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The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt
True magic is found among the bluebells and brambles
Harriet Hunt is completely alone. Her father disappeared months ago, leaving her to wander the halls of Sunnyside house, dwelling on a past she'd rather keep buried. She doesn't often venture beyond her front gate, instead relishing the feel of dirt under her fingernails and of soft moss beneath her feet. Consequently, she's been deemed a little too peculiar for popular Victorian society. This solitary life suits her fine, though – because, outside, magic awaits.
Harriet's garden is special. It's a wild place full of twisting ivy, vibrant plums, and a quiet power that buzzes like bees. Caring for this place, and keeping it from running rampant through the streets of her London suburb, is Harriet's purpose.
But a woman alone in the world is vulnerable. Soon, a sinister plot involving her father's disappearance begins to take shape, with Harriet herself at its center. Everything she holds dear – from the thorny roses she tends to her very freedom itself – is at stake. To save herself, Harriet will have to unearth her past, discover the secrets of her garden, and finally embrace the wild magic inside of her.
Harriet Hunt is completely alone. Her father disappeared months ago, leaving her to wander the halls of Sunnyside house, dwelling on a past she'd rather keep buried. She doesn't often venture beyond her front gate, instead relishing the feel of dirt under her fingernails and of soft moss beneath her feet. Consequently, she's been deemed a little too peculiar for popular Victorian society. This solitary life suits her fine, though – because, outside, magic awaits.
Harriet's garden is special. It's a wild place full of twisting ivy, vibrant plums, and a quiet power that buzzes like bees. Caring for this place, and keeping it from running rampant through the streets of her London suburb, is Harriet's purpose.
But a woman alone in the world is vulnerable. Soon, a sinister plot involving her father's disappearance begins to take shape, with Harriet herself at its center. Everything she holds dear – from the thorny roses she tends to her very freedom itself – is at stake. To save herself, Harriet will have to unearth her past, discover the secrets of her garden, and finally embrace the wild magic inside of her.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
318 people are currently reading
18155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 519 reviews
September 24, 2024
Harriet Hunt has a green thumb and she loves the plants growing in her rambling garden at Sunnyside House and she’s had more time to devote to it since her father Clement left. Harriet didn’t have a good relationship with her dad and he’s a bully, he did mention visiting a relative and she hasn’t missed him at all.
Harriet’s garden is a wild and over grown place and it’s full of ivy, trailing roses and an old plum tree. Harriet is shocked when she's questioned by a nosy inspector and he’s making it sound like her dad met with foul play and she’s to blame.
Harriet is vulnerable and never been on her own before, she meets Mr. Comstock, after a short friendship and he suddenly proposes. Harriet marries him and thinking Christian will give her the love and security she’s always wanted. Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire and she's made her situation worse.
I received a copy of The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen from NetGalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not normally a fan of magical realism and fantasy fiction, however I enjoyed this book and I felt compassion for Harriet and she's an eccentric and likable woman. Three other characters in the novel were kind, her cousin Eunice and maid Amelia and Mr. Greenwood and I hated two. At times it's a dark and eerie narrative and about controlling behaviour and greed, mystery and secrets. I felt Harriet's garden protected her and had a life of it's own and four stars from me and I recommend.
Harriet’s garden is a wild and over grown place and it’s full of ivy, trailing roses and an old plum tree. Harriet is shocked when she's questioned by a nosy inspector and he’s making it sound like her dad met with foul play and she’s to blame.
Harriet is vulnerable and never been on her own before, she meets Mr. Comstock, after a short friendship and he suddenly proposes. Harriet marries him and thinking Christian will give her the love and security she’s always wanted. Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire and she's made her situation worse.
I received a copy of The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen from NetGalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not normally a fan of magical realism and fantasy fiction, however I enjoyed this book and I felt compassion for Harriet and she's an eccentric and likable woman. Three other characters in the novel were kind, her cousin Eunice and maid Amelia and Mr. Greenwood and I hated two. At times it's a dark and eerie narrative and about controlling behaviour and greed, mystery and secrets. I felt Harriet's garden protected her and had a life of it's own and four stars from me and I recommend.
December 1, 2024
1 star for me for finishing it.
1 star for the narrator who did an excellent job.
I'm afraid this really wasn't for me. The first half of the book could have been condensed into a couple of chapters following, as it does, Harriet's complete lack of faith in herself. There was so much procrastination that I began to fast forward quite early on.
The story itself could have been really interesting but it only really gets going in the last quarter.
I always try to look for some good points in every book I read so the story was interesting but ruined by repetition and the narration by Anna Burnett was excellent. The production was also good on the audio.
Thankyou to Netgalley and RB Media for the audio advance review copy.
1 star for the narrator who did an excellent job.
I'm afraid this really wasn't for me. The first half of the book could have been condensed into a couple of chapters following, as it does, Harriet's complete lack of faith in herself. There was so much procrastination that I began to fast forward quite early on.
The story itself could have been really interesting but it only really gets going in the last quarter.
I always try to look for some good points in every book I read so the story was interesting but ruined by repetition and the narration by Anna Burnett was excellent. The production was also good on the audio.
Thankyou to Netgalley and RB Media for the audio advance review copy.
December 5, 2024
Harriet Hunt has always been known as an odd child- a spectacle of everyone around her. After a tragic accident as a small child she looses her mother and is left to be with her neglectful father. With no love she is forced to be alone with her magical garden and as she grows she accepts the loneliness. It isn't until her father suddenly disappears she is finally alone to be herself. Through a marriage with malicious intent she is forced once again in neglect by her now husband. if only she could be brave and finally leave him she and her garden could be wild and free. i absolutely loved the magical realism in this book and enjoyed getting to know and love harriet hunt.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
October 10, 2024
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt reminds me so much of Cinderella, and not the Disney version. With supernatural aspects, grounded magic, dark abuses, and keeping to an inner strength this book hones into it all.
There’s a lot I love about this book from the themes and the green witch aspects and the dark undertones but I also wasn’t blown away at the same time. But what more can you ask for? It was a good reading experience and that’s exactly what you expect from any book you give your time to.
There’s a lot I love about this book from the themes and the green witch aspects and the dark undertones but I also wasn’t blown away at the same time. But what more can you ask for? It was a good reading experience and that’s exactly what you expect from any book you give your time to.
November 11, 2024
~THE MARKETING OF THIS BOOK~
I need to preface this 1-star review by emphasizing that this book is extremely mismarketed "for fans of The Magician's Daughter and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries." While I haven't read the former, I have read Emily Wilde, and The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt could not be more different. Iverson's novel follows a naive young woman who has experienced decades of trauma, initially by the hands of her father and then by the hands of her husband. Throughout the book she has vague magical abilities with nature that are never explained nor really explored by our main character, making this historical magical realism, not fantasy. With that said, my reasons for giving this book the lowest rating possible has nothing to do with the mismarketing of this title.
