An Ode for Orchids - James Fant

The four granddaughters of Ma Geneva were as precious to her as her orchids, if not more so. Karen, Cicley, Brooke and Dawn. They all converge at their grandmothers house each summer. As unruly as they want to be outside those four walls, inside they were attentive and did as they were told.

Each girl have their own personalities - Cicley always after a boy, twins Brook and Dawn the followers yet laid back; and Karen - introverted but still can speak her mind. Ma Geneva loves having them each summer and knows she needs to prepare them for the challenges that they will face in life.

After an incident that leaves Karen more dependent on prescription drugs, the girls drift apart. They meet again at Brooke's hen party only for Cicley to sever the friendship between her and Karen. Leading different lives - Dawn has a child from a known drug trafficker, Brooke is married and owns a successful barber shop, Cicley is promiscuous as ever but has wealth and status; while Karen still suffers from anxiety attacks and struggles to keep a boyfriend because she's made a pledge of virginity. Will Dawn be able to walk away from a bad relationship? Is Brooke's husband cheating and why does Cicley hate Karen with such passion?

From the opening pages, Fant's novel is filled with a vibrancy and charm that makes you continue reading. The four main characters are strong, mixed up girls who must each realize their own strengths to lead a happy life, but they have to go through a lot to reach that point. Written without ceremony, the author has captured four very different lives and portrayed a world where love, honesty and trust wins through.

This story has it all - addiction, hatred, attraction, love, excitement and spirit. A complex tale of failing relationships and budding love, I completely enjoyed this novel. There are a lot of names and I was a little confused in the beginning with what the relationships are e.g. whose mum was called Sue but it all slipped away as I became embroiled in the story. I found myself wanting to wake Dawn up, couldn't she see she was in a bad relationship? Cicley is not a likable at all but it dissipates when her reason for hating Karen is revealed. Overall a well written book. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.