Critical Praise

“Fans of Janet Fitch’s WHITE OLEANDER will enjoy this solid and well-written debut, which is also certain to be a hit with book clubs.”
   --- Library Journal (starred review)

“A deftly powerful story of finding your way home, even after you’ve burned every bridge behind you.THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS took my heart apart, chapter by chapter, then reassembled the broken pieces in better working condition --- I loved this book.”
   --- Jamie Ford, author of HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET
 
“This heartbreaking debut novel about mothers and daughters, love, and the secret significance of flowers had me weeping with emotion and wonder. Victoria Jones is an unforgettable heroine and you will never look at flowers the same way again.”
   --- Tatiana de Rosnay, author of SARAH’S KEY
 
“Vanessa Diffenbaugh has given us a deeply human character to root for, and a heart-wrenching story with insight and compassion to spare. As a foster-care survivor, I feel a kinship with Victoria Jones as she battles loss and risk and her own thorny demons to find redemption.”
   --- Paula McLain, author of THE PARIS WIFE
 
“Is it really possible that this is Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s first novel? I can hardly believe a debut writer can bring this much insight and polish to a story. What an achievement!”
   --- Kelly Corrigan, author of THE MIDDLE PLACE
 
“THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS gives us new definitions of human compassion in all its forms. Bouquets of laurel and trumpet vine await this beautifully arranged story!”
   --- Helen Simonson, author ofMAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND
 
“THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS is a primer for the language of love. Vanessa Diffenbaugh deftly gathers themes of maternal love, forgiveness, and redemption into an unforgettable literary bouquet. Book clubs will swoon!”
   --- Adriana Trigiani, author of BRAVA, VALENTINE and DON’T SING AT THE TABLE
 
“This hope-soaked, glorious book speaks to every once-broken, cracked, or poorly mended heart about the risks we take to heal, to be fully human, to truly connect. An astonishingly assured debut.”
   --- Joshilyn Jackson, author of GODS IN ALABAMA
 
“Devastating, hopeful, and beautifully written --- THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS is a testament to the tender mercies and miraculous healing power of love.”
   --- Beth Hoffman, author of SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT

“Enchanting, ennobling, and powerfully engaging, Diffenbaugh’s artfully accomplished debut novel lends poignant testimony to the multitude of mysteries held in the human heart.”
   --- Booklist (starred review) 

—