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Chasing Roses
Two weeks.
Twelve clues.
One $250,000 prize.
Welcome to the biggest botanical scavenger hunt in New England.
Meet Team #FleurFour:
Young empty-nester Olivia Rose screwed up big time, landing her on forced leave from her job. Coaxed into joining the race, she’s determined to find the answers she needs in the wake of her father’s death to finally put the past behind her.
Garden-savvy radio host Irina yearns to repair a strained relationship with her stepdaughter Olivia, and a road trip together might just be the perfect opportunity.
After a tragic accident, floral deliveryman Holden is done with life kicking him down. Winning the prize money could bring him a fresh start.
Talented florist Zach’s confident façade has gotten him far, but it’s beginning to crumble, and he still has a lot to prove. His heart and career are on the line.
Friendships blossom, but as the clock counts down, the team is put to the test. From puzzling clues, to scheming competitors and thorny detours, Team Fleur Four must learn to work together—or they’ll wilt among the weeds just as they begin to bloom.
Twelve clues.
One $250,000 prize.
Welcome to the biggest botanical scavenger hunt in New England.
Meet Team #FleurFour:
Young empty-nester Olivia Rose screwed up big time, landing her on forced leave from her job. Coaxed into joining the race, she’s determined to find the answers she needs in the wake of her father’s death to finally put the past behind her.
Garden-savvy radio host Irina yearns to repair a strained relationship with her stepdaughter Olivia, and a road trip together might just be the perfect opportunity.
After a tragic accident, floral deliveryman Holden is done with life kicking him down. Winning the prize money could bring him a fresh start.
Talented florist Zach’s confident façade has gotten him far, but it’s beginning to crumble, and he still has a lot to prove. His heart and career are on the line.
Friendships blossom, but as the clock counts down, the team is put to the test. From puzzling clues, to scheming competitors and thorny detours, Team Fleur Four must learn to work together—or they’ll wilt among the weeds just as they begin to bloom.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2025
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Jean M. Grant
12 books358 followersJean has a penchant for the misunderstood, be it sharks, microbes, or wounded characters. A scientist by training, she now spends her days as an author and champion for her children. She draws from her interest in history, science, the outdoors, and her family for inspiration. She serves on the local library board of trustees and is an advocate for community, inclusion, and neurodiversity awareness. Her books span the genres of historical romance (with mystical/fantasy elements), contemporary romance, women’s fiction, suspense, and friendship fiction.
A nature enthusiast who adores the national parks, Jean has also written for family-oriented travel magazines and websites. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, tackling the biggest mountains in New England, and going on adventures with her husband and children, while taking snapshots of the world around her and daydreaming about the next story. If she were stuck on a deserted island, her three essentials (besides family, food, water, shelter) would be: coffee, lip balm, and endless pink sticky notes.
Four of her books have won awards.
A nature enthusiast who adores the national parks, Jean has also written for family-oriented travel magazines and websites. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, tackling the biggest mountains in New England, and going on adventures with her husband and children, while taking snapshots of the world around her and daydreaming about the next story. If she were stuck on a deserted island, her three essentials (besides family, food, water, shelter) would be: coffee, lip balm, and endless pink sticky notes.
Four of her books have won awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 13, 2026
4 - 4.5 stars
What a refreshing tale!
Chasing Roses presents an original premise and offers a fun adventure filled with wonderfully quirky characters that you can't help but become invested in. Each character has their own reasons for participating in the botanical scavenger hunt, and discovering their motivations makes for an engaging read.
Team Fleur Four races against time and faces various obstacles to reach the finish line with all the answers in hand. However, the true essence of the story lies in what they share and learn about themselves and each other. The bonds of friendship and teamwork are central themes that enhance the narrative.
Chasing Roses is a fantastic read and a delightful, original story that should not be missed.
What a refreshing tale!
Chasing Roses presents an original premise and offers a fun adventure filled with wonderfully quirky characters that you can't help but become invested in. Each character has their own reasons for participating in the botanical scavenger hunt, and discovering their motivations makes for an engaging read.
Team Fleur Four races against time and faces various obstacles to reach the finish line with all the answers in hand. However, the true essence of the story lies in what they share and learn about themselves and each other. The bonds of friendship and teamwork are central themes that enhance the narrative.
Chasing Roses is a fantastic read and a delightful, original story that should not be missed.
January 10, 2026
Olivia's unexpected leave of absence from her job has her teaming up with Holden, Zach and Irina on an a race as Team 4 #FleurFour. Each has their own reason for joining the race but can they win? The adventure begins and all four of them find themselves forming a friendship and taking a closer look into their own lives.
Delightful read, loved the spirit of this story. I think there is a character everybody can identify with and layers to this book I was not expecting. You are swept away immediately and the wistfulness of the story does not let up even at the end. Wonderful story.
Delightful read, loved the spirit of this story. I think there is a character everybody can identify with and layers to this book I was not expecting. You are swept away immediately and the wistfulness of the story does not let up even at the end. Wonderful story.
February 2, 2026
This is my second book by Jean M Grant and I began reading this while recovering from shoulder surgery. I knew holding a book was going to be difficult, so I decided to time myself on how long it took me to read. Of course I couldn’t always hit the timer on pause when I got interrupted, but I did my best. It took me approximately
8 hrs and 13 minutes.
