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Dare River #2
The Chocolate Garden
Visionary gardener Tammy Hollins is making a new life for herself and her children after a tragic marriage. Plants she understands, but men…well, they’re of the weed variety. She’s started her own landscaping business, catering to her country music rock star brother’s friends. Her first client is sexy, soulful, Alpha hero material, and the one man who tantalizes her and scares her to death.
John Parker McGuiness is a man of many talents, working as a songwriter and lawyer for country music’s biggest stars. He’s drawn to Tammy like no other and hires her as his landscaper, wanting to show her they’re made for each other. When Tammy learns he’s a professed chocoholic, she fashions a magical garden for him—a chocolate garden.
As the garden comes to life, their love for each other grows. When tragedy strikes Tammy’s home, John Parker is willing to move mountains to protect her and her children. Tammy struggles to guard her newfound independence as they use the magic of the chocolate garden to help her children feel safe again. But when secrets from Tammy’s past resurface, can their love and passion survive the memories haunting her?
John Parker McGuiness is a man of many talents, working as a songwriter and lawyer for country music’s biggest stars. He’s drawn to Tammy like no other and hires her as his landscaper, wanting to show her they’re made for each other. When Tammy learns he’s a professed chocoholic, she fashions a magical garden for him—a chocolate garden.
As the garden comes to life, their love for each other grows. When tragedy strikes Tammy’s home, John Parker is willing to move mountains to protect her and her children. Tammy struggles to guard her newfound independence as they use the magic of the chocolate garden to help her children feel safe again. But when secrets from Tammy’s past resurface, can their love and passion survive the memories haunting her?
446 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2014
3032 people are currently reading
1986 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
101 books1,138 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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August 12, 2014
The Chocolate Garden by Ava Miles is book two in the Dare River series. I fell in love with Rye, Tory, and Rye’s family in Country Heaven so I couldn’t wait to read Tammy’s story.
Tammy Hollins is the sister of Rye Crenshaw, the famous country music star. Tammy had a stiff upbringing, taught to abide by all rules of Mrs. Augusta’s rules of etiquette. So it was against everything she was taught to admit that her marriage was a horror story. Not only did Sterling cheat on her, he hurt her. When Rye re-entered their life, he and Tory brought with them the power of love and healing, and the chance at a better life. So Tammy and her children have begun the process of healing while living at Rye’s beautiful estate. Tammy discovered she had a natural talent for designing beautiful landscapes and Rye is her first customer. So she decides to start her own company, Visionary Gardening. But healing is a slow process. And it is harder even to shake the Southern rules that have been pounded into her since she was born. Her children have done so well. They are running, playing, laughing, like children should. Rye’s best friend, John Parker, has been showing up at their door more and more often. There is a look in his eyes that says he is interested in more than just friendship. But is she ready?
John Parker McGuiness, “sigh!” This man is everything dreams are made of. He is a songwriter and a lawyer. And he is in love with Tammy Hollins.
“He’d gone over the falls in a barrel, as Rye was fond of saying, and he darn well knew it.
The gentleman respected her boundaries. The man fantasized about her surrender. Patience, he told himself.”
John Parker is a gentleman through and through. And he will give Tammy all the time and space she needs to heal. But when she is ready, he will be there.
Tammy is getting stronger and finding her independence more and more every day. John Parker has asked her to landscape his property. He thinks it will be the perfect way for them to spend more time together and get to know one another. And when Tammy finds out he is a chocoholic, she decides to design him a chocolate garden, never realizing the important part the garden would play in her, the children and John Parker’s lives.
Just when everything is going so well, something happens to shake all of them to the core. So Tammy and the children move to John Parker’s house. But the children are still traumatized. So John Parker and Tammy weave a magical tale of fairies and magic dust and chocolate within the borders of the chocolate garden. But that garden does so much more than help the children. Can it’s magic help John Parker and Tammy find true happiness as well?
“Love Wins, and she thought, yes, it always does.”
This book was just so wonderful. There are characters that you will hate and characters you will love. In Country Heaven we first met Tammy’s children, Rory and Annabelle. And let me tell you that Rory is one little boy you will never forget. I can’t count how many times he made my eyes water in this book. This book is about the true healing power of love, both through family and outside of it. Add a touch of a magical chocolate garden and you have a truly wonderful book.
“Dreams are just visions we haven’t experienced yet. Doesn’t make them any less real.”
Tammy Hollins is the sister of Rye Crenshaw, the famous country music star. Tammy had a stiff upbringing, taught to abide by all rules of Mrs. Augusta’s rules of etiquette. So it was against everything she was taught to admit that her marriage was a horror story. Not only did Sterling cheat on her, he hurt her. When Rye re-entered their life, he and Tory brought with them the power of love and healing, and the chance at a better life. So Tammy and her children have begun the process of healing while living at Rye’s beautiful estate. Tammy discovered she had a natural talent for designing beautiful landscapes and Rye is her first customer. So she decides to start her own company, Visionary Gardening. But healing is a slow process. And it is harder even to shake the Southern rules that have been pounded into her since she was born. Her children have done so well. They are running, playing, laughing, like children should. Rye’s best friend, John Parker, has been showing up at their door more and more often. There is a look in his eyes that says he is interested in more than just friendship. But is she ready?
John Parker McGuiness, “sigh!” This man is everything dreams are made of. He is a songwriter and a lawyer. And he is in love with Tammy Hollins.
“He’d gone over the falls in a barrel, as Rye was fond of saying, and he darn well knew it.
The gentleman respected her boundaries. The man fantasized about her surrender. Patience, he told himself.”
John Parker is a gentleman through and through. And he will give Tammy all the time and space she needs to heal. But when she is ready, he will be there.
Tammy is getting stronger and finding her independence more and more every day. John Parker has asked her to landscape his property. He thinks it will be the perfect way for them to spend more time together and get to know one another. And when Tammy finds out he is a chocoholic, she decides to design him a chocolate garden, never realizing the important part the garden would play in her, the children and John Parker’s lives.
