BOOK: THE GARDEN OF MEMORIES
AUTHOR: AMANDA JAMES
PUB DATE: JUNE 2024
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Wow! This book was an amazing one, and it was one I needed I to read, y'all too! This is the first time I'll be reading about older female characters, and it was focused on their life, a mid-life crisis, I might say. I liked that there was minimal romance, and it was not even the focus of the book. The book was about three older main characters; Rose, a 62 years old retired Nurse who didn't know what to do next after working for 40+ years and she kinda lost her identity. Flora, the oldest character, a 77 years old retired teacher who had a shitty mom and it's still affecting her! And We have Sally, a 50 years old woman who has been in an emotionally abusive marriage for years and has really low self-esteem.
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This book really meant a lot to me because it's something I could relate to, not really(I'm still in my 20s), but it's something that might happen to me too and I'm also studying to be a Nurse. Rose's situation was understandable, she was a widower, her child is living in another town and her career is over. I felt all of her emotions and the author did a very good job. I'm so glad that she found something to look forward to.
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Flora just moved to Rose's town, and they are neighbors. They become more than that thanks to the garden. Flora was fascinating to me because I never thought memories of a bad parent could still follow someone till they're in their 70s. It was eye-opening, and I enjoyed reading her pov, and I liked her HEA. She was an inspiration, really. She was 77, and she went after what she wanted without being using her age as an excuse.
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I liked Sally too, her moving on from her asshole husband and rebuilding her self confidence, building the pond in the garden. I'm glad of her growth.
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The title of this book is fitting. I loved reading about the garden, it was like I was there in the garden with the author's description. The cover also matched the book's description, I'm sure it's a beautiful one! I also liked the idea of planting something that reminded you of something. The garden was also uplifting for all of the characters. And through the garden, we met and helped a lot of new characters.
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This book was truly amazing and I'm glad I read it. The only thing that I didn't like was that it was too slow for me. But, I learned a lot of things. You shoukd definitely read this book
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I took part in One More Chapter's read-along for The Garden of Memories and received a digital copy to read and review.

Rose is questioning her identity having just retired from a life long career in nursing and feels at a loss of what to do with the rest of her life. She finds herself drawn to sorting out the garden that had once been her husband's pride and joy. In the garden she plants things that remind her of her loved ones. And what starts out as a way to honour her husband's memory soon blossoms into a beacon of solace for lost and lonely people. In the new garden friendships are made and life's are transformed.

The Garden of Memories is a charming story about rediscovering yourself and finding new joy. This book resonated with me as I view my own garden as my sanctuary. It's the place where I go to find peace and to relax and unwind. The author understands and perfectly captures the healing power of gardens and nature and weaves a lovely story around this message.

If you're looking for an uplifting read with laughs and heartwarming moments then this is one I would recommend.

This book is perfect it’s finding friendships and discovering oneself and our loves in life. We first meet Rose who has recently retired from her profession as a nurse and who’s partner has recently passed and Rose doesn’t then know who she is which is when we go on the journey of her discovery and the meeting of our other characters.

My favourite character was definitely Flora, I found her such a fun and easy to love character- she had such hardship from her mother and it was great to see that she got herself through that and saw herself with the beauty and greatness that everyone else sees.

This was a great story and I would love to read more from this author.

I really loved reading this book, from the start we were thrown in with Rose and I loved how endearing she is and how her struggles were relatable to an extent. I loved how each character was introduced and how they all found common ground with each other developing friendships and the garden, bringing this heartwarming story together.
I really liked all the characters, I felt they all were created equally realistically and their backstories made me as a reader connect more to them, I felt for them, I sympathise with them, I laughed with them, this story just captured me and pulled me in.
Amanda James' writing style is beautiful and she has a way of knowing how to capture the reader and hold them for the entire book. To say The Garden Of Memories is beautifully written is an understatement this novel brought old and young together in a way that filled us with hope. I really recommend others to pick this novel up.

