Flowers in December

Flowers in December #1

by Jane Suen

Connor Norton returns to his hometown, following the death of his mother, knowing that he will have to confront personal feelings of guilt and regret. It is a place he has barely set foot in for the past 20 years.

Caught in the period of his life where the vibrancy of youth has diminished and the prospect of becoming middle-aged is looming, Connor finds that he is suddenly alone in the world and must somehow reshape his future and face his own mortality.

With only Tom, the family’s orange tabby cat, as his constant companion, he considers new possibilities and new directions. But will Connor be able to lay the ghosts of his past to rest? And will his return later, to the place he once called home, be enough to let him break free from the remorse which he has carried since he was 18?

In this tender, heartwarming portrait of a man who finds himself trapped between his past, his present and the future, where will this new journey lead Connor and what will the future hold when he gets there?

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2016

About the author

Jane Suen is a USA Today bestselling author who writes mysteries, sci-fi thrillers, short stories, contemporary romance, and crime fiction.

She is a transplant to the South who has taken a liking to grits, iced tea, and snow cones - so she's there to stay.

For more, join her newsletter ➜ https://BookHip.com/FRPLCVT

Reviews

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flowers in December by Jane Suen

5 Stars

Miss Suen has found a way on to my favorite author list. I think what I love most about her is that you never know what your going to get when you read her books. She is definitely not predictable and that’s just one of my favorite things about her.

I was able to feel every single feeling that Connor was feeling in this book. I lost my Mom just a few years ago and it changed my life. This story was as real as it gets, there was no added drama and major twists and turns, I did kind of feel like I knew what was going to happen but it was more like it was what I was hoping would happen, and I've let my imagination take over the rest.

This author is a definite one click, her words flow so perfectly and her storylines are out of this world, and I can not wait to see what she comes up with next. I loved loved loved this book.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Late night read :

I'm 11% done with Flowers in December: Every chapter so far has begun with the word ‘Connor’. The writing is stilted and unnatural and for a successful businessman Connor doesn’t seem to have much backbone. Too many proper nouns instead of pronouns, too many ‘Connor’s on the pages (I counted 5 on one page) Dnf . Life is too short.

Update.
A droplet fell , and then another as his tears turned into a torrent. No longer caring who would hear him, he released his sobs and wailed into the silent walls as if they could comfort him.
Connor knelt in front of the coffin and whispered her name. First he spoke softly and gently, between sobs racked with pain. The he shouted her name, over and over, as if he could bring her back. He lost track of time. Eventually, his sobs subsided.

(the next paragraph begins: Connor lay crumpled next to her coffin.... )

This is a 38 year old successful businessman who has 'climbed the corporate ladder'. Come on... really ?? Lying on the floor next to his mother's coffin and bawling like a child? That sounds seriously effed up to me. AND especially when we read that he got plenty of whippings for his mischief when he was a little boy.

The story starts with Connor looking at his mother who is lying in her coffin but THEN (when he has got over his hysterics (rolls eyes here) he gives the undertaker a new dress and her favourite string of pearls to wear with it, saying that I'd like for her to wear this dress and the pearls for her viewing and the burial.

I may be completely wrong here but surely once the body is in the coffin it is 'ready' for burial? The body only goes into the coffin when all the preparations are complete.

Anyway, I read to the start of Chapter 6, reading through several seemingly pointless scenes that had no 'point' ( a florist telling Connor that lilies are toxic to cats, an equally pointless scene with a lawyer where nothing happened) and I gave up.

[Ellie Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowers in December, by Jane Suen is a charming tale of life and friendship during a time of intense loss. Connor may have lost his dear mother but he has not yet lost his passion for life and perhaps even for love.

This sweet short introduces characters that are pure of heart and provide a meaningful connection to our main character. There is little to no conflict throughout, but the story will work to warm your heart.

I wasn't sure where the plot was leading me but I can say this- it was a pleasure to read and left me feeling happy and fulfilled.

I would rate this book 4/5 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a short, sweet read that provides a feel-good sensation upon completion. A perfect short read for summer.

