RACHEL STONE writes stories of hope and redemption, often set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her debut novel, THE BLUE IRIS, was named a BookLife Editor's Pick and placed second in the 2024 Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her award-winning lyric essays have appeared in international literary magazines, journals, and blogs.

Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She's an active member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association and the proud co-founder of a local volunteer initiative supporting new moms and newly-immigrated families in need. She lives near Toronto with her family and on weekends you'll find her along the shore of Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock off-key from her paddleboard.

Learn more about Rachel Stone and her work at: www.rachelstoneauthor.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

• About "The Blue Iris" and the inspiration behind the story
• The chosen family
• Love, loss and healing
• Writing from multiple perspectives
• The delightful characters
• Feedback from readers
• What's next for Rachel Stone?

THE BLUE IRIS

Sometimes, uprooting the thorn-filled past is the only way we bloom...

Tessa Lewis is set to embark on a Big-Time Career and marry Toronto's fastest-rising lawyer, who loves her to pieces. But when a visit to a flower market from her childhood sparks memories of the mother she lost too soon, Tessa puts her bright future on hold to work there, determined to come to terms with her past.

At the Blue Iris Flower Market, everything is blossoming except the rag-tag crew, each hiding deep scars of their own. When Sam, the beloved but troubled man in charge, takes off and leaves the market reeling, Tessa and her unlikely new friends come face-to-face with their most uncomfortable truths, uprooting lives carefully cultivated-and just maybe, unearthing everything they've ever wanted.

Told from multiple perspectives, The Blue Iris is an intricately woven exploration of love tested beyond its limits, chosen family, and the beauty that grows in letting go.

CONNECT WITH RACHEL STONE!

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