What do you think?
The Twilight Garden
A secret garden. A moonlit reunion. And a chance to start again…?
Forty-something Gemma’s life is small and days in the office, microwave meals for one at night. She’s always done the right thing – working hard, caring for others. But when her perfectly organised life falls apart, she does something impulsive. She answers an ad to relocate to an old stone farmhouse perched on a Cornish hill, to spend her days breathing life back into a tumbledown building.
As dusk settles each day, Gemma finds herself drawn outside, and discovers a forgotten garden. Its walls are gently crumbling, the bright blooms that were once tended with such love just peeking through the soil. Then one evening, a man from her past appears in the walled garden. Leo is all broad shoulders and handyman skills, and Gemma questions if this is her cue to leave.
But as Gemma’s hands tend the soil, the garden’s magic soothes her soul. Instead of pushing Leo away, she asks about the man she lost so long ago – who now, through an unexpected twist of fate, weeds beside her in the twilight.
Working side by side to uncover long-forgotten flowers in the garden, Gemma questions whether she’s planting the seeds for a whole new life for herself too.
Can the magic of this special place help her rediscover herself? Or will confronting the past be so painful that she’s called back to her old life after all?
An absolutely unputdownable story about lost love, second chances, and the importance of being true to yourself. Fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, Sally Page and Amanda Prowse will adore this stunning, heartbreaking and yet uplifting novel of finding hope in the most unexpected of places.
Forty-something Gemma’s life is small and days in the office, microwave meals for one at night. She’s always done the right thing – working hard, caring for others. But when her perfectly organised life falls apart, she does something impulsive. She answers an ad to relocate to an old stone farmhouse perched on a Cornish hill, to spend her days breathing life back into a tumbledown building.
As dusk settles each day, Gemma finds herself drawn outside, and discovers a forgotten garden. Its walls are gently crumbling, the bright blooms that were once tended with such love just peeking through the soil. Then one evening, a man from her past appears in the walled garden. Leo is all broad shoulders and handyman skills, and Gemma questions if this is her cue to leave.
But as Gemma’s hands tend the soil, the garden’s magic soothes her soul. Instead of pushing Leo away, she asks about the man she lost so long ago – who now, through an unexpected twist of fate, weeds beside her in the twilight.
Working side by side to uncover long-forgotten flowers in the garden, Gemma questions whether she’s planting the seeds for a whole new life for herself too.
Can the magic of this special place help her rediscover herself? Or will confronting the past be so painful that she’s called back to her old life after all?
An absolutely unputdownable story about lost love, second chances, and the importance of being true to yourself. Fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, Sally Page and Amanda Prowse will adore this stunning, heartbreaking and yet uplifting novel of finding hope in the most unexpected of places.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2026
About the author
Emma Davies
29 books359 followersEmma Davies once applied for her dream job in the following manner;
'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well she's now a forty something mother of three, and is working on the rest.
By day she's a finance manager and looks at numbers a lot of the time, but by night she gets to use actual words and practices putting them together into sentences. Her twitter bio says she loves her family, her job, reading, writing, singing loudly in the car, and Pringles, so that must be true then.
Wave to her on twitter @Emdavies68
Letting in Light is her debut novel, and she is currently working on her second.
'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well she's now a forty something mother of three, and is working on the rest.
By day she's a finance manager and looks at numbers a lot of the time, but by night she gets to use actual words and practices putting them together into sentences. Her twitter bio says she loves her family, her job, reading, writing, singing loudly in the car, and Pringles, so that must be true then.
Wave to her on twitter @Emdavies68
Letting in Light is her debut novel, and she is currently working on her second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this!
I have only recently found Emma Davies' books, so I was thrilled to try her latest book.
This was utterly enchanting, and I loved how several characters got 'second chances' and it wasn't just our main character.
This was such a lovely read to curl up with.
I have only recently found Emma Davies' books, so I was thrilled to try her latest book.
This was utterly enchanting, and I loved how several characters got 'second chances' and it wasn't just our main character.
This was such a lovely read to curl up with.
September 17, 2026
This was a really lovely read, full of hope and utterly enchanting and the character of Gemma was a wonderfully warm person who you could really empathise with.
Gemma finds herself in a really low point in her life, she's grieving the loss of her mother and the job she had lined up has fallen through. But she spots an advert in a magazine that grabs her attention and soon finds herself embarking on a new path, helping a young couple with their smallholding. It might just be what she needs and really hits it off with the couple. What she wasn't expecting though was her ex husband in the area too and this reignites the past for her as they'd not spoken in 18 years!
She soon becomes really interested in the history of the area, site and the garden and throws herself into uncovering all she can about the area and the mystery of the hidden garden which was really exciting!
it becomes a real community experience when things start to go wrong and I loved how everyone pulled together and how the project gave Gemma that spark back in her life, in more ways than one!! lovely read!
Gemma finds herself in a really low point in her life, she's grieving the loss of her mother and the job she had lined up has fallen through. But she spots an advert in a magazine that grabs her attention and soon finds herself embarking on a new path, helping a young couple with their smallholding. It might just be what she needs and really hits it off with the couple. What she wasn't expecting though was her ex husband in the area too and this reignites the past for her as they'd not spoken in 18 years!
She soon becomes really interested in the history of the area, site and the garden and throws herself into uncovering all she can about the area and the mystery of the hidden garden which was really exciting!
it becomes a real community experience when things start to go wrong and I loved how everyone pulled together and how the project gave Gemma that spark back in her life, in more ways than one!! lovely read!
August 31, 2026
I was fortunate enough to be able to listen to an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley. I really enjoyed the narrator, and thought that the production did a great job. I definitely feel like an apt way of describing the “Twilight Garden” would be to call it the “second chance” garden, as more than one character is able to find a second chance in their current situation on this charming farm. We follow our main character, Gemma, as she navigates grief and disappointment, and bask in the enjoyment of her discovering that what she needs isn’t necessarily what she thought she wanted. This book has ups and downs, and twists and turns, and it shows that not all bad things ruin everything forever. Second chances can still happen.
September 2, 2026
This was an absolutely beautiful story… about family… about friendships… about love… and about life.
Gemma gets quite a shock when the ‘dream job’ that she thought was in the bag for her, absolutely disintegrates in her hands… and now, she’s left with nothing.
After spending much time with her ill and dying mother, she is finally ready to return to the workforce… when she is faced with this. So now, she has no job, no income,and nowhere to turn.
While in a doctor’s office, she sees an old ad for help at a farm.
Not exactly,y what she was looking for, but for some reason, it seems to be calling to her.
She interviews with Willow and Rowan, and gets the ‘job’… but comes to realize that it’s not quite what she was hoping for…don’t get me wrong, she is so excited to be back in touch with nature and exploring roots she and her mother had once loved… but, she will not be getting paid for this. She will get room and board though… and she comes to find that the peace, quiet and comfort foods that come with the job are quite good ‘perks’ !!
It is funny as she comes to terms with meeting the chickens,etc on the farm… but as time goes on, she actually does become a part of the team… and enjoys this immensely!
She also runs into someone who was once an integral part of her life… but who she never thought she’d see again.
And, manages to make a friend or two along the way. Especially as she discovers a hidden old garden that she is hoping to bring back to all its former glory!
This was sweet… and special… and will tug at your heartstrings on multiple occasions. But there are also parts of it that are sharp and curt too!
4 beautiful, caring, small-town, no-wi-fi, second chance stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#TheTwilightGarden by @EmmaDavies and narrated nicely by @ClareCorbett.
**** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT LOOK 👀 FOR IT SOON! Release date is 9/3/26!! ****
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BookoutureAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Gemma gets quite a shock when the ‘dream job’ that she thought was in the bag for her, absolutely disintegrates in her hands… and now, she’s left with nothing.
After spending much time with her ill and dying mother, she is finally ready to return to the workforce… when she is faced with this. So now, she has no job, no income,and nowhere to turn.
While in a doctor’s office, she sees an old ad for help at a farm.
Not exactly,y what she was looking for, but for some reason, it seems to be calling to her.
She interviews with Willow and Rowan, and gets the ‘job’… but comes to realize that it’s not quite what she was hoping for…don’t get me wrong, she is so excited to be back in touch with nature and exploring roots she and her mother had once loved… but, she will not be getting paid for this. She will get room and board though… and she comes to find that the peace, quiet and comfort foods that come with the job are quite good ‘perks’ !!
It is funny as she comes to terms with meeting the chickens,etc on the farm… but as time goes on, she actually does become a part of the team… and enjoys this immensely!
She also runs into someone who was once an integral part of her life… but who she never thought she’d see again.
And, manages to make a friend or two along the way. Especially as she discovers a hidden old garden that she is hoping to bring back to all its former glory!
This was sweet… and special… and will tug at your heartstrings on multiple occasions. But there are also parts of it that are sharp and curt too!
4 beautiful, caring, small-town, no-wi-fi, second chance stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
#TheTwilightGarden by @EmmaDavies and narrated nicely by @ClareCorbett.
**** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT LOOK 👀 FOR IT SOON! Release date is 9/3/26!! ****
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BookoutureAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
September 5, 2026
Gemma took a leave from work to nurse her dying mother. When she is ready to return to work, she decides to take a new job for a fresh start. When she shows up for her first day of work, she finds out that the person who hired her, has left the company to start his own and Gemma has no job. She contacts her previous boss, who tells her that they have filled her position. Seeing an advertisement in a magazine at the doctor's office, she takes a position helping to develop a rural smallholding farm project in the Cornish countryside. Though the setting lacks modern amenities like Wi-Fi and features composting toilets, the peacefulness of nature allows her to step away from her misery and begin to heal. Rowan and Willow, the owners are also very calm and want the farm to become self-sustaining. While exploring the property, Gemma discovers a forgotten, crumbling, Victorian-style walled garden. As she begins quietly tending the garden, she comes face-to-face with her ex-husband, Leo, whom she hasn't seen in 18 years. They split up after the death of Gemma's father. Leo is also in the countryside trying to heal from a broken heart. Can they help each other to heal?
This was a very sweet story with some difficulties to overcome, wonderful characters and a little magic, the human kind. The farm is coming along nicely and Leo and Gemma are beginning to make headway on the garden, but someone doesn't want them to succeed. There is a sabateur causing all kinds of trouble, and their final act, is almost the nail in the coffin for Thistledown. I really liked Rowan, Willow, Gemma and Leo. They worked well together and all had come to Thistledown to heal from something. The townspeople who helped Gemma were great supporting characters, that is until one of them starts to vandalize the farm. Gemma and Leo slowly begin to heal and those long ago feelings are rekindled, but can they have a relationship after all they've been through? The Twilight Garden is a story of grief, recovery, new beginnings, slowing down life, friendship, working together and romance. I enjoyed meeting all the characters, and seeing the garden heal them. With their troubles almost doing them in, it's refreshing to see how the community comes together. If you enjoy an uplifting story with great characters and an environmental twist, then I recommend The Twilight Garden. I was fortunate to get both an eARC and an ALC so did a read listen. The narration by Clare Corbett was well done and added to my enjoyment of this story.
This was a very sweet story with some difficulties to overcome, wonderful characters and a little magic, the human kind. The farm is coming along nicely and Leo and Gemma are beginning to make headway on the garden, but someone doesn't want them to succeed. There is a sabateur causing all kinds of trouble, and their final act, is almost the nail in the coffin for Thistledown. I really liked Rowan, Willow, Gemma and Leo. They worked well together and all had come to Thistledown to heal from something. The townspeople who helped Gemma were great supporting characters, that is until one of them starts to vandalize the farm. Gemma and Leo slowly begin to heal and those long ago feelings are rekindled, but can they have a relationship after all they've been through? The Twilight Garden is a story of grief, recovery, new beginnings, slowing down life, friendship, working together and romance. I enjoyed meeting all the characters, and seeing the garden heal them. With their troubles almost doing them in, it's refreshing to see how the community comes together. If you enjoy an uplifting story with great characters and an environmental twist, then I recommend The Twilight Garden. I was fortunate to get both an eARC and an ALC so did a read listen. The narration by Clare Corbett was well done and added to my enjoyment of this story.
September 4, 2026
2 stars. DNF at 34%. the concept behind this is very cute and cozy - second chance romances and finding yourself no matter your age. but i really can't get into it and i'm so intensely bored. maybe i'll pick it up again in the future but i'm just so bored.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Twilight Garden' by Emma Davies
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING,STUNNING, EMOTIVE AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!! BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!!
Yet again another absolute stunner from the extremely talented Emma Davies!!! Emma is one of those extremely talented authors who has wrote many books in several different genres and does absolutely amazing at each one. Most authors stick to one genre and it is very rare that they write multiple and of those who do not many can pull it off but by God Emma can!! I have read so many of her books including her 'Adam And Eve Mystery' series which is cosy crime, 'The Little Island Secret' which is a romantic heart breaker and 'After The Crash' which is a thriller, to name a few. Each of those books, along with every one I have read by Emma, have been absolutely addictive and filled with everything that those who enjoy those genres could want. This absolute stunning page-turner is just as gorgeous!! So regardless of what genre you love Emma is guaranteed to have the book for you!!! This beautiful book has definitely just hit my favourite book this year!!!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this absolutely gorgeous page turner today!! Just OMG!!! The descriptions, the characters, the absolutely brilliant and unique storyline!!! I mean seriously I cannot describe just how AMAZING this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you love heart warming books, books, unputdownable books, romance, emotive books… Do you know what...whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I absolutely LOVED this addictive and emotive page turner!!! I honestly loved absolutely everything about it from the start to the end. This book is an absolutely gorgeous read filled with friendship, drama, beauty, romance and everything you could ever ask for in a brilliant book and more!! This book is just truly amazing in every single way. The storyline is just something I have never ever come across before and I very much doubt I will see anything like it again!! Emma has an absolutely beautiful imagination to come up with this and I am just so pleased that she has decided to share it into the world. This is just one of those books that absolutely everybody NEEDS to read. Yes, you included, stop wasting your time reading the rubbish I am writing and go and grab your copy of this book now!! This book is definitely going to live rent free in my mind for a very, very long time. It truly has one of those completely unforgettable storylines that will stay with you for an extremely long time after you have finished. I really cannot tell you much about the storyline as I will not risk any spoilers as you really do need to read this for yourself for the full impact. The synopsis says everything you need to know so just grab your copy now. This is one of the few books that I have listened 100% on Audiobook. If I listen to a book on audiobook I usually also read the physical book between but I listened to the whole book and I was impressed! I must say a HUGE congratulations to the narrator Clare Corbett who did an absolutely incredible job of bringing this story and it's larger than life characters to life. I would listen to this book in the car and while walking at any opportunity and Clare did a fantastic job on both male and female characters voices and portraying the characters emotions through her voice!!! I'm not only looking forward to reading even more books by Emma but also to listening to more books narrated by Clare! Along with the many books I have read by the incredible Emma I have also listened to The Girls Left Behind' by Emily Gunnis which was also narrated by Clare and I would also highly recommend listening to or reading that to! With a storyline absolutely RAM PACKED with heartache, friendship, beauty, emotions, new beginnings, history, warmth, second chances, security, hope, healing, community, beautiful settings, emotions, Cornwall, atmosphere, lovable characters and SO, so so much more. I mean, seriously, What are you waiting for?! I absolutely LOVE Cornwall and books set in Cornwall so much!! We go to Cornwall yearly, St Ives to be specific, for two weeks April/May time and came back this May. I always miss Cornwall before I even leave but Emma's stunning, vivid and emotive descriptions and Clare's fantastic narrative definitely transported me back there. Emma's absolutely incredible and masterful evocative writing skills sucks the reader straight into the storyline, into Cornwall and with Gemma at the turn of a page!!! It captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word and definitely left me wanting more!! Emma's fantastic and stunning writing skills and vivid descriptions and Clare's beautiful and realistic narration will put the reader in the storyline along with the characters. Grab your copy of this absolute stunner to find out more about this beauty for yourself and I PROMISE you will not regret it! This is one of those fantastically stunning books that is perfect to read anywhere and everywhere from curled up next to a roaring fire to sunning yourself on a beach as regardless of where you are Emma will whisk you away to Cornwall and into the life of Gemma! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down!! Each and every time I even thought about it to get some actual house work done the characters called me back to demand their attention!! The chapters are quite short which is ideal to pick up and read a few here and there whether on a break or on a bus, the problem is trying to put it down!! One of the things I really enjoyed about this storyline is that it is unique to me as I had never read a storyline like it which always makes a lovely change after reading so many books as it is getting harder and harder to find something new. An absolutely brilliant, touching, inspirational, beautiful read which will stay with you for a long time!!
Clear your schedules and get lost in this beautifully addictive page turner!!
I absolutely loved the larger than life, unique and just fantastic characters that Emma has created for this book!! Thanks to her fantastic descriptions it truly feels like you are right next to Gemma throughout. I absolutely loved meeting every single one of the characters!!! I was rooting for the both from the very second I met them and all the way through the book! I loved watching their personalities and confidence changes and develop from the start to the finish as well as friendships and relationships. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all. The only downfall with the characters is that they are entirely fictional even though Emma and Clare bring them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Emma truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in this beautiful book and I cannot wait to see what her imagination creates next!!
Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner ❤️
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will stay with you for a very long time. A stunning unique must read!!!
#TheTwilightGarden #EmmaDavies #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@EmmaDavies @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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Review for 'The Twilight Garden' by Emma Davies
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING,STUNNING, EMOTIVE AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!! BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!!
