A review by lindsaymck
Where You're Planted by Melanie Sweeney

emotional informative inspiring lighthearted sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Jack (the grumpy, divorced botanical garden director) and Tansy (the single mom librarian) have a disaster-cute as a category 4 hurricane hits Houston. Four months after the disastrous day that Jack saved Tansy twice, much to her ‘I’m not a damsel in distress’ embarrassment, they are each still dealing with the aftermath of severe flood damage - Tansy at her house and the library, Jack throughout his gardens. Tansy fights to save her library branch after floodwaters ruin the building and books by creating a temporary library within a little green shed in Jack’s gardens. Forced proximity in their workspaces plus unresolved tension about their previous encounters leads to Jack and Tansy constantly pushing each other’s buttons. It might take a minute, but these two fiercely independent people eventually realize that they are better off - professionally and personally - working together. Competing for the same grant funding maaaaay unfortunately put a damper on their truce and budding romantic connection. They each have fears to work through, hers being committing to someone as a single parent and his being committing to someone after a failed marriage, but with one another’s help and that of their community, they are trying to make the best of everything. 

Spoilers ahead… 
This book was definitely a slower-paced journey without a lot of action - my sister even called it boring 😬 - but there was definitely some emotional depth in how Tansy and Jack grow out of the limitations they had put on themselves in order to endure hardships so that they can seize the seemingly fated connection they’ve found. Their conflict creates real chemistry and it is enhanced by the natural chemistry between Jack and Tandy’s daughter, Briar, who latches on to what makes her feel safe and is instantly drawn to him. Tansy has been let down by her ex-fiancé/her child’s father and is scared of being dependent upon a man again only to have to pick up the pieces for her and her daughter when it falls apart. Jack is scared of a long-term commitment after his marriage ending as a result of his fertility issues. He is ready to give them a real shot way before she is and her stubbornness wore a bit thin, but the found family dynamic was nice. 

Does it take these two highly compatible people way too long to realize they should just go for it? Yeah. Tansy, in particular, had more to work through in being stubbornly feminist. GIRL, this man is not asking you to choose between him and your daughter… you having a daughter is literally granting the wish for a family he was too afraid to hope for again. Nor is he trying to sabotage your library by applying for a grant… he has tried to help you at every turn!!! Her coming around in time for his grand gesture to rework his grant proposal to include the library was a satisfying climax. It felt like I was reading about very realistic people just living their lives and trying to do their best. 

The importance of community really elevated the book. I appreciated the author’s note explaining the truth within this story and all of the relationships really emphasized that theme of communal duty. Tansy with her coworkers, the library staff with their patrons, the garden staff with their visitors, Jack with his sister and best friend - it is all about lifting one another up. Another reviewer said it beautifully that Melanie Sweeney “possesses a rare gift of infusing weight and depth into the everyday, crafting intimacy from kindness and emotional gravity from the smallest details.” There is power in be a helper and that power isn’t diminished when it’s your turn to receive that help (*cough*TANSY*cough*).

Special mention to the hysterical meet-cute story between Amy and Omar!