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Black Flowers, White Lies
Her father died before she was born, but Ella Benton knows they have a supernatural connection. Since her mother discourages these beliefs, Ella keeps her cemetery visits secret. But she may not be the only one with secrets. Ella’s mother might be lying about how Dad died sixteen years ago. New found evidence points to his death in a psychiatric hospital, not as a result of a tragic car accident as her mother always claimed. After a lifetime of just the two of them, Mom suddenly feels like a stranger.
When a handprint much like the one Ella left on her father’s tombstone mysteriously appears on the bathroom mirror, at first she wonders if Dad is warning her of danger as he did once before. If it’s not a warning, could her new too-good-to-be-true boyfriend be responsible for the strange occurrences? Or maybe it’s the grieving building superintendent whose dead daughter strongly resembles Ella? As the unexplained events become more frequent and more sinister, Ella becomes terrified about who—or what—might harm her.
Soon the evidence points to someone else entirely: Ella herself. What if, like her father, she’s suffering from a breakdown? In this second novel from award-winning author Yvonne Ventresca, Ella desperately needs to find answers, no matter how disturbing the truth might be.
When a handprint much like the one Ella left on her father’s tombstone mysteriously appears on the bathroom mirror, at first she wonders if Dad is warning her of danger as he did once before. If it’s not a warning, could her new too-good-to-be-true boyfriend be responsible for the strange occurrences? Or maybe it’s the grieving building superintendent whose dead daughter strongly resembles Ella? As the unexplained events become more frequent and more sinister, Ella becomes terrified about who—or what—might harm her.
Soon the evidence points to someone else entirely: Ella herself. What if, like her father, she’s suffering from a breakdown? In this second novel from award-winning author Yvonne Ventresca, Ella desperately needs to find answers, no matter how disturbing the truth might be.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2016
23 people are currently reading
2500 people want to read
About the author
Yvonne Ventresca
9 books553 followersYvonne Ventresca is an award-winning author and a workshop presenter with an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her published work includes the young adult novels PANDEMIC and BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES, as well as two nonfiction books and numerous short stories.
Yvonne's debut, PANDEMIC, won a Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. "This fast read will appeal to fans of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s LIFE AS WE KNEW IT," Booklist said. It was reissued in 2022.
Her young adult novel, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES (Sky Pony Press, 2016) won a National IPPY Gold Medal for YA fiction in 2017. Justine Magazine said "This one will keep you guessing" and according to BuzzFeed, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES "definitely won't disappoint."
You can learn more about Yvonne at YvonneVentresca.com, where she also features resources for writers.
Yvonne's debut, PANDEMIC, won a Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. "This fast read will appeal to fans of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s LIFE AS WE KNEW IT," Booklist said. It was reissued in 2022.
Her young adult novel, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES (Sky Pony Press, 2016) won a National IPPY Gold Medal for YA fiction in 2017. Justine Magazine said "This one will keep you guessing" and according to BuzzFeed, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES "definitely won't disappoint."
You can learn more about Yvonne at YvonneVentresca.com, where she also features resources for writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 20, 2016
Ella believes in the supernatural. She visits her father's grave on a regular basis and will always be thankful to him for saving her life. She's never known him as he died before she was born, but she carries a part of him within her and she feels a deep connection to him. She loves séances and tarot readings. When Ella's life is about to change the cards give her a warning. Fortunately her father's grave will remain a constant, she'll be able to visit any time she wants to and she can talk to her dad about anything. Only what will happen when Ella starts to doubt the father she loves so much?
Ella's mother is about to remarry and that means Ella will have a new family. She's anxious, but determined to make the best of it, because she loves her mother very much. When Ella's dealing with a series of strange events and panics because of them, she thinks it's her dad, but is he really leaving clues for her or is she going crazy? Who can she trust and how can she make it stop?
Black Flowers, White Lies is a fantastic gripping story. I immediately liked Ella. She's a sweet girl with a good heart. Ella loves cats and volunteers at a shelter. She's great with animals and she genuinely cares about others. She's also into anything supernatural. I love books about ghosts and paranormal occurrences and Yvonne Ventresca manages to mix them easily with spooky scenes and scary appearances. I couldn't wait to find out what was happening to Ella and this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I'm always extremely happy when a book gives me an adrenaline rush and makes me guess and therefore enjoyed reading Ella's story a lot.
Yvonne Ventresca has a descriptive writing style that flows naturally. She effortlessly makes her scenes come to life. I loved how easily I could picture everything she writes about, it made the story extra creepy. Black Flowers, White Lies is also fast-paced and intriguing, which helps making it thrilling. There are plenty of surprising twists and turns and it was fun to find more and more pieces of the puzzle that Ella's life has become. Together everything results in a well written complete story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
Ella's mother is about to remarry and that means Ella will have a new family. She's anxious, but determined to make the best of it, because she loves her mother very much. When Ella's dealing with a series of strange events and panics because of them, she thinks it's her dad, but is he really leaving clues for her or is she going crazy? Who can she trust and how can she make it stop?