Yet again another absolute stunner from the extremely talented Emma Davies!!! Emma is one of those extremely talented authors who has wrote many books in several different genres and does absolutely amazing at each one. Most authors stick to one genre and it is very rare that they write multiple and of those who do not many can pull it off but by God Emma can!! I have read so many of her books including her 'Adam And Eve Mystery' series which is cosy crime, 'The Little Island Secret' which is a romantic heart breaker and 'After The Crash' which is a thriller, to name a few. Each of those books, along with every one I have read by Emma, have been absolutely addictive and filled with everything that those who enjoy those genres could want. This absolute stunning page-turner is just as gorgeous!! So regardless of what genre you love Emma is guaranteed to have the book for you!!! This beautiful book has definitely just hit my favourite book this year!!!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this absolutely gorgeous page turner today!! Just OMG!!! The descriptions, the characters, the absolutely brilliant and unique storyline!!! I mean seriously I cannot describe just how AMAZING this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you love heart warming books, books, unputdownable books, romance, emotive books… Do you know what...whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I absolutely LOVED this addictive and emotive page turner!!! I honestly loved absolutely everything about it from the start to the end. This book is an absolutely gorgeous read filled with friendship, drama, beauty, romance and everything you could ever ask for in a brilliant book and more!! This book is just truly amazing in every single way. The storyline is just something I have never ever come across before and I very much doubt I will see anything like it again!! Emma has an absolutely beautiful imagination to come up with this and I am just so pleased that she has decided to share it into the world. This is just one of those books that absolutely everybody NEEDS to read. Yes, you included, stop wasting your time reading the rubbish I am writing and go and grab your copy of this book now!! This book is definitely going to live rent free in my mind for a very, very long time. It truly has one of those completely unforgettable storylines that will stay with you for an extremely long time after you have finished. I really cannot tell you much about the storyline as I will not risk any spoilers as you really do need to read this for yourself for the full impact. The synopsis says everything you need to know so just grab your copy now. This is one of the few books that I have listened 100% on Audiobook. If I listen to a book on audiobook I usually also read the physical book between but I listened to the whole book and I was impressed! I must say a HUGE congratulations to the narrator Clare Corbett who did an absolutely incredible job of bringing this story and it's larger than life characters to life. I would listen to this book in the car and while walking at any opportunity and Clare did a fantastic job on both male and female characters voices and portraying the characters emotions through her voice!!! I'm not only looking forward to reading even more books by Emma but also to listening to more books narrated by Clare! Along with the many books I have read by the incredible Emma I have also listened to The Girls Left Behind' by Emily Gunnis which was also narrated by Clare and I would also highly recommend listening to or reading that to! With a storyline absolutely RAM PACKED with heartache, friendship, beauty, emotions, new beginnings, history, warmth, second chances, security, hope, healing, community, beautiful settings, emotions, Cornwall, atmosphere, lovable characters and SO, so so much more. I mean, seriously, What are you waiting for?! I absolutely LOVE Cornwall and books set in Cornwall so much!! We go to Cornwall yearly, St Ives to be specific, for two weeks April/May time and came back this May. I always miss Cornwall before I even leave but Emma's stunning, vivid and emotive descriptions and Clare's fantastic narrative definitely transported me back there. Emma's absolutely incredible and masterful evocative writing skills sucks the reader straight into the storyline, into Cornwall and with Gemma at the turn of a page!!! It captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word and definitely left me wanting more!! Emma's fantastic and stunning writing skills and vivid descriptions and Clare's beautiful and realistic narration will put the reader in the storyline along with the characters. Grab your copy of this absolute stunner to find out more about this beauty for yourself and I PROMISE you will not regret it! This is one of those fantastically stunning books that is perfect to read anywhere and everywhere from curled up next to a roaring fire to sunning yourself on a beach as regardless of where you are Emma will whisk you away to Cornwall and into the life of Gemma! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down!! Each and every time I even thought about it to get some actual house work done the characters called me back to demand their attention!! The chapters are quite short which is ideal to pick up and read a few here and there whether on a break or on a bus, the problem is trying to put it down!! One of the things I really enjoyed about this storyline is that it is unique to me as I had never read a storyline like it which always makes a lovely change after reading so many books as it is getting harder and harder to find something new. An absolutely brilliant, touching, inspirational, beautiful read which will stay with you for a long time!!
Clear your schedules and get lost in this beautifully addictive page turner!!
I absolutely loved the larger than life, unique and just fantastic characters that Emma has created for this book!! Thanks to her fantastic descriptions it truly feels like you are right next to Gemma throughout. I absolutely loved meeting every single one of the characters!!! I was rooting for the both from the very second I met them and all the way through the book! I loved watching their personalities and confidence changes and develop from the start to the finish as well as friendships and relationships. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all. The only downfall with the characters is that they are entirely fictional even though Emma and Clare bring them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Emma truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in this beautiful book and I cannot wait to see what her imagination creates next!!
Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner ❤️
Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will stay with you for a very long time. A stunning unique must read!!!
#TheTwilightGarden #EmmaDavies #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous
@EmmaDavies @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emma Davies’ latest book, The Twilight Garden has the most beautiful, calming and inviting cover. The story inside will transport you to a place and specifically a garden that time has long forgot but beneath the overgrowth are plants, flowers and shrubbery that are waiting to see the light once again. They just need someone with a magic touch to encourage them to spring back to life and that person is our main female protagonist Gemma. Her recent life has been all about caring for her mother and helping her through the illness that eventually took her from this world. This is a story of the healing power of nature, how troubled people can find solace, comfort and serenity being out in the open. New beginnings and second chances along with an abundance of hope are provided to Gemma as she navigates a new and uncertain world. This is a story written from the heart with the most beautiful passages in the first few chapters giving advice on grief and how you feel. There were paragraphs that I had to stop and reread several times to absorb their message and importance. The words were there to savour, digest, comprehend and take on board. They were inspirational and comforting and readers will take much from them.
Following the death of her mother, Gemma is preparing to step out once again into the corporate world of advertising. Her home has been leased out and this new job and new flat is the only thing that has kept her going through her grief. It’s a very difficult and emotional time for Gemma having retreated into a small bubble with her mother and all her time had been devoted to her. As she arrives to start her new job, once again disaster strikes and the rug is swept out from under her feet as the company has fallen into administration and the job is no longer there for her. I felt desperately sorry for her. Her confidence has taken a battering in so many ways and this new blow just adds to that problem. Due to a tenancy agreement she can’t get her house back for six months so with no home and no job and funds that will only go so far she has no clue where to turn to. But an advertisement seen in a magazine of a doctors office will change all that. A small holding run by Willow and Rowan in Cornwall is looking for help. Lodgings and food will be provided but there will be no pay. Something is calling to Gemma, and little does she realise when she answers that call that her life will be transformed in many ways.
Thistledown, the residence of Willow and Rowan, is not what Gemma expected once she arrives. The couple are a bit alternative and like to keep to themselves and never made much of an effort to connect with the local community for fear the residents would be against what they are trying to achieve. They wish to be self sufficient in as much as possible and use eco methods. The couple are lovely and I felt like Willow became like a sister figure to Gemma. She knew when to be with her and offer advice and to develop their friendship but yet she also was conscious when not to say anything or to pry to deep into Gemma’s emotional state and the reasons for her appearing at Thistledown. The small holding, gardens and farm dwelling become like a sanctuary to Gemma. One she didn’t fully realise that she needed considering she had been ready to jump straight back into the busy world that she had previously occupied. Taking the time to slow down and initially not being able to do much due to a busted ankle (an incident in which led to a very surprising turn in the story) she has no other option but to try and relax into this new way of life for six months and just go with the flow and see what magic Thistledown can work on her.
The incident fairly on in the book regarding Gemma’s ankle leads to her discovering that her ex-husband Leo is now helping out on the small holding. It’s twenty years since she has last seen him and this opens up a whole new can of worms on top of all the complications and issues she is attempting to work through. This all came as a bolt from the blur for both Gemma and the reader and I loved the way that Leo was introduced. I instantly had lots of questions considering he hadn’t been mentioned prior to him popping up again. There was something that clearly led to the breakdown of their marriage and I was dying to know what it was. To this end I felt this aspect of the story was very much a slow burner. Hints were given and I would have loved a bit more in-depth development of this throughout the story rather than coming near to the end. The pair blew so hot and cold with each other which is understandable and they let past grievances get the better of them but given so much time has elapsed was it right for Gemma to hold on to the tension, unease and unspoken words re the past or should she let things go?
Gemma is resetting and slowly finding the courage to change and given the title I did expect the garden to play more of a pivotal role than it did. Some research into the history of the land on which the small holding resides means that she uncovers a fascinating story. I would have loved a chapter or two from this period in history to bridge the gap between past and present but it sufficed without it. It was just the history lover in me coming out. As Gemma finds evidence of a once forgotten garden and is given permission to renovate it the countryside and sense of space and open air begins to rejuvenate her. The garden and discovering plants that have lain hidden gives her a focus in a sea where she had been floundering. She starts to realise several things and mentally, physically and emotionally the reader can see her growing stronger. Things with Leo fluctuate but the reader can see past hurts are making themselves known and perhaps with time, discussion, compassion and understanding many wrongs may be put right.
There was an underlying story regarding vandalism, destruction and unsettling events that I felt added some meat to the overall plot. I had a vague idea as to what was going and I was proven correct. But I felt it made Gemma spring into action more when Rowan and Willow were floundering. It gave her a great sense of purpose and I enjoyed how this element of the story played out. For me, The Twilight story was another success from Emma Davies. I have loved her books for a very long time, and I know I say this all the time but Amos from Merry Mistletoe is one character and it is one story I will never forget that will always hold a special place in my heart. But here the themes of finding oneself and security, providing second chances, letting go of the past, allowing yourself to heal and having the courage to initiate new beginnings all feature heavily and were deftly explored. This was a lovely atmospheric and charming read with a beautiful setting, well developed characters and packed full of hope, love, loss and healing.
Following the death of her mother, Gemma is preparing to step out once again into the corporate world of advertising. Her home has been leased out and this new job and new flat is the only thing that has kept her going through her grief. It’s a very difficult and emotional time for Gemma having retreated into a small bubble with her mother and all her time had been devoted to her. As she arrives to start her new job, once again disaster strikes and the rug is swept out from under her feet as the company has fallen into administration and the job is no longer there for her. I felt desperately sorry for her. Her confidence has taken a battering in so many ways and this new blow just adds to that problem. Due to a tenancy agreement she can’t get her house back for six months so with no home and no job and funds that will only go so far she has no clue where to turn to. But an advertisement seen in a magazine of a doctors office will change all that. A small holding run by Willow and Rowan in Cornwall is looking for help. Lodgings and food will be provided but there will be no pay. Something is calling to Gemma, and little does she realise when she answers that call that her life will be transformed in many ways.