~MY GENERAL CRITICISMS~
Below, you will find a list of content warnings. Each one was either superfluous and added nothing to the plot except length OR the author included so many examples and callbacks to the trauma that it lost all meaning. The excessive repetition extends to overdone themes and overused word choice. Moreover, none of the characters were consistent in personality or demeanor, and none of these characters know the meaning of active listening. Numerous times, it seemed characters were having completely different conversations with each other. I kid you not when I say that at one point, Harriet confides to two other characters that her husband locked her in the basement for days (all while she has hair missing from her head from when he dragged his wife by her hair), and the response she gets is this question: "Did he hurt you?"
Harriet doesn't bat an eye at this oddly timed question, and that is because she is just as clueless and passive regarding the events around her. Take for example her choice to marry Christian (after speaking to him twice, and he did all the talking). She thinks by marrying him, she will be safe from an inspector's investigation of her missing father, and then her magical ability will be safely hidden. Then, once they are married, she realizes that her husband will move in with her (something she literally NEVER considered), thus increasing the chances HE will detect her magical abilities...I cannot make this up. Many times, it is clear the author also forgot story threads she created: the mysterious Nigel Davies and the promised weekly letters from Eunice, to name two.
~THE USE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AS A PLOT DEVICE~
The inappropriate and insensitive way sexual assault is used as a plot device is baffling, and the bafflement is heightened when one woman's idea of comforting another after attempted SA is to give her the day off and then write a letter to a relative stranger suggesting he come visit because the SA victim has so many suitors.
In conclusion, the number of loose ends and surface-level scenes leaves me quite surprised that this story didn't go through a few more rounds of editing and beta readers before it was published for public consumption. These criticisms are just the tip of the iceberg, and I am so disappointed to see a fascinating premise be executed with this result. I will not be recommending this book.
CW: two attempts of sexual assault, verbal and physical abuse within a domestic partnership, child abuse, threatened institutionalization
Actual Rating: 1.o stars
Pub Date: 03 December 2024
Reading Format: ebook
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!
I need to preface this 1-star review by emphasizing that this book is extremely mismarketed "for fans of The Magician's Daughter and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries." While I haven't read the former, I have read Emily Wilde, and The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt could not be more different. Iverson's novel follows a naive young woman who has experienced decades of trauma, initially by the hands of her father and then by the hands of her husband. Throughout the book she has vague magical abilities with nature that are never explained nor really explored by our main character, making this historical magical realism, not fantasy. With that said, my reasons for giving this book the lowest rating possible has nothing to do with the mismarketing of this title.
~MY GENERAL CRITICISMS~
Below, you will find a list of content warnings. Each one was either superfluous and added nothing to the plot except length OR the author included so many examples and callbacks to the trauma that it lost all meaning. The excessive repetition extends to overdone themes and overused word choice. Moreover, none of the characters were consistent in personality or demeanor, and none of these characters know the meaning of active listening. Numerous times, it seemed characters were having completely different conversations with each other. I kid you not when I say that at one point, Harriet confides to two other characters that her husband locked her in the basement for days (all while she has hair missing from her head from when he dragged his wife by her hair), and the response she gets is this question: "Did he hurt you?"
Harriet doesn't bat an eye at this oddly timed question, and that is because she is just as clueless and passive regarding the events around her. Take for example her choice to marry Christian (after speaking to him twice, and he did all the talking). She thinks by marrying him, she will be safe from an inspector's investigation of her missing father, and then her magical ability will be safely hidden. Then, once they are married, she realizes that her husband will move in with her (something she literally NEVER considered), thus increasing the chances HE will detect her magical abilities...I cannot make this up. Many times, it is clear the author also forgot story threads she created: the mysterious Nigel Davies and the promised weekly letters from Eunice, to name two.
~THE USE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AS A PLOT DEVICE~
The inappropriate and insensitive way sexual assault is used as a plot device is baffling, and the bafflement is heightened when one woman's idea of comforting another after attempted SA is to give her the day off and then write a letter to a relative stranger suggesting he come visit because the SA victim has so many suitors.
In conclusion, the number of loose ends and surface-level scenes leaves me quite surprised that this story didn't go through a few more rounds of editing and beta readers before it was published for public consumption. These criticisms are just the tip of the iceberg, and I am so disappointed to see a fascinating premise be executed with this result. I will not be recommending this book.
CW: two attempts of sexual assault, verbal and physical abuse within a domestic partnership, child abuse, threatened institutionalization
Actual Rating: 1.o stars
Pub Date: 03 December 2024
Reading Format: ebook
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!
December 10, 2024
This book, unfortunately, didn't hit the mark for me.
I kind of expected female empowerment, a magical garden, and a main character who is a bit of a social recluse, by choice. What we get instead is a lot of abuse of the female characters in the story, a garden with unclear magic, and a bit of a doormat main character who pines for more, but doesn't take action.
I think this book could've been cut back a lot. Everything is so painstakingly snail-paced. It takes so long for the story to get anywhere, and it's overly wordy. I'm a lover of a slow burn, but so much of this book felt like filler. The characters don't do anything, and the story just unfolds around them. They aren't dynamic, and they all fall very flat. The plot lines felt weak to me; there are quite a few incidences where the driving factor of the plot is just an irrational dislike of our main character. The story relies a lot on a historical - victorian - plot line of women being labelled hysterical by male figures in their lives, but it just didn't feel convincing here.
Almost all of the male characters are just terrible for no reason, and almost all of the female characters just revolve around that terribleness. Harriet (our FMC) has so many nudges in the right direction, and she just gives up again and again, but it feels like it is just to drive the plot forward. There's also an attempted SA that feels very brushed off while also being a driving factor for the plot. The book is marketed as Harriet learning to harness the power of her garden, but she mostly ignores it, wills it to be tame, and then simply runs away when the going gets tough... and relies on her garden to save her.
Overall, the garden was pretty cool. Some of the resolutions felt satisfying. I do like how the author writes, and I liked some of the concepts. I just think that this story wasn't well executed, and I often felt bored while reading because I couldn't get attached to the characters or plot.
𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓝𝓮𝓽𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴, 𝓲𝓷 𝓮𝔁𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.
I kind of expected female empowerment, a magical garden, and a main character who is a bit of a social recluse, by choice. What we get instead is a lot of abuse of the female characters in the story, a garden with unclear magic, and a bit of a doormat main character who pines for more, but doesn't take action.
I think this book could've been cut back a lot. Everything is so painstakingly snail-paced. It takes so long for the story to get anywhere, and it's overly wordy. I'm a lover of a slow burn, but so much of this book felt like filler. The characters don't do anything, and the story just unfolds around them. They aren't dynamic, and they all fall very flat. The plot lines felt weak to me; there are quite a few incidences where the driving factor of the plot is just an irrational dislike of our main character. The story relies a lot on a historical - victorian - plot line of women being labelled hysterical by male figures in their lives, but it just didn't feel convincing here.
