The Peach Thief

by Linda Joan Smith

"Nuanced, richly atmospheric, and exquisitely written." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

This shimmering middle-grade debut set in 1850s Lancashire, England, explores longing, belonging, and the courage it takes to find your place—and bloom.

The night that workhouse orphan Scilla Brown dares to climb the Earl of Havermore’s garden wall, she wants only to steal a peach—the best thing she’s ever tasted in her hard, hungry life. But when she’s caught by the earl’s head gardener and mistaken for a boy, she grabs on to something a temporary job scrubbing flowerpots. If she can just keep up her deception, she’ll have a soft bed and food beyond her wildest dreams . . . maybe even peaches. She soon falls in with Phin, a garden apprentice who sneaks her into the steamy, fruit-filled greenhouses, calls her “Brownie,” and makes her skin prickle. At the same time, the gruff head gardener himself is teaching lowly Scilla to make things grow, and she’s cultivating hope with every seed she plants. But as the seasons unfurl, her loyalties become divided, and her secret grows harder to keep. How far will she go to have a home at last? Beautifully crafted with classic middle-grade themes of fate and ambition, identity and personal responsibility, this stunning debut features brisk pacing, crackling dialogue, and deep insight into what makes a garden thrive—and a heart and mind flourish.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Gardening, Poverty, Historical, Grief

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Linda Joan Smith is the author of The Peach Thief, an upper middle-grade historical novel from Candlewick Press (March 2025). She loves to time travel via the magic of books, and writes about the past for today’s kids so that they can do the same. Linda formerly worked as editor of Country Home magazine, freelanced for other national publications, and wrote garden books, yet her most fulfilling roles have been as a parent and library fundraiser. Born and raised in southern California, she graduated from Amherst College and has enjoyed living in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Iowa. She now calls the central coast of California her home, where she writes, grows boysenberries, works on an old house with her husband, and has lively discussions about books with her daughter. She once longed to be a paleontologist, climb Mount Everest, or earn a Michelin Star, but now dreams of making a difference to young readers, one story at a time.

Reviews

[Emily McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. It is most similar to The Giver in both literary merit and the complete discomfort and suspense it creates.

Readers with at least a superficial understanding of Adam and Eve will get the most out of it, but the author showed impressive restraint by limiting the allusions when so many middle grade authors try to connect all the dots for their readers.

11 year old Scilla is on her own after a childhood in Dickensian workhouses. She is now disguised as a boy and working in the kitchen gardens for an earl, first to repay a debt, but then hired on.

My mind couldn’t help going dark places. Scilla has a crush on an older boy, who eventually discovers her secret identity as a girl. Readers will instinctively distrust him with his dark triad personality, yet his behavior is difficult for Scilla to interpret—friend, brother figure…potential rapist? What was to stop him from blackmailing her? I found it very unsettling. Was I anticipating a sexual assault in a middle grade novel? Not really…but as adult it was impossible to ignore what was an obvious danger for our main character. Finally, she begins to recognize the inappropriateness, selfishness, and deceit—and I realized this was more than a subplot.

With the exception of Scattergood published earlier this year, I haven’t ever encountered such suggestive content in middle grade novels, and I think it’s important for parents and teachers to be aware.

There are two scenes suggesting characters are caught having sex. It’s left open to interpretation, but definitely not ruled out. In addition, in chapter 11, an adult male character says something along the lines of “pick a peach with the tenderness of holding a woman’s…”(trails off). I imagined myself reading this aloud to my 8 and 12 year olds (the low and high of the audience for this book), and it felt wrong.

I recommend this for readers about 12+. There are layers and layers of discussion potential and analysis, and overall it’s pretty close to perfect.

[DaNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scillia, an orphan, from a workhouse in Victorian England, sneaks into the gardens of an Earl’s country estate. When discovered by the head gardener, not only thieving fruit, but damaging the tender growth, Scillia is sure to find herself behind bars, but is given the chance to work at the lowest job, scrubbing pot, in the extensive gardens. Provided a warm, safe bed and plenty of food Scillia is surrounded by more security than she ever hoped for. She struggles to keep her gender secret. She does not expect to be so awed by the process of tending tender and cherished plants.

I’m vacillating between 3 and 4 stars. I appreciated much about it. Not just the story it told but also the deftness of the character development. The garden setting and the, “don’t let them know you’re a girl” trope were enjoyable. Scillia’s constant self-doubt and loathing and some of her terrible choices set my nerves on end, at the same time I did care about her and rooted for her success. The villainy that shows up is so subtlety unfolded, I couldn’t help but respect the writing. Much of the narrative had my stomach, much like Sillia’s, tied in knots and I can always say reading it was enjoyable. The ending, as expected in middle-grade, is rewarding.

[Shannon A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1850’s London, orphan Scilla Brown has somehow survived a workhouse and on the street. One night she stumbles upon the walls around a large garden, where the intoxicating smell of peaches prompts her to attempt to steal just one. She gets caught that same night, and the next morning is given the task of garden-pot cleaner to make up for what she’s done, only the owner and gardener think she’s Mr. Brown and they don’t throw her back on the street.

An inspiring debut of discovery, friendship and finding a place where you can grow.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening sentence, The Peach Thief is a page-turner rich with insights about history, love, and life, as well as gardens.

I couldn’t help but root for Scilla Brown, a starving, ill-treated orphan girl who scales a wall hoping to find anything to eat but planning to steal a peach -- having tasted one once, she believes it the ultimate joy. But when she’s caught -- in the process, breaking the espaliered cherry tree the head gardener had labored long and hard to train -- the gardener mistakes her for a boy and insists she pay for her trespass by scrubbing the garden pots. From there, the story unfolds of Scilla’s successes, failures, and deceptions while she searches for someone who will stand up for her in life.

The vocabulary and writing in The Peach Thief lands readers squarely in the mid-19th century England and pulls no punches about the grim lives of workhouse girls. But that darkness is counterbalanced by the Scilla’s love of the garden and her efforts to forge a better life for herself. Too often in such well-researched books like this, the author’s research efforts show in ways that interfere with the story; this does not happen in here. The Author’s Note that follows the story puts in context the facts and the fiction, and provides a helpful coda for parents, teacher, or curious young readers.

I loved reading this book and discovering the wisdom that a garden can convey to anyone who pays attention.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the gardens… and couldn’t put the book/audio down wanting to know what was going to happen to Scilla!

[Bobbi Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally stayed up all night to finish this book! Truly lovely writing and the joyful last page made up for every moment of lost sleep. Well-written characters pull you right in: you can almost feel the warmth of Phin’s friendly smile, everyone needs a Mr. Layton in their life, and Scilla has the emotional scars of a trauma survivor. There’s a glow of satisfaction in watching her get enough to eat, a safe place to sleep, and fall in love with her work. Especially beautiful were the descriptions of the gardens and growing things: “When we plant a seed, it is a leap of faith… optimism and hope made real”, and working with seedlings was “like tucking babies in and pulling up their covers.” The intensity of Scilla’s first crush rang true, as did the bad decisions her feelings led her into. The ending made me want to cheer… and hope for a sequel.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the 1820’s garden information. Well researched. If it had stopped there I would have given it a five star rating. But I did not enjoy the strawman mother, bristling with intolerance, or the anachronistic attitudes of the good as gold types who managed to have 21st century perceptions in the 19th century. Also the constant high hysteria of the lead character, combined with continual terrible decisions, drove me insane. The problem with all the sacred cows and scapegoats is it makes the plot so entirely predictable. Just as bad as Nancy Drew and the swarthy villain. Now learning about historic apple varieties, that was awesome.

