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Pinewood Retreat #1
Garden of Her Heart
An uplifting story of healing and recovery that will warm your soul…and get you into the garden. Eleanor Oliphant meets The Authenticity Project on a well-being retreat in this story of one loner, two secrets and three weeks at Pinewoods Retreat.
When Holly Bush (yes, she still hasn’t forgiven her mother for that combination) is made redundant with gardening leave, after a brutal attack, she decides to visit a retreat not far from home. There she finds friendship and a garden in need of love, she ends up doing literal gardening leave, bringing the community of guests together. Journaling her way through her holiday, Holly works on both her mental and physical scars and discovers an inner strength as her secrets are revealed.
Perfect for readers who enjoy an uplifting story of self-love, friendship and community, with a hint of romance.
When Holly Bush (yes, she still hasn’t forgiven her mother for that combination) is made redundant with gardening leave, after a brutal attack, she decides to visit a retreat not far from home. There she finds friendship and a garden in need of love, she ends up doing literal gardening leave, bringing the community of guests together. Journaling her way through her holiday, Holly works on both her mental and physical scars and discovers an inner strength as her secrets are revealed.
Perfect for readers who enjoy an uplifting story of self-love, friendship and community, with a hint of romance.
- GenresFiction
400 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2024
8 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Zoë Richards
2 books11 followersZoë Richards was inspired to write Garden of Her Heart by being a suicide survivor from which she learned the healing that worked best for her, which is not the same for everyone. Dog walks around the Formby pinewoods, not far from her home, gave her the location, in an area known locally as The Lost Resort, a town that never came into existence, close to the sea. In the woods there is a sole Victorian house, standing alone on a cinder track, and this is the inspiration for the location of Pinewoods Retreat. She lives in Southport, near Liverpool, has been married to Rob for 34 years, and they have a grown-up daughter and a cockapoo who will never grow up. She worked for the NHS as an improvement programme manager, reforming how children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are supported in healthcare. Writing gives her an escape from the intensity of work and from caring for her elderly mother.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 15, 2024
In a Nutshell: A soothing read about a woman’s journey towards healing. Romance present but not as the prime focus of the story for most of the way. A nice option for those who enjoy feel-good women’s fiction.
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Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
🍀 Holly’s character: Her transition from wallflower to an independent thinker comes out beautifully, making this seem almost like a ‘coming of age’ novel. I love how she wasn’t written as a typical naïve girl, but as someone who has the imagination to think beyond the obvious, the ability to make friends, as well as sharp business acumen.
🍀 The concept of ‘garden’, which isn’t just a part of the title but is active throughout the story, whether through the ‘gardening leave’ that Holly is forced to take, or her gardening memories with her grandfather, or of her gardening endeavours at Pinewoods. Even beyond the literal meaning, ‘garden’ can be seen as a metaphor for the experiences of some of the people at Pinewoods. As someone with a black thumb, all the green content was balm to my soul.
(Editing to Add: Some of my friends below seem very excited to read about 'gardening leave'. So just to clarify, it isn't exactly something to aspire to, unless voluntary. Here's its definition from Wikipedia:
'Garden leave (also known as gardening leave) is the practice whereby an employee leaving a job – having resigned or otherwise had their employment terminated – is instructed to stay away from work during the notice period, while still remaining on the payroll.')
🍀 The incorporation of mental health issues, such as Holly’s PTSD and panic attacks, as well as Bex’s and Ruth’s complex emotions. I appreciate how the focus is more on the aftermath of the trauma than the trauma itself, making this story a journey of healing than of digging into the pain. For a debut novel, the themes are surprisingly restrained.
🍀 Holly's journal entries, that appear at regular interludes in between her third person narration. A creative way of letting us know where she is mentally without any extended first-person rambling.
🍀 The other female characters at the resort: San, Bex, Ruth, Dee and Lorraine. All strong characters with a distinct personality and an important role to play in the proceedings. Their interactions with Holly highlight the benefit of support and friendship.
🍀 The lessons, the most important one being that no one should be judged at face value. It also shows the importance of standing up for yourself, seeking help when needed, having your own support system, and changing your routine when you want a fresh start.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌿 Pinewood needs a gardener. Holly is jobless and loves gardening. So it doesn't take a genius to figure out where the story is going to end, though it takes a surprisingly long time for things to fall in place. That said, no one reads this genre wanting twists and thrills. The journey is more important, and in this case, despite the predictability, the journey offers enough of enjoyment.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The two prominent male characters in the story, three if you count the BLT fellow, fall flat in comparison to the females. Dylan, the unethical journalist, is as cliched as can be. Hunter is meant to be the love interest, but his approach towards Holly is more annoying than adorable. (More on this below.)
🌵 The romance isn’t convincing. I get why the book has romance – many readers feel that a women’s fiction is incomplete without romance. Not for me though. I’d rather have the FMC “feel good” on her own merit than because she found someone to swoon over. That said, I still root for couples who are written well. In this story though, the Hunter-Holly dynamics are strangely unsteady. Hunter’s random blow-hot-blow-cold attitude was irksome and unjustified, making their ‘relationship” seem abrupt and weak.
🌵 Minor complaint: The title is a bit cheesy, sorry.
All in all, despite the teeny flaws, this is still a story that delivers to the right reader. It is not exactly a light read, but a good option when you want something soothing and emotional. It will also work for those readers who want to try a self-help book without reading a self-help book, as it has so many positive life lessons to offer.
Definitely recommended to fans of women’s fiction. This type of story is not much my kind of read any more, but it fulfils what it promises, and that’s what matters.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to UCLan Publishing, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for the DRC of “Garden of Her Heart”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Holly has not been resumed her job since a brutal attack some months ago left her with PTSD. The travel company she works for can’t wait anymore and fires her, but not without forcing her to take a mandatory “gardening leave” by utilising their free-annual-holiday-for-employees option. Holly chooses to go to a new retreat not so far from her place, so that she can rush home immediately in case things don’t work out. But at Pinewoods Retreat, she discovers that she isn’t the only one who needs healing, that it is better to resolve past trauma with the support of others, and that “gardening leave” can sometimes turn into literal gardening.
The story comes to us in Holly’s third person perspective.
Bookish Yays:
🍀 Holly’s character: Her transition from wallflower to an independent thinker comes out beautifully, making this seem almost like a ‘coming of age’ novel. I love how she wasn’t written as a typical naïve girl, but as someone who has the imagination to think beyond the obvious, the ability to make friends, as well as sharp business acumen.
🍀 The concept of ‘garden’, which isn’t just a part of the title but is active throughout the story, whether through the ‘gardening leave’ that Holly is forced to take, or her gardening memories with her grandfather, or of her gardening endeavours at Pinewoods. Even beyond the literal meaning, ‘garden’ can be seen as a metaphor for the experiences of some of the people at Pinewoods. As someone with a black thumb, all the green content was balm to my soul.
(Editing to Add: Some of my friends below seem very excited to read about 'gardening leave'. So just to clarify, it isn't exactly something to aspire to, unless voluntary. Here's its definition from Wikipedia:
'Garden leave (also known as gardening leave) is the practice whereby an employee leaving a job – having resigned or otherwise had their employment terminated – is instructed to stay away from work during the notice period, while still remaining on the payroll.')
