The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Christine Baranek

The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Scent of Gardenias
By Lorraine Haas
5*

I am generally not a big fan of Historical Fiction. However, this story has me rethinking my views. I absolutely loved the tale of Margaret and her tales of being an independent woman long before her time. Margaret was born into poverty and if there was one thing she knew from the time when she was young, it was that she would do anything to keep herself from living like her mother. Margaret is willing to betray her family and leave what she has always known behind. She is also willing to take many risks and even put herself in danger. This story takes place in the time just before, during and after WWII. It gives a look at what it must have felt like to be a woman who yearned to be independent of men during this time, to be independent of their family, and who just wanted to live their own life.
This story is very fast paced and is definitely filled with twists and turns. While I give this book 5 stars, there were some characters that I wish were more fully developed. I wish that, as readers, we were given more of a look into the women back at Margaret’s home town whom she was forbidden from seeing. I also would have loved more of a look into the characters at the diner.
Once the story was over, I found that I felt it had really just begun. I find myself yearning for more. I want to know more about what happens to Margaret and her girls as well as the rest of her family. I can see how this book could definitely be given a sequel. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of women’s fiction, especially those who love a strong female lead character.

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