Oh! This is a big one. Here’s my wonderful review from Publishers Weekly on 2/8/10:
Forget-Her-Nots Amy Brecount White. Greenwillow, $16.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-06-167298-9
The mysteries of Victorian flower lore pervade White’s debut, in which 14-year-old Laurel strives to shape a new life after her mother’s death from cancer. Hoping a change of locale will help her grief, Laurel enrolls in the boarding school her mother attended. Once at Avondale, she discovers a bewildering ability to stir up emotions by creating floral bouquets, and she’s soon in demand by students with a variety of motives. Following the definitions in a serendipitously found book, The Language of Flowers, and reciting her mantra (“Bright cut flowers, leaves of green, bring about what I have seen”), Laurel tries to understand and properly use her gift, while coping with typical teenage dilemmas and uncovering her family’s flower-related history. White aptly renders big and small dramas against the backdrop of Laurel’s struggles with her “flower power,” and deftly walks the line between reality and fantasy without crossing it. A delicate sense of magical possibility and reverence for the natural world help elevate White’s story from a typical prep-school drama into something more memorable. Ages 12–up. (Mar.)
Thanks to all of the people who have blurbed about or WOW’d or read FHN already. Here are some of the awesome reviews so far:
“Forget-Her-Nots is a rich and original debut by a very talented debut author that yet again proves what a fantastic year 2010 is going to be for YA…. In all, Forget-Her-Nots is a darling and enchanting read that I can’t wait to talk about with others!”
- Lauren of Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf.
“Forget-Her-Nots was a great read with a wonderfully original premise. I loved learning about the Victorian language of flowers and what each variety was thought to mean – the feelings and behavior it might provoke.
There were beautifully written passages throughout the book, one flashback between Laurel and her mother a favorite of mine. Very enjoyable and totally appropriate for younger YA readers on up!”
- Jen Nadol, author of The Mark
“Like the petals of a rose, this book has layers of loveliness. The delicate and feminine cover adds to its beauty and will make a wonderful addition to any library.”
- Christina Gonzalez, author of The Red Umbrella
“Very cute, original plot, and a fun read.” Sharon of Sharonlovesbooksandcats.com
“4.5 stars!” - Cindy Pon, author of Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia
“I love this book so far. It’s really addicting” and FIVE STARS from Zoe of Zoe’s Book Reviews
“I’m one of the lucky ones to have been able to read this pre-published. It is a unique fantasy that will delight all readers with a compelling mystery and lots of fun romance! You will also come out learning a lot about the Victorian meaning to tussy mussies (or flower bouquets) that has stayed with me ever since I read the manuscript. If you love historical romance as well as contemporary YA plotlines, this is the book for you.” – Pam Calvert, author of Princess Peepers and other picture books
