The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland - A Review

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland is one of those books that pulls you in right away. The cover is beautiful, but the story inside is just as powerful. It’s emotional, heartbreaking, and ultimately about healing, love, and finding your way after trauma.

The story follows Alice, who grows up in a very isolated and abusive home. Her father is controlling and violent, and her only comfort comes from books and spending time in the garden with her mother. After a devastating tragedy, Alice is sent to live with a grandmother she never knew on a remote flower farm. There, she’s surrounded by women who are all carrying their own pain, and for the first time she experiences safety, connection, and a sense of belonging.

As Alice gets older, things become more complicated. Her grandmother is loving but extremely overprotective and keeps important secrets from her. When Alice discovers the truth, she runs—literally as far as she can—ending up in the Australian desert. The desert sections were some of my favorite parts of the book. They’re quiet, beautiful, and reflective. Unfortunately, Alice also falls into a relationship that mirrors her childhood trauma, which was hard to read but felt very real.

This book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, and at times that can be frustrating. A lot of the characters are deeply flawed, and many of them make terrible choices. There’s a lot of secrecy, betrayal, and toxic behavior, which might not work for everyone. Some storylines also felt unfinished by the end, and I wished a few things had been wrapped up more clearly.

That said, the writing itself is gorgeous. The way Ringland describes the Australian landscape—the coast, the desert, the flowers—made me feel like I was there. I also loved how each chapter begins with a flower and its meaning. It’s a really nice touch and adds an extra layer to the story.

At its core, this is a story about women surviving, supporting each other, and doing the best they can with what they’ve been given. None of the women are perfect, but they feel real. That’s what stuck with me most.

Overall, this is a moving, thought-provoking read. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it stays with you. Just be aware that it includes various forms of abuse.

★★★☆☆

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