heathernj9's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this one. It's been a long time since I've read a book like this - part mystery, part fairy tale. Unlike most books, I didn't figure it out until close to the end so I give Morton credit for making the book not so predictable. Just the kind of escape book I needed for the holidays!
evilsak's review
4.0
The Forgotten Garden, is such an AMAZING book. By the first page til thw last, it keeps you captivated. I dont know why i hadnt read this before. The plot is being unravelled so beautifully, that you want tk read more so that you know more. Honestly, I couldnt turn the pages fast enough.
jessthebookworm's review
5.0
This book had everything that I love: scandalous family history and secrets to be unraveled, old, mysterious houses with secret gardens, and fairy tales.
The book follows 3 generations of women, from London to Cornwall to Perth, each with their own wants and desires, all trying to uncover the secrets of their pasts.
The hopping between centuries was a little bit confusing at first, but I quickly got the hang of it. I was very quickly caught up in this magical story, and actually tried to slow down at points to try to make it last longer, as I didn't want it to finish.
Loved, loved, loved this book.
The book follows 3 generations of women, from London to Cornwall to Perth, each with their own wants and desires, all trying to uncover the secrets of their pasts.
The hopping between centuries was a little bit confusing at first, but I quickly got the hang of it. I was very quickly caught up in this magical story, and actually tried to slow down at points to try to make it last longer, as I didn't want it to finish.
Loved, loved, loved this book.
kay_rista88's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
inkstainedthumb's review against another edition
4.0
This book was similar to Kate Morton's other books, so I kinda expected the twists and turns that came even though I didn't except the way it would pan out, this is why I gave it 4 starts rather 5 stars. I did enjoy the book though. I'm glad Cassandra found out the truth of Nell's past and Nell's mother (though I might have missed the bit where the book tells us who Nell's father is, though I probably guessed).
erintby's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, because I really can't decide between 3 and 4. I do love how Kate Morton tells her stories, slowly revealing parts of the mystery and almost persuading you that it is one way before you see that it's not. I also like how she goes back and forth in history and between characters. However, compared to her book The Lake House (which I Loved!), I felt that some of the characters were not as developed as they could've been. Occasionally, some of the characters' motivations are just not quite explored enough to be convincing to me. Enjoyed the read, but probably wouldn't read it twice.
morganniebuhr's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
esmeralda's review
3.75
I enjoyed elements of this story - especially the delightfully immersive setting - but it simply was not a full four star read for me.
austenheroineinprogress's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5