[Kayla Krantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Flowers in December is a simple and quick read, it’s also powerful and filled with some impacting moments. This novel encases what it’s like to lose a parent and all the emotional steps a person must go through in order to achieve acceptance. For 38-year-old Connor, facing the death of his mother is the hardest thing he’s had to do but in the aftermath of his grief he learns a lot about who he really is.

The writing style is very sweet and simple. While at first it seems as if there is no real conflict in the story, it becomes clear that Connor’s own decisions are what pushes the story forward. This is a touching example of literary fiction at its finest.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowers in December by Jane Suen is a book of loss and acceptance. I related to this book In many ways as I too have lost my mom. From a young age I have been part of the “losing a parent club” this book was refreshing in the sense that grief is raw and can hit you at any time. Death is definitely a hard topic to write about and I think Jane did a very good job. This is my third book by her and I enjoy her writing style. I am excited to read other books by her. Overall I enjoyed it and really got it for lack of a better phrase. 4 star rating.

[Sara Oxton]

Flowers In December by Jane Suen a four-star read that will move you. This is a heartfelt and compelling read about love, loss and grief and depending on your relationship with your own parents depending on how much you will get out of this book as we get to hear the story of Connor Norton a young man who goes on a surprising journey of self-discovery. The only fault I found with this was that I could have read so man more pages. Each of the character had their own part of the story to tell, even the tom cat had his part to play. Just like the other works I have read by this author a very enjoyable read overall.

[Davida Chazan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although Suen writes very nicely, I think she needs to work on the old "show, don't tell" part of her writing. Her protagonist Conner seems like a nice enough person, but overall, he's pretty bland, and I really felt that there were things that didn't fit well. Grief is a powerful emotion, and I felt that while reading this, that Suen held back and didn't let all of the emotions into the character or the story. Plus, there's a twist in the end that simply doesn't make sense. This could be a really lovely book, but I'm afraid it fell short for me. Sorry!

[Heather Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very touching stand alone novel. I have read a few stories from this author and she keeps on surprising me. This book will give you all of the feels. It made cry tears of pain and also joy. I was hooked on the very first page. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing read.

Connor Norton is returning to his hometown to bury his mother. He can’t believe how fast the years has gone by. Connor has been so busy with his career he has no social life. When he gets home it feels like he never left. Connor starts to realize that he is now alone and that makes him remember all the good times. He inherits the family cat Tom. Connor starts to feel like he can have a future that he always wanted. Connor meets new people that he builds a relationship with them. He wants to make a new life for himself but can he let the past rest or will it continue to haunt him?

I absolutely loved this story. This is a very heartwarming story about what life could be if you just believe. The storyline is brilliant and it will keep you wanting more. You will fall in love with Connor. He is such a gentleman that gets lost in his own world. He finds out in the end what life should be about. This author makes you feel like you are there with the characters and I love it. I just wished there was a little more of an ending. It is still a must read especially if you have lost someone close to you. This story will help you heal. I can’t wait to see what this talented author will write next.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flowers in December by Jane Suen is a book that makes you think and feel, there is no way around it … At the same time it is not dramatic … it is like a flowing river with different random swirls that pull you down and you end up gasping for air … those feelings I was referring to …
Connor Norton, the only one left of his family, and the family’s orange tabby Tom stick together to reconcile with the life after the death of the mother … Finding their way out together … accepting each other … it is time to re-evaluate your life and try to bridge the gap between the past and present and the future … how do you get out of the world you have created for yourself … how do start living the life that involves also the other people … will you be open to friendships formed in the time of loss … do those relationships last to change the course of your life …
I loved the story and once you finish it, you leave feeling awake and possibly also a little healed … Thank you Jane Suen for this wonderful heart-warming story and I know I will be looking for more of your writing!

