"She had promised they were just friends. She had lied."

"No matter the broken pieces of her past, she was more than whole."

In this first book of a new series, Orchid Blooming by masterful descriptive author Carol Van Den Hende we not only experience the beginning of an epic once in a lifetime love story but we get the emotional blossoming of a young lady into womanhood, and it's a glorious awakening to behold.

Orchid, at 27 years old, is extremely career oriented and is determined to get the assignment that will not only send her to China but guarantee her promotion. What she doesn't expect is to meet the debonair Phoenix who not only helps her advance her career but open her heart to love, mainly love of herself.

At 11 years old Orchid witnesses the horrendous car accident that kills her parents. She suffers nightmares, anxiety and guilt. It isn't until she meets Phoenix and works on a project for Veterans that she realizes her own PTSD symptoms.

This a slow burn love story but it can't be any other way. Both Orchid and Phoenix have secrets, emotional pasts and a lot of walls built over their hearts. They need to find a way to love and accept themselves before they can be open with one another. They also need to understand they can heal their hurts but they can still be there for one another.

I was amazed at the care and kindness the writer gave to her characters. They weren't perfect, some were very flawed, they had reasons for their pain and yet, they were willing, with time and patience, to listen, learn and start to love. It's what we all need to do for each other and ourselves to bloom.

I received a free copy of this book from #Bookandwinelovers via #netgalley
for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters had so much depth to them, trying to navigate through many situations and expectations. I loved watching their development. Having worked in public relations, I could definitely relate to some of the office scenarios. But even if you haven't worked in public relations, the author does a good job of explaining it. This was a good book to start the series of Goodbye, Orchid. I recommend it.

Orchid Blooming by Carol Van Den Hende is a book I won’t soon forget. I want to go back and read her first book Goodbye Orchid but, my schedule says I have other commitments and I must wait. So, keep your eye out for that review. 

Orchid Blooming is actually the prequel to Goodbye Orchid which shows us how Orchid grows and becomes a more whole woman. She lost her parents at age twelve and always blamed herself and has suffered triggers since then.  

We also see how she met Phoenix and how their relationship grew along with each of them. Orchid is twenty seven years old and has fought and worked hard for everything she has. I admire this character. 

I loved the characters in this book. We get to see how they change simply because their paths crossed. Maybe that wasn’t so simple but, it happened and I think they made each other better people. The other characters were just kind of incidental and really just helped move the story along. 

I will tell you, at the end of the book there is a sneak peek at the beginning of Goodbye Orchid. Yup. I read it and my heart stopped! I had to do some exploration to see if I could get more info. I had to know or I couldn’t go to sleep. I had to know or I would have left some other authors without reviews that I promised. I HAD to know even if it meant dropping everything including sleep and reading the book. I HAD TO KNOW! 

This book was awesome. I can’t wait to get back to the prequel. I highly recommend this series. If you loved Jojo Moyes Me Before You series, you’ll love these books. Until next time…Happy Reading.

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

What a great story! The characters were complex but relatable. My heart really broke for Orchid but her strength also inspired me. I wish I could hug her and be her friend. I was rooting for her the whole time. The characters suffer through trauma and tragedy that is just so real.

The book also had some alternating timelines and I’m a sucker for those! I devoured this book in a weekend because I simply needed to know what would happen and I cannot wait to read the next book!

This is a beautifully written story about Orchid’s quest to get what she wants in the life she’s living. When she has the opportunity to go to China for work, although she thinks she won’t get the assignment, she goes all in. When she meets Phoenix at the Pyramid Club, she doesn’t realize the impact they’ll have on each other’s lives. I loved the variety of characters we meet during the reading of this book. No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens. I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

This is book one in The Goodbye Orchid Series and it is Orchid and Pheonix's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Orchid has gone through such a traumatic experience after she witnessed her parent's death as a child and she has never recovered from it but tries hard to carry on by being motivated and working hard to do the best that she can and when a opportunity at work for one person to go to China Orchid will do anything and everything possible to make sure that it is her as her mother was from China and she feels that it would bring her closer to her so she is determined even though she knows it will not be easy with the competition she is up against. When Orchid meets Pheonix there is a instant connection between them even though they are from completely different backgrounds but the more time that they spend together the stronger there feelings start to grow but with fear, doubts, insecurities and other struggles will they eventually begin to trust each other. Wow this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and will have you in tears many times and the story will stay with you long after finishing it and it is written with so much care and compassion on some really difficult subjects. This story takes you in and will not let you go and have you turning the pages because you just can't put it down and keeps your attention throughout the whole book and I can't wait to read more book's by this author in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

This book was just ok for me.
I read a little over half trying to get into it but just could not. It just was not for me.

