Books With Flowers in the Title

I put together a list of my favorite books with flowers in the title. There are so many genres in this list and I had the best time putting it together. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Books with Flowers in the Title

Kirsten and I were talking and realized how many books we have read with flowers in the title. Earlier this year, I did a post of books with food in the title and I was delighted by how much fun I had putting books into unconventional categories.

I had so much fun looking through my books and picking out books with roses, lilies, and violets in the titles. You might even find this list on an upcoming reading challenge (hint hint).

The Best Books with Flowers in the Title

Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of books with flowers in the title. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.

Books with Flower in the Title

The Language of Flowers 1

Author: Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Year: 2011

Genre: Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 14+

Victoria  Jones has studied the language of flowers and uses it to communicate.  After growing up in the foster care system, she is hesitant to let anyone get close to her.  When she meets a mysterious stranger, she has to decide if she can let someone in and let go of her past.

Kirsten and I both absolutely loved this contemporary fiction book, which we read before we knew each other. There is something so magical about the Victorian language of flowers.

The Victorian language of flowers is fascinating.  This book incorporates this language into a story that will leave you wanting more.

Find this book in: Ultimate List of 67 Feel-Good Books / Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction Novels / Books with Flowers in the Title

Killers of the flower Moon

Author: David Grann

Year: 2017

Genre: Nonfiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

While this is about the start of the FBI and its role in solving the brutal Osage murders in the 1920s, it also tells the story of the exploitative, disgusting treatment of the Osage tribe. It was shocking to read about the brutal way the Osage were manipulated – from the overcharging of goods to the corruption of the justice system, to flat-out murder, this is a stark, eye-opening story of our country’s racist roots.

Murder, racism, violence

I read this non-fiction book before it became a movie. The plot is juicy and thought-provoking. It was hard to believe I was reading a true story, the plot twists and characters came to life in a cinematic way.

Find this book in: Books set in the 1920s / Thought-Provoking Books

Sunflower Sister 1

Author: Martha Hall Kelly

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller, Woodsey-Ferriday Trilogy

Age Range:16+

The third and final installment in the Lilac Girls series, Sunflower Sisters focuses on the Civil War. I found myself pondering how much easier it is as an American to look at WW1 and WW2 as distant history, but the Civil War makes me so uncomfortable to read about.

I like to think that’s the work I’ve been doing to learn the history of slavery that is at the root of this country’s origin and examine my own privilege.

I did love this story and I learned more about slavery in the border states during the war and just how complex that issue was for the Union.

Find this book in: Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood / Best Long Books over 500 Pages / Books With Flowers in the Title

The Corpse Flower

Author: Anne Mette Hancock

Year: 2021

Genre: Thriller

More info: Book 1 of 3: Kaldan and Scháfer Mysteries

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Heloise is a journalist who is caught in a scandal when one of her sources lies in a major news story. Now, she has started to get letters in the mail from a woman named Anna Kiel who is wanted for murder. Anna has disappeared without a trace until the letters start to appear and Heloise realizes Anna knows more about her than she should.

Heloise is forced to confront a past that she wants to leave behind

This book mentions child exploitation and abuse.

This book is perfect for fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It is a creepy thriller that is filled with twists and turns.

Find this book in: Books With Flowers in the Title

Books with Daisy in the Title

Daisy Jones and the 6

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

The book is laid out like a VH1 Behind the Music style interview. It’s laid out in chronological order about the making of the band Daisy Jones & the Six, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.

It’s a story about the music scene of the 1970s in Hollywood when the band The Six meets Daisy Jones and together they rocket to superstardom! Among the drama of touring, there is also a forbidden love story or two, and plenty of crazy parties!

It’s truly the perfect mix of historical fiction, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.

This book needs to be listened to, not read. The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.

This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands of the 70s was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways.

Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones & The Six / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order / Books Set in the 70s / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate Beach Reads 2020 / Books With Flowers in the Title

Daisy Darker

Author: Alice Feeney

Year: 2022

Genre: Thriller

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

Daisy’s family is gathering for Nan’s birthday on a tiny, private, tidal island after not seeing each other for years. When the tide comes in, they will be cut off from everybody for 8 hours.

When Nana’s body is found dead with a creepy poem written on the wall beside her, they each begin to suspect each other- after all, one of them is a murderer. Soon, everybody’s secrets start to come out as the members of the family die one at a time.

This book had me guessing until the very end and definitely has the feeling of “And Then There Were None”. In the true Alice Feeney style, I had no idea what was going to happen next so, I stopped trying to guess so I could just enjoy the thrill of the ride.

