“Powerful, haunting, and precise.” —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen These aren’t just stories. They’re love letters. Told through a mix of true stories and new fiction, Dear Orchid opens the heart in unexpected through loss and love, silence and recovery, and the hard-won resilience of people who don’t always fit the mold. With tenderness and heart, Dear Orchid is an Asian American author's homage to Mary-Louise Parker’s Dear Mr. You, through letters to a girl newly freed from East Berlin, an aunt lost to Communist-era borders, and Purple Heart-decorated heroes. These intimate portraits explore the messy beauty of friendship, family, disability, and belonging. You’ll meet a wounded hero who jokes through his pain, a beloved cat with a crayon note taped to his back (“HELP ME”), and characters who refuse to be defined by what they’ve lost. The final chapter brings a fictional reunion with the unforgettable cast from the Goodbye Orchid trilogy, offering healing, closure, and a second chance romance. Written in a lyrical, letter-style format, this collection blends memoir and imagination in a deeply personal exploration of grief, identity, and human connection. It’s a window into private moments that echo something universal. Underneath the heartbreak and humor runs the quiet pull between star-crossed lovers, whose stories unfold across time, distance, and impossible odds. Whether you’re drawn to true stories of survival or fictional narratives filled with tenderness and truth, Dear Orchid offers an emotional journey that celebrates love in all its forms. A collection for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or longed to understand the emotional truth behind the quiet moments that shape us. Includes elements of multicultural and medical romance, true stories, and unforgettable moments of vulnerability and hope. Also look for the Goodbye Orchid trilogy.
Author
Carol Van Den Hende is the award-winning author of "Orchid Blooming" and "Goodbye, Orchid" which are inspired by wounded veterans and have won 20+ literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and 2020 Royal Dragonfly for Disability Awareness. Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.” The International Pulpwood Queens, selected Goodbye, Orchid as a 2022 Bonus Book-of-the-Month. Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, strategist, Board member and Climate Reality Leader. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all. Please sign up for Carol’s newsletter at carolvandenhende.com/contact or linktr.ee/cvdh ORCHID BLOOMING HONORS ■ 2022 International Book Award Finalist: Women's Fiction and Multicultural Fiction ■ 2022 Beach Book Festival General Fiction Honorable Mention ■ 2022 New York Book Festival General Fiction Honorable Mention ■ 2022 July International Impact Award Multicultural Fiction ■ 2022 Summer Outstanding Creator Awards Grand Prize Honorable Mention; 2nd Place Women’s Fiction, Multicultural, Romance, and Drama; 3rd Place Literary & Contemporary Fiction; Honorable Mention Best Couple ■ 2022 Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention General Fiction GOODBYE, ORCHID HONORS ■2020 American Fiction Award WINNER urban fiction ■2020 Pinnacle Achievement Award WINNER multicultural fiction ■2020 Outstanding Fiction IAN Book Award for Best New Novel 50-80K words ■2020 Royal Dragonfly Award WINNER Cover Design and Special Needs/Disability Awareness ■2020 New York Book Festival General Fiction Honorable Mention ■2020 Best Book Award Finalist: Best New Fiction and Fiction: General ■2021 Chanticleer International Book Chatelaine Award 1st Place Winner ■The Write Review Top 2020 Favorite ■In D'Tale Magazine Crowned Heart 5-stars ■Audiobook Reviewer 2020 New Author of the Year ■2021 Book Excellence award for Interior Design ■2021 Authorshout award Recommended Read ■2021 Kops-Fetherling International Award Multicultural Fiction Gold ■2021 American Advertising Award Hampton Roads branch Book Cover Gold Medal Addy ■2021 National Indie Excellence Book Award (NIEA) Multicultural Fiction Winner ■2021 Annie Award 1st Place Finalist ■2021 Zibby Award nominee for interior design ■2022 International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys May Bonus Book of the Month ■ 2022 Summer Outstanding Creator Awards Grand Prize Honorable Mention; 2nd Place Women’s Fiction, Multicultural, Romance, and Drama; 3rd Place Literary & Contemporary Fiction; Honorable Mention Best Couple BUZZFEED Top 12 Most Anticipated Fall Reads PARADE Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2020 TRAVEL+LEISURE Most Anticipated Books of Fall POPSUGAR Best New Romances of October BOOKSTR 8 Best Books of Fall by Women GLAMOUR Magazine Holiday Gift Guide Featured in Chicago Tribune, LA Times and more Writer's Digest 2020 Honorable Mention for genre short story "Before He Heard Her" Published by Mensa Bulletin magazine Interviewed by the Joan Hamburg Show WABC Radio, DIYMFA's Gabriela Pereira, Steven James, Jeff Ayers and John Raab, Thrillerfest Executive Producers, Observer-Tribune and more. PRAISE FOR ORCHID BLOOMING “Tension and compelling chemistry that will leave you breathless.” —Barbara Conrey, USA Today bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye “A love story for our times, Orchid Blooming reminds us of the power of empathy and will stay with you long after the last page.” —Lainey Cameron, award-winning author and host of The Best of Women's Fiction podcast “Orchid Blooming is a beautiful, evocative and gripping love story that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Five sparkling stars for this gorgeous novel.” – Dallas Wood
