madilee8's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
dpsmom's review against another edition
3.0
While certainly not a book I would typically pick up, for those interested in romance, this book is a knock-out. Set in the lush countryside of England, the book bounces between 30 years and two families who live in a home affectionately named Hartington House. Both families are taken by the extravagent gardens surrounding the property, but for different reasons. The original family, the Lightlys, bring in a family friend to help learn the ways of plants and flowers so that he might bring his knowledge back to his own estate when the land passes into his hands. This man, Jean-Paul, knows nothing about gardening and has little respect for color, beauty and the magic a garden can bring to a home. Fast forward 30 years to the Claybourne family, who bought the estate after realizing their unruly son needed to be away from the chaotic city life of London. At this point, the gardens are dilapidated, overgrown and in serious need of TLC, yet Miranda (your typical city girl wife) hasn't a clue as to how to get the gardens going again. Insert Jean-Paul the striking Frenchman from 30 years past who shows up at their door and claims himself a gardener. At this point, the story revolves around both families and the reasons Jean-Paul has returned to the estate, the relationships both families create and destroy and ultimately how a garden can hold a special magic available to anyone who wishes to see it.
This book has very good character development. The three main characters were Jean-Paul, of course, and the two females from each family, Ava Lightly and Miranda Claybourne. Both of these female characters were strong characters that Santa Montefiore did an excellent job pinning down emotions and actions and giving each woman an identity within the books. Unfortunately, while Jean-Paul was a relatively large character within the pages, he was somewhat mysterious throughout the whole thing (which was probably what Montefiore was hoping to achieve, although at times it just made me frustrated!).
The plot was believable and easy to follow. As mentioned previously, it revolved mainly around romance, yet certain areas delved into the intricate emotions between married couples. Montefiore did an excellent job of creating accurate conflict between characters. She was able to capture lust, betrayal, hope, love and sacrifice so clearly, it's a wonder Montefiore hasn't lived through many of the experiences she wrote about in the book.
Overall, it was well written, with a good plot line which makes it a great suggestion for those who like this genre. Unfortunately, I don't care for romantic novels much, so it wasn't a page turner for me.
This book has very good character development. The three main characters were Jean-Paul, of course, and the two females from each family, Ava Lightly and Miranda Claybourne. Both of these female characters were strong characters that Santa Montefiore did an excellent job pinning down emotions and actions and giving each woman an identity within the books. Unfortunately, while Jean-Paul was a relatively large character within the pages, he was somewhat mysterious throughout the whole thing (which was probably what Montefiore was hoping to achieve, although at times it just made me frustrated!).
The plot was believable and easy to follow. As mentioned previously, it revolved mainly around romance, yet certain areas delved into the intricate emotions between married couples. Montefiore did an excellent job of creating accurate conflict between characters. She was able to capture lust, betrayal, hope, love and sacrifice so clearly, it's a wonder Montefiore hasn't lived through many of the experiences she wrote about in the book.
Overall, it was well written, with a good plot line which makes it a great suggestion for those who like this genre. Unfortunately, I don't care for romantic novels much, so it wasn't a page turner for me.
twistinthetale's review against another edition
4.0
An unlikeable, self-centred, self indulgent family greet the reader as they delve into this novel. It is not an auspicious beginning. As time and the seasons progress and new characters emerge the book blossoms as does the garden. This is a book that grows, literally, on the reader and it is a pleasing journey to embark upon. Certainly inspired me to get into the garden and create my own magic.
slferg's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book - of course, I cried through the last parts of it. It takes a look about what is important as a family.
Jean-Paul has been sent to work with ? who has the most beautiful gardens in the area. He comes across as an arrogant, shiftless playboy and she doesn't figure he'll last a week. But he works with her in her gardens, planting and weeding and watching her interact with her children and family. He sees how she teaches them and loves them and he begins to fall in love. She tells him she will not leave her children, they are too important to her.