Which leads me to my review…
I love the way Jean describes the people in the stories. You can begin to take on a vision of who each one is as the story goes on. Her research and in-depth knowledge plays so many factors into her books. She has such a way of describing and pulling you into the story. At one point, I even sent her a text message thinking I knew one of the locations (and then I knew I was wrong as I read on lol). Yes, I know Jean, personally.
Chasing Roses, a story about a scavenger hunt, a race to the finish line, solving puzzles and getting the next clue. But this story was more than that. It showed that each individual had their own trials and tribulations to deal with, but together they got through each day and each played an important part in the team. It also brought them together being able to learn to open up and share their stories. They brought people together that didn’t know one another very well, taught them to work together and learned to trust one and another.
If you read this book, I hope you smile as much as I did. At one point I told Jean that I felt like I was always reading with a smile on my face.
This was a feel good story yet with some sadness mixed in some what just happened their moments where I had to go back and reread, and then the clarity would come through.
I promise you, this book will not disappoint you, and I think you will really see and enjoy the beauty she’s so well describes throughout the book.
8 hrs and 13 minutes.
Which leads me to my review…
I love the way Jean describes the people in the stories. You can begin to take on a vision of who each one is as the story goes on. Her research and in-depth knowledge plays so many factors into her books. She has such a way of describing and pulling you into the story. At one point, I even sent her a text message thinking I knew one of the locations (and then I knew I was wrong as I read on lol). Yes, I know Jean, personally.
Chasing Roses, a story about a scavenger hunt, a race to the finish line, solving puzzles and getting the next clue. But this story was more than that. It showed that each individual had their own trials and tribulations to deal with, but together they got through each day and each played an important part in the team. It also brought them together being able to learn to open up and share their stories. They brought people together that didn’t know one another very well, taught them to work together and learned to trust one and another.
If you read this book, I hope you smile as much as I did. At one point I told Jean that I felt like I was always reading with a smile on my face.
This was a feel good story yet with some sadness mixed in some what just happened their moments where I had to go back and reread, and then the clarity would come through.
I promise you, this book will not disappoint you, and I think you will really see and enjoy the beauty she’s so well describes throughout the book.
February 7, 2026
"Chasing Roses" is a delightful original story centred around an Amazing Race-style competition for gardeners, set in New England. This novel explores the various relationships among the participants in the competition.
As relationships bloom and heal, we discover that each character is dealing with personal challenges. and interactions throughout the race help to resolve old conflicts and forge new connections.
The race itself is intriguing, and I learned a great deal about different types of flowers and attractions in New England. Jean M. Grant has a beautiful writing style that makes the interactions feel genuine and heartfelt, often infused with humour. This isn't the first book of hers that I've read, and it certainly won't be the last
As relationships bloom and heal, we discover that each character is dealing with personal challenges. and interactions throughout the race help to resolve old conflicts and forge new connections.
The race itself is intriguing, and I learned a great deal about different types of flowers and attractions in New England. Jean M. Grant has a beautiful writing style that makes the interactions feel genuine and heartfelt, often infused with humour. This isn't the first book of hers that I've read, and it certainly won't be the last
February 3, 2026
4.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a great story. I feel like I came upon a gem of a book and so pleasantly surprised...
Chasing Roses gives you all the feels of friendship, family and working as a team as there is a botanical game including clues and rules. Each character has their flaws but working for a team for a grand prize not only will the money help each of them in different ways, but also learn about them-self and each other.
I highly recommend this story.....and I love Team Fleur Four!!
This was a great story. I feel like I came upon a gem of a book and so pleasantly surprised...
Chasing Roses gives you all the feels of friendship, family and working as a team as there is a botanical game including clues and rules. Each character has their flaws but working for a team for a grand prize not only will the money help each of them in different ways, but also learn about them-self and each other.
I highly recommend this story.....and I love Team Fleur Four!!
January 14, 2026
5 out of 5 stars
Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I will be on the look out for more by the author. If you like flowers, or anything with gardening and racing then this book is for you. I love the mix of different flowers and racing. It makes me think of ‘The Amazing Race’ just with flowers. There is revenge, cheating, and losses, but there are also wins in the story. The book does follow four people: Irina, Olivia, Holden, and Zach. I did Olivia and Holden as Zach and Irina follow into the other two.
Olivia is a mom of a high school student who is getting ready to graduate. She is still mourning the passing of her dad and roses show up once a month for her from her father. He set it up before his death, didn’t he? Her step mom is bugging her to join her team for the flower race and she doesn’t like the idea. When she finally agrees she realizes that this might just be what she needed. She meets Holden who is also on the team and she also finds that she might be falling for him. She tells Holden this about the break in: “I haven’t always been this unhinged, you know. I thought I had worked through most of this junk last year, but I guess healing is a bumpy path. I have another book. I used to draw him. The guy. Over and over. He wore a mask, but I remember his icy blue eyes. The tattoo on his neck. Here I am, chasing the man with the rose tattoo. I’m hopeless. Chasing roses.”
Holden could use the money to pay off debt and maybe resume the college degree he’s going after. That is the only reason that he said yes to joining Irina and Zach on the flower race. He also met Olivia when he took her the monthly roses to her house and she was stuck in the attic. When she joins the team he soon finds out that it’s not an ex or a boyfriend sending the flowers. Then she trusts him with something and he tells her what happened to him. Holden says this to her at the end of the race: “So, seeing as how Zach talked to Jin about the stuff that was on his mind, and we told the race coordinators about Tad and Dottie, I felt compelled to call my parents after dinner. I was tired of the shame, Olivia. Turns out my mom knew about the work accident all along. Kinda hard to hide the court case, you know? It… felt good to get that weight off my chest, too.”
Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I will be on the look out for more by the author. If you like flowers, or anything with gardening and racing then this book is for you. I love the mix of different flowers and racing. It makes me think of ‘The Amazing Race’ just with flowers. There is revenge, cheating, and losses, but there are also wins in the story. The book does follow four people: Irina, Olivia, Holden, and Zach. I did Olivia and Holden as Zach and Irina follow into the other two.
Olivia is a mom of a high school student who is getting ready to graduate. She is still mourning the passing of her dad and roses show up once a month for her from her father. He set it up before his death, didn’t he? Her step mom is bugging her to join her team for the flower race and she doesn’t like the idea. When she finally agrees she realizes that this might just be what she needed. She meets Holden who is also on the team and she also finds that she might be falling for him. She tells Holden this about the break in: “I haven’t always been this unhinged, you know. I thought I had worked through most of this junk last year, but I guess healing is a bumpy path. I have another book. I used to draw him. The guy. Over and over. He wore a mask, but I remember his icy blue eyes. The tattoo on his neck. Here I am, chasing the man with the rose tattoo. I’m hopeless. Chasing roses.”
Holden could use the money to pay off debt and maybe resume the college degree he’s going after. That is the only reason that he said yes to joining Irina and Zach on the flower race. He also met Olivia when he took her the monthly roses to her house and she was stuck in the attic. When she joins the team he soon finds out that it’s not an ex or a boyfriend sending the flowers. Then she trusts him with something and he tells her what happened to him. Holden says this to her at the end of the race: “So, seeing as how Zach talked to Jin about the stuff that was on his mind, and we told the race coordinators about Tad and Dottie, I felt compelled to call my parents after dinner. I was tired of the shame, Olivia. Turns out my mom knew about the work accident all along. Kinda hard to hide the court case, you know? It… felt good to get that weight off my chest, too.”
January 31, 2026
Chasing Roses by Jean M Grant
I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5
This was my first book by Jean M Grant and I will be reading more of her books. This book did not disappoint. I loved each character, and the author's descriptive writing about this fun botanical scavenger hunt in New England .
There were a few chapters that were a bit drawn out and lengthy at times.
Olivia is a single mom who works as a 911 operator and suffers a traumatic experience in her life and suddenly loses her father due to a burglary they walked into.
She tries to investigate other robberies in the neighborhood to try and find the person responsible but is put on temporary leave at work.
she gets locked in her attic accidentally but is saved by the flower delivery guy who delivers roses to her monthly, but when the driver opens the attic door it's not her normal delivery man and she screams, slips on a pillow & falls and hits her head.
Holden, the flower delivery guy, calls 911 due to the fact that she may have a concussion.
Olivia's son, Logan is going to college soon, money is tight and she needs extra money to pay for some home improvements and college expenses.
Holden needs money for a Divorce lawyer and needs to pay for his degree that he wants to finish.
Irina is Olivia's step mom who is a radio station host who interviews a special guest Douglas the president of botanical conservatory on her radio talk show the Gardening hour to discuss this special 25th anniversary of The Great Garden race which is a scavenger hunt in New England for botanical items and the grand prize is Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars! Now Irina has her teammates picked but an accident happens with her friend Jin.
So Olivia, Holden, Zack and Irina agree to play this game and maybe make some new friends or enemies on this trip and find out a few secrets along the way and maybe win the race.. I loved the chemistry between Olivia and Holden and the dynamics of this fun story that made me feel like I was along for the ride.
I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5
This was my first book by Jean M Grant and I will be reading more of her books. This book did not disappoint. I loved each character, and the author's descriptive writing about this fun botanical scavenger hunt in New England .
There were a few chapters that were a bit drawn out and lengthy at times.
Olivia is a single mom who works as a 911 operator and suffers a traumatic experience in her life and suddenly loses her father due to a burglary they walked into.
She tries to investigate other robberies in the neighborhood to try and find the person responsible but is put on temporary leave at work.
she gets locked in her attic accidentally but is saved by the flower delivery guy who delivers roses to her monthly, but when the driver opens the attic door it's not her normal delivery man and she screams, slips on a pillow & falls and hits her head.
Holden, the flower delivery guy, calls 911 due to the fact that she may have a concussion.
Olivia's son, Logan is going to college soon, money is tight and she needs extra money to pay for some home improvements and college expenses.
Holden needs money for a Divorce lawyer and needs to pay for his degree that he wants to finish.
Irina is Olivia's step mom who is a radio station host who interviews a special guest Douglas the president of botanical conservatory on her radio talk show the Gardening hour to discuss this special 25th anniversary of The Great Garden race which is a scavenger hunt in New England for botanical items and the grand prize is Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars! Now Irina has her teammates picked but an accident happens with her friend Jin.
So Olivia, Holden, Zack and Irina agree to play this game and maybe make some new friends or enemies on this trip and find out a few secrets along the way and maybe win the race.. I loved the chemistry between Olivia and Holden and the dynamics of this fun story that made me feel like I was along for the ride.
February 2, 2026
Chasing Roses was a fun, heartfelt, and engaging read that blends friendship, personal growth, teamwork, and light romance into a story that feels both cozy and adventurous.