Just when everything is going so well, something happens to shake all of them to the core. So Tammy and the children move to John Parker’s house. But the children are still traumatized. So John Parker and Tammy weave a magical tale of fairies and magic dust and chocolate within the borders of the chocolate garden. But that garden does so much more than help the children. Can it’s magic help John Parker and Tammy find true happiness as well?
“Love Wins, and she thought, yes, it always does.”
This book was just so wonderful. There are characters that you will hate and characters you will love. In Country Heaven we first met Tammy’s children, Rory and Annabelle. And let me tell you that Rory is one little boy you will never forget. I can’t count how many times he made my eyes water in this book. This book is about the true healing power of love, both through family and outside of it. Add a touch of a magical chocolate garden and you have a truly wonderful book.
“Dreams are just visions we haven’t experienced yet. Doesn’t make them any less real.”
September 30, 2014
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Tammy Hollins escaped from an abusive marriage and the tyranny of a mother who valued propriety over everything else. She and her two children have found sanctuary at her brother's home where she discovers her talent for landscape architecture. John Parker McGuiness, her brother's lawyer and a songwriter, falls for Tammy from the start and engages her to landscape his property. What she creates for him is just magical, not to mention delicious!
What I enjoyed
There was something almost spiritual about the creation of this garden with its chocolate theme. Pulling it together healed not only Tammy but her traumatized children. John Parker was the chocoholic but everyone involved seem to benefit from the project. It was uplifting to watch as Tammy became more confident and resilient. He was a dream in the romance as he tried to find that balance between being overly alpha protective and a Southern gentleman. It all worked really well as everything seemed to culminate with the completion of that garden.
The bottom line
Who knew there were so many plant varieties associated with chocolate? Be sure to have some sweets close by as you'll surely crave them while reading this book. It's a wonderful journey I enjoyed making with these characters as they worked to heal themselves, find new paths and create loving relationships. It's a wonderful story.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Quick summary
Tammy Hollins escaped from an abusive marriage and the tyranny of a mother who valued propriety over everything else. She and her two children have found sanctuary at her brother's home where she discovers her talent for landscape architecture. John Parker McGuiness, her brother's lawyer and a songwriter, falls for Tammy from the start and engages her to landscape his property. What she creates for him is just magical, not to mention delicious!
What I enjoyed
There was something almost spiritual about the creation of this garden with its chocolate theme. Pulling it together healed not only Tammy but her traumatized children. John Parker was the chocoholic but everyone involved seem to benefit from the project. It was uplifting to watch as Tammy became more confident and resilient. He was a dream in the romance as he tried to find that balance between being overly alpha protective and a Southern gentleman. It all worked really well as everything seemed to culminate with the completion of that garden.
The bottom line
Who knew there were so many plant varieties associated with chocolate? Be sure to have some sweets close by as you'll surely crave them while reading this book. It's a wonderful journey I enjoyed making with these characters as they worked to heal themselves, find new paths and create loving relationships. It's a wonderful story.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
October 30, 2015
I have read better....
I hate writing poor reviews, but I had no choice. This book may have held promise, but this book lacked focus. The repeat of internal thought, the rehash of a past, and the slowest growth of a character has me reconsidering finishing the reading of this book. I can actually feel the time slip through my hands in the same grueling pace of this story.
I happen to be a sympathetic person, but even they way the Tammy plays the martyr card while trying to find her inner strength was rubbing my nerves raw. Good thing John Parker was a saint, but even with that in mind.... I just couldn't engage in the story flow.
The additional characters and the previous storyline put too much fluff and not enough focus on the story. The secondary story brewing seemed more interesting to me, but sadly there was too much given in this book to interest me into reading the next book.
While I saw so many 5 star reviews, I just could not lie about my feelings for this book. This book was not for me.
I hate writing poor reviews, but I had no choice. This book may have held promise, but this book lacked focus. The repeat of internal thought, the rehash of a past, and the slowest growth of a character has me reconsidering finishing the reading of this book. I can actually feel the time slip through my hands in the same grueling pace of this story.
I happen to be a sympathetic person, but even they way the Tammy plays the martyr card while trying to find her inner strength was rubbing my nerves raw. Good thing John Parker was a saint, but even with that in mind.... I just couldn't engage in the story flow.
The additional characters and the previous storyline put too much fluff and not enough focus on the story. The secondary story brewing seemed more interesting to me, but sadly there was too much given in this book to interest me into reading the next book.
While I saw so many 5 star reviews, I just could not lie about my feelings for this book. This book was not for me.
November 23, 2025
Another wonderful storytelling by Ava Miles, The Chocolate Garden is a fabulous way to spend the day.
Tammy Hollins has recently escaped an abusive marriage. With the support of her brother, she is ready to start anew by taking her love for gardening and turning it into a career.
John Parker McGuiness is a hot and talented songwriter. He has had his sights on Tammy Hollins and her two adorable children. Knowing she has wounds that need healing, John Parker has given Tammy time, but he has a plan. Capture Tammy's interest and maybe her heart by hiring her to create his new garden.
If there ever was a perfect man, John Parker McGuiness just might be it. Maybe his patience is running a little thin, but who wouldn't after a year plus waiting.
Ava Miles once again captures the small-town USA and family dynamic perfectly. We are pulled into this fictional family of love, flaws and the struggle of self-reinvention. Previous characters and storylines continue but flow right into JP and Tammy's adventure; It brings us immediately back into the comfort of the familiar hometown feel.
Grab your cup of tea, then immerse yourself in this comforting southern town...the feeling of home.
I received this ARC copy of The Chocolate Garden from Aspendawn Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication August 12, 2014.
Tammy Hollins has recently escaped an abusive marriage. With the support of her brother, she is ready to start anew by taking her love for gardening and turning it into a career.
John Parker McGuiness is a hot and talented songwriter. He has had his sights on Tammy Hollins and her two adorable children. Knowing she has wounds that need healing, John Parker has given Tammy time, but he has a plan. Capture Tammy's interest and maybe her heart by hiring her to create his new garden.