Black Flowers, White Lies is a fantastic gripping story. I immediately liked Ella. She's a sweet girl with a good heart. Ella loves cats and volunteers at a shelter. She's great with animals and she genuinely cares about others. She's also into anything supernatural. I love books about ghosts and paranormal occurrences and Yvonne Ventresca manages to mix them easily with spooky scenes and scary appearances. I couldn't wait to find out what was happening to Ella and this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I'm always extremely happy when a book gives me an adrenaline rush and makes me guess and therefore enjoyed reading Ella's story a lot.
Yvonne Ventresca has a descriptive writing style that flows naturally. She effortlessly makes her scenes come to life. I loved how easily I could picture everything she writes about, it made the story extra creepy. Black Flowers, White Lies is also fast-paced and intriguing, which helps making it thrilling. There are plenty of surprising twists and turns and it was fun to find more and more pieces of the puzzle that Ella's life has become. Together everything results in a well written complete story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
September 17, 2016
With its intriguing title and gorgeous cover, Black Flowers, White Lies immediately draws our attention and promises to be a great paranormal story, a frightening psychological thriller and a thorough exploration of loss and grief, all rolled into one. It is a pretty tall order for a relatively small book, so feeling mildly disappointed in the end doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Black Flowers, White Lies could have been a much better work, but it fell a bit short in execution and characterization.
Ella’s mother is getting married in a few days, but Ella struggles to let go of her father. He died before she was born, but she’s been thinking about him and visiting his grave her entire life. Ella is convinced that her father watches her and protects her, even though no one else understands her obsession. As a ghost story, Black Flowers merely scratches the surface and doesn’t give us nearly enough to justify describing it as such. Ella’s father could really be watching over her, or it could just be a figment of her imagination. There aren’t any definitive answers, which leaves us to wonder why this particular plot line was introduced in the first place.
The book fares slightly better in the psychological thriller department, where it at least makes a half-decent effort. The psychological mystery is thought through and developed, albeit with several plot holes, but the conclusion we work towards never actually comes. The person who works against Ella is painfully obvious from the start, and even though the red herrings draw our attention for a minute or two, we never really wander all that far. The biggest problem, however, is sheer lack of characterization for the villain. We never quite understand the person’s motives, and, without a final confrontation, we are left with a whole string of violent, manipulative actions that make very little sense. Motives are crucial for a good psychological thriller and leaving us without answers pretty much guarantees disappointment.
Nevertheless, Black Flowers, White Lies shows some potential and leaves things open for a (hopefully more focused) sequel, which has yet to be announced.
Ella’s mother is getting married in a few days, but Ella struggles to let go of her father. He died before she was born, but she’s been thinking about him and visiting his grave her entire life. Ella is convinced that her father watches her and protects her, even though no one else understands her obsession. As a ghost story, Black Flowers merely scratches the surface and doesn’t give us nearly enough to justify describing it as such. Ella’s father could really be watching over her, or it could just be a figment of her imagination. There aren’t any definitive answers, which leaves us to wonder why this particular plot line was introduced in the first place.
The book fares slightly better in the psychological thriller department, where it at least makes a half-decent effort. The psychological mystery is thought through and developed, albeit with several plot holes, but the conclusion we work towards never actually comes. The person who works against Ella is painfully obvious from the start, and even though the red herrings draw our attention for a minute or two, we never really wander all that far. The biggest problem, however, is sheer lack of characterization for the villain. We never quite understand the person’s motives, and, without a final confrontation, we are left with a whole string of violent, manipulative actions that make very little sense. Motives are crucial for a good psychological thriller and leaving us without answers pretty much guarantees disappointment.
Nevertheless, Black Flowers, White Lies shows some potential and leaves things open for a (hopefully more focused) sequel, which has yet to be announced.
September 2, 2016
Black Flowers, White Lies begins days before Ella’s mother is going to remarry. Ella’s father died before she was born, but she still feels a connection to him. He was her father after all. But Ella’s new step father is a nice enough guy, and he has a charming, attractive, son that Ella meets days before the wedding. It is because of the marriage that Ella starts learning secrets about her father, maybe he wasn’t the great veterinarian everyone thought he was? This question sends Ella down a path full of twists and curves. It turns what could have been a troupe filled story into a psychological thriller that I loved!
Ella is a character you can’t help but root for. She works at her mother’s bookstore, is trying to be a good friend, and LOVES cats! Honestly, LOVES, she wears cat themed shirts for most of the book, which made me like her even more.
