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The Blooming of DelphiniumHolly Varni

Christian contemporary romance

The Blooming of Delphinium

by Holly Varni

Delphinium Hayes possesses the unusual ability to identify a person's strongest or weakest characteristic by scent, a gift that usually makes people easy to read. Her flower shop becomes an unofficial clubhouse for a group of mischievous seniors, drawing both helpful Mason McCormack and rule-minded assisted-living director Elliot Sturgis into her orbit. Between matchmaking bouquets, poker games in the walk-in refrigerator, and two men who refuse to fit her expectations, Delphinium discovers her gift does not tell her everything she needs to know. This whimsical small-town romance mixes magical realism, eccentric community, humor, and second chances.

Paired for this story

Mint Lemonade + Village Garden Gin and Tonic

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Unusual ability to perceive people's character by scent; assisted-living residents sneaking away to play poker; romantic rivalry/attraction and small-town interpersonal conflict; Christian themes

Alcohol-Free Pour

Mint Lemonade

A bright, refreshing sip suits a little enchantment and an escape from the everyday.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Village Garden Gin and Tonic

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A crisp botanical pour suits a little enchantment and an escape from the everyday.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice. Add gin, cucumber, and mint, top with tonic water, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Cucumber ribbon and mint sprig.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.

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