Book Review: The Trouble with Tulips by Carrie Patterson

If you love small-town stories filled with tradition, emotional growth, and a satisfying happily ever after, The Trouble with Tulips is a charming and heartfelt read. Set in the close-knit town of Holliday Hills, this novel blends romance, self-discovery, and community ties into a story that feels both comforting and emotionally grounded.

A Small Town with Deep Roots

Holliday Hills is a former silver mining town with a population of just 3,000 people, the kind of place where history matters and traditions are fiercely protected. One of those traditions is the Sweetheart’s Ball, a beloved annual event that has been part of town life for forty-three years.

Chloe returns home after inheriting her grandmother’s flower shop, Petal Pushers, along with a small cottage. While the inheritance comes with fond memories, it also brings responsibility. The shop is struggling financially, and Chloe’s ability to keep it afloat depends on securing the Sweetheart’s Ball contract. Without it, the future of the business is uncertain.

Conflict, Change, and Growth

Complications arise when the new lodge manager, Jack Findlay, proposes canceling the Sweetheart’s Ball due to safety concerns. At first, this feels like an outsider threatening a cherished tradition, but as Chloe listens, she realizes his concerns are genuine. What follows is a series of setbacks that derail Chloe’s plans to revitalize both the Lodge and the Sweetheart’s Ball.

These challenges push Chloe far beyond problem-solving mode. As plans fall apart and tensions rise, she is forced to confront her own doubts and the expectations she has been carrying for years. Through betrayal, redemption, and growing passion, Chloe learns something essential about herself. She is stronger than she ever believed, and she does not need anyone’s approval but her own.

A Sweet and Spicy Romance with Heart

Rather than leaning into mystery or suspense, The Trouble with Tulips focuses on emotional transformation and connection. The romance unfolds naturally alongside Chloe’s personal growth, delivering moments that are tender, occasionally spicy, and deeply satisfying.

By the end of the story, the happily ever after feels earned, not rushed. The town of Holliday Hills remains central to the narrative, offering a sense of continuity, renewal, and hope that will resonate with readers who love character-driven romance.

Christine Pope, a New Pen Name, and a New Direction

One especially interesting aspect of The Trouble with Tulips is that Carrie Patterson is the pen name of Christine Pope, an author many readers already know for her paranormal and fantasy work. Writing under a new name allows Pope to explore a different genre and tone, and the shift is both intentional and effective.

Readers familiar with her other work will notice the strong character development and emotional depth she brings to this story, even as she steps into a more romance-forward, cozy-adjacent space. If you have read her previous novels, this book feels like a thoughtful expansion of her range rather than a departure from what makes her storytelling compelling.

For a look at her work under her original name, you can read my earlier review of Christine Pope’s Devil May Care here: https://traciejoy.com/2026/01/06/devil-may-care/

Who This Book Is For

• • Love small-town romance with strong community ties

• • Enjoy stories about inherited responsibility and starting over

• • Appreciate a strong female lead who grows into her confidence

• • Want a romance that is sweet with a touch of spice

• • Prefer character-driven stories over mystery or heavy suspense

• • Enjoy a satisfying, emotionally grounded happily ever after

Final Thoughts

The Trouble with Tulips is a warm, engaging romance that celebrates resilience, self-trust, and the power of choosing your own path. With its rich setting, relatable heroine, and hopeful conclusion, it is a lovely read for anyone looking to sink into a story that feels comforting without being predictable.