The other storyline is the family who has bought the estate when ? and Phillip had to sell it because of his stroke. They have moved from London and Miranda does not intend to get involved with the neighbors in this little nothing town. They have 2 children, a boy and a girl. The boy desperately wants attention and acts out cruelly to other children and animals. Miranda is a writer of articles and opinion pieces, etc., but wants to write a novel. So she's really too busy to be with the children. Then she hires a housekeeper and Jean-Paul shows up having found her daughter, Storm, in the woods and brought her home. She asks what he does and he replies "I garden". So she hires him as a gardener and fixes up the little cottage across the water for him. She finds a scrapbook in the spare bedroom - the house is set like someone went out for a walk and never came back. The table is set for two, the beds are made, etc. She begins to read the scrapbook and things begin to take on a different perspective for her, very slowly at first. Jean-Paul returns and teaches the children gradually how to have fun. He builds them a tree house in a hollow tree and begins to bring the gardens back to life. Miranda is unable to resist joining in the fun he and the children are having, and she begins to make friends in the area. Her husband just comes home on weekends, but becomes aware of something happening with his children and his wife - they are all happier people and he really enjoys being with them.
The book is laid out by seasons, and the 2 stories intertwine. First one, then the other. Miranda learns from the scrapbook and from Jean-Paul and it is not until she finishes the scrapbook that she realizes it was meant for him. So, she tries to find the woman who previously owned the house.
Jean-Paul has been sent to work with ? who has the most beautiful gardens in the area. He comes across as an arrogant, shiftless playboy and she doesn't figure he'll last a week. But he works with her in her gardens, planting and weeding and watching her interact with her children and family. He sees how she teaches them and loves them and he begins to fall in love. She tells him she will not leave her children, they are too important to her.
The other storyline is the family who has bought the estate when ? and Phillip had to sell it because of his stroke. They have moved from London and Miranda does not intend to get involved with the neighbors in this little nothing town. They have 2 children, a boy and a girl. The boy desperately wants attention and acts out cruelly to other children and animals. Miranda is a writer of articles and opinion pieces, etc., but wants to write a novel. So she's really too busy to be with the children. Then she hires a housekeeper and Jean-Paul shows up having found her daughter, Storm, in the woods and brought her home. She asks what he does and he replies "I garden". So she hires him as a gardener and fixes up the little cottage across the water for him. She finds a scrapbook in the spare bedroom - the house is set like someone went out for a walk and never came back. The table is set for two, the beds are made, etc. She begins to read the scrapbook and things begin to take on a different perspective for her, very slowly at first. Jean-Paul returns and teaches the children gradually how to have fun. He builds them a tree house in a hollow tree and begins to bring the gardens back to life. Miranda is unable to resist joining in the fun he and the children are having, and she begins to make friends in the area. Her husband just comes home on weekends, but becomes aware of something happening with his children and his wife - they are all happier people and he really enjoys being with them.
The book is laid out by seasons, and the 2 stories intertwine. First one, then the other. Miranda learns from the scrapbook and from Jean-Paul and it is not until she finishes the scrapbook that she realizes it was meant for him. So, she tries to find the woman who previously owned the house.
fearnleyfiction's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book a few days after it came out. I have to say I do follow Mrs Fletcher on twitter so heard a lot about it in the build up to release, making me want to give it a go. When I started reading I wasn't sure what I was going to make of it.... I read it in 2 days, even staying up late to finish it. It was a good book, the characters were relatable and it made you feel like you were there with them. I know the feeling of having close guy mates so I felt I could relate. Not only that but I felt that I could relate to the characters, I think everyone will have gone through what they have gone through throughout your life, whether you want to admit it or not. A great summer read, its a book you don't want to put down. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on Billy and Me Mrs Fletcher other book and will be suggesting it to the library ASAP as they do not have a copy! READ READ READ READ READ is all I can say!
shereadsbookssometimes's review against another edition
2.0
I never got the chance to fully finish this book however from the 100+ pages that I did read I am going to give a review.
Firstly I found this book simple and slow paced. The book was quite difficult to follow in my opinion as it changed which character it followed many times. Also when it abruptly changed time and went to the past I wasn't sure who I was reading about.
Secondly there wasn't really a main character: I found this very difficult to determine. There was also some spelling mistakes and type errors this book could do with a recheck in grammar.
Overall I think this book was quite difficult to follow and slow paced but I think it may've been aimed at an older reader.
Firstly I found this book simple and slow paced. The book was quite difficult to follow in my opinion as it changed which character it followed many times. Also when it abruptly changed time and went to the past I wasn't sure who I was reading about.
Secondly there wasn't really a main character: I found this very difficult to determine. There was also some spelling mistakes and type errors this book could do with a recheck in grammar.
Overall I think this book was quite difficult to follow and slow paced but I think it may've been aimed at an older reader.
mariakm's review against another edition
4.0
Oh this was lovely, and beautifully read as an audiobook.