The story follows Team Fleur Four as they take part in a large botanical scavenger hunt across New England, racing against time and competing teams for a life-changing prize. Each member of the team brings their own emotional baggage, past mistakes, and personal motivations, which made the characters feel realistic and relatable from the start.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was watching how the relationships between the characters developed over the course of the journey. The teamwork, banter, and gradual trust that form between Olivia, Irina, Holden, and Zach added a lot of heart to the story. Their individual struggles, grief, strained relationships, and the desire for second chances are handled with care and depth.
The scavenger hunt itself was a unique and enjoyable element, giving the book a road-trip adventure vibe with puzzles, travel, and unexpected challenges along the way. The settings were easy to picture, and it really felt like you were traveling alongside the characters as the story unfolded.
The romance is present but gentle, building slowly through emotional connection and shared experiences rather than explicit scenes. It complements the story nicely without overpowering the themes of healing, friendship, and self-discovery.
Overall, Chasing Roses is a warm, character-driven read about second chances, found family, and moving forward after loss. I couldn’t put it down and finished it feeling satisfied and hopeful. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by this author.
The story follows Team Fleur Four as they take part in a large botanical scavenger hunt across New England, racing against time and competing teams for a life-changing prize. Each member of the team brings their own emotional baggage, past mistakes, and personal motivations, which made the characters feel realistic and relatable from the start.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was watching how the relationships between the characters developed over the course of the journey. The teamwork, banter, and gradual trust that form between Olivia, Irina, Holden, and Zach added a lot of heart to the story. Their individual struggles, grief, strained relationships, and the desire for second chances are handled with care and depth.
The scavenger hunt itself was a unique and enjoyable element, giving the book a road-trip adventure vibe with puzzles, travel, and unexpected challenges along the way. The settings were easy to picture, and it really felt like you were traveling alongside the characters as the story unfolded.
The romance is present but gentle, building slowly through emotional connection and shared experiences rather than explicit scenes. It complements the story nicely without overpowering the themes of healing, friendship, and self-discovery.
Overall, Chasing Roses is a warm, character-driven read about second chances, found family, and moving forward after loss. I couldn’t put it down and finished it feeling satisfied and hopeful. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by this author.
January 12, 2026
I just adore this cover ! I just want to climb into this book and become one with it and its wonderful characters 🥰
The idea of a botanical scavenger hunt sounds both intriguing and interesting and that’s exactly what these people needed not just to to distract them but to find peace , discover themselves , discover others , find peace and their life paths ❣️
Olivia has not only lost her dad , she’s forced to take leave from work and she’s got an empty nest so there’s a lot going on emotionally right now for her 🥲
Irinia Olivia’s stepmother is wanting to mend bridges with her and that’s not easy at best of times now there’s extra baggage which complicates an already delicate situation 🤷♀️
Holden our delivery man has had more than his fair share of life’s-hard knocks and he needs this distraction .,
Zach , our florist is falling apart at the seams and struggling to keep things together and is at great risk of losing everything ..,,
Our little band of scavengers are 1 of 30 yea s and there’s price money up for grabs so naturally they’ll have to deal with peoples herd , dishonesty and nastiness and I thought they may fold under the pressure but they blossom , when the going gets tough the tough get going and these four people inspired me in so many ways they grew not only as individuals but as a team ❣️
I laughed , I cried , I got angry but most all I really love as inspired to do better and be better ! This is defo a read I’ll be coming back to when I need a life me upper 📚❣️
The idea of a botanical scavenger hunt sounds both intriguing and interesting and that’s exactly what these people needed not just to to distract them but to find peace , discover themselves , discover others , find peace and their life paths ❣️
Olivia has not only lost her dad , she’s forced to take leave from work and she’s got an empty nest so there’s a lot going on emotionally right now for her 🥲
Irinia Olivia’s stepmother is wanting to mend bridges with her and that’s not easy at best of times now there’s extra baggage which complicates an already delicate situation 🤷♀️
Holden our delivery man has had more than his fair share of life’s-hard knocks and he needs this distraction .,
Zach , our florist is falling apart at the seams and struggling to keep things together and is at great risk of losing everything ..,,
Our little band of scavengers are 1 of 30 yea s and there’s price money up for grabs so naturally they’ll have to deal with peoples herd , dishonesty and nastiness and I thought they may fold under the pressure but they blossom , when the going gets tough the tough get going and these four people inspired me in so many ways they grew not only as individuals but as a team ❣️
I laughed , I cried , I got angry but most all I really love as inspired to do better and be better ! This is defo a read I’ll be coming back to when I need a life me upper 📚❣️
April 4, 2026
I really enjoyed the mix of characters in this novel that were brought together to compete in one of the biggest botanical races of the year, go team #fleurfour! Olivia is dealing with her son being gone all summer and then off to college, while still struggling with the grief of her father. Holden is struggling to decide to continue his college education meanwhile dealing with a lawsuit from his previous job. Irna has a garden savy radio show and is bound to finally win this New England Botanical race and maybe this will push her and Olivia to be closer. Zach is struggling with his partner and the adrenaline rush adventures he enjoys, as well as keeping the flower shop up and running. Each has their own struggles, and yet this race is what brings them all together. Winning team gets $250k! Money is always a motivator and each one knows that this would fix a multitude of problems for them, but can the four of them work together to win this race? It seems that what could go wrong does on this adventure but yet in the end they realize that maybe they each needed each other a little bit. This little road race adventure has brought them all closer as well as helped give them the answers they needed currently in their lives. This was a good heartfelt read. I loved all the puns and looking up all the different flowers that were listed throughout the race clues. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and goodies! Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for another one of her tour invites. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
February 6, 2026
Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant
5 of 5 Stars
This is such an enjoyable and engaging story which kept me captivated throughout. Team #FleurFour are taking part in the biggest botanical scavenger hunt in New England. They must work together as a team if they are to work out the twelve clues and win the prize jackpot. There is young empty-nester Olivia who has been forced to take leave from her job, and who wants to find answers following her father’s death. Garden-savvy radio host Irina is hoping a road trip will help to repair her strained relationship with stepdaughter Olivia. Whilst for floral delivery man Holden, winning the prize money could give him a fresh start following a tragic accident. Zach is a talented florist whose confidence is beginning to crumble, with both his heart and career on the line.
As team #FleurFour head off on their two week adventure it’s not just figuring out the clues and being against the clock they have to contend with, but also scheming competitors and unwanted detours. The mix of its intriguing storyline, quirky and likeable characters and wonderful settings made this a real page turner. I loved how real friendships were formed between the members of #FleurFour. I felt fully immersed in the story as the detailed descriptive narrative brought both the characters and settings to life. I was kept happily turning the pages whilst reading this book!
5 of 5 Stars
This is such an enjoyable and engaging story which kept me captivated throughout. Team #FleurFour are taking part in the biggest botanical scavenger hunt in New England. They must work together as a team if they are to work out the twelve clues and win the prize jackpot. There is young empty-nester Olivia who has been forced to take leave from her job, and who wants to find answers following her father’s death. Garden-savvy radio host Irina is hoping a road trip will help to repair her strained relationship with stepdaughter Olivia. Whilst for floral delivery man Holden, winning the prize money could give him a fresh start following a tragic accident. Zach is a talented florist whose confidence is beginning to crumble, with both his heart and career on the line.
As team #FleurFour head off on their two week adventure it’s not just figuring out the clues and being against the clock they have to contend with, but also scheming competitors and unwanted detours. The mix of its intriguing storyline, quirky and likeable characters and wonderful settings made this a real page turner. I loved how real friendships were formed between the members of #FleurFour. I felt fully immersed in the story as the detailed descriptive narrative brought both the characters and settings to life. I was kept happily turning the pages whilst reading this book!
February 3, 2026
This book really surprised me with how easily I was sucked into it. There are four people all competing for money in a scavenger hunt. What could happen, what could go wrong? This book took these four characters and gave insight into their pasts. It allows the reader to get to know each character with multiple POVs. Through out the book the characters are helping each other through certain obstacles they have faced in their life. They all start to heal on this journey and gives so much depth to the main characters that the reader just can't help but to fall in love with each of them. The setting of the book is described beautifully, that as a reader, I could really picture all of the beautiful flowers and the journey's they take. While all sorts of things are going on, we must remember that this is a race and that is never out of the picture but sometimes it fades into the background. There is banter and jokes that made me physically laugh out loud at. The further I got into the book that more I started to feel the emotions of the characters. I over all truly enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was nice reprieve from the romance that I normally read. I was delighted with the ending and felt that everything was the way it should be. This is a light hearted, spirited, full of adventure, and fulfilling read. Highly recommend.
January 19, 2026
Chasing Roses is a delightful book centered around the fictional 25th anniversary of the Great Garden Race of Worcester, MA. Setting out on this sweltering, 14-day, massive scavenger hunt in a stuffed to the gills, beat-up old minivan with iffy air conditioning are four disparate characters and two large dogs (one with digestive issues). Each of the humans is carrying a bit of extra “baggage”. The goal is to discover and follow the far-flung clues for a prize of a quarter of a million dollars. Naturally, each participant begins, motivated by what he/she will do with the winnings. Join Olivia, Irina, Zach and Holden as they traverse the state of Maine in The Great Race fashion, searching for clues and facing down their personal demons (plus one or two of the human type).
The book’s characters are well fleshed out and relatable. Grant’s prose manages to be concise yet descriptive. Roses are thematically strewn throughout the book, and Grant manages to make this not just a cozy read, but one that demonstrates the universal principles of grief, remorse, self-forgiveness and our need for community. “Everyone has demons they need to work through. Closure is hard. Acceptance is harder and forgiveness is the hardest.” A definite 5 star read.
The book’s characters are well fleshed out and relatable. Grant’s prose manages to be concise yet descriptive. Roses are thematically strewn throughout the book, and Grant manages to make this not just a cozy read, but one that demonstrates the universal principles of grief, remorse, self-forgiveness and our need for community. “Everyone has demons they need to work through. Closure is hard. Acceptance is harder and forgiveness is the hardest.” A definite 5 star read.
December 18, 2025
Four people have teamed up in the biggest botanical scavenger hunt in New England. They call themselves Team Fleur Four and they must work together to solve the twelve clues to take home the $250,000 prize. Each person could use that money to better their lives. The clues are brainteasers and some are more difficult than others. But with each clue solved, this quartet grows closer. Can they win the grand prize or are they chasing a hopeless dream?
Chasing Roses is a delightful adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. Think Amazing Race meets Gardeners’ World with plants and flowers as the theme. The descriptive narration is immersive, which allowed me to get caught up in the hunt and the competitors. The characters in Team Fleur Four come from different backgrounds but have similar goals. I connected with all of the characters in Team Fleur Four. The plot has twists, puzzles, and emotions. Some of the competitors will stop at nothing to win, including cheating.
