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The Garden of Shared Stories
The BRAND NEW gorgeously heartfelt novel from the BESTSELLING author of The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright, Clare Swatman ✨📖 Perfect for fans of Kate Storey, Sally Page and Evie Woods 🕰️ Twenty years apart. One story to share.❤️ Emma is at an all-time low the day she meets Nick. She sits down in a quiet rose garden in her local park, and from nowhere a handsome man sits next to her and turns her world upside down.
Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.
But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.
Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?
Praise for Clare
'Irresistible... A delightfully bittersweet story that will appeal to fans of One Day' Sunday Mirror
'Utterly believable, charming and immersive, full of acute emotional insights and truths, this is a novel every women will identify with. Highly recommended.' F.L. Everett
'An absolutely gorgeous festive read which will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I related to Bea from the very first page of this beautifully written story.' Freya Kennedy
'It was so easy to get absorbed into the world Clare Swatman has created for Beth. I felt her losses and disappointments acutely, which only made the ending more satisfying. It really kept me guessing, too.' Laura Pearson
'Warm, immersive and hugely relatable, The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright really tugged at my heartstrings. I galloped through this story of friendship, motherhood and love in all its forms.' Lisa Timoney
'Swatman does it again! An engaging read about heartbreak, navigating new normals and finding your feet in a new life you never expected to have. One to curl up with on a rainy day.' Rachel Dove
Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.
But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.
Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?
Praise for Clare
'Irresistible... A delightfully bittersweet story that will appeal to fans of One Day' Sunday Mirror
'Utterly believable, charming and immersive, full of acute emotional insights and truths, this is a novel every women will identify with. Highly recommended.' F.L. Everett
'An absolutely gorgeous festive read which will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I related to Bea from the very first page of this beautifully written story.' Freya Kennedy
'It was so easy to get absorbed into the world Clare Swatman has created for Beth. I felt her losses and disappointments acutely, which only made the ending more satisfying. It really kept me guessing, too.' Laura Pearson
'Warm, immersive and hugely relatable, The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright really tugged at my heartstrings. I galloped through this story of friendship, motherhood and love in all its forms.' Lisa Timoney
'Swatman does it again! An engaging read about heartbreak, navigating new normals and finding your feet in a new life you never expected to have. One to curl up with on a rainy day.' Rachel Dove
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2025
58 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 6, 2026
In a Nutshell: A romance using timeslip as its main point of drama. Plot divided in three sections, each offering a distinct experience. The book started off well, became slightly repetitive and then turned a bit tedious. The characters are interesting but often take stupid decisions. Good for those who can read without overthinking.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
My journey with this author began with a spectacular book called ‘How to Save a Life’ (title later changed to ‘The Night We First Met’). I was so impressed that I decided to add her to my must-read authors of contemporary romance. However, the three novels of hers I subsequently picked up earned 2-3 stars, and so I assumed that we weren’t a good match for each other after all. As such, when I saw this novel, I was quite torn. But I couldn’t resist the timeslip trope and hence decided to give her books one last attempt. The start of the book did complete justice to the timeslip and I thought I would end up with a winner. Sadly, as the subsequent sections came, the book again dipped into mediocrity.
Bookish Yays:
🌷 The timeslip. It was both complex and clever. Of course, its occurrence isn't explained, but magical realism anyway loses its magic if it comes with a user manual.
🌷 The representation of the multiple decades through the characters’ lifestyle. The years are especially well-chosen, with 1999 being just at the cusp of the smartphone revolution and 2019 being the age of walking with technology. The contrast of the years comes out excellently.
🌷 The complication because of the characters’ ages. Emma is 37 and Nick is 31 when they meet. So each potentially exists in the other timeline but at different ages. I enjoyed how the author explored all possible angles of this concurrence.
🌷 The first section of the book. Mostly good in the build-up, tempo, conversations, and emotions.
Bookish Okays:
🌹 Nick. As a character, he has potential but I think this isn’t met for the most part. Though his narration is in first-person POV, he still feels distanced. I love his bond with his brother and nieces but these scenes are far and few between.
🌹 There are hardly any characters in the book. Almost all the focus is on the main duo. There are three characters who have strong secondary roles to play, but their development is minimal.
🌹 The use of the alternating first-person perspectives from Emma and Nick initially sounded like a good idea to me, but after a point, their voices started blending into each other. There was nothing to make each POV sound distinct in tone; only the events and time indicated the change in character.
🌹 The final section of the book. It had its emotional moments, but on the whole, though many scenes had great dramatic potential, their execution was somewhat flat.
Bookish Nays:
🥀 The plot development. At times, I felt like the story was proceeding in its own direction without anyone controlling it; so ad hoc were the developments! Many subplots are cut off abruptly, as if they were there just to add pages. The handling of the Oliver track is the most disappointing.
🥀 Emma. Aged 37, but always behaving much younger, whether in conversations or emotions or decision-making. Overly impulsive and least pragmatic, she didn’t endear herself to me.
🥀 The instant love between Emma and Nick, which seems more a result of their shared grief than of a genuine chemistry. Moreover, considering the short duration of their initial meetings, their feelings felt unrealistically intense. (I am a Romance Grinch, so take this feedback with a pinch of salt.)
🥀 The second section. Highly repetitive, especially as there is a sudden change in both tone and circumstances. Both lead characters go into ponder mode, making the section feel drab.
🥀 The overall pacing. Too slow to keep my interest.
🥀 The ending, not for its predictability but for its smooth glossing over of what should have been contentious.
Overall, while the start of the book made me feel like I finally found a second winner from this author’s oeuvre, the rest of the book has helped me seal my decision of abstaining from her works. She’s not a bad writer, and she certainly has some unique plot ideas. But they aren’t for me.
Mine is an outlier opinion, and I am anyway not the best person to take advice from when it comes to sappy stories. So please read other reviews before you take a call on this work. I took it for the timeslip, and at least in that regard, it didn’t disappoint me.
Recommended to those who turn off their heads and read with their hearts.
2 stars.
My thanks to Boldwood Books for providing the DRC of “The Garden of Shared Stories” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t go better for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Widowed Emma has no intention of falling in love again. But when she bumps into widower Nick in a somewhat secluded rose garden of her local park, she can sense the embers of hope and attraction flickering back to life. As they keep meeting in the same place, their feelings for each other grow stronger. But one day comes a shocking revelation: they both stay in two different times. Nick’s ‘present’ time is 1999, while Emma is living twenty years later in 2019. Is there any future possible for the couple when their years don’t align and they cannot see each other anywhere except in the rose garden?
The story comes to us in the alternating first-person perspectives of Emma and Nick.
My journey with this author began with a spectacular book called ‘How to Save a Life’ (title later changed to ‘The Night We First Met’). I was so impressed that I decided to add her to my must-read authors of contemporary romance. However, the three novels of hers I subsequently picked up earned 2-3 stars, and so I assumed that we weren’t a good match for each other after all. As such, when I saw this novel, I was quite torn. But I couldn’t resist the timeslip trope and hence decided to give her books one last attempt. The start of the book did complete justice to the timeslip and I thought I would end up with a winner. Sadly, as the subsequent sections came, the book again dipped into mediocrity.
Bookish Yays:
🌷 The timeslip. It was both complex and clever. Of course, its occurrence isn't explained, but magical realism anyway loses its magic if it comes with a user manual.
🌷 The representation of the multiple decades through the characters’ lifestyle. The years are especially well-chosen, with 1999 being just at the cusp of the smartphone revolution and 2019 being the age of walking with technology. The contrast of the years comes out excellently.
🌷 The complication because of the characters’ ages. Emma is 37 and Nick is 31 when they meet. So each potentially exists in the other timeline but at different ages. I enjoyed how the author explored all possible angles of this concurrence.
🌷 The first section of the book. Mostly good in the build-up, tempo, conversations, and emotions.
Bookish Okays:
🌹 Nick. As a character, he has potential but I think this isn’t met for the most part. Though his narration is in first-person POV, he still feels distanced. I love his bond with his brother and nieces but these scenes are far and few between.
🌹 There are hardly any characters in the book. Almost all the focus is on the main duo. There are three characters who have strong secondary roles to play, but their development is minimal.
