Flowers and Gemstones by Alaina Erdell

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The details…

  • Title: Flowers and Gemstones  
  • Author: Alaina Erdell
  • Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
  • Publication dates: February 1, 2025 from the publisher; wide release February 11, 2025 for digital copies and March 11, 2024 for paperback copies 
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback 
  • File size: 1785 KB 
  • Print length: 312 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1636797458
  • Genre: contemporary romance
  • Themes: falling in love, women loving women, family, family dynamics, mother-daughter relationships, friendships, women over 40, loss, grief, secrets, professional business women, family business, small business, giving back to the community 

The blurb from the publisher…

Hannah knows how to grow her family’s jewelry design company into one of the most successful on the West Coast. But share her emotions? Not so much. She needs to break up with her girlfriend, Bren, but tragedy strikes before she gathers the courage.

It’s been years, but Vanessa hasn’t recovered from her ex, Bren, dumping her. She’s owned her flower shop for over twenty-five years and should be confidently anticipating her fiftieth birthday, but she still battles her mother’s criticism.

When Vanessa mysteriously shows up at Bren’s funeral, questions, and a few eyebrows, are raised. Was Bren who Hannah and Vanessa thought she was? Did they really know her at all? As the secrets and lies mount, the shocking truth reveals why their relationships failed. But will learning from the past give them the skills to build a future with one another?

My thoughts…

I’ve been a loyal reader since Erdell’s debut. Each book has impressed me in its own way. Her latest, Flowers and Gemstones, marks a turn for Erdell. There’s a growth and understanding for story crafting displayed inside these pages that’s notable, making it a real standout.

Story-worthy problems are the heartbeat of all fiction, and Erdell takes it to the next level with this novel, giving it a whopper of one. Hannah and Vanessa’s story is very complex, featuring multiple layers and twists. It’s mind-boggling to digest at times. However, Erdell handles the plot progression beautifully, connecting scenes in a logical, believable way. The cause and effect compute; readers easily understand the why of what is happening. More importantly, though, they care why it’s happening. 

Because the plot is complex and detailed, its relatability hinges on characters with depth and dimension. Furthermore, the characters must have the ability to change. This isn’t a problem for Erdell. She gives her readers two dynamic characters. First, there’s Hannah, a driven and successful businesswoman who holds people at a distance and struggles to express her feelings honestly. Vanessa, the story’s other main character, has spent years living in the shadow of heartbreak and her mother’s criticism. Her struggle for self-worth shapes her choices and relationships. Bren’s tragic death forces both women to confront their deep-seated fear of vulnerability, stirring a change in them. Erdell portrays these women splendidly; they are rich, well-developed characters. Their secrets and insecurities pave the way for a deeply emotional journey, creating something that resonates profoundly.

Bren’s posthumous presence adds a unique layer to the narrative, shaping the arc in intriguing, compelling ways. As Hannah and Vanessa go through her belongings, they learn some surprising things about Bren. She has shocking skeletons buried deep in her closet. As Hannah and Vanessa turn towards one another for comfort and compassion, a growing attraction develops, complicating things even further. Their chemistry is undeniable, but they must deal with their past if they want a shot at something honest with one another. Erdell patiently increases the tension and heightens the stakes, making their eventual emotional breakthroughs quite rewarding. Their HEA is tender, heartfelt, and well-deserved.

Final thoughts…

Poignant and uniquely original, Flowers and Gemstones is well-plotted and well-constructed. The characters are richly drawn, displaying raw and genuine emotions. Erdell’s storytelling captivates readers with its themes of intimacy and connection. Though rooted in loss, it ultimately showcases the power of honesty in a relationship. Hannah and Vanessa’s journey pokes at readers’ feelings long after the final page, underscoring why Erdell is such a fantastic storyteller.

Strengths…

  • Well-written 
  • Fantastic character development 
  • Compelling storyline 
  • Tender and insightful 
  • Emotionally honest

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A bit about the author…

Alaina Erdell lives in Ohio with her partner and their three crazy but adorable cats. She has a degree in psychology from Gonzaga University. Prior to writing, she worked as a chef. When she’s not focused on writing lesbian fiction, she enjoys painting, cooking for friends and family, experimenting with molecular gastronomy, reading, kayaking, snorkeling, traveling, and spoiling her beloved nephews.

You can find more about her here:

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