It's tough being the only florist in a family of lawyers. Lily Farnsworth from Boston applies for a grant to open a new business and wins one - but she has to move to Kansas. A once-prosperous town is suffering from the closure of an aerospace manufacturer, and the grants are seen as a way to counter failing businesses and jobless locals. So Lily is committed to spending some of her own money and two years in the town of Byegones, running the florist's shop she's always wanted, called LOVE IN BLOOM. She's shy, and she hopes the locals are friendly.

Tate Bronson is the quiet farmer who collects Lily at the airport, along with his chatterbox young daughter Isabella. He's doubtful whether this Boston miss will survive without oyster bars and fusion restaurants, the bar- and-grills around here being more homey. And what's with all the luggage? But anything is worth a try to save his town. He's more impressed when the boxes turn out to contain shop supplies, and the town's senior ladies stop by next day and make Lily very welcome. Several new businesses on Main Street are planning a grand opening and everyone's pulling together to make it work. However, Lily learns that Tate's wife died several years ago, and he still has her photos everywhere, preferring not to move on with life.

From the slowing-down of the local economy to start, we quickly get into more progressive times and a storekeeper who sells gasoline by the gallon now, has every reason to be more optimistic. I appreciated a second contrast, with the farming setting and work, when Tate and Isabella, who is a great character, bring Lily to their home for an Independence Day meal. We learn how to make dewberry tea and a flag cake topped with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries. The unwelcome voice of reason reminds townsfolks that most people bake their own cakes and grow their own flowers, that they don't drive all the way into town just to drink iced coffee. Recessions are not easily overcome. The romance progresses just as gently and with its own setbacks, and while the good folk of Byegones ask God for guidance, they aren't slow about doing anything that's needed and helping others.

Arlene James has written a good romance full of character and inspiration, and LOVE IN BLOOM is a fittingly cheerful title. This is the first in a series of linked books by different authors.

Book Summary

Lily Farnsworth can thank a mysterious benefactor for the chance to open her own flower shop in Bygones, Kansas. But Tate Bronson is the biggest challenge the relocated Boston attorney has ever faced. Forget about tossing out the welcome mat—the handsome widowed rancher seems determined to keep Lily at arm's length. As everyone buzzes over the identity of the anonymous donor, Lily's doing her part to revitalize the struggling town. With the help of Tate's little girl-turned-matchmaker, can she create a garden of community and love deep in the heart of Kansas…and one special man?