Almost all of the male characters are just terrible for no reason, and almost all of the female characters just revolve around that terribleness. Harriet (our FMC) has so many nudges in the right direction, and she just gives up again and again, but it feels like it is just to drive the plot forward. There's also an attempted SA that feels very brushed off while also being a driving factor for the plot. The book is marketed as Harriet learning to harness the power of her garden, but she mostly ignores it, wills it to be tame, and then simply runs away when the going gets tough... and relies on her garden to save her.
Overall, the garden was pretty cool. Some of the resolutions felt satisfying. I do like how the author writes, and I liked some of the concepts. I just think that this story wasn't well executed, and I often felt bored while reading because I couldn't get attached to the characters or plot.
𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓝𝓮𝓽𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴, 𝓲𝓷 𝓮𝔁𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.
July 22, 2024
This is a gripping 'low fantasy' about what it means to hurt, heal and find love and acceptance. The story follows Harriet, a young girl who is ostracised for being 'peculiar' (some would go so far as to say hysterical) because she is special. Saying Harriet has a green thumb would be putting it mildly. Harriet shares a deep bond with her garden - it understands and responds to her feelings which was her only reprieve from her abusive upbringing. After the disappearance of her father, Harriet is left alone in their gothic house with only her garden as company. This strange situation brings unwelcome attention and trouble to Harriet's doorstep which she must navigate.
I loved reading this book. The writing is beautiful - there are fabulously written tea-in-the-garden moments, and the garden itself is always teeming with life and emotion. I adored the companionship and friendship woven into this story. Despite the lush green cover, the tone of the story is very dark at times. There are heavy issues explored here as Harriet navigates through a lot of pain. I felt that the story and writing did justice to the severe issues explored. Harriet as a main character is so precious and you really feel for her throughout the book.
If you are looking for a dark yet beautiful story about loss, love and freedom, and are intrigued by the idea of a magical garden, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
I loved reading this book. The writing is beautiful - there are fabulously written tea-in-the-garden moments, and the garden itself is always teeming with life and emotion. I adored the companionship and friendship woven into this story. Despite the lush green cover, the tone of the story is very dark at times. There are heavy issues explored here as Harriet navigates through a lot of pain. I felt that the story and writing did justice to the severe issues explored. Harriet as a main character is so precious and you really feel for her throughout the book.
If you are looking for a dark yet beautiful story about loss, love and freedom, and are intrigued by the idea of a magical garden, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
April 4, 2025
Oh, my heart. The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt hit me a lot harder than Chelsea Iversen's debut did though the brutality our FMCs see in both is unmatched. My heart ached for our naïve Harriet and all I wanted for her was happiness and no more bad men. There is a long string of bad decisions throughout the book, but I have to imagine that is what happens when you have that kind of childhood. She doesn’t know a lot about the world or have the wherewithal to spot all the nasty people out there who might have ulterior motives. I loved her garden and Iversen did an incredible job describing it and bringing it to life through her writing. In fact, I felt every emotion and saw every description in my head which proves her word choices were flawless.
Besides some minor editing issues (see: hearing the occasional swallow, breath, or pause), I really enjoyed the audiobook and I thought Anna Burnett was spot on with her narration of Harriet. She really got into it for lack of a better term, and I loved her voice and the way she made our FMC come alive. I loved the touch of magical realism and wish it had been explored even more, though after reading the interview with the author at the back (not to be missed) I can see why Iversen gave us just enough without a deep dive. The companionship as well as some good eggs and old fashioned redemption were the bright lights in the darkness of the storyline. Which leads me into saying this is a very dark read and I would recommend checking triggers before diving in.
Read this if you are looking for unique characters, a slower pace, and stories of finding your way in a world where it feels like the deck is stacked against you.
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Besides some minor editing issues (see: hearing the occasional swallow, breath, or pause), I really enjoyed the audiobook and I thought Anna Burnett was spot on with her narration of Harriet. She really got into it for lack of a better term, and I loved her voice and the way she made our FMC come alive. I loved the touch of magical realism and wish it had been explored even more, though after reading the interview with the author at the back (not to be missed) I can see why Iversen gave us just enough without a deep dive. The companionship as well as some good eggs and old fashioned redemption were the bright lights in the darkness of the storyline. Which leads me into saying this is a very dark read and I would recommend checking triggers before diving in.
Read this if you are looking for unique characters, a slower pace, and stories of finding your way in a world where it feels like the deck is stacked against you.
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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March 21, 2025firstly, thank you to the publisher for an alc!
i am soft dnf’ing this for now — i am too consumed with sunrise on the reaping and cannot invest any emotional energy into an audiobook right now, but i may return to this read
as for the narrator, i’ve been enjoying their narration so far!
i am soft dnf’ing this for now — i am too consumed with sunrise on the reaping and cannot invest any emotional energy into an audiobook right now, but i may return to this read
as for the narrator, i’ve been enjoying their narration so far!
December 4, 2025
This enchanting historical fantasy tale is set in Victorian London, at the crumbling Sunnyside house.
Harriet is an interesting and eccentric protagonist, who prefers solitude and spending time in her magical, sentient garden. Unfortunately, several of the men in Harriets life are cruel or controlling, which lends to a darker storyline.
‘Men took and took and took, and it wasn’t even that they didn’t care. It was that they didn’t see her. They didn’t see that she had a will of her own.’
This reads like a gothic-tinged, fabulously feminist, modern fairytale.
Harriet is an interesting and eccentric protagonist, who prefers solitude and spending time in her magical, sentient garden. Unfortunately, several of the men in Harriets life are cruel or controlling, which lends to a darker storyline.
‘Men took and took and took, and it wasn’t even that they didn’t care. It was that they didn’t see her. They didn’t see that she had a will of her own.’
This reads like a gothic-tinged, fabulously feminist, modern fairytale.
March 9, 2025
Oh, my dear Harriet; Amelia, Eunice, Anna, my beloveds
December 6, 2024
Chelsea Iversen's second novel, The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt, weaves an enchanting narrative that masterfully blends historical fiction with magical realism, creating a uniquely feminist perspective on Victorian-era constraints and the power of nature to heal and empower.
Plot & Setting
Set in the suburbs of Victorian London, the story follows Harriet Hunt, a young woman living alone in Sunnyside house after her father's mysterious disappearance. Her only solace lies in her extraordinary garden - a wild, magical space filled with sentient plants that respond to her emotions and protect her from harm. When suspicion falls on her regarding her father's vanishing, Harriet makes the fateful decision to marry Christian Comstock, a man who seems to accept her peculiarities but harbors dark intentions.
The novel's Victorian setting is meticulously crafted, with Iversen paying careful attention to period details while seamlessly incorporating magical elements. The contrast between the rigid social structures of the time and the wild, untamed nature of Harriet's garden creates a compelling tension that drives the narrative forward.
Characters & Relationships
Harriet Hunt
The protagonist's character development is one of the novel's greatest strengths. Harriet begins as a reclusive, traumatized young woman, shaped by years of abuse and isolation. Her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment is beautifully portrayed through her relationship with her magical garden. However, at times, her initial passivity in the face of obvious red flags from Christian can be frustrating for readers.