🌹 The use of the alternating first-person perspectives from Emma and Nick initially sounded like a good idea to me, but after a point, their voices started blending into each other. There was nothing to make each POV sound distinct in tone; only the events and time indicated the change in character.
🌹 The final section of the book. It had its emotional moments, but on the whole, though many scenes had great dramatic potential, their execution was somewhat flat.
Bookish Nays:
🥀 The plot development. At times, I felt like the story was proceeding in its own direction without anyone controlling it; so ad hoc were the developments! Many subplots are cut off abruptly, as if they were there just to add pages. The handling of the Oliver track is the most disappointing.
🥀 Emma. Aged 37, but always behaving much younger, whether in conversations or emotions or decision-making. Overly impulsive and least pragmatic, she didn’t endear herself to me.
🥀 The instant love between Emma and Nick, which seems more a result of their shared grief than of a genuine chemistry. Moreover, considering the short duration of their initial meetings, their feelings felt unrealistically intense. (I am a Romance Grinch, so take this feedback with a pinch of salt.)
🥀 The second section. Highly repetitive, especially as there is a sudden change in both tone and circumstances. Both lead characters go into ponder mode, making the section feel drab.
🥀 The overall pacing. Too slow to keep my interest.
🥀 The ending, not for its predictability but for its smooth glossing over of what should have been contentious.
Overall, while the start of the book made me feel like I finally found a second winner from this author’s oeuvre, the rest of the book has helped me seal my decision of abstaining from her works. She’s not a bad writer, and she certainly has some unique plot ideas. But they aren’t for me.
Mine is an outlier opinion, and I am anyway not the best person to take advice from when it comes to sappy stories. So please read other reviews before you take a call on this work. I took it for the timeslip, and at least in that regard, it didn’t disappoint me.
Recommended to those who turn off their heads and read with their hearts.
2 stars.
My thanks to Boldwood Books for providing the DRC of “The Garden of Shared Stories” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t go better for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
October 30, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Garden of Shared Stories, by Clare Swatman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Emma lives in 2019 while Nick lives in 1999, but they are able to meet in the park. This was a weird read, not plausible at but interesting and sad at times.
November 14, 2025
2.5 stars!
I usually really enjoy magical realism stories, but this one just didn’t quite work for me. The pacing was pretty slow and the story leaned heavily on details that didn’t always feel necessary to me, especially without a lot of deeper character development. I also struggled to connect with Emma and the rest of the cast, which made it harder for me to stay invested.
The time-slip element was intriguing and had potential, but I wished it had been explained or grounded a bit more—it never quite clicked for me in a realistic way. Still, the premise is unique, and it seems like I am definitely an outlier here. If you’re drawn to magical realism, this one might resonate with you more than it did for me!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
I usually really enjoy magical realism stories, but this one just didn’t quite work for me. The pacing was pretty slow and the story leaned heavily on details that didn’t always feel necessary to me, especially without a lot of deeper character development. I also struggled to connect with Emma and the rest of the cast, which made it harder for me to stay invested.
The time-slip element was intriguing and had potential, but I wished it had been explained or grounded a bit more—it never quite clicked for me in a realistic way. Still, the premise is unique, and it seems like I am definitely an outlier here. If you’re drawn to magical realism, this one might resonate with you more than it did for me!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
December 2, 2025
What a lovely book to curl up with on these cold winter evenings!
I love time slip novels, especially if they are well executed, and I care about the characters! Well, this book scores on both counts. I'm fairly new to Clare Swatman books but I've really enjoyed the two I've read (The other one was Evelyn Wright'). Would highly recommend both to fans of women's fiction.
I love time slip novels, especially if they are well executed, and I care about the characters! Well, this book scores on both counts. I'm fairly new to Clare Swatman books but I've really enjoyed the two I've read (The other one was Evelyn Wright'). Would highly recommend both to fans of women's fiction.
December 29, 2025
This was bowling along at a five star read for me as I was totally hooked on the story. I loved the time slip element. The relationship between Emma and Nick was lovely even though tinged with sadness.
Then the story started to lose it's way a bit and dragged. Emma then did something selfish and cruel and it turned me right off her. This part was totally unnecessary and I wondered why the author would go this route and it's why it fell to a three star read for me.
The ending was flat. I wanted more. The story kind of got lost like it didn't know where it was going.
Not a bad read and it has it's fans.
Then the story started to lose it's way a bit and dragged. Emma then did something selfish and cruel and it turned me right off her. This part was totally unnecessary and I wondered why the author would go this route and it's why it fell to a three star read for me.
The ending was flat. I wanted more. The story kind of got lost like it didn't know where it was going.
Not a bad read and it has it's fans.
December 6, 2025
Having read and enjoyed other books by Clare Swatman, I was thrilled to discover she had written a timeslip novel. The premise instantly appealed to me, and it did not disappoint. This was one of those rare books that completely drew me in — the kind you can’t put down, the kind that sends you sneaking away in the afternoon just to finish.
Emma’s husband has passed away, leaving her childless, alone, and deeply depressed. Seeking solace, she sits in the bandstand at the park where she and her late husband once spent time together. There she meets Nick, whose wife has also died, leaving him equally lost and grieving. The connection between Emma and Nick is instant and almost magical — but there’s a catch. Emma lives in 2019, while Nick is in 1999. Their bond spans two decades, raising the question of whether love can truly bridge time itself.
This was one of those rare books that completely drew me in — the kind you can’t put down. I found myself sneaking away in the afternoon just to finish it. Clare Swatman has crafted a heartfelt, clever timeslip story that blends grief, love, and hope in a way that feels both poignant and uplifting. It’s a captivating read, and I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next.
Emma’s husband has passed away, leaving her childless, alone, and deeply depressed. Seeking solace, she sits in the bandstand at the park where she and her late husband once spent time together. There she meets Nick, whose wife has also died, leaving him equally lost and grieving. The connection between Emma and Nick is instant and almost magical — but there’s a catch. Emma lives in 2019, while Nick is in 1999. Their bond spans two decades, raising the question of whether love can truly bridge time itself.
This was one of those rare books that completely drew me in — the kind you can’t put down. I found myself sneaking away in the afternoon just to finish it. Clare Swatman has crafted a heartfelt, clever timeslip story that blends grief, love, and hope in a way that feels both poignant and uplifting. It’s a captivating read, and I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next.
November 8, 2025
What a beautiful, addictive and well-written time-slip novel! I absolutely loved it. Once I started reading, I could not stop as I was so curious as to how things would pan out. Time focused novels can be such a challenge to work out satisfactory events and conclusions. But I think Clare Swatman did an excellent job. She certainly overcame the many issues an author would deal with in creating a story such as this.
The Garden of Shared Stories is magical, mesmerising and memorable and as I got to know the two main characters, Emma and Nick, I really did not want to say good-bye to them. I felt their emotional traumas. Ached at their dilemmas, cried for their losses and cheered their hard earned victories. I must admit, I got frustrated at times with their stubbornness but it created some excellent tension—which is part of good story telling. For we must see a character’s flaws, along with their admirable qualities. And these two had plenty of each which made them ‘real’ and relatable. I often questioned, ‘what would I do if I found myself in their situation?’ Probably hesitate, ponder and make mistakes as they did while trying to navigate the emotional upheavals they had. Wanting to do the right thing but being torn between desire and duty.
The characters battled some age old time travel dilemmas. If you knew something bad was going to happen, should you warn the person? And would that person want to know as it could seriously affect their present life? Or should you just let events play out unhindered? And if you did interfere with the known course of events, what other ripple effects would happen? We have seen this many times in time travel movies and books. And ones like Back to the Future cannot help but come to mind!
Clare Swatman is an excellent wordsmith. The descriptions, atmosphere and dialogue are flawless. I was totally transported to the setting in the park garden where both Emma and Nick visited after losing their spouses. It is a place of solace; to remember their loved ones and to deal with grief. Of course, one fateful day their paths cross in this special place and a conversation begins that defies reason. They are continually drawn back to each other—at first not realising a major difference in the year date. When they do, it is a shock and they are unable to understand how this meeting could happen. But for whatever reason, this simple garden is a sacred spot. And as their attraction and comfortableness grows with each other, they share their deepest thoughts and experiences. Unexpected love blossoms. And when they touch, something otherworldly happens. They are motivated to keep returning to each other, until something happens that blows their closeness apart. It is only then that their most difficult journey begins. They must find a way to forgive and move forward.
