Perennials

Julie Cantrell writes interesting books, but like my last review, faith wasn't an integral part of the book.  However, Julie has hit on some tough family dynamics that nearly every family has experienced--sibling rivalry.  Bitsy and Lovey have a rivalry that defies explanation, and Bitsy has an irrational jealousy of Lovey that refuses to heal, despite Lovey's attempts. 

Julie uses the flashback device throughout the book quite successfully to keep the reader informed of what's going on with the characters and how they are feeling and why. 

Lovey has an important job in an ad agency and is trying to bring in an account that will solve a lot of financial problems for her firm when her father calls her and asks her to come home for his fiftieth anniversary with her mother.  He is not one to allow no to be the answer to his request, especially this time. 

Bitsy resents that Lovey came home and has taken part of the limelight away from her. But Lovey meets Fisher--a childhood friend--again who is able to put some new perspective on Bitsy's irrational attitude. 

I was ready to give up on this book, but it hooked me in at just the right time and held onto me until I closed the last page. 

Much of the book revolves around perennial flowers and the garden that Bitsy and Lovey's father is having built for their mother.  He takes the group around to towns close by Oxford, Mississippi, to collect cuttings for the garden and to keep their mother from guessing what's going on. 

This is truly a five star book, two thumbs up, and hydrangea cuttings for your Mary Garden

My thanks to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book.