Find this book in: Isolation Books / Locked Room Mystery / Books With Flowers in the Title

Books with Violet in the Title

Violeta

Author: Isabel Allende

Year: 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller
One of the Best Books of the Year: Popsugar, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

This is the story of Violeta, a woman whose life was bookended by two pandemics. An ordinary citizen of South America, her life story swept me away. She goes from wealth to destitution during the Great Depression, experiences numerous marriages, and navigates the dramas of her children and grandchildren. Ultimately, she lives a life rich in passion, loss, and joy.

Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse

How have I never read an Isabel Allende book before? SHOCKING! When the story ended, I felt like I was parting with a dear friend.

Find this book in: Books About Poverty / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books with Colors in the Title / Epistolary Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title

Acts of Violet

Author: Margarita Montimore

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

When the famous magician Violet Volk disappears without a trace, nobody can figure out where she went. Now, a decade later, her sister is wondering if Violet will finally reappear and if she can get some answers. Her fans still love and adore her but Sasha wants answers. Their relationship has left so many questions. As Sasha searches for answers, she will have to come to terms with the past.

I absolutely loved the GMA book club pick Oona Out of Order and it was on our list of the best of the year. I was so excited to read this witch book and it did not disappoint.

I loved this adult fantasy novel. It is so original and unlike anything that I have read. It is magical realism at its best which is not surprising coming from this author.

Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Books With Flowers in the Title

Books with Magnolia in the Title

Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis

Author: Fiona Davis

Year: 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

The story of Helen Frick and her assistant at a formative time in Helen’s life that coincides with Magnolia Diamond’s disappearance is riveting. As is the later timeline, told 50 years later, when a model and a Frick Museum intern are locked in the mansion overnight and on the hunt for the missing diamond.

I’ve been big on Gilded Age books recently, so I knew I would love reading about the Frick family and their gorgeous mansion built in that time frame. I couldn’t put this jewelry novel down. It might be my first Fiona Davis, but it won’t be my last!

Find this book in: Dazzling Jewelry Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title

magnolia parks

Author: Jessa Hastings

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

More info: Book 1 of 5

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

This book is basically Gossip Girl set in London High Society featuring a bunch of 20-somethings as they party, date, and globe-trot. Magnolia Parks and BJ Balletine’s relationship is at the heart of this toxic romance book, but there are tons of secondary characters with equally dramatic lives. It’s the first in what will be a 7-book series – they are the perfect summer reads!

toxic relationships

This #booktok sensation is full of toxic relationships, high fashion, and DRAMA. Is it the best-written book? No. Did I read all 430+ pages in one day? Hell yeah.

Find this book in: Books With Flowers in the Title / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Billionaire Romance Books

Adult Books with Rose in the Title

the rose garden

Author: Susanna Kearsley

Year: 2011

Genre: Magical Realism

Age Range: 16+

After Eva’s sister dies, she heads back to Cornwall England to find peace and rest.  What she discovers is more than she expects when she finds herself inexplicably back in time.  She finds herself falling in love with Daniel Butler, a man who lived in the eighteenth century.

As her heart begins to feel again, can she find a way to heal her broken heart and find love? Can she live between two times? This is a wonderful time travel romance book that you will want to read again and again.

I read this book set in Cornwall in only a few days because I loved it so much.  This is another book that I read this month that is the perfect pick for books like Outlander.

This historical romance book was such a quick read for me because I loved the plot and characters. I felt invested in Eva’s story and wanted her to get a happy ending.

Find this book in: Books Like Outlander / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Time Travel Romance Books / The Best Historical Romance Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title

The Rose Code

Author: Kate Quinn

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of The Alice Network

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

While the main portion of this story features 3 code breakers at Bletchley during WWII, one of the main characters is dating Prince Philip. You know, the same Prince Philip who eventually marries the queen?

It’s a dual-timeline story and one of those storylines is set against the backdrop of Philip’s wedding to QE2.

Death, child death, forced institutionalization

This is a Kate Quinn royal novel, so the writing and story are both top-notch.

Find this book in: Ultimate List of Mystery Books / WWII Books / Royal Reads / Books With Color in the Title / Best Books of 2021 / Books With Flowers in the Title

Lost Roses

Author: Martha Hall Kelly

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Best-seller

Age Range: 16+

Martha Hall Kelly wrote a prequel to the bestselling Lilac Girls and features Caroline’s mother, Eliza! Set against the backdrop of WWI, this story once again features three narrators. This time the characters are American Eliza, Russian aristocrat Sofya, and Varinka a Russian peasant. 

