A review by ashel3
The Memory Garden by Mary Rickert

hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 The Memory Garden is a cozy book filled with secrets, magic, love, and friendship. When Bay was a baby, she was left on the doorstep of Nan, who may or may not be a witch. Nan adopts Bay and provides a safe and happy home for Bay, but begins to worry that she won't be able to look after Bay if the secrets from her past are discovered. While Nan tries to reconnect with her estranged friends from her past, Bay begins to wonder what secrets Nan is keeping. 

This book is beautifully written, touching on themes of guilt, loss, hope, forgiveness, and family. The way Mary Rickert teases the secrets throughout the chapters kept me engaged and wanting to read more, but it also made it difficult to get to know the characters fully. Nan has protected her secrets for 60 years, so she is written as guarded and with her walls up. The remaining characters are introduced in small doses throughout the book and are difficult to get to know on a deeper level. I had hoped to have the secrets revealed a bit sooner in the book, allowing for more time to get to know the characters unguarded and without barriers to their bonding as the rekindle their friendships. 

If you're looking for a cozy read with some magic and mystery, this is the book for you!