If you’re looking for a fun adventure read, pick up Chasing Roses.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Chasing Roses is a delightful adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. Think Amazing Race meets Gardeners’ World with plants and flowers as the theme. The descriptive narration is immersive, which allowed me to get caught up in the hunt and the competitors. The characters in Team Fleur Four come from different backgrounds but have similar goals. I connected with all of the characters in Team Fleur Four. The plot has twists, puzzles, and emotions. Some of the competitors will stop at nothing to win, including cheating.
If you’re looking for a fun adventure read, pick up Chasing Roses.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
January 9, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book by this author. One of the things I enjoyed about this author is their ability to use details to make the characters pop. I also enjoyed their ability to pull me into the story from the start and keep me turning pages to the end. This is a story about learning to work together and the best of all friendship. A story where two weeks, twelve clues and one cash prize that could change a life. Olivia, Irena, Holden and Zach are one team. As the clock starts and starts ticking down this team will be put to the test as they work through the clues. Will they make it on time to win the cash? What they find at the end could be more valuable than any cash prize. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They each have their own unique situation and what they get out of their adventure. They made the story easy and fun to read. I enjoyed watching each of the character’s growth throughout. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story and one you don’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this story.
January 13, 2026
Chasing Roses is an uplifting contemporary fiction novel that blends adventure, emotional healing, and the quiet magic of botanical knowledge. The story is set against a two week New England scavenger hunt and follows four strangers turned teammates competing for a life changing prize while confronting the personal struggles they’ve been avoiding. The storyline involves twelve clues, thirty teams, and a race that forces each character to grow. The scavenger hunt becomes a catalyst for emotional transformation, not just a competition. The novel’s themes center on second chances, teamwork, grief, rebuilding confidence, and the complicated beauty of family, especially the fragile relationship between Olivia and her stepmother, Irina. Olivia’s quiet grief and sense of displacement contrast with Irina’s hopeful determination to mend their bond. Holden brings warmth and resilience as he tries to rebuild his life, while Zach’s talent is shadowed by self doubt and pressure. This is a heartfelt, hopeful, and character driven story that offers a feel good journey about finding purpose, connection, and courage when life feels uprooted.
February 3, 2026
Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant. This is such a fun drama and friend filled read. Its the story of Olivia, Zach, Holden and Irina who have found themselves on their own Amazing Race. The town they live in has always put on The Great Garden Race which is a race against time to find all the botanical items listed and the winner wins 250,000. This would help all 4 of them so much. Olivia is a single mon whose son Logan is going to college soon so she needs all the money she can get. Holden is a flower delivery guy who needs money to finish his college degree and divorce. Irina is Olivia's step mom and radio host who has just had Douglas the president of the Botanical Society on talking about the Great Garden Race. Its also the 25th anniversary of the race which is why the prize money is so high. Irina had originally picked her friend Jinn but an accident happened leaving a position for Olivia to join. So Team Fleur Four has been formed and we are off on a journey to say the least. So much fun and adventures along with a little chemistry between Holden and Olivia. I loved this book so much!
February 7, 2026
Olivia has recently lost her father due to a burglary gone wrong. She decided to try her hand at investigating to find the person who took her father from her and ended up being put on leave from her job. Irina is Olivia's stepmother and they have a strained relationship that Irina is hoping to repair. She is hoping this trip will being them close. Holden meets Olivia when he delivers roses to her home. She had locked herself in her attic on accident and he frees her. Olivia gets scared because Holden is not her usual delivery guy. She slips and falls, he calls 911 for fear she may have a concussion. He is looking for a fresh start after going through a divorce. And last but not least we have Zach. Even though he is talented he has been putting on a good front and gotten far. However this carefully crafted wall is starting to crumble and he just may be found out. Four people who each have an agenda of some sort and different reasons for wanting to go on this botanical scavenger hunt. They come together to form the team, Fleur Four. They either become friends or they become enemies. Either way they must work together if they want to make it to the end of this journey.
January 9, 2026
Chasing Roses is a botanical road trip novel that throws together four characters who are carrying a lot of emotional baggage. The story is based around a multi-day scavenger hunt where the teams have to work together to solve clues and find the correct plants before their opponents. When Irina and Zach need an extra two people for their team, they rope in Olivia and Holden who could do with a break (and the prize money).
This is a fun read for plant lovers who like character-driven stories. If you like romances set around flower shops, this is a nice development on that trope that brings the characters to a variety of locations and situations.
I found it particularly interesting to learn about different plants as the characters puzzled their way through the clues. It’s also nice seeing how the dynamic in the group changes as the characters gradually open up and reveal their secrets.
Chasing Roses gets four stars from me! If you like road trip novels that throw together a somewhat unlikely group of travellers, and are interested in plants, you’ll love this book!
This is a fun read for plant lovers who like character-driven stories. If you like romances set around flower shops, this is a nice development on that trope that brings the characters to a variety of locations and situations.
I found it particularly interesting to learn about different plants as the characters puzzled their way through the clues. It’s also nice seeing how the dynamic in the group changes as the characters gradually open up and reveal their secrets.
Chasing Roses gets four stars from me! If you like road trip novels that throw together a somewhat unlikely group of travellers, and are interested in plants, you’ll love this book!