The new step-brother, Ella’s best friend, and Ella’s new love interest round out the main cast of characters. And, as more and more creepy things begin happening, you are left to question whether Ella’s father is communicating with her from beyond the grave, Ella is losing her mind, or if these characters are hiding something.
My favorite aspect of Black Flowers, White Lies is that it starts off in one place and ends in a completely different one. What I thought was going to happen was completely wrong. It begins as a troupe-filled parent getting remarried story, morphs into a bit of a romance, and ends like a psychological thriller. I’ll be frank, the ending actually left me a bit scared.
Overall, this was a genuinely good read. I picked this novel up on a whim from Edelweiss and it has become one of my favorites so far this year. If you like a good psychological thriller get this book right meow!
Ella is a character you can’t help but root for. She works at her mother’s bookstore, is trying to be a good friend, and LOVES cats! Honestly, LOVES, she wears cat themed shirts for most of the book, which made me like her even more.
The new step-brother, Ella’s best friend, and Ella’s new love interest round out the main cast of characters. And, as more and more creepy things begin happening, you are left to question whether Ella’s father is communicating with her from beyond the grave, Ella is losing her mind, or if these characters are hiding something.
My favorite aspect of Black Flowers, White Lies is that it starts off in one place and ends in a completely different one. What I thought was going to happen was completely wrong. It begins as a troupe-filled parent getting remarried story, morphs into a bit of a romance, and ends like a psychological thriller. I’ll be frank, the ending actually left me a bit scared.
Overall, this was a genuinely good read. I picked this novel up on a whim from Edelweiss and it has become one of my favorites so far this year. If you like a good psychological thriller get this book right meow!
October 21, 2016
This is a who-to-trust story, and the answer for Ella quickly become "nobody." Not even herself. This is a well-plotted story of lies and treachery in which you follow Ella from knowing who she is and where she fits within her mother's life to a time when she doubts her own sanity. You must read to the end because Ella becomes important to you, and you root for her and her survival.
September 19, 2016
With Ella's mothers wedding a few weeks away, Ella finds herself thinking of her father, who died before she was born. Ella has always felt like her father has been looking out for her and feels he has a special connection with him. She likes her mums new boyfriend and all, she jut feel like she can't forget her own father. A few days before the wedding, Ella is set to finally meet her new step brother, Blake, and they seem to hit it off. He lets slip somethings that Ellas mum told his dad and that rocks Ella's world! Did her dad really die in a car accident? Why is she seeing things and experiencing things that can't be there? If she can't trust herself nor her mother, who can she trust?
Ella was such an amazing character!!! My heart broke for what she was going through but I kept rooting for her and hoping she would get better. She loved cats, worked in her mums book store and was just an all round nice girl. One thing I've found about this author is that she knows how to write a believable and relatable character. Both books I've read by her have proved this. All her characters are well rounded, well developed and unforgettable.
The plot of this was thrilling and gripping! I started this thinking I'd read a few chapters and then clean my kitchen, but that didn't happen!! I ended up reading half the book in that sitting and not wanting to put it down! The secrets, lies and deception that were unfolding were captivating. I needed to see where this was going! You think you know the way it's going, but you don't!! In all, I read this in a day and loved it. Judging by the ending, I'm hoping we get another book as there are quiet a few unanswered questions!!
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September 17, 2016Ella's dad died before she was born, but she feels like she knew him. (She credits him with saving her life when she was a kid.) Now her mom is getting remarried (which brings a new stepbrother, in addition to a stepfather) and Ella is falling apart. Weird things are happening and no one believes her--until it looks like she may actually be doing them herself. What is happening?!
I loved this book. It's an incredibly fast read and I was so curious about what was going on and who was responsible (and there are, like, a ton of credible suspects).
This book was an absolute delight and perfect for this time of year. (And if you're not good with super scary things, you'll be ok with this. It's creepy enough to give you chills while reading it but not so much that you'll have trouble sleeping. Win win!)
Recommended.
I loved this book. It's an incredibly fast read and I was so curious about what was going on and who was responsible (and there are, like, a ton of credible suspects).
This book was an absolute delight and perfect for this time of year. (And if you're not good with super scary things, you'll be ok with this. It's creepy enough to give you chills while reading it but not so much that you'll have trouble sleeping. Win win!)
Recommended.
July 19, 2016
BookReview: Black Flowers, White Lies by Yvonne Ventresca
I went into this with no expectations at all. I had never heard of it before or the author. However, something about the cover just called to me when I was browsing on edelweiss the other day. All I knew about it was that it was a YA Psychological thriller with a supernatural element. I didn't really read the blurb I just went straight into with an open mind and Oh. My. It was one hell of a read. I devoured it in a few hours. Which lately is a miracle for me.
Continue reading on the blog: http://weeshubbasworld.blogspot.co.uk...