🍀 The incorporation of mental health issues, such as Holly’s PTSD and panic attacks, as well as Bex’s and Ruth’s complex emotions. I appreciate how the focus is more on the aftermath of the trauma than the trauma itself, making this story a journey of healing than of digging into the pain. For a debut novel, the themes are surprisingly restrained.
🍀 Holly's journal entries, that appear at regular interludes in between her third person narration. A creative way of letting us know where she is mentally without any extended first-person rambling.
🍀 The other female characters at the resort: San, Bex, Ruth, Dee and Lorraine. All strong characters with a distinct personality and an important role to play in the proceedings. Their interactions with Holly highlight the benefit of support and friendship.
🍀 The lessons, the most important one being that no one should be judged at face value. It also shows the importance of standing up for yourself, seeking help when needed, having your own support system, and changing your routine when you want a fresh start.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌿 Pinewood needs a gardener. Holly is jobless and loves gardening. So it doesn't take a genius to figure out where the story is going to end, though it takes a surprisingly long time for things to fall in place. That said, no one reads this genre wanting twists and thrills. The journey is more important, and in this case, despite the predictability, the journey offers enough of enjoyment.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The two prominent male characters in the story, three if you count the BLT fellow, fall flat in comparison to the females. Dylan, the unethical journalist, is as cliched as can be. Hunter is meant to be the love interest, but his approach towards Holly is more annoying than adorable. (More on this below.)
🌵 The romance isn’t convincing. I get why the book has romance – many readers feel that a women’s fiction is incomplete without romance. Not for me though. I’d rather have the FMC “feel good” on her own merit than because she found someone to swoon over. That said, I still root for couples who are written well. In this story though, the Hunter-Holly dynamics are strangely unsteady. Hunter’s random blow-hot-blow-cold attitude was irksome and unjustified, making their ‘relationship” seem abrupt and weak.
🌵 Minor complaint: The title is a bit cheesy, sorry.
All in all, despite the teeny flaws, this is still a story that delivers to the right reader. It is not exactly a light read, but a good option when you want something soothing and emotional. It will also work for those readers who want to try a self-help book without reading a self-help book, as it has so many positive life lessons to offer.
Definitely recommended to fans of women’s fiction. This type of story is not much my kind of read any more, but it fulfils what it promises, and that’s what matters.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to UCLan Publishing, NetGalley and The Pigeonhole for the DRC of “Garden of Her Heart”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
June 20, 2024
Wise, warm and wonderful! I loved this book about friendship and healing.
My interest was sparked after listening to a number of episodes of the author’s podcast, which led me to hope that her writing would be insightful and authentic. I wasn’t disappointed. Holly has neglected the “garden of her heart” and allowed herself to feel like an unwanted weed, not helped by traumatic experiences in her life. When she hits rock bottom she’s offered a chance of a holiday, and chooses a local retreat.
The setting of this book resonated with me as I spent part of my gap year in Formby, and I remember a happy afternoon spent in the dunes at a red squirrel reserve, as well as late night trips to the beach. But this was only one of the ingredients which blended perfectly into the kind of book I adore. There’s glorious character growth, interesting and well-drawn secondary characters, a romance with a hunky but flawed hero, a villain, and real heart.
I’’ll definitely recommend this story to my friends, and will be first in the queue for the author’s next book.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
My interest was sparked after listening to a number of episodes of the author’s podcast, which led me to hope that her writing would be insightful and authentic. I wasn’t disappointed. Holly has neglected the “garden of her heart” and allowed herself to feel like an unwanted weed, not helped by traumatic experiences in her life. When she hits rock bottom she’s offered a chance of a holiday, and chooses a local retreat.
The setting of this book resonated with me as I spent part of my gap year in Formby, and I remember a happy afternoon spent in the dunes at a red squirrel reserve, as well as late night trips to the beach. But this was only one of the ingredients which blended perfectly into the kind of book I adore. There’s glorious character growth, interesting and well-drawn secondary characters, a romance with a hunky but flawed hero, a villain, and real heart.
I’’ll definitely recommend this story to my friends, and will be first in the queue for the author’s next book.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
September 23, 2025
This book was in my goody bag from an author event at the excellent Red Lion Books in Colchester - it is an uncorrected book proof copy but I’m assuming that the final version that went on sale was not significantly changed, other than to correct the odd typo (I did notice a couple!).
The book is written from the perspective of the main character, who goes by the name of Holly Bush. At the beginning of the book Holly is in a very difficult situation and unsurprisingly she is mentally very fragile. Her beloved grandparents, with whom she’d lived since her parents moved to France, have both passed away. Her sister Rose died in a freak accident when Holly was 14 and her mother threw herself into campaigning for the product that caused the accident to be banned, neglecting Holly before moving abroad. In addition Holly was attacked at work (whilst trying to protect a colleague from an irate and violent ex-boyfriend) and following a period of sick leave is made redundant from her job at the travel agents. She is however owed a holiday and rather than lose the opportunity of a break away from home, decides to go to a local rest and relaxation retreat.
There were aspects of the book that I enjoyed. In particular I really could empathise with Holly. Not only did she lose a sister, she was badly neglected by her parents and because of the publicity surrounding her mother’s high profile campaign, was teased at school. Then the attack at work left her with a facial scar which further knocked her confidence. It was lovely to see how her confidence grew at Pinewoods Retreat as she made friends and took solace from working in the garden.
Secondly I liked the setting. The author was inspired by the area around Formby close to the Irish Sea coast, not far from Liverpool. The descriptions of the pine woods, sand dunes and the sea are well written. I also felt that the book covered some important issues, including bereavement, the effects of COVID, caring for parents in older age and intrusive journalism.
I did however think that some of the characters were not convincing. Holly was great and her friends Sandra (San) and Bex, together with Bex’s mother Ruth were all interesting and credible, but the male characters in general were not. Hunter, the personal trainer, acts in a very bizarre way around Holly, sometimes seeming attracted to her and at others being standoffish and unkind. I got fed up with the will they/won’t they nature of their relationship and also thought that he was far too hard on Holly during her fitness sessions. Similarly Dylan, the ghastly journalist who raked up Holly’s past and harassed her during her stay. Dylan was one of a number of journalists invited to the retreat for a free stay in return for some publicity. Whilst the other journalists behave responsibly (San is one of them), Dylan is allowed to behave completely inappropriately. I felt that the retreat’s owners, Lorraine and Dee, were rather naive in not keeping an eye on things better. Lorraine and Dee are both kind and empathetic people but in a retreat where some of the clients are mentally fragile the last thing they need is to feel unsafe, which is what happens to Holly.
I also thought the ending was really predictable! Having said that, I did enjoy reading it because I liked Holly and liked the setting - who wouldn’t benefit from a few days of mindfulness in a beautiful setting!
The book is written from the perspective of the main character, who goes by the name of Holly Bush. At the beginning of the book Holly is in a very difficult situation and unsurprisingly she is mentally very fragile. Her beloved grandparents, with whom she’d lived since her parents moved to France, have both passed away. Her sister Rose died in a freak accident when Holly was 14 and her mother threw herself into campaigning for the product that caused the accident to be banned, neglecting Holly before moving abroad. In addition Holly was attacked at work (whilst trying to protect a colleague from an irate and violent ex-boyfriend) and following a period of sick leave is made redundant from her job at the travel agents. She is however owed a holiday and rather than lose the opportunity of a break away from home, decides to go to a local rest and relaxation retreat.