January 31, 2026
Chasing Roses is a delightful read that focuses on redemption, relationships and teamwork. We first meet Olivia, she works for the regional dispatch team in central suburban Massachusetts. She decided she was going to handle the mold issue in her attic by herself, until she seen a mouse, tried to kick it and accidentally locked herself in the attic with no good options to call anyone to come get her out (definitely not dispatch because… gossip) but she was saved by the flowers or so she thought. Her son, Logan, is going off to college in the fall so she’s trying to do things to save money to pay for his tuition. After a series of unfortunate (maybe, maybe not.. fate?) events Olivia ends up joining her stepmom, Irina, Zach, and Holden as the fourth member of Team FleurFour.
This well paced read will keep you interested with all the quirky character developments and interactions. You’ll end up feeling the rush of anticipation, anxiety and excitement as if you were the one actually doing it.
This well paced read will keep you interested with all the quirky character developments and interactions. You’ll end up feeling the rush of anticipation, anxiety and excitement as if you were the one actually doing it.
February 7, 2026
Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant
5 Star Review
This book is about a four people who have their own troubles in life. When they join the team in the Race for the Roses (annual road trip race searching for clues in the pursuit of wonderful prizes and $250,000!), they start out as strangers or not liking each other. Olivia Rose is struggling with her emotional health after the traumatic death of her father and her current work situation. Irina is Olivia’s stepmother, who recently also lost her husband. Olivia and Irina are not close, at all. Zach and Jin run one of the florist shops in town. After Zach’s boyfriend, Jin is injured, they ask Holden to step in. Holden is the new delivery driver for the florist shop. The adventure that they embark on is fun, entertaining, and a real puzzle.
Jean M. Grant’s writing is filled with humor, small town charm, and delightful twists and turns. The characters are all unique and have intriguing back stories that add to the struggles during the race. This book is easy to read and well written. The story is fast paced and I couldn’t put it down!
5 Star Review
This book is about a four people who have their own troubles in life. When they join the team in the Race for the Roses (annual road trip race searching for clues in the pursuit of wonderful prizes and $250,000!), they start out as strangers or not liking each other. Olivia Rose is struggling with her emotional health after the traumatic death of her father and her current work situation. Irina is Olivia’s stepmother, who recently also lost her husband. Olivia and Irina are not close, at all. Zach and Jin run one of the florist shops in town. After Zach’s boyfriend, Jin is injured, they ask Holden to step in. Holden is the new delivery driver for the florist shop. The adventure that they embark on is fun, entertaining, and a real puzzle.
Jean M. Grant’s writing is filled with humor, small town charm, and delightful twists and turns. The characters are all unique and have intriguing back stories that add to the struggles during the race. This book is easy to read and well written. The story is fast paced and I couldn’t put it down!
February 7, 2026
I’ve read a few books by this author, and something that I really love is that they are all quite different but still very addictive. This one was such a fun, cozy surprise, and I was completely absorbed only a few pages in. With multiple points of view, you feel like you’re getting deeper into each character’s mind, and I loved it. Who knew that a scavenger hunt was going to hold my attention and deprive me of sweet, sweet sleep?! The author did an amazing job with vivid imagery which makes you feel like you are there. The team dynamics are the real highlight and watching them slowly learn to trust each other is genuinely satisfying. Olivia and Holden are probably my favorite of the four! There’s enough mystery and competition to keep the pages turning, plus some sneaky rivals and last-minute detours to raise the stakes. At the same time, it feels warm and hopeful, like a reminder that fresh starts can show up in unexpected ways. If you enjoy a feel-good read that still has heart, momentum, and just enough drama to keep things interesting, I think you’ll fly through this one!
January 10, 2026
I love reading Jean M. Grant's books; she has such an amazing style of writing that brings her books to life. Chasing Roses was such a great book; it really captured the beauty of plant life, flowers especially, and the wonders of nature all around us. All of the characters have something that they are working through in their personal lives, and each could use that huge cash reward to help make life a little better for each of them. I love how realistic this book was, and the excellent use of teaching the readers about how we each deal with drama in our own ways, some more healthy than others. As each character works through their issues and shares the traumas that they are each dealing with, they find that it is the first step in finding a way to heal. This story captivated me throughout as I followed the race, cheering on our team of Fleur Four to the end. Will they be able to cross the finish line intact, or will they be disqualified before they get started?
@Brandy Rymer
1/2026
@Brandy Rymer
1/2026
January 23, 2026
Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant is a heartwarming story about relationships and redemption. Olivia had been through a live changing experience and pushes away her step mom in the process. Through a series of events irene convinces Olivia to do the Great Garden Race with her. It is the last thing Olivia wants but with her son going off to a fancy internship and her being placed on leave from work, what else is she supposed to do?
Little does she know this journey will help heal her, and the other three, she embarks on the journey with.
The Great Garden races clues are clever, Jean M. Grant, certainly knows her flowers and trees and the terrain of Maine. At times I felt like I was on the journey with our characters. I love the story line that weaves in perfectly with the adventure.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. It is a novel I will certainly recommend for some time to come.
Little does she know this journey will help heal her, and the other three, she embarks on the journey with.
The Great Garden races clues are clever, Jean M. Grant, certainly knows her flowers and trees and the terrain of Maine. At times I felt like I was on the journey with our characters. I love the story line that weaves in perfectly with the adventure.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. It is a novel I will certainly recommend for some time to come.