Don't forget to leave a comment on the blog if you read the review and give us a wee "Like"
I went into this with no expectations at all. I had never heard of it before or the author. However, something about the cover just called to me when I was browsing on edelweiss the other day. All I knew about it was that it was a YA Psychological thriller with a supernatural element. I didn't really read the blurb I just went straight into with an open mind and Oh. My. It was one hell of a read. I devoured it in a few hours. Which lately is a miracle for me.
Continue reading on the blog: http://weeshubbasworld.blogspot.co.uk...
Don't forget to leave a comment on the blog if you read the review and give us a wee "Like"
May 11, 2018
The whole time i was reading the book, there was a question in my mind nagging at me over and over again " what's the point of this?" and i don't really have an answer. for me, it felt aimless with no purpose.
Full review now posted
I’ve read this book in a day and in that same day, I forget what the book was about, what the characters names are and what actually happened and how it even ended. So memorable, it definitely was not. So what’s there to talk about in this case, nothing probably? And that’s why this is going to be a very short review that goes straight to the book.
This book was so unimpressive that all I felt was the emptiness inside of me getting bigger and bigger with every turned page. I didn’t care about the characters or what happens to them. I was not invested in anything about the story whatsoever. The only character that made me feel something was the MC’s cat.
So in the universal game of epic or fail, I’m going with fail without a question or doubt in mind.
Full review now posted
I’ve read this book in a day and in that same day, I forget what the book was about, what the characters names are and what actually happened and how it even ended. So memorable, it definitely was not. So what’s there to talk about in this case, nothing probably? And that’s why this is going to be a very short review that goes straight to the book.
This book was so unimpressive that all I felt was the emptiness inside of me getting bigger and bigger with every turned page. I didn’t care about the characters or what happens to them. I was not invested in anything about the story whatsoever. The only character that made me feel something was the MC’s cat.
So in the universal game of epic or fail, I’m going with fail without a question or doubt in mind.
October 6, 2016
I loved this book. I only wish it was 20 pages longer because I didn't want it to end. The story, characters, and the writing are great. It is filled with mystery and intrigue and everything rings true. Don't miss reading this book. It's another great read from Yvonne Ventresca.
March 9, 2018
I remember seeing the cover of BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES by Yvonne Ventresca and thinking, "Wow, that's a really striking cover." I wanted to know what it was about, so great work by the art department. Even with its gorgeous cover, where this book shines is in the storytelling. We meet Ella days before her mother's wedding, getting ready to meet her new stepbrother Blake for the first time. The wedding is hard for Ella because her father died before she was born and she always felt his presence in her life. Even more difficult to adjust to is the truth of her father's death and the betrayal she feels from her mother. As she gets to know Blake while her mom and stepfather are on their honeymoon, strange occurrences make Ella question if she's being haunted or, worse, if the events are hallucinations created by her mind. The book rises to a gripping conclusion that you can't put down.
Ventresca's writing is smooth, and the characters are well-drawn. Ella is a sympathetic main character, and you can't help but feel betrayed along with her. Ventresca mentioned that this book is a kind of YA version of the old film "Gaslight," and she does a great job with the psychological suspense and Ella's questioning of what's real and what's in her mind.
Ventresca's writing is smooth, and the characters are well-drawn. Ella is a sympathetic main character, and you can't help but feel betrayed along with her. Ventresca mentioned that this book is a kind of YA version of the old film "Gaslight," and she does a great job with the psychological suspense and Ella's questioning of what's real and what's in her mind.
September 15, 2016
Turns out, this book is just the kind of thing I am always looking for. This novel focuses around Ella Benton during the summer before her sophomore year. Already dealing with the typical problems of teenage life, Ella is processing the upcoming marriage of her mom and the addition of a step-brother she has never met. Compounding this is the growing disconnect between her and her best friend, Grace. Seem stressful enough? Have I mentioned that she also has a near obsession with her dead father and a preoccupation with the supernatural?
Like many of my favorite books, the supernatural elements in this book start with a slow burn and rapidly culminate after the first five chapters. Mixing together the ideas of never truly knowing others, or ourselves, Ventresca weaves a completely believable tale of teenage longing: the longing to be connected to something bigger, something outside ourselves. But what is this thing Ella is connected to? Is this a story of a haunting or a story of mental instability? The best part about this narrative is that rather than keep you guessing the entire book, the author cleverly lays clues to misdirect the reader at every turn. By the time the truth is revealed, it is no longer a question of whether or not you guessed the truth, but rather, how did Ventresca have us wound so tight? Like any great storyteller, her version of foreshadowing actually creates an atmosphere where you wholeheartedly relate to Ella. And what more could we really ask for in any book?
Therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the YA genre, anyone who loves tales of the supernatural, or anyone who likes to feel connected to a protagonist while also experiencing a fast moving plot. Believe it or not – good character development with a fast moving plot can be hard to find these days. As far as low points? I could only find two. The first is that some of the transitions between scenes felt a little choppy. However, I think this was solely due to the formatting on my kindle. If this kind of thing bothers you, I’d recommend the print version. Secondly, while I love the ending to the story, I do wish that the author would have unpacked the content in the last few pages a little more thoroughly. And by thoroughly, I really mean in greater length! By this point, I was so invested in Ella, that I just wanted a little bit more of her. If this sounds at all like something you would like, please check it out. Trust me, you will read it in one sitting.
Curious about more content? This book would make a great book club pick to discuss mental health, family dynamics, belief systems, inadvertent bullying, and differences in emotional needs.
Like many of my favorite books, the supernatural elements in this book start with a slow burn and rapidly culminate after the first five chapters. Mixing together the ideas of never truly knowing others, or ourselves, Ventresca weaves a completely believable tale of teenage longing: the longing to be connected to something bigger, something outside ourselves. But what is this thing Ella is connected to? Is this a story of a haunting or a story of mental instability? The best part about this narrative is that rather than keep you guessing the entire book, the author cleverly lays clues to misdirect the reader at every turn. By the time the truth is revealed, it is no longer a question of whether or not you guessed the truth, but rather, how did Ventresca have us wound so tight? Like any great storyteller, her version of foreshadowing actually creates an atmosphere where you wholeheartedly relate to Ella. And what more could we really ask for in any book?
Therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the YA genre, anyone who loves tales of the supernatural, or anyone who likes to feel connected to a protagonist while also experiencing a fast moving plot. Believe it or not – good character development with a fast moving plot can be hard to find these days. As far as low points? I could only find two. The first is that some of the transitions between scenes felt a little choppy. However, I think this was solely due to the formatting on my kindle. If this kind of thing bothers you, I’d recommend the print version. Secondly, while I love the ending to the story, I do wish that the author would have unpacked the content in the last few pages a little more thoroughly. And by thoroughly, I really mean in greater length! By this point, I was so invested in Ella, that I just wanted a little bit more of her. If this sounds at all like something you would like, please check it out. Trust me, you will read it in one sitting.
Curious about more content? This book would make a great book club pick to discuss mental health, family dynamics, belief systems, inadvertent bullying, and differences in emotional needs.
September 6, 2016
Black Flowers, White Lies is a suspenseful teen thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and pounding through the last 100 pages. Ella, the main character, is a fairly regular teenage girl who loves her best friend, Grace, her cat, Oscar, and her mother. Ella lost her father when she was young, but had always felt a supernatural connection to him. The book opens with Ella's mother preparing for her new marriage and Ella meeting her new stepbrother, Blake. What follows is an incredibly twisted and suspenseful story about psychology, sociopaths, love and death. A real page turner!
August 14, 2016
Review to come
September 21, 2016
YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
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October 18, 2016BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES is an alarming book from Yvonne Ventresca. Following the life of a teenage girl living in the midst of supernatural events, this book will leave you with a feeling of unease.
Ella lost her father to a tragic car accident before she was born, but she has felt a powerful connection to him since the day she heard a man advise her to wait before crossing the street. Obeying the voice, Ella stopped walking, causing her mother to turn back for her. Moments later a vehicle came crashing down the street to the spot where they would have otherwise been. Wishing for a tighter bond with her father, Ella develops into a cat-lover and a vegan. Much to her mother’s dismay, Ella frequents the cemetery her father was buried, once leaving a muddy handprint on his headstone and always a single pebble for each visit.
After Ella’s mother remarries, Ella is left at home with her new step-brother, Blake, while their parents go to Paris for their honeymoon. During her mother’s absence, Ella’s life unravels when Blake convinces her her mother lied about the circumstances of her father’s death. When markings begin to appear on walls and a handprint matching that in the cemetery shows up on the bathroom mirror, Ella begins to question herself. Is her dad is trying to warn her of imminent danger? Or are these supernatural occurrences all in her head? But when new information surfaces, the pieces fall into place and Ella unearths the truth about a new person in her life.
Ventresca provides readers with a psychological thriller as Ella battles events believed to be only in her head. Ella is a well-developed character offering a multitude of traits. She is a strong female lead; intelligent, independent and passionate. I found it easy to connect with her because she was portrayed as a benevolent person willing to risk it all for those she cares for. The other characters were also well-written, especially Blake. Blake gave off a dangerous vibe from the beginning and he was completely unpredictable throughout the story. Unfortunately, I felt the plot fell short of my expectations. The plot had a lot of potential, but it lacked the parts that would have made the story complete. When the book ended, I was still left wondering why the protagonist made the decision to follow out with their actions. Overall, Ventresca produces a suspenseful and intriguing novel. Released just in time for Halloween, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES is perfect for people who want to enjoy a little fright but still want to be able to sleep at night.
