Lost Flowers Of Alice Hart, The

Description:

Flowers, fire and fairy tales are the elements that will forever shape nine-year-old Alice Hart's life, in The Lost Flower's of Alice Hart, the international bestseller by Holly Ringland.

Alice Hart lives in isolation by the sea, where her mother's enchanting flowers and their hidden messages shelter her from the dark moods of her father. When tragedy changes her life irrevocably, nine-year-old Alice goes to live with the grandmother she never knew existed, on a native flower farm that gives refuge to women who, like Alice, are lost or broken. In the Victorian tradition, every flower has a meaning and, as she settles into her new life, Alice uses this language of flowers to say the things that are too hard to speak.

As she grows older, though, family secrecy, a devastating betrayal and a man who's not all he seems, combine to make Alice realise there are some stories that flowers alone cannot tell. If she is to have the freedom she craves, she must find the courage to possess the most powerful story she knows: her own.

Review: A magical coming-of-age novel * Good Housekeeping *
A beautifully written, hopeful and enthralling tale . . . Enchanting * Herald Sun *
Rich, vibrant and alive with the messy, sometimes violent, song of human connection. Holly Ringland is a writer to watch out for -- Jenn Ashworth
There's an aching heart beating through Holly Ringland's narrative that although at times seems almost broken, is stitched back together with shards of optimism that offer constant hope. These are characters we love, care about and want to nurture . . . A vivid and brave tale of love, loss and inner power * Australian Women's Weekly *
At its heart, this book is about finding a way to care for yourself, in a world that sometimes likes to step on its flowers * Courier Mail *
Holly Ringland's debut is achingly beautiful, moving and masterful. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a book to fall in love with, to cherish and to remember for a long time after you've closed the last page. One of the most exquisite books out this year from a genuinely exciting new talent, Holly Ringland is one of those writers who takes your breath away. Timeless, enchanting, and powerful -- Kate Leaver
Charming * The Australian *
Brave and beautiful . . . Alice Hart has the strength and magic of an Australian wildflower in bloom -- Favel Parrett
There is something transformative in the story of Alice Hart, something which lingers with you after the closing of the last page * 9Honey *
Equal parts enchanting and heart-wrenching * The Plant Hunter *
The best fairy tales traverse the darkest corners of the human heart, and this beautiful novel is no exception. Truth and illusion, devastation and triumph, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will spit you out whole -- Myfanwy Jones
An astonishingly assured debut, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a story of love, loss, betrayal and the redemptive power of storytelling . . . Both heartbreaking and life-affirming -- Kate Forsyth
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a book that glows - in the fire and heart of it; in the wonder and hope of it. Holly Ringland is a gifted, natural story-teller and her novel-about finding magic in the dark; about the power of freedom and the freedom of story-is truly a light-giving, tender thing. A vivid, compelling, utterly moving debut -- Brooke Davis
Beautifully written and definitely a book to sink into * Better Read Than Dead *
This novel shines with courage, with heart, and with love. Infused with a tender ferocity, and the beauty and warmth of native flowers, it invokes great stories of loss, kindness and home -- Ashley Hay
Holly Ringland writes with a great deal of heart . . . [Her] writing is highly evocative, assured and gripping . . . There is something transformative in the story of Alice Hart, something which lingers with you after the closing of the last page * Booktopia *
Lush, powerful . . . This is an engrossing novel imbued with passion and reverence for the Australian natural world, with a cast of characters that inspire affection in the reader even as they make mistakes . . . [A] compelling journey of female survival * Bookseller + Publisher *
A novel of resurrections and revivals * Spectrum magazine *
This is a brave story that strikes a chord in so many ways. It speaks of pain, but also redemption, survival and renewal * Gold Coast Bulletin *
Captivating and enchanting, this is a tale of redemption, healing, and unraveling the stories of the past, while carving out a future for yourself * Nyssa Reads *
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a rare beauty. It is one of those novels that quietly sneaks up on you and unleashes its power. I have a feeling that The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is destined to remain by my side for some time yet. It is a fierce and assured piece of writing that makes a solid commentary on family dynamics, domestic drama and self-discovery. It is a mighty feat for a new writer, but Holly Ringland demonstrates she is a force to be reckoned with * MrsB Book Reviews *
One of my favourite books of the year. It's beautifully written, a tragic and yet somehow still uplifting story that keeps you turning the pages in the hope that Alice will find her place, her balance * 1girl2manybooks *
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a touching coming of age story featuring three very unique and stunning Australian locations that will enchant readers from all over the world. Spanning twenty years of Alice's life, the story will appeal to readers who enjoy saga novels in atmospheric, exotic places - this is armchair travel of the best kind * But Books are Better *
An enchanting read . . . The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart has all the ingredients for a spellbinding tale; and absorbs its reader until the very final page * Literary Edit *

Author Biography:

Holly Ringland grew up wild and barefoot in her mother's tropical garden in Australia. When she was nine years old, her family lived in a camper van for two years in North America, travelling from one national park to another, an experience that sparked Holly's lifelong interest in cultures and stories. In her twenties, Holly worked for four years in a remote Indigenous community in the central Australian desert.

In 2009 she moved to England where she obtained a MA in Creative Writing from the University of Manchester in 2011. Holly has taught creative writing at Lancaster University, and to women in prison. For five years Holly volunteered as leader of a Greater Manchester storytelling project called International 16, bringing together 16 students from 16 countries (including the UK) to promote global friendship through stories.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is Holly's first novel. She lives in Manchester.