Mother’s Day is almost here, and to help celebrate we’ve rounded up some book recs to give mom on May 8th!
In Bloom by Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, and Carolyn Brown
The stories in this heartwarming collection from three New York Times bestselling authors focus on family, love, second chances, and the power of a mother’s love. Between a tale of family squabbles, one of a second chance romance, and one of a long unrequited love these mothers have their work cut out for them. That’s why a yellow tulip is the perfect pairing to this collection, a symbol of hope and cheerful thoughts, it perfectly embodies these stories!
The Sunday Potluck Club by Melissa Storm
Born out of a shared grief, the Sunday Potluck Club is a haven for people who have suffered a loss where they can come together, eat some delicious food, and help guide each other back to their lives. Bridget plans to return to veterinarian school while Amy is set to resume her career as a teacher, but both women feel held back by the past and must rely on each other and their friends to help them push forward. The magnolia, a symbol of perseverance, is the accompaniment for this novel of two women who won’t give up on the beauty and hope of their futures, even with pain in their pasts.
Miss Pearly’s Girls by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Four estranged sisters return home to care for their mother in this captivating family drama. Maxine has always felt the great mantle of responsibility as the oldest; while the youngest, Leslie, has been putting all her attention into her current love life; and the elegant and professional career woman, Stella, could not be more different from her twin, the earthy and mellow Star. Each of these sisters holds their own secret and as they care for their mother they hope to keep it hidden. Hydrangeas have a mix of meanings but those that best fit this family are gratitude, apology, and a desire to understand each other. Each sister hides the truth, worrying it will forever divide them from their family, but maybe a deeper understanding is what they each need to heal.
Sunday at the Sunflower Inn by Jodi Thomas
Jessica, owner of the finest restaurant in town has achieved her greatest professional dreams, if only all the happily in love couples dining at the Honey Creek Café didn’t make her remember more personal dreams she has given up. McCoy thought his life was on track, until everything came screeching to a halt. Now he is stuck in Honey Creek, but focused on getting out of town, until a local restauranteur catches his eye. Meanwhile, sixty-seven-year-old Charles’s life has become one of routines until the renewal of spring makes him think he might have one more adventure left in him. Sunflowers, a symbol of lofty thoughts, longevity, and loyalty encompass different aspects of Jessica, McCoy, and Charles and how they grow together in this endearing story.
Home Sweet Home by Fern Michaels, Donna Kauffman, and Melissa Storm
This sweet story collection features a long absent daughter returning home with a new granddaughter for her mother to meet, a woman who comes home to help her pregnant sister and is reunited with her first crush, and a woman caring for her ailing father who finally gets to learn about the mother she barely remembers. If there is anything to learn from these stories it is that family looks different for everyone and families are their own version of home. Queen Anne’s Lace represents haven and sanctuary, the perfect symbol for a story collection where the characters find their place with the love and support of their family.
Home for the Summer by Holly Chamberlin
A mother and daughter make their way back to each other in this poignant tale of loss and togetherness. After losing her husband and one of her daughters in a fatal car crash Freida has struggled through life, but with her surviving daughter nearing adulthood they decide to spend one last summer in a place that brought them great happiness in the past, the seaside town of Yorktide. Once there they are pushed in new and challenging directions and begin to really heal from their past tragedy and cement a deeper bond with each other. A pansy that symbolizes thoughtfulness and remembrance encapsulates this story of desiring to move on from their past, but never to forget it.
The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes
Surprised to learn she has inherited a cocoa estate when her father dies Puri travels from Spain to Ecuador, eager to see the land and make a new start in life in the aftermath of WWI. But when her husband is killed by an assassin hired to murder her Puri realizes the road ahead holds danger. Taking on her husband’s identity, Puri arrives in Ecuador and begins investigating the cocoa estate and the motives of those around it. Snapdragons, as symbols of strength and deception make the perfect accessory to Puri whose strength of character keeps her going in the wake of tragedy, and who must deceive those around her to unearth the truth.
Reprinted with permission from Kensington Books.