If there ever was a perfect man, John Parker McGuiness just might be it. Maybe his patience is running a little thin, but who wouldn't after a year plus waiting.
Ava Miles once again captures the small-town USA and family dynamic perfectly. We are pulled into this fictional family of love, flaws and the struggle of self-reinvention. Previous characters and storylines continue but flow right into JP and Tammy's adventure; It brings us immediately back into the comfort of the familiar hometown feel.
Grab your cup of tea, then immerse yourself in this comforting southern town...the feeling of home.
I received this ARC copy of The Chocolate Garden from Aspendawn Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication August 12, 2014.
August 4, 2014
I finished "The Chocolate Garden" in one sitting and was sad to see it end. I love continuing series like this which enable you to get to know the characters in more depth with each book. The characters become like old friends and it's fun to catch glimpses into their lives after their own stories end.
This one is particularly satisfying. Tammy is a woman bearing the scars of a very bad marriage and trying to protect both herself and her children while working to create a new life for them. This is the story of the man who loves her but has to learn alongside her about healing and change. Then, there are the chocolate fairies....
It's a lovely, magical romance and I recommend it strongly!
Note: I received an ebook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
This one is particularly satisfying. Tammy is a woman bearing the scars of a very bad marriage and trying to protect both herself and her children while working to create a new life for them. This is the story of the man who loves her but has to learn alongside her about healing and change. Then, there are the chocolate fairies....
It's a lovely, magical romance and I recommend it strongly!
Note: I received an ebook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.
October 5, 2015
I've liked all the other Dare books a lot, but this one is a stinker. The whole premise of being broken into scarring kids for life and having family fly in from all over the place because of it just didn't work for me. Nor did the abused wife starting a business that becomes instantly successful even if she spends very little time working. This book just doesn't work.
July 5, 2017
I'm at 10% and nothing has happened apart from an interminable wedding reception with the usual obnoxious characters. I need to be gripped by a story, not waiting for something, anything, to happen. Dnf.
July 16, 2016
Ava Miles is amazing........
October 14, 2020
I liked the first book in this series and I finally got the chance to read this second one.
Unlike the other, though, this one was way too sugary and the characters felt a little one dimensional. The evolution of the main female protagonist was commendable but she did feel too naive at times. The male protagonist was too perfect, practically no development for him.
The story has nice moments, some small tension/conflict ones but overall, there was nothing special about it to make it memorable. Everything was too well put into a slot, too mechanical. It felt as if the characters were all playing a role. There were also a few details that got on my nerves.
Unlike the other, though, this one was way too sugary and the characters felt a little one dimensional. The evolution of the main female protagonist was commendable but she did feel too naive at times. The male protagonist was too perfect, practically no development for him.
The story has nice moments, some small tension/conflict ones but overall, there was nothing special about it to make it memorable. Everything was too well put into a slot, too mechanical. It felt as if the characters were all playing a role. There were also a few details that got on my nerves.
August 26, 2016
Warm, Sweet, Magical, Healing, Touching & Relatable! A Wonderful Read! I Loved It!
February 3, 2016
4.5 sweet star. A moe classic romance focused on the development of their relationship.
October 3, 2017
Lovely story.
Want to read
August 13, 2017Amazon freebie 7/30/17
July 4, 2017
Lovely and very sweet story.
August 13, 2014
Ava Miles has steeped another warm and sweet romance in her signature “small town charm” and style, where friends and family are considered the most precious of gifts and love is priceless. Get ready to swoon as a woman who has been scarred by a marriage to a brutal bully is swept off her feet by what could be the most gentle and sweet romance hero ever.
Tammi is making a fresh start with her children and using her love of gardening to start a new business. John Parker is a professional man who also creates beautiful music as a song writer. Both of these artists create from their heart and soul, but its John Parker’s strength that Tammi learns to lean on, until the unthinkable happens and Tammi and her children are put in grave danger. This beautiful tale of love, trust and healing is a heart melter for sure.
The Chocolate Garden is another work of pure magic with a contemporary twist as Ava Miles once again wraps our hearts, minds and emotions around each of her characters in each and every scene. Looking for a tale that will make you happy, sad, warm, chilled and unwilling to put down until that final sentence? This is it, light enough for warm sunny day, warm enough to cozy up by a fireplace in winter with. Ms. Miles writes from her heart, and it shines through.
I received an ARC edition from Aspendawn Books & Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare River - Book 2
Publication Date: August 11, 2014
Publisher: Ava Miles, Inc
ISBN: 9781940565101
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 334 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Tammi is making a fresh start with her children and using her love of gardening to start a new business. John Parker is a professional man who also creates beautiful music as a song writer. Both of these artists create from their heart and soul, but its John Parker’s strength that Tammi learns to lean on, until the unthinkable happens and Tammi and her children are put in grave danger. This beautiful tale of love, trust and healing is a heart melter for sure.
The Chocolate Garden is another work of pure magic with a contemporary twist as Ava Miles once again wraps our hearts, minds and emotions around each of her characters in each and every scene. Looking for a tale that will make you happy, sad, warm, chilled and unwilling to put down until that final sentence? This is it, light enough for warm sunny day, warm enough to cozy up by a fireplace in winter with. Ms. Miles writes from her heart, and it shines through.
I received an ARC edition from Aspendawn Books & Ava Miles in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare River - Book 2
Publication Date: August 11, 2014
Publisher: Ava Miles, Inc
ISBN: 9781940565101
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 334 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
August 11, 2014
I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. It was truly magical and romantic. I totally fell in love with John Parker. This is by far the best book I've read this year or maybe even best book ever!!
John Parker is the ultimate hero - a patient man who fell in love with a woman who had lots of scars. He fell in love with Tammy from the start, but he never pushed her. Slowly but surely, he worked his way into her, letting her never forget that there was a man at the side, patiently waiting for her. Not only is he a patient man, he is an absolute romantic - showing his love through words. I absolutely loved the song he wrote which was used in Rye and Tory's wedding. Patient and romantic, what more can you ask for?? A man who love your kids. John Parker loved Tammy's kids. He loved them so much that he spun a magical tale out of the chocolate garden to keep their fears away. The story was so magical that I somehow believed in the chocolate fairies too.