It spans New York, Paris, St. Petersburg, and the Russian countryside. I knew little of Russia during WWI going into this book, so I was startled at how much destruction and turmoil took place during that time period.

If you are a historical fiction lover, this is the book you’ll want to read. This book overlaps some characters with Lilac Girls but is a stand-alone novel.

Find this book in: Friendship Books / WWI Novels / Romanov Novels/ Books With Flowers in the Title

court of thorns and roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: #1 Bestselling series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

This book has a cult-like following for a reason. The first book in the series is a loose fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the world of Prythian. Magical creatures, humans, and fae are all prominent in the book.

When Feyre kills a wolf in the words, a creature arrives at her house to drag her to a magical land that she has only heard about in stories told to terrify children. Now, she must remain a captor of Tamlin, a fae, as retribution.

This is a fast-paced, addicting, fantasy romance series with a love triangle that develops by the end of the novel. Book two is jaw-dropping! This series is on its way to becoming a classic that you will want to binge in one week.

While this book is technically the first book in a YA fantasy series, the later books become very steamy. The first book is appropriate for YA but Jackie and I agree that the later books in the series are strictly for 18 and up. We are so excited this is going to be one of the Hulu book adaptations.

I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and love a good fantasy romance. Put them together in a book written by Sarah J. Maas and you get a fantastic story.

The first book is just a warm-up for the rest of the series. Initially, you think you know where this story is headed, but I promise that it will take so many twists and turns, that you will not want to put this book (and the rest of the series) down.

Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / ACOTAR Books in order

Darling Rose Gold

Author: Stephanie Wrobel

Year: 2020

Genre: Thriller

More info: USA Today and Edgar Award-nominated Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Don’t let the gorgeous cover of this book fool you. Darling Rose Gold is a dark and sinister look at a dysfunctional, abusive mother-daughter relationship.

For 18 years, Rose Gold thought that she was always one step away from death but no tests could ever find anything wrong with her. Her mother, Patty Watts goes to jail for 5 years for child abuse and when she gets out, Rose Gold lets Patty move in with her.

Child Abuse

I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t give much about the story away without ruining it. If you are a thriller lover, this one is for you.

Find this book in: Best Psychological Thriller Books / Best Thriller Books / Books with Colors in the Title / Books about Mental Illness & Mental Health

Young Adult Books with Rose in the Title

The Rose Bargain

Author: Sasha Peyton Smith

Year: 2025

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

More info: Cruel Prince meets The Selection

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Think of this book as The Selection but with Fae! The queen has ruled for hundreds of years after she ended a war. Now, every citizen in England is granted one wish from the fae queen. Girls bargain for a gift to help them make a good match and men bargain for wealth and status. However, with each gift comes a price (like the tip of a pinky finger or a few teeth). This year the stakes are the highest because the fae prince is looking for a wife.

Ivy needs that match more than ever. Her sister made a bargain she cannot remember, and it has nearly destroyed her family. To save her family from ruin, Ivy will compete with other women to win the prince’s heart.

I immediately wanted to read this when I heard “The Selection”, but this book is sooo good with its unique storyline. I love the alternate English history rather than a dystopian setting. The characters in the book are fun to read and I could not put this book down. There were some unpredictable elements in the story that made it even more fun and I am already dying to read the next one.

Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Adult and YA Fae Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books With Flowers in the Title

concrete rose

Author: Angie Thomas

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Fiction

More info: Internationally Bestselling Author, Prequel to The Hate You Give

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

When I heard about the prequel to The Hate You Give, I was very nervous to pick it up. Eventually, I decided to listen, and WOW. I was blown away by this historical fiction book for teens. Again.

This is the story of Mav before he was a dad. Or rather, on the cusp of becoming a dad. We learn about his early life in his neighborhood, his high school years when he sold drugs, and the story behind the birth of his children.

gun violence, death, murder

As he struggles between gang life and the riches it brings, over the harder life of honest work, we go along for the ride. I loved learning what turned Mav, a favorite character from T.H.U.G., into the incredible father he became.

Find this book in: Books With Flowers in the Title / YA Historical Fiction Books

briar rose

Author: Jane Yolen

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age: 16+

This historical fiction book for teens was such an unexpected beauty for me.  Books about the Holocaust are most often inherently extremely heavy.  I love the way this book is a fairy tale retelling of Briar Rose (AKA Sleeping Beauty) that turns it into a story about the Holocaust. 

