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The Flower Girls
Imagine staring into the face of a loved one with no recollection of who they are. Every person a stranger. Daisy O’Reilly's inability to recognize faces, a cognitive disorder resulting from a childhood accident, causes her to rely heavily upon her twin sister, Poppy. Perhaps too much so.
Overwhelmed by Daisy’s needs, Poppy anticipates the freedom her upcoming wedding will bring—a chance to relinquish her obsessive worries about Daisy and escape the clutches of guilt from one hazy day when the girls were seven. When they were still invincible.
With a thriving floral photography career but a floundering love life, Daisy questions how strong she will be on her own. And who she might become without Poppy living down the hall or offering a deluge of reminders during each social interaction.
But for the O’Reilly sisters to properly let go, they must first understand what they’re holding on to.
Overwhelmed by Daisy’s needs, Poppy anticipates the freedom her upcoming wedding will bring—a chance to relinquish her obsessive worries about Daisy and escape the clutches of guilt from one hazy day when the girls were seven. When they were still invincible.
With a thriving floral photography career but a floundering love life, Daisy questions how strong she will be on her own. And who she might become without Poppy living down the hall or offering a deluge of reminders during each social interaction.
But for the O’Reilly sisters to properly let go, they must first understand what they’re holding on to.
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Paine Miller
7 books72 followersWendy Paine Miller has written over a dozen novels. Her passion for writing fiction stems from a desire to better understand others and the world around her.
Wendy’s novels have prompted thought-provoking conversations at book clubs all across the country. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s admiring nature, finding something to paint, or spending time with her family.
Wendy resides in California with her husband, their three girls, and their amusing dog in a home bursting with imagination and hilarity.
Wendy’s novels have prompted thought-provoking conversations at book clubs all across the country. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s admiring nature, finding something to paint, or spending time with her family.
Wendy resides in California with her husband, their three girls, and their amusing dog in a home bursting with imagination and hilarity.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 17, 2014
Wendy Paine Miller never fails to disappoint with lyrical writing, unpredictable storylines, and characters I enjoy getting to know. For instance, lines like "I felt like a flower with all the pollen sucked out of it. Emotionally spent," just hook me.
The twins in this story, Poppy and Daisy, are multi-faceted women who aren't perfect, and I love that in a book. I love finding characters who irritate me sometimes and make me cheer for them others, because I know those novels stick with me longest. The details Miller injects, elaborating on the twins' Irish heritage, Poppy's midwifery, and Daisy's flower photography, only serve to anchor the story and make you feel these people are "real."
I took time to savor this read but as the ending approached, I couldn't do anything but stay glued to the book. After reading/loving Miller's first novella (The Disappearing Key), this novel, The Flower Girls, cemented me as a die-hard Wendy Paine Miller reader.
The twins in this story, Poppy and Daisy, are multi-faceted women who aren't perfect, and I love that in a book. I love finding characters who irritate me sometimes and make me cheer for them others, because I know those novels stick with me longest. The details Miller injects, elaborating on the twins' Irish heritage, Poppy's midwifery, and Daisy's flower photography, only serve to anchor the story and make you feel these people are "real."
I took time to savor this read but as the ending approached, I couldn't do anything but stay glued to the book. After reading/loving Miller's first novella (The Disappearing Key), this novel, The Flower Girls, cemented me as a die-hard Wendy Paine Miller reader.
July 14, 2014
The Flower Girls is the story of twins whose lives are intertwined due to genetics and past tragedies. The book alternates between Daisy, a flower photographer with face blindness, and Poppy, a midwife with a major guilt complex. The sisters grapple with how close is too close, how much do they owe each other, and how will their futures develop when Poppy gets married?
The New England setting wrapped me up, and the tone reminded me of a gentle but persistent rain--relentless, yet nourishing. Wendy Miller is a master of subtle revelations. At first Poppy seems the stronger of the two twins, but as the story develops, you see the core strength of Daisy, and how courageous she is in light of her disability. Also, anyone with siblings will relate to the intricacies of their relationship!
I highly recommend this book! It's a perfect summer read, and the characters will stay with you long after The End!
The New England setting wrapped me up, and the tone reminded me of a gentle but persistent rain--relentless, yet nourishing. Wendy Miller is a master of subtle revelations. At first Poppy seems the stronger of the two twins, but as the story develops, you see the core strength of Daisy, and how courageous she is in light of her disability. Also, anyone with siblings will relate to the intricacies of their relationship!
I highly recommend this book! It's a perfect summer read, and the characters will stay with you long after The End!
July 2, 2014
Are we ever truly "free" of family ties? Are they a strength that binds or a force that divides? These are the questions you'll ponder while reading of the story of twin sisters whose lives are bound by more than birth.
