THE HEALING POWERS OF CONNECTION -- A REVIEW

Victoria Jones has been shunted around from foster home to foster home, so when she lands on Elizabeth's doorstep at age ten, she doesn't believe anything will be different here.

But between Elizabeth and Victoria, there is the beginning of a unique connection. And a special language, derived from their mutual love of flowers and Victoria's eagerness to learn how to communicate through them.

There is also the first glimmer of hope, because Elizabeth has stated the desire to adopt her after one year together. But as the court date approaches, Victoria's and Elizabeth's fears mount and inevitably sabotage what ultimately could have been home for the two of them.

What does Victoria do to sabotage her placement? And what will Elizabeth do to express her own fears and why? Will a tragic event sever their ties forever?

When we first meet Victoria, she is eighteen and about to be emancipated from the system. She will go to a transitional home and try to forge her own life, despite the flawed and damaged person she has become. Moving seamlessly between the present and the pivotal tenth year of her life, The Language of Flowers: A Novel shows us Victoria's journey forward, while still fighting the demons that force her to cling to the past.

This beautifully wrought and true-to-life story resonated with me as it echoed the stories I have been privy to in my social work career. What set this journey apart was the connection through flowers and the almost magical power of this unique tool for communication. As the flawed and broken souls heal, we see a glimmer of hope and renewal. I loved this story and did not want to put it down! Five stars.

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