The Blue Iris by Rachel Stone delivers a multi perspective story surrounding the people who work one summer at the Blue Iris flower shop. Narrated by Jeannie Sheneman & GM Hakim, we deal with loss, mystery, hope, friendship, betrayal, and new beginnings. A touching tale not to be missed.
by Rachel Stone
Narrator: Jeannie Sheneman, GM Hakim
Length: 11 hours and 41 minutes
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Narrator
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.35x
A PenCraft Spring '24 Best Book, Feathered Quill Silver Winner, BookLife Editor's Pick, and NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite
SOMETIMES, UPROOTING THE THORN-FILLED PAST IS THE ONLY WAY WE BLOOM...
Tessa Lewis is set to embark on a Big-Time Career and marry Toronto's fastest-rising lawyer, who loves her to pieces. But when a visit to a flower market from her childhood sparks memories of the mother she lost too soon, Tessa puts her bright future on hold to work there, determined to come to terms with her past.
At the Blue Iris Flower Market, everything is blossoming except the rag-tag crew, each hiding deep scars of their own. When Sam, the beloved but troubled man in charge, takes off and leaves the market reeling, Tessa and her unlikely new friends come face-to-face with their most uncomfortable truths, uprooting lives carefully cultivated--and just maybe, unearthing everything they've ever wanted.
Told from multiple perspectives, The Blue Iris is an intricately woven exploration of love tested beyond its limits, chosen family, and the beauty that grows in letting go.
We meet Tessa Lewis, a recent graduate who is ready to embark on her career and marry her friend Will, a fast-rising lawyer. After a health scare from her grandparents, Tessa visits and drives past The Blue Iris flower shop. It brings back memories of her mother whom she lost too soon.
The shop calls to Tessa, and she decides to take a summer job there. Just the summer to reflect before she steps into her career and role as wife. It’s obvious Tessa has some things to work through, and the shop with its long hours, heavy loads and cast of characters allows for growth, finding of self, found family and healing.
I loved the crew who work at the Blue Iris. Each character is unique. Some have shared history, and they have become a family of sorts. While the story is told from multiple perspectives, it works and works well. Tessa is the main character as we go through her summer of self reflection, but each of the others has a story and place. Stone weaved them in and together brilliantly, like a perfect bouquet.
I got caught up in not only the daily comings and goings of this small business, but in the people who worked there and whose lives were vested in the Blue Iris. We have mystery, romances, loss, frustrations, trust issues, and more. I love how invested I became in these characters and the outcome of their story.
Each chapter begins with a flower. I loved these little tidbits and the inner workings of a small flower shop/nursery. The narration performed by Jeannie Sheneman and GM Hakim was wonderful. Each captured the voice of the characters, the tone of the story and their emotions. I highly recommend listening.
Fans of small-town, women’s fiction romance with mystery,and character growth will want to meet Tessa’s new found family in The Blue Iris.
About Rachel Stone
RACHEL STONE writes stories of hope and redemption, set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her debut novel THE BLUE IRIS is a PenCraft Spring ’24 Best Book, BookLife Editor’s Pick, Kirkus “Get It” Pick, NYC Big Book Awards Distinguished Favorite, and Feathered Quill Book Awards Silver Winner. Her internationally acclaimed lyric essays have appeared in numerous literary magazines, journals, and blogs. Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She lives near Toronto, Canada, and on summer weekends you'll find her on Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock off-key from her paddleboard.
About GM Hakim
GM Hakim (He/Him) is a full-time voice actor who does voice over work in eLearning, audiobooks, animation, audio guides, documentaries and docuseries, video games, audio dramas, corporate narration, explainers, promos, and more. GM has voiced projects for Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, MARVEL SNAP, Novartis, EF (Education First), Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Dreamscape Media, The U.S. Federal Highway Administration, Cleana, HAWK University in Germany, Château de Bouteville in France, Nacon, and the Chaffee County Visitor’s Bureau in Colorado.
About Jeannie Sheneman
Jeannie Sheneman is a classically trained actor who has been acting in some form for over twenty years. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan's theater program with a minor in English literature, so what better career for her than audiobook narrator? Jeannie has launched into the industry with the down-to-earth-velvety sparkle she brings to narration. She has the uncanny ability to relay an author's story with truth and rawness, opportune wit, thoughtful introspection, and, if requested, some sass (or a lot). One high schooler, a middle schooler, and a couple of silver Labrador pups covers her time not spent in the booth. If she gets a free moment you may find her picking hornworms off of her tomato plants, dancing in her kitchen with knives (just making dinner, no worries), knitting a fine hat, baking like she's the next contestant-to-be on The Great British Baking Show, watching classic movies, or sitting on the porch with coffee, French wine, or a bourbon. And she always has a book in print nearby, and a book playing in her ears.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rachel
Thank you so much for listening and this thoughtfully laid out review! I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Jeannie and GM did an incredible job 🙂
Kimberly
Agreed. Thank you for introducing me to it 🙂
Katherine
I like the sound of this one! What a lovely cover. I think I’d pick it up for that alone so I’m glad that the story was good too!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m pretty sure I”ve listened to the female narrator before. I love a mix of women’s fiction, romance and mystery. I need to check this out!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I think I would really enjoy this. Great review!