There were aspects of the book that I enjoyed. In particular I really could empathise with Holly. Not only did she lose a sister, she was badly neglected by her parents and because of the publicity surrounding her mother’s high profile campaign, was teased at school. Then the attack at work left her with a facial scar which further knocked her confidence. It was lovely to see how her confidence grew at Pinewoods Retreat as she made friends and took solace from working in the garden.
Secondly I liked the setting. The author was inspired by the area around Formby close to the Irish Sea coast, not far from Liverpool. The descriptions of the pine woods, sand dunes and the sea are well written. I also felt that the book covered some important issues, including bereavement, the effects of COVID, caring for parents in older age and intrusive journalism.
I did however think that some of the characters were not convincing. Holly was great and her friends Sandra (San) and Bex, together with Bex’s mother Ruth were all interesting and credible, but the male characters in general were not. Hunter, the personal trainer, acts in a very bizarre way around Holly, sometimes seeming attracted to her and at others being standoffish and unkind. I got fed up with the will they/won’t they nature of their relationship and also thought that he was far too hard on Holly during her fitness sessions. Similarly Dylan, the ghastly journalist who raked up Holly’s past and harassed her during her stay. Dylan was one of a number of journalists invited to the retreat for a free stay in return for some publicity. Whilst the other journalists behave responsibly (San is one of them), Dylan is allowed to behave completely inappropriately. I felt that the retreat’s owners, Lorraine and Dee, were rather naive in not keeping an eye on things better. Lorraine and Dee are both kind and empathetic people but in a retreat where some of the clients are mentally fragile the last thing they need is to feel unsafe, which is what happens to Holly.
I also thought the ending was really predictable! Having said that, I did enjoy reading it because I liked Holly and liked the setting - who wouldn’t benefit from a few days of mindfulness in a beautiful setting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
This is a tricky review for me to write because essentially I only ever give this type of read 3 stars. 'This type of read' in my dictionary equates to perfectly pleasant, easy, light hearted reading, which though enjoyable, I am never going to be able to remember later.
If that sounds harsh, it isn't meant to be! Quite frequently I need to read this type of book to soothe me, and in this instance I certainly wouldn't be adverse to a Hunter in my life! Or indeed a Pinewoods Retreat!
So, the trickiness in reviewing is that parts really appealed to me whilst other parts were so extremely obvious.
And then I read the author's note and couldn't help but feel moved by how cathartic writing Garden Of Her Heart must have been for Zoe Richards.
I am sure that most people have needed a Pinewoods Retreat at some point in their lives, so the very-in-need of a boost to her self esteem, the opportunity to rebuild and start living her life, Holly Bush, will in some form or another resonate with readers who have any semblance of compassion.
This book is a romance, nut first and foremost it is about the power of healing. And Holly begins that healing process with the help of the owners of Pinewoods Retreat and some of their guests.
There is a will-they, won't-they element running throughout the story and a villian of the piece in the shape of unethical Dylan the journalist.
Holly heals through the power of uniting with nature as she tends to, cares for, and develops the kitchen garden at Pinewoods. That option is out for me as my fingers have never been any shade of green, but the message is clear: be bold, be brave, step out of your comfort zone, and no matter what disasters life has thrown at you, you can learn to live, trust and love again.
By the end of the book Holly is flourishing (just wish perhaps it wasn't always topped off by a man!)
Thanks to the author and publisher, plus Pigeonhole who serialised the book, for the opportunity to read this book.
Recommended for anyone who likes or is in need of a soothing, uncomplicated and uplifting read.
If that sounds harsh, it isn't meant to be! Quite frequently I need to read this type of book to soothe me, and in this instance I certainly wouldn't be adverse to a Hunter in my life! Or indeed a Pinewoods Retreat!
So, the trickiness in reviewing is that parts really appealed to me whilst other parts were so extremely obvious.
And then I read the author's note and couldn't help but feel moved by how cathartic writing Garden Of Her Heart must have been for Zoe Richards.
I am sure that most people have needed a Pinewoods Retreat at some point in their lives, so the very-in-need of a boost to her self esteem, the opportunity to rebuild and start living her life, Holly Bush, will in some form or another resonate with readers who have any semblance of compassion.
This book is a romance, nut first and foremost it is about the power of healing. And Holly begins that healing process with the help of the owners of Pinewoods Retreat and some of their guests.
There is a will-they, won't-they element running throughout the story and a villian of the piece in the shape of unethical Dylan the journalist.
Holly heals through the power of uniting with nature as she tends to, cares for, and develops the kitchen garden at Pinewoods. That option is out for me as my fingers have never been any shade of green, but the message is clear: be bold, be brave, step out of your comfort zone, and no matter what disasters life has thrown at you, you can learn to live, trust and love again.
By the end of the book Holly is flourishing (just wish perhaps it wasn't always topped off by a man!)
Thanks to the author and publisher, plus Pigeonhole who serialised the book, for the opportunity to read this book.
Recommended for anyone who likes or is in need of a soothing, uncomplicated and uplifting read.
June 29, 2024
This is a beautifully written written book about loss and healing that came to find me just when I needed it. Holly is a carefully crafted character who develops at the perfect pace throughout her own journey of self discovery and healing. When she loses her job at a travel company in the most horrific way whilst on sick leave, she decides to use her discount to go on holiday herself to sort out what she does next. At Pinewood’s retreat she may not be far from home but she is certainly miles away from her comfort zone! And as she starts to relax, sleep better and become friends with fellow guests and staff, her self esteem grows stronger every day…
Reading the authors own journey to write this novel shows how much of her own life has been used to gain an understanding of both Holly and other characters in Garden of her Heart. I was completely convinced by the characters and thoroughly engaged by them all throughout the storyline. There was a depth to the plot that was unexpected and made me far more emotionally invested than I thought I would be as I followed Holly through her journey. This is a book that packed a huge punch of positivity onto its pages and ultimately into my own life whilst I was reading and beyond. I really hope the author can repeat her magic formula as I would very much like to read more by her in the future.
Reading the authors own journey to write this novel shows how much of her own life has been used to gain an understanding of both Holly and other characters in Garden of her Heart. I was completely convinced by the characters and thoroughly engaged by them all throughout the storyline. There was a depth to the plot that was unexpected and made me far more emotionally invested than I thought I would be as I followed Holly through her journey. This is a book that packed a huge punch of positivity onto its pages and ultimately into my own life whilst I was reading and beyond. I really hope the author can repeat her magic formula as I would very much like to read more by her in the future.
June 9, 2024
Holly Bush has been made redundant from her travel agency job after being attacked by the angry ex boyfriend of another member of staff. As part of the package she is offered a holiday to recuperate. Holly decides to spend three weeks at Pinewoods Retreat for some rest and relaxation, making new friends along the way, and is drawn to the garden which is in need of some TLC.
