The Flowers That Remained has won an award! The 2026 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest is one of the largest in the world and recognizes traditional and independent books alike. The Flowers That Remained has been named an Honorable Mention in the Romance – Historical category. You can read the award’s press release below.
Book Award Press Release
Readers’ Favorite recognizes “The Flowers That Remained” by Julia Maiola in its annual international book award contest, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0G26FVBMF.
The Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).
“When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers’ Favorite.” –Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House
Readers’ Favorite is proud to announce that “The Flowers That Remained” by Julia Maiola won the Honorable Mention Award in the Romance – Historical category.
You can learn more about Julia Maiola and “The Flowers That Remained” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-flowers-that-remained where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
5-Star Review
The Flowers That Remained has also earned a 5-Star review from Readers’ Favorite. You can read it right here!
Two years after serving in the war, Henry Miller decides he cannot remain in his troubled marriage to Lydia and moves with his daughter to a small town, hoping life will finally calm down. But quiet doesn’t mean easy. Henry still fights through nightmares and worries about raising Sophia on his own while dealing with watchful neighbors who don’t quite know what to make of him. Sophia begins to find her footing once Claire Watt becomes her tutor. Claire teaches her simple lessons, spends time in the garden with her, and brings warmth into their routines. As Claire gets to know Henry, she truly sees what he hides beneath his strict self-control. Day by day, the three of them form a gentle connection. Could this new sense of closeness lead to healing—and maybe something more? Read Julia Maiola’s The Flowers That Remained to find out.
Julia Maiola’s The Flowers That Remained is a slow, thoughtful historical romance that mixes everyday life with deeper emotional themes. The small-town atmosphere comes through clearly, especially the little habits and the inquisitive way neighbors watch newcomers. Henry keeps to himself, Sophia asks a hundred questions, and Claire meets both of them with calm understanding—and somehow it all blends really well. The book takes its time showing how they start to feel safe with one another, and how simple moments can slowly rebuild a person. The writing is clear and comfortable. I liked that the bond between Henry and Claire didn’t feel rushed; it unfolded in a way that matched their personalities. Readers who prefer quieter romances with a focus on family and recovery will fall in love with this lovely book.
Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers’ Favorite
Get Your Copy of The Flowers That Remained
‘Til the River Calms can be purchased from Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats. Keep an eye out for time-limited discounts. If you are a book reviewer, don’t hesitate to reach out for a review copy.