This was such an enjoyable reading experience. The hours just slipped away as my heart became totally lost in the story of this couple. Although the characters themselves cannot believe what has happened to them (how they meet across time), it is believable within the story world. But Emma and Nick have no way of controlling these paranormal experiences. When they are together, it seems time and space suspend. Hard to explain but it works. The Garden of Shared Stores would make a wonderful movie! The two time frames could easily be constructed on set.
This story has lovely original ideas but still draws upon the time slip elements where the characters accidentally and without explanation meet (on a park bench) both living many years apart. I won’t say more as I don’t want to give anything away but I highly recommend this romantic time slip that genuinely latched onto my heart and did not let go—even after turning the last page. For I wanted to see more of these two! The Garden of Shared Stories fired my imagination and inspired my heart. I truly loved everything about it and highly recommend this gorgeous novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the offer to review it.
The Garden of Shared Stories is magical, mesmerising and memorable and as I got to know the two main characters, Emma and Nick, I really did not want to say good-bye to them. I felt their emotional traumas. Ached at their dilemmas, cried for their losses and cheered their hard earned victories. I must admit, I got frustrated at times with their stubbornness but it created some excellent tension—which is part of good story telling. For we must see a character’s flaws, along with their admirable qualities. And these two had plenty of each which made them ‘real’ and relatable. I often questioned, ‘what would I do if I found myself in their situation?’ Probably hesitate, ponder and make mistakes as they did while trying to navigate the emotional upheavals they had. Wanting to do the right thing but being torn between desire and duty.
The characters battled some age old time travel dilemmas. If you knew something bad was going to happen, should you warn the person? And would that person want to know as it could seriously affect their present life? Or should you just let events play out unhindered? And if you did interfere with the known course of events, what other ripple effects would happen? We have seen this many times in time travel movies and books. And ones like Back to the Future cannot help but come to mind!
Clare Swatman is an excellent wordsmith. The descriptions, atmosphere and dialogue are flawless. I was totally transported to the setting in the park garden where both Emma and Nick visited after losing their spouses. It is a place of solace; to remember their loved ones and to deal with grief. Of course, one fateful day their paths cross in this special place and a conversation begins that defies reason. They are continually drawn back to each other—at first not realising a major difference in the year date. When they do, it is a shock and they are unable to understand how this meeting could happen. But for whatever reason, this simple garden is a sacred spot. And as their attraction and comfortableness grows with each other, they share their deepest thoughts and experiences. Unexpected love blossoms. And when they touch, something otherworldly happens. They are motivated to keep returning to each other, until something happens that blows their closeness apart. It is only then that their most difficult journey begins. They must find a way to forgive and move forward.
This was such an enjoyable reading experience. The hours just slipped away as my heart became totally lost in the story of this couple. Although the characters themselves cannot believe what has happened to them (how they meet across time), it is believable within the story world. But Emma and Nick have no way of controlling these paranormal experiences. When they are together, it seems time and space suspend. Hard to explain but it works. The Garden of Shared Stores would make a wonderful movie! The two time frames could easily be constructed on set.
This story has lovely original ideas but still draws upon the time slip elements where the characters accidentally and without explanation meet (on a park bench) both living many years apart. I won’t say more as I don’t want to give anything away but I highly recommend this romantic time slip that genuinely latched onto my heart and did not let go—even after turning the last page. For I wanted to see more of these two! The Garden of Shared Stories fired my imagination and inspired my heart. I truly loved everything about it and highly recommend this gorgeous novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sincere thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the offer to review it.
December 3, 2025
The author’s wonderful writing makes the suspension of disbelief extremely easy – two main (and very sympathetic) characters, Emma and Nick, who live 20 years apart, meeting on a bandstand in the park that has a depth of meaning for them both. They’ve both been through grief and loss, neither of them looking for a new relationship, but through their pre-arranged visits they slowly find themselves falling in love. In 1999, Nick shares his new happiness with his brother – who’s been concerned about his mental health after his bereavement, and understandably wonders if this is another sign that his recovery has some way to go. In 2019, Emma confides in her best friend – who is happy for her but struggles to believe her, preferring to focus on the practicalities.
As their love grows deeper, they both – heartbreakingly – know they can never be fully together. In Nick’s world, Emma is still a child – and in the present day, the age gap is still there. And there’s always the possibility that something might have happened to Nick in the intervening years – but the availability of social media (he’s fascinated by her mobile phone, and it’s easy to forget how technology moved on in such a short time) does make it possible for her to find out, should she choose to do so.
It’s an exceptionally powerful romance – their love for each other is something so special you can really feel it – but it’s impossible to see how there could ever be a happy ending. And it would be unforgivable of me to give anything away – or tell you more about how they both deal with the reality of getting on with their separate lives. There’s a real tension throughout – and the overarching question whether interfering with the passage of time can ever be acceptable. But the author – always a safe pair of hands – handles it all so perfectly that I believed in every twist and turn of their unconventional love story. And my goodness, I fell in love with them both – two damaged people having found hope and joy in such an impossible situation.
This will be – without question – one of my books of the year. I read it at a feverish pace, desperately wanting to find out what happened but afraid to turn the next page in case everything fell apart. It’s an all-consuming love story unlike any other I’ve ever read – and I adored every single moment. Totally unforgettable, and so very special – do add it to your reading list!
As their love grows deeper, they both – heartbreakingly – know they can never be fully together. In Nick’s world, Emma is still a child – and in the present day, the age gap is still there. And there’s always the possibility that something might have happened to Nick in the intervening years – but the availability of social media (he’s fascinated by her mobile phone, and it’s easy to forget how technology moved on in such a short time) does make it possible for her to find out, should she choose to do so.
It’s an exceptionally powerful romance – their love for each other is something so special you can really feel it – but it’s impossible to see how there could ever be a happy ending. And it would be unforgivable of me to give anything away – or tell you more about how they both deal with the reality of getting on with their separate lives. There’s a real tension throughout – and the overarching question whether interfering with the passage of time can ever be acceptable. But the author – always a safe pair of hands – handles it all so perfectly that I believed in every twist and turn of their unconventional love story. And my goodness, I fell in love with them both – two damaged people having found hope and joy in such an impossible situation.
This will be – without question – one of my books of the year. I read it at a feverish pace, desperately wanting to find out what happened but afraid to turn the next page in case everything fell apart. It’s an all-consuming love story unlike any other I’ve ever read – and I adored every single moment. Totally unforgettable, and so very special – do add it to your reading list!
November 23, 2025
Here I go again…..I just read a book with a theme totally outside my wheelhouse.
This is the story of Emma and Nick, who meet in a park in a bandshell. There is an instant connection. But, there's a problem: he is living in 1999 and she is living in 2019. And there’s another issue: the only place they can get together is at this bandshell. Magic realism, time shift, normally not my thing.
There's quite a bit of drama. There are a couple of turns in the plot that surprised me. But, I like the characters, I can empathize with their frustration. I want it to end well for them.
If I let my black and white brain relax, I can abandon a linear thought process, and I can sit back and enjoy this magical tale. It is difficult, but I succeed. In conclusion, I did enjoy the story. And, I found it quite entertaining. The ending was satisfying.
When I was a child, I enjoyed fairy tales. I never thought to question the reality of the tales. So, why should I question it now?
Rating it 3.5 stars, rounding it up, just because.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advance readers copy.
This is the story of Emma and Nick, who meet in a park in a bandshell. There is an instant connection. But, there's a problem: he is living in 1999 and she is living in 2019. And there’s another issue: the only place they can get together is at this bandshell. Magic realism, time shift, normally not my thing.
There's quite a bit of drama. There are a couple of turns in the plot that surprised me. But, I like the characters, I can empathize with their frustration. I want it to end well for them.
If I let my black and white brain relax, I can abandon a linear thought process, and I can sit back and enjoy this magical tale. It is difficult, but I succeed. In conclusion, I did enjoy the story. And, I found it quite entertaining. The ending was satisfying.
