Michelle Collins Anderson

Daisy’s mom has dropped her off with her grandmother at Possum Flats, MO. This is absolutely not where she wants to be. She ends up with a job for the summer at the local newspaper. She uncovers a tragedy in this small town and no one has ever talked about it. She writes a series of articles about this tragedy that killed several young people. This causes numerous secrets to come out of the past!

I really enjoyed Daisy. She is a go getter and she does not let grass grow under her feet. She went after the internship at the small town newspaper and got it! This gave her a purpose. I also felt like it helped ease her pain of her mother (you will need to read this to find out!). She definitely stirs up trouble for this close knit small town and uncovers quite a few secrets and causes some major drama!

Now, I did figure out one of the secrets and you will too. But, that did not stop me from loving everyone in this tale!

Y’all know I love an audiobook which has several narrators. This one is narrated by Jim Frangione, Andrea Gallo, L.J. Ganser, Laura Knight Keating, Christina Moore, Graham Winton. And this team of talented narrators made this story so real!

Need a good historical tale with a family twist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.… (mais)

The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson is Historical Fiction with a mystery in small town America. Why did all these young people die in an explosion? What are the hidden secrets and who knows the truth? I read about this book that is based on a real tragedy in 1928 and knew I had to read it. Life in a small town where everyone knows everything with never to be forgotten entertaining characters. Loved the funeral home business setting although the state of one of the corpses is a bit unbelievable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each character had their own special personality and the story had frequent plot surprises. I hope to read more books by this author. Oh glory, I’ll fly away… Hallelujah!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars… (mais)

RECOMMENDED HIGHLY

I have been reading a lot lately, including old favorites and a number of ARCs. I was a bit unhappy with most of the ARCs lately until I got to this one.

This book was riveting historical fiction. Yes, there really was an explosion that destroyed a nightclub and the surrounding block (in reality Bond Dance Hall Explosion). No, it was not in a town called Possum Flats! And no, while the woman who died was a licensed embalmer, the first woman to be such a thing. She was not the woman we came to know.

I could not stop reading this novel, and calling it gripping seems a little cliched, but that is exactly what this book was -gripping. It had twists and turns that I never saw coming, and I loved the book more for that fact.

For those who love truth in their fiction, I highly recommend this book, especially if you like reading about the late 1970s. Learning about the 1920s was also really cool!

If you are intrigued, I would google Bond Dance Hall Explosion -it's worth the extra time.

*ARC supplied by the publisher John Scognamiglio/Kensington, the author, and NetGalley. My sincerest thanks for this wonderful novel… (mais)

Michelle Collins Anderson's "The Flower Sisters" is a captivating exploration of family, tragedy, and the enduring power of secrets. Set against the backdrop of a small Missouri town, this multigenerational masterpiece weaves together the stories of the Flower sisters—Violet and Rose—and their descendants, as they grapple with the aftermath of a devastating event that occurred at a dance hall in 1928.

The novel alternates between two timelines, effortlessly drawing readers into both the past and the present. In 1928, the explosion at Lamb's Dance Hall left one twin dead and the other forever changed, casting a shadow over the lives of the survivors. Fifty years later, Rose's granddaughter, Daisy, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the tragedy, unraveling long-held secrets and confronting the ghosts of the past.

Anderson's prose is haunting, immersing readers in the heartache and resilience of the characters. Through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue, she brings the small town of Possum Flats to life. The characters are richly drawn and deeply human, each carrying their own burdens and secrets.

"The Flower Sisters" is a story about the complexities of family relationships, the search for identity, and the consequences of past decisions. Anderson explores themes of love, loss, guilt, and redemption.

The novel expertly blends historical fact with fictional storytelling. Drawing on a real-life tragedy, Anderson sensitively portrays the impact of the explosion on the community while also delving into the personal struggles of the characters.

Overall, "The Flower Sisters" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that will stay with readers long after they've turned the final page. With its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and poignant themes, it is sure to resonate with fans of historical fiction and family sagas alike. Anderson's debut is nothing short of a triumph, marking her as a talent to watch in the literary world.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.… (mais)