For Whom the Bluebell Tolls

December 1, 2014

In small town Ramble, VA, florist Audrey Bloom (last seen in Bloom and Doom) is preparing floral arrangements that will be featured on the reality TV show Fix My Wedding. Audrey's ex-boyfriend, Brad, is a production assistant, and he has convinced the producers to film in Ramble with hopes of becoming part of Audrey's life again. But sorting out Audrey's love life will have to wait, as she's busy dealing with a bridezilla. Then one of the show's hosts is discovered dead in the bell tower of the church, and Audrey is forced to conduct amateur sleuthing if she wants the wedding to go on so she can be paid. VERDICT While readers will most likely guess the culprit before Audrey does, they'll want to see how the drama plays out. Turns out that reality TV can be as addicting on the page as on the screen.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2014
Florist Audrey Bloom is unsettled when her ex-boyfriend Brad returns to town with his new reality-show production team and asks for Audrey's help with the flowers for the wedding being filmed on the show. When one of the co-hosts, Gary, is found dangling from a church bell, Brad is the main suspect. Audrey is not sure she wants him back, as she is starting a new relationship, but she knows Brad is not a murderer. It seems everyone involved with the show has some secrets, including a fan and a former contestant. In between making bouquets and describing the meaning of flowers for the camera, Audrey puts together clues. Meanwhile, her pregnant cousin Liv helps research Gary's background. The characters in this well-tended plot are warm and multidimensional, though at times too many of them are on stage to keep straight. The floral angle provides a unique scent to this fun and well-paced installment in the series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)