Supporting Cast
- Eunice - Harriet's cousin and closest friend, represents unconditional love and acceptance
- Amelia - The maid who becomes a true friend and ally
- Christian Comstock - A masterfully written antagonist whose charm masks sinister motives
- Inspector Stokes - Represents the oppressive societal forces working against women
- Mrs. Botham - A complex character whose own trauma influences her treatment of Harriet
Writing Style & Prose
Iversen's prose is atmospheric and immersive, rich with sensory details that bring both the Victorian setting and the magical garden to vivid life. Her descriptions of the garden's various plants and their behaviors are particularly enchanting, creating an almost synesthetic experience for readers:
"The roses had quieted altogether, and the garden was still, motionless in the aftermath. The roses had quieted altogether, and the garden was still, motionless in the aftermath."
However, there are occasional pacing issues, particularly in the middle section where the plot seems to meander before picking up speed again for the climactic final third.
Themes & Symbolism
Female Empowerment
The central theme of women reclaiming their power resonates throughout the narrative. Harriet's garden serves as both literal and metaphorical representation of female strength - wild, untamed, and refusing to be contained by societal expectations.
Nature vs. Control
The tension between natural wildness and societal control is expertly explored through the garden's behavior and the various attempts to tame it. This mirrors Harriet's own journey of breaking free from oppressive constraints.
Trauma & Healing
The novel sensitively handles themes of trauma, abuse, and healing. The garden serves as both protector and healer, helping Harriet process her past and find strength in her unique abilities.
Strengths
- Rich, atmospheric world-building that seamlessly blends historical detail with magical elements
- Complex, well-developed characters with believable motivations
- Beautiful prose that brings the magical garden to life
- Strong themes of female empowerment and healing from trauma
- Satisfying character development and resolution
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing issues in the middle section
- Some plot points feel predictable
- Certain supporting characters could be more fully developed
- The romance subplot sometimes feels rushed
- The magical system could be more clearly defined
Final Verdict
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt is a captivating blend of historical fiction and magical realism that succeeds in both entertaining and empowering its readers. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, resulting in a memorable and meaningful reading experience.
Plot & Setting
Set in the suburbs of Victorian London, the story follows Harriet Hunt, a young woman living alone in Sunnyside house after her father's mysterious disappearance. Her only solace lies in her extraordinary garden - a wild, magical space filled with sentient plants that respond to her emotions and protect her from harm. When suspicion falls on her regarding her father's vanishing, Harriet makes the fateful decision to marry Christian Comstock, a man who seems to accept her peculiarities but harbors dark intentions.
The novel's Victorian setting is meticulously crafted, with Iversen paying careful attention to period details while seamlessly incorporating magical elements. The contrast between the rigid social structures of the time and the wild, untamed nature of Harriet's garden creates a compelling tension that drives the narrative forward.
Characters & Relationships
Harriet Hunt
The protagonist's character development is one of the novel's greatest strengths. Harriet begins as a reclusive, traumatized young woman, shaped by years of abuse and isolation. Her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment is beautifully portrayed through her relationship with her magical garden. However, at times, her initial passivity in the face of obvious red flags from Christian can be frustrating for readers.
Supporting Cast
- Eunice - Harriet's cousin and closest friend, represents unconditional love and acceptance
- Amelia - The maid who becomes a true friend and ally
- Christian Comstock - A masterfully written antagonist whose charm masks sinister motives
- Inspector Stokes - Represents the oppressive societal forces working against women
- Mrs. Botham - A complex character whose own trauma influences her treatment of Harriet
Writing Style & Prose
Iversen's prose is atmospheric and immersive, rich with sensory details that bring both the Victorian setting and the magical garden to vivid life. Her descriptions of the garden's various plants and their behaviors are particularly enchanting, creating an almost synesthetic experience for readers:
"The roses had quieted altogether, and the garden was still, motionless in the aftermath. The roses had quieted altogether, and the garden was still, motionless in the aftermath."
However, there are occasional pacing issues, particularly in the middle section where the plot seems to meander before picking up speed again for the climactic final third.
Themes & Symbolism
Female Empowerment
The central theme of women reclaiming their power resonates throughout the narrative. Harriet's garden serves as both literal and metaphorical representation of female strength - wild, untamed, and refusing to be contained by societal expectations.
Nature vs. Control
The tension between natural wildness and societal control is expertly explored through the garden's behavior and the various attempts to tame it. This mirrors Harriet's own journey of breaking free from oppressive constraints.
Trauma & Healing
The novel sensitively handles themes of trauma, abuse, and healing. The garden serves as both protector and healer, helping Harriet process her past and find strength in her unique abilities.
Strengths
- Rich, atmospheric world-building that seamlessly blends historical detail with magical elements
- Complex, well-developed characters with believable motivations
- Beautiful prose that brings the magical garden to life
- Strong themes of female empowerment and healing from trauma
- Satisfying character development and resolution
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing issues in the middle section
- Some plot points feel predictable
- Certain supporting characters could be more fully developed
- The romance subplot sometimes feels rushed
- The magical system could be more clearly defined
Final Verdict
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt is a captivating blend of historical fiction and magical realism that succeeds in both entertaining and empowering its readers. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, resulting in a memorable and meaningful reading experience.
August 27, 2025
4 stars brought down to 2.
I hate to do this, and there is a minor spoiler so don’t read if you don’t want to. I had put together some rough notes on this book as I read, saying wonderful things about this delightful cosy Victorian gothic fantasy. About the quirky, likeable main character, the clear writing style, the wonderful prose, the terrific storyline. Then I got about 80% of the way through, and IT happened: a thoroughly unnecessary, unwarranted assault on the MC that just ruined the book for me. The whole tone of the book had suddenly changed. I felt sick at heart for Harriet, so real to me. I’m very disappointed in Ms. Iversen for this crass treatment of a wonderful (albeit fictional) lady. I shan’t be reading any more of her books.
I hate to do this, and there is a minor spoiler so don’t read if you don’t want to. I had put together some rough notes on this book as I read, saying wonderful things about this delightful cosy Victorian gothic fantasy. About the quirky, likeable main character, the clear writing style, the wonderful prose, the terrific storyline. Then I got about 80% of the way through, and IT happened: a thoroughly unnecessary, unwarranted assault on the MC that just ruined the book for me. The whole tone of the book had suddenly changed. I felt sick at heart for Harriet, so real to me. I’m very disappointed in Ms. Iversen for this crass treatment of a wonderful (albeit fictional) lady. I shan’t be reading any more of her books.
Read
June 14, 2025That feminine urge to have your sentient garden permanently silence every man who bothers you.
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*
*I am not rating books read for the World Fantasy Award.*
November 24, 2024
As always, thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
Publish date: Dec 3rd
If Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman wrote a book together and had Stephen King consult on it, you would have this book. As I was reading it, I was picturing it as a gothic stop-motion movie. This story is PERFECT for that style. And everything was described as Stephen King would in his drawn out vivid words. I can picture Samara Weaving as Harriet, Helena Bonham Carter as the housekeeper, Johnny Depp as the dad and a blonde Timothee Chalamet as her husband.