Tammy on the other hand was a difficult heroine. Granted that she had been deeply hurt by her ex-husband and also by her Mama, I had to suppress the urge several times to shout at her and ask her why she couldn't appreciate such a fine man as John Parker.
Don't really wish to have any spoilers but I really wanted to share this paragraph from the book that I really loved:
"Love can only be sustained by equality, mutuality and presence. What I mean by that is that each person must respect the other's thoughts, feelings and choices. A healthy relationship is grounded in listening to your partner and seeing themf for who they really are - not who you want them to be. And of course, loving them and supporting them. That's the only way I know to breathe spirit into a life spent together."
This paragraph really touched my heart. It really speaks of what true love is all about. Keep in up Ava!!!
John Parker is the ultimate hero - a patient man who fell in love with a woman who had lots of scars. He fell in love with Tammy from the start, but he never pushed her. Slowly but surely, he worked his way into her, letting her never forget that there was a man at the side, patiently waiting for her. Not only is he a patient man, he is an absolute romantic - showing his love through words. I absolutely loved the song he wrote which was used in Rye and Tory's wedding. Patient and romantic, what more can you ask for?? A man who love your kids. John Parker loved Tammy's kids. He loved them so much that he spun a magical tale out of the chocolate garden to keep their fears away. The story was so magical that I somehow believed in the chocolate fairies too.
Tammy on the other hand was a difficult heroine. Granted that she had been deeply hurt by her ex-husband and also by her Mama, I had to suppress the urge several times to shout at her and ask her why she couldn't appreciate such a fine man as John Parker.
Don't really wish to have any spoilers but I really wanted to share this paragraph from the book that I really loved:
"Love can only be sustained by equality, mutuality and presence. What I mean by that is that each person must respect the other's thoughts, feelings and choices. A healthy relationship is grounded in listening to your partner and seeing themf for who they really are - not who you want them to be. And of course, loving them and supporting them. That's the only way I know to breathe spirit into a life spent together."
This paragraph really touched my heart. It really speaks of what true love is all about. Keep in up Ava!!!
July 17, 2015
Loved this book. Love the way the author developed Dr characters. Also love the message in this book. Won't give away the secret, but suffice it to say I agree 100%
August 24, 2020
Thoughts: A cast of characters that I was mostly fond of. . Caught up in a maelstrom of family troubles that keep on twisting into the next book. . All done up with a southern drawl, y'all. I got a bit tired of y'all, but it actually seemed appropriate. MC is a young woman with two young children recently divorced from an abusive husband, who is learning to stand on her own two feet against the husband and her controlling mother. Everyone is trying to take care of her, but she needs to find her feet first and wants to enjoy her freedom for a bit. I want to read the children's book that goes along with this about the chocolate garden fairytale and I'd like to read the next book in the series, too. Recommended.
May 10, 2018
I absolutely loved this story of JP and Tammy there is so much involved in this story.. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Love how introduced a childrens story along with it.. I would say this is my favorite of the Dare River series.
March 21, 2025
Not my cup of tea
August 22, 2014
Imagine a chocolate garden, it’s like something out of Willy Wonka, but better.
While there’s no such thing as a garden of chocolate, there are plants that look or smell like chocolate: Berlandiera Lyrata (Chocolate-Scented Daisy), Heuchera (Chocolate Ruffles), Cosmos Atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos), Dhalia (Karma Choc), etc. To me, it’s like scratch’n’sniff, nothing smells the same as real chocolate. I don’t think I want to eat any of these, but there is: chocolate corn, chocolate baby bell peppers, chocolate cherry tomatoes, but before you get too excited, none are actually chocolate.
The Chocolate Garden by Ava Miles @ authoravamiles (Aspendawn Books) at first glance is a lovely romance about a woman getting over a bad relationship who finds love and more importantly finds herself; with chocolate in the title.
Charming, well-written, full of romance, love, family, second chances, and hope, it’s also about choices, change, and fear of change. I was pleased to borrow this from Netgalley.com
I’d never read any books by Ava Miles, but after reading The Chocolate Garden I read more in the Dare River Series, well, almost all of her other books (I’m getting to them all). Delightful.
Thinking of changes, when I heard the UK series, Sensitive Skin (starring Joanna Lumley from Ab Fab) was being remade by HBO, starring Kim Cattrall, I’d hoped they weren’t going to make a shallow North American rendering that focused on aging, boohoo, my skin is wrinkling.
They didn’t.
This is a pointed stick jabbing at the facades we wear as we dance around pretending the choices we’re making aren’t destroying the planet and ourselves.
It laughs at our attempts to justify our rampant consumerism, our disconnect, the lies we tell ourselves, and the people we blame when reality hovers, like an impossible hummingbird flitting in and out of our peripheral vision.
Don McKellar has a duel weird and wonderful performance, directing and playing Cattrall’s neurotic, Woody Allen-esque, clueless husband. We watch the aftermath as the empty-nesters sell their house and move to downtown Toronto to a cyber-loft (as their son calls it); as they struggle to figure out how to begin this new phase in their lives. It’s funny and a little sad.
Isn’t that the struggle so many of us face at various times?
The phases of our lives are ever-changing: baby, toddler, child, tween, teen, new adult, adult, sometimes being a couple, then maybe a parent, sometimes going through break-ups, divorces, children leaving home, middle age, senior, sometimes the loss of a spouse or child or parent.
Changing jobs, homes, professions, partners, friends. What do they all have in common? Change. It’s really the only thing in life you can count on.
Written by Bob Martin (Slings and Arrows; some may know him as Cuddles from Puppets Who Kill), Cattrall and McKellar are surrounded by a gleaming supporting cast including: Colm Feore, Joanna Gleason, Nicholas Wright, Elliot Gould, Cle Bennet, Mary Walsh and more.
