Happy Thursday everyone! I’m excited to spotlight a book today that I’ve read rave reviews on from some of very favorite bloggers and that is The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh which just released in paperback on April 3! I actually picked this book up ages ago and just haven’t had a chance to get to it but I intend to soon. Until then though I’ll share what the book is about with you, a bit about the author, and a giveaway so make sure to check that out at the end of the post!
About The Language of Flowers
The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, aster for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.
Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes that she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market inspires her to question what’s been missing in her life. And when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.
Read an excerpt
Book Club Discussion Questions
Buy at Amazon.com, Indiebound, B&N, and Amazon.ca
Check out the Video…
About Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Vanessa Diffenbaugh was born in San Francisco and raised in Chico, California. After studying creative writing and education at Stanford, she went on to teach art and writing to youth in low-income communities. She and her husband, PK, have three children: Tre’von, eighteen; Chela, four; and Miles, three. Tre’von, a former foster child, is attending New York University on a Gates Millennium Scholarship. Diffenbaugh and her family currently live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where her husband is studying urban school reform at Harvard.
Vanessa Diffenbaugh is also the founder of the Camellia Network. The mission of the Camellia Network is to create a nationwide movement to support youth transitioning from foster care. In The Language of Flowers, Camellia [kuh-meel-yuh] means “My Destiny is in Your Hands.” The network’s name emphasizes the belief in the interconnectedness of humanity: each gift a young person receives will be accompanied by a camellia, a reminder that the destiny of our nation lies in the hands of our youngest citizens. For more information visit www.camellianetwork.org
Vanessa’s website
Find Vanessa on Facebook
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
I have one copy of The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh to share with my readers. To enter…
- For 1 entry simply leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
- For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already follow my blog, thank you, and please let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
- For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word!
This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, May 12/12. Good luck!
Sounds like a great book with a fascinating concept. Thanks for the giveaway.
GFC follower
I must read this at some point. This is the first time I have seen the trailer!
A fascinating novel which is captivating. many thanks. I am an e-mail subscriber.
I think this sounds really good. I love flowers, so I have to put this on my TBR list.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I am a gfc follower
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
this book would be enjoyable. I subscribe via e-mail.
I would like to know more about the meaning of different flowers.
I follow via email and GFC.
Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/195506989084835841
Love this cover more than the other. I’m a follower
GFC name Melissa
This was one of my best reads of the year, and I am also going to be hosting a giveaway for a copy. It’s an amazing book, and one of your entrants is going to be very lucky to get the chance to win it!
This sounds like a fascinating book, especially the mysterious secret from her past. THanks for the giveaway.
This sounds like an amazingly touching story! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Follow Peeking by email subscription.
I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner) and email subscriber.
PLEASE enter me…lol This is a book that I’m DYING to read…yes, I’m being dramatic. Thanks for the giveaway…
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/SavvyVerseWit/status/195549959603499008
And added it to my contest sidebar
This is on my list to either buy in paperback or check out from the library. However, it would be great to win it! Thanks for the chance. I follow via email.
I loved this book when I read it and hated to take it back to the library. Would love to be entered for a chance to win a copy! I also follow your blog.
I’m a follower- thanks for the giveaway!
Rachelhwallen@gmail.com
This sounds a bit different; I think I would enjoy reading it. Thanks.
I follow you via GFC as Sandra K321
I have had this one on my TBR list for quite a while. Would love to win a copy. I am a follower through email and Networked Blogs.
tmrtini at gmail dot com
I’ve read nothing but wonderful reviews the past few weeks and have it on my wishlist.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Email subscriber, Networked blogs follower.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
This book trailer is incredibly powerful…I CAN’T WAIT TO READ The Language of Flowers. Inspiring!!
I follow your blog through GFC (Beth DiIorio) and email (beth.diiorio@yahoo.com). I tweeted about the giveaway (https://twitter.com/#!/BethDiIorio/status/195639487831871488)
I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one!!!
Such an interesting story and so well dovetailed into the avocation of the author. I first heard of this book when it came out in hardcover. So glad to hear that it is now in paperback and still going strong. Please enter my name for the chance to win a copy, Thanks
I follow your blog by email: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
I also tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/carlrscott/status/195674300081127425
I really want to read this!
I’m a follower thanks.
