In the Shadow Garden
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3.8 • 8 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
This richly atmospheric and luminous debut about three generations of empathic witches combines mystery, magical realism, and a touch of romance--perfect for fans of Practical Magic and Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe.
As featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show
There’s something magical about Yarrow, Kentucky. The three empathic witches of the Haywood family are known for their shadow garden—from strawberries that taste like chocolate to cherry tomatoes imbued with the flavors of basil and oregano. Their magic can cure any heartache, and the fruits of their garden bring a special quality to the local bourbon distillery. On one day every year, a shot of Bonner bourbon will make your worst memory disappear. But the Haywoods will never forget the Bonners’ bitter betrayal.
Twenty years ago, the town gave up more than one memory; they forgot an entire summer. One person died. One person disappeared. And no one has any recollection of either.
As events from that fateful summer start to come to light, there must be a reckoning between the rival Haywood and Bonner families. But untangling the deep roots of this town’s terrible secrets will expose more than they could ever imagine about love, treachery, and the true nature of their power.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Parker debuts with a magical tale of romance and family set in the heart of bourbon country. Addison Haywood, along with her mother, Irene, and her grandmother, Maura, are the owners of Lavender & Lemon Balm tea shop in Yarrow, Ky., and caretakers of the shadow garden, a plot of magical fruits and vegetables used to aid those healing from trauma and heartache. The Haywoods have a long-standing grudge against the other local dynasty, the bourbon distilling Bonner family; Irene was engaged to Nate Bonner. who broke her heart by cheating on her, while Maura maintains a tense rivalry with the Bonner matriarch, Sylvia. When Kaden Bonner, Sylvia's estranged son who the extended Haywood clan has long suspected of murder, returns to Yarrow for his father's funeral, his arrival sends a ripple through the town, unearthing family secrets that put both loyalties and magic to the test. Parker packs in several delightful love stories; a murder mystery; a beautiful, plant-based magic system; and a complex history between the two families. All are told with wisecracking humor and a sprinkle of enchantment. The result is a compulsively readable treat that will especially appeal to fans of Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic series.
Customer Reviews
Enjoyable
IN THE SHADOW GARDEN is an enjoyable mix of magic, mystery, and romance. I liked the characters and watching them progress as they figured things out about themselves and the others.
Disclosure: I received a free, uncorrected proof of this book.
loved it
rarely give reviews because i am, by preference, a reader of works not a writer of them. however if a book can make me cry, i leave do my best to share so others can enjoy excellent literature. this book is a balm for the soul, the prose is light and beautiful, and the witchy vibes are fun and perfect for fall. the ending is a gift for those familiar with trauma. a heartfelt thank you to the author.