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor at thirty-eight, only son of an ordinary couple, is the local boy who made good, working in a senior position in the city. His mother’s sudden death comes as a shock and, through memories, he regresses to the simpler world of his childhood, as he carries out all the duties of the last member of a family left alive. His mother’s funeral, when all the arrangements are made and townspeople he scarcely knows, are assembled, is the most beautiful piece of writing I’ve read in a while, and not in the least depressing.

Most of the story moves at a gentle pace, kept alive by the people Connor meets, and even more constantly by his mother’s cat, Tom. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy small-town tales with more than a hint of romance.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really hesitant about reading this novella. While I have enjoyed everything I've read by this author, I was afraid of the subject matter. I am so glad I took a chance.

This is a fast read that is lyrically written in a light manner about what could be a dark subject.

It is straight forward, simply stated, and heartwarming . I don't believe there was a single swear and there was no sex or sexual inuendo and I would absolutely recommend this story.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a good read at all. Only read to the end because I can't not finish a book I've started. Would not recommend.

[Tina Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowers In December was a great short story. It's packed with emotion. I could relate to this story so well since I have loss both of my parents.
Connor who is an only child returned home to bury his mother. He's has already lost his dad so he feels alone. He finds himself thinking about his life and feelings of emptiness. Although he is successful in his career he doesn't have anything else going on in his life.
He reflects on his present and his past as he lays his mother to rest and gets her affairs in order. I was very touched while reading this and it made me think of myself and the feelings I had after my parents passed.
This story shows how Connor comes to terms with his life. I cried and smiled as I went on this roller coaster with Connor.
I enjoyed this book even though it was dealing with grief and that is a hard subject to read about at times. I thought it was well written and would recommend reading it.
4 Stars

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Flowers in December is a beautiful story by Jane Suen. I have read a few of Ms. Suen’s books now and enjoyed them all, but I have to say that this one is definitely my favourite so far. Having lost a parent myself, this story touched a cord with me and I could really relate to Connor and what he was going through.
This story may be small when it comes to pages, but doesn’t lack in the content department. Ms. Suen had me hooked quite quickly and held my attention the whole way through. As it is a short story, I finished it in a small amount of time- but because of the way the author infused so much emotional content into the story- it has stayed on my mind even after moving on to other books since finishing it. That is a great sign of a talented author and a wonderful story.
The story deals with and explores quite a lot in a short space- loss, grief, mortality, the passage of time, realization/discovery, learning to let go of the past, being hopeful, embracing life, and making meaningful connections. The story was relatable and entirely believable.
There were some truly beautiful passages throughout this book that lifted the story from being heavy or depressing- giving it some very touching/heart-warming qualities.
The only thing that I felt could have been improved was that the ending was cut a little short, but that didn’t really detract from the overall story.
I wonder what Ms. Suen has up her sleeve for us next. She certainly likes to surprise us!

Thank you, Ms. Suen!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star

Flowers in December  By Jane Suen

 

Flowers in December by Jane Suen is a story about the loss of a parent and of yourself. This was a emotional roller-coaster ride from the beginning to the end. .I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I've read other books by this author and this one ranks high on my list of favorites from her.My emotions were all over the place with this story,grab a box of kleenex. This is the story of a man who has just lost his mother and just returned home and he's realized he has no one left in his life.This character broke my heart loss of any kind is hard,but losing a parent is just painful. He know finds himself not only mourning the loss of his mom and also the loss of the life he once had.

Would you have ever thought one could get companionship with a cat?well he does its not just any cat but the one left behind by his mom.Is the cat the answer to his healing?He's just simply lost in his life can he find his way back and heal?This story really touched my heart as I understand what he's gone through. I highly recommend this book and think you will find it just as healing.i look forward to reading more from this author.

[Marina Osipova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul-warming story

So much love in this short book. As a reader, through the main character, Connor Norton, I experienced the loss of his mother, the nostalgia for the home he left twenty years ego and his childhood, for the quiet life in a small town, his pain of being alone and a heart-wrenching revelation at the end of the tale. In the language easy and pleasant to read, the author touches important philosophical questions about the core human values, about our environment that often blocks from us what is really important in life.