Thistledown, the residence of Willow and Rowan, is not what Gemma expected once she arrives. The couple are a bit alternative and like to keep to themselves and never made much of an effort to connect with the local community for fear the residents would be against what they are trying to achieve. They wish to be self sufficient in as much as possible and use eco methods. The couple are lovely and I felt like Willow became like a sister figure to Gemma. She knew when to be with her and offer advice and to develop their friendship but yet she also was conscious when not to say anything or to pry to deep into Gemma’s emotional state and the reasons for her appearing at Thistledown. The small holding, gardens and farm dwelling become like a sanctuary to Gemma. One she didn’t fully realise that she needed considering she had been ready to jump straight back into the busy world that she had previously occupied. Taking the time to slow down and initially not being able to do much due to a busted ankle (an incident in which led to a very surprising turn in the story) she has no other option but to try and relax into this new way of life for six months and just go with the flow and see what magic Thistledown can work on her.
The incident fairly on in the book regarding Gemma’s ankle leads to her discovering that her ex-husband Leo is now helping out on the small holding. It’s twenty years since she has last seen him and this opens up a whole new can of worms on top of all the complications and issues she is attempting to work through. This all came as a bolt from the blur for both Gemma and the reader and I loved the way that Leo was introduced. I instantly had lots of questions considering he hadn’t been mentioned prior to him popping up again. There was something that clearly led to the breakdown of their marriage and I was dying to know what it was. To this end I felt this aspect of the story was very much a slow burner. Hints were given and I would have loved a bit more in-depth development of this throughout the story rather than coming near to the end. The pair blew so hot and cold with each other which is understandable and they let past grievances get the better of them but given so much time has elapsed was it right for Gemma to hold on to the tension, unease and unspoken words re the past or should she let things go?
Gemma is resetting and slowly finding the courage to change and given the title I did expect the garden to play more of a pivotal role than it did. Some research into the history of the land on which the small holding resides means that she uncovers a fascinating story. I would have loved a chapter or two from this period in history to bridge the gap between past and present but it sufficed without it. It was just the history lover in me coming out. As Gemma finds evidence of a once forgotten garden and is given permission to renovate it the countryside and sense of space and open air begins to rejuvenate her. The garden and discovering plants that have lain hidden gives her a focus in a sea where she had been floundering. She starts to realise several things and mentally, physically and emotionally the reader can see her growing stronger. Things with Leo fluctuate but the reader can see past hurts are making themselves known and perhaps with time, discussion, compassion and understanding many wrongs may be put right.
There was an underlying story regarding vandalism, destruction and unsettling events that I felt added some meat to the overall plot. I had a vague idea as to what was going and I was proven correct. But I felt it made Gemma spring into action more when Rowan and Willow were floundering. It gave her a great sense of purpose and I enjoyed how this element of the story played out. For me, The Twilight story was another success from Emma Davies. I have loved her books for a very long time, and I know I say this all the time but Amos from Merry Mistletoe is one character and it is one story I will never forget that will always hold a special place in my heart. But here the themes of finding oneself and security, providing second chances, letting go of the past, allowing yourself to heal and having the courage to initiate new beginnings all feature heavily and were deftly explored. This was a lovely atmospheric and charming read with a beautiful setting, well developed characters and packed full of hope, love, loss and healing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(3.5 stars)
To begin, I would like to thank both Emma Davies and Bookouture for allowing ARC copies on NetGalley in exchange for honest reviews. Thank yall!
The Twilight Garden follows the sole perspective of Gemma as she is attempting to get back on her feet after she seemingly loses her way within her professional life in the city. She feels as though she is nearing the end of her rope when she discovers a potential future in a very unlikely and hidden place. This is not just a story of giving love a second chance, but finding your true self through purpose. A purpose that may very well contradict your past and current trajectory.
The Twilight Garden is set within various parts of England. We get scenes showcasing the more chaotic and fast paced livelihoods within the busy city limits, with more focus being placed on the quieter and slower paced living within a more rural setting. I enjoyed this juxtaposition and how Gemma herself was reacclimating herself to this new lifestyle, hours away from the hustle and bustle of what she was so used to. Gemma being a middle aged character, I loved the whole message of its never too late to find where you belong. Some people just have a longer journey to take before they find their destination.
An aspect I enjoyed in this book, as well as others written by an author from a different country, are all the cultural differences you can notice throughout. While there are quite a few similarities between North America and England, it was interesting to see different words being used to describe things. For example, a trunk of a car being described as a boot or a doctor’s office being described as surgery. While mild, these alterations made me feel as though I was becoming one with the English culture and I enjoyed it!
What I will say about this book is that there seemed to be a bit of a lull in the middle of the story. More specifically, it felt like a whole lot was happening at the beginning and end, with a pretty large gap of more slice-of-life happening in between. While I do enjoy that slower and more focused writing, I did find several chapters dragging a bit too long as well as the pacing to be a bit unsteady. I genuinely feel like this book could have been at least 50 pages shorter and have felt more consistent if you will. This is the main reason for the 3 1/2 star rating.
When it comes to side characters, I am not the biggest fan of the best friends in books. For the most part, they either end up far too headstrong and pushy or are closeted mean girls. That being said, I actually enjoyed Cat as Gemma’s best friend. Sure, she had strong opinions about the choices Gemma was making but she did not have all the details from Gemma herself so I did not exactly blame her. Once the full truth of things came out, Cat was extremely supportive of Gemma’s decisions even when it came to Leo. Needless to say Cat and Leo did not end on the best of terms in the past but she was so quick to forgive and move on because that was what Gemma wanted. Top tier best friend right there!
As far as the second chance romance is concerned, I thought Emma wrote it quite well. While I will not spoil the full extent of the history between Gemma and Leo, I thought their interactions were quite realistic considering. There were times in which emotions ran high and they sort of fell back into their previous shortcomings of their relationship. On the flip side, they were able to take a step back, breathe and own up to their mistakes and genuinely apologize and listen to one another. This journey of personal growth and becoming reacquainted with their feelings for each other was one of the more beautiful aspects of this whole book.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good adult fiction following a more middle aged character who is still trying to figure things out. The honestly and humility shown in the writing was very well done and I think many people will be able to relate in one way or another!
Once again, thank you to Emma Davies and Bookouture for granting me access to your ARC! My opinions are my own.
To begin, I would like to thank both Emma Davies and Bookouture for allowing ARC copies on NetGalley in exchange for honest reviews. Thank yall!
The Twilight Garden follows the sole perspective of Gemma as she is attempting to get back on her feet after she seemingly loses her way within her professional life in the city. She feels as though she is nearing the end of her rope when she discovers a potential future in a very unlikely and hidden place. This is not just a story of giving love a second chance, but finding your true self through purpose. A purpose that may very well contradict your past and current trajectory.
The Twilight Garden is set within various parts of England. We get scenes showcasing the more chaotic and fast paced livelihoods within the busy city limits, with more focus being placed on the quieter and slower paced living within a more rural setting. I enjoyed this juxtaposition and how Gemma herself was reacclimating herself to this new lifestyle, hours away from the hustle and bustle of what she was so used to. Gemma being a middle aged character, I loved the whole message of its never too late to find where you belong. Some people just have a longer journey to take before they find their destination.
An aspect I enjoyed in this book, as well as others written by an author from a different country, are all the cultural differences you can notice throughout. While there are quite a few similarities between North America and England, it was interesting to see different words being used to describe things. For example, a trunk of a car being described as a boot or a doctor’s office being described as surgery. While mild, these alterations made me feel as though I was becoming one with the English culture and I enjoyed it!
What I will say about this book is that there seemed to be a bit of a lull in the middle of the story. More specifically, it felt like a whole lot was happening at the beginning and end, with a pretty large gap of more slice-of-life happening in between. While I do enjoy that slower and more focused writing, I did find several chapters dragging a bit too long as well as the pacing to be a bit unsteady. I genuinely feel like this book could have been at least 50 pages shorter and have felt more consistent if you will. This is the main reason for the 3 1/2 star rating.
When it comes to side characters, I am not the biggest fan of the best friends in books. For the most part, they either end up far too headstrong and pushy or are closeted mean girls. That being said, I actually enjoyed Cat as Gemma’s best friend. Sure, she had strong opinions about the choices Gemma was making but she did not have all the details from Gemma herself so I did not exactly blame her. Once the full truth of things came out, Cat was extremely supportive of Gemma’s decisions even when it came to Leo. Needless to say Cat and Leo did not end on the best of terms in the past but she was so quick to forgive and move on because that was what Gemma wanted. Top tier best friend right there!
As far as the second chance romance is concerned, I thought Emma wrote it quite well. While I will not spoil the full extent of the history between Gemma and Leo, I thought their interactions were quite realistic considering. There were times in which emotions ran high and they sort of fell back into their previous shortcomings of their relationship. On the flip side, they were able to take a step back, breathe and own up to their mistakes and genuinely apologize and listen to one another. This journey of personal growth and becoming reacquainted with their feelings for each other was one of the more beautiful aspects of this whole book.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good adult fiction following a more middle aged character who is still trying to figure things out. The honestly and humility shown in the writing was very well done and I think many people will be able to relate in one way or another!