[Lisa Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, spunky heroine, and I loved learning about gardening. The grammar/syntax (especially at the beginning) might be confusing for some readers but as Scilla grows and changes so does the way she speaks. It might also confuse some readers why she needed to pretend to be a boy.

Overall a good read that might inspire some to find out more about this time period.

[Pam Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, even though it's a young adult novel. The author's daughter went to school with mine and that makes it even more special. No matter what age, you'll like the history, the story, the reveals of a young workhouse child who has a secret and finds a place to belong.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great children's story.

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded down to 4 primarily due to the length of the book. Might have made it 5 stars if they trimmed a few pages. Really interesting historical fiction Middle Grade story featuring the servant class in the English Aristocracy. With a specific focus on Gardening. The character of Phin shows that there were cads and “players” in every century.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
The story will immediately please readers who love underdogs as the book opens with Scilla scaling the walls of the earl’s garden. She’s homeless and spends much of her day trying to ignore, or appease, the burning hunger in her belly. Rather than beg for food, Scilla and her friend have learned to steal it. They’re usually successful enough to settle their stomachs but the book’s opening scenes find Scilla caught trying to steal the earl’s peaches. She also breaks a vine and tree that have been carefully nurtured over the years so she’s in big trouble. Her friend taught her that boys are given more leeway so she says her name is Seth. This begins her adventure as a boy as she tries to stay alive and out of jail.
Much of the plot concerns Scilla’s efforts to not let anyone know she’s a girl. She calls herself Seth Brown and most of the other characters call her Brownie. She stays in a shed on the Earl’s property which allows her to change clothes and have some privacy from everyone else. She must be careful of her higher-pitched voice giving away her secret as well as the physical changes on her chest. Scilla begins to take a liking to a boy named Phin which presents another complication to her life. The story of Scilla’s secret ties the whole book together but her real dream is to find a home with people who care for her.
Two supporting characters contribute to the drama in different ways. Phin acts as a mentor for Scilla as she adapts to life on the estate. He has a talent for charming others that keeps him out of trouble. His charm has a strong effect on Scilla and causes her to make some questionable choices. The caretaker of the earl’s gardens is Mr. Layton and he begins to take a special interest in Scilla. He works with her one-on-one to learn new skills and encourages her to read any gardening books that interest her. However, some of the other boys are disgruntled about the attention she’s getting and she doesn’t want to cause any trouble. Scilla also knows Mr. Layton trusts her so she’s concerned that she might let him down.
What didn’t work as well:
The book opens with Scilla sneaking into the earl’s garden to taste a fresh peach. She’s caught trespassing and spends the rest of the book working with the plants. Some young readers might not be interested in gardening and cultivating all kinds of fruits and vegetables but that’s what’s happening throughout the story. It’s a fitting backdrop for Scilla’s struggles.
The final verdict:
Gardening is a big part of the story so this book won’t appeal to everyone. However, the tale of Scilla trying to find a loving home is captivating and will touch readers’ emotions. Overall, I recommend you give this heartfelt story a shot.

[Helen Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The review I read of The Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smith started off by claiming fans of The Secret Garden will devour it. I stopped then and there and ordered a copy. And now I am a fan of both!

The Peach Thief takes place entirely in the Earl of Havermore’s walled kitchen garden in Lancashire, England. It’s 1850 and girls can not work in the gardens.

Scilla, our heroine, hasn’t eaten for three days. She is an orphan, left the workhouse with a friend, but is now alone. She comes to the earl’s garden one night, remembering the bite of a peach she had years ago. “Oh, that bite. What dreams were made of.”

Bad idea, but only one way to find out, she decides to sneak into the garden in search of a peach! She’s caught when the espaliered cherry tree she has climbed up to make her getaway breaks free from the wall. As payment for the damage, she pretends to be a boy and asks if she can scrub pots in the potting shed.

“I’m stronger than I look, sir, strong, as a dray horse… “

“Hardly a dray horse, boy. And try though you might, you can’t pay back the years it’s taken that cherry tree to grow.”

