Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

Even as a child, Cassandra Finlay shows a natural gift with plants and flowers. That’s how she discovered the rare and treasured Christmas bloom she’s kept as a symbol of happier times. After her mother’s horrible illness and death, Cassandra is left vulnerable and falls prey to men who only take advantage of her. Then Keanu Rivers returns to town, searching for a fresh angle after leaving his former career as a renowned New York chef. Their childhood friendship sparks into something electric, but disaster strikes before it can fully blossom. Secrets simmer beneath the surface of their safe little town, and a conspiracy threatens to pull everything into its depths. An unexpected visitor brings disruption and spite. Cassandra and Keanu’s fledgling relationship won’t be the first victim of the corruption at the heart of Hidden Glen in A Flower from Keanu by María Elena Alonso-Sierra.

I love the main characters in María Elena Alonso-Sierra’s sweet romance novel, set in the beautiful town of Hidden Glen. Cassandra is plucky and determined, but worn down by her mother’s devastating dementia. The portrayal of Althea’s illness is heart-rending and realistic, showing a disease that has eaten away at her essence and turned her into someone monstrous. I felt the immense compassion woven through each flashback, and it was powerful. I enjoyed the sweetness of Cassandra and Keanu’s attraction and the wholesomeness of their love story, contrasted with the nastiness of the returning prodigal. This contemporary sweet Christian romance has all the ingredients for a great read, anchored by its prevalent theme of hope. The supporting characters are beautifully crafted—loyal, well-meaning, and the kind of friends we’d all love to have. The Christian element is gently understated, and I thoroughly enjoyed A Flower from Keanu.