It did slow down a bit for me in the middle but this story was so wonky that I was still speed reading thru it. I definitely recommend reading it. Check trigger warnings before you read if you have any that bother you.
Publish date: Dec 3rd
If Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman wrote a book together and had Stephen King consult on it, you would have this book. As I was reading it, I was picturing it as a gothic stop-motion movie. This story is PERFECT for that style. And everything was described as Stephen King would in his drawn out vivid words. I can picture Samara Weaving as Harriet, Helena Bonham Carter as the housekeeper, Johnny Depp as the dad and a blonde Timothee Chalamet as her husband.
It did slow down a bit for me in the middle but this story was so wonky that I was still speed reading thru it. I definitely recommend reading it. Check trigger warnings before you read if you have any that bother you.
December 12, 2024
Wow what a crazy read! Not at all what I was expecting, a bit slow in some parts but well worth it for that ending. I love a female rage book especially one with a magical cottagecore element mixed in-- I was hooked. Everything about this book was SUPER atmospheric! Has a lot of dark and whimsical garden vibes--definitely for fans of Weyward and the TV show Buccaneers. Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC! :)
August 4, 2024
Harriet Hunt is a young woman very much alone in the world. Her mother died some years ago and Harriet has been living with her father - a surly, ill-tempered man who has little affection for Harriet and considers her something of a witch. One day her father disappears without a word to anyone, leaving the local inspector suspicious that Harriet is responsible for his disappearance. Harriet's one comfort is her wild and willful garden - full of magical ivy and roses that respond to Harriet's every emotion. With the inspector breathing down her neck and believing that Harriet should be committed to an insane asylum, Harriet decides to marry to secure the protection of a man. However, Comstock has fooled Harriet into believing that he is a good, honourable man when he is actually worse than her father. Harriet realizes her mistake too late and becomes aware that she is the target of an evil plot by the men in her life. Harriet must use all of her strength and wits to escape their treacherous schemes.
This is a beautifully written novel set in a time when women had no power or rights except those afforded to them by men. Harriet is treated badly by the men in her life and initially feels powerless at their hands. However, she finds courage in the friendship of other women, and discovers her own power and gifts that will enable her to change her life. It is a story of learning to find faith in yourself, and to seek out your true friends. I found it to be a very emotional and life-affirming story.
This is a beautifully written novel set in a time when women had no power or rights except those afforded to them by men. Harriet is treated badly by the men in her life and initially feels powerless at their hands. However, she finds courage in the friendship of other women, and discovers her own power and gifts that will enable her to change her life. It is a story of learning to find faith in yourself, and to seek out your true friends. I found it to be a very emotional and life-affirming story.
July 21, 2024
A page turning gothic tale with a hint of magical realism. I went into this book not knowing too much about it. I really appreciated that the summary of the book didn’t give away the entire plot. I could have finished this in one sitting if I wanted to. It was so addictive. Every time I felt like I had the story figured out, I would second guess myself. As the reader, you found out information along with the main character so it felt very immersive. I was just as confused and wanted to figure things out as much as Harriet. I really enjoyed the hint of magical realism in this story. Harriet’s connection with plants was so beautiful and symbolic of both her character and her story. What surprised me about this book was how dark it was. There are definitely themes of domestic abuse, sexual assault, childhood abuse and neglect. I wasn’t expecting heavy content but it matched the gothic atmosphere well. There were times when I could see no light at the end of the tunnel for Harriet’s story. I kept thinking “this poor woman can’t catch a break.” But her story is one of strength and learning one’s own worth.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!*
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!*
November 10, 2024
My heart is saddened by this rating. I truly thought I was going to love this book. Unfortunately, I believe this book missed the mark in several ways. If you are looking for a storyline with fantastical flora and women empowerment, look elsewhere my friends.
I will start with the things I did enjoy. I believe the description of the garden is beautifully done. I could feel the moss under Harriet's feet and smell the roses as they were looking her way. I also think that it was clear, at least in the beginning of the story, that the author has a passion for nature as many of the descriptions used for the characters in the story were plant based. I myself do not know much about horticulture, but I thought this aspect was very fun and true to Harriet's personality. The mystery and intrigue at the beginning of the story was very engaging and definitely kept me reading, however the payout for this fell flat.
I will try and organize what I didn't enjoy into the categories below.
1. Characters - Let us start with Harriet. While there is absolutely reason explained throughout the story as to why Harriet is not a confident individual, she has absolutely no character arc or development. She constantly talks about standing up for herself, but then proceeds to do exactly the opposite. She will tell you she knows her actions will lead her into peril and yet she continues on the same path. All of the other characters in the book, and yes I mean all of them (perhaps with the exception of Eunice and Lewis) are entirely inconsistent. There is purpose to at least one of these characters pulling a 180 in their personality, but the others just don't make sense. It is confusing to the reader and completely pulls you out of the story.
2. Story Structure - So much of this book is summarized events. It seemed as though we rush through a year of Harriet's life just stopping to witness "the important parts" when indeed we were only witnessing the parts that added intrigue or atmosphere. I kid you not, we spent an entire chapter on a murder party game but only a few paragraphs on a defining moment in Harriet's life as a child. It hindered my ability to connect with the characters at all.
3. Character Dialog - It felt as though the characters would summarize or generalize things to be purposefully vague for the reader. In reality two individuals who are having a conversation about a memory or relaying information about an event that happened would be more specific and give more details. I understand that this sort of dialog allows the author to keep the reader in suspense for longer, but it also prevents the characters from feeling real. I also felt that some pretty significant things were just overlooked in conversations. If someone shouts at you "I killed her," you don't casually ask a question about their living situation.
4. The Garden - As a fantasy reader, I have trouble with many magical realism story lines as it seems that we are just expected to except exceptional things without question. I want to understand why things are happening in the world. Why does Harriet have a connection to the garden? I want to explore her abilities with her and dig into the magic of it all. None of this is done in the story. In looking at this story in its totality, I do not think the garden was even necessary. The entire story could be told without the peculiar garden, and everything would stay the same. This is a shame as it is such a fun idea.
5. Trauma - Harriet goes through some awful things in this book. I did not expect this to be such a depressing story. The vibes of this story reminded me a lot of Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid, which I did not enjoy but others have. I believe that so many of the events we see Harriet undergo were not necessary for the storyline. There are two scenes of SA in this story (one off page and one on page) that do not add to the plot at all. I also do not think they are handled well as far as the character response and/or actions of other characters around them.
I wish so badly I could go back to the first 20% of this story and live in the wonder of what was going to happen.
My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for generously providing me with an early copy of this book. Their willingness to share the digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is truly appreciated.
I will start with the things I did enjoy. I believe the description of the garden is beautifully done. I could feel the moss under Harriet's feet and smell the roses as they were looking her way. I also think that it was clear, at least in the beginning of the story, that the author has a passion for nature as many of the descriptions used for the characters in the story were plant based. I myself do not know much about horticulture, but I thought this aspect was very fun and true to Harriet's personality. The mystery and intrigue at the beginning of the story was very engaging and definitely kept me reading, however the payout for this fell flat.