But the pots have piled up and Mr. Layton, the head gardener, agrees that “even a thief could do the job…”And so Scilla has a warm place to sleep, something to eat every day, and work she loves. That’s not the whole story, however. There are missteps, bad decisions, her big secret. All threats to her staying in the garden.

From the moment she scales the garden wall, I for one rooted for her! She is vulnerable, tenacious, and resourceful. And the times throughout the story when she puts her trust in the wrong boy had me saying out loud: no, no!

The story is a horticultural delight to read. “She sat on her heels, looked up. “It feels good, sir, to start things growing.”

“Ah… and there is the joy of a gardener, Master Brown, no matter the size of their domain.” Mr. Payton’s eyes lifted a bit at the corners, but only just. “When we plant a seed it is a leap of faith, a vote of confidence in the future. It is optimism and hope, hope made real… and touchable.”

But the story is really about Scilla’s desire to fit in, to be loved, to have a home. It’s about a young girl making her way in the world of deep social, economic, and gender inequality, and although the story is set in an enchanting walled kitchen garden in 1850, it is timeless. I loved it!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle grade novel set in 1850 Lancashire, England, kept me engaged during the entire time I was reading it. Although there are several passages about fruits, vegetables, and gardening that some might find distracting, those elements only served to enhance my pleasure in reading this book. It covers territory not often written about in modern books for this age group, including its time and place, as well as featuring an imperfect protagonist in Scilla Brown, 11, who has spent most of her life in a workhouse, having been abandoned by her mother. After losing her older protector, Dora, who seems to have used her to distract others while she steals food, Scilla climbs into the Earl of Havermore's garden [You have to love these names!] to eat a peach. Of course, she's caught, mistaken for a boy, and then continues the pretense so that she has a temporary place to stay and something to eat. Although she's aware of the distinction between right and wrong, her poverty and life on the streets often prompt her to blame others or to be dishonest. But the trust of the head gardener, Mr. Layton, and the sense of purpose she feels when working with the plants, slowly change her. Her growth can be compared to that of the plants she tends, and she begins dreaming of a hopeful future. Still, there's Phin, an apprentice who befriends her and urges her to take risks. Despite her attraction to him, Scilla slowly starts wondering if her trust in him is misplaced. Every word in this story has been carefully chosen, fitting the time period as well as adding suspense and intensity to even the seemingly smallest moments. There are so many aspects of Scilla's story that bear considering and discussing, including her thoughts on nobility, which, in the end, has nothing to do with one's class or social status but more to do with one's character and behavior. Bravo to the author for this wonderful story, her first one. Its literary quality is high, and while its setting may be unfamiliar to young readers, its themes and ethical dilemmas will resonate with them.

[R.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up to 4 stars, The Peach Thief is a fast, enjoyable read that stages much youthful drama in a gorgeous garden setting. It turned out to be a shade darker than I'd expected, what with Scilla's backstory, the poisonous friendship of Phin, and Scilla's private battle to contain her femininity; and while those things were done well on the whole, I do think that Phin's storyline became a bit mired within itself, and that the one or two sexualized references to breasts were unnecessary. Because of that content, and with Scilla herself being a new teen, I think I'd recommend this book to either younger teens or especially mature preteen readers. Despite all the encroaching darkness from past and present, however, it all ends well enough (albeit a bit abruptly) and delivers a satisfyingly progressive promise for our young heroine's future in a world firmly divided by class and gender. I don't often say this, but I'd honestly be interested in a sequel--Scilla's foray into gardening as a young woman in the public eye could make for a great read. Especially so when considering Smith's skills in writing about gardening! I most definitely came for the garden setting and was by no means let down. As long as they don't go in assuming it'll be a happy-go-lucky Victorian romp, any lover of gardens and historical fiction will have a grand time among the rows of cauliflowers, borders of flowers, and glasshouses of magnificent fruit in this engaging older MG/young teen tale.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm. This is the second ostensibly middle grade novel I've ready recently (the other was Scattergood) that is marketed to middle grade, has a young protagonist, and, in the case of this book, has a cover that looks like it's for a younger audience, but feels like it should be for teens due to content. There are a few references that imply people are caught having sex, there's a level of menace with one character that feels like sexual assault is a possibility, etc. It's one I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending widely to elementary school kids, and while the era, language, and the overall sweetness of the book make it feel like it would be a good family read aloud, I think those themes/moments would make it difficult for a lot of families to want to read it aloud with a wide range of ages.