When I was a child, I enjoyed fairy tales. I never thought to question the reality of the tales. So, why should I question it now?
Rating it 3.5 stars, rounding it up, just because.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advance readers copy.
November 3, 2025
This was a beautiful story which intrigued me right from the start. I was really hooked on this story and found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. Worth more than five stars. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 3, 2025
In Twenty Years Apart, readers are invited into a tender, imaginative romance that transcends the boundaries of time itself. At its heart, this novel is a bittersweet exploration of connection, loss, and the audacity of hope when love defies logic.
Emma, adrift in life’s stormiest chapter, finds solace in a quiet rose garden—a sanctuary that unexpectedly becomes the stage for a love story unlike any other. When Nick, a charming stranger, appears beside her, their instant bond feels fated. Over weekly meetings, they unravel shared wounds and dreams, weaving a tapestry of vulnerability that slowly blossoms into love. But their connection comes with a twist: Nick exists in 1999, while Emma lives in 2019. Separated by two decades, their romance becomes a race against time, memory, and the cruel irony of being “right person, wrong century.”
The novel masterfully tackles themes of longing and resilience. Emma and Nick’s relationship is a testament to love’s ability to heal old scars, even as it creates new ones. Their parallel heartbreaks—loss, unmet aspirations—mirror each other across time, making their emotional synergy both uplifting and devastating. The rose garden, a silent witness to their fleeting moments, emerges as a symbol of love’s persistence, blooming beautifully against the odds.
Emma’s determination to fight for a seemingly impossible future makes her a compelling protagonist. Her evolution from heartbroken resignation to fierce hopefulness is nuanced and relatable. Nick, equally layered, balances wit with quiet melancholy, his 1999 worldview clashing and aligning with Emma’s modern perspective in ways that spark humor and poignancy. Their dialogues, brimming with authenticity, anchor the story’s magical premise in raw, human emotion.
The prose is lyrical yet accessible, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the garden’s tranquility and the ticking clock of Emma and Nick’s dilemma. The dual timelines are deftly handled, building suspense as past and present collide. While the pacing savors quiet, introspective moments, it never loses sight of the urgent question: Can love rewrite destiny?
Final Thoughts:
Twenty Years Apart is a hauntingly beautiful ode to love’s timelessness. It doesn’t shy from the ache of separation but celebrates the courage to love boldly, even when the universe says “no.” Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife or One Day will adore this story’s blend of tender romance and speculative twists. Prepare for a journey that lingers—long after the final page.
Perfect for:
Hopeless romantics, magical realism enthusiasts, and anyone who believes love isn’t bound by seconds, minutes, or decades. Keep tissues handy; this one’s a heart-tugger with soul. 🌹⏳
Emma, adrift in life’s stormiest chapter, finds solace in a quiet rose garden—a sanctuary that unexpectedly becomes the stage for a love story unlike any other. When Nick, a charming stranger, appears beside her, their instant bond feels fated. Over weekly meetings, they unravel shared wounds and dreams, weaving a tapestry of vulnerability that slowly blossoms into love. But their connection comes with a twist: Nick exists in 1999, while Emma lives in 2019. Separated by two decades, their romance becomes a race against time, memory, and the cruel irony of being “right person, wrong century.”
The novel masterfully tackles themes of longing and resilience. Emma and Nick’s relationship is a testament to love’s ability to heal old scars, even as it creates new ones. Their parallel heartbreaks—loss, unmet aspirations—mirror each other across time, making their emotional synergy both uplifting and devastating. The rose garden, a silent witness to their fleeting moments, emerges as a symbol of love’s persistence, blooming beautifully against the odds.
Emma’s determination to fight for a seemingly impossible future makes her a compelling protagonist. Her evolution from heartbroken resignation to fierce hopefulness is nuanced and relatable. Nick, equally layered, balances wit with quiet melancholy, his 1999 worldview clashing and aligning with Emma’s modern perspective in ways that spark humor and poignancy. Their dialogues, brimming with authenticity, anchor the story’s magical premise in raw, human emotion.
The prose is lyrical yet accessible, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the garden’s tranquility and the ticking clock of Emma and Nick’s dilemma. The dual timelines are deftly handled, building suspense as past and present collide. While the pacing savors quiet, introspective moments, it never loses sight of the urgent question: Can love rewrite destiny?
Final Thoughts:
Twenty Years Apart is a hauntingly beautiful ode to love’s timelessness. It doesn’t shy from the ache of separation but celebrates the courage to love boldly, even when the universe says “no.” Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife or One Day will adore this story’s blend of tender romance and speculative twists. Prepare for a journey that lingers—long after the final page.
Perfect for:
Hopeless romantics, magical realism enthusiasts, and anyone who believes love isn’t bound by seconds, minutes, or decades. Keep tissues handy; this one’s a heart-tugger with soul. 🌹⏳
December 3, 2025
4.5*
A time-travel romance you say? Count me in! I love these kind of impossible stories and imagining ‘what-if?’.
Emma and Nick meet on a bench in a bandstand in their local park. They are both grieving the loss of their partners and find they can talk to each other about their losses in a way they haven’t been able to before. They were both really likable characters and I couldn’t help but feel for both of them. I liked the way that Clare Swatman gave us chapters from both their points of view so that, although Emma is probably the main character, we get a real insight into what Nick is thinking and feeling too.
Perhaps inevitably, love begins to grow between them. The drawback is, as mentioned in the book details, they are living twenty years apart and can only meet in that certain place at that certain time! If they found it hard to understand themselves, then you can imagine what their close friends and family thought when they confided in them. It was so interesting, and a bit mind-boggling, to think that they could potentially meet in their own times although they would be different ages of course. I was very curious to know what would happen if they attempted to find each other in their own times. Would it change what happened in the past and the present?
I was totally invested in this story and really wanted Emma and Nick to find their happy ending even though it seemed impossible. Of course, I won’t say what happened but will say that I found the way the book ended to be beautifully done. The Garden of Shared Stories is a gorgeous love story from Clare Swatman where the path to love holds more obstacles than most. A heart-warming and satisfying read, a touching story of a seemingly impossible love, I thoroughly enjoyed The Garden of Shared Secrets.
A time-travel romance you say? Count me in! I love these kind of impossible stories and imagining ‘what-if?’.
Emma and Nick meet on a bench in a bandstand in their local park. They are both grieving the loss of their partners and find they can talk to each other about their losses in a way they haven’t been able to before. They were both really likable characters and I couldn’t help but feel for both of them. I liked the way that Clare Swatman gave us chapters from both their points of view so that, although Emma is probably the main character, we get a real insight into what Nick is thinking and feeling too.
Perhaps inevitably, love begins to grow between them. The drawback is, as mentioned in the book details, they are living twenty years apart and can only meet in that certain place at that certain time! If they found it hard to understand themselves, then you can imagine what their close friends and family thought when they confided in them. It was so interesting, and a bit mind-boggling, to think that they could potentially meet in their own times although they would be different ages of course. I was very curious to know what would happen if they attempted to find each other in their own times. Would it change what happened in the past and the present?
I was totally invested in this story and really wanted Emma and Nick to find their happy ending even though it seemed impossible. Of course, I won’t say what happened but will say that I found the way the book ended to be beautifully done. The Garden of Shared Stories is a gorgeous love story from Clare Swatman where the path to love holds more obstacles than most. A heart-warming and satisfying read, a touching story of a seemingly impossible love, I thoroughly enjoyed The Garden of Shared Secrets.
December 20, 2025
WOW! WOW! WOW! This book is a 5 stars book!!! I rarely give 5 stars to a book but this one deserves it!!! I loved reading this book from the first page to the last one. I read it in no time! The story is so gripping, so beautiful, so magical, so incredible, so sad and happy at the same time. I will never forget the story and that is why i give 5 stars to this book! If you want to read a book that is different for any romance you have read, go read this one! You will not be disappointed!!!
November 29, 2025
I have to start by saying that this has leapt straight onto my list for books of the year. I loved everything about it and was transported to a warm and fuzzy haven where dreams really do come true, even if getting there involves some heartbreak.