Once again, thank you to Emma Davies and Bookouture for granting me access to your ARC! My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Twilight Garden is a tender, quietly enchanting story about second chances, unexpected connection, and the healing power of a place that seems to breathe hope back into those who need it most. From the moment Gemma arrives in the Cornish countryside, the novel wraps itself in a soft, restorative atmosphere — the hilltop garden, the crumbling walls, the sea glittering in the distance. It’s the kind of setting that feels almost medicinal, a place where the world slows down just enough for someone to find their footing again.
Gemma’s journey is written with a lovely, understated sensitivity. She’s a woman carrying old heartbreak and a sense of having lost herself somewhere along the way, and the garden becomes a quiet refuge where she can finally exhale. Her evening visits, working the soil under fading light, have a gentle rhythm that mirrors her gradual return to herself. The author captures that process beautifully — not dramatic, but deeply human.
Leo is a wonderful counterpart to her. Practical, steady, and quietly wounded in his own way, he brings a grounded warmth to the story. His instinct to fix things — with tools, with patience, with presence — gives their growing connection a soft, believable intimacy. Watching them work side by side, uncovering forgotten flowers and coaxing life back into the garden, feels like watching two people slowly remember how to hope again.
But the novel isn’t all serenity. The moment they realise someone else has been in the garden — someone intent on undoing what they’re creating — adds a thread of tension that sharpens the emotional stakes. The garden becomes more than a sanctuary; it becomes something worth fighting for, a symbol of the new beginnings both Gemma and Leo are trying to claim.
The writing is warm, lyrical, and quietly uplifting, with a lovely balance of heartbreak and renewal. The garden itself feels almost magical, not in a fantastical sense but in the way certain places can hold memories, mend spirits, and offer a gentle nudge toward the future.
Heartfelt, hopeful, and beautifully atmospheric, The Twilight Garden is a story about lost love, rediscovery, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life piece by piece. Fans of Sally Page, Amanda Prowse, and The Last List of Mabel Beaumont will find plenty to adore in this luminous, soul‑soothing novel.
With thanks to Emma Davies, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Gemma’s journey is written with a lovely, understated sensitivity. She’s a woman carrying old heartbreak and a sense of having lost herself somewhere along the way, and the garden becomes a quiet refuge where she can finally exhale. Her evening visits, working the soil under fading light, have a gentle rhythm that mirrors her gradual return to herself. The author captures that process beautifully — not dramatic, but deeply human.
Leo is a wonderful counterpart to her. Practical, steady, and quietly wounded in his own way, he brings a grounded warmth to the story. His instinct to fix things — with tools, with patience, with presence — gives their growing connection a soft, believable intimacy. Watching them work side by side, uncovering forgotten flowers and coaxing life back into the garden, feels like watching two people slowly remember how to hope again.
But the novel isn’t all serenity. The moment they realise someone else has been in the garden — someone intent on undoing what they’re creating — adds a thread of tension that sharpens the emotional stakes. The garden becomes more than a sanctuary; it becomes something worth fighting for, a symbol of the new beginnings both Gemma and Leo are trying to claim.
The writing is warm, lyrical, and quietly uplifting, with a lovely balance of heartbreak and renewal. The garden itself feels almost magical, not in a fantastical sense but in the way certain places can hold memories, mend spirits, and offer a gentle nudge toward the future.
Heartfelt, hopeful, and beautifully atmospheric, The Twilight Garden is a story about lost love, rediscovery, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life piece by piece. Fans of Sally Page, Amanda Prowse, and The Last List of Mabel Beaumont will find plenty to adore in this luminous, soul‑soothing novel.
With thanks to Emma Davies, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
September 10, 2026
Gemma loses her new job and her home all at the same time. Her only hope of salvation seems to be an obscure advert in a magazine offering board and lodging for help on a smallholding. Taking a leap of faith, she discovers a new lease of life and a reconnection with someone from her past.
As I started listening to The Twilight Garden by Emma Davies, I immediately felt sympathetic towards Gemma. Having spent the past year nursing her dying mother, work was the last thing on her mind. Looking for a fresh start, she has lined up a new job and tenants for her home. Unfortunately, things come crashing down when she discovers the job no longer exists, and her old job has gone. She doesn't want to inconvenience her friends or turn her new tenants away. It is easy to understand why she would leap at the chance of a job where she doesn't have to think about the demands of everyday life, giving her time to reflect and re-evaluate her priorities.
The new job isn't quite what Gemma was expecting, but with nowhere else to go, she decides to give it a chance. The smallholding is on land which was once part of a large estate. Keen to learn more about the history of the estate, Gemma uncovers what was once a well-established flower garden and sets about restoring it to its former glory. Along the way, Gemma learns new skills and develops new friendships.
There are surprises along the way. Not long after arriving at the smallholding, Gemma discovers that her ex-husband, Leo, also helps out. Learning that they divorced 18 years ago, my interest was immediately piqued, wondering why they had separated. There is also a mystery surrounding some of the things that keep going wrong; is someone trying to sabotage the work they are doing?
This is a genial story, with just enough mystery to keep you absorbed. The story surrounding the breakup of Gemma's marriage was an extremely poignant one, showing how grief affects people in different ways, and how essential communication is.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
As I started listening to The Twilight Garden by Emma Davies, I immediately felt sympathetic towards Gemma. Having spent the past year nursing her dying mother, work was the last thing on her mind. Looking for a fresh start, she has lined up a new job and tenants for her home. Unfortunately, things come crashing down when she discovers the job no longer exists, and her old job has gone. She doesn't want to inconvenience her friends or turn her new tenants away. It is easy to understand why she would leap at the chance of a job where she doesn't have to think about the demands of everyday life, giving her time to reflect and re-evaluate her priorities.
The new job isn't quite what Gemma was expecting, but with nowhere else to go, she decides to give it a chance. The smallholding is on land which was once part of a large estate. Keen to learn more about the history of the estate, Gemma uncovers what was once a well-established flower garden and sets about restoring it to its former glory. Along the way, Gemma learns new skills and develops new friendships.
There are surprises along the way. Not long after arriving at the smallholding, Gemma discovers that her ex-husband, Leo, also helps out. Learning that they divorced 18 years ago, my interest was immediately piqued, wondering why they had separated. There is also a mystery surrounding some of the things that keep going wrong; is someone trying to sabotage the work they are doing?
This is a genial story, with just enough mystery to keep you absorbed. The story surrounding the breakup of Gemma's marriage was an extremely poignant one, showing how grief affects people in different ways, and how essential communication is.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
September 10, 2026
The Twilight Garden by Emma Davies and Narrated by:Clare Corbett was an book/audiobook that was just beautifully written of hope, friendship and love. Once I started to listen to The Twilight Garden I just knew it was going to be an excellent audiobook and I was hooked. I just fell in love with the main character Gemma, she was so sweet but she has been through a lot recently Plus, she has always done the right thing, she works hard and cares for others. But what did she do wrong? when everything around her starts to fall apart!
Now, Gemma wanted a fresh start and especially as she is forty something and wants to find a new and better version of herself! She answers an ad to relocate to an old stone farmhouse perched on a Cornish hill, and to spend her days breathing life back into a tumbledown building.
Everyday Gemma finds herself drawn outside at dusk, and soon discovers a forgotten garden. Its walls are gently crumbling, the bright blooms that were once tended with such love just peeking through the soil.
Then one evening, Gemma sees a man from her past appears in the walled garden. He is the handyman for the owners.
WoW!!! Gemma shocked on who she sees in front of her! and they both know each other but haven't seen or spoke to each other for a very long time!!!
Is this Gemma's cue to pack her bags and leave?
What are they both going to do?
This Audiobook was so good and the narrator Clare Corbett was excellent and was a joy to listen to.
I highly recommend this audiobook/book. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
Now, Gemma wanted a fresh start and especially as she is forty something and wants to find a new and better version of herself! She answers an ad to relocate to an old stone farmhouse perched on a Cornish hill, and to spend her days breathing life back into a tumbledown building.
Everyday Gemma finds herself drawn outside at dusk, and soon discovers a forgotten garden. Its walls are gently crumbling, the bright blooms that were once tended with such love just peeking through the soil.
Then one evening, Gemma sees a man from her past appears in the walled garden. He is the handyman for the owners.
WoW!!! Gemma shocked on who she sees in front of her! and they both know each other but haven't seen or spoke to each other for a very long time!!!
Is this Gemma's cue to pack her bags and leave?
What are they both going to do?
This Audiobook was so good and the narrator Clare Corbett was excellent and was a joy to listen to.
I highly recommend this audiobook/book. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC.
Read
September 1, 2026Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and Bookouture audio for the ARC and ARC audiobook.
The Twilight Garden from it's description sounded like a cute cozy romance with personal growth. I'd agree with what I took from the description. It was a cute and cozy book, filled with friendship and warmth. It had personal growth, blooming friendship that turned into strong bonds becoming found family. 2nd chance romance in a way, however not the main point of the story I don't think. It has grief and loss and learning how to accept and overcome those tragedies. It also had the heartwarming community getting together to save these people trying to build a life they wanted and needed.
The story was written quite well in my opinion. I think some things would have been fun to have more brought about like maybe more of the history of the place or maybe in more depth. I think I'd like to have seen more of cat in the FMC new life. More of the story with Ashley's growth and events. I'd love more about the secret garden honestly, I was expecting more magic and development. Especially since it's called the twilight garden. I do understand the book was set in a few months and it does take time for the fixing up of it and growth.
The narrator in the audiobook had good cadence at 2x speed, it wasn't hard to listen to at that speed. I personally can't listen to slower speeds, so that is what I can judge on. I think she had a good voice, wasn't monotone.