It's very well written and I'm sure for some it's great. I know it is because I read the reviews.

Orchid saw her parents die in a horrific car accident and blamed herself. If only she had not stayed alone. If only. She was only twelve years old so of course it was not her fault. She grows up and is a very hard worker. Her best friend and her go out one night and she meets a guy and she's attracted to him even though she has sworn off relationships. She's trying to win a work trip to China and is devoting all of her time to that and she doesn't want to bring her problems into a relationship. But this guy is more than he seems. He has a secret. It involves Orchid.

I could not connect to any of the characters in this book and it just was not the type of book that I normally like. I can not name any specific thing but I was not able to get into it so had to stop. I can't say this one is bad, it's just not for me personally.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AzinePress for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

I'm giving it 4 stars because I believe it's worth reading for some. It's not a bad book it's just not for me.

Orchid Blooming is an emotionally charged, thought provoking and moving story full of compassion.

"If she went deeper, she sometimes felt she was forged from the painful markers of her life. Other times, she floated above it all, as if spun of steel from her Chinese warrior ancestors, and then merged with the beauty of fairy sprites."

I enjoyed this story about trust, second chances, and forgiveness. Both Orchid and Pheonix’s characters had so much depth, felt very real, and so did their budding romance.

Orchid is dealing with PTSD from a tragic event she experienced as a child. As I read, I could feel her fears, doubts, and depression. However, there was so much joy to be felt too, along with tender moments full of compassion and love, and I found myself cheering for both characters, but especially Orchid.

This may be a story that deals with heavy topics such as PTSD and trauma, but it has so much heart and is a story that touched my heart.

Thank you, Book & Wine Lovers, NetGalley, and Carol Van Den Hende, for this gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.

On the surface, Orchid Paige appears to be a bright, successful businesswoman. Born of a Chinese mother who died when Orchid was only twelve, she has a yearning to visit China. Now, the beauty industry marketing agency she works with has a vacancy in China. And Orchid is determined to get it.

Successful entrepreneur Phoenix Walker promises his father he will do a good deed for one of his father’s former clients, Orchid Paige. But Phoenix cannot tell anyone about the request.

After Phoenix makes a presentation at Orchid’s workplace, she is given the opportunity to volunteer at Phoenix’s nonprofit project, one that serves wounded veterans. This will be life-changing for Orchid in a couple of ways.

Orchid was witness to a tragedy in her childhood, and now occasionally experiences episodes of PTSD in her adult life. This project with the wounded veterans will help her learn to overcome her episodes of PTSD. Working with Phoenix, she gains self-confidence and increases her Mandarin skills. Even though she is strongly attracted to Phoenix, she tells herself that they will keep it strictly professional.

I really enjoyed the characters – Orchid, her best friend Mandy, Phoenix, his brother Caleb, and wounded vet Tammy. This is a story of compassion, overcoming trauma, secrets, and learning to trust.

This book is the prequel to “Goodbye, Orchid.” I think I am glad I read this one first as everything in “Goodbye, Orchid” will now be a surprise.

The author provided me with an advance digital galley, but all opinions expressed here are my own.

Carol Van Den Hende, the author of “Orchid Blooming” has written a heartfelt and captivating novel. The genres for this novel are Contemporary Women's Fiction, Fiction, and Romance. The timeline for this story is set in the author’s present and goes to the past regarding the characters and events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. There are secrets that some of the characters are burdened with. I appreciate that the author discusses essential topics such as PTSD, honesty and trust, forgiveness, kindness, and second chances.