The two main characters, Emma and Nick, were perfect, and I loved following their story arcs as more and more was revealed, each time they met. They had both known the anguish of heartbreak, and neither was in the market for finding love. They were beautifully imagined, and I could easily picture Emma’s glorious red hair and Nick’s sparkling eyes.
The premise of the story is detailed in the synopsis, so it’s not a spoiler to mention that the challenge to their relationship is that they can only meet in one location, since their timelines are 20 years apart. Nick is in 1999, and Emma is in 2019. Outside of their special place, their lives continue apart, yet they are both unable to imagine a life without being together properly.
There is cautious support from Emma’s best friend and Nick’s brother. Convincing them that they could meet was met with disbelief, which made it difficult for both of them, yet it became imperative to have that understanding and support from their loved ones in each timeline.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Emma showed Nick the technology that we all find invaluable today, but was not even imagined in 1999. A smartphone would be mind-blowing to my 1999 mind, too. Back then, I thought I was hip with my trusty Palm Pilot. On reflection, I was only addicted to the e-reader and calendar as social media was still in its infancy!
I can’t recommend this book enough. It is brilliant, and it was just the tonic for a chilly November evening or two.
The two main characters, Emma and Nick, were perfect, and I loved following their story arcs as more and more was revealed, each time they met. They had both known the anguish of heartbreak, and neither was in the market for finding love. They were beautifully imagined, and I could easily picture Emma’s glorious red hair and Nick’s sparkling eyes.
The premise of the story is detailed in the synopsis, so it’s not a spoiler to mention that the challenge to their relationship is that they can only meet in one location, since their timelines are 20 years apart. Nick is in 1999, and Emma is in 2019. Outside of their special place, their lives continue apart, yet they are both unable to imagine a life without being together properly.
There is cautious support from Emma’s best friend and Nick’s brother. Convincing them that they could meet was met with disbelief, which made it difficult for both of them, yet it became imperative to have that understanding and support from their loved ones in each timeline.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Emma showed Nick the technology that we all find invaluable today, but was not even imagined in 1999. A smartphone would be mind-blowing to my 1999 mind, too. Back then, I thought I was hip with my trusty Palm Pilot. On reflection, I was only addicted to the e-reader and calendar as social media was still in its infancy!
I can’t recommend this book enough. It is brilliant, and it was just the tonic for a chilly November evening or two.
November 11, 2025
Unfortunately, the story wasn't my cup of tea but don't let this stop you from reading it because despite this, the writing in this book is incredible and Clare did an amazing job transporting us to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clare Swatman for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clare Swatman for the ARC.
November 25, 2025
The Garden of Shared Stories by Clare Swatman was such a beautiful, unexpected read for me. It’s not the kind of book I usually pick up, but I’m so glad I did. I also went into it completely blind which made the experience even better.
I loved the dual timelines, especially because I wasn’t expecting them at all. The story flows so naturally between the past and present, and Clare handles themes of grief with such sensitivity and warmth. I was never quite sure where the story was going or how everything would come together, and the way it unfolded genuinely surprised me.
I loved the dual timelines, especially because I wasn’t expecting them at all. The story flows so naturally between the past and present, and Clare handles themes of grief with such sensitivity and warmth. I was never quite sure where the story was going or how everything would come together, and the way it unfolded genuinely surprised me.
October 29, 2025
This is a time slip romance so comes with an understandably quirky plot. I liked the premise of the story, but I felt that the character development was thin, I never felt a deep connection to either of them and beyond their mutual grief I didn't feel the chemistry, so the depth and speed of their romance just didn't feel organic to me. Whilst they move on quickly in their romance, the middle part of the book felt like it just lacked more of a drama or heart to explain what happened in the plot, and then other parts into the ending felt predictable, which I accept is part of the happy ending to come, but without that deeper narrative just felt routine.
October 24, 2025
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
A love story that blooms across time and lingers in your heart long after the last page.
💫 Time-slip / time-crossed romance | 🌹 Second chances | 💔 Healing from grief and loss | 🇬🇧 UK
At her lowest point, Emma finds solace in a quiet rose garden — and meets Nick, a stranger who changes everything. They connect instantly, sharing grief, laughter, and secrets in their weekly meetings. But there’s one heartbreaking truth: when Nick is in the garden, it’s 1999. For Emma, it’s twenty years later.
Oh wow, what a story. The Garden of Shared Stories pulled me in from the very first page and completely enchanted me. I devoured it in just two sittings because I had to know how it would all end.
Clare Swatman has created wonderfully developed, endearing characters you can’t help but root for. Emma and Nick are instantly likeable: flawed, tender, and so easy to love. They felt so alive to me – two souls bound by heartbreak and hope, finding comfort in each other when they least expected it. Their emotional connection feels raw and real, and I found myself desperately hoping they’d find a way to be together despite the impossible circumstances. Rachel, too, deserves a special mention: what a beautiful, steady presence she was. A steadfast and compassionate friend who grounds Emma throughout her journey. The kind of friend we all need: grounding, loyal, and endlessly supportive.
The first half of the book was pure magic to me. An easy 5+ stars for me. I adored Swatman’s warm, emotive writing style, the steady pacing, and the originality of the premise. The time-slip element was beautifully handled and made the story feel both magical and deeply human.
However, in the latter part of the book, things wobbled a little for me. I didn’t entirely connect with how the story unfolded on the road to HEA, and I wished for a slightly different path to the ending, leaving me slightly unsatisfied. But that’s purely personal, and it doesn’t take away from how this story moved me.
Still, The Garden of Shared Stories remains a heartfelt and beautifully written tale of love, loss, and second chances. A reminder that even when life feels impossible, hope can still bloom.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
A love story that blooms across time and lingers in your heart long after the last page.
💫 Time-slip / time-crossed romance | 🌹 Second chances | 💔 Healing from grief and loss | 🇬🇧 UK
At her lowest point, Emma finds solace in a quiet rose garden — and meets Nick, a stranger who changes everything. They connect instantly, sharing grief, laughter, and secrets in their weekly meetings. But there’s one heartbreaking truth: when Nick is in the garden, it’s 1999. For Emma, it’s twenty years later.
Oh wow, what a story. The Garden of Shared Stories pulled me in from the very first page and completely enchanted me. I devoured it in just two sittings because I had to know how it would all end.
Clare Swatman has created wonderfully developed, endearing characters you can’t help but root for. Emma and Nick are instantly likeable: flawed, tender, and so easy to love. They felt so alive to me – two souls bound by heartbreak and hope, finding comfort in each other when they least expected it. Their emotional connection feels raw and real, and I found myself desperately hoping they’d find a way to be together despite the impossible circumstances. Rachel, too, deserves a special mention: what a beautiful, steady presence she was. A steadfast and compassionate friend who grounds Emma throughout her journey. The kind of friend we all need: grounding, loyal, and endlessly supportive.
The first half of the book was pure magic to me. An easy 5+ stars for me. I adored Swatman’s warm, emotive writing style, the steady pacing, and the originality of the premise. The time-slip element was beautifully handled and made the story feel both magical and deeply human.
However, in the latter part of the book, things wobbled a little for me. I didn’t entirely connect with how the story unfolded on the road to HEA, and I wished for a slightly different path to the ending, leaving me slightly unsatisfied. But that’s purely personal, and it doesn’t take away from how this story moved me.
Still, The Garden of Shared Stories remains a heartfelt and beautifully written tale of love, loss, and second chances. A reminder that even when life feels impossible, hope can still bloom.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Boldwood Books.
December 18, 2025
Emma and Nick have both lost someone they love.
Oh. What can I say about The Garden of Shared Stories? I attended a panel discussion involving Clare Swatman earlier this year where she said she likes to break a reader’s heart and then mend it again. If that is her desired aim then she’s done so magnificently here. I adored this book.
The plot is so unusual. The timeslip aspect is unique and as Emma and Nick’s lives come together and move apart, the beat of the novel feels very much like a heartbeat to me. It’s a story that simply pulsates with emotion. Indeed, the two perspectives from Emma and Nick feel like a living cardiac rhythm, bringing vitality and life to the story as we get their perspectives in turn.
Essentially, The Garden of Shared Stories draws on tradition where two grieving people meet up by chance and fall in love, but there are obstacles in the way of their happiness. If that makes the narrative sound mundane or ordinary, think again. The structure is fabulous. I was held spellbound as I wondered how, or even if, the two time frames might be brought together.