This is a lovely, gentle story about finding yourself again after a traumatic event with a little help from some friends (no Beatles pun intended!😄 Well, it is set in Merseyside). It’s quite a character based tale and the friendships made are just wonderful. The story quietly rolls along and there’s even a sprinkling of romance in the form of hunky personal trainer Hunter. I enjoyed following Holly’s journey from being the troubled and anxious individual she was to the happy and confident girl she became. Just goes to show what a spot of gardening or comparable therapy can do! I read this book via the Pigeonhole app, one stave a day over ten days, and I always looked forward to each new instalment. An uplifting and heartwarming read which I can recommend. I shall miss Holly and her friends very much. I only wish there was a Pinewoods Retreat near me! It sounds fabulous.
This is a lovely, gentle story about finding yourself again after a traumatic event with a little help from some friends (no Beatles pun intended!😄 Well, it is set in Merseyside). It’s quite a character based tale and the friendships made are just wonderful. The story quietly rolls along and there’s even a sprinkling of romance in the form of hunky personal trainer Hunter. I enjoyed following Holly’s journey from being the troubled and anxious individual she was to the happy and confident girl she became. Just goes to show what a spot of gardening or comparable therapy can do! I read this book via the Pigeonhole app, one stave a day over ten days, and I always looked forward to each new instalment. An uplifting and heartwarming read which I can recommend. I shall miss Holly and her friends very much. I only wish there was a Pinewoods Retreat near me! It sounds fabulous.
November 26, 2024
More of 3.5
Could have rated it 5 except for the romance side
I couldn't care less about it and could have seen it better if the book just focused about her development and building her life without needing the love side to make her complete
I was listening to the audio which was really good but I admit I sort of zoomed through the lovey dovey parts which felt off for me
Could have rated it 5 except for the romance side
I couldn't care less about it and could have seen it better if the book just focused about her development and building her life without needing the love side to make her complete
I was listening to the audio which was really good but I admit I sort of zoomed through the lovey dovey parts which felt off for me
December 2, 2024
3.5 stars
July 3, 2024
This is a heart warming story about loving yourself, friendship and finding yourself again after a traumatic event. I really rooted for Holly and wanted her to have a happy ending after what she'd been through!
Thankyou to Uclan Publishing for sending me a copy to review.
Thankyou to Uclan Publishing for sending me a copy to review.
March 14, 2024
My first five star read of the year!
The story starts with Holly, who is really going through a tough time. Stumbling across an article in the paper about a retreat, not far from her hometown, she decides to try and find herself again.
The more we learn about Holly and her trials, the more we love her.
We get found family and friendship, laugh out loud moments and even a couple of recipes. I loved seeing the female friendships develop. It’s something that I definitely find missing in a lot of books, favouring romantic relationship building instead, although that’s not to say that there’s no butterflies here!
I loved Zoë’s writing style, I was engaged from the first chapter. I found this book to be heartwarming, like a warm hug at the end of a long day! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for more from this author.
The story starts with Holly, who is really going through a tough time. Stumbling across an article in the paper about a retreat, not far from her hometown, she decides to try and find herself again.
The more we learn about Holly and her trials, the more we love her.
We get found family and friendship, laugh out loud moments and even a couple of recipes. I loved seeing the female friendships develop. It’s something that I definitely find missing in a lot of books, favouring romantic relationship building instead, although that’s not to say that there’s no butterflies here!
I loved Zoë’s writing style, I was engaged from the first chapter. I found this book to be heartwarming, like a warm hug at the end of a long day! I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for more from this author.
June 9, 2024
Garden of Her Heart by Zoe Richards is a heart warming and uplifting story of healing and recovery that will have readers rejoicing in the power of friendship and the importance of allowing oneself a little grace.
Holly has been made redundant from her job in a travel agency following a period of extended sick leave in the aftermath of a vicious attack that left her both physically and mentally scarred. As part of her leaving package she books a three week stay at a retreat not far from her home, hoping that it will give her time to figure out her next moves, and possibly a change in career. While there she makes true friendships, something that has been sadly lacking in her life. Working on her journal allows her to work on her mental health while a series of one on one sessions with the retreat's hunky physical trainer Hunter helps with her physical recovery... and puts a twinkle in her eye. She also takes gardening leave to the next level when she discovers that the garden at the property has been allowed to go to seed, and working there is extremely therapeutic for her and for those she ropes into helping her.
This was a really gentle but very affirming read, I absolutely fell in love with Holly as a character and loved to see her growing in strength and confidence and figuring out what she really wanted from her life. I thought the depiction of PTSD and its impact on those who suffer and those around them was very well handled , there was a gentle humour throughout the book that took the edge off some of the darker themes. I also really appreciated the balance between Holly's developing friendships with the other women at the retreat and her budding romance with Hunter, it would have been very easy to lean more into the romance but the author never fell into that trap.
I will say that there is nothing surprising about the ending of this book, there are no last minute shocking twists, everything is telegraphed well in advance, but for a comfort read like this I think it works.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Holly has been made redundant from her job in a travel agency following a period of extended sick leave in the aftermath of a vicious attack that left her both physically and mentally scarred. As part of her leaving package she books a three week stay at a retreat not far from her home, hoping that it will give her time to figure out her next moves, and possibly a change in career. While there she makes true friendships, something that has been sadly lacking in her life. Working on her journal allows her to work on her mental health while a series of one on one sessions with the retreat's hunky physical trainer Hunter helps with her physical recovery... and puts a twinkle in her eye. She also takes gardening leave to the next level when she discovers that the garden at the property has been allowed to go to seed, and working there is extremely therapeutic for her and for those she ropes into helping her.
This was a really gentle but very affirming read, I absolutely fell in love with Holly as a character and loved to see her growing in strength and confidence and figuring out what she really wanted from her life. I thought the depiction of PTSD and its impact on those who suffer and those around them was very well handled , there was a gentle humour throughout the book that took the edge off some of the darker themes. I also really appreciated the balance between Holly's developing friendships with the other women at the retreat and her budding romance with Hunter, it would have been very easy to lean more into the romance but the author never fell into that trap.
I will say that there is nothing surprising about the ending of this book, there are no last minute shocking twists, everything is telegraphed well in advance, but for a comfort read like this I think it works.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
December 8, 2024
Hugest of thanks to Graeme Williams of Graeme Williams Marketing and publishers UCLAN for my gifted review copy of uplifting and moving debut novel, 'Garden Of Her Heart' by Zoe Richards
It's a wonderful novel full of heart and redemption, where the improbably named Holly Bush, takes back control of her life via the most unexpected methods.
Her job was as a travel agent to advise people on their best options to get away from it all whilst being firmly rooted to her life in her grandmother's house. Struggling to cope with grief and loss, compounded by a vicious attack whilst at work, with little support from those who are in a position to help, she takes her life in her hands and leaves, going to a wellbeing facility called Pinewoods Retreat.
Initially sceptical after her initial bravado has forced her to move, she slowly begins to note the people around her, and how her environment impacts on, and improves her physical and mental health.
Holly has clearly undergone multiple traumatic incidents and has naturally retreated, feeling she has little to nothing to offer herself or the world at large, but as she beings to keep a daily journal monitoring her feelings, actions and thoughts, we, the reader , as well as Holly begin to understand her a lot better.