This show isn’t simply about not being able to hide your neck or the backs of your hands, it’s not about wrinkles, or sagging, it’s about fear, mostly fear of change.
Davina (Cattrall) was a model, wife, daughter, sister, mother, but none of those roles seem to fit in her new and sensitive skin. She wants more, but is afraid to find it.
I guess the key with change is to understand sometimes you have a choice, sometimes you don’t, so the only thing you can control is how you react.
http://yadadarcyyada.com/2014/08/19/t...
While there’s no such thing as a garden of chocolate, there are plants that look or smell like chocolate: Berlandiera Lyrata (Chocolate-Scented Daisy), Heuchera (Chocolate Ruffles), Cosmos Atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos), Dhalia (Karma Choc), etc. To me, it’s like scratch’n’sniff, nothing smells the same as real chocolate. I don’t think I want to eat any of these, but there is: chocolate corn, chocolate baby bell peppers, chocolate cherry tomatoes, but before you get too excited, none are actually chocolate.
The Chocolate Garden by Ava Miles @ authoravamiles (Aspendawn Books) at first glance is a lovely romance about a woman getting over a bad relationship who finds love and more importantly finds herself; with chocolate in the title.
Charming, well-written, full of romance, love, family, second chances, and hope, it’s also about choices, change, and fear of change. I was pleased to borrow this from Netgalley.com
I’d never read any books by Ava Miles, but after reading The Chocolate Garden I read more in the Dare River Series, well, almost all of her other books (I’m getting to them all). Delightful.
Thinking of changes, when I heard the UK series, Sensitive Skin (starring Joanna Lumley from Ab Fab) was being remade by HBO, starring Kim Cattrall, I’d hoped they weren’t going to make a shallow North American rendering that focused on aging, boohoo, my skin is wrinkling.
They didn’t.
This is a pointed stick jabbing at the facades we wear as we dance around pretending the choices we’re making aren’t destroying the planet and ourselves.
It laughs at our attempts to justify our rampant consumerism, our disconnect, the lies we tell ourselves, and the people we blame when reality hovers, like an impossible hummingbird flitting in and out of our peripheral vision.
Don McKellar has a duel weird and wonderful performance, directing and playing Cattrall’s neurotic, Woody Allen-esque, clueless husband. We watch the aftermath as the empty-nesters sell their house and move to downtown Toronto to a cyber-loft (as their son calls it); as they struggle to figure out how to begin this new phase in their lives. It’s funny and a little sad.
Isn’t that the struggle so many of us face at various times?
The phases of our lives are ever-changing: baby, toddler, child, tween, teen, new adult, adult, sometimes being a couple, then maybe a parent, sometimes going through break-ups, divorces, children leaving home, middle age, senior, sometimes the loss of a spouse or child or parent.
Changing jobs, homes, professions, partners, friends. What do they all have in common? Change. It’s really the only thing in life you can count on.
Written by Bob Martin (Slings and Arrows; some may know him as Cuddles from Puppets Who Kill), Cattrall and McKellar are surrounded by a gleaming supporting cast including: Colm Feore, Joanna Gleason, Nicholas Wright, Elliot Gould, Cle Bennet, Mary Walsh and more.
This show isn’t simply about not being able to hide your neck or the backs of your hands, it’s not about wrinkles, or sagging, it’s about fear, mostly fear of change.
Davina (Cattrall) was a model, wife, daughter, sister, mother, but none of those roles seem to fit in her new and sensitive skin. She wants more, but is afraid to find it.
I guess the key with change is to understand sometimes you have a choice, sometimes you don’t, so the only thing you can control is how you react.
http://yadadarcyyada.com/2014/08/19/t...
November 2, 2016
Personal Response
This book, "The Chocolate Garden" follows up from the first book in the series very well and adds to the suspense. I like how the author changes which character is narrating the story from the first book in the series, as well as to how it switches back and forth each chapter as well. Overall, I give this book five out of five stars.
Plot Summary
Rye Crenshaw's sister, Tammy has just divorced out of an abusive marriage with her ex-husband, Sterling, and is trying to regain her footing while not being led around by men like in her entire past. So she ignores the love relationship between herself and Rye's best friend, John Parker (JP). When Rye is on a tour, Tammy is home alone in Dare River with her two kids, Rory (9) and Annabelle (4). It happens to be the one night out of the year that she forgets to alarm the front door. A jealous fan of the famous music star breaks in the house stealing one of his records, breaking another, and then heads upstairs into the bedrooms to look for more personal items. Tammy decides very quickly to gather up her two children, with their personal dogs, to hide in her brothers bedroom's attached bathroom just down the hall. After the police arrived, and ensured that the burglar was gone, JP came over being the only one in the area, and spent the next few days with the three scared people. When everybody wants to get as far away from the house as they can, they spend the next weeks at JP's (who has a huge love for chocolate). Tammy finds out that there are plants that smell like chocolate and decides to build a "chocolate garden" for JP's lawn, considering she is trying to build a flowering/gardening business of her own in the town and actually has a huge eye for it, called "Visionary Gardening". JP creates a story worthy enough for the kids, clearly scared out of their minds and have already been through things way past their age, about chocolate fairies who protect them every night from the bad man that night. The kids secretly pray each night for JP to become their new daddy, never wanting to see their actual father ever again. Once again everything seems to be getting closer and the family becoming closer day by day. Read the book, "The Chocolate Garden", the second book in "The Dare River Series" by Ava Miles, to find out more.
Characterization
Throughout the story Tammy learns to trust others more and starts to put her own decisions first over what someone else tells her to do, of which she has seldom done in the past. She soon learns that she can do everything on her own and can stop relying on others. She talks more fierce, truthfully speaking her mind. Tammy finally begins to let herself actually love someone and not be forced to love them. Even though JP has always been patient, he struggles with it now and waiting for Tammy to accept him into her life. He spends many nights in the middle of the summer heat cutting wood just to hit something, one of the only ways for him to let out his anger. He finds that he can't sleep or really eat because of these recent events.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book mainly to young adults but I also would recommend this book to anyone who has been in an abusive relationship themselves no matter what age. As well as to anyone who is trying to become more independent with their life or is struggling as a young mother. Someone who is looking for a good romance book should read this and anyone who wants to continue the series should definitely give this book a read!
