My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just as contrived, just as predictable, and just as compulsively readable as a Victorian novel. I found myself caring about the characters and being drawn into the story. I read it cover to cover in one evening, and I found that despite its predictability, I wanted the happily ever after. Our book club enjoyed it very much and found ourselves in a lively discussion about the failings in the foster care system. Although a bit unrealistic, it was an enjoyable read. Recommended for fans of Victorian literature.

Quotes:

“Here you are, obsessed with a romantic language – a language invented for expression between lovers – and you use it to spread animosity” (p. 104).

“I had been loyal to nothing except the language of flowers. If I started lying about it, there would be nothing left in my life that was beautiful or true” (p. 113).

“I had loved, more than once. I just hadn’t recognized the emotion for what it was until I had done everything within my power to destroy it” (p. 240).

Book Discussion Guide: http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/features/vanessa_diffenbaugh/book-clubs/