Overall I like this book and I'd rate 3.5⭐
The Twilight Garden from it's description sounded like a cute cozy romance with personal growth. I'd agree with what I took from the description. It was a cute and cozy book, filled with friendship and warmth. It had personal growth, blooming friendship that turned into strong bonds becoming found family. 2nd chance romance in a way, however not the main point of the story I don't think. It has grief and loss and learning how to accept and overcome those tragedies. It also had the heartwarming community getting together to save these people trying to build a life they wanted and needed.
The story was written quite well in my opinion. I think some things would have been fun to have more brought about like maybe more of the history of the place or maybe in more depth. I think I'd like to have seen more of cat in the FMC new life. More of the story with Ashley's growth and events. I'd love more about the secret garden honestly, I was expecting more magic and development. Especially since it's called the twilight garden. I do understand the book was set in a few months and it does take time for the fixing up of it and growth.
The narrator in the audiobook had good cadence at 2x speed, it wasn't hard to listen to at that speed. I personally can't listen to slower speeds, so that is what I can judge on. I think she had a good voice, wasn't monotone.
Overall I like this book and I'd rate 3.5⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️
A delightfully feel-good story about friendship, second chances, and the importance of finding your way back to your true self.
When Gemma discovers that the dream job she’d been offered has completely fallen through, she decides it’s time for a change.
On a whim, she follows an advert she spots in an old magazine while sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, leading her to a run-down farm where she hopes to get back to nature and more importantly, rediscover the parts of herself she lost while caring for her dying mother.
Along the way, Gemma finds some fierce and unexpected friendships, a secret garden lost to history, and someone from her past she never thought she’d see again.
I really enjoyed this audiobook, beautifully narrated by Clare Corbett. There weren’t any huge dramatic surprises, and the story unfolded pretty much as I expected, but that didn’t stop it from being an enjoyable and comforting listen.
It’s probably not one I’ll return to, but I had a lot of fun spending time with these characters. I especially loved Willow and Rowan, who were rather naively trying to live the “good life” with somewhat questionable success. Their attempts added plenty of charm to the story.
Overall, a lovely, easy-going listen when you’re in the mood for something warm, uplifting and full of heart.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the audio arc in exchange for an honest review.
A delightfully feel-good story about friendship, second chances, and the importance of finding your way back to your true self.
When Gemma discovers that the dream job she’d been offered has completely fallen through, she decides it’s time for a change.
On a whim, she follows an advert she spots in an old magazine while sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, leading her to a run-down farm where she hopes to get back to nature and more importantly, rediscover the parts of herself she lost while caring for her dying mother.
Along the way, Gemma finds some fierce and unexpected friendships, a secret garden lost to history, and someone from her past she never thought she’d see again.
I really enjoyed this audiobook, beautifully narrated by Clare Corbett. There weren’t any huge dramatic surprises, and the story unfolded pretty much as I expected, but that didn’t stop it from being an enjoyable and comforting listen.
It’s probably not one I’ll return to, but I had a lot of fun spending time with these characters. I especially loved Willow and Rowan, who were rather naively trying to live the “good life” with somewhat questionable success. Their attempts added plenty of charm to the story.
Overall, a lovely, easy-going listen when you’re in the mood for something warm, uplifting and full of heart.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the audio arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE TWILIGHT GARDEN
By Emma Davies
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advance audio copy!
3.75 stars!
Plot:
Gemma finds herself at a crossroads after loss in both her personal and professional life. She responds to an ad for work in the English countryside, and sets off for a life changing journey. When she unexpectedly meets someone from her past, she must confront past heartache while deciding the future she really wants for herself.
Themes:
Friendship
Hope
Rekindled Romance
Personal growth
Overall review:
First, I really enjoyed this story, it was equal parts cozy and romantic. It also had a small mystery sub plot, which was fun! The story focused heavily on Gemma and her relationships, with herself and those around her. Her growth from previous versions of herself, to the woman she is today was mature and profound. Gemma took ownership of her mistakes and words in an upfront way, which I always appreciate from characters. Last, I am happy to see older characters in this story. As a person now in middle age, it is nice to have likeable, older characters be the main focus of the story.
Overall, a wonderful story, with great characters!
Audio review is 5/5! The narration was wonderful and soothing, making it a great listen!
Thanks again to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advance audio copy!
By Emma Davies
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advance audio copy!
3.75 stars!
Plot:
Gemma finds herself at a crossroads after loss in both her personal and professional life. She responds to an ad for work in the English countryside, and sets off for a life changing journey. When she unexpectedly meets someone from her past, she must confront past heartache while deciding the future she really wants for herself.
Themes:
Friendship
Hope
Rekindled Romance
Personal growth
Overall review:
First, I really enjoyed this story, it was equal parts cozy and romantic. It also had a small mystery sub plot, which was fun! The story focused heavily on Gemma and her relationships, with herself and those around her. Her growth from previous versions of herself, to the woman she is today was mature and profound. Gemma took ownership of her mistakes and words in an upfront way, which I always appreciate from characters. Last, I am happy to see older characters in this story. As a person now in middle age, it is nice to have likeable, older characters be the main focus of the story.
Overall, a wonderful story, with great characters!
Audio review is 5/5! The narration was wonderful and soothing, making it a great listen!
Thanks again to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advance audio copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A secret and forgotten garden sits on a hilltop in the Cornish countryside. The views from the garden are absolutely breathtaking. Every evening, before the sun fully sets, two individuals emerge to tend to the garden, dedicating themselves to restoring its beauty.
Gemma and Leo meet at the garden. Gemma seeks to move past the heartbreak of the past, feeling misunderstood. Leo, on the other hand, is constantly striving to rebuild his life after experiencing loss and brokenness. As they sow seeds to restore the garden’s beauty, will they also mend each other’s brokenness to the beauty they once possessed?
“The Twilight Garden,” an enchanting tale of hope penned by Emma Davies, captivated me from the very first page. I could vividly picture the breathtaking views of the Cornish countryside, with the sparkling sea shimmering like diamonds in my mind’s eye.
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this magical story. It resonated with me on a profound level, evoking feelings of warmth, hope, and the power to break down emotional barriers. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting, completely engrossed in its captivating narrative. I highly recommend this remarkable story to anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring read.
Grab your copy today!! https://amazn.so/TwilightGarden
Gemma and Leo meet at the garden. Gemma seeks to move past the heartbreak of the past, feeling misunderstood. Leo, on the other hand, is constantly striving to rebuild his life after experiencing loss and brokenness. As they sow seeds to restore the garden’s beauty, will they also mend each other’s brokenness to the beauty they once possessed?
“The Twilight Garden,” an enchanting tale of hope penned by Emma Davies, captivated me from the very first page. I could vividly picture the breathtaking views of the Cornish countryside, with the sparkling sea shimmering like diamonds in my mind’s eye.
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this magical story. It resonated with me on a profound level, evoking feelings of warmth, hope, and the power to break down emotional barriers. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting, completely engrossed in its captivating narrative. I highly recommend this remarkable story to anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring read.
Grab your copy today!! https://amazn.so/TwilightGarden
September 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Emma Davies for providing this ARC of The Twilight Garden in exchange for my review.
⭐⭐ 3/5 stars ⭐⭐
Anything with a secret garden going on is basically catnip to me, so I was intrigued going in, but I did genuinely struggle with this one. The pacing felt off, my connection to some of the characters felt off, and it wasn't really until closer to the end that I worked out why. Which is such a strange way to experience a book, sort of reading on with a nagging feeling rather than actually enjoying the ride.
Meeting Willow and Rowan felt like the real start of Gemma's second chance, though. I could properly picture the two of them, all kindness and hope, taking in a total stranger while still building their own home up around them. And for Gemma, lost and hopeless as she was, sometimes running away really is the only way to get some clarity. Though running into her ex-husband Leo along the way was very much a twist she was not prepared for.
There were a few decent twists and turns dotted through this one, and while I'd worked out who the protagonist actually was fairly early, their reasons stayed a mystery until it was properly explained later on. All in all this is a solid second-chance story, I just went in expecting it to feel a bit more magical than it ultimately did.
⭐⭐ 3/5 stars ⭐⭐
Anything with a secret garden going on is basically catnip to me, so I was intrigued going in, but I did genuinely struggle with this one. The pacing felt off, my connection to some of the characters felt off, and it wasn't really until closer to the end that I worked out why. Which is such a strange way to experience a book, sort of reading on with a nagging feeling rather than actually enjoying the ride.
Meeting Willow and Rowan felt like the real start of Gemma's second chance, though. I could properly picture the two of them, all kindness and hope, taking in a total stranger while still building their own home up around them. And for Gemma, lost and hopeless as she was, sometimes running away really is the only way to get some clarity. Though running into her ex-husband Leo along the way was very much a twist she was not prepared for.
There were a few decent twists and turns dotted through this one, and while I'd worked out who the protagonist actually was fairly early, their reasons stayed a mystery until it was properly explained later on. All in all this is a solid second-chance story, I just went in expecting it to feel a bit more magical than it ultimately did.
September 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
The Twilight Garden was a nice enough listen, but unfortunately not one that really stood out for me. I finished it about a week ago and already found myself struggling to remember some of the details when I came to write this review, which probably sums up my feelings about it.
Gemma finds herself at a bit of a crossroads in life and heads to Thistledown, a smallholding in Cornwall, where she can stay in return for helping out. What she isn’t expecting is to discover that Leo, her ex-husband who she hasn’t seen for twenty years, is also there.