Rebecca grew up hearing her grandmother’s version of Sleeping Beauty. Now, her grandmother’s dying wish is for Rebecca to uncover her true story.

Genocide, Antisemitism, Death

It does not trivialize the atrocities of that time but rather, it makes the subject more approachable to a younger audience.  Beautifully written and well done. This is one of the books for a 13-year-old that adults will love and a must-read from WWII books for kids!

Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books about the Holocaust / Classic Book Retellings / Fun Books for Teens

More Books with Flowers in the Title

lilac girls

Author: Martha Hall Kelly

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Woolsey-Ferriday Series

Age Range: 16+

Based on the true story of New York socialite, Caroline Ferriday, this fictionalized account of the war is told from three perspectives.

The novel alternates between Caroline in New York, Kasia, a Polish prisoner, at Ravensbruck, and Herta, the only female doctor at that same camp.

Nazi affiliation

Herta’s perspective, she was a real doctor at Ravensbruck, was particularly fascinating to read. Hearing her thoughts left a deep impact since authors rarely write from the perspective of the Nazi party members. That perspective makes this novel unique among these books about WWII and is truly a thought-provoking book.

Find this book in: Books About WWII / Books Set in France / Thought Provoking Books / Books With a Color in the Title / Holocaust Books / Books With Flowers in the Title

Lily and the Octopus

Author: Steven Rowley

Year: 2016

Genre: Fiction

More info: Bestselling Author of The Guncle

Age Range: 14+

This book will make you cry but it will also make you laugh. Ted is a lonely, middle-aged, gay man whose love for his wiener dog Lily knows no bounds.

I mean, who spends hours playing Monopoly with their dog while imagining the dog’s side of a conversation?  However, I think every dog owner can relate just enough to find it hilarious.

Death of a pet

This book about the death of a pet is poignant and lovely. What could have been a tragic and sad book is somehow endearing and funny as well.

Find this book in: Books With Flowers in the Title / Non-Fiction & Fiction Books about Grief

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Author: Kathleen Rooney

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: National Indie Bestseller

Age Range: 14+

This book could be an amazing movie.  It is not the type of book that you “can’t put down” because it takes place on New Year’s Eve 1984 with flashbacks from the Jazz Age all the way to the AIDS epidemic. But, it is an incredibly interesting and very well-written New Year’s Eve book.

Lillian Boxfish takes the reader with her through a look at New York City through the ages. She starts off writing copy for R.H. Macy’s and becomes one of the highest-paid advertising women in the country.

Now, at 85 years old, she is still as savvy as she ever was and is determined to make the most of her time. Breaking the boundaries of what was expected of a woman was Lillian’s thing and makes this book perfect for anyone looking for books like Lessons in Chemistry.

Suicide

This is such a unique book that is so character-driven. It is a delightful read. Lillian is a wonderful character who has so much depth.

Find this book in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Books with Food in the Title / New Year’s Eve Books / Books Set in New York / Books With Flowers in the Title

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Read a Book with a Flower in the Title?

There is something so fun about putting books on a list that may have nothing in common other than something arbitrary—like a title. This is one of those posts. Kirsten and I have read every book on this list, so you can be assured it passes our standards, but even more fun is the wide variety of books.
If you have been following Beyond the Bookends for a while, you will also know that we love our reading challenges. You may find this one on the 2025 reading challenge!
I love the idea of books with flowers in the title- it is an unconventional book list which makes it so much fun.

What is the best book with flowers in the title?

There are so many great books with flowers in the title but Kirsten and I think that Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the best book. I have never recommended this to someone who has not loved it!

BTB Elements and icons 10

Because these books are not divided by genre, it can be a little more difficult to choose a book you will love. Kirsten and I only included books that we enjoyed in this post to help narrow down your choices. However, if you are looking for advice on choosing a book based on the title, I have some advice.

  • Have a look at the genre of the book in the description, This can help narrow your choices.
  • Read the description of the book. If you are a Kirsten, pick books she has read and vice versa for Jackie.
  • Have a look at our reasons for liking a book to see if this appeals to you.
  • Don’t fret about your choice. If you start a book and don’t like it, STOP. Life is too short and there are too many good books to read one that you don’t like.
  • Do you have a favorite flower? Choose a book with your favorite flower and enjoy.
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Epilogue

Which book did you pick from my list of books with flowers in the title? Is there something I forgot? I would love it if you could give me some recommendations.

2025 Reading Challenge

The Beyond The Bookends’ 2025 Reading Challenge

For more reading inspiration, check out our yearly reading challenge!

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