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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage
Minor: Grief
3.5/5
i wanted so badly to like this book more. i’m not sure what it was about the back and forth between characters that wasn’t doing it for me or the feeling that each woman got only half a story that was bothering me but oh well, still decent
i wanted so badly to like this book more. i’m not sure what it was about the back and forth between characters that wasn’t doing it for me or the feeling that each woman got only half a story that was bothering me but oh well, still decent
**SPOILERS**
This book is an amazing spring/summer cozy read. The author’s ability to describe setting immersed me into the beautiful colors of the gardens, and the character’s interwoven stories were intriguing.
I will say that at one point, I quit reading because a character loses a child, and although I have never been in that exact scenario, I have lost a baby to stillbirth. When I decided to continue the read, another main character suffers a miscarriage. So, needless to say, there were a lot of personal emotions as I struggled past these parts of the book.
HOWEVER, how the character honored the daughter she lost to miscarriage was so emotionally beautiful, and personally healing in regards to me finishing the book. In the end, I think the relatability is what made this book so beautiful to me, and I’m so glad that I chose to finish it.
This book is an amazing spring/summer cozy read. The author’s ability to describe setting immersed me into the beautiful colors of the gardens, and the character’s interwoven stories were intriguing.
I will say that at one point, I quit reading because a character loses a child, and although I have never been in that exact scenario, I have lost a baby to stillbirth. When I decided to continue the read, another main character suffers a miscarriage. So, needless to say, there were a lot of personal emotions as I struggled past these parts of the book.
HOWEVER, how the character honored the daughter she lost to miscarriage was so emotionally beautiful, and personally healing in regards to me finishing the book. In the end, I think the relatability is what made this book so beautiful to me, and I’m so glad that I chose to finish it.
Longwood Gardens Community Read 2024
Hockessin Library Chick Lit April 2024
I struggled a little at the beginning when everyone was being introduced but once that had happened I loved it. I loved how connected the story lines were. Not just the people but what Venetia saw and what Emma was trying to recreate.
Hockessin Library Chick Lit April 2024
I struggled a little at the beginning when everyone was being introduced but once that had happened I loved it. I loved how connected the story lines were. Not just the people but what Venetia saw and what Emma was trying to recreate.
I really enjoyed this 3-part romance, although I would have liked more garden design. I’m not sure that the 1908 story is terribly faithful to the time period, or of some elements were just skipped over in order to further the story.
While there are three main women characters, the women around them are all fairly robustly drawn, and that made each of the stories feel satisfyingly full.
It’s a nearly sex-free romance, so it’s a pretty safe choice for those who don’t want detailed intimacy.
Reading this at the very start of spring makes me want to design my garden and much about in the dirt, too.
While there are three main women characters, the women around them are all fairly robustly drawn, and that made each of the stories feel satisfyingly full.
It’s a nearly sex-free romance, so it’s a pretty safe choice for those who don’t want detailed intimacy.
Reading this at the very start of spring makes me want to design my garden and much about in the dirt, too.
Wow, what a beautiful read! it was so BEAUTIFULLY written and it's an engaging tale of Strong women finding themselves while changing themselves, others, and the world around them. really enjoyed it!
I loved following these three women/generations through their stories and connection to the garden. I could picture the garden and wished I could spend time in it. I really enjoyed the garden threading through all their lives.
My hopes were high for this book but they were exceeded! It's full of heart melting beauty from the sweet stories themselves to the magical gardens (just look at the cover!) to the relationships to dreams. All of it. The fabulous ending came far too quickly!
Five women, all very different, over three time periods, are all connected by Highbury House. So many puzzle pieces fit together beautifully whilst not skipping a beat. History, secrets, romance and crushing heartache are intertwined intricately. This is a gentle book of metaphors and life lessons as we follow these women and their lives and interactions between classes.
In 1907 we meet Venetia, a garden designer, very unusual at the time as she is female. Her clients are wealthy and have lofty goals.
In 1944, we are introduced to three women...Beth loves working the land, is hired as a land girl. Stella is a cook but has higher ambitions. Diana is the mistress of the manor and is smitten with her cherished gardens.
We meet present day Emma who was chosen to restore the original gardens but pieces are missing. Pieces are missing for each of these women.
As a Master Gardener who has been to many gardens across Europe (including Hidcote mentioned in the book) I was drawn in and could envision the breathtaking prettiness.
It would be so easy to go on and on about the book but you need to just relax and enjoy it. Absorb its charm. Immerse yourself in the characters. I recommend this book for Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers. It's an absolute must read. Just lovely! Be sure to read the author's personal notes at the end, including her writing inspiration.
My sincere thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this splendid book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Five women, all very different, over three time periods, are all connected by Highbury House. So many puzzle pieces fit together beautifully whilst not skipping a beat. History, secrets, romance and crushing heartache are intertwined intricately. This is a gentle book of metaphors and life lessons as we follow these women and their lives and interactions between classes.
In 1907 we meet Venetia, a garden designer, very unusual at the time as she is female. Her clients are wealthy and have lofty goals.
In 1944, we are introduced to three women...Beth loves working the land, is hired as a land girl. Stella is a cook but has higher ambitions. Diana is the mistress of the manor and is smitten with her cherished gardens.
We meet present day Emma who was chosen to restore the original gardens but pieces are missing. Pieces are missing for each of these women.
As a Master Gardener who has been to many gardens across Europe (including Hidcote mentioned in the book) I was drawn in and could envision the breathtaking prettiness.
It would be so easy to go on and on about the book but you need to just relax and enjoy it. Absorb its charm. Immerse yourself in the characters. I recommend this book for Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers. It's an absolute must read. Just lovely! Be sure to read the author's personal notes at the end, including her writing inspiration.
My sincere thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this splendid book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
If I could give a 6 star rating, I would!!! Loved every chapter of the book.