This book, "The Chocolate Garden" follows up from the first book in the series very well and adds to the suspense. I like how the author changes which character is narrating the story from the first book in the series, as well as to how it switches back and forth each chapter as well. Overall, I give this book five out of five stars.
Plot Summary
Rye Crenshaw's sister, Tammy has just divorced out of an abusive marriage with her ex-husband, Sterling, and is trying to regain her footing while not being led around by men like in her entire past. So she ignores the love relationship between herself and Rye's best friend, John Parker (JP). When Rye is on a tour, Tammy is home alone in Dare River with her two kids, Rory (9) and Annabelle (4). It happens to be the one night out of the year that she forgets to alarm the front door. A jealous fan of the famous music star breaks in the house stealing one of his records, breaking another, and then heads upstairs into the bedrooms to look for more personal items. Tammy decides very quickly to gather up her two children, with their personal dogs, to hide in her brothers bedroom's attached bathroom just down the hall. After the police arrived, and ensured that the burglar was gone, JP came over being the only one in the area, and spent the next few days with the three scared people. When everybody wants to get as far away from the house as they can, they spend the next weeks at JP's (who has a huge love for chocolate). Tammy finds out that there are plants that smell like chocolate and decides to build a "chocolate garden" for JP's lawn, considering she is trying to build a flowering/gardening business of her own in the town and actually has a huge eye for it, called "Visionary Gardening". JP creates a story worthy enough for the kids, clearly scared out of their minds and have already been through things way past their age, about chocolate fairies who protect them every night from the bad man that night. The kids secretly pray each night for JP to become their new daddy, never wanting to see their actual father ever again. Once again everything seems to be getting closer and the family becoming closer day by day. Read the book, "The Chocolate Garden", the second book in "The Dare River Series" by Ava Miles, to find out more.
Characterization
Throughout the story Tammy learns to trust others more and starts to put her own decisions first over what someone else tells her to do, of which she has seldom done in the past. She soon learns that she can do everything on her own and can stop relying on others. She talks more fierce, truthfully speaking her mind. Tammy finally begins to let herself actually love someone and not be forced to love them. Even though JP has always been patient, he struggles with it now and waiting for Tammy to accept him into her life. He spends many nights in the middle of the summer heat cutting wood just to hit something, one of the only ways for him to let out his anger. He finds that he can't sleep or really eat because of these recent events.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book mainly to young adults but I also would recommend this book to anyone who has been in an abusive relationship themselves no matter what age. As well as to anyone who is trying to become more independent with their life or is struggling as a young mother. Someone who is looking for a good romance book should read this and anyone who wants to continue the series should definitely give this book a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2019
Beautiful
Oh this book is magical in so many ways. The different lines going through this story has me desperate to read their story. But back to Tammy and John Parkers story well I love them. The advice makes us all sit and look deeper into our own relationships hugs Carolyn xx
Oh this book is magical in so many ways. The different lines going through this story has me desperate to read their story. But back to Tammy and John Parkers story well I love them. The advice makes us all sit and look deeper into our own relationships hugs Carolyn xx
April 3, 2019
I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was awful. I was tempted not to finish it. It moved at a snail’s pace and I found the characters completely unbelievable. Tammy moves from an abused, downtrodden woman to “I am woman, hear me roar” at warp speed. John Parker is just too good to be believed and the children are so saccharine they made my teeth hurt. And then there was the total ick factor for me of JP building the children a lovely tree house to help them feel at home and then he and Tammy sneaking out each night to use it as a private place to have sex. I’m not sure if I can stomach the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2020
Magical
What a wonderful book. To read about adults finally finding themselves and grabbing a hold of the new person made an interesting story. The characters were interesting in how much of a struggle it is to change. After a terrible incident the magical garden was a neat idea. I would love to see the garden as I also love chocolate. The ending was left to my imagination. Great story!!
What a wonderful book. To read about adults finally finding themselves and grabbing a hold of the new person made an interesting story. The characters were interesting in how much of a struggle it is to change. After a terrible incident the magical garden was a neat idea. I would love to see the garden as I also love chocolate. The ending was left to my imagination. Great story!!
June 9, 2015
I loved the first one of the series so much that I decided to buy the next one. For me it was just meh. It was a good story and I liked most of the characters, I just didn't connect with Tammy like I did with Tory in the first book.
We met Tammy in the first book as Rye's sister who finally got up the courage to leave her cheating, abusive husband Sterling and move in with her brother with her two kids. She's had a hard hand dealt to her with the whole story being leaked to the tabloids. This was an ongoing story line carried over from the first one. Except with this book, we actually find out who it is even though the other characters blame someone else. I guess all of the dirty laundry gets to be aired out in the last book regarding this.
Although, since Amelia Ann still thinks she did nothing wrong by contacting the tabloids because she was so sure her sister would run back to Sterling unless she shamed her publicly. I'm really starting not to like Amelia as a character, I think she's the one who's too much like her mother's manipulative ways even though Tammy used to be a carbon copy of her.
I was really happy to see that Tammy actually grew a backbone during her story and is figuring out that she's got personal worth and pride in what she is able to accomplish. She has stepped away from the wilting flower debutante that she was raised as and actively seeks out to make her own way and protect her family. She doesn't want a man to have to take care of her and I was so freaking happy when she laid her foot down on that one.
I liked J.P's character for the most part. However, I got mixed feelings about how he is described as extraordinarily patient. However, he comes across as "I've given you a whole freaking year to get over a marriage of several years so you should be ready to move on now right?" It just pissed me off that he tried the whole "I'm a guy so I have to protect a woman and take care of her" neanderthal approach. That worked in the 1900's before women became a whole heck of a lot more independent. I get that he wants to marry Tammy but he should have realized that just because she's progressing, it isn't time to weigh her down and toss her into the deep end of the pool to see if she can swim yet. It was heartwarming to see that he was able to compromise and give her space to be her and to stand on her own.