The ending may bring you either to tears or goosebumps. That’s what happened to me. Yet you have to read the story to find out what feelings it would evoke in you. An important book. Highly recommended.

[Marty Langenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Nicely told' is part of the problem with this book. I would have enjoyed it more if there was more 'showing' of what Connor goes through. Yes, he is distraught because his mother has died and he is now alone in the world. There are two occasions when he breaks down and cries but those scenes did not grab me at all. There was much hinting that Connor might change his life style now that he realises his life has little meaning until now. Did he actually leave home to get away from his father? In the end, I was confused. The revelation at the graveside when he finally reads his mother's letter, followed by his meeting with the overbearing woman in the flower shop - what was that all about?

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story deals with an adult man coming to terms with his mother's death, and the fact that he is now all alone in the world. Although a little melancholy at times, it is sensitively written and guides the reader through the protagonist's various stages of grief. Given the subject matter, the novella is the perfect length for conveying Connor's thoughts and feelings without becoming too overwhelming. I liked the ending, and the fact that Connor takes his time to think about what he wants from his life without rushing in headfirst.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well....I can't honestly say I liked or disliked this book. I feel kind of ambivalent about it. It was very short compared to most books I read, and the pace of the story was slow. I actually felt bored at times, but there were also some interesting aspects as well. I feel like there should be more to it. I understand that it was about Connor coming to accept things about his life and the death of his parents. And he needed to have closure about some things that he chose to avoid earlier in his life, but I feel like there should be more.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this story needed more substance. It felt disjointed and skimmed the surface of what was going on in the story. Conner's mother has just passed away and he is realizing that he truly is alone. Returning to his hometown he begins to strolls down memory lane, but not all memories are happy. He meets the florist and finds that he has an attraction to her. This is his story, but I felt like scenes could have been elaborated on to help build a connection.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heartfelt story

I’ve had this and the sequel in my e-library for awhile. My mother died on Valentines Day 2019 so I wasn’t able to start this book for emotional reasons. Mom’s 82nd birthday would be next week, so I thought I’d start it and see how it went. This is a lovely story about a good son and a great mom and a living childhood. Did I cry? Of course. But I also smiled. A lot. It is a very quick read and I’m looking forward to starting the sequel tomorrow.

[R.T. Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely touching and bittersweet story of Conner's attempts to deal with the recent passing of his mother and the basic challenges the death of a parent presents. It's a very heartwarming, quick read that spans only five months time, yet forces Conner to confront decades of anguish and resentment, head-on. Very well-written and highly recommended.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re my pride and joy, always remember this.”
“Connor lay crumpled next to her coffin, not willing to get up just yet, not ready to leave. He let his mind wander, thinking abut his mother, himself as a little boy. This was the one time; the one trip Connor had never wanted to take.”
This was such a compelling short read by Jane Suen. We first meet Connor grappled with grief at the casket of his mother. It has been a long time since Connor has come home and now it’s too late to really even call it home. He was the only one left of his small family, besides his mom’s cat Tom. This book is a brief but profound journey of grief. We follow Connor in the year after his mother’s death, and see what grief really does to him. I loved meeting all the characters of the small town where he grew up and how they all played a role in the grieving process.
This book was really wonderful and had a great way of being brief yet covering all the processes of grief that overcomes anyone who has experienced a loss, especially one of a parent. I have not read any other works by Jane Suen but I am really anticipating finding out what other works she has and devouring them. I loved her writing style and that she was able to express so much in such a short book. This was a five-star read for me hands down. There are a few quotes that I just loved and wrote down as I was reading this book that I will close my review with. I think that they really express what it meant for Connor to process the death of his mother and all that it entailed.
“This was the moment when he realized the beauty of it all. At that moment, he put aside the sorrow. For her was here, among all these people, in this sacred place, surrounded by beauty, music, and love… there would be no sorrow. No sorrow would be sent to her along the way where she must go now. They would send music, happiness, and love. For where she was going, there would never be any pain or sadness; there would be only eternal joy. And there, he firmly believed, she would forever rest in peace. The thought of his mother in eternal peace calmed and comforted him…”
“As life was inevitable, so surely was death. He would be her child forever. She would be his mother forever. Nothing would ever change that. Ever.”
“Connor was alone in this world. He let that thought sink in. He had not wanted to face this before. He always had a home to come to. He had never wanted to think about the inevitable, that some day they wouldn’t be here and there would be no one to come home to. Or, that there would be no home at all. An empty house was not a home. It was not even close. Grappling with his thoughts, he focused on what to do now. Grief was pushed aside momentarily as he threw himself back into work.”
“He had to feel the grief, to feel the pain of loss, and the void that could never be filled. There were no words to describe it. It was the way it was, the way it had to be. Nothing he could ever do, no matter how hard he tired, could bring her back. He relived his past, his last moments with her.”
“Nothing in this world could fix the pain. It was too much to bear. Now in the silence of his room, he faced the pain. All of it. Alone.”