The foster system needs redone-all those poor kids on their own at eighteen. What a shame.
pjames330 at aol dot com
gfc follower
pjames330 at aol dot com
https://twitter.com/#!/pj436/status/195680138418065409
pjames330 at aol dot com
I have been pining to read this book for a pretty long time now. The premise of the book seems absolutely fascinating – and it ties in with the request I’ve put in via Goodreads for the titles of books that pertain to adoption and fostering children. It seems like a heartbreaking yet poignant read. Thank you very much for this giveaway opportunity! 🙂
I’m a GFC Follower: ~Enamored Soul~
Name: Hira Hasnain
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
I tweeted the giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/inluvwithbookz/status/195687335499792385
Name: Hira Hasnain
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance.
I follow with GFC.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/darcy1956/status/195688966106791936
I have heard good things about this book and would love to read it.
I follow your blog.
I tweeted about the book spotlight: https://twitter.com/#!/ggjunk/status/195702620227252224
bas1chsemail at gmail dot com
This was one of my favorite reads last year, a wonderful book. No need to enter me as I already own a copy.
The book sounds very interesting.
I follow the blog.
I’d love to be considered, Darlene (and you know I’m a follower). I’ve been hearing such beautiful things about this book and tried to convince my book club to read it in June but Baker’s Daughter was voted on instead.
Hope you’re doing well. xoxo
thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story 🙂
i’m a follower, too 🙂
Just the cover of the book (the flowers) makes me cheerful today especially when it subartic temperatures here.
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
I listened to this book via CD from my library when it came out on hard back. I would have to say, it was my favorite book – and most memorable – out of the 100+ I read/listened to last year. It was so moving, thought provoking and heart wrenching. Truly a beautiful story.
GFC follower
I am so excited to read this book; thanks for the giveaway ^_^
I am a GFC follower
I heard so many wonderful things about this book since it’s release late last year, I am curious what makes a book about..flowers..so special. Please enter me!
I follow by GFC as Lilian Cheng.=)
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/lilboxism/status/196004847533830146
lilianxchengATgmailDOTcom
I want to read this book it looks like such a good story.
I can’t wait to read this book
I have heard this is a fantastic book! I love the new cover on it! I would love to enter the giveaway! Thanks for offering it!
bthgordon(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am also a google follower
This sounds like a wonderful book. I love flowers, they have so much meaning in life. Thanks for the chance to win it. I’m a follower. Please give Sammy a hug for me.
https://twitter.com/#!/Dyniy/status/196341249651912704
I really enjoyed this book…love the cover for the paperback!
I love very much this book and would love to have an extra copy to give to a friend. I follow you and have just tweeted about your giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/wordsandpeace/status/196381959604277248
here is my review of the book: http://wordsandpeace.com/2011/10/07/73-review-the-language-of-flowers/
thanks for this!
I would love to read this book. I’ve heard great things about it.
I’m really intrigued by this book!
I’m a follower through GFC
I tweeted this contest: https://twitter.com/#!/LibraryOfOurOwn/status/196388431146921985
Thanks for this great giveaway
I already follow your blog
I read this when it first came out and totally loved it!
I really want to read this! Been trying to win so let’s hope this time I’m lucky!
2+ follower
3+ tweeted
Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com
I’ve been wanting to read this forever. I’m just commenting. 🙂
I would love to read this book. Sounds so wonderful.
It has me intrigued!
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I follow via gfc – mamabunny13
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/197094018532904962
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I love this book but read it from the library. I would love to have my own copy. Thanks for the chance!
I am a GFC follower.
how interesting! I am interested please enter me!
pinchbuggies at hotmaildotcom
I am an email subscriber, follow your blog & on NetworkedBlogs, & on GFC.
pinchbuggies at hotmaildotcom
I LIKEd your post, tweeted the giveaway, https://twitter.com/#!/Pinchbuggies/status/199563249388240897
& posted on my wall, Lisa Stonesifer
pinchbuggies at hotmaildotcom
Sounds like a good read!
I’m an email follower bjoneill@hotmail.com
I read your great review awhile back but I neglected to get entered. I think the Language of Flowers sounds like a great language to learn!
I follow you on email.
cjay (at) iavalley (dot) edu
Hi Thanks for the chance to win a copy of The Language of Flowers! Been on my wish list for some time!
Laura Kay
anovelreview(@)yahoo(.)com
I’m a GFC Follower and email subscriber!
Laura Kay
anovelreview(@)yahoo(.)com
I tweeted about your giveaway!
https://twitter.com/#!/anovelreview1/status/200556733616238592
and I followed you on twitter 😀
Laura Kay
anovelreview(@)yahoo(.)com
My sister’s book club RAVED about this book. She checked her copy out of the library so I’d love to win my own!
mep AT nottobrag DOT net