Crafts and Life

Britta Johnston and her aunt Elin are delighted that their Portland floral boutique is part of the city's Rose Festival, which draws thousands to the Pacific Northwest for dragon boat races, fireworks, and other attractions–capped off by a big parade. They're building a float that's sure to rock the judge's boat . . . until a gang of angry protestors shows up. The group, who call themselves Dark Fusion, are decidedly not into flower power, and they want to take down the system . . . including the upcoming extravaganza.

Then their leader is strangled with a garland of violets–and Britta finds the body. With tensions running high and so much at stake, there are plenty of suspects, from the Grand Marshal to a longtime volunteer to a former Rose Queen. But before Britta and Elin can stem the violence, the case is going to get even more explosive . . .

An Interview With A Character

What is your full name?

Britta Johnston

What is your Profession?

I’m a professional floral artist. I own a flower and wine shop, Blooma on the banks of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon—The Rose City. For me, flowers are an expression of our soul. I love getting to share beautiful, fragrant bouquets, centerpieces, and ornate floral jewelry.

What is your current favourite book or movie?

I’m currently obsessed with Flower Color Guide by famed New York florists Michael and Darroch Putnam. It’s a lush look at over 400 flowers with style and color suggestions. I keep it on my coffee table for inspiration.

What is your go to comfort book or movie?

My family is Swedish. My parents and Aunt Elin, who runs Blooma with me, introduced me to Pippi Longstocking at a young age. I remember curling up with a mug of apple cider and reading Pippi’s adventure until well past my bedtime. Whenever I’m in need of a comfort read, I turn to Pippi. It’s like rediscovering my childhood in the pages of my well-worn books.

If someone was to play you in a movie who would it be? OR what would be the character you would want to be in a book?

I would love for Ginnifer Goodwin to play me in a movie. First of all, she and I could be sisters in terms of appearance, but more importantly I love her welcoming personality and her warm smile. Plus, she played Snow White in the hit TV series Once Upon A Time, so I’m pretty convinced she can pull off any role.

What is your ideal evening?

Portland, Oregon is known for its bounty of summer roses, but the winter months tend to be cold, rainy, and dreary. My favorite thing is to light a fire, pour myself a glass of Pinot Noir, and spend the evening experimenting with new flower designs.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 27 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 27 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 28 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

November 28 – The Montana Bookaholic – CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 29 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

November 29 – Readeropolis – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 30 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

November 30 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

December 1 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

December 1 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

December 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

December 2 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT, FLOWER TIP SHEET

December 3 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

December 3 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

December 4 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST

December 5 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

December 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

December 6 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

December 6 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW