Ever wondered about the magic it takes to craft a story? Join us on Sunday, August 10 from 2:00- 3:00 pm at C. Burr Artz Library to hear from Laura Resau as she discusses the writing process behind her latest novel The Alchemy of Flowers. The story follows a woman who takes a unique job in France tending to an ancient garden, wherein she discovers new friendships and a mystery that will change her life. Following her presentation, Laura will answer questions and sign books. Copies of The Alchemy of Flowers will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is free and open to the public. For accessibility requests, email
aW5mbyB8IGN1cmlvdXNpZ3VhbmEgISBjb20= at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
This event is presented in partnership with Frederick County Public Libraries.
About the book: A broken woman. A mysterious job ad. A chance to heal in French castle gardens–but strange things are growing behind the ancient stone walls. This debut adult novel is an enchanting, modern-day take on The Secret Garden, sprinkled with magic. Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen.
Help Wanted: In search of a gardener for the ancient walled Jardins du Paradis in the South of France. Unique and rustic lodging provided. Off the grid in all ways. One must grow flowers from one’s merde . . .
Exhausted by fruitless attempts to make a family, Eloise takes the chance of a lifetime to answer an ad in a French gardening magazine. To fly away from her life in the States and tend to both her shattered heart and the flowers of Paradise. And best of all for her . . .
Absolutely no children allowed on the premises.
Within the high garden walls, Eloise starts to learn the strange rules of the elusive estate owner. Living and working in isolation with her three companions, she finds her heart opening again to friendship–and realizes she’s drawn to the handyman, Raphael. The flowers whisper to her, enchanting, delighting, healing. But why are the workers forbidden from going out during dusk? Who is the “Goddess of the Garden”? Is her mind playing tricks on her, or does she see a woodsprite flitting through the trees? The giggles and glimpses of a little girl haunt her and make her question: What is real in Paradise and what is illusion?
Eloise tries to rationalize her uneasy feelings and the darkness she uncovers beneath the garden’s lush beauty, but as she digs deeper into the mysteries of her sanctuary, she begins to suspect there’s a child on the grounds–who may be in danger. When Paradise becomes a deadly prison, she must risk everything to protect her newfound family and claim her second chance at happiness.
“The Alchemy of Flowers captivates the senses as well as the imagination in a magical tale of healing and forgiveness. Resau has written with great heart an eerie yet deeply touching story that keeps the pages turning until the very end.” –Melissa Payne, bestselling author of In the Beautiful Dark and The Wild Road Home
About the author: Laura Resau is the author of The Alchemy of Flowers, her debut novel for adults, and eleven acclaimed books for young people. Her novels won five Colorado Book Awards and appear on best-of book lists from Oprah, the American Library Association, and more. Trilingual and with a cultural anthropology background, she’s lived in Provence and Oaxaca, and now teaches creative writing at Western Colorado University. You might find her writing in her cozy vintage trailer in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she lives with her rock-hound husband, musician son, wild husky, a garden of healing flowers, and a hundred house plants. Learn more at
http://www.lauraresau.com
Connect on social: Instagram: @lauraresau
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