Must Love Flowers

A Novel

By: Debbie Macomber

Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer

Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two women at different stages of life find themselves on a journey of renewal after undergoing hardships in this uplifting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

“Wise, warm, witty, and charmingly full of hope, this story celebrates the surprising and unexpected ways that family, friendship, and love can lift us up.”—Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Four Winds

Joan Sample is not living the life she expected. Now a widow and an empty-nester, she has become by her own admission something of a recluse. But after another birthday spent alone, she is finally inclined to listen to her sister, who has been begging Joan to reengage with the world. With Emmie’s support, Joan gathers the courage to take some long-awaited steps: hiring someone to tame her overgrown garden, joining a grief support group, and even renting out a room to a local college student. Before long Joan is starting to feel a little like herself again.

Across town, Maggie Herbert works mornings as a barista, tending to impatient customers before rushing to afternoon nursing classes. She lives with her alcoholic father, ducking his temperamental outbursts and struggling to pay the household bills. But her circumstances brighten when she finds a room for rent in Joan’s home. In the unexpected warmth of her new situation, Maggie finds a glimmer of hope for a better life. But will Maggie’s budding attraction to one of her favorite customers ruin the harmony she’s only recently found with Joan? Meanwhile, what is Joan to make of the mysterious landscaper who’s been revitalizing her garden—a man who seems to harbor a past loss of his own?

As Maggie and Joan confront difficult life choices, they draw strength from this new friendship in surprising ways—discovering in the process that “found family” is often the very best kind.

©2023 Debbie Macomber (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Nobody does heart-happy books better than Debbie Macomber. Readers will adore these characters and cheer for them.” (Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Homewreckers)

“Uplifting, warm, and hopeful . . . With her signature charm and wit, Debbie Macomber proves that the best relationships, like the perfect blooms, are always worth the wait. This can’t-miss novel is Macomber at the height of her storytelling prowess. I absolutely adored it!” (Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Songbirds)

“Both of-the-moment and timeless, this is truly a story to embrace—and then to share.” (Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author of Sugar and Salt)

A Feel Good Story

Joan overcame her grief and brought along other characters in an upbeat depiction of friends helping friends through challenging times.

Engaging story of loss & recovery

I read this story over the weekend Couldn’t put it down. I started with the hard cover & finished w/Audible. Enjoyed all the characters. Hoping to see it as a movie in the future.

Hopeful and Inspirational!

I so appreciate the turn Debbie Macomber has made to include women’s fiction in her offerings! This book did not disappoint. While the book still includes some clean romance, the focus here is on a widow in her early fifties coming to terms with her grief and finding a way forward with the help of her sister, a counselor, and a support group.
I got a bit upset with the main character’s selfish sons, but I soon realized it’s because they seemed so real—they came alive for me.
An excellent narration by Thérèse Plummer.

Make lemonade out of lemons!

Another charming story by Debbie Macomber! I just love the tales that the author comes up with! People suffer loss ,but someone is always on hand to help them out! Life is really like that- a friendly helping hand shows up to lend a hand and lighten the load!! Many times , just like life!!

Refreshing touching read

A very refreshing and touching book.
This book made be smile at the storylines personal struggles to overcome their struggles to find fulfillment and happiness.

such a good story-on more than one level!

as a widow I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book. so many similar emotions and occurances to my own life; it was at once, hard, challenging but encouraging as well. i'm glad I stayed with it. characters were likeable, made me laugh and tear up....been there, done that! I would recommend this story. sweet and encouraging.

Loved it

Great narration loved the characters. good story line. enjoyed it overall great main character.

A quick read

A good book about second chances for the main character and several others. A typical book by this author but not as good or in-depth as some of her earlier books. The performance was excellent.

Enjoyed completely

I have only read Debbie's books and wanted to see if the audio version would be as good. Well this story was perfect for audio. I could not stop listening.

A Hallmark Story : )

I enjoyed listening to this sweet book while knitting 🧶. I would love to see this as a Hallmark movie!! I too a widow of 19 years and recently married, I could relate to many of the characters. A must listen, Debbie Macomber you never disappoint. Looking forward to your next book 📖.