Within the enchanting narrative of "The Garden of Memories," the profound impact of nature on the human soul is vividly portrayed. Surrounded by a plethora of vibrant flowers, individuals find solace and healing, their emotions stirred by the magic that resides in the lush greenery. Memories, intricately tied to familiar scents and blossoms, are awakened, as seen through the eyes of Rose, a compassionate retired nurse who initially cultivated the garden in honour of her late spouse. However, this sanctuary transcended its original purpose, blossoming into a haven where wounded hearts converged, forming a tight-knit community bound by shared experiences and the blossoming of enduring friendships.

- Discover the transformative power of nature in "The Garden of Memories."
- Embrace the healing magic of flowers and friendship.
- A tale of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Hashtags:
#NatureHeals #FlowerMagic #CommunitySupport #HealingJourney #FriendshipBlossoms #EmotionalWellness #GardenTherapy #PowerOfNature #MemoriesInBloom #HeartsUnite

This magical book really resonated with me on so many levels. It is a real feel good book that takes a look at retirement, grief, friendship, helping others and being part of nature. I take a great deal of comfort from my garden so this was such a joyful read. The characters were all loveable in their own way and I was rooting for them all throughout. I loved learning about their lives and how the garden and the friendships with each other really opened up their lives. It is a book full of hope and has inspired me to plant some new flowers in my own garden.

The Garden of Memories by Amanda James is a book that feels like a warm hug from a good friend.
Rose is retiring from her long career as a nurse and is struggling to find ways to spend all her new found free time. She decides to tackle her garden which is filled with memories of her husband and the many happy years her family spent there. She doesn't know a lot about plants or gardening, but she is determined to restore it to its former glory. As she works on her project the garden becomes something of a focus for the community, and several of Rose's friends, old and new, become involved. As the concept of a garden of memories, filled with plants that evoke a personal recollection, becomes a reality, Rose finds her life enriched in many ways and becomes part of a truly special and supportive circle of friends.
This was just such a sweet and charming story, it really does make you feel good as you read. Rose is a great character to build the story around, the author has done a wonderful job of making her come to life on the page, that being said I had a real soft spot for her new neighbour, the feisty and exuberant Flora. It might seem a little strange to describe a book about a woman of retirement age as a sort of coming of age story, but it did have that feeling, like Rose was beginning her second act.
A book filled with friendship, found family and an almost magical garden, this was made for Summer reading.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the copy 💕

I loved this book from start to finish! It was such a nice cosy read that I never wanted to put it down. I loved learning about the characters and their lives and personalities, as well as seeing them change throughout the book whether it was healing from the past or just changing with age for the better. I also loved the progression of the garden through the book as well as how much the garden became part of the community and something every character could enjoy.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this book by Amanda James.

We meet Rose, who has now retired as a nurse, and finds comfort in bringing Glen, her late husband’s garden back to how it used to be.

The garden becomes a place for different people of the community, those that are lonely, finding themselves adrift to come and find solitude. Each person brings something to plant in the garden and heal in the scents and smells.

The story was about friendship, taking a chance and how being around nature helps.

I highly recommend this book.

What a wonderful book, Rose is a widow and about to retire from her role as a nurse in the local community, she feels lost and has no purpose.... so many of us approaching retirement can relate to this book, even if we have a partner.

Rose's garden soon becomes a community garden, as neighbours, friends - old and new set plants in memory of a loved one.. The characters are so real, you feel as you know them by the end of the book.

Amanda also highlights problems with relationships, including gaslighting, bullying etc.... all written in a caring nature.

After nurse Rose retires she is not sure what to do with herself but decides to tidy up her late husband's garden. She starts off with plants that remind her of her husband but then her friends are also drawn to the garden as well and add their own memories.
Any book set in Cornwall is always a draw for me plus I've previously read and enjoyed books by this author. The premise might be a little bit unlikely, someone letting others join in planting in their garden, but it does work. Although we only have a small garden at home I do love gardens as described here, more of a cottage garden than a formal one, and can imagine how peaceful and restorative they can be. The story is told from several viewpoints and they intertwine as the garden develops along with their hopes and dreams. A contemplative book, character driven with a touch of romance, that I would give 4.5* but have rounded it up to 5*.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

~ CW for some readers: drug overdose; bereavement; dementia~

Rose used to be a nurse. But as she stares retirement in her face, she is apprehensive about a life full of "used to be" and uncertain about the future she feels boxed in to. In an attempt to break out of her box, she dusts off old dreams - long discarded - and the cherished memories they inspire. As so many of these memories involve nature, Rose, starts planting associated plants in her late husband's garden, adding more memories of happy times.

