Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane

Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane was one of those books that I wasn't sure I was going to like, at first, so the one thing I think you should know about it is that it's absolutely worth hanging in there if the writing style puts you off. I don't even remember what it was about the book that made me wrinkle my nose, at first. Maybe I found it a little weird? The writing is unique, for sure. But, once I became accustomed to Kane's voice and got to know the main character, I began to really love the story.

May works on the gardening crew of a university where there's a particular tree that's special because it was grown from a cutting that May acquired from an ancient tree in Scotland. Because of the tree — I don't want to give away the details — May ends up getting some unexpected vacation time. She's been pondering friendship and wondering if, perhaps, she hasn't worked hard enough at being a friend when she's given the surprise month of vacation so May decides to spend most of her time off traveling to visit 4 friends.

Highly recommended - A lovely, uplifting, unique story. I'm keeping the review short because I don't want to give too much away but May is an interesting character who begins the story a little hollow and wounded but who learns and grows in an incredibly satisfying way once she makes the decision to work harder at being a friend and building new friendships. I think people who love plants will come away from Rules for Visiting with a particular affection because it's just fun being in May's head while she muses about gardening and favorite plants.

I got my ARC of Rules for Visiting from Penguin Random House (thank you!), I think via Shelf Awareness. I feel very lucky to have received a copy. I love stories of friendship and Rules for Visiting is the kind of book that makes you feel warm and hopeful inside.

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