There is such an emotional connection and resonance with Holly, I wanted to reach in the pages of the book and rescue her from some truly awful people and circumstances.
Her tentative reaching out to the others in the retreat brings forth a way of nourishing her and leading a way out of what intially appears to be an impossible situation.
She needs a reason to live and move forward but in order to create a sense of home and a meaningful future, she has to dig deep and open old wounds to find she is stronger, wiser and braver than she ever could have imagined.
I really felt for Holly, she is a well rounded character who is brilliantly realised with empathy and heart by Zoe, I absolutely loved this book and was saddened when I finished it , because there was such a moving narrative that swept me away.
It's a wonderful novel full of heart and redemption, where the improbably named Holly Bush, takes back control of her life via the most unexpected methods.
Her job was as a travel agent to advise people on their best options to get away from it all whilst being firmly rooted to her life in her grandmother's house. Struggling to cope with grief and loss, compounded by a vicious attack whilst at work, with little support from those who are in a position to help, she takes her life in her hands and leaves, going to a wellbeing facility called Pinewoods Retreat.
Initially sceptical after her initial bravado has forced her to move, she slowly begins to note the people around her, and how her environment impacts on, and improves her physical and mental health.
Holly has clearly undergone multiple traumatic incidents and has naturally retreated, feeling she has little to nothing to offer herself or the world at large, but as she beings to keep a daily journal monitoring her feelings, actions and thoughts, we, the reader , as well as Holly begin to understand her a lot better.
There is such an emotional connection and resonance with Holly, I wanted to reach in the pages of the book and rescue her from some truly awful people and circumstances.
Her tentative reaching out to the others in the retreat brings forth a way of nourishing her and leading a way out of what intially appears to be an impossible situation.
She needs a reason to live and move forward but in order to create a sense of home and a meaningful future, she has to dig deep and open old wounds to find she is stronger, wiser and braver than she ever could have imagined.
I really felt for Holly, she is a well rounded character who is brilliantly realised with empathy and heart by Zoe, I absolutely loved this book and was saddened when I finished it , because there was such a moving narrative that swept me away.
April 22, 2024
This is a book that is gentle, healing and one that gives you hope for all the good things in life.
The story focuses around Holly Bush, who is struggling after experiencing two significant traumas in her life, one recent and one less so. She has little belief in herself and in addition to the traumas, is also grieving the loss of her beloved grandparents. She arrives at the peaceful Pinewood Retreat for a three week stay to try and escape from it all and find a way to heal. Through her interactions with those who work and those are staying at the retreat, she learns to love herself again and find a way to look forwards.
This is a lovely, gentle book and whilst there are a number of tragic events, which are touched upon (grief, knife crime related to abuse, PTSD, loss of a child), they are not the focus of the story and are explored in a way that, of course, touch upon the negatives but the emphasis is on how one can heal after such experiences and find the inner strength to move forward and find joy in life.
The main thing I have got out of this book is ‘warmth’ and how the love, support and belief of others in us can help us heal and find that very love in our own hearts for ourselves. As Holly in the story says we must not “forget the garden of” our heart. “It’s about looking after ourselves: weeding out the bad things, concentrating on and nurturing the good things that happen.”
The book has a positive ending, again focusing on the fact that life deals us all various cards, good and bad, but it is how we cope with all we are given is the true test. And everything we go through makes us who we are today and to those who love us, all of that is ok. As Hunter says in the story: “Our scars are what makes us - the hidden ones, as well as the ones that are there for everyone to see.”
A truly lovely book, whilst clearly fiction, it could almost be a self healing guide and certainly has thoughts one can take away in that way from it.
Thank you @netgalley and @ucal_publishing for the gifted copy.
The story focuses around Holly Bush, who is struggling after experiencing two significant traumas in her life, one recent and one less so. She has little belief in herself and in addition to the traumas, is also grieving the loss of her beloved grandparents. She arrives at the peaceful Pinewood Retreat for a three week stay to try and escape from it all and find a way to heal. Through her interactions with those who work and those are staying at the retreat, she learns to love herself again and find a way to look forwards.
This is a lovely, gentle book and whilst there are a number of tragic events, which are touched upon (grief, knife crime related to abuse, PTSD, loss of a child), they are not the focus of the story and are explored in a way that, of course, touch upon the negatives but the emphasis is on how one can heal after such experiences and find the inner strength to move forward and find joy in life.
The main thing I have got out of this book is ‘warmth’ and how the love, support and belief of others in us can help us heal and find that very love in our own hearts for ourselves. As Holly in the story says we must not “forget the garden of” our heart. “It’s about looking after ourselves: weeding out the bad things, concentrating on and nurturing the good things that happen.”
The book has a positive ending, again focusing on the fact that life deals us all various cards, good and bad, but it is how we cope with all we are given is the true test. And everything we go through makes us who we are today and to those who love us, all of that is ok. As Hunter says in the story: “Our scars are what makes us - the hidden ones, as well as the ones that are there for everyone to see.”
A truly lovely book, whilst clearly fiction, it could almost be a self healing guide and certainly has thoughts one can take away in that way from it.
Thank you @netgalley and @ucal_publishing for the gifted copy.
March 4, 2024
A heartwarming tale of healing and growth, and a journey of recovery as the protagonist Holly Bush navigates through two secrets and three transformative weeks at the Pinewoods Retreat. Holly finds solace in the neglected garden, comfort, friendship, and unexpected connections. Through journaling and tending to the garden, she not only heals her physical and emotional wounds but also uncovers the strength within herself.
I was already looking forward to this one, it sounded right up my street as I am a mental health advocate, trained holistic therapist and keen gardener. And when I discovered it's set in Formby, Liverpool, where we used to live when our son was a baby and my in-laws still live I was even more intrigued.
CW: This book contains themes of trauma and healing, including references to a brutal attack and the emotional aftermath. Reader discretion is advised for those who may be sensitive to such content.
My Bookish Thoughts 💬
I loved escaping into the closed circle of characters' stay at the Pinewoods Retreat, as Holly embraces her past, confronts her secrets, and blooms from her stay.
I found it a captivating story of resilience and renewal, a thoroughly enjoyable book filled with hope I feel will help many people suffering from the effects their past is having on their mental health and wellbeing. It's going into my 'wellbeing toolkit' 🧰 in case I need it in the future.
I feel characters were very well written there were some I wanted to be my BFF others I wanted to throttle 🤭
The author is a mindset coach and there are nuggets of tips and mantras sprinkled throughout, many I have found helpful myself in the past.
I even found myself googling whether the Pinewood Retreat existed as I would love to stay!
Thank you to @netgalley @uclan_publishing and @zoerichardsuk for this advanced copy.
I was already looking forward to this one, it sounded right up my street as I am a mental health advocate, trained holistic therapist and keen gardener. And when I discovered it's set in Formby, Liverpool, where we used to live when our son was a baby and my in-laws still live I was even more intrigued.
CW: This book contains themes of trauma and healing, including references to a brutal attack and the emotional aftermath. Reader discretion is advised for those who may be sensitive to such content.
My Bookish Thoughts 💬
I loved escaping into the closed circle of characters' stay at the Pinewoods Retreat, as Holly embraces her past, confronts her secrets, and blooms from her stay.
