The Forbidden Garden

"In this captivating read, Herrick weaves a rich tapestry of family lore, dark secrets, and love." —Brunonia Barry, New York Times–bestselling author of The Lace Reader and The Fifth Petal

Every garden is a story, waiting to be told . . .


At the nursery she runs with her sisters on the New England coast, Sorrel Sparrow has honed her rare gift for nurturing plants and flowers. Now that reputation lands Sorrel an unexpected opportunity: reviving a long-dormant Shakespearean garden on an English country estate.


Arriving at Kirkwood Hall, ancestral home of Sir Graham Kirkwood and his wife Stella, Sorrel is shocked by the desolate state of the walled garden. Generations have tried—and failed—to bring it back to glory. Sorrel senses heartbreak and betrayal here, perhaps even enchantment. Intrigued by the house's history and increasingly drawn to Stella's enigmatic brother, Sorrel sets to work. And though she knows her true home is across the sea with her sisters, instinct tells her that the English garden's destiny is entwined with her own, if she can only unravel its secrets . . .


"Readers who loved Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic and Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife are in for a wonderful treat with Ellen Herrick's lovely new novel. —M. J. Rose, New York Times–bestselling author of The Reincarnationist

"A romantic, big-hearted novel that celebrates femininity in all its nurturing, resilient, and fearless power." —Heather Young, author of The Lost Girls

"Will resonate with those who enjoy stories of drawing strength from the land. Recommend this to readers of Sarah Addison Allen, Kate Morton, and Vanessa Diffenbaugh." —Booklist

"This enchanted, romantic story will be savored . . ." —Library Journal