There are few things we treasure more than favorite flowers and the well-loved books that call us back over and over again. Both invite reflection and a deeper appreciation for the beauty woven into life. Our floral must-haves span a lovely range, from classic roses and cloudlike hydrangeas to elegant orchids that bring refinement to any setting. Our bookshelves are equally varied, filled with stories that move us, from timeless classics to modern novels, from thrilling romance to deep dive mystery. It seemed only fitting to bring these two delights together in a way that honors the spirit of both. Each brings us comfort, inspiration, and even wonder, whether shared as a gift or enjoyed in a private moment. At Shotwell Floral in Fargo, North Dakota, we’ve selected our top books-and-blooms pairings to inspire thoughtful giving and receiving. Let’s open the door to something beautiful!

The Classics

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë, one of the celebrated Brontë sisters, gave the world Wuthering Heights, which continues to captivate generation after generation. At its center is the unforgettable relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, filled with devotion, conflict, and emotional intensity. The Yorkshire moors are so vividly drawn that they seem to breathe alongside the characters themselves. From that rugged beauty, we picture garden roses dressed in pink, full peonies, and elegant delphinium standing tall in the garden air.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Among F. Scott Fitzgerald’s many works, The Great Gatsby stands as the novel for which he is most fondly remembered. It captures the brilliance and excess of the Roaring Twenties while tracing Jay Gatsby’s ill-fated love for Daisy Buchanan. Fresh daisies are an unmistakable tribute to the story’s golden heroine, yet green orchids add another layer of dimension. Their vivid hue suggests wealth, ambition, and the famous green light that glows across the water. Elegant and evocative, this bloom reflects the book’s tension between opulence, hope, and heartbreak.

Mystery Thrillers

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

A fixture on library waitlists and bookstore displays, The Housemaid rivets readers with expertly placed twists that satisfy even devoted mystery fans. What begins as a straightforward premise soon darkens: Millie, down on her luck, accepts a housekeeping position for the polished Andrew and Nina Winchester. Their life appears immaculate from the outside, yet beneath that picture-perfect surface, deeper troubles quietly gather. White orchids are particularly suited to this story, reflecting the Winchester home’s elegance and Nina’s crisp ivory wardrobe… at least before the first signs of disorder begin to show.

His & Hers by Alice Feeney

With its alternating viewpoints and constant uncertainty, His & Hers brings readers into a mystery where trust always feels just out of reach. The novel balances sophistication and unease beautifully, releasing each secret with perfect timing while tension steadily builds. Red dahlias capture that mood with striking precision. Their deep color and sculptural petals echo the passion, peril, and emotional intensity at the heart of a story where deception blooms alongside desire.

Romance

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus enchants with its magical atmosphere, fierce rivalry, and slow-unfolding romance. Every page is touched by mystery, where secrets glimmer under palpable darkness and very little is as straightforward as it first appears. Much of the novel’s allure rests in its rich mood, elegant suspense, and unforgettable palette of black, white, and red. Black calla lilies, red roses, and soft white accents accompany the novel’s spirit, amplifying its passion, intrigue, and theatrical beauty.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

The Duke and I, Julia Quinn’s beloved novel and the inspiration behind Netflix’s Bridgerton, follows Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset as a feigned courtship slowly deepens into something real. Daphne hopes for a love match, while Simon is firmly resolved not to marry. Yet the story has other plans, drawing readers into a romance filled with wit, longing, and charm. Tulips complement this tale, as they suggest renewal, affection, and love in bloom. In the novel, Simon gives tulips to Violet Bridgerton, a gesture that reflects his growing connection to Daphne’s family.

Beach Reads

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

In The Five-Star Weekend, we’re introduced to Hollis Shaw, a beloved food blogger whose world is changed in an instant by unexpected loss. Seeking comfort and a path forward, she gathers some of her closest lifelong friends for a weekend retreat in Nantucket. What begins as a healing escape soon reveals old scars, hidden truths, deep friendship, grief, reinvention, and the complex nature of love. White and blue hydrangeas align with the story, reflecting sincere emotion, remembrance, and the way life blooms through change.

The Wedding People by Aliso Espach

Alison Espach opens this novel with Phoebe Stone arriving alone at a luxe hotel, where she is quickly folded into the wedding energy swirling around her. What begins in sorrow gradually becomes a sweet story about grief, unexpected friendship, and the strange comfort of being seen by strangers. The book’s appeal lies in that careful balance of heartbreak and hope. White calla lilies and ranunculus capture the beauty of a wedding day and the possibility of love returning in an unexpected form.

Fiction

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

In Shelby Van Pelt’s debut, readers meet Tova Sullivan, a widow whose quiet work at a Pacific Northwest aquarium places her in the path of two life-changing companions. Marcellus, an octopus with uncommon insight, and Cameron, a restless young man adrift in his own history, gradually reshape her world. The novel is both witty and profound, touching on aging, sorrow, family, and the comfort of friendship, even when it’s unexpected. Orange spider mums recall the graceful movement of the octopus, while alstroemeria reflects the story’s spirit of loyalty and camaraderie.

Heart the Lover by Lily King

The protagonist’s present life is thrown off balance when a sudden reappearance reconnects her to the powerful relationship she once shared with Sam and Yash. Spanning decades, Heart the Lover is a thoughtful meditation on memory, desire, missed chances, and the tender ache of first love. What gives it such depth is its understanding of how people change while still carrying earlier versions of themselves. Orange lilies are a knowing tribute to the author’s name, while Peruvian lilies reflect the devotion at the novel’s core.

Our carefully curated reading list reflects the same depth and individuality as our top blooms. Each says something about character, memory, and the beauty we’re drawn to most. Pairing them invites a fuller form of self-expression. At Shotwell Floral, we are pleased to accompany you as you explore a world of flowers, stories, and delight.