I found it a captivating story of resilience and renewal, a thoroughly enjoyable book filled with hope I feel will help many people suffering from the effects their past is having on their mental health and wellbeing. It's going into my 'wellbeing toolkit' 🧰 in case I need it in the future.
I feel characters were very well written there were some I wanted to be my BFF others I wanted to throttle 🤭
The author is a mindset coach and there are nuggets of tips and mantras sprinkled throughout, many I have found helpful myself in the past.
I even found myself googling whether the Pinewood Retreat existed as I would love to stay!
Thank you to @netgalley @uclan_publishing and @zoerichardsuk for this advanced copy.
January 8, 2026
From the very first chapters, this book felt deeply personal. I found myself thinking, “This feels like lived experience,” and later discovering that the author has indeed drawn from her own life only deepened my appreciation for the story.
One of the most relatable elements was Ruth - don’t we all know a Ruth? What I loved most, though, was her character development and the way Holly gently teaches us to see both sides of the story with her and Bex's relationship breakdown. It’s thoughtful, compassionate writing that allows the characters to feel real rather than one-dimensional.
While I enjoyed all of the characters and story arcs, the friendship between Holly, San and Bex stood out the most. Their bond, the way they support one another, and how they grow together was written beautifully. Many adults know how difficult it can be to maintain friendships, meet new people, and nurture those relationships over time, and this book captures that reality with honesty and tenderness.
As someone who moved to Preston ten years ago, the exploration of Liverpool’s history felt especially homely and warming to me. Liverpool is my home ♥️, and seeing it woven so naturally into the narrative made the story even more meaningful (Her Grandad called her Queen, just like mine did. And "The Asda" made me chuckle").
Overall, this is a heartfelt, relatable story about friendship, growth, and understanding, one that will resonate with anyone navigating adult relationships and a sense of belonging.
One of the most relatable elements was Ruth - don’t we all know a Ruth? What I loved most, though, was her character development and the way Holly gently teaches us to see both sides of the story with her and Bex's relationship breakdown. It’s thoughtful, compassionate writing that allows the characters to feel real rather than one-dimensional.
While I enjoyed all of the characters and story arcs, the friendship between Holly, San and Bex stood out the most. Their bond, the way they support one another, and how they grow together was written beautifully. Many adults know how difficult it can be to maintain friendships, meet new people, and nurture those relationships over time, and this book captures that reality with honesty and tenderness.
As someone who moved to Preston ten years ago, the exploration of Liverpool’s history felt especially homely and warming to me. Liverpool is my home ♥️, and seeing it woven so naturally into the narrative made the story even more meaningful (Her Grandad called her Queen, just like mine did. And "The Asda" made me chuckle").
Overall, this is a heartfelt, relatable story about friendship, growth, and understanding, one that will resonate with anyone navigating adult relationships and a sense of belonging.
November 16, 2025
Holly is struggling to go to the outside world after a knifing incident. She is made redundant but is offered few weeks of vacation. She signs up for a retreat near her home. At the retreat, she reconnects with gardening, something she once loved deeply. As she plants, prunes, and nurtures the earth, she recalls the gentle lessons and gardening tips her grandparents passed down to her. These memories bring a beautiful thread of warmth and nostalgia to her journey.
While Holly pours her care into the garden, she also begins to support the people around her at the retreat. She listens, comforts, and encourages them through their own struggles. In the process of helping others find clarity and courage, she slowly discovers that she is healing too. Her transformation is tender, grounded, and rooted in community, compassion, and the simple, steady rituals of nature.
The novel wonderfully blends themes of healing, second chances, and rediscovering joy. Richards creates an emotional safe space for the reader, filled with warmth, vulnerability, and hopefulness. The characters feel authentic and quietly inspiring, each adding depth to Holly’s journey.
The tone and emotional resonance are reminiscent of Clare Pooley’s books. It offers that familiar uplit charm: intimate character moments, supportive friendships, and a gentle glow of optimism that lingers long after the final page.
A soft, soulful, life-affirming read that leaves your heart feeling lighter and beautifully tended.
While Holly pours her care into the garden, she also begins to support the people around her at the retreat. She listens, comforts, and encourages them through their own struggles. In the process of helping others find clarity and courage, she slowly discovers that she is healing too. Her transformation is tender, grounded, and rooted in community, compassion, and the simple, steady rituals of nature.
The novel wonderfully blends themes of healing, second chances, and rediscovering joy. Richards creates an emotional safe space for the reader, filled with warmth, vulnerability, and hopefulness. The characters feel authentic and quietly inspiring, each adding depth to Holly’s journey.
The tone and emotional resonance are reminiscent of Clare Pooley’s books. It offers that familiar uplit charm: intimate character moments, supportive friendships, and a gentle glow of optimism that lingers long after the final page.
A soft, soulful, life-affirming read that leaves your heart feeling lighter and beautifully tended.
June 26, 2024
I read this book with The Pigeonhole, and loved it!
Holly Bush is recovering from a traumatic incident, and is absent from her job as a travel agent when she is made redundant (just ignore for a moment the unlawfulness of that!!). As part of her compensation, she's encouraged to book a trip anywhere in the world at their cost. Holly is a lonely woman, with not many friends, her parents live in France, and she's been at home on her own for months.
Holly doesn't really want to go halfway round the world on an all expenses paid trip, but when she spots an advert for a wellness retreat, not too far from home, it sounds like the perfect place to go. Far enough away to count as "getting away", but close enough that if she feels out of her depth, or isn't enjoying it, she can get home quickly and easily. She books in for three weeks....
This was a warm hug of a book. The characters at Pinewood Retreat were so lovely, I was ready to google it to see when *I* could get booked in! At Pinewood, Holly begins to recover from her difficult few months, making new friends, and re-discovering herself and what she loves to do.
I'd love to read more about Holly, and the others from Pinewood. A lovely book, which will leave you uplifted, and searching for Pinewood in real life!
Holly Bush is recovering from a traumatic incident, and is absent from her job as a travel agent when she is made redundant (just ignore for a moment the unlawfulness of that!!). As part of her compensation, she's encouraged to book a trip anywhere in the world at their cost. Holly is a lonely woman, with not many friends, her parents live in France, and she's been at home on her own for months.
Holly doesn't really want to go halfway round the world on an all expenses paid trip, but when she spots an advert for a wellness retreat, not too far from home, it sounds like the perfect place to go. Far enough away to count as "getting away", but close enough that if she feels out of her depth, or isn't enjoying it, she can get home quickly and easily. She books in for three weeks....
This was a warm hug of a book. The characters at Pinewood Retreat were so lovely, I was ready to google it to see when *I* could get booked in! At Pinewood, Holly begins to recover from her difficult few months, making new friends, and re-discovering herself and what she loves to do.
I'd love to read more about Holly, and the others from Pinewood. A lovely book, which will leave you uplifted, and searching for Pinewood in real life!
June 20, 2024
Holly Bush (yes, really!) is having a tough time following an attack at work. When her extended absence leads to her being made redundant she's not sure how to cope with the wreckage of her life. After seeing an advert for Pinewoods Retreat by chance, she decides to give it a go in the hope that she can salvage something and move forwards.