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Flowers in December, a touching book by author Jane Suen, Connor is back to bury his mother after twenty years away from his hometown. While dealing with his loss, Connor realizes that he may have been missing something by spending all of his time working and away from his family over the years. Having now lost both parents he finds he’s all alone and is surprised that he is now in this position, maybe he shouldn’t have wasted his life working so much. Surprisingly enough Connor finds that through his mother’s passing he has made several friends some of which are the florist, pastor and his daughter, as well as his mother’s neighbor lady, Dottie. Things have changed so much in the little town or maybe it’s Connor that has done all of the changing? With the help of his mother’s friends and cat Connor deals with his grief and may have learned something about himself and what he wants from his life.
This book had an interesting storyline, when I first started reading it all I could think is this is going to be morbid, I was totally wrong about that. While not bright and sunny at times it did have some sad moments and some equally light moments. It made you think, especially if you have ever lost someone close to you, about how you grieve, how you are living your life, and if you are alone because you want to be or because it just happened while you were busy with other things.
I did enjoy this story, although at points I felt it was a little too simplistic and Connor didn’t act like your typical thirty-eight year old man. Would I recommend it? Absolutely!

[Misty Ziegler · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3 stars***
Flowers in December by Jane Suen

Flowers in December is a heartwarming novella by Jane Suen that I give 3 stars. The story follows a man going back to his home town after his mother passes away and how he deals with his emotions and grief after this loss. Regret and sadness mixed with a bit of self-discovery and soul searching as Conner thinks of his past and his present and also begins to think seriously about what will make him feel happy and whole in the future.

While the story followed Conner as he sorted through his childhood home and the memories those things brought on, he was able to enjoy bonding with his mothers cat, visiting with people from town, and getting through a huge list of tasks to get his moms final affairs and her possessions all sorted out. This was a sweet little story that covered the topic of loss and bereavement in a very sensitive way. The characters in the story were relatable and the author did a nice job of describing people, places, and things in ways that allow you to picture them in your head. The conversations between characters sometimes seemed to lose my attention and I found myself distracted and skimming, but overall the story progressed in a nice way, showing how a person may be impacted by their relationships with family members when faced with them leaving their lives unexpectedly. This novella didn’t suck me in or have me feeling strong emotions, but I enjoyed the very quick read and good ending.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowers in December
By Jane Suen
⅘ Stars

Flowers in December by Jane Suen is a heartfelt and deeply compelling story. You can relate it to in so many ways!! I know I sure did!!
It’s an incredible journey about Connor Norton who after losing his mother, discovers himself along the way. He is stuck between past, present and future. But where will he truly be happy and at peace? Sometimes you, have to put the past behind you, and move forward.. as best as you know how!!
I lost my mom on January 11,2011. So I know and understand how Connor feels, completely lost and alone. Losing a parent changes you ! It doesn’t matter if you know it’s coming or if it’s unexpected. A part of you breaks, when losing a parent! A part of you will never be the same again!!
Jane tells this story in such a beautiful and relatable way!! You can feel Connor’s heartbreaking despair! I know how that feels… just like it was yesterday.
I have read several books by Jane before. They are all different and wonderful! This one is no different! As heartbreaking this story was… it tells such a wonderful story!! It’s amazingly written! You can tell she has been through loss before. She just understands the pain and anguish you go through. The emotional roller coaster journey you go through!! Amazing job, Jane… until next time!!