Reviewed by Mikenzie Reed
Ella lost her father to a tragic car accident before she was born, but she has felt a powerful connection to him since the day she heard a man advise her to wait before crossing the street. Obeying the voice, Ella stopped walking, causing her mother to turn back for her. Moments later a vehicle came crashing down the street to the spot where they would have otherwise been. Wishing for a tighter bond with her father, Ella develops into a cat-lover and a vegan. Much to her mother’s dismay, Ella frequents the cemetery her father was buried, once leaving a muddy handprint on his headstone and always a single pebble for each visit.
After Ella’s mother remarries, Ella is left at home with her new step-brother, Blake, while their parents go to Paris for their honeymoon. During her mother’s absence, Ella’s life unravels when Blake convinces her her mother lied about the circumstances of her father’s death. When markings begin to appear on walls and a handprint matching that in the cemetery shows up on the bathroom mirror, Ella begins to question herself. Is her dad is trying to warn her of imminent danger? Or are these supernatural occurrences all in her head? But when new information surfaces, the pieces fall into place and Ella unearths the truth about a new person in her life.
Ventresca provides readers with a psychological thriller as Ella battles events believed to be only in her head. Ella is a well-developed character offering a multitude of traits. She is a strong female lead; intelligent, independent and passionate. I found it easy to connect with her because she was portrayed as a benevolent person willing to risk it all for those she cares for. The other characters were also well-written, especially Blake. Blake gave off a dangerous vibe from the beginning and he was completely unpredictable throughout the story. Unfortunately, I felt the plot fell short of my expectations. The plot had a lot of potential, but it lacked the parts that would have made the story complete. When the book ended, I was still left wondering why the protagonist made the decision to follow out with their actions. Overall, Ventresca produces a suspenseful and intriguing novel. Released just in time for Halloween, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES is perfect for people who want to enjoy a little fright but still want to be able to sleep at night.
Reviewed by Mikenzie Reed
January 5, 2017
This book had me hooked right from the start. Ella Benton's father died just before she was born, but that doesn't stop her creating an image in her mind of how her father would have been had he lived, especially as she's convinced he once saved her from death from beyond the grave. Now her mother is remarrying and she's to get a stepbrother. Things are changing, but is it for good? Strange things start happening to Ella, but who can she trust enough to share it all with? She's only just met her stepbrother, Blake, though he seems friendly and supportive, wanting the pair of them to be open and honest with each other. But it's his honesty that shakes Ella's world apart. Has Ella been told the truth about the circumstances of her father's death? Has her mother been covering things up all her life and what bearing might this have on Ella's own state of mind? Is she being haunted, as she was beginning to believe, or is she actually insane? Twists and turns kept me guessing the whole way through the story. All the characters are developed well and Ella's voice is spot on. I loved this book enough to read it in one go...I just had to know the answer to the mystery before I could go to sleep!
August 10, 2020
With its intriguing title and extremely beautiful cover, Black Flowers, White Lies immediately drew me in and promised to be a great "thrilling and paranormal" story from the get go. A "frightening psychological thrill" is also what I was promised when I picked it up but I just think that is waaaay too much for this simple (and very short) story. After I finished, it was just okay to me. Nothing blew me away except for the cover.
The story itself could have been executed in a much nicer / neater way. Organization is key, guys! A strong plot is also a huge plus for me with these types of genres and I thought this one was just all over the place. I think because of the way the writing presented itself to the reader-- it came off very sloppy as a whole.
The way this book is portrayed is a pretty big order for a very small book, so when I was feeling disappointed in the end it didn't come as a big surprise to me. Five years ago-- I think this book would have been a complete hit with me. But now, it just fell super flat knowing how much my tastes in thrillers / paranormals have changed.
The story itself could have been executed in a much nicer / neater way. Organization is key, guys! A strong plot is also a huge plus for me with these types of genres and I thought this one was just all over the place. I think because of the way the writing presented itself to the reader-- it came off very sloppy as a whole.
The way this book is portrayed is a pretty big order for a very small book, so when I was feeling disappointed in the end it didn't come as a big surprise to me. Five years ago-- I think this book would have been a complete hit with me. But now, it just fell super flat knowing how much my tastes in thrillers / paranormals have changed.
December 2, 2017
Why do books like this pain me with their existence? I hoped for something just one tiny bit spooky, but what I really got was teen melodrama with a garbage ending (not that any part of the book was actually good).The attempted use of psychology doesn't even keep me interested because it comes across as moronic drivel. If your edition has the blurb on the cover from a psychologist, take note it only mentions he liked the book, not that the psychology was factual or even engaging. Blake, the Ella's step-brother, said someone breaking in to her apartment just to leave dirty handprints on the bathrom mirror is odd "from a psychology standpoint." That's odd by anyone's standpoint, you hack, but nice try at sounding smart. I really, really hate this book for its stupidity; I simply can't say that enough.
