Always Orchid is an important book that will help people. Every detail of Phoenix's reaction to his injuries is authentic. Reading the interactions, his thoughts, his actions, and reasoning behind them takes me back to my initial recovery and daily challenges a decade after injury.
Always Orchid hits it out of the park! The lovers may be fictional, but the emotions and physical challenges are genuine. I couldn’t put this book down.
A powerful, emotional story, Always Orchid follows the welcome reunion of lovers Phoenix and Orchid only to have the demons of his injuries and the ghosts of her past drive them apart again. Carol Van Den Hende’s artistic gaze is unflinching in the depiction of Phoenix’s recovery and Orchid’s ongoing PTSD. Propulsive and richly detailed, this third book in the Goodbye, Orchid series is an absorbing read. Absolutely gripping!
Carol Van Den Hende never disappoints. Her books are full of rich characters, real challenges and deep emotion.
Always Orchid explores the power of love and perseverance in the face of trauma and discrimination. A heart-warming story with compassionate connections.
Profound and redemptive, Always Orchid made me understand the power of forgiving each other and ourselves.
From New York to Beijing, Carol Van Den Hende’s Always Orchid crosses countries and cultures, taking the reader on a journey exploring sacrifice, resilience, and acceptance. From the first sentence we are asked, ‘Have you ever been in the middle of a moment, an instant that’s suspended between what was and what is about to be?’ From this question, to the middle, and clear to the end of this compelling story, Always Orchid stirs emotion and self-reflection.
Honest and stirring, Always Orchid inspires hope for every wounded veteran. Always Orchid earns 5 Purple Heart decorated stars.