It shocked the hell outta me that Margaret Hollins is actually making an attempt to be civil. She is also slowly breaking her former mold and figuring out that being human is not a bad thing. I actually have hope for her now that I didn't have in the first book. I'm not so sure about Amelia Ann but I guess the third book will tell.
We met Tammy in the first book as Rye's sister who finally got up the courage to leave her cheating, abusive husband Sterling and move in with her brother with her two kids. She's had a hard hand dealt to her with the whole story being leaked to the tabloids. This was an ongoing story line carried over from the first one. Except with this book, we actually find out who it is even though the other characters blame someone else. I guess all of the dirty laundry gets to be aired out in the last book regarding this.
Although, since Amelia Ann still thinks she did nothing wrong by contacting the tabloids because she was so sure her sister would run back to Sterling unless she shamed her publicly. I'm really starting not to like Amelia as a character, I think she's the one who's too much like her mother's manipulative ways even though Tammy used to be a carbon copy of her.
I was really happy to see that Tammy actually grew a backbone during her story and is figuring out that she's got personal worth and pride in what she is able to accomplish. She has stepped away from the wilting flower debutante that she was raised as and actively seeks out to make her own way and protect her family. She doesn't want a man to have to take care of her and I was so freaking happy when she laid her foot down on that one.
I liked J.P's character for the most part. However, I got mixed feelings about how he is described as extraordinarily patient. However, he comes across as "I've given you a whole freaking year to get over a marriage of several years so you should be ready to move on now right?" It just pissed me off that he tried the whole "I'm a guy so I have to protect a woman and take care of her" neanderthal approach. That worked in the 1900's before women became a whole heck of a lot more independent. I get that he wants to marry Tammy but he should have realized that just because she's progressing, it isn't time to weigh her down and toss her into the deep end of the pool to see if she can swim yet. It was heartwarming to see that he was able to compromise and give her space to be her and to stand on her own.
It shocked the hell outta me that Margaret Hollins is actually making an attempt to be civil. She is also slowly breaking her former mold and figuring out that being human is not a bad thing. I actually have hope for her now that I didn't have in the first book. I'm not so sure about Amelia Ann but I guess the third book will tell.
August 13, 2014
This garden grows with a little bit of magic, love, and faith
One of the casualties of Country Heaven, the last Dare River book, was Rye Crenshaw's sister, Tammy and her two children. Remaking her life with him and Tori in Nashville is a bit scary, but quite exciting for this ever-so-proper Southern lady. Her evolution of inner freedom is a delight to read and the moment when her younger sister discusses cutting her hose to pieces, a revolutionary act like bra burning in the 70s, I was dissolving in laughter.
For me, the centerpiece of The Chocolate Garden was Tammy's inner transformation from down-trodden, stiff-upper-lip, country club wife to a woman of passion and confidence. Each step, from cutting her hair to choosing new clothes is lovingly depicted by Miles. Her ability to convey the societal strictures that had bound Tammy so tightly were most convincing - as was her portrait of Tammy's mother.
Tammy's children had captured my heart in Country Heaven and it was wonderful to see them spreading their little wings here.
But J.P. McGuiness (John Parker McGuiness) was the one who walked away with my heart. Oh my goodness, Ava Miles, you just keep writing the best book boyfriends any girl could wish for. Yes, this Nashville lawyer and college friend of Tammy's brother, is a guy any woman would want fighting on her side. It's clear from the opening pages of a wedding scene, that John Parker (as Tammy alone calls him) recognizes Tammy as his "one and only."
To me, that recognition is the mark of a brave and secure man. I love reading romances where the alpha hero fears love and commitment, but what really sends my book heart into a flutter is when the alpha hero is secure within himself. Yes, John Parker is that man and I had faith in him, from the beginning, that somehow this story would have a happily-ever-after.
There's plenty of conflict, between Tammy's desire to stand on her own, a crazy stalker, the search for the tabloid leak, and providing the children security when they feel their security ripped away. When Tammy and John Parker finally confront their desire for one another, oh my goodness, my eReader was sizzling!
Just as a bit of fairy magic is invoked to solve some of these conflicts and encourage romance, I think Miles sprinkled a bit virtually on the pages as this story just swept me away. With each plant that was chosen, I'd imagine the fragrance. The songs sung? Yes, I think I heard music too.
It's a real gifted writer who can achieve these magical leaps for a reader - and that's why with each book I add to my Ava Miles' bookshelf, I beam a bit inside. Yes, there's a shelf full of happiness in my eReader courtesy of Miles.
(I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.)
One of the casualties of Country Heaven, the last Dare River book, was Rye Crenshaw's sister, Tammy and her two children. Remaking her life with him and Tori in Nashville is a bit scary, but quite exciting for this ever-so-proper Southern lady. Her evolution of inner freedom is a delight to read and the moment when her younger sister discusses cutting her hose to pieces, a revolutionary act like bra burning in the 70s, I was dissolving in laughter.
For me, the centerpiece of The Chocolate Garden was Tammy's inner transformation from down-trodden, stiff-upper-lip, country club wife to a woman of passion and confidence. Each step, from cutting her hair to choosing new clothes is lovingly depicted by Miles. Her ability to convey the societal strictures that had bound Tammy so tightly were most convincing - as was her portrait of Tammy's mother.
Tammy's children had captured my heart in Country Heaven and it was wonderful to see them spreading their little wings here.
But J.P. McGuiness (John Parker McGuiness) was the one who walked away with my heart. Oh my goodness, Ava Miles, you just keep writing the best book boyfriends any girl could wish for. Yes, this Nashville lawyer and college friend of Tammy's brother, is a guy any woman would want fighting on her side. It's clear from the opening pages of a wedding scene, that John Parker (as Tammy alone calls him) recognizes Tammy as his "one and only."
