Abby is my name; flowers are my game. . . make that passion . . . okay, game and passion. To be honest, I actually have four passions: 1. Flowers; 2. Marco Salvare (more about him later) 3. Justice; 4. Life.
That last one I’m particularly keen on, but because of number 3, I keep getting into situations where hanging onto number 4 poses something of a problem.
Excuse me while I answer this call.
“Bloomers Flower Shop. Abby Knight speaking. How may I help you?”
To me, those are some of the most beautiful words in the world because having my own flower shop, even a struggling one, is my dream come true. Seriously, have you ever stepped inside a flower shop filled with all those sweetly scented blossoms, magnificent arrangements and not felt a sense of peace? Who wouldn’t be happy working there? Considering where I started from, which was basically ground zero, Bloomers is especially blissful to me.
If being the youngest child in the family, not to mention the only girl, measuring in at 5’ 2” tall, sporting flame red hair and too many freckles, and being abundantly endowed on top isn’t bad enough, try following that with being kicked out of law school after the first year and being dumped by a fussy fiancé from one of the most prominent families in town two months before our wedding. Add to that two tall older brothers who graduated with honors from Med school and are now successful surgeons and happily married — and you can see why Bloomers is my paradise. When I was drowning in failure, Bloomers threw me a lifeline.
I’ve become quite adept at working with flowers now. My assistant Lottie, who used to own the shop, tells me I have a genuine eye for design. You can even try some of my original arrangements yourself. There are usually two in every one of my books, and I say MY books because the mysteries are all about my heroic exploits. (Step back from that delete button, Kate. You know I’m right. . . Okay, have it your way. My misadventures. Satisfied now?)
As passionate as I am about flowers, I am even more so about justice. Nothing makes me angrier than to witness innocent people railroaded by ruthless prosecutors or animals abused by cruel owners. When I see that I have no choice but to step in. It might come from being the daughter of a cop or it might be a trait I inherited from my stubborn Irish relatives. Whatever the cause, I never hesitate to get involved. And I’m proud to say I’ve helped catch a number of bad people because of it.
But at the end of the day, passion number 2 is always waiting, my personal hunk, my very own hero, Marco Salvare, who is the sexiest man in New Chapel, Indiana. He was an Army Ranger, then a cop for a short while (it wasn’t a good fit; Marco doesn’t like rules) and now owns the Down the Hatch Bar and Grill and has his own PI business. He has dark wavy hair, dark soulful eyes, a faint five o’clock shadow, lean jaw, hard-muscled body . . . whew, I’m fanning my face. Anyway, how many men really listen to their women? Mine does. He can be a bit bossy at times, but then so can I, so we’re evenly matched. He’s the love of my life, the man who knows me as well as I know myself, and who has rescued me on more than one occasion. We are partners in every sense of the word.
The greatest part of my heroic exploits – yes, Kate, I’m sticking with that – is that they are not only great page-turners but are also loaded with laughs, love, and clues –some genuine, some red herrings. In fact, I challenge you to figure out whodunit in any of my stories. You’ll really be surprised by the ending of my newest case, A ROOT AWAKENING (Feb, 2015). It’s a double mystery and a really twisted puzzle to solve. You’re going to love it.
You can read more about me and the gang from Bloomers Flower Shop on Kate’s website. And you can even take a tour through the flower shop. Stop by anytime. Everyone is welcome at Bloomers.
Wishing you roses and lilies and daffodils,
Abby Knight
You can read more about Abby in A Root Awakening, the 16th book in the “Flower Shop” mystery series, published by Obsidian. The first book in the series is Mum’s The Word.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 p.m. eastern on February 26 for the chance to win a print copy of A Root Awakening. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.
About the author
Kate Collins is a New York Times bestselling author of the popular and long-running Flower Shop Mystery series. A Root Awakening, #16 in the series, is a February 2015 release. Read about Kate’s mysteries, historical romances, and children’s anthologies at www.katecollinsbooks.com.
Sounds super. I am eager to read this one.
Wow love the idea of this series especially the flower shop part, and yes stepping inside the flower shop or merely passing it’s open doorway never fails to give me a sense of peace.Thanks for sharing. Happy rose day 🙂
Reblogged this on Rose English UK and commented:
‘A root awakening’ sounds fab, worth checking out 🙂
Sounds like fun! ! love flowers and mysteries.
I am so glad you are still keeping it real with Abby and Marco. This series is one of the few that make it palatable for me to like real. I appreciate all the speed bumps of relationships and family. I appreciate the laughs. Thank you
That’s my aim, Melody. Abby and Marco are a real couple, with all the ups and downs of a true relationship. What cements them is their powerful love for one another. I’m glad you’re enjoying the books.
A Root Awakening sounds great! Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
This is a great series. Thank you for the chance to win.
Moonbay7399@gmail.com
I love this series. Thank for the chance to win!
Good series. and one I need to return to.