January 27, 2026
I absolutely adored Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant. From the first chapter, I was swept into a beautifully written historical romance filled with heart, depth, and unforgettable characters. The heroine is strong, intelligent, and refreshingly realistic, and I found myself cheering for her every step of the way. The romance develops through its tender moments and its tense situations which create deep emotional ties between the characters. The historical setting captivated me through its vividness which enhanced the story without creating an overwhelming experience. The story maintained a steady rhythm which kept me focused throughout the entire duration while the emotional scenes brought me joy. The final pages left me feeling complete but I experienced sadness about departing from the characters. This book is essential for readers who enjoy historical romance stories that offer both warmth and charm together with authentic emotional satisfaction. 🌹📖
January 30, 2026
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good woman’s fiction but this story exceeded my expectations. You can’t help but to fall in love with all of these characters. This book had me attention right from the beginning. I could not put this down until the end. It only took me a day to devour this amazing book. I can’t wait to see what this amazing author will write next.
Olivia Rose is now an empty nester and she now wants a new start. She is told about a game that could win her some money to start all over again. Her step mom Irina wants to repair their relationship so this might help them. They also join with two guys Zach and Holden which the both have had it rough and they need a break. They call themselves Team Fleur Four. As a team they have to solve a lot of puzzles. They also have some huge competition that some of them are playing a dirty game. Will these four end up with the prize or is there more to just winning?
Olivia Rose is now an empty nester and she now wants a new start. She is told about a game that could win her some money to start all over again. Her step mom Irina wants to repair their relationship so this might help them. They also join with two guys Zach and Holden which the both have had it rough and they need a break. They call themselves Team Fleur Four. As a team they have to solve a lot of puzzles. They also have some huge competition that some of them are playing a dirty game. Will these four end up with the prize or is there more to just winning?
February 2, 2026
This was a warm and uplifting story about 4 people learning about themselves and each other while on a quest to win a grand prize.
This is a story about healing and second chances as well as the adventure and obstacles they have to overcome to be in with a chance of winning.
Our four characters are completely different from each other. Each of them bring different issues and problems to the table and at times you wonder if they can function at a team.
When Olivia finds herself with spare time on her hands she decides to join Zach, Holden and Irina on a race against time to be in with a chance of winning big money.
With such a price at stake it is a race against time with obstacles that will challenge them all and make them take a look at their lives. As friendships start to build our characters also start to learn more about themselves.
Can they work together and win the prize money or will they all come away with something more valuable that money?
This is a story about healing and second chances as well as the adventure and obstacles they have to overcome to be in with a chance of winning.
Our four characters are completely different from each other. Each of them bring different issues and problems to the table and at times you wonder if they can function at a team.
When Olivia finds herself with spare time on her hands she decides to join Zach, Holden and Irina on a race against time to be in with a chance of winning big money.
With such a price at stake it is a race against time with obstacles that will challenge them all and make them take a look at their lives. As friendships start to build our characters also start to learn more about themselves.
Can they work together and win the prize money or will they all come away with something more valuable that money?
February 7, 2026
Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant is an absolute delight a clever, heartfelt adventure that blossoms with every page. The premise alone is irresistible: a high stakes botanical scavenger hunt with twelve clues, two weeks, and a quarter of a million dollar prize. But what truly makes this novel shine is the depth of Team Fleur Four.
Olivia’s search for closure, Irina’s hope to mend family ties, Holden’s yearning for a fresh start, and Zach’s struggle to prove himself all intertwine beautifully. Grant balances humor, tension, and emotion while weaving in puzzles, rivalries, and unexpected detours. The story is both fast-paced and tender, reminding us that growth often comes through teamwork, forgiveness, and resilience.
It’s part mystery, part road trip, part heartwarming tale of second chances and it blooms into something unforgettable. A must read for fans of uplifting contemporary fiction with a dash of adventure.
Olivia’s search for closure, Irina’s hope to mend family ties, Holden’s yearning for a fresh start, and Zach’s struggle to prove himself all intertwine beautifully. Grant balances humor, tension, and emotion while weaving in puzzles, rivalries, and unexpected detours. The story is both fast-paced and tender, reminding us that growth often comes through teamwork, forgiveness, and resilience.
It’s part mystery, part road trip, part heartwarming tale of second chances and it blooms into something unforgettable. A must read for fans of uplifting contemporary fiction with a dash of adventure.
November 21, 2025
Chasing Roses is absolutely a fun, adventure filled journey to the theme of Amazing Race but with Flowers and Plants as a central theme. Get the clue, parse it out, find the location, locate the gem (or flowers in this case, rinse and repeat. 30 teams of 4 will start but only one will take the top prize. Team Fleur Four started out as a rag tag team with plenty of emotional and physical baggage but the journey ended up being about way more than a grand prize. All learn so much about each other, their competitors but most of all, themselves. Born and Raised in Maine, I now feel the need to take this journey myself because much of the trip, I've never seen. I loved the hometown feel of the destinations and the authors portrayal of each character's strengths and weaknesses and how they came through for each other.
February 6, 2026
Olivia is an emergency response dispatcher and had her share of a breaking and entering in her own house. She is still set on catching the guy even after two years. It has caused her problems with her job and her mental health. Her son Logan is about to leave her for college abs an internship so they will not be able to take their last trip together. Her stepmother Irina continues to try and get her to compete in the Great Garden Race, it consists of a 4 person team and her stepmother mother has 3 and just needs her to be the fourth. She continues to refuse. This year however the race has a bigger prize and a few extra surprises. Could this finally be the help she needs and well as at least 2 of the other teammates need this money just as much as she does. Should she accept this invitation now that she is going to be losing her son to college?
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