I will try and organize what I didn't enjoy into the categories below.
1. Characters - Let us start with Harriet. While there is absolutely reason explained throughout the story as to why Harriet is not a confident individual, she has absolutely no character arc or development. She constantly talks about standing up for herself, but then proceeds to do exactly the opposite. She will tell you she knows her actions will lead her into peril and yet she continues on the same path. All of the other characters in the book, and yes I mean all of them (perhaps with the exception of Eunice and Lewis) are entirely inconsistent. There is purpose to at least one of these characters pulling a 180 in their personality, but the others just don't make sense. It is confusing to the reader and completely pulls you out of the story.
2. Story Structure - So much of this book is summarized events. It seemed as though we rush through a year of Harriet's life just stopping to witness "the important parts" when indeed we were only witnessing the parts that added intrigue or atmosphere. I kid you not, we spent an entire chapter on a murder party game but only a few paragraphs on a defining moment in Harriet's life as a child. It hindered my ability to connect with the characters at all.
3. Character Dialog - It felt as though the characters would summarize or generalize things to be purposefully vague for the reader. In reality two individuals who are having a conversation about a memory or relaying information about an event that happened would be more specific and give more details. I understand that this sort of dialog allows the author to keep the reader in suspense for longer, but it also prevents the characters from feeling real. I also felt that some pretty significant things were just overlooked in conversations. If someone shouts at you "I killed her," you don't casually ask a question about their living situation.
4. The Garden - As a fantasy reader, I have trouble with many magical realism story lines as it seems that we are just expected to except exceptional things without question. I want to understand why things are happening in the world. Why does Harriet have a connection to the garden? I want to explore her abilities with her and dig into the magic of it all. None of this is done in the story. In looking at this story in its totality, I do not think the garden was even necessary. The entire story could be told without the peculiar garden, and everything would stay the same. This is a shame as it is such a fun idea.
5. Trauma - Harriet goes through some awful things in this book. I did not expect this to be such a depressing story. The vibes of this story reminded me a lot of Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid, which I did not enjoy but others have. I believe that so many of the events we see Harriet undergo were not necessary for the storyline. There are two scenes of SA in this story (one off page and one on page) that do not add to the plot at all. I also do not think they are handled well as far as the character response and/or actions of other characters around them.
I wish so badly I could go back to the first 20% of this story and live in the wonder of what was going to happen.
My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for generously providing me with an early copy of this book. Their willingness to share the digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts is truly appreciated.
January 3, 2025
3.25 stars
A bit difficult to rate as I loved the vibes, liked the characters as well as the premise of the book but the first ¾ part of the book was way too long; there were too many words without much happening. This brought my enjoyment down.
Characters 7
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 6
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 6
Execution/Pace 5
Execution/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 6
Narration 7
A bit difficult to rate as I loved the vibes, liked the characters as well as the premise of the book but the first ¾ part of the book was way too long; there were too many words without much happening. This brought my enjoyment down.
Characters 7
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 6
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 6
Execution/Pace 5
Execution/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 6
Narration 7
March 11, 2025
Historical woman’s fiction with dark elements and a sprinkling of magical realism. The story is dark both in atmosphere and topics but there are rays of light and hope. If you enjoy chick-lit, women’s literature, or historical fiction you will love this.
# The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt
# 3/4/2025 ~ 3/5/2025
# 4.0 / 5.0
# The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt
# 3/4/2025 ~ 3/5/2025
# 4.0 / 5.0
December 3, 2024
Audiobook/Book Review 📖🎧🪴
Thank you so much partner @bookmarked @recordedbooks for the gifted copy and audiobook.
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt
by Chelsea Iversen
Narrated by Anna Burnett
About the book 👇🏽
A lush, enchanting story of a woman who must use the magic of the fantastical plants that adorn her crumbling estate in Victorian London to thwart the dark plots of the men around her...
Harriet Hunt is completely alone. Her father disappeared months ago, leaving her to wander the halls of Sunnyside house, dwelling on a past she'd rather keep buried. She doesn't often venture beyond her front gate, instead relishing the feel of dirt under her fingernails and of soft moss beneath her feet. Consequently, she's been deemed a little too peculiar for popular Victorian society. This solitary life suits her fine, though – because, in her garden, magic awaits.
Harriet's garden is special. It's a wild place full of twisting ivy, vibrant plums, and a quiet power that buzzes like bees. Caring for this place, and keeping it from running rampant through the streets of her London suburb, is Harriet's purpose.
🪴 My thoughts:
Not what I was expecting but surprises can be good! It was a little darker than I was ready for but the author is a beautiful writer. With the writing and fantastic narration by Anna Burnett, it set this story up for an overall enjoyable read. I ended up mostly listening to the audiobook over reading the physical book because I just loved the narrator. I also really enjoyed the idea of a magical garden and I thought that this story was done well. I highly suggest checking the content warnings if there’s subject matter you’re sensitive to, otherwise this is a pretty atmospheric read! The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt is out NOW!
Happy reading 📖🎧🪴
Thank you so much partner @bookmarked @recordedbooks for the gifted copy and audiobook.
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt
by Chelsea Iversen
Narrated by Anna Burnett
About the book 👇🏽
A lush, enchanting story of a woman who must use the magic of the fantastical plants that adorn her crumbling estate in Victorian London to thwart the dark plots of the men around her...
Harriet Hunt is completely alone. Her father disappeared months ago, leaving her to wander the halls of Sunnyside house, dwelling on a past she'd rather keep buried. She doesn't often venture beyond her front gate, instead relishing the feel of dirt under her fingernails and of soft moss beneath her feet. Consequently, she's been deemed a little too peculiar for popular Victorian society. This solitary life suits her fine, though – because, in her garden, magic awaits.
Harriet's garden is special. It's a wild place full of twisting ivy, vibrant plums, and a quiet power that buzzes like bees. Caring for this place, and keeping it from running rampant through the streets of her London suburb, is Harriet's purpose.
🪴 My thoughts:
Not what I was expecting but surprises can be good! It was a little darker than I was ready for but the author is a beautiful writer. With the writing and fantastic narration by Anna Burnett, it set this story up for an overall enjoyable read. I ended up mostly listening to the audiobook over reading the physical book because I just loved the narrator. I also really enjoyed the idea of a magical garden and I thought that this story was done well. I highly suggest checking the content warnings if there’s subject matter you’re sensitive to, otherwise this is a pretty atmospheric read! The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt is out NOW!
Happy reading 📖🎧🪴
December 5, 2024
I am officially a fab if Chelsea Iversen.
Once again, beautiful narration keeps you hooked to the story of Harriet Hunt and her magical garden. Darker and more peculiar than the witches novel they have, this was a different form of magic that i found very interesting. Chelsea writes fantastic endings and they really close out their novels beautifully.