Pinewoods sounds absolutely perfect to me. I think it's one of those places that ends up being whatever each person there needs and it's not only Holly who is looking for change. She meets new friends there. Some are people like her, guests at the retreat, and others are the people who work there such as Lorraine and Dee who run the place, and (dishy) Hunter, the personal trainer. I loved all the main characters and how the author wove all their individual stories together, and I particularly enjoyed Holly's transformation from someone with zero self-confidence and nothing to look forward to, to someone who has a future and lots of great things to come.
What makes this story work so well is that it taps into our desire to be able to live the life we want, even if that life isn't obviously available to us. Who hasn't dreamed of a change that seems out of reach? This book makes it all seem possible and sells a dream that is all about finding your particular place in the world. Garden of Her Heart is a delightful and uplifting debut novel from Zoë Richards. I enjoyed it very much and closed it with an extremely satisfied 'aah'. It's about friendship, love, growth and fulfilment and it wrapped itself around me like a warm and cosy blanket.
Pinewoods sounds absolutely perfect to me. I think it's one of those places that ends up being whatever each person there needs and it's not only Holly who is looking for change. She meets new friends there. Some are people like her, guests at the retreat, and others are the people who work there such as Lorraine and Dee who run the place, and (dishy) Hunter, the personal trainer. I loved all the main characters and how the author wove all their individual stories together, and I particularly enjoyed Holly's transformation from someone with zero self-confidence and nothing to look forward to, to someone who has a future and lots of great things to come.
What makes this story work so well is that it taps into our desire to be able to live the life we want, even if that life isn't obviously available to us. Who hasn't dreamed of a change that seems out of reach? This book makes it all seem possible and sells a dream that is all about finding your particular place in the world. Garden of Her Heart is a delightful and uplifting debut novel from Zoë Richards. I enjoyed it very much and closed it with an extremely satisfied 'aah'. It's about friendship, love, growth and fulfilment and it wrapped itself around me like a warm and cosy blanket.
May 25, 2024
"Garden of Her Heart" by Zoë Richards is an uplifting tale of healing and recovery, perfect for those who love heartwarming stories of self-discovery. The novel centers on Holly Bush, who, after being made redundant and suffering a brutal attack, decides to visit Pinewoods Retreat. With a name she still resents, Holly embarks on a journey of personal healing, both mentally and physically.
At Pinewoods Retreat, Holly finds solace in an overgrown garden, which she transforms with care, bringing the community of guests closer together in the process. Through her journal entries, Holly works through her trauma and discovers an unexpected inner strength as her secrets gradually unfold.
Richards weaves a beautiful narrative of friendship, self-love, and community, with a touch of romance. The retreat setting provides a peaceful backdrop for Holly's transformative journey, making it a compelling read. Fans of Eleanor Oliphant and The Authenticity Project will find much to love in this story of resilience and renewal. "Garden of Her Heart" is a testament to the healing power of nature and the importance of human connection.
At Pinewoods Retreat, Holly finds solace in an overgrown garden, which she transforms with care, bringing the community of guests closer together in the process. Through her journal entries, Holly works through her trauma and discovers an unexpected inner strength as her secrets gradually unfold.
Richards weaves a beautiful narrative of friendship, self-love, and community, with a touch of romance. The retreat setting provides a peaceful backdrop for Holly's transformative journey, making it a compelling read. Fans of Eleanor Oliphant and The Authenticity Project will find much to love in this story of resilience and renewal. "Garden of Her Heart" is a testament to the healing power of nature and the importance of human connection.
September 19, 2024
Another gorgeous book which I blitzed through in under 24 hours because it just brought me so much joy! This is one of those truly LOVELY books full of good people and kind acts (apart from that early chapter which had me ready to go full fisticuffs on Holly’s behalf 😤)!
Holly is such a wonderful character and despite having so little confidence in herself and often expecting the worst, she still has endless time and energy for others. I loved watching her blossom (oh the flower puns are coming) at the retreat as she rediscovered her passion for gardening, built new friendships and fell in love. Weirdly, this book made me want to get out in the garden despite it being my least favourite thing to do, so talk about the power of writing!
The only thing I did take issue with this novel was the way dog owners and their dogs were painted in an unfavourable light! As someone with two very badly behaved dogs who still thinks the sun shines out of their bottoms, I was not happy 😂 But I’ll forgive Zoë given how much joy the rest of the book brought me! If you want a truly warm, uplifting story that deals with some tough topics in a kind and sensitive way, then I’d definitely recommend this one.
Holly is such a wonderful character and despite having so little confidence in herself and often expecting the worst, she still has endless time and energy for others. I loved watching her blossom (oh the flower puns are coming) at the retreat as she rediscovered her passion for gardening, built new friendships and fell in love. Weirdly, this book made me want to get out in the garden despite it being my least favourite thing to do, so talk about the power of writing!
The only thing I did take issue with this novel was the way dog owners and their dogs were painted in an unfavourable light! As someone with two very badly behaved dogs who still thinks the sun shines out of their bottoms, I was not happy 😂 But I’ll forgive Zoë given how much joy the rest of the book brought me! If you want a truly warm, uplifting story that deals with some tough topics in a kind and sensitive way, then I’d definitely recommend this one.
August 12, 2025
4.5 Stars
This was like therapy in book form… but instead of lying on a couch, you’re digging up flowerbeds.
We’ve got Holly Bush (yes, that’s her real name, and no, she’s never forgiven her mum for it), who’s been through the wringer. Redundancy, a brutal attack, and more than her fair share of bad days.
So she heads off to Pinewoods Retreat, which isn’t far from home but feels a world away.
Instead of the spa days and mindfulness walks she expected, she finds a garden in desperate need of love. Cue literal gardening leave. And honestly? Watching her bring both the plants and the guests together was just as satisfying as any makeover show.
Through friendship, a touch of romance, and a whole lot of dirt under her nails, Holly starts working through her scars, both the ones people can see and the ones they can’t.
This book is warm, hopeful, and quietly powerful. It’s about loss, healing, and finding your strength one seed at a time. I felt this story and loved every bit of it.
Perfect if you like your uplifting stories.
This was like therapy in book form… but instead of lying on a couch, you’re digging up flowerbeds.
We’ve got Holly Bush (yes, that’s her real name, and no, she’s never forgiven her mum for it), who’s been through the wringer. Redundancy, a brutal attack, and more than her fair share of bad days.
So she heads off to Pinewoods Retreat, which isn’t far from home but feels a world away.
Instead of the spa days and mindfulness walks she expected, she finds a garden in desperate need of love. Cue literal gardening leave. And honestly? Watching her bring both the plants and the guests together was just as satisfying as any makeover show.
Through friendship, a touch of romance, and a whole lot of dirt under her nails, Holly starts working through her scars, both the ones people can see and the ones they can’t.
This book is warm, hopeful, and quietly powerful. It’s about loss, healing, and finding your strength one seed at a time. I felt this story and loved every bit of it.
Perfect if you like your uplifting stories.
October 6, 2024
I absolutely loved this one!
After meeting the author on Tuesday, and hearing all about her inspiration for this book, I couldn’t wait to read it!