October 9, 2016
I truly hate to give one star ratings.
The work that must go into getting a book published is just incredible, but this book really was not for me.
The plot outline sounded perfect, just my kind of read but it just didn't deliver.
The plot line was so predictable, there wasn't one point were I didn't know what was going on. which was a problem since the mystery was the main element of the book. And the characters, I didn't like a single one. There were all so petty and annoying, they all read like they were young children with the decisions they were making.
Defiantly not for me.
The work that must go into getting a book published is just incredible, but this book really was not for me.
The plot outline sounded perfect, just my kind of read but it just didn't deliver.
The plot line was so predictable, there wasn't one point were I didn't know what was going on. which was a problem since the mystery was the main element of the book. And the characters, I didn't like a single one. There were all so petty and annoying, they all read like they were young children with the decisions they were making.
Defiantly not for me.
October 9, 2016
In Black Flowers, White Lies, a high schooler is dealing with her mom's wedding, a soon-to-be stepbrother who happens to be hot, and some haunting truths about her father. At the same time, strange things are starting to happen all around her. Is her father communicating with her from the grave? I came into this story expecting suspense and got so much more. I can see why this author won the very coveted Crystal Kite Award for her previous book. She creates rich characters you grow to care about deeply, coupled with a story that will draw you in from the start. Don't miss this one!
April 18, 2017
A quick, easy read. Was 5 stars all the way. I enjoyed the characters, plot and pace.
May 11, 2019
Ella sees these strange signs that have to do with her father. That would be scary enough, but who is Blake? Her mother is getting married. The new husband. You have a slew of things swirling around her life. This fast paced book is full of twists lies from friends, con games and cats.
I enjoyed the story and how all these issues intertwined. The last forty pages kept me glued to the end.
Three stars
Ella sees these strange signs that have to do with her father. That would be scary enough, but who is Blake? Her mother is getting married. The new husband. You have a slew of things swirling around her life. This fast paced book is full of twists lies from friends, con games and cats.
I enjoyed the story and how all these issues intertwined. The last forty pages kept me glued to the end.
I enjoyed the story and how all these issues intertwined. The last forty pages kept me glued to the end.
Three stars
Ella sees these strange signs that have to do with her father. That would be scary enough, but who is Blake? Her mother is getting married. The new husband. You have a slew of things swirling around her life. This fast paced book is full of twists lies from friends, con games and cats.
I enjoyed the story and how all these issues intertwined. The last forty pages kept me glued to the end.
December 6, 2017
This is a YA/Teen thriller... I thought it was well written and fast paced.. I could not put it down.. not sure how realistic it is but it was definitely suspenseful.. and perhaps somewhat plausible.. Ella the main character lost her father in tragic circumstances before she was born and she feels she has a connection to him... that has warned her of possible danger in the past... when her mom remarries she meets her stepbrother and they bond... during the time the parents are off on their honeymoon strange things start to happen to Ella.. she's not sure if they are real, imagined or she is doing them herself... excellent read.. don't be put off that it is a Young Adult book...
April 16, 2018
It was a page-turner that I read in one sitting! I think a lot of my students will really enjoy this psychological thriller.
February 2, 2019
This book was amazing, I could hardly put it down. Can't wait to read more books from Yvonne Ventresca
August 25, 2017
Let me start by saying I really doubted that I would like this book when it was suggested to me because it's a YA title. Boy, have I never been more wrong! I worried I'd miss the darkness that I thought would be too risqué for a book from a Children's imprint, but the author definitely has some devious, twisted, and down right messed up stuff going on in this story! When things finally started unravelling (at a speeding pace I could hardly beak from) I couldn't believe where it went and the ending left me completely speechless! If you like mysteries and thrillers, give this one a read. Be warned: there are A LOT of cats.
February 25, 2017
I loved this book from the beginning. I was caught in the story and finished riding the wave in less than 24hrs. great book!
February 17, 2017
Quite interesting, this book. At first you'd feel you're reading yet another YA fiction maybe, but the suspense they build up is amazing. Overall, a good time-pass.
What didn't really go down good with Me is how the accused gets away so easily. He simply vanishes and doesn't even get back for any kind of revenge after being caught. Especially after the extent of deviousness he had shown. Strange, really.
What didn't really go down good with Me is how the accused gets away so easily. He simply vanishes and doesn't even get back for any kind of revenge after being caught. Especially after the extent of deviousness he had shown. Strange, really.