Orchid Paige is a determined, motivated, and hardworking young woman. She is tormented by her past and has worked for everything she has. At her job, there is an opportunity for one employee to go to China, and Orchid will do anything that she can to achieve that position.

Phoenix is a wealthy, young businessman who offers to mentor Orchid to get the China assignment, and has her volunteer on a campaign with disabled veterans. Phoenix is a kind young gentleman but has a secret agenda in seeking out Orchid.

Both Orchid and Phoenix try to maintain a professional relationship, but both start to feel something “more”. Is it possible for the “Spark” to ignite into something? This is a series, but “Orchid Blooming” can be read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend this emotional and thought-provoking novel to other readers.

Very well-drawn characters. Their emotions, their restlessness was all playing in front of me. Everything was flawless about the book, including the title. A rich, vibrant romance that's a feast for all the senses!

This was a sweet, clean romance between two young professionals who are brought together by a tragedy.

I enjoyed meeting Phoenix and Orchid, and seeing their relationship grow despite their attempts to keep it professional. Phoenix seemed more mature than Orchid to me, but he didn't use it against her, instead he enjoyed introducing her to new adventures and helping to grow her career. I'd definitely read a sequel to see where their relationship goes next.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I was so excited when I learned that Ms. Van Den Hende was writing a prequel to Goodbye, Orchid that I couldn't wait to read Orchid Blooming! Returning to spend time with Orchid and Phoenix was something I looked forward to after the amazing story I will never forget in Ms. Van Den Hende's exceptional storytelling in Goodbye, Orchid. Learning the backstory of Orchid and Phoenix has built up to the events that were gut wrenching and heart breaking but left my heart wound around them anew.

These characters are written with depth and emotion. I was drawn into their thoughts and feelings because of the intricate details that caused me to feel their fears, their doubts, their self protection and even unworthiness. Yet there were the emotions on the other end of the spectrum I felt just as much. The excitement of that first heart fluttering, the joy of seeing each other, the tenderness and compassion to accept who each was. This is mainly the story of Orchid and her struggles through a tragic event she experienced as a young girl. Facing her loss and guilt but yet staying strong and true to herself. I felt her stuggles and yearned for her to overcome emotional chains. This passage touched me so deeply:
"If she went deeper, she sometimes felt she was forged from the painful markers of her life. Other times, she floated above it all, as if spun of steel from her Chinese warrior ancestors, and then merged with the beauty of fairy sprites."
What perfectly written words for who Orchid is!

Then there's Phoenix. Perfect and ambitious Phoenix. Is it destiny, fate, or some other force that brings him into her life? He's so sensitive and compassionate. But her relationship with him is strictly business. Nothing more. It has to be that way. How could she let down her vulnerabilities and let him in? But sometimes the heart will not be denied. Ms. Van Den Hende built this connection between the two with pages of young hearts that can't deny the chemistry between them. I am in awe of the ability she has to take me into the pages as if I'm right there with her characters.

Orchid and Phoenix's story touched my heart. This book has brought their journey to a perfect point to read Goodbye, Orchid. I am so happy that I was part of this beginning to their story. It's a wonderful read by an author with amazing skills to bring the pages of her books to life. I am honored that I was taken into the pages of this book and spend time with these wonderful characters. Ms. Van Den Hende has a talent to warm my heart with her beautiful writing. I want to thank her for the honor and privilege of reading this poignant work of fiction that I enjoyed so very much. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

Orchid lost her parents when she was 12, and has overcome so much in her life. She currently works for Estee Lauder, and when a short term opportunity opens up in China, she sees it as a way of connecting with her Chinese heritage. The only problem is she doesn't have all of the qualifications to get the job. In comes a chance meeting with Phoenix, which leads to the chance to gain the experience she needs to be a candidate for the role. Working on a campaign with Phoenix, she is forced to confront the trauma of her past, while also a connection grows between them.

Unfortunately this book was not for me. The writing, plot, characters were all over the place. I could not connect with any aspect of this book. Nothing felt fleshed out.

Orchid Blooming is a beautiful love story. Orchid and Phoenix come from very different backgrounds, but slowly realize that they are true soulmates. Enjoyed this story!

