Eden's Garden

This book sounded like my favourite type, written in a dual time frame, with a character in the present delving into the past so I began with high hopes.It's easy to read, and interesting enough but I did think it took a little while to get going.In the present day is Carys, a thirtysomething, who lives in Chester with her boyfriend and is volunteered by her busy married sisters to look after their mother who has been injured in a fall. Carys returns, a little reluctantly, to her childhood home, close to her former childhood sweetheart David's ancestral home. As she renews her friendship with David, she becomes drawn into a mystery following the discovery of an old postcard and some old photographs.In the past, is the story of Ann in the late nineteenth century. Ann is running away from something or someone, but we do not find out what for some time. I enjoyed Ann's story, and my one criticism of the book would be that not enough is made of her story. There are parts that were dealt with in a few pages but could have been fleshed out so much more, but I cannot say what for fear of giving spoilers.Do not go into this book expecting one similar to Kate Morton or Lucinda Riley where a good deal of the story is set in the past, this book is largely in the present, at a rough estimate I would say only 10 or maybe 15% is in the past. I thought this was a shame.BUT, once Carys and David begin to delve into the past, there is an interesting mystery at the heart of it and I did enjoy it and would probably look out for the author's next book.

I really enjoyed this book although it's not perhaps what I'd usually read. A mixture of history, family history and life in both past and present day rural Wales made a very heady mix which I found compelling and hard to put down. It's a very descriptive book and in some ways slow-moving but the pace was what I found extremely attractive about it. I had a very long think afterwards about what made it work for me and I'm sure it was because it was so believable on every level. It may have lacked some of the drama and violence that's present in so many books today (hurrah!) but I just knew I could get to the end without encountering too much angst and despair. It simply added up to many hours of relaxation and pleasure.

This has the potential to be a good story, but got bogged down with too many characters, too much descriptive over-writing, and a convoluted back story. I found I couldn't relate to any of the characters and there seemed to be no chemistry between them at all. Also the switches from present to past, and from one person's point of view to another's proved irritating. In the end the 'mystery' of the statues proved to be a damp squib.

This was one of those slow-burn stories. I found it a bit over-written - such a lot of detail, which on the one hand helps you to "see" the characters and the settings, but on the other hand slows the pace down considerably.In the earlier chapters I found the Victorian/Edwardian settings much more intriguing than the contemporary sections.I enjoyed all the Mabinogion/Taliesin references (stories which have intrigued me for some years).I found some of the family history elements a little confusing - as an amateur genealogist that's an element I notice in stories. (It would be very simple for authors to ask a genealogist friend to check those details.)Overall not a bad read and worth persevering with. Just make sure you accept the slower pace of the book.

This book with its focus on historic gardens and a setting in North Wales had immediate appeal for me. The bulk of it is a contemporary love story between David Meredith from the big house and local girl Carys. Their teenage courtship came to nothing but Carys, now in her thirties, has come home to look after Mam and David is still around, unattached and partially disabled following a skiiing accident(ah, the wounded hero!)Will the couple find romance again? And will the Meredith house escape being sold off by David's more mercenary brother? The author's description of village life is like a Welsh bara brith - soaked in atmosphere and full of authentic detail, but what gives the book an added dimension is the parallel tale set in Victorian London of the mysterious girl from Cornwall who played a part in the family's past, whose story sends David and Carys on a new quest.As the cover suggests this is a gentle romance with, despite its modern dilemmas, a slightly old-fashioned feel, something many readers may like. For me the present-day narrative could have offered a bit more in the way of tension and I found David a less dynamic character than Carys. But this novel is still packed with good things and has lots to offer anyone who likes romance with a bit of mystery thrown in.

This is my second reading of this excellent book. (My original copy was 'borrowed.') Reacquainting myself with the author's characters & settings is like going home. The myth of Blodeuwedd is an enduring one which has been rendered in many & varied forms. In Eden's Garden we are taken along an unusual & captivating path. And from Wales to Cornwall via London & back again by way of an ingenious mystery story. A must for those who like their historical fiction/intrigue - & their love stories - peopled by feisty women it is easy to admire & love. Highly recommended.

Loved the intertwining of stories from the past and present. I enjoyed the gradual reveal of clues regarding the story in the past and the hero and heroine’s tip-toeing around each other. The mystery of the statues in the garden and the local characters kept my interest to the end. Eden’s Garden spookily echoes the situation I find myself in with my own mother. It is difficult to support her whilst allowing her to maintain her independence and pride. Allowed me to read a novel whilst working out strategies for my own life in my mind. Off to download Juliet Greenwood's new book.