After her fathers mysteruous appearance, Harriet only finds comfort in her garden. Once married - to a man she may have been wrong about- she also comes to find safety in it as it protects her... So much imaginative/magical realism is experienced through the pages of this slightly darker undertoned book you just have to read it to understand why it's good!
Once again, beautiful narration keeps you hooked to the story of Harriet Hunt and her magical garden. Darker and more peculiar than the witches novel they have, this was a different form of magic that i found very interesting. Chelsea writes fantastic endings and they really close out their novels beautifully.
After her fathers mysteruous appearance, Harriet only finds comfort in her garden. Once married - to a man she may have been wrong about- she also comes to find safety in it as it protects her... So much imaginative/magical realism is experienced through the pages of this slightly darker undertoned book you just have to read it to understand why it's good!
December 12, 2024
I’m particularly impressed by books that manage to be both cozy and harrowing, and this one does an exceptional job at both.
There’s a menace to this story that comes both at and from the protagonist, an interesting dichotomy between the men seeking to control and use her and the way she controls the garden. As things get progressively worse for Harriet, her connection to the plants also gets wilder, and it’s interesting to see how these things come together repeatedly throughout the story and most meaningfully in its conclusion.
The setting here is very well rendered, and the atmosphere feels alternately snug and oppressive depending on what is happening at the moment in the story. I really liked how the author used sense of place here to amplify the emotion of the plot and its central character.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
There’s a menace to this story that comes both at and from the protagonist, an interesting dichotomy between the men seeking to control and use her and the way she controls the garden. As things get progressively worse for Harriet, her connection to the plants also gets wilder, and it’s interesting to see how these things come together repeatedly throughout the story and most meaningfully in its conclusion.
The setting here is very well rendered, and the atmosphere feels alternately snug and oppressive depending on what is happening at the moment in the story. I really liked how the author used sense of place here to amplify the emotion of the plot and its central character.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
December 3, 2024
Well written and intriguing.
The title is very fitting! This peculiar tale has much imagination and a high sense of loyalty. I found the characters to be likable and relatable as well.
Thank you NetGalley for the earc! Release date 12/3/24!
The title is very fitting! This peculiar tale has much imagination and a high sense of loyalty. I found the characters to be likable and relatable as well.
Thank you NetGalley for the earc! Release date 12/3/24!
February 23, 2025
4.75
ALC courtesy of penguin
Harriet Hunt finds herself alone in a dilapidated estate after her abusive father’s sudden disappearance. She lives a reclusive lifestyle to avoid suspicion and to protect others from the manor’s sentient garden that protects her and feeds off her emotions against her will. Harriet has lived most of her life grieving her mother and trapped with a father threatening to send her to a mental institution, so this newfound freedom is hard for her to fathom. In an attempt to solve the mystery of her father’s whereabouts and clear her name, she has to learn to trust again when a charming suitor promises to help.
This is a beautiful mix of magical realism and domestic thriller and it definitely went in directions I wasn’t expecting. This whole atmosphere is super lush and I loved the connection and relationship between Harriet and the garden. Harriet lacks confidence and the ability to stand up for herself at the beginning of the book due to a traumatic upbringing and the garden has grown to protect her from those who wish to bring her harm. I’ve never read a premise quite like that so I was invested from the first page.
Harriet as a main character is very complex and I think the author has done a great job or showing how trauma shapes people and how victims fall into cycles of abuse. I found her really loveable and it’s gut wrenching when you discover things aren’t going the way she deserves. The villain of this story was pure evil and my heart was RACING at times. This book does contain themes of domestic violence and sexual assault, so fair warning, and I wasn’t genuinely scared of the perpetrator. I also appreciate that the author didn’t take a traditional thriller route with such a heavy topic, this book allows the reality of domestic violence to speak for itself.
Always a big plus, the ending is VERY satisfying and the message was clear without being on the nose.
ALC courtesy of penguin
Harriet Hunt finds herself alone in a dilapidated estate after her abusive father’s sudden disappearance. She lives a reclusive lifestyle to avoid suspicion and to protect others from the manor’s sentient garden that protects her and feeds off her emotions against her will. Harriet has lived most of her life grieving her mother and trapped with a father threatening to send her to a mental institution, so this newfound freedom is hard for her to fathom. In an attempt to solve the mystery of her father’s whereabouts and clear her name, she has to learn to trust again when a charming suitor promises to help.
This is a beautiful mix of magical realism and domestic thriller and it definitely went in directions I wasn’t expecting. This whole atmosphere is super lush and I loved the connection and relationship between Harriet and the garden. Harriet lacks confidence and the ability to stand up for herself at the beginning of the book due to a traumatic upbringing and the garden has grown to protect her from those who wish to bring her harm. I’ve never read a premise quite like that so I was invested from the first page.
Harriet as a main character is very complex and I think the author has done a great job or showing how trauma shapes people and how victims fall into cycles of abuse. I found her really loveable and it’s gut wrenching when you discover things aren’t going the way she deserves. The villain of this story was pure evil and my heart was RACING at times. This book does contain themes of domestic violence and sexual assault, so fair warning, and I wasn’t genuinely scared of the perpetrator. I also appreciate that the author didn’t take a traditional thriller route with such a heavy topic, this book allows the reality of domestic violence to speak for itself.
Always a big plus, the ending is VERY satisfying and the message was clear without being on the nose.
January 13, 2025
Harriet Hunt is alone in her home. It's been months since her father suddenly disappeared after railing about his financial woes. He has kept Harriet isolated all her life, hating her strangeness, same as her mother before her, who was a gentle and kind person. Harriet's strangeness is a powerful connection to the plants in her beloved garden: her emotions affect the plants, and whenever she's upset or feeling threatened, the plants respond by growing ferociously or moving near what threatens her.
A policeman shows up, threatening her with the asylum unless she can tell him where her father is. Harriet has no idea, but tells him that her father left for Norway. When attempting to post a letter later, she meets an attractive young man and his friend. Harriet gets to know the young man better, and quickly marries him when she realizes that the marriage will protect her from the policeman's questions and threats. Of course, this proves disastrous, as there is more going on around the naïve Harriet, involving her fortune, and she soon finds herself in danger. Her only ally is a young woman whom she was forced to employ by her father's former cook, who held Harriet in contempt all her life for being unusual.
This book by Chelsea Iverson took a little too long to really get going. It was obvious what was happening from the novel's outset, then later between Harriet and her new husband. Harriet's extreme, enforced isolation growing up proved an easy predictor of her relationship mistakes, as well as her too easily given trust to clearly malicious people.
I did like Harriet's connection to plants, and could easily tell where the nasty men in her life ended up.