And I adored the characters. Both Emma and Nick are relatable. I loved the way their previous relationships were positive ones because it added to their sense of loss and felt cathartic to encounter and to grieve alongside them.
Grief is only one of the themes explored in this narrative. The nature of relationships and how age is perceived within them is important. Parenthood and marriage feature strongly alongside friendship and a wonderful sense of place. Equally vital is the nature of life and fate and how our choices, actions or inactions, can affect our lives and those of the people around us. All these aspects give incredible interest and depth to the narrative.
But what is so captivating in The Garden of Shared Stories, so utterly all enveloping, is the love story between Emma and Nick. I felt it like a physical ache in my chest as I read and found myself experiencing all manner of emotions around their relationship, from fear to how it might evolve, frustration that their lives were so inextricably interwoven and yet so separate, joy at the moments they shared so positively and heartbreak at the times they couldn’t – or wouldn’t – be together.
I really loved The Garden of Shared Stories. It’s engaging, entertaining and emotional so that it’s one of those narratives that swirls in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned. I really recommend it.
Oh. What can I say about The Garden of Shared Stories? I attended a panel discussion involving Clare Swatman earlier this year where she said she likes to break a reader’s heart and then mend it again. If that is her desired aim then she’s done so magnificently here. I adored this book.
The plot is so unusual. The timeslip aspect is unique and as Emma and Nick’s lives come together and move apart, the beat of the novel feels very much like a heartbeat to me. It’s a story that simply pulsates with emotion. Indeed, the two perspectives from Emma and Nick feel like a living cardiac rhythm, bringing vitality and life to the story as we get their perspectives in turn.
Essentially, The Garden of Shared Stories draws on tradition where two grieving people meet up by chance and fall in love, but there are obstacles in the way of their happiness. If that makes the narrative sound mundane or ordinary, think again. The structure is fabulous. I was held spellbound as I wondered how, or even if, the two time frames might be brought together.
And I adored the characters. Both Emma and Nick are relatable. I loved the way their previous relationships were positive ones because it added to their sense of loss and felt cathartic to encounter and to grieve alongside them.
Grief is only one of the themes explored in this narrative. The nature of relationships and how age is perceived within them is important. Parenthood and marriage feature strongly alongside friendship and a wonderful sense of place. Equally vital is the nature of life and fate and how our choices, actions or inactions, can affect our lives and those of the people around us. All these aspects give incredible interest and depth to the narrative.
But what is so captivating in The Garden of Shared Stories, so utterly all enveloping, is the love story between Emma and Nick. I felt it like a physical ache in my chest as I read and found myself experiencing all manner of emotions around their relationship, from fear to how it might evolve, frustration that their lives were so inextricably interwoven and yet so separate, joy at the moments they shared so positively and heartbreak at the times they couldn’t – or wouldn’t – be together.
I really loved The Garden of Shared Stories. It’s engaging, entertaining and emotional so that it’s one of those narratives that swirls in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned. I really recommend it.
November 5, 2025
Unbelievably, this was the third or fourth book I've read in a row that dealt with different time periods. This reminded me a little of the movie The Lake House with Sandra Bullock where two people communicate via letters in a mailbox from two different years.
Here 30 somethings, Emma and Nick both grieving the loss of their respective spouses, meet at the bandshell in a local park and quickly discover that they can only see each other at this park bench because Nick is living in 1999 and Emma is living in 2019. In Nick's world Emma is still a 17yr old involved in the local theater group. In Emma's world she's living in the house Nick once lived in with his wife. Emma realized that in her timeline, Nick would only be 14yrs older than her and offers to find him so they can be together beyond the park but Nick worries about learning anything more about his future and makes Emma promise not to seek him out.
As absurd as their situation is, they can't stay away from each other and spend weeks meeting up at the bandshell. If one brings food, the other can enjoy it but when Emma hands Nick her iPhone the screen goes dark. If she holds the iPhone, he can see the images on it that she shows him. One evening when she gets cold he gives her his sweater and she goes home with it. Things that exist in both timelines are fair game, as are things that could last 20 yrs - the author doesn't really pin that down.
Nick has a Nokia brick phone but they can't call each other. The attempt to be in the same room in the house they both live in at the same time but don't see each other, nor sense each other. Frustrated they both attempt to date people in their own times only to be drawn back to each other. They have a passionate night on the park bench, but then decide that it is too hard, especially after Emma confesses that she looked for Nick in her time. Nick understands that he is not alive in her time and runs from her.
Emma's best friend Rachel is supportive and believes this wild improbable romance that Emma tells her about. Nick's twin brother Andy doesn't believe and worries for Nick's mental health.
Something happens that is also perhaps not fully grounded in the 'laws' of this time slip premise but eventually in 2026, 7 years after meeting Nick at the Bandshell, Emma gets her happy ending.
Here 30 somethings, Emma and Nick both grieving the loss of their respective spouses, meet at the bandshell in a local park and quickly discover that they can only see each other at this park bench because Nick is living in 1999 and Emma is living in 2019. In Nick's world Emma is still a 17yr old involved in the local theater group. In Emma's world she's living in the house Nick once lived in with his wife. Emma realized that in her timeline, Nick would only be 14yrs older than her and offers to find him so they can be together beyond the park but Nick worries about learning anything more about his future and makes Emma promise not to seek him out.
As absurd as their situation is, they can't stay away from each other and spend weeks meeting up at the bandshell. If one brings food, the other can enjoy it but when Emma hands Nick her iPhone the screen goes dark. If she holds the iPhone, he can see the images on it that she shows him. One evening when she gets cold he gives her his sweater and she goes home with it. Things that exist in both timelines are fair game, as are things that could last 20 yrs - the author doesn't really pin that down.
Nick has a Nokia brick phone but they can't call each other. The attempt to be in the same room in the house they both live in at the same time but don't see each other, nor sense each other. Frustrated they both attempt to date people in their own times only to be drawn back to each other. They have a passionate night on the park bench, but then decide that it is too hard, especially after Emma confesses that she looked for Nick in her time. Nick understands that he is not alive in her time and runs from her.
Emma's best friend Rachel is supportive and believes this wild improbable romance that Emma tells her about. Nick's twin brother Andy doesn't believe and worries for Nick's mental health.
Something happens that is also perhaps not fully grounded in the 'laws' of this time slip premise but eventually in 2026, 7 years after meeting Nick at the Bandshell, Emma gets her happy ending.
October 29, 2025
The Garden Of Shared Stories by Clare Swatman is the most delightful timeslip novel that I absolutely loved and never wanted it to end.
The book is unique as the leading man and lady meet – but are twenty years apart. It is a magical meeting of two hearts beating as one. Both are grieving the loss of the loved ones of their lives. “He understood because he was grieving too.” They are two sides of the same coin. United by loss, held together with love.
Grief is very raw. “How it feels every single day as though you need to remind yourself to get up, get dressed, carry on while all the time it feels as though you’re being pressed down by a heavy weight.” The grief journey can be lonely. It may be accompanied by guilt. “After he died… I tortured myself, thinking about what I should have said or done differently.” The past is gone. Re-hashing it won’t alter a thing. We need to learn to put guilt to bed.
Clare Swatman writes with sensitivity. The emotions leap from the pages and into the reader’s heart. We really empathise with the characters.
The story is written through the eyes of the two lead characters, in alternating voices and time periods.
There is a temptation put into the hands of the leading lady. – Will she resist? Or succumb? Whichever path she chooses, there will be consequences.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. I read with heart in my mouth as I desired the time hopping duo to have a happy ending.
The Garden Of Shared Stories would make a wonderful movie. This is such a beautiful book that I never wanted it to end.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The book is unique as the leading man and lady meet – but are twenty years apart. It is a magical meeting of two hearts beating as one. Both are grieving the loss of the loved ones of their lives. “He understood because he was grieving too.” They are two sides of the same coin. United by loss, held together with love.
Grief is very raw. “How it feels every single day as though you need to remind yourself to get up, get dressed, carry on while all the time it feels as though you’re being pressed down by a heavy weight.” The grief journey can be lonely. It may be accompanied by guilt. “After he died… I tortured myself, thinking about what I should have said or done differently.” The past is gone. Re-hashing it won’t alter a thing. We need to learn to put guilt to bed.