It's also incredibly stressful! A lot of bad decisions are made by our main character and while they are absolutely understandable due to her history, I found it a stressful read. I loved Mr. Layton and loved some of the old fashioned tone of the book, and the ending made me smile. I also liked how the villain of the story was characterized--once the reader realizes who the villain is it's very nail-biting to see when Scilla will realize it. The garden descriptions were lovely. And I do like how honest it was about life in this time period and the rampant misogyny and classism. I just think it's marketed to the wrong age range.

[Carol Foote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scilla, a hungry and desperate workhouse orphan, takes a risk and sneaks into an earl’s walled garden, though she knows it’s a bad idea. Mistaken for a boy when she’s caught, she’s given a job washing garden pots to work off the damage she’s caused. Finding the food better and the bed softer than she’s ever had, Scilla hopes to stay as long as possible. But as she learns about gardening and discovers she has a passion for it, she imagines staying forever.

Unfortunately, a girl would never be allowed to work in the garden, and Scilla cannot pass as a boy forever. The situation is complicated by her crush on a handsome, young troublemaker who keeps drawing her into situations she knows are wrong. The story is rounded out with other interesting relationships, including her former workhouse friend, a housekeeper from India, the head gardener, and others. I loved the beautiful language and detailed descriptions of an 1850s English estate and its gardens.

Scilla is a gutsy, likable main character and readers will be rooting for her every step of the way. Her love of the garden and all growing things is infectious. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the fruit, flowers, seeds, and growth through her eyes.

A suspenseful and emotional ending. I hope there’s a sequel.

[Emily Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Peach Thief, set in Victorian England, was hard to put down. Linda Joan Smith creates a character, Scilla, who you want to follow to the end (and beyond!) This is an upper middle grade novel and would also be a great read for YA readers.

After the loss of her two friends, Scilla, an orphan in a workhouse in England, sneaks into the Earl's Garden for a peach. Oh, a glorious peach! She's caught and becomes an apprentice gardener but no one (or so she thinks) knows that she is a girl! Only boys are allowed to be gardeners.

Scilla falls in love with plants and a bit in love with another gardener, Phin who entices her to steal an occasional piece of delicious fruit. She finds favor with the head gardener and earns his trust, so when she is tempted by Phin on the night of the Prince's arrival to break in and steal a coveted apple, Scilla must decide who she really is and where her loyalties lie. (Garden of Eden vibes are real here.)

Smith builds constant tension in this book through Scilla's emotions and through her hiding the fact she is a girl. It helps the reader see the disparity of wealth and gender during this time in England.

The Peach Thief is a compelling historical read. I recommend it to older middle grade readers and young adults. Adults will love it too! (There are hints of adult themes in a few occasions.)

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a classic case for me of a book written for a specific audience that only appeals to the adults that would recommend it to the specific middle grade audience. 1850 and London as a time period and setting make it a little harder for context for that age of a reader especially when Smith makes sure the language is authentic, it's definitely going to change the readership.

Scilla is a girl who is mistaken for a boy who just wants a peach and breaks into an estate to try to get one from the beautifully cultivated and lovingly nurtured gardens and fruit houses in glass houses and brick structures. Gardening and cultivation is man's work in this day and age. She doesn't correct them when she's mistaken for a boy because as a workhouse girl, she needs something better than she had and the working conditions will drastically improve if she's pulled into the fold. But there's a other loyalties she must pay attention to, so which will she choose.

