Another book recommendation - 'Everlasting' by Nancy Thayer. It is a family saga and love story, set in the flower business in New York City. I found it quite interesting because it depicts a young woman's entry into the flower business and her subsequent rise to the heights of success, both in the retail and wholesale aspects of the trade. Even though I have owned a business but not a shop (and didn't want to) many parts of the business are the same.
Amazon doesn't give it very good reviews, but I don't necessarily agree with them, simply because I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it was a bit predictable, and it is certainly not the best book I've read recently - but it had value for me. If you are at all interested in the behind-the-scenes life in a flower shop - read this. If you have any interest in learning how the flower wholesale markets and the Amsterdam Flower Auctions are conducted - read this.
Published in 1991, the flyleaf reads:
"What could be more romantic, more delicious than a novel about flowers - and a woman who dedicates her life to them? Catherine Eliot comes from the kind of Social Register family where money is never discussed, At eighteen, she turns her back on her family's aspirations for her and comes to New York, on her own for the first time. There, she finds herself a job, almost by accident, at the Vanderveld's charming if disorganized Park Avenue flower shop. Soon, Catherine is making order where chaos used to reign. Building on the love of flowers her grandmother always encouraged, she helps turn Vanderveld Flowers from an ordinary flower shop into a fairyland......"
Amazon doesn't give it very good reviews, but I don't necessarily agree with them, simply because I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it was a bit predictable, and it is certainly not the best book I've read recently - but it had value for me. If you are at all interested in the behind-the-scenes life in a flower shop - read this. If you have any interest in learning how the flower wholesale markets and the Amsterdam Flower Auctions are conducted - read this.
Published in 1991, the flyleaf reads:
"What could be more romantic, more delicious than a novel about flowers - and a woman who dedicates her life to them? Catherine Eliot comes from the kind of Social Register family where money is never discussed, At eighteen, she turns her back on her family's aspirations for her and comes to New York, on her own for the first time. There, she finds herself a job, almost by accident, at the Vanderveld's charming if disorganized Park Avenue flower shop. Soon, Catherine is making order where chaos used to reign. Building on the love of flowers her grandmother always encouraged, she helps turn Vanderveld Flowers from an ordinary flower shop into a fairyland......"
9 comments:
I know someone very special to me I would love to read the book to while she is in my arms and I will leave it at that. Thanks for the recommendation Kenju. Now, I have another to add to my add to my reading table. I don't know if you like music but you must check out a good friend of mine. His name is Nick Hagelin and he is also a member of the Carolina Ballet. Here's his website: http://www.nickhagelin.com/
If you are like me, you will fall in love with his music.
It sounds very interesting, Judy....I don't always agree with Amazon reviews either--in fact, I don't always agree with other reviews and reviewers...If the subject is something I am truly interested in--I want to read a book myself!
I did visit Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer/ Flowers auction Aalsmeer
'The world marketplace for flowers and plants' about eight years ago.
It was a very interesting day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0mViWsiTWg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-qRSrMTSyk&NR=1
In the second video each guy driving a red truck is collecting flowers for just one order.
It is always facinating to read something that is germane to our own lives. We can relate through out the book, either agreeing or disagreeing.
Thanks for the heads up. Will check out my library.
Judy: I have a number of struggling authors amongst my friends and it ain't easy. If you liked it - and I know how busy you are- why not write a brief appreciation. Your opinion would be very valid as a professional florist. Just a thought.
Interesting theme. I've never come across a book with this theme. Thanks for the recommendation.
Okay she has broken the way for you to write your book with the love story of flowers and you and Mr.Kenju. Leave out the peanut clusters.
It's been said to write about what you know. I like to read about what I know, too.
Sorry I had to post it here but my post got hung up on Jeff's site. Actually yes, for Belgian Waffles, use the following ingredients or get a box of Belgian Waffle mix at your local store.
For a Basic Belgian Waffle recipe we will need:
3 1/4 cups (1 lb. — 500g) all purpose flour
one sachet (7g) instant dried yeast
4 medium eggs (you want the egg whites, not the yolk)
whole milk (you can also add some club soda or sparkling mineral water and make them even fluffier)
two sticks (1/2 lb. — 250g) butter
vanilla, sugar and some salt
Heres another simple recipe.
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/1888/Fluffy-Belgian-Waffles120433.shtml
Post a Comment