A Memory of Violets

A Novel of London's Flower Sellers

By: Hazel Gaynor

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

The author of the USA Today and New York Times bestselling novel The Girl Who Came Home has once again created an unforgettable historical novel. Step into the world of Victorian London, where the wealth and poverty exist side by side. This is the story of two long-lost sisters, whose lives take different paths, and the young woman who will be transformed by their experiences.

In 1912, twenty-year-old Tilly Harper leaves the peace and beauty of her native Lake District for London, to become assistant housemother at Mr. Shaw’s Home for Watercress and Flower Girls. For years, the home has cared for London’s flower girls—orphaned and crippled children living on the grimy streets and selling posies of violets and watercress to survive.

Soon after she arrives, Tilly discovers a diary written by an orphan named Florrie—a young Irish flower girl who died of a broken heart after she and her sister, Rosie, were separated. Moved by Florrie’s pain and all she endured in her brief life, Tilly sets out to discover what happened to Rosie. But the search will not be easy. Full of twists and surprises, it leads the caring and determined young woman into unexpected places, including the depths of her own heart.

Lovely !

A sweet, sentimental story about love, not the romantic kind but the love between sisters, and of a father for his daughter. Be sure to have Kleenex or a hanky ready, I was choked up at about (5) minutes in. Full credit for the emotional impact of the story goes to narrator Nicola Barber. Her voices and accents were so convincing that I was able to look past some of the plot coincidences ( and there were many ). I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoyed " The Orphan Train". Different historical setting, but similar theme of children struggling to survive in brutal circumstances.

Bravo

Nicola Barber brings a remarkable story to life, giving each character a distinct voice and personality. I could listen to her for hours.

The connection of Lilly, Flori,Rosie and Tilly

Nothing, I truly enjoyed this book. I also have enjoyed several of Hazel Gaynor's book.

As beautiful as the flowers it describes!

Undiescribably beautiful. What a story! Based a true facts. The narrative is excellently executed. I have always been a sucker for Victorian Era works, and even though the timing of this one is slightly passed that period, it still brings me joy. What a piece of literature!

Roses and Violets

If ever a story has captured my heart and left behind a sweet fragrance of love, loss and forgiveness it is This Book about The London Flower Sellers! By the end of the story so gloriously penned it comes full circle and squeezes your heart with tender love and joy even in the midst of great loss! This story will long linger with me like the fragrance of a splendid summers Garden!