It was so heart-warming to follow the story of Holly, who is vulnerable and totally lacking in self-confidence and self-worth, as she goes to stay at Pinewood Retreat and discovers an inner strength she didn’t realise she had.
I loved the characters and their relationships with each other: Lorraine and Dee (the perfect hosts); Bex and Ruth (mother and daughter); San (a journalist); Hunter (the hunky personal trainer) and, of course, Holly.
I enjoyed reading extracts from Holly’s diary after each day’s events had unfolded and, like many readers of this book, I wish Pinewood Resort was a real place as I’d love to spend a week or two there myself.
Congratulations, Zoe! It takes a special person to be able to write a book like this and I hope lots of my buddies are going to enjoy it too.
After meeting the author on Tuesday, and hearing all about her inspiration for this book, I couldn’t wait to read it!
It was so heart-warming to follow the story of Holly, who is vulnerable and totally lacking in self-confidence and self-worth, as she goes to stay at Pinewood Retreat and discovers an inner strength she didn’t realise she had.
I loved the characters and their relationships with each other: Lorraine and Dee (the perfect hosts); Bex and Ruth (mother and daughter); San (a journalist); Hunter (the hunky personal trainer) and, of course, Holly.
I enjoyed reading extracts from Holly’s diary after each day’s events had unfolded and, like many readers of this book, I wish Pinewood Resort was a real place as I’d love to spend a week or two there myself.
Congratulations, Zoe! It takes a special person to be able to write a book like this and I hope lots of my buddies are going to enjoy it too.
May 28, 2024
Recuperating from a violent attack, Holly Bush - whose mother can never be forgiven for sticking her with such an absurd name! - is given an opportunity for a 3-week break at a nearby holiday area.
There Holly not only finds solace in outdoor life and "green exercise", but also through the people she encounters and the experiences that help her gain a sense of perspective of some of the harsh things she has suffered.
This book is an uplifting read - despite the fact that it deals with a number of serious issues, including grief and PTSD - with a focus on healing, warmth, companionship and kindness. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
There Holly not only finds solace in outdoor life and "green exercise", but also through the people she encounters and the experiences that help her gain a sense of perspective of some of the harsh things she has suffered.
This book is an uplifting read - despite the fact that it deals with a number of serious issues, including grief and PTSD - with a focus on healing, warmth, companionship and kindness. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 10, 2024
This is a feel-good story about a young woman, Holly Bush, coping with the loss of her sibling, Rose. Added to this is her being inappropriately thrust by her parents into the spotlight at a young age for the malfunctioning of a toy, being left in her grandparents care when her parents opted to head for France, coping with a prominent facial scar from an unfortunate incident years later and generally lacking confidence and self esteem.
When she is made redundant by her unpleasant and unlikeable employers, a travel agency, she is given a free trip to any destination. She opts to stay local and heads to a retreat where she finds healing and worth in a garden needing care.
There is an author's note that is both honest and touching by Zoe Richard at the end, which details why she chose to write this story. 4 stars.
When she is made redundant by her unpleasant and unlikeable employers, a travel agency, she is given a free trip to any destination. She opts to stay local and heads to a retreat where she finds healing and worth in a garden needing care.
There is an author's note that is both honest and touching by Zoe Richard at the end, which details why she chose to write this story. 4 stars.
June 11, 2024
When Holly Bush is made redundant from her job at a Travel Agent where she had been the victim of an attack, she has the opportunity of taking a holiday anywhere in the world that she fancies. However Holly decides to go to stay at a retreat in Formby which is not far from where she lives in Liverpool. Holly is still mourning the loss of her sister Rose and is also very conscious of the scar on her face caused by the attack at work. She's not a very sociable person and really just wants to be left alone but finds friends at Pinewood and slowly her self confidence starts to return especially when she takes on the task of sorting out the overgrown garden.
This is a heartwarming story and very enjoyable. Thanks to the Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
This is a heartwarming story and very enjoyable. Thanks to the Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
June 12, 2024
I loved this book. At the centre of it is a touching and heart-warming story of Holly's journey to recovery from the physical and mental scars that have brought her low, and we are carried along for every step of the journey. The book is populated by a cast of beautifully drawn and very believable characters, all with their own story to tell. The author cleverly allows us insights into Holly's backstory little by little, allowing the character to grow and breathe and this story is told with enormous empathy and warmth. The community at Pinewoods is so lovingly created that when I finished the book I felt bereft; I simply wasn't ready to leave. It is an assured, wonderful debut novel and I have no doubt we will hear much more from this talented author
July 6, 2024
This is a beautiful story about the power of gardening, fresh air and exercise to heal past traumas with lovely warming characters as well as the odd 'baddie'. It is set on the outskirts of Liverpool in a health retreat, where Holly Bush comes to recover after a traumatic attack, followed by redundancy. As she runs up and down sand dunes, drinks Kombucha fizz and attends sunrise yoga classes, we gradually discover that she is hiding other traumas from her past. As she retreats from the group of fellow residents, she starts to work in the neglected kitchen garden and finally faces up to her past and is ready to face her new future,
A delightful read, with lovely characters and a great sense of place.
A delightful read, with lovely characters and a great sense of place.
March 6, 2025
I usually stick to two genres when I read: Fantasy and Romantic Fantasy, with the occasional odd book here and there outside of these genres. When I had the pleasure of meeting Zoe Richard at the Jericho Writers Event last summer and learned she had written a book, I knew I had to read it—such a charismatic woman must surely have written a great story. And she sure did!
I felt like I was right there with Holly during her stay at Pinewoods Retreat, growing alongside her and diving into the adventures and dramas that unfolded. And with a beautifully interwoven romance on top of it all—what more could a girl ask for?
Don’t tell my family, but this will be everyone’s Christmas present this year! ☺️
I felt like I was right there with Holly during her stay at Pinewoods Retreat, growing alongside her and diving into the adventures and dramas that unfolded. And with a beautifully interwoven romance on top of it all—what more could a girl ask for?
Don’t tell my family, but this will be everyone’s Christmas present this year! ☺️
June 10, 2024
When Holly gets made redundant from her travel agency job after a period of long-term sickness, she is offered a trip of her choice as part of the redundancy package! Still recovering, she doesn't want to travel oo far and ends up at a retreat not too far from her house with the view that, if she doesn't like it, she will just come home. What she didn't expect was for this break to change where life forever!
This was a gentle and heartwarming story following Holly as she continues her recovery and makes some friends and changes along the way. It covers some pretty tough issues, but in a real and life-affirming way.
This was a gentle and heartwarming story following Holly as she continues her recovery and makes some friends and changes along the way. It covers some pretty tough issues, but in a real and life-affirming way.
June 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book, it was gentle in its way of following Holly as she hits an all-time low in her life, but accepts an offer of a holiday as part of her "redundancy" type payment. She chooses a 3 week break by the coast, complete with fitness trainer, yoga sessions and a neglected garden that needs much work to revitalise it. Holly has little or no self-confidence and it takes very little to have her retreating into herself each time she sees a potential hurdle to overcome. I think I'll just say a lot can happen in 3 weeks, and I did enjoy watching as people and events came together with and around Holly. (Her name, by the way, is Holly Bush - how good is that?!)
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