I liked the voice work of Anna Burnett (I switched back and forth between the book and audiobook), and thought her work elevated the book from predictable to moderately enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Sourcebooks Landmark and to RBMedia for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
A policeman shows up, threatening her with the asylum unless she can tell him where her father is. Harriet has no idea, but tells him that her father left for Norway. When attempting to post a letter later, she meets an attractive young man and his friend. Harriet gets to know the young man better, and quickly marries him when she realizes that the marriage will protect her from the policeman's questions and threats. Of course, this proves disastrous, as there is more going on around the naïve Harriet, involving her fortune, and she soon finds herself in danger. Her only ally is a young woman whom she was forced to employ by her father's former cook, who held Harriet in contempt all her life for being unusual.
This book by Chelsea Iverson took a little too long to really get going. It was obvious what was happening from the novel's outset, then later between Harriet and her new husband. Harriet's extreme, enforced isolation growing up proved an easy predictor of her relationship mistakes, as well as her too easily given trust to clearly malicious people.
I did like Harriet's connection to plants, and could easily tell where the nasty men in her life ended up.
I liked the voice work of Anna Burnett (I switched back and forth between the book and audiobook), and thought her work elevated the book from predictable to moderately enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Sourcebooks Landmark and to RBMedia for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
December 5, 2024
2 tortured Stars - 1 of which is for the fabulous job done by the narrator of this audiobook.
The synopsis of this book sounds mainly magical, with a bit of bother heaped upon the main character, first by her father and later by her husband. Actually, it is more true to say that the first 3/4 of this book is ongoing, repetitive TRAUMA-PORN!!
Harriet is held captive by greedy, deceitful men, a fully traumatized perspective (skewed sense of guilt and “deservedness”), and the perverse mid 19th-century prospects of any woman. She has zero idea that she holds any power whatsoever, because she has been emotionally abused, physically held captive and gaslit for the majority of her life.
The very latter part of the book (last 1.5-2 hours of a 10.5 hour audiobook) allows some light into the darkest forest of Harriet’s and life…. though incredibly slowly.
The ONLY reason that I didn’t completely abandon this book a third of the way in is (1) I had committed to reviewing it and (2) it would have given me nightmares!
The written word itself was well rendered, but so incredibly repetitive that no true validation can be given. And while I understand that this is how a traumatized person continues to think, the author leaving her to stew in these toxic thoughts for the vast majority of a book was ugly and torturous. I also strongly question the mid 19th-century setting.
But as not every book read can be to any one reader’s tastes, I maintain huge gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher, RB Media, in exchange for my (likely far too) honest review.
The synopsis of this book sounds mainly magical, with a bit of bother heaped upon the main character, first by her father and later by her husband. Actually, it is more true to say that the first 3/4 of this book is ongoing, repetitive TRAUMA-PORN!!
Harriet is held captive by greedy, deceitful men, a fully traumatized perspective (skewed sense of guilt and “deservedness”), and the perverse mid 19th-century prospects of any woman. She has zero idea that she holds any power whatsoever, because she has been emotionally abused, physically held captive and gaslit for the majority of her life.
The very latter part of the book (last 1.5-2 hours of a 10.5 hour audiobook) allows some light into the darkest forest of Harriet’s and life…. though incredibly slowly.
The ONLY reason that I didn’t completely abandon this book a third of the way in is (1) I had committed to reviewing it and (2) it would have given me nightmares!
The written word itself was well rendered, but so incredibly repetitive that no true validation can be given. And while I understand that this is how a traumatized person continues to think, the author leaving her to stew in these toxic thoughts for the vast majority of a book was ugly and torturous. I also strongly question the mid 19th-century setting.
But as not every book read can be to any one reader’s tastes, I maintain huge gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher, RB Media, in exchange for my (likely far too) honest review.
December 30, 2024
I was really excited to love this book….
I enjoyed the author’s first book, The Witches at the End of the World soooo much. I thought it was such a beautiful story about sisterhood and growing up.
I was so happy when I was approved for the ARC on NetGalley. Needless to say, I went into this one with high hopes.
(Slight Spoilers, nothing explicitly spoiled but definitely hints at spoilers if you enjoy going into books completely blind)
I feel like this story is what people accuse Weyward of being… a woman suffering for the sake of suffering. There was no retaliation or retribution. This man did horrendous things to Harriet and her friend but the only punishment was for him to be mildly scared of the garden???
(Yes, I finished the book and yes, I know how it ends. I just don’t understand why she never stuck up for herself or at the very least let her garden stick up for her……)
This was a 2✨ read for the first 3/4 of the book. The last 1/4 gained another star. I’m really glad I finished it and i enjoyed the last bit being focused of female friendship and how we pick up the pieces when terrible things happen.
This wasn’t a bad book, that’s not what I mean to imply. There were many aspects I enjoyed but the fact that Harriet kept making awful decisions and never stuck up for herself or her friend just made me sad.
Thank you to NetGalley, Chelsea Iverson, and the Publisher for this ARC!
I enjoyed the author’s first book, The Witches at the End of the World soooo much. I thought it was such a beautiful story about sisterhood and growing up.
I was so happy when I was approved for the ARC on NetGalley. Needless to say, I went into this one with high hopes.
(Slight Spoilers, nothing explicitly spoiled but definitely hints at spoilers if you enjoy going into books completely blind)
I feel like this story is what people accuse Weyward of being… a woman suffering for the sake of suffering. There was no retaliation or retribution. This man did horrendous things to Harriet and her friend but the only punishment was for him to be mildly scared of the garden???
(Yes, I finished the book and yes, I know how it ends. I just don’t understand why she never stuck up for herself or at the very least let her garden stick up for her……)
This was a 2✨ read for the first 3/4 of the book. The last 1/4 gained another star. I’m really glad I finished it and i enjoyed the last bit being focused of female friendship and how we pick up the pieces when terrible things happen.
This wasn’t a bad book, that’s not what I mean to imply. There were many aspects I enjoyed but the fact that Harriet kept making awful decisions and never stuck up for herself or her friend just made me sad.
Thank you to NetGalley, Chelsea Iverson, and the Publisher for this ARC!
May 26, 2025
This book has beautiful prose, a delicious setting, and an agoraphobic protagonist so stifling it ruined all of my enjoyment of the story.
Harriet, our protagonist, is a woman who was never allowed to interact much with the outside world. She has deep, debilitating social anxiety, which leaves her too terrified to leave her home, even after her father who kept her there has vanished. She’s also naïve, something to be expected of a woman who’s barely spoken to five people in her life, but it allows her to be easy prey for the world around her.
I spent half the novel wanting to reach through the page and shake Harriet for being so dumb, and the other half on edge wondering what stupid trap she’d walk into next. Sadly, this one wasn’t for me. Well written definitely, but just didn’t match my taste.
Harriet, our protagonist, is a woman who was never allowed to interact much with the outside world. She has deep, debilitating social anxiety, which leaves her too terrified to leave her home, even after her father who kept her there has vanished. She’s also naïve, something to be expected of a woman who’s barely spoken to five people in her life, but it allows her to be easy prey for the world around her.
I spent half the novel wanting to reach through the page and shake Harriet for being so dumb, and the other half on edge wondering what stupid trap she’d walk into next. Sadly, this one wasn’t for me. Well written definitely, but just didn’t match my taste.
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