TAHIRA IN BLOOM

An aspiring fashion designer in Toronto makes the most of an unexpected summer opportunity.

Seventeen-year-old Tahira Janmohammad’s dream is to be a fashion designer, and she has a plan to make that happen: attend an arts high school, establish a social media presence, intern with a fashion designer, and get into the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. All is going well until her internship with a rising star designer falls through. Fortunately, Tahira’s aunt owns a small boutique and offers her a summer job. Unfortunately, it’s in the small town of Bakewell, the self-proclaimed flower capital of Ontario. With her best friend coming along, Tahira decides it won’t be so bad—until she meets 18-year-old Rowan Johnston, Sharmin Aunty’s rude but handsome nursery employee neighbor. An exciting opportunity arises when Tahira discovers that the floral sculpture competition portion of the annual flower festival might be her way in with a famous New York City streetwear designer who got his start in floral design. But first she must find a way to work with Rowan if she has any hope of winning and proving herself. Heron has penned an enjoyable coming-of-age romantic comedy. Touching on the pressures of social media, discovering your passions, and staying true to yourself, your morals, and your real friends, the book offers readers characters whose feelings and insecurities will resonate. Muslim Tahira is of Indian descent; Rowan is Black.

A sweet read filled with fashion, flowers, and romance.