sweetheart. The same way people described kindergarten teachers and puppies. And usually, I really did have an "attitude of gratitude," as my father had always taught me. Count your blessings, daughter, he was fond of saying. We have it so good. But today I felt a gremlin on my shoulder, egging me on.

The Friday 56 (from Page 256 in my hardback copy):
We bumped across town in his slightly off-odored town car. Was it traces of alcohol, vomit? The driver watched me from the rearview mirror.

Genre: Literary Fiction / Women's Fiction
Book Length: 358 Pages (hardback)
Amazon Link: The Light of Hidden Flowers
Author Website: Jennifer Handford
FYI: I won this book in a giveaway!

Synopsis:
     Book-smart Melissa Fletcher lives a predictable life in her hometown, working behind the scenes for her charismatic father in a financial career that makes perfect sense. But when her dad is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Missy is forced to step up and take over as his primary caregiver and the principal of the firm.
     After her father’s death, Missy finds a letter from him in which he praises her for being a dutiful daughter but admonishes her for not taking any risks in life.
     Devastated, Missy packs her suitcase and heads for Italy. There she meets a new friend who proposes a radical idea. Soon, Missy finds herself in impoverished India, signing away her inheritance and betting on a risky plan while rekindling a lost love.
     The Light of Hidden Flowers is a deeply felt story of accepting who we are while pushing our boundaries to see how much more we can become. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams.
                

Anyone can participate in Book Beginnings on Friday and The Friday 56.
Click HERE to connect to other Book Beginnings posts (sponsored by Rose City Reads) 
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Twitter: @SandyNachlinger
Facebook: sandy.nachlinger

21 comments:

  1. I love love love the title, and the story sounds like one I'd love. Oh dear, another one to read...

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  2. I'm having a hard time deciding if I think I would enjoy it or not. Maybe I'll see if my library has it and I'll at least flip through it there :)

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  3. I can also be rather introverted so I like reading about characters like that! I like the sound of both teasers although if I was in a car that smelled like someone had vomited in it I'd probably get out! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great week!
    My Friday Post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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  4. I think I'd like this one. It's always fun to read about how a character grows and finds their way.

    My 56 - http://fuonlyknew.com/2016/01/22/the-friday-56-93-the-wolf-gift/

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  5. I love stories about people finding their second chances and taking risks to do so. I am very curious about this one, and think the character sounds very appealing. Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.

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  6. I love the beginning and the 56 reminds me of a car we rented when we were on vacation that was full of bugs - you never know what you are going to get in someone else's car. Thanks for visiting my Friday meme

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  7. Good grief! It sounds like she makes some really radical changes in her life. I'm not sure I'd have the courage. Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy reading!

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  8. Wow, that sounds scary, risking your inheritance! I'm not that courageous. This sounds like a really interesting read. Thnks for sharing! Thanks also for visiting my Friday post! Happy reading!

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  9. Oh, that's a such a vivid description, I'm already feeling queasy. Hope you enjoy your weekend!

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  10. It sounds interesting to me and a great tease. I'm curious about it. I'm going to add it to my TBR.

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  11. Being a former K-music teacher, I chuckled over the beginning snippet regarding kindergarten teachers and puppies. Love it, along with second chances, too.

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  12. This one sounds amazing. It's exactly my kind of book. I'm adding it to my tbr list for sure. I'm glad to hear your enjoying it. Thanks so much for sharing. Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a great weekend and happy reading.

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  13. Hi Sandra,

    Being pretty much a total introvert myself, I can totally relate to this storyline, although I'm not too sure that I would have the nerve to take the risks that Melissa eventually does to break the cycle.

    I like the way the author has commissioned cover art which at first glance looks so non-descript and with such lack of colour contrast, that it fits the synopsis amd Melissa's personality exactly!

    Thanks for sharing, enjoy the book and have a good weekend :)

    Yvonne

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  14. This is one I'd like to read. I always enjoy adventurous heroines.

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  15. I love the sound of this! And her writing style really is appealing...thanks!

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  16. I love the relatable beginning. The 56 intrigued me though. Sounds like a good read! Happy weekend!

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  17. The image of a gremlin on my shoulder sounds positively creepy! This sounds quite relatable!

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  18. This looks incredibly interesting! I'm definitely going to go and check it out.

    Happy reading :)

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  19. Sounds... uplifting? (Who has not been in that town car on page 56 at some time in their lives?)

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