Clare Swatman writes with sensitivity. The emotions leap from the pages and into the reader’s heart. We really empathise with the characters.
The story is written through the eyes of the two lead characters, in alternating voices and time periods.
There is a temptation put into the hands of the leading lady. – Will she resist? Or succumb? Whichever path she chooses, there will be consequences.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. I read with heart in my mouth as I desired the time hopping duo to have a happy ending.
The Garden Of Shared Stories would make a wonderful movie. This is such a beautiful book that I never wanted it to end.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2025
Emma lost her husband Greg two years ago following an accident at work and has been struggling ever since, after a particularly bad day at work she decides to go to one of their favourite places, the bandstand in the park, to feel close to him. Whilst quietly reflecting on her life, she is startled when a man appears next to her on the bench and introduces himself to her as Nick. They start chatting and she discovers he’s also recently widowed after his wife, Dawn passed away from cancer and this was also their favourite place. They continue to meet every week swapping stories of their lives and somewhere along the line they fall for each other, then they discover that they are living twenty years apart, Nick in 1999 and Emma in 2019. How can they continue what they have when they don’t even live in the same timeframe?
The Garden of Shared Stories is the latest novel from this author and I do love a good time slip! This one brings us the story of Emma and Nick, two people who feel they’ve lost everything since losing their respective partners and don’t feel they will ever find love again and, even though they discover they are living twenty years apart, they are determined to try and make it happen. This is a story of love, loss, grief and second chances. I really warmed to both Emma and Nick and was really hoping for a happy ever after for them. This is a well written, beautifully projected magical tale that really warmed my heart and had me rooting for them from the start. After all who doesn’t love a good fairy tale??
I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
The Garden of Shared Stories is the latest novel from this author and I do love a good time slip! This one brings us the story of Emma and Nick, two people who feel they’ve lost everything since losing their respective partners and don’t feel they will ever find love again and, even though they discover they are living twenty years apart, they are determined to try and make it happen. This is a story of love, loss, grief and second chances. I really warmed to both Emma and Nick and was really hoping for a happy ever after for them. This is a well written, beautifully projected magical tale that really warmed my heart and had me rooting for them from the start. After all who doesn’t love a good fairy tale??
I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
December 4, 2025
A beautifully magical beginning that lost a little of its spark in the second half.
The Garden of Shared Stories started out as the perfect blend of romance and gentle paranormal elements, and I was completely enchanted. The atmosphere felt whimsical and inviting, and the early chapters had that lovely balance of emotion, mystery, and a touch of magic that always pulls me in. I really enjoyed the way the relationships were forming, and for a while it felt like the book was steering toward something truly special.
But the second half didn’t work for me in the same way. Without giving away any spoilers, the direction the plot and certain characters took felt jarring compared to the charm and promise of the beginning. The emotional tone shifted in ways that left me feeling disconnected, and I couldn’t help wishing the story had leaned further into the magical threads it had woven so beautifully early on. With just a little more enchantment and a different resolution, this could have been a truly memorable favourite.
That said, the writing itself is lovely and the author’s ability to create atmosphere is undeniable. There are still moments of beauty and heart, and readers who enjoy stories about connection, healing, and communities touched by the supernatural will find plenty to appreciate.
A story with a stunning, magical beginning and a second half that didn’t quite live up to its potential, but still well worth a read for its enchanting moments.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book.
The Garden of Shared Stories started out as the perfect blend of romance and gentle paranormal elements, and I was completely enchanted. The atmosphere felt whimsical and inviting, and the early chapters had that lovely balance of emotion, mystery, and a touch of magic that always pulls me in. I really enjoyed the way the relationships were forming, and for a while it felt like the book was steering toward something truly special.
But the second half didn’t work for me in the same way. Without giving away any spoilers, the direction the plot and certain characters took felt jarring compared to the charm and promise of the beginning. The emotional tone shifted in ways that left me feeling disconnected, and I couldn’t help wishing the story had leaned further into the magical threads it had woven so beautifully early on. With just a little more enchantment and a different resolution, this could have been a truly memorable favourite.
That said, the writing itself is lovely and the author’s ability to create atmosphere is undeniable. There are still moments of beauty and heart, and readers who enjoy stories about connection, healing, and communities touched by the supernatural will find plenty to appreciate.
A story with a stunning, magical beginning and a second half that didn’t quite live up to its potential, but still well worth a read for its enchanting moments.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book.
December 18, 2025
💜 Blurb -
The BRAND NEW gorgeously heartfelt novel from the BESTSELLING author of The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright, Clare Swatman ✨📖 Perfect for fans of Kate Storey, Sally Page and Evie Woods 🕰️ Twenty years apart. One story to share.❤️ Emma is at an all-time low the day she meets Nick. She sits down in a quiet rose garden in her local park, and from nowhere a handsome man sits next to her and turns her world upside down.
Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.
But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.
Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?
🩵 Review -
This was such a beautiful and well written novel. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked. The story was well written and easy to follow, had beautiful place settings and a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💛 Thank you to Boldwood Books and the author Clare Swatman for my copy of the book.
The BRAND NEW gorgeously heartfelt novel from the BESTSELLING author of The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright, Clare Swatman ✨📖 Perfect for fans of Kate Storey, Sally Page and Evie Woods 🕰️ Twenty years apart. One story to share.❤️ Emma is at an all-time low the day she meets Nick. She sits down in a quiet rose garden in her local park, and from nowhere a handsome man sits next to her and turns her world upside down.
Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.
But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.
Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?
🩵 Review -
This was such a beautiful and well written novel. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked. The story was well written and easy to follow, had beautiful place settings and a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💛 Thank you to Boldwood Books and the author Clare Swatman for my copy of the book.
December 27, 2025
The Garden Of Shared Stories
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into this book thinking it was going to cover many stories from many characters, this thought was due to the title of the book.... however that is not what it was.
In this book we follow Emma in 2019 and Nick 1999.... Emma sits quietly within the bandstand surrounded by roses in her local park after having another awful day when a very handsome Nick turns up and starts talking to her, she really doesn't want to talk but somehow a conversation is started and on reflection both share alot more then first expected.
However Nick manages to turn Emma's life upside down and she also for him which is something both of them thought would never happen after suffering loss and heartache.... falling for someone who lives in 1999 definitely has it's everyday complications.... only able to meet each and see each other within the bandstand means the relationship can only ever take place there.
With both of them sharing there worries with family and friends which is meet with alot of suspicious questions can this really be happening to them both?
Within the chapters things happen for both of them which pulls them apart... Emma has found out what the future holds for Nick even asking her not to look... the scene of events that follow and open up for them both are both sad and joyous.... will the future come together for them both? Will both of them be able to come out of the time slip and live the life that both of them want?
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into this book thinking it was going to cover many stories from many characters, this thought was due to the title of the book.... however that is not what it was.
In this book we follow Emma in 2019 and Nick 1999.... Emma sits quietly within the bandstand surrounded by roses in her local park after having another awful day when a very handsome Nick turns up and starts talking to her, she really doesn't want to talk but somehow a conversation is started and on reflection both share alot more then first expected.
However Nick manages to turn Emma's life upside down and she also for him which is something both of them thought would never happen after suffering loss and heartache.... falling for someone who lives in 1999 definitely has it's everyday complications.... only able to meet each and see each other within the bandstand means the relationship can only ever take place there.
With both of them sharing there worries with family and friends which is meet with alot of suspicious questions can this really be happening to them both?
Within the chapters things happen for both of them which pulls them apart... Emma has found out what the future holds for Nick even asking her not to look... the scene of events that follow and open up for them both are both sad and joyous.... will the future come together for them both? Will both of them be able to come out of the time slip and live the life that both of them want?
December 2, 2025
The Garden of Shared Stories by Clare Swatman
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Emma is at an all-time low the day she meets Nick. She sits down in a quiet rose garden in her local park, and from nowhere a handsome man sits next to her and turns her world upside down.
Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.
But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.
Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?
My Opinion
Clare Swatman has written an intriguing novel. With an interesting premise, The Garden of Shared Stories was a quick read. An enjoyable book with some lovely characters and great descriptions.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Emma is at an all-time low the day she meets Nick. She sits down in a quiet rose garden in her local park, and from nowhere a handsome man sits next to her and turns her world upside down.
Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.
But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.
Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?
My Opinion
Clare Swatman has written an intriguing novel. With an interesting premise, The Garden of Shared Stories was a quick read. An enjoyable book with some lovely characters and great descriptions.
Rating 4/5
December 28, 2025
Emma and Nick are both grieving when they meet by chance on a bandstand in the park. They instantly have a connection but time itself is against them…
The Garden of Shared Stories has a bit of everything: love, grief, time slip, dilemmas, paradox, nostalgia.
Wow, I was blown away by this incredibly powerful novel.
Emma and Nick meet and there is a shared understanding of grief. But during their conversation there is also the realisation that something isn't quite right.
I thought there was a great dynamic with the two timelines. The pair are actually twenty years apart and even thought 1999 doesn't seem that long ago a lot has changed! Little details shows the simpler life we enjoyed in 1999 and there was a big dollop of nostalgia for the shops, culture and experience of the 90s.
There was also a fabulous dilemma about finding out about your future and whether you can change the past. No explanation is given for the time slip but that just solidified the magic of love element for me.
I really didn't want this book to end as I was completely swept up in the lives of Nick and Emma, desperate for them to find a way to live and love. There were some great twists to pull at the heartstrings.
The Garden of Shared Stories is a beautifully written and emotional novel about love, loss and time travel!
The Garden of Shared Stories has a bit of everything: love, grief, time slip, dilemmas, paradox, nostalgia.
Wow, I was blown away by this incredibly powerful novel.
Emma and Nick meet and there is a shared understanding of grief. But during their conversation there is also the realisation that something isn't quite right.
I thought there was a great dynamic with the two timelines. The pair are actually twenty years apart and even thought 1999 doesn't seem that long ago a lot has changed! Little details shows the simpler life we enjoyed in 1999 and there was a big dollop of nostalgia for the shops, culture and experience of the 90s.
There was also a fabulous dilemma about finding out about your future and whether you can change the past. No explanation is given for the time slip but that just solidified the magic of love element for me.
I really didn't want this book to end as I was completely swept up in the lives of Nick and Emma, desperate for them to find a way to live and love. There were some great twists to pull at the heartstrings.
The Garden of Shared Stories is a beautifully written and emotional novel about love, loss and time travel!
October 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC.
The Garden of Shared Stories is a super gentle, slow-paced read, the kind of book that unfolds quietly rather than rushes on. The story moves along at a snail’s pace, which at times made it feel incredibly sluggish. The slow pace did allow for deep character development and I felt that Nick and Emma were very well-rounded. At times, they both made very real, sometimes slightly illogical choices, which actually added to their authenticity.
I did, however, struggle with the time-slip mechanism. The concept is intriguing, two people connected across decades through the same location, but the logic behind how it all worked didn’t entirely hold up for me. It required absolute suspension of disbelief, and I never quite found myself convinced by it.
The ending was fairly predictable, but that didn’t really detract from the overall story. It tied things up neatly in a way that felt fitting for the characters.
Overall, The Garden of Shared Stories is a heartwarming, easy read that offers gentle emotion and warmth, it’s not a story thats particularly memorable. But it’s the sort of book that’s pleasant to spend a quiet afternoon with, cosy and comforting.
The Garden of Shared Stories is a super gentle, slow-paced read, the kind of book that unfolds quietly rather than rushes on. The story moves along at a snail’s pace, which at times made it feel incredibly sluggish. The slow pace did allow for deep character development and I felt that Nick and Emma were very well-rounded. At times, they both made very real, sometimes slightly illogical choices, which actually added to their authenticity.
I did, however, struggle with the time-slip mechanism. The concept is intriguing, two people connected across decades through the same location, but the logic behind how it all worked didn’t entirely hold up for me. It required absolute suspension of disbelief, and I never quite found myself convinced by it.
The ending was fairly predictable, but that didn’t really detract from the overall story. It tied things up neatly in a way that felt fitting for the characters.
Overall, The Garden of Shared Stories is a heartwarming, easy read that offers gentle emotion and warmth, it’s not a story thats particularly memorable. But it’s the sort of book that’s pleasant to spend a quiet afternoon with, cosy and comforting.
November 11, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Garden of Shared Stories” is by Clare Swatman. This book has magical realism, something I’m not always thrilled about, but I suspected it going in thanks to the Publisher’s summary. Does the magical realism work - kinda? Emma, whose husband died a few years previously, meets Nick, whose wife also died a few years previously. The problem is that Emma’s world/life is present day (2019 at the beginning of the book) and Nick’s is 1999 - twenty years previously. It takes them a few chapters to realize this, including an interesting bit regarding cell phones. Emma agrees to not look up information on Nick (although she’d done a cursory search before they realized the magical realism was at play), while Nick realizes that Emma is 17 in his current timeline. I’ll leave the storyline plot there as it moves to a kinda predictable conclusion in both Nick and Emma’s timelines. I found this story a bit slow moving at times - magical realism aside. I’m glad that both main characters had side characters (best friend / sibling) to help them navigate their relationship. Overall, this was an engaging read - probably not probable, but it was a fun ride. Overall, 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
“The Garden of Shared Stories” is by Clare Swatman. This book has magical realism, something I’m not always thrilled about, but I suspected it going in thanks to the Publisher’s summary. Does the magical realism work - kinda? Emma, whose husband died a few years previously, meets Nick, whose wife also died a few years previously. The problem is that Emma’s world/life is present day (2019 at the beginning of the book) and Nick’s is 1999 - twenty years previously. It takes them a few chapters to realize this, including an interesting bit regarding cell phones. Emma agrees to not look up information on Nick (although she’d done a cursory search before they realized the magical realism was at play), while Nick realizes that Emma is 17 in his current timeline. I’ll leave the storyline plot there as it moves to a kinda predictable conclusion in both Nick and Emma’s timelines. I found this story a bit slow moving at times - magical realism aside. I’m glad that both main characters had side characters (best friend / sibling) to help them navigate their relationship. Overall, this was an engaging read - probably not probable, but it was a fun ride. Overall, 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
November 25, 2025
Emotional and heartwarming.
There is so much emotion, heartbreak, and hope packed into this story. Two people who meet through time and discover a connection that spans over years. When Nick and Emma meet for the first time, they are both still deeply grieving the loss of a loved one. Through their time together, meeting at a bandstand in a park, they begin to heal and see a future where they can move on. When they realize they are not only falling in love but also facing the obstacle of time, what will it take to be together, and what will the consequences be?
Nick and Emma captivated me through this story. I wanted the HEA at all costs — sort of like Emma did. I was heartbroken, not only for the two of them but also for the obvious twisting of time and the impact of their decisions. I loved how Clare Swatman brought these two characters, along with their friends and family, to life. How she intertwined humor and deep emotion in their story. I felt unrest and was deeply saddened by the twists and turns she knotted into Nick and Emma’s journey, but most of all, I felt the hopefulness and love that simply can’t be denied. This story will stay with me for a long time. It was my first book by Ms. Swatman, and I look forward to her next one.
There is so much emotion, heartbreak, and hope packed into this story. Two people who meet through time and discover a connection that spans over years. When Nick and Emma meet for the first time, they are both still deeply grieving the loss of a loved one. Through their time together, meeting at a bandstand in a park, they begin to heal and see a future where they can move on. When they realize they are not only falling in love but also facing the obstacle of time, what will it take to be together, and what will the consequences be?
Nick and Emma captivated me through this story. I wanted the HEA at all costs — sort of like Emma did. I was heartbroken, not only for the two of them but also for the obvious twisting of time and the impact of their decisions. I loved how Clare Swatman brought these two characters, along with their friends and family, to life. How she intertwined humor and deep emotion in their story. I felt unrest and was deeply saddened by the twists and turns she knotted into Nick and Emma’s journey, but most of all, I felt the hopefulness and love that simply can’t be denied. This story will stay with me for a long time. It was my first book by Ms. Swatman, and I look forward to her next one.
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