Reading chapters that move back and forth between each sister's point of view, I was by turns siding with either Poppy or Daisy, as they navigated the dangerous waters of family secrets, old wounds, and the unknown future.
I think anybody can relate to this familial tale, but certainly any woman with a sister will be nodding their head as they explore the unique relationship these women have as not just sisters, but as twins.
And that's just the storyline. This novel reads effortlessly with the thoughtful and descriptive prose I'm learning is the norm for author Wendy Paine Miller. The Flower Girls, her first full-length publication, is a fantastic summer read (or any time of year!) and I hope to see more from this author!!
Reading chapters that move back and forth between each sister's point of view, I was by turns siding with either Poppy or Daisy, as they navigated the dangerous waters of family secrets, old wounds, and the unknown future.
I think anybody can relate to this familial tale, but certainly any woman with a sister will be nodding their head as they explore the unique relationship these women have as not just sisters, but as twins.
And that's just the storyline. This novel reads effortlessly with the thoughtful and descriptive prose I'm learning is the norm for author Wendy Paine Miller. The Flower Girls, her first full-length publication, is a fantastic summer read (or any time of year!) and I hope to see more from this author!!
September 8, 2014
Wow. Wendy Paine Miller’s The Flower Girls is one of the best books I read this summer! Not only is it a compelling narrative about the dynamics of a relationship between sisters, it is also a fresh and unique story in the women’s fiction genre. One of the things that stands out most about this book is how Miller mastered the point of view for each sister by giving them a distinct voice. I was surprised when I started to connect most with Daisy. Seeing the world through her eyes gave me a new perspective. I felt her fear, but I also cheered her on as she navigated the changes in her world and ultimately discovered that she is braver than she ever thought.
Miller’s evocative writing style uses setting, dialogue and sensory details to transport you into the story world. Her perfect pacing keeps you engaged all the way through. This is truly an inspiring read for anyone who is searching for a story with heart and depth.
Miller’s evocative writing style uses setting, dialogue and sensory details to transport you into the story world. Her perfect pacing keeps you engaged all the way through. This is truly an inspiring read for anyone who is searching for a story with heart and depth.
July 10, 2014
What fascinated me most about this story was the neurological condition that causes Daisy O'Reilly to not be able to consistently identify faces, sometimes even her own. This creates some very interesting drama as she tries to navigate the world and move out from under the shadow of her over-protective twin sister. Add to that a healthy dose of unresolved guilt, some light romance, a wedding, a stolen bicycle chase, the miracle of childbirth, and a crazy aunt in a twelve-step program, and you have yourself a delightful book club read! Twins Daisy and Poppy will remind you of your own dysfunctional but loving relationships, and they will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
December 10, 2014
"Sometimes it's not so much the things we run from, but the things that we run to that teach us the most about ourselves."
There are some beautiful moments and imagery in this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It explores the unique relationship between twins and the reliance of your perception in others to define yourself. I found the exploration of prosopagnosia fascinating and disconcerting. Overall, a quick read.
There are some beautiful moments and imagery in this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It explores the unique relationship between twins and the reliance of your perception in others to define yourself. I found the exploration of prosopagnosia fascinating and disconcerting. Overall, a quick read.
June 3, 2014
I loved this book! Author Wendy Paine Miller totally nailed the unique relationship between sisters, and especially twins! Having a twin sister, I relate how Poppy and Daisy both have strengths and struggle with who is the "dominant" twin. I cannot recommend this book enough. I read it in one sitting!
July 25, 2014
Loved, The Flower Girls by Wendy Paine Miller!! Wendy did a fantastic job getting you connected with the characters with her amazing writing. I still think about Poppy and Daisy as if they are real people not just characters in the book. I highly recommend this book!! Also makes for great book club discussions!! It's a VERY enjoyable read, I look forward to Wendy Paine Millers next book!
June 7, 2014
I loved this book. following along the journey of these two sisters, feeling their joy and their pain, was inspiring. their need to protect each other, yet hiding so many secrets that could just possibly tear them apart. the relationships speak so much truth. its messy, but worth it, not to let go those you love. enjoy the ride - go read this book!
August 28, 2014
I truly enjoyed reading this book! So much so I basically read it in two days! I have always loved twins and this story was enlightening to the depth of a twins relationship. Wendy Paine Miller did a great job developing the story and keeping me up till late at night :)! I loved all the interesting flower facts as well!
July 4, 2014
I always wondered what it would be like to be a twin. Poppy and Daisy share with us how great it is to be able to count on someone and at the same time how hard it is to be responsible for the other. An enjoyable read in the eyes of each sister.
August 18, 2016
Read my book review at: http://www.lifenotesencouragement.com...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews