The Care and Handling of Roses With Thorns Audiobook

" For her second book, Margaret Dilloway did a great job telling this story. I liked how her inspiration came from her sister-in-law who was a kidney transplant patient. I found it sad that the main character, Gal, didn't receive her transplant in the end. But I think this is how it must feel to a lot of people going through this. I felt like the sister, Becky, could have been a little more developed but seeing as the story was being told mostly about Gal, the sister is just a side character that probably didn't need much time in the book. "

" I loved this book! Gal's transformation was like the blooming of a rose, and a few thorns remained, just like life. "

" A beautiful character-driven story. I enjoyed each character and what they brought to the story. It reminded me a little of "The Language of Flowers." I found the parts about the roses and the rose shows interesting, but it was the characters, Gal and Riley who I fell in love with. These were characters I could see traits of myself in. I was teary in some parts and laughing in others. I highly recommend this story! "

" I really enjoyed this book-well written, interesting and great characters. "

" Sometimes it's nice to read a book whose plot plays out exactly as you'd expect, which makes you feel exactly how you'd expect to feel while reading it. A very pleasant read. "

" Easily putdownable. The author seems to pile on one unappealing feature after another until, after one or two attempts, I gave up. Gardening holds no appeal for me and, well, just no. "

" I really liked this book. Touching, without being maudlin. Realistic character growth and the main character reaching more/some self-awareness, with shades of grey between good and bad. Margaret Dilloway writes prickly characters very well. "

" Great book! About rose culture and dialysis, but really about the warm but prickly relationship of a teacher with her teenage niece who is dropped off at her door when her feckless sister takes a job in Hong Kong. "

" a sweet tale. learned about roses. quick, captivating read. "

" I found this book delightful. Even though the story wasn't that complex, it was well written and I completely got sucked into Gal's life and hobby. "

" Loved the prickly narrator and the story. I really hoped for more, but the ending was way too traditional happiness. "

" A gentle read. Single professional woman with health problems is asked to care for her niece until her mom returns from Asia. Minor problems ensue. Nothing to keep you up at night, but a nicely paced book. "

" Very fun Interplay of roses-thorns-parenting-illness-prickly character themes. Learned quite a bit about rose propagation and kidney dialysis; life lessons throughout.I'm reminded not to judge others for not knowing their journey. Affirming, thoughtful, characters I will remember, especially Gal. "

" I kept hoping the main character would redeem herself from the awful, selfish, unreliable narrator that she continued to be. My hopes were sadly unfruitful. "

" This book evokes similarities to The Language of Flowers with a few key differences. The passages about Gal's hobby felt like lectures, but fit with her personality. And Gal is a richly drawn character you'll root for as she blooms like the roses she breeds. 4.5 stars. "

" I loved this book. I loved the quirky, unlovable rose growing teacher-aunt, and the niece. I learned more than I ever thought I could about roses. I was a delightful book. "

" Simple book. Easy to read, no major ah ha moments. "