Either way. I was looking for rich descriptions which were sprinkled in, but there's a quiet history to the book that doesn't pull in an average American middle grade reader its intended for.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scilla evolves into her better self with the gentle kindness of Mr Layton, the Earl’s gardener. It’s 1850 in rural England when Prince Albert was touring the gardens and aviaries of the gentry. Orphaned Scilla and her friend Dora have learned how to steal in order to survive. After getting caught stealing a peach from the Earl’s garden, she begins her life as Seth Brown and works off her debt due to the kindness of Mr Layton. Can a girl raised in a work house not rise in status and have a full life? Who will support her and who will sabotage her?

There were a couple times I worried this may be more middle school than elementary school. But in the end nothing happens though it is a close thing. In many ways it is a description of the origins of misogyny. And a book about owning up and standing up for yourself.

I prefer a more plot driven story. This was more of a development of one’s self story. But I’m really really glad I read it. I think kids might struggle a bit getting through.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scilla was abandoned by her mother at the workhouse when she was very young. Now, her friend Dora who helped her leave the workhouse has died, leaving Scilla alone in the world. Desperate for food, Scilla climbs the wall of a garden, a marvelous garden, and steals a peach. Naturally, she is caught, but being dressed in boys' clothes, she is allowed to work off her debt, masquerading as Seth Brown. Over time, Scilla is given more and more responsibility, but she will have to decide whether to do what is right, or keep her friendship with Phin, a boy whom she admires, but turns out to be one of the bruised fruits of the orchard. Although the descriptions of gardening on a large scale for an earl were fascinating, I found the story somewhat unconvincing in its treatment of wrongdoing in the early Victorian years as well as Scilla's willingness to trust people given her prior experience in the workhouse.

[Jeanne Stadel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book the author’s own love of gardening and history inspire the compelling tale of Scilla, a young girl cast adrift by circumstances in mid-eighteenth-century England. Her desperation leads her to climb the earl’s garden wall in search of fruit to slake her hunger, and what she finds is a purpose to her life. Dressed as a boy, she is brought into service in this very garden, trained in the ways of maintaining it, and given a sense of worth. Her greatest challenge is in knowing whom to trust and how to live honorably given the fact that her very presence in the garden is based upon a lie. I found myself spellbound from the opening scene, invested in Scilla’s well-being, and hopeful for her future, although disaster often appeared to lurk behind every corner. This is a book for a middle grade reader who enjoys diving below the surface and discovering hidden truths of human nature. For those discerning readers, this book is a gem.

[Suzanne Morrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally don't gravitate to historical novels. But this book caught me up and never let go. I cared about Scilla's plight from the beginning, and couldn't imagine how she would be able to pull off finding a place to work, to sleep, to eat. And yet she does, but never without worry. Such a precarious existence, but filled with kindness, hope, and with such a deep respect for the garden, but also with the worry of being found out, of the unkind system that keeps people in poverty and women downtrodden.

The writing is sensitive, insightful, lyrical. The characters are fully drawn, and deeply engaging. The plot and pacing riveting. When we finally got to the ending scene I was so involved I was afraid to keep reading because I couldn't bear to have anything bad happen to Scilla or to the garden.

I think this book will be a classic, loved and read over and over for years to come.

[MC · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page of THE PEACH THIEF I was rooting for Scilla Brown. It’s 1850 in Lancashire, England and girls only work inside—never in the gardens. But Scilla loves plants and wants desperately to learn all she can about the Earl of Havermore’s garden, so she pretends she’s a boy and, for a time, is successful at fooling those around her. Scilla’s knowledge of and love for gardening grows and her skill with plants is noticed. Praise is new to her but she likes it. Nonetheless, a series of missteps, bad decisions and trusting the wrong boy risk her being cast back out into the street. I read to the end desperate to learn that wouldn’t happen!

