The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this an enthralling read; A new author to me I was not sure how I would settle to it. I must say that I found it a brilliant read and the author paints emotional pictures of the world as it was, with all the ups and downs that life brings.
Starting off in small town America in the early 1940s, the author has us following Margaret Rose; as she grows from a teenager and matures. Following her hopes and dreams. The difficulties and joy that come with large families living in uncertain times, it is not a positive spin on a these times, touching on many hard points, death, marriages of convenience and certainly the lifestyle of the time where life is run from a man’s point of view.
Young love, which quickly comes to an early and unfortunate end, sees young Margie a single mother and war widow, but life must go on and Margaret moves forward, leaving her hard earnt job.
A second unhappy marriage ends when her husband asks for divorce, 2 youngsters and Maggie trying to handle the hardships of low income through war and post war America.
Finally on her feet we find Margaret moving up in the world with her new husband, who is maybe not what he seems. The Italian family show their true colours. Margaret is whisked away to salvation, she returns to her home town.
More trials are thrown her way as she tries to live with her young family on very meagre resources. With children being involved nothing is easy.
Family, strength and lies, hardship, sorrow and joy weave together in this endearing and emotional story.

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