A Secret Garden
by Katie Fforde
Bookouture
Romance , Women's Fiction
Pub Date 13 Sep 2017
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781786812476 |
| PRICE | $2.99 (USD) |
FTC Reviewed ARC for Bookouture and Net Galley
Description
Step inside this beautiful novel to discover friendships, secrets, and romance …
When Philly starts a new job, working with Lorna in the gorgeous grounds of a beautiful manor house, it marks a turning point in both of their lives.
Philly has never been in love before and is constantly disappointing her mother with her unwillingness to settle down. But all that changes when she meets Lucien, a free spirit with an intriguing past …
Lorna is learning to embrace life on her own, until dashing Jack sweeps her off her feet in a whirlwind romance. But is this what Lorna really wants?
When the two women discover a secret garden in the manor house grounds, they are encouraged to restore its forgotten beauty in time for an unforgettable end of summer party. As they work together, secrets are revealed and relationships tested. Will they both find the happy endings they are looking for?
Set against a stunning backdrop, this utterly charming and romantic story is certain to make you smile. Perfect for fans of Susan Mallery, Mary Kay Andrews, and Debbie Macomber.
My Thoughts
I just finished reading Katie Fforde's, 'A Secret Garden'. I'd been dying to read this one since I read 'A Vintage Wedding' earlier this month. Apparently, Katie Fforde has a huge fan base as 'A Vintage Wedding' quickly rose to be the most favorite posting on this book blog.
But what I found interesting about 'A Secret Garden' is how it's written. This story follows Lorna and Philly. They work together in the gardens of a manor house. It was wonderful to see the passion they had for their work as they spend time talking about notable plants. Their friendship flourishes and they discover more about each other, as they happen upon a secret garden.
Reader's are soon introduced to their romantic partners, Jack and Lucien. At times, the romance portion seems to read more Victorian... than present day. Having a love interest who is a stone mason, we learn of the decoration of goddesses, such as Pomona who was the goddess of fruitful abundance in ancient Roman religion and myth. And after meeting the baker, pondering our olfactory system, we can only begin to image the sensational smells at the heritage bread competition.
The details of plantings are wonderful, as well as the talk of a beautifully-cut dress embroidered with exotic birds and plants. The only part of the book I wasn't too thrilled about was the actual restoration to the secret garden did not occur until late in the book but that is because it was completed for an end of summer party. And, we learn it'll be a perfectly enchanting place for a wedding.
If you enjoy a light romance and a little gardening, this may be an ideal read for you.