[Angela Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor has come home, after barely stepping foot in this small town, after 20 years to bury his mother. He is an only child, his father has already passed away, so he is all alone. Well, he does have his mom’s cat, Tom. With only Tom by his side, Connor will have to learn to start dealing with the past that has haunted him since he was 18.
Connor left the small town of Rocky Flats, and his parents, for the big city when he was 18. He went to college and has made a success of his professional life. Connor works long hours and so he doesn’t have time for a social or personal life. While he was so busy building his professional life, he only went home on holidays or special occasions.
While planning his mother’s funeral Connor comes to realize how loved his mother was in this small town. Pastor Maller, his daughter Eva, Dottie-his mother’s neighbor-, and even the florist Mary Ann all have fond memories of his mom. This small group help Connor show his mother the respect she deserves in her funeral.
This is the first of Jane Suen’s books I’ve read, but I hope I get the chance to read many more. Flowers in December is a very sweet, well written book. It considers what happens to us after death without getting to religious but is still comforting to anyone who has lost someone dear to them.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowers in December by Jane Suen is an emotional story about loss of a parent and loss of yourself. This is not my first book by this author but I think that this is my favorite so far of her books. I enjoy her simple writing style and the easy flowing of her stories. Her characters are lovable, connectable and will pull you into their world. This character took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that I cried a couple of tears with. This is the story of a man who loses his mother and has returned home to realize that he has no one left in his life. Not only does he need to morn the loss of his mother but the life that he once had. I love when an author puts an animal into the story to help someone heal and that is what this author has done here. He finds companionship in the cat that his mom left behind. Will this cat be the healing that he needs? Will he finally be free of the evils and be able to heal? This is a great strong character that really is just lost in his life. This story deals with a sensitive topic and the author has done a great job of getting across the compassion and healing that goes along with it. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to find out how strong the power of healing is.

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowers In December is the first book I’ve read by Jane Suen. Some, me included may think the book had a lot of parts thrown in as if to meet a word count. The book was fairly short but, could’ve been alittle shorter without the extras this reviewer felt were put in that really didn’t need to be there.

Connor Norton just found out his mother has passed away and is going home to the town of Rocky Flats to bury his mother and go through everything in the house. His dad had already passed away and Connor was an only child so noone else was left to do these things. Connor left home at 18 years old and moved to the city. He went to college, graduates and has been working his way up the corporate ladder. He’s only been back home for special occasions such as holidays and birthdays but his mom always wished he’d come back more often.

While Connor is there trying to tidy up the house and decide what to keep, donate and throw out, Mrs Raines from next door brings over Tom. Tom was Connor’s mother’s tabby cat. That cat helped Connor cope with the loss of his mother. At the end of the book we are told why Connor seemed like he was never close to his father and Connor also finds out exactly just how amazing his father really was.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowers in December by Jane Suen was a good book, with a hard topic. It is about a man who returns home, after his mother's death, to handle her affairs and estate. He must confront his past, and decide on his future. Does he want to sell his parents house, and continue his life, which is often empty and lonely? Or take a risk and move back to his small home town, that he fled from as soon as he turned 18? The author does a good job of addressing the hard topics, and feelings associated with death of a parent. We can see and feel Connor grieve, and work his way through loss, loneliness and regret. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships, and the small town feel. Connor seemed a little immature to me, but he flowed with the story. The author did a good job developing the town, including businesses and supporting characters.
I have read other works by this author, and while it was not my favorite, I still give it 4 stars and would recommend it to others. While it dealt with some heavy topics, it scratched the surface and kept it mild and cheerful enough for a younger audience to enjoy, and I think that was the intention of the author. I loved the ending, but I wont spoil it. Read it yourself to see what I mean!