ORCHID BLOOMING:
A Prequel by author, Carol Van Den Hende
(ARC) - September 13, 2022

ORCHID BLOOMING Is the story of one woman's perseverance through the scars of trauma, and her path to career heights she desperately hopes for and wants for herself. But love? She's determined to keep her life focused on everything but that.
This is where the story of Orchid and Phoenix begins.

Forgiveness, trust and learning to love oneself through the most challenging of times, is a path Orchid must make a conscious decision to travel along, if she wants to move forward to true happiness.

With the help of Phoenix, and the fate of the universe, Orchid's eyes begin to see things in a new light. Slowly but surely the missing pieces of the puzzle begin to show themselves and the truest of pictures is revealed.

Ms. Van Den Hende has written this narrative with care and compassion towards the broken and vulnerable spirit. She leads the reader on a satisfying journey of loss, and the possibilty of a love everlasting.

I thank the author for the opportunity of reading an early copy of ORCHID BLOOMING~ a realistic story that will spark the emotions.

4 Stars

#OrchidBlooming
#CarolVanDenHende
#AzinePress

Wild Sage Book Blog

Such a beautiful read. "Orchid Blooming" is the prequel to "Goodbye, Orchid." While the point-of-view bounces between Orchid and Phoenix, the focus is on our heroine. She's a strong, self-made woman who is dealing with PTSD from the loss of her parents in an accident at an early age. At 27 her marketing company announces a chance to compete for a work assignment in China. Not only would it help her advance up the corporate ladder, but it would be a rare opportunity to connect with her mother's ancestral roots. As she strategizes how to win the position, she meets Phoenix at a nightclub. He's handsome, charming, an owner of a marketing agency, and knows Chinese. What a coincidence... or is it?

These two are meant for each other. Is it destiny? Karma? Are they soulmates? All three? I adored how Orchid and Phoenix slowly awoke to how much they were deeply in love.

I read "Goodbye, Orchid" first, which concentrated on Phoenix's traumatic accident. While "Orchid Blooming" squeezed my heart with occasional angsty moments, I think it could also be fun to follow a straight timeline and read the prequel first. It would clearly support Phoenix's decision process in "Goodbye, Orchid.".

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

Orchid Blooming is a compelling and heart-stirring book, featuring two main characters who occupied my thoughts even when I wasn’t reading. Orchid is a beautiful, smart, successful young woman who is still haunted by a tragic even she witnessed as a young girl. They meet under the most auspicious of circumstances, then come together as colleagues and friends—but will they ever become more? Despite their successes, they each fight feelings of insecurity and doubt—but can they deny fate or destiny? This novel will tug on your heartstrings, it will make you smile, it will leave you hopeful.

An uplifting, modern day love story written in au currant language that will delight romance readers and more. Author Carol Van Den Hende keeps the reader engaged throughout the story of twenty-seven-year-old Orchard Paige, a beauty industry marketer who hopes to land a job through her company that will give her the chance to work in China, the land of her deceased mother's ancestry. Orchid perseveres in the face of her unhealed wounds concerning her parents' tragic death, even as she intends to work with the attractive, Phoenix, who runs a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The author's knowledge of marketing is informative and impressive, and her taut portrayal of the push and pull of attraction on the road to the eventual allowance of love will keep the reader rooting for Orchid's happiness with page-turning, even-handed pacing. A heartwarming story full of hope and the promise of happy endings, Orchid Blooming will appeal to lovers of urban fiction and multi-cultural fiction.

As author of the Goodbye Orchid series, I can share that the stories of Phoenix Walker and Orchid Paige come from the heart. Their challenges, foibles, and victories are hard won. Thanks to the readers who've posted their reviews, like Kim C's beautiful words "Orchid Blooming is a moving, inspirational and beautiful story and companion piece to Goodbye Orchid. I empathized with the characters and their journeys and even learned things about myself and the importance of self compassion. The plot builds in such a perfect way that you absolutely can’t wait to see how the story will end! I love Carol’s writing - it is as exquisite as an orchid!"

Connect with me at linktr.ee/cvdh