I liked the idea behind the story, particularly the forgotten garden and the way restoring it mirrored Gemma and Leo trying to rebuild parts of their own lives. The Cornish setting was lovely and there are themes of friendship, community, healing and second chances throughout.
There is also a mystery element when someone begins deliberately damaging what they’re creating, which added a little more to the story.
Overall, it was an okay listen. I enjoyed it while I was listening, but I never became particularly invested and it hasn’t really stayed with me afterwards. I think readers who enjoy gentle, slower stories about new beginnings, community and second chances will probably get much more from it than I did
The Twilight Garden was a nice enough listen, but unfortunately not one that really stood out for me. I finished it about a week ago and already found myself struggling to remember some of the details when I came to write this review, which probably sums up my feelings about it.
Gemma finds herself at a bit of a crossroads in life and heads to Thistledown, a smallholding in Cornwall, where she can stay in return for helping out. What she isn’t expecting is to discover that Leo, her ex-husband who she hasn’t seen for twenty years, is also there.
I liked the idea behind the story, particularly the forgotten garden and the way restoring it mirrored Gemma and Leo trying to rebuild parts of their own lives. The Cornish setting was lovely and there are themes of friendship, community, healing and second chances throughout.
There is also a mystery element when someone begins deliberately damaging what they’re creating, which added a little more to the story.
Overall, it was an okay listen. I enjoyed it while I was listening, but I never became particularly invested and it hasn’t really stayed with me afterwards. I think readers who enjoy gentle, slower stories about new beginnings, community and second chances will probably get much more from it than I did
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The cover and title of The Twilight Garden had a truly magical quality that instantly drew me in and the audiobook did not disappoint. The narrator's soothing, heartwarming voice was absolute perfection, complementing the tranquil and emotional tone of the story beautifully.
Following Gemma as she navigates grief, career changes and the journey back to herself was deeply moving. I particularly fell in love with the lush descriptions of the farm and the self-sufficient lifestyle; it was so vividly painted that I found myself dreaming of a similar life on the Cornish hillsides. It is a cosy, uplifting and emotional tale anchored by themes of hope, resilience and chasing your dreams, complete with a few unexpected plot twists along the way.
One quote from Rowan that particularly stayed with me was, "Each thing in its own time", a lovely reminder to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or waiting anxiously for the future.
If I had one minor wish, it would have been for a little more exploration into the supporting characters, Leo, Willow, and Rowan, to give the broader ensemble even more depth. Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly engaging, delightful, and inspiring listen.
Following Gemma as she navigates grief, career changes and the journey back to herself was deeply moving. I particularly fell in love with the lush descriptions of the farm and the self-sufficient lifestyle; it was so vividly painted that I found myself dreaming of a similar life on the Cornish hillsides. It is a cosy, uplifting and emotional tale anchored by themes of hope, resilience and chasing your dreams, complete with a few unexpected plot twists along the way.
One quote from Rowan that particularly stayed with me was, "Each thing in its own time", a lovely reminder to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or waiting anxiously for the future.
If I had one minor wish, it would have been for a little more exploration into the supporting characters, Leo, Willow, and Rowan, to give the broader ensemble even more depth. Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly engaging, delightful, and inspiring listen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Twilight Garden by Emma Davis is a heartwarming and uplifting story about healing, second chances, and finding yourself after heartbreak. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cornish countryside, the novel brings the mysterious rediscovered garden to life, creating a magical atmosphere that feels like a character in its own right.
Gemma and Leo are relatable, well-developed characters whose shared struggles and growing connection make the story engaging and emotionally satisfying. Their work restoring the garden mirrors their own journeys of recovery and renewal, adding depth to the romance and personal growth themes.
While the plot occasionally follows a familiar path, the charming setting, poignant moments, and touch of suspense surrounding the garden keep the pages turning. Fans of emotional women's fiction and stories about hope, resilience, and fresh beginnings will find plenty to love.
Overall, The Twilight Garden is a comforting and captivating read that beautifully illustrates how broken things, whether gardens or hearts, can bloom again with care and patience.
Gemma and Leo are relatable, well-developed characters whose shared struggles and growing connection make the story engaging and emotionally satisfying. Their work restoring the garden mirrors their own journeys of recovery and renewal, adding depth to the romance and personal growth themes.
While the plot occasionally follows a familiar path, the charming setting, poignant moments, and touch of suspense surrounding the garden keep the pages turning. Fans of emotional women's fiction and stories about hope, resilience, and fresh beginnings will find plenty to love.
Overall, The Twilight Garden is a comforting and captivating read that beautifully illustrates how broken things, whether gardens or hearts, can bloom again with care and patience.
September 5, 2026
I really enjoyed getting to know Gemma as she turns her life around after the loss of her mother.
Rejected from her old job she ends up taking a step back from the rat race and offering support on a farm that turns out to be so much more.
Ex teachers Willow and Rowan have a dream to enjoy life and be part of a more environmentally friendly life.
With patchy internet and phone reception she ends up in the local cafe and befriends the shy Ashley, a stay at home wife.
She also comes face to face with Leo, a face from the past.
Initially, Gemma is quite annoying and judgemental, eventually as she let’s go of her past and learns to step into tbe present she becomes an enjoyable character. After her injury she is rendered off duty, in this time she starts to find out more about the history of the Farm and its land.
There is also a giant dog who loves a cuddle, cake, chickens, fresh eggs, hares and a level of community spirit.
Whilst breaking down her walls, she learns not all can be trusted and some deserve 2nd chances.
A beautiful 5 Star Read.
Rejected from her old job she ends up taking a step back from the rat race and offering support on a farm that turns out to be so much more.
Ex teachers Willow and Rowan have a dream to enjoy life and be part of a more environmentally friendly life.
With patchy internet and phone reception she ends up in the local cafe and befriends the shy Ashley, a stay at home wife.
She also comes face to face with Leo, a face from the past.
Initially, Gemma is quite annoying and judgemental, eventually as she let’s go of her past and learns to step into tbe present she becomes an enjoyable character. After her injury she is rendered off duty, in this time she starts to find out more about the history of the Farm and its land.
There is also a giant dog who loves a cuddle, cake, chickens, fresh eggs, hares and a level of community spirit.
Whilst breaking down her walls, she learns not all can be trusted and some deserve 2nd chances.
A beautiful 5 Star Read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve always very much enjoyed Emma Davies’ writing - but this gorgeous story was absolutely enchanting, focused on the healing powers of both nature and supportive relationships with characters who entirely stole my heart.
There’s an extraordinary sense of place - the Cornish smallholding that gives Gemma a feeling of hope and a fresh sense of purpose - with some of the most perfect quiet moments that fill your heart with joy. It’s a place where grief - and life-changing mistakes - can be laid to rest while clearing the brambles and digging the soil, and perhaps love can at last find a way.
When their sanctuary is threatened, the story does change gear a little - and the cast grows bigger when the local community become involved, with some of the most lovely heartwarming moments. The whole story is gently and beautifully told, and filled with love - both romance and pulling together for reasons they fervently believe in. Fresh starts, new beginnings, hope for a happier future - my goodness, it was just wonderful.
There’s an extraordinary sense of place - the Cornish smallholding that gives Gemma a feeling of hope and a fresh sense of purpose - with some of the most perfect quiet moments that fill your heart with joy. It’s a place where grief - and life-changing mistakes - can be laid to rest while clearing the brambles and digging the soil, and perhaps love can at last find a way.
When their sanctuary is threatened, the story does change gear a little - and the cast grows bigger when the local community become involved, with some of the most lovely heartwarming moments. The whole story is gently and beautifully told, and filled with love - both romance and pulling together for reasons they fervently believe in. Fresh starts, new beginnings, hope for a happier future - my goodness, it was just wonderful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Netgalley & Bookouture for the Audio ARC of The Twilight Garden by Emma Davies. I rated this one 4/5 stars.
This one is contemporary romance with second chance & forced proximity tropes. The story also has a growing/finding true self aspect to it with a tiny side of mystery thrown in.
We follow our main character Gemma as she takes a live-in position at a countryside home that needs some love while the owners work on making a self-sustaining lifestyle at the country home. An injury takes Gemma off physical labor duty for a bit, and she does some research on the home to discover a long-lost garden that she cannot wait to get her hands into and find what is left in the ground to work with. Leo the handyman is also trying to find himself & make a life that he loves. He decides to help Gemma with her garden dreams in the hopes of helping to heal her heart & maybe his as well.
This was a fun read that has many other side story characters that play very important parts throughout Gemma & Leo’s journeys. The story shows how love & friendship can help heal even the most stubborn/down & out situations. Giving a much brighter outlook on the future & helping someone realize they are still worthy of everything life has to offer. It is a clean romance, so nothing scandalous, very simple in that regard which I did not mind at all.
Narrator Clare Corbett did a great job bringing the story to life & letting us feel all the ups & downs that Gemma experiences as she tries to find a new place in her own life.
This one is contemporary romance with second chance & forced proximity tropes. The story also has a growing/finding true self aspect to it with a tiny side of mystery thrown in.
We follow our main character Gemma as she takes a live-in position at a countryside home that needs some love while the owners work on making a self-sustaining lifestyle at the country home. An injury takes Gemma off physical labor duty for a bit, and she does some research on the home to discover a long-lost garden that she cannot wait to get her hands into and find what is left in the ground to work with. Leo the handyman is also trying to find himself & make a life that he loves. He decides to help Gemma with her garden dreams in the hopes of helping to heal her heart & maybe his as well.