Being a plant lover, I followed this beautiful story to another place and time and didn’t want to leave. Themes around identity, truth-telling and found family resonated with me and captured my heart.

[Margaret Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page of The Peach Thief, Linda Joan Smith gives us a protagonist to root for; Scilla (our protagonist) is vulnerable, tenacious, and resourceful in all the best ways. Even Scilla’s flaws endear her to us. As an author, Smith further captivates us through her knowledge and love of gardens; moving from chapter to chapter… from season to season, from greenhouse, to garden bed to potting shed, the author’s descriptions glow and enchant.

This book has the feel of a modern classic and is for anyone, of any age, who loves well-researched historical fiction, who appreciates the story of a heroine who makes her way in a world of deep social, economic, and gender inequality, and for anyone who longs to be beguiled by a garden.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this is a wonderfully written middle grade book for all ages. It would make a wonderful read aloud at home or the classroom sparking a multitude of conversations about the importance of learning, fortitude, overcoming, preserving, bullying, gaslighting, honesty, tolerance, respect, history, gardens, deprivation, equality, classism, death, humility as well as humanity. The characters are rich, broad, palpable, interesting, charming and resilient. A definite must read. I love juicy, delicious, ripe peaches!

Several lovely quotes:
“Plants need limits . . . as do people.” “Taking responsibility is how we show caring and respect, both for ourselves and for others.” “If only other girls had a chance . If only everyone did!”
Thank you Linda for all of your hard work to make this book a reality.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding children's historical novel audiobook. Orphaned Scilla Brown had been living in a workhouse in Lancashire, England, in 1850. Tired and desperately hungry, she risks everything to scramble over the wall into the Earl of Havermore's garden to steal a peach. However, she is caught by the head gardener Mr. Layton who mistakes her for a boy. Despite her fears of being sent back to the workhouse or worse, Scilla is offered an option to scrub pots in the garden shed to atone for her transgressions. This transitions into a job working in the earl's beautiful gardens where she continues posing as a boy and develops a close friendship with Phin, who also works there. As the story unfolds, Scilla finds herself in some nail-biting situations while striving to please those she admires, and maybe even loves.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and constructed debut novel that dives deep into the period (1850's) and place (an estate in Lancashire) - with a destitute and desperate girl who is taken for a boy and keeps the identity and the job it gives her. Scilla Brown is taken in by the head gardener of the estate, lured by the smell of peaches, the most delicious thing she's ever tasted, and finds camaraderie in the other boys and men who work in the enormous estate garden and the hope of romance with a captivating and ambitious 18 year old gardener whose manipulations lead her into trouble. The journey Scilla takes to her moral center and true self is moving and complex and along the way we learn so much about the remarkable gardening practices of estate gardens of the time. Delicious and affecting, this story stayed with me long after I closed the cover.

[Donna Lambo-Weidner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming…and heart-wrenching

A masterful page-turner of luscious language, rife with sensory detailed descriptions of manor life in 1850’s England that captures the heart of historical fiction. Although this might not be everyone’s genre, this well-told story will pull any lover of fiction into its fold. Linda Joan Smith hit all the feels with her debut novel. Quick-witted orphan, Scilla’s, grief, desperation, occasional moments of joy fly off the page and stab you in the heart. The times when Scilla puts her trust in the wrong people had me begging her, sometimes out loud, to run the other way! It’s a horticultural delight, as well. I learned A LOT, for example, about espaliers. Don’t look it up…read the book.

[Lisa Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely novel features Scilla, an orphan from a workhouse, who sneaks into a garden to steal a peach. Caught by the master gardener, Scilla, who is dressed as a boy, is given a job instead of punished. Desperate to prove herself and find a place to belong, Scilla works hard and longs to learn everything she can about gardening. Can she trust anyone with her secret? This charming book takes you to another time. The author does an excellent job of making even peach stealing suspenseful and tense.