The Reluctant Florist: A Heartwarming Journey of Faith, Hope & Love

This was a different type of story; it was interesting but not a page turner. The two main characters are uncertain about their lives. As the book progresses we get to watch them reach a new place of love and acceptance, both in their own lives and in their relationship. However Summer has made it clear to Ben that this little town is only a temporary stop for her and that at the end of three months she will be leaving. Melissa Storm seems to go to a lot of trouble to explain that she is not a Christian romance writer, and yet her story involves Ben turning to a relationship with God. I can’t help but wonder why this is a problem for Melissa. Carolynne Aarsen,
Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers are three Christian writers who come to mind and their careers are not suffering because they are Christian authors. I always try to look for a Christian writer because I know that not only will I get an excellent story, but it will also be clean and there will be no bad language in it.

When Summer came to town to take over her aunt's flower shop, Ben was considering ending his life just like his brother had. Summer changed everything for him.

So happy to have found this sweet story! I did enjoy the small town vibe and the true helpfulness of the towns people. Well done!

This was an easy reading book. The story flowed along and showed the strengths of community, love, hope and prayer.

What a wonderful love story about having faith in your self and others. I really enjoyed reading the story a must read.

Love's Prayer (First Street Church Romances #1) was another great read by Melissa Storm. Summer Smith finds herself at a crossroads. She has graduated college and doesn't know what will come next. She takes over her aunt's flower shop for a season while her aunt goes on a cruise. Ben Davis has lived his life in the shadows of his families greatest tragedy. He is so desperate that he considers taking his own life. Miraculously Ben and Summer bump into each other and may just find everything their looking for in each other. I really enjoyed reading their story and can't wait to read more by Melissa Storm.

i dont think I've e been so put off by any author ever. Before the story begins we are subject to an authors note that proceeds to laud her magnaminity in writing a "spiritual" story intended to offend no one religious faith by declaring dogmatoc truth. In actuality her opening paragraph of the story reflects an antagonistic attitude toward the christian faith. The author's note struck me as disingenuous, but i waa willing to read on with an open mind, even after paragragh one. However. the character development was sorely lacking and the depression and suicidal ideation of Tom waa too much to overcome to proceed. i abandoned the book in chapter three. i can do self pity over my own life. i don't find the self pity of others even slightly entertaining nor engaging. especially when there is no character there to draw me to sypathize. i felt manipulated to feel sorry for Tom.

Spoiler alert: the bird is not harmed.
Trigger warnings for suicide and alcoholic dysfunction.

This stand-alone is easy to follow but difficult to believe. No editing errors, gratuitous violence or drag-you-down drama.

The storyline has a lot of promise with religious overtones. The characters are likable and somewhat realistic. The dialogue is believable.

‘It was sad that his criteria for friendship was someone who respected him well enough to leave him be.’

‘With God giving him strength, he didn’t need to wait for a hero. Instead, he could be one himself.‘

What I found unrealistic is the idea of a suicide in the family, the younger child is emotionally abused by the mom and just shrugs it off.

I also thought the idea of turning your bird, or any pet, into the the care of someone with no knowledge or background with it totally unrealistic. How many people have pets without making household adjustments for the animals safety?

No desire to re-read this story. I always look forward to works by this author.