This was a fun read that has many other side story characters that play very important parts throughout Gemma & Leo’s journeys. The story shows how love & friendship can help heal even the most stubborn/down & out situations. Giving a much brighter outlook on the future & helping someone realize they are still worthy of everything life has to offer. It is a clean romance, so nothing scandalous, very simple in that regard which I did not mind at all.
Narrator Clare Corbett did a great job bringing the story to life & letting us feel all the ups & downs that Gemma experiences as she tries to find a new place in her own life.
September 6, 2026
Review of ARC copy from NetGalley
Pour yourself a mug of tea (or hot cocoa, really) and tuck yourself into this cozy story. The Twilight Garden is a perfect early autumn listen when you’re ready for cool evenings with an audiobook. The singular narrator is a perfect balance reading with each character’s voices and intonations. The story through The Twilight Garden is a romance, and it does include a happily ever after, but I would not define the romance as its central theme. The crowning glory of this story is the journey our main character, Gemma, takes to understand who she is and what she wants in her life, as a woman in her 40s, grieving the loss of her parents, and the end of her career. The novel includes a few unexpected twists, delightful secondary characters at the farm and small town where Gemma finds herself, and beautiful descriptions of the farm and garden where Gemma finds herself. The Twilight Garden was a cozy, fun read. I recommend you give it a listen.
Pour yourself a mug of tea (or hot cocoa, really) and tuck yourself into this cozy story. The Twilight Garden is a perfect early autumn listen when you’re ready for cool evenings with an audiobook. The singular narrator is a perfect balance reading with each character’s voices and intonations. The story through The Twilight Garden is a romance, and it does include a happily ever after, but I would not define the romance as its central theme. The crowning glory of this story is the journey our main character, Gemma, takes to understand who she is and what she wants in her life, as a woman in her 40s, grieving the loss of her parents, and the end of her career. The novel includes a few unexpected twists, delightful secondary characters at the farm and small town where Gemma finds herself, and beautiful descriptions of the farm and garden where Gemma finds herself. The Twilight Garden was a cozy, fun read. I recommend you give it a listen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of The Twilight Garden in exchange for an honest review. This is a story about how grief can change you but show you how much love can heal. How time can change your perspective and how to lean on those around you to find comfort and not look for blame. To never give up and trust that change can be good and to look forward.
Gemma had a lot of grief to handle, the loss of her father, mother, and a marriage that fell apart with so much hurt. In a life altering decision, she moved to a small town to live on a farm with a wonderful couple. It is here she is reunited with Leo, her ex-husband. She had so much to resolve and this book dives into her emotions and feelings while doing so.
This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances, and community.
Gemma had a lot of grief to handle, the loss of her father, mother, and a marriage that fell apart with so much hurt. In a life altering decision, she moved to a small town to live on a farm with a wonderful couple. It is here she is reunited with Leo, her ex-husband. She had so much to resolve and this book dives into her emotions and feelings while doing so.
This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances, and community.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐️
This was a very gentle and undemanding read about the joy of resetting and reimagining what you want your life to look like. And about finding the courage to make a big change, both in rethinking your future and in facing up to mistakes you might have made in the past.
I enjoyed the slow pace, the setting, the characters and the slight underlying mystery. And I felt the conclusion was very satisfying, leaving me feeling uplifted.
However, the relationship between the fmc and mmc seemed to be lacking a lot of detail and growth. Other than two or three arguments and a posy of flowers, nothing really seemed to happen between them. Certainly nothing that would justify the sudden forgiveness of all grudges left over from a time of traumatic loss and divorce. Don’t get me wrong, I loved how it ended. But it all seemed too easy and shallow, with no real deep emotional exploration.
And in the same vein, considering the book is named after a particular garden it also didn’t really seem to get much of a mention. It would have been nice to spend some more time both in the garden, and in our mc’s relationship.
I did still enjoy my time here though, and would recommend to anyone looking for a soft and easy read.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this eARC.
This was a very gentle and undemanding read about the joy of resetting and reimagining what you want your life to look like. And about finding the courage to make a big change, both in rethinking your future and in facing up to mistakes you might have made in the past.
I enjoyed the slow pace, the setting, the characters and the slight underlying mystery. And I felt the conclusion was very satisfying, leaving me feeling uplifted.
However, the relationship between the fmc and mmc seemed to be lacking a lot of detail and growth. Other than two or three arguments and a posy of flowers, nothing really seemed to happen between them. Certainly nothing that would justify the sudden forgiveness of all grudges left over from a time of traumatic loss and divorce. Don’t get me wrong, I loved how it ended. But it all seemed too easy and shallow, with no real deep emotional exploration.
And in the same vein, considering the book is named after a particular garden it also didn’t really seem to get much of a mention. It would have been nice to spend some more time both in the garden, and in our mc’s relationship.
I did still enjoy my time here though, and would recommend to anyone looking for a soft and easy read.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Twilight Garden
Author: Emma Davies
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narrator: Clare Corbett
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: September 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
This is a story of hope, friendship and love and features Gemma and Leo.
Story starts with Gemma moving to Cornish for employment. She is hopeful the change will help her to deal with her heartache and grief.
Her new flat is near a beautiful garden which soon becomes a welcome refuge.
Leo is a man from Gemma’s past.
Hmmm might there be a HEA?
I am a big thriller fan and sometimes I need a nice light reading plus it was enjoyable.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 3, 2026.
Author: Emma Davies
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narrator: Clare Corbett
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: September 3, 2026
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
This is a story of hope, friendship and love and features Gemma and Leo.
Story starts with Gemma moving to Cornish for employment. She is hopeful the change will help her to deal with her heartache and grief.
Her new flat is near a beautiful garden which soon becomes a welcome refuge.
Leo is a man from Gemma’s past.
Hmmm might there be a HEA?
I am a big thriller fan and sometimes I need a nice light reading plus it was enjoyable.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A beautifully written story about heartache and finding yourself again.
Gemma has come to a Cornish hillside after answering a job advertisement she was told about, the application phone call left her slightly apprehensive as the lady, Willow was slightly vague about the job.
When she arrives at the premises which appear very rundown and she can see how much work may need to be done, she is shocked to find out that her employer have a very relaxed eco friendly way of doing things - completely out of her comfort zone.
While working one day she has an accident and she comes face to face with none other than her ex husband Leo. What the hell is he doing here?
Things turn even more interesting when things happen to the farm with no explanation and it appears someone has a vendetta against Willow & Rowan, but is this truly the case?
Gemma has come to a Cornish hillside after answering a job advertisement she was told about, the application phone call left her slightly apprehensive as the lady, Willow was slightly vague about the job.
When she arrives at the premises which appear very rundown and she can see how much work may need to be done, she is shocked to find out that her employer have a very relaxed eco friendly way of doing things - completely out of her comfort zone.
While working one day she has an accident and she comes face to face with none other than her ex husband Leo. What the hell is he doing here?
Things turn even more interesting when things happen to the farm with no explanation and it appears someone has a vendetta against Willow & Rowan, but is this truly the case?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review ahead of publication; ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley.
This book does not have a Twilight Garden. I expected a cozy fantasy book about at least a bit of magic. It is not. It is a cozy romance. Nothing fancy, no surprises. Except that there is really no garden, just hints of gardens past and future. It is well paced and easy to get through in a day or two. The characters were a bit underdeveloped and lacked some depth, however the phenomenal narration in the audiobook brought them to life. Sometimes the characters got a bit preachy about their preferred life lessons.
The story takes place at an old Cornwall property named Thistledown. I'm sure I won't be the only one to think it sounds like Whistledown.
Incidently there is another book called The Twilight Garden that is about an urban community garden. This is not that. Though it is about community and gardening.
This book does not have a Twilight Garden. I expected a cozy fantasy book about at least a bit of magic. It is not. It is a cozy romance. Nothing fancy, no surprises. Except that there is really no garden, just hints of gardens past and future. It is well paced and easy to get through in a day or two. The characters were a bit underdeveloped and lacked some depth, however the phenomenal narration in the audiobook brought them to life. Sometimes the characters got a bit preachy about their preferred life lessons.
The story takes place at an old Cornwall property named Thistledown. I'm sure I won't be the only one to think it sounds like Whistledown.
Incidently there is another book called The Twilight Garden that is about an urban community garden. This is not that. Though it is about community and gardening.
September 3, 2026
A great read. Gemma is hurting, looking to get her life back on track after the loss of her mother whom she care for. But also we learn, she is still grieving the loss of her father nearly 20 years ago. Gemma tries to follow her heart and looks for something that will make happy.
She answers an ad for a live in farm help with Willow and Rowan and her life suddenly becomes full. A few twists along the way, an ex husband and a new friend who isn’t quiet what she seems, but I loved how Gemma took the time to really think about the things that made her happy and then work on getting them.
The whole sense of community by the end of the book, was very touching, and I loved how Willow and Rowan’s vision for Thistledown also fit the needs of so many people in the community.
An easy and heart warming read, with plenty of fresh air to boot.
She answers an ad for a live in farm help with Willow and Rowan and her life suddenly becomes full. A few twists along the way, an ex husband and a new friend who isn’t quiet what she seems, but I loved how Gemma took the time to really think about the things that made her happy and then work on getting them.
The whole sense of community by the end of the book, was very touching, and I loved how Willow and Rowan’s vision for Thistledown also fit the needs of so many people in the community.
An easy and heart warming read, with plenty of fresh air to boot.
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