Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell

Sixteen-year-old Clara Lucas' magic is wild. She longs to be accepted by the Council of Magicians as a healer. Her friend Xavier is already a wizard but she has been left behind because she cannot control her magic. When she accidentally causes poisonous flowers to bloom in her father's chest she knows that she must learn a complex healing spell to save him. Xavier is the only wizard who can help her, but on one condition, she must give him her magic when her father is cured.

The gorgeous cover will entice the reader to open the book and learn about the magic of flowers. Bakewell gradually reveals a gentle fantasy and a slow burning romance. The voice in Clara's head is one that readers may well recognise; it torments her with thoughts of failure, and the pair strive not only to find a cure for Clara's father but a potion that will help people with mental health issues and anxiety.

Although the conclusion seems a little rushed this unique look at anxiety combined with an engaging friend to lovers romance is sure to appeal. Readers who enjoyed this may also like books by Margaret Rogerson.

Themes: Fantasy, Magic, Anxiety.

Pat Pledger