And thus she meets her neighbour Flora, 77yo former teacher who portrays brash confidence but is battling a destructive inner voice, who provides another happy memory for Rose's garden. Sally, Rose's former colleague, soon finds herself drawn there to recover from a shattered relationship, rebuild her own confidence and plant memories. Rose's daughter Bella and her children find safe harbour in the garden. And even chance meetings of other strangers find the garden becoming populated with more friends and memories.

This is a delightful coming of age story for grownups, complete with friendships, repairing the past, new beginnings, and warm, genuine relationships. Amanda James paints a delightful sensory picture of the warm breezes and dappled gardens around Rose's house as her home becomes the hub that allows people to heal from past memories and follow their dreams for the future. A space for people to support and uplift one another and be there when things fall apart.

I don't know how big the gardens in Cornwall are, but Rose's garden seems to b a magical garden, expanding as more and more plants are planted, and yet still holding space for ponds, picnic tables and events!

(Perhaps I'm being a little curmudgeonly, but the thought of the entire village taking over a garden of my memories with their own plants -and plans~- annoys me. Rose is a nicer person than I!)

A delightful read!

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

I absolutely loved this book. So heartwarming and beautiful, I felt wrapped in a warm quilt whilst reading it. I loved ALL the characters and the stories they each had, I loved the kindness shown to Josh and I loved the curieux thé garden brought everyone. The only very slight downside was that I felt the ending was really abrupt - I was looking for an extra chapter. Beautiful beautiful story though. 4.5 stars

The Garden of Memories by Amanda James is a heartwarming tale of renewal and connection, centered around Rose Lanyon, a retired nurse who finds solace in restoring her late husband Glen's garden. Initially a tribute to Glen, the garden evolves into a sanctuary for a community of lost and lonely souls, each contributing to and finding healing in its blossoming beauty. The novel explores themes of friendship, second chances, and the therapeutic power of nature, with Rose's transformation at its heart. Through vivid descriptions and relatable characters, James highlights how tending to a garden can mend broken spirits and foster new beginnings.

Absolutely loved this book! Such an uplifting story, full of joy, friendship and a magical garden. Rose is such a wonderful character, so caring and thoughtful, who seems to acquire friends and always helps others. Part of this is allowing them to share her garden and in particular, to include a memory plant in it. So many different plants with so many different reasons! And who wouldn’t want to be at one of Rose’s party evenings - they sound like great fun!

My only criticism would be that I felt the book finished quite abruptly. I guess most of the storylines had concluded so it could just be that I was enjoying it so much, I didn’t want it to end! Highly recommended!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

Such lovely heart warming story. This book reminds me of Nora Robert’s. Such great book. Highly recommend

A really beautiful story which I found addictive and compelling. Beautifully written I loved every page. Highly recommend. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Garden of Memories is such an uplifting feel good book that I really enjoyed reading. This book will make you shed tears, happy and sad ones, as the garden grows with the community's plantings. Many thanks to the author, netgalley and publisher for giving me the opportunity to sample this treat of a book. The idea of planting flowers, shrubs or trees that evoke such fond memories of happy times in our lives should be made compulsory!

What's not to love about this book? food, flowers,family, friendships...new and old, love, laughter and loss, this book has it all. This is a lovely heartwarming story beautifully told, with some interesting and likeable characters whose lives become connected within the walls of what becomes a very special garden. I heartily recommend this book.

I have read several of this author's books. I love the feelings of caring and friendship her books communicate to the reader. Recently retired nurse Rose has decided to restore the garden her husband cared for in remembrance of him. With the help of friends and neighbors contributing plants that have special memories for them, they create a peaceful place to meet that makes everyone feel blessed and welcomed. The Garden of Memories is an enjoyable, feel-good book. Thanks to author Amanda James, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.