Have not had a chance to start this series but just reading this little bit, I am curious as a cat about it and will be rushing out this weekend to see if I can find the first book in the series. Thanks for giving everyone a chance to win a copy of a latter book.
Haven’t had a chance to start this series. With my love of flowers it should be a winner. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks!
There are actual floral arrangements that you can make in each boo, too, Linda. I hope you enjoy them.
Sounds like Abby can be a thorn in some people’s sides. Love a feisty protagonist!
I looooove this series!! Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!! 🙂
Can’t wait to read this next installment!
I would love to read this book—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Fun series!
Thank you for a chance to win this next book in a fun series
thanks for the chance to win this fun read 🙂
I love Abby and the Bloomers gang and can’t wait to read the next installment. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of the book.
I love this series and each book keeps getting better and better! I am anxious to read this book and see how married life is for Abby. 🙂 Thank you Dru and Kate for the opportunity to win a copy of this book!
A new series to add to my shelf.
I have this book so don’t put me in the draw but just wanted to say I love the entire series and the books get better as you go along in the series.
Thank you, Nancy! Just goes to show that practice makes perfect, right?
I LOOOOOOOVE THIS SERIES!!! need to get caught up with a few backlist titles — so glad to see there’s more!!
I’m just starting to write #18, Meg. I love this series, too!
this is a fun series. Would love to get the latest. thanks.
Love this series. Can’t wait to get the latest.
Hope this isn’t a duplicate entry. The last one seems to have disappeared.
thanks.
LOVE this series. And actually happy that I have a bunch to catch up with!
ok so this series is yet to be found for me 😀 I keep discovering new ones every day 😀 this one sounds so lovely!!! 🙂
I loved the prior books in this series and can’t wait for this one.
I will now have to look for this series because it sounds like a complete fit for what I enjoy reading – cozy mysteries with “real” people and “real” relationships.
My grandparents had a flower shop when I was a child—and I could almost smell it again while reading this blog. I think I’d really enjoy this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Have a black thumb, but I love plants and flowers. This could only help while being a fun book.
Well done. Keep taking care of the underdog (or cat or person…)
Sounds like a great series.
I will need to check out the other books in this series. Thanks for the review and introducing me to a new series.
Robin, I do hope you’ll give them a try. They’re fun, fast-paced, and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I loved this book and look forward to more.
I enjoy this series and need to catch up since I am behind 5 books. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of A Root Awakening.
Sounds like a great series. Will have to catch up on the rest of the series.
I would be so delighted to win A Root Awakening! Going to check this series out. Thanks.
Great story line! Excited to read this one.
A great series. Many thanks.
I love this series. Happy to see a new one.
Sounds like a good read.
I love this series! Thanks for the chance!
Would love to add this book to my TBR pile!
I’ve been curious about this series, and it sounds like an interesting set of characters. I look forward to reading more.
The Flower Shop seies is one that gets better all the time. Would love to read this one.
Thanks
This is a new series to me. Being born an Indiana girl and visiting the flower gardens at the local University, this is definitely one I will have to check out. Thank you for the introduction! 😀
Need to catch up on this series.
Sounds like a fun book, can’t wait to read it. Who doesn’t love flowers 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.
I have wondered about this series and it sounds fantastic.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I’ve never read any of your series yet but am interested in starting. It sounds great. I love flowers and I love mysteries. Thank you for the chance! Good luck to whoever gets it!! 🙂
I love this title plus who wouldn’t love a flower shop & a handsome former Army Ranger PI boyfriend? Definitely going on my TBR list. However, my birthday was yesterday & it would be lovely to win a print copy. I’d donate it to my library so many other loyal fans could be formed. Thanks for the chance. KTB
The book sounds really good. I love that cover. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Great sounding book.
Flowers&mysteries perfect combo
Love this series – Abby and Marco are a great team. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Never a dull moment with Abby Knight. Love this series. 17 books and still going strong.
I love this series and the characters
One of my favorite cozy series!!
I love the whimsiness of these covers…
Thank you for the giveaway!!
I haven’t read this author yet buy I would love to!
I love this series! Just wish there wasn’t such a long wait in between new releases 🙂 Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy through your Giveaway
Love the cover picture
This looks like a good series. I would love to read this
I love Abby and Marco, this series is great fun!
Terrific series! I learn so much and really enjoy all of the characters. Kate Collins falls in to really fun painless learning category.
Thanks for the giveaway. I love this series and I really like how you are keeping things real for Abby and Marco because love isn’t some enchanted fairytale. LOL!
I’m not caught up with this series (bad me), but I’ve loved each one that I have read. Glad to see there are some great sounding books to get caught up with. Thanks for the chance to win.
I think Abby is the kind of friend you want to be around (when she’s not in dire straits). Love to go on an adventure vicariously through her.
Another winning cozy I want to read!!!!!
Thanks Kate for commenting.
contest is closed.