FLOWERS IN DECEMBER TRILOGY: Flowers in December, Coming Home, Second Chance by Jane Suen – Review by Angela Hayes
FLOWERS IN DECEMBER TRILOGY by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
FLOWERS IN DECEMBER TRILOGY by Jane Suen contains all three books in the Flowers in December series: Flowers in December (Book #1), Coming Home (Book #2), and Second Chance (Book #3). This is a lovely series-
Flowers in December is the first book in the Flowers in December Trilogy and is a beautiful story. I have read a few of Ms. Suen’s books now and enjoyed them all, but I have to say that this one is definitely my favourite so far. Having lost a parent myself, this story touched a cord with me and I could really relate to Connor and what he was going through.
This story may be small when it comes to pages, but doesn’t lack in the content department. Ms. Suen had me hooked quite quickly and held my attention the whole way through. As it is a short story, I finished it in a small amount of time- but because of the way the author infused so much emotional content into the story- it has stayed on my mind even after moving on to other books since finishing it. That is a great sign of a talented author and a wonderful story.
The story deals with and explores quite a lot in a short space- loss, grief, mortality, the passage of time, realization/discovery, learning to let go of the past, being hopeful, embracing life, and making meaningful connections. The story was relatable and entirely believable.
There were some truly beautiful passages throughout this book that lifted the story from being heavy or depressing- giving it some very touching/heart-warming qualities.
Coming Home is the second book in the Flowers in December Trilogy.
We meet back up with Connor, four months after the end of the first book. He has ‘come home’ for the holidays as a way of honouring his mother and his/their memories . This story is a continuation of the first book, with Connor still coming to terms with his mother’s passing, the grieving process, self-realization, forgiveness, finding a way to move forward, mending bridges, hope, love, and emotion- which happens over the course of the story. I loved it even more than the first book.
I really recommend reading the first book before starting on this one, as all the backstory and other relevant information is contained in that book. Ms. Suen had me hooked quite quickly and engaged me the whole way through. It is a short story, and I finished it quite quickly- but as with the first book, the author infused so much emotional content into the story- it has stayed on my mind long after finishing it.
Second Chance is the third and final instalment in the Flowers in December Trilogy. It is everything I could have hoped for as the conclusion to Connor’s story. A lot has happened since we met him back in book one.
This sweet story is all about second chances- with a very realistic and believable storyline. Ms. Suen definitely saved the best till last, as this is my favourite of the three books, for sure.
For such a short story, it definitely leaves an impression.
Looking forward to what ever Ms. Suen decides to do next!
Thank you, Ms. Suen!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