To me, that recognition is the mark of a brave and secure man. I love reading romances where the alpha hero fears love and commitment, but what really sends my book heart into a flutter is when the alpha hero is secure within himself. Yes, John Parker is that man and I had faith in him, from the beginning, that somehow this story would have a happily-ever-after.
There's plenty of conflict, between Tammy's desire to stand on her own, a crazy stalker, the search for the tabloid leak, and providing the children security when they feel their security ripped away. When Tammy and John Parker finally confront their desire for one another, oh my goodness, my eReader was sizzling!
Just as a bit of fairy magic is invoked to solve some of these conflicts and encourage romance, I think Miles sprinkled a bit virtually on the pages as this story just swept me away. With each plant that was chosen, I'd imagine the fragrance. The songs sung? Yes, I think I heard music too.
It's a real gifted writer who can achieve these magical leaps for a reader - and that's why with each book I add to my Ava Miles' bookshelf, I beam a bit inside. Yes, there's a shelf full of happiness in my eReader courtesy of Miles.
(I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.)
August 6, 2014
Tammy has been divorced for a year. Her ex- husband was a cheat and an abuser and she is finally finding out who she really is. With her children depending on her, Tammy uses her love for gardening to start up Visionary Gardening. With her brother Rye's famous connections, she will do well. She hopes. When John Parker commissions her to use her vision on his place, she jumps at the chance.
John Parker has loved Tammy from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Being the southern gentleman that he is though, he has given her a year to get over her divorce without making a move on her. Now with Rye and Tory's wedding over and them leaving on their honeymoon, he has his chance to watch out for her and the kids. When a break-in at Rye's scares the kids so bad that they can't stay there, John Parker takes them to his house.
There the sparks erupt. Though Tammy is scared of her feelings for John, she wants to be with him. She learns of his love of chocolate and decides to plant him a chocolate garden, but things happen and it gets put on hold for a little while. Then John Parker gets the idea of a fairy chocolate garden to help the children feel safe. Tammy loves him for making her children feel secure again, but when he mentions marriage she gets scared. Will she lose herself with another man or can she stand on her own feet? Can John Parker make her see that with him, she will be his partner, not his shadow?
The Chocolate Garden is a story of hope and love,with a bit of magic. Ava has written this beautifully and I can't wait for the next installment of the Dare River Series.
John Parker has loved Tammy from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Being the southern gentleman that he is though, he has given her a year to get over her divorce without making a move on her. Now with Rye and Tory's wedding over and them leaving on their honeymoon, he has his chance to watch out for her and the kids. When a break-in at Rye's scares the kids so bad that they can't stay there, John Parker takes them to his house.
There the sparks erupt. Though Tammy is scared of her feelings for John, she wants to be with him. She learns of his love of chocolate and decides to plant him a chocolate garden, but things happen and it gets put on hold for a little while. Then John Parker gets the idea of a fairy chocolate garden to help the children feel safe. Tammy loves him for making her children feel secure again, but when he mentions marriage she gets scared. Will she lose herself with another man or can she stand on her own feet? Can John Parker make her see that with him, she will be his partner, not his shadow?
The Chocolate Garden is a story of hope and love,with a bit of magic. Ava has written this beautifully and I can't wait for the next installment of the Dare River Series.
September 18, 2014
This was a lovely read. A romance set in a small town in America- with a singer/song writer added into the mix. It is part of a series - but I read this one as a stand alone without feeling that I missed any of the back story. That said I am now keen to read other books by this author.
Tammy has escaped from an abusive marriage and is still healing her wounds at her brothers wonderful house. She has designed him a wonderful garden- and at his wedding she picks up several orders. Her brothers friend is keen to have a garden planted at his house nearby and quietly is keen to get to know her better aswell.
When there is a break in at her brothers house whilst he is away on tour she moves into John Parker's house to make the children feel safe. She designs his garden and a team has planted a lot of it. Then she decides she is going to plant him a 'Chocolate garden'- where all the plants are either chocolate colour or linked in some way. It all sounded wonderfully delicious and I'd love to find some of the plants and see if they can live in the UK!
This wasn't just a simple love story- there was the break in story to add a bit of drama and the images from the gardens added plenty of lovely pictures in my mind.
The cover on this one is simply gorgeous- and would definately had me reaching for it in a real life bookstore. I still pick a lot of my books visually!
I received a copy of this book from the publishers Aspendawn through Net Galley- with many thanks.
Tammy has escaped from an abusive marriage and is still healing her wounds at her brothers wonderful house. She has designed him a wonderful garden- and at his wedding she picks up several orders. Her brothers friend is keen to have a garden planted at his house nearby and quietly is keen to get to know her better aswell.
When there is a break in at her brothers house whilst he is away on tour she moves into John Parker's house to make the children feel safe. She designs his garden and a team has planted a lot of it. Then she decides she is going to plant him a 'Chocolate garden'- where all the plants are either chocolate colour or linked in some way. It all sounded wonderfully delicious and I'd love to find some of the plants and see if they can live in the UK!
This wasn't just a simple love story- there was the break in story to add a bit of drama and the images from the gardens added plenty of lovely pictures in my mind.
The cover on this one is simply gorgeous- and would definately had me reaching for it in a real life bookstore. I still pick a lot of my books visually!
I received a copy of this book from the publishers Aspendawn through Net Galley- with many thanks.
August 24, 2014
Wow Ava Miles book “The Chocolate Garden” draws you in and makes one feel like they are there experiencing the situation and feeling the emotions of the characters. The various character development and complexities makes it believable. The characters emotion radiated off the pages, whether they were overjoyed, sad, scared, angry, or unsure, you as a reader felt it right with them. I found that this book characters so dynamic and relateable to my life and those around me that I found myself like some of the characters and not so much of other characters due to their behaviors. I didn’t want to set the book down as I was intrigued by the story line and what would happen or how the situation would develop. I look forward to the next book(s) in this series.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
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