About the Book

Book: A Year of Flowers

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 18, 2024

In this collection of four heartfelt novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness–and love–remain elusive.

In An Apology in Bloom, wedding florist Jaime Harper is on a meteoric rise, working for an event company led by a successful and way-too-handsome boss. When a letter arrives from her past mentor with an offer too good to pass up, will she stay or head back to her hometown?

In A Bouquet of Dreams, Claire Murphy has always dreamed of owning a flower shop, and when her employers hint at retirement, she believes her moment has arrived. But first she must confront her past–and the man who caused her to flee her hometown years ago.

In A Field of Beauty, Tessa Anderson has found an acre of farmland to start her flower farm and forget the past. She’s grateful for the help of two men–her boyfriend, Tyler, and a quiet soil specialist named Dawson. But as the farm finally starts to bloom, Tessa will discover something that challenges everything she’s built.

In A Future in Blossom, Jaime, Claire, and Tessa return to their hometown, finally ready to face each other and their beloved mentor, flower shop owner Rose Reid. As they unite to pull off an extraordinary wedding, amid the flurry of preparations they just may find their way to forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Year of Flowers: Friendships in Full Bloom

If you’ve ever tended to a garden, you know that flowers and friendships have a lot in common—they both need a bit of love, attention, and sometimes, a good pruning. That’s the heart of my novella collection called A Year of Flowers, stories of three teenage girls who bonded over bouquets and blossomed into best friends under the guidance of Rose, the wise and wonderful flower shop owner.

But life, much like a garden, doesn’t always go according to plan. On one sweltering August day, something dreadful happens in the flower shop, and the girls, who once shared everything, suddenly vanish from each other’s lives.

Seven years later, we find out where each girl, now a young woman, has gone. Their love for flowers is still in full bloom. Jaime’s taken her talent to the big city, working as a floral artist for a high-end event agency in NYC. She’s turning heads with her extravagant designs, but something’s missing—maybe it’s the simple joy she once found in that small-town flower shop.

Claire has run off to Savannah, Georgia, where she’s knee-deep in blooms, working in a flower shop with dreams of running the place one day. She’s got her eye on the prize, but she’s also discovering that you can’t outrun the past, no matter how far you go.

Then there’s Tessa, who’s found solace in the soil of Asheville, NC, where she’s started a flower farm. It’s a peaceful life, but even in the quiet of the mountains, memories of that summer day haunt her like the mist that rolls over the hills.

As each story unfolds, we see that, like flowers, friendships need TLC. They can wilt easily without care and attention. And sometimes, a good pruning is necessary, to help it grow stronger.

In the final novella, the three young women are drawn back to where it all began—the flower shop, and to Rose. It’s time to dig up the past, clear out the weeds, and see if their friendship can bloom again. After all, just because a garden has been neglected doesn’t mean it can’t be revived with a little care and attention.

So, if you’re a fan of flowers, friendships, or happy endings, get a copy of A Year of Flowers. It’s a reminder that with the right care, both flowers and friendships can flourish, no matter how long they’ve been left untended.

Interview with Suzanne

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t know if there was a lightning-bolt moment, exactly, but I do remember writing my first “book” when I was in sixth grade. It was about the volcano eruption on Pompeii—a true page-turner, let me tell you.

How long does it take you to write a book? 

Deadlines help! Actually, each book has its own rhythm—some come along more swiftly than others. Usually, though, it’s a few months of solid writing, then another month or so to edit, revise, polish. Lots and lots of polishing.

What is your real-life work schedule like when writing? 

I’m an early morning writer. I get up around five am and work until I hit my daily word count. Later in the day, I’ll answer emails or handle marketing and promotion tasks. Here’s a saying that rings true for me: “There’s gold in the morning hours.”

What are your favorite books to read? 

I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction, but I can also lose myself in a good memoir. I read a lot of non-fiction, too. There’s something wonderful about reading other writers’ takes on life and character.

When did you write your first book and how old were you? 

Besides the epic Pompeii novel, my first book was published when I was in my forties, just as my kids were starting to head off to college and I had some margin in my life. But prior to that, I was a freelance magazine writer.

How do you create your main characters? 

Sometimes it’s just an inkling, and then as I start putting a character on the page, they become more real. Or maybe…more three dimensional. I like characters with lots of flaws—someone who surprises you by not fitting exactly into a box.

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book? 

Writing is a joy, but every part of it has its challenges. The start feels like trying to launch a wobbly airplane—lots of effort to get airborne. The middle? Endless sky, with no end in sight. And landing—tying up loose ends, making sure everything holds together—requires all the precision of a pilot on approach.

Then comes the “wait” while the manuscript is with the editor. That part? Torture. But when the feedback is good—and the revisions are light—it’s like a smooth landing after a long flight. There’s no better feeling!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

I’m happiest with my hands in the soil, tending to my garden—there’s something therapeutic about digging in the dirt. I also play a fair bit of tennis (I won’t say I’m good, but I’m enthusiastic!). Yoga keeps me limber, and then there’s my very large, very lively family, who I spend as much time with as possible. And of course, I have a wonderful circle of friends who remind me that life isn’t all work and word counts. 

What does your family think of your writing? 

Generally, they’re very proud of me. In truth, they get a little annoyed when I’m preoccupied or busy with a looming deadline.

Do you base your characters on real people? 

I’d have to plead the fifth on that one! Actually, my characters are often bits and pieces from people I’ve known, combined with just enough imagination to make them distinctly their own people. So while no one’s ever an exact match, there are plenty of familiar traits in there. I will say that people get nervous around me.

Have you experienced writer’s block, and how do you handle it? 

No. Honestly, I don’t even believe in it. Writing is a discipline. That doesn’t mean “every hour is billable,” but this career requires drive and determination. Don’t wait for “the muse” (whatever that is) to show up. Start typing and it’ll come.  

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

If someone had told me I’d end up writing over 40 books, I would’ve sprinted for the hills! Yet, here I am—somehow it happened, one book, one word at a time. It’s proof that even the longest journeys are just a series of small steps. Or, in my case, thousands of pages.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 

I’ve written quite a few—over 40! Asking me to choose a favorite is like asking which of my children I love the most. Each has its own special memories and quirks. But I do have a soft spot for my most recent book—it’s always that “new baby” feeling. That said, if you ask me to recommend just one book of mine to read, I might suggest “Moonlight School.” It’s based on a true story of the woman responsible for eradicating adult literacy in Appalachia. I want everyone to know about this remarkable American history. So inspiring!

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

The best place is my website: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com You’re invited to sign up for my newsletter—the spot for exclusive contests, giveaways, and updates. I like to take good care of my readers.  

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

Yes, I’m working on a new series set in the National Parks. “Capture the Moment” is the first in the series, releasing in early May 2025—there’s mystery, romance, and a dash of history. Plus, it’s a dream come true to write about places so wild and beautiful. Keep an eye out; I can’t wait to share more soon!

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 11

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 12

Book Looks by Lisa, January 12

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 13

Simple Harvest Reads, January 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

She Lives to Read, January 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

For Him and My Family, January 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16

By the Book, January 17

Wishful Endings, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Pause for Tales, January 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 19

Cover Lover Book Review, January 20

Lighthouse Academy, January 20

The Avid Reader, January 21

Stories By Gina, January 22 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , January 23

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23

Batya’s Bits, January 24

Holly’s Book Corner, January 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54129