October 24, 2016
Ella Benton misses her father every day, even though he died when she was very young. She visits his grave and attempts a séance to talk to him. As her mother is about to marry again, Ella doesn’t want her father to be forgotten. When Ella’s soon-to-be new stepbrother reveals that he overheard a big secret about her father’s death from her mom, Ella is shocked. Instead of her father dying in a car crash, he may have died in a mental hospital. Together, they try to get to the bottom of what really happened, and mysterious clues lead to Ella wondering if even she has been hiding something from herself.
What I Loved:
BLACK FLOWERS WHITE LIES has a fantastic, engaging premise. I love the set-up of the mystery behind her father’s death and the creepy happenings from the handprint on the mirror to the bloody signs. Alongside the mystery is a complex look at what happens when two families merge together and how to keep memories alive, even while moving on.
Ella’s dynamic relationship with her mother is another highlight. She loves her mom dearly, but when she suspects her mom has been keeping the truth from her, Ella wonders if she can trust her mom. Her mother is protective and supportive, even if a bit misguided at times, and their relationship feels so realistic and genuine.
What Left Me Wanting More:
While the premise held so much promise, the plot ultimately did not work well for me. The signs pointing to the truth are a bit obvious, and I was easily able to work out what was going on before I made it halfway through the story. However, readers who aren’t well read in psychological thrillers may find the twists more shocking.
Final Verdict:
Though I didn’t find any surprises in the story, BLACK FLOWERS WHITE LIES is an overall enjoyable read that explores the ways of the mind.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
What I Loved:
BLACK FLOWERS WHITE LIES has a fantastic, engaging premise. I love the set-up of the mystery behind her father’s death and the creepy happenings from the handprint on the mirror to the bloody signs. Alongside the mystery is a complex look at what happens when two families merge together and how to keep memories alive, even while moving on.
Ella’s dynamic relationship with her mother is another highlight. She loves her mom dearly, but when she suspects her mom has been keeping the truth from her, Ella wonders if she can trust her mom. Her mother is protective and supportive, even if a bit misguided at times, and their relationship feels so realistic and genuine.
What Left Me Wanting More:
While the premise held so much promise, the plot ultimately did not work well for me. The signs pointing to the truth are a bit obvious, and I was easily able to work out what was going on before I made it halfway through the story. However, readers who aren’t well read in psychological thrillers may find the twists more shocking.
Final Verdict:
Though I didn’t find any surprises in the story, BLACK FLOWERS WHITE LIES is an overall enjoyable read that explores the ways of the mind.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
February 17, 2017
Life for Ella Benton has always lacked something-her dad. He was killed in a traffic accident before she was born. Despite never having seen him, she feels a very strong connection, even believing he’s somehow watching over her and that the number eight, or multiples of it are lucky (his birthday was on the eighth of August)
When her mother decides to remarry, She’s okay with the idea, although realizing that having her new step-dad Stanley living in their apartment will take some adjustment. He has a son from a previous marriage, Blake from whom he’s been estranged for most of his son’s life, Since the wedding was agreed upon, Stanley has been trying to make amends and rebuild a connection with Blake.
When his son comes to stay for the wedding and a while after during the honeymoon in Europe, Ella is initially pleased. It will be nice to have someone around during Mom’s absence, but then things start going off the rails. Strange handprints appear, her best friend, Grace starts acting secretive and denying things Ella believes happened. Blake tells her mother told Stanley that Ella’s dad didn’t die as she believed, but in a mental hospital and then gets faxed records supposedly showing his admission to such a facility. Ella begins hearing strange noises and things begin vanishing. As the number of odd events increases, she’s no longer certain about people or events and begins questioning her own sanity. Is it possible that she inherited her father’s mental illness?
Readers will find the constant twists, intrigue and red herrings all blend to make for a dandy psychological thriller. They may put some of the puzzle pieces together, but will have great fun doing it. This is a nice choice for both school and public library collections.
When her mother decides to remarry, She’s okay with the idea, although realizing that having her new step-dad Stanley living in their apartment will take some adjustment. He has a son from a previous marriage, Blake from whom he’s been estranged for most of his son’s life, Since the wedding was agreed upon, Stanley has been trying to make amends and rebuild a connection with Blake.
When his son comes to stay for the wedding and a while after during the honeymoon in Europe, Ella is initially pleased. It will be nice to have someone around during Mom’s absence, but then things start going off the rails. Strange handprints appear, her best friend, Grace starts acting secretive and denying things Ella believes happened. Blake tells her mother told Stanley that Ella’s dad didn’t die as she believed, but in a mental hospital and then gets faxed records supposedly showing his admission to such a facility. Ella begins hearing strange noises and things begin vanishing. As the number of odd events increases, she’s no longer certain about people or events and begins questioning her own sanity. Is it possible that she inherited her father’s mental illness?
Readers will find the constant twists, intrigue and red herrings all blend to make for a dandy psychological thriller. They may put some of the puzzle pieces together, but will have great fun doing it. This is a nice choice for both school and public library collections.
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