What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Light of the Garden
In the Light of the Garden is a novel about unearthed family secrets, the enchantment of past loves, and the indelible power of forgiveness.
Inheriting her grandparents’ island estate on Florida’s Gulf coast is a special kind of homecoming for thirty-one-year-old Charity Baxter. Raised by a narcissistic single mother, Charity’s only sense of a loving home comes from childhood summers spent with Gramps and Grandma. But piercing her fondest memories is her sharpest grief—the death of her beloved grandmother, when Charity stopped believing in the magical healing power of the weeping willow that still casts a shadow on their property.
Now that Charity has returned, she’s full of longing and regret, until she befriends her neighbor Dalton Reynolds, who has come to Gaslamp Island carrying his own heartache. As other exiles arrive—a great uncle harboring secrets, a teenage runaway—Charity begins to reconsider what makes a family. When her own estranged mother shows up in crisis, Charity is challenged to search her heart for forgiveness. But forgiving herself may require a little magic from the last place she’d expect to find it.
Inheriting her grandparents’ island estate on Florida’s Gulf coast is a special kind of homecoming for thirty-one-year-old Charity Baxter. Raised by a narcissistic single mother, Charity’s only sense of a loving home comes from childhood summers spent with Gramps and Grandma. But piercing her fondest memories is her sharpest grief—the death of her beloved grandmother, when Charity stopped believing in the magical healing power of the weeping willow that still casts a shadow on their property.
Now that Charity has returned, she’s full of longing and regret, until she befriends her neighbor Dalton Reynolds, who has come to Gaslamp Island carrying his own heartache. As other exiles arrive—a great uncle harboring secrets, a teenage runaway—Charity begins to reconsider what makes a family. When her own estranged mother shows up in crisis, Charity is challenged to search her heart for forgiveness. But forgiving herself may require a little magic from the last place she’d expect to find it.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
3237 people are currently reading
2448 people want to read
About the author
Heather Burch
35 books1,049 followers Heather Burch is a #1 Amazon bestselling author whose books have been translated around the world.
She writes upmarket women's fiction novels that explore what it means to be a family. Her books have sold over half a million copies worldwide.
Heather also writes edge of your seat paranormal YA novels about swoon-worthy angels. Her Halflings series is a #1 New Release.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
She writes upmarket women's fiction novels that explore what it means to be a family. Her books have sold over half a million copies worldwide.
Heather also writes edge of your seat paranormal YA novels about swoon-worthy angels. Her Halflings series is a #1 New Release.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews
February 24, 2017
I received a copy of In the Light of the Garden from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, Netgalley and Heather Burch for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
Following the death of her beloved grandfather, Charity Baxter inherits his mansion, Baxter House, located on Florida’s Gaslamp Island, as well as the majority of his estate. Most of her happiest childhood memories revolve around the island, the house and her grandparents. It’s where she spent many summers away from her selfish single mother. She also spent many hours with her grandfather making pottery and she grew up to be an artist. The happiness and magic end when her grandmother dies, and her visits to the island dwindle after the horrible loss
Charity blames the Weeping Tree that sits on the property and when she moves into the house, she considers it a blemish. She wants to cut it down. Why? Legend has it that if a branch touches the ground, someone you love will die. Twenty years ago, the tree was not trimmed properly, a branch touched the ground and her grandmother died. Charity wants it gone but has a difficult time committing to removing it. Her grandfather loved the tree dearly.
Being in the house is both a comfort and a heartache. She cannot help but feel bad that she saw her grandfather so little in the last few years. Charity has a lot of regret and sadness. She finds an almost kindred spirit in her next door neighbor, Dalton. They first meet after a bad storm almost blows an awning off Baxter House and Dalton comes to her rescue. Charity learns he is only there temporarily while he makes repairs on a cabin owned by some locals; he is living in the cabin while he works. Dalton, a landscape architect, offers to help her with the mess that the yard has become and Charity readily accepts.
At first, Dalton is a bit cold. He doesn’t really engage with Charity fully. He has shut himself off from the world after losing both his wife and daughter about a year ago. Eventually, he opens to Charity and they form a bond due to their shared grief. Charity hopes that he decides to stay on the island after his work is complete. Also in the picture is Harold, Charity's great-uncle and an almost spitting image of Charity’s grandfather. She loves having him in the house.
While going through her grandfather’s studio where he made his pottery, she finds a suede bag full of some kind of dust with a note to her from her grandfather to put a scoop into each special order. She has no idea what is in the bag and what the significance is. Not long after, people start to show up asking for unusual items to be made out of clay - a mirror, a wineglass and a candy dish. Charity adds a scoop to each. She finds the orders strange but the people leave happy, almost giddy.
I loved the little magic elements of the tree and the special dust. They are reminiscent of Alice Hoffman. Unfortunately, they are overtaken by drama. I started to lose interest in the book when the sullen, teenage runaway, Daisy, appears. She’s been squatting in the attic of Baxter House, sneaking in and out unseen until Dalton catches her one day. Charity decides to let her stay. I found her annoying and wished she’d move on. Then, Charity’s horrible mother visits, not once but twice. She brings so much turmoil with her. I’m not a big fan of family drama so it started to turn me off once it pushed the magical elements aside.
In the Light of the Garden has some great elements and interesting, nicely-drawn characters, and Burch is a lovely writer, I just wish there was more magic and less drama in this tale.
Following the death of her beloved grandfather, Charity Baxter inherits his mansion, Baxter House, located on Florida’s Gaslamp Island, as well as the majority of his estate. Most of her happiest childhood memories revolve around the island, the house and her grandparents. It’s where she spent many summers away from her selfish single mother. She also spent many hours with her grandfather making pottery and she grew up to be an artist. The happiness and magic end when her grandmother dies, and her visits to the island dwindle after the horrible loss
Charity blames the Weeping Tree that sits on the property and when she moves into the house, she considers it a blemish. She wants to cut it down. Why? Legend has it that if a branch touches the ground, someone you love will die. Twenty years ago, the tree was not trimmed properly, a branch touched the ground and her grandmother died. Charity wants it gone but has a difficult time committing to removing it. Her grandfather loved the tree dearly.
Being in the house is both a comfort and a heartache. She cannot help but feel bad that she saw her grandfather so little in the last few years. Charity has a lot of regret and sadness. She finds an almost kindred spirit in her next door neighbor, Dalton. They first meet after a bad storm almost blows an awning off Baxter House and Dalton comes to her rescue. Charity learns he is only there temporarily while he makes repairs on a cabin owned by some locals; he is living in the cabin while he works. Dalton, a landscape architect, offers to help her with the mess that the yard has become and Charity readily accepts.
At first, Dalton is a bit cold. He doesn’t really engage with Charity fully. He has shut himself off from the world after losing both his wife and daughter about a year ago. Eventually, he opens to Charity and they form a bond due to their shared grief. Charity hopes that he decides to stay on the island after his work is complete. Also in the picture is Harold, Charity's great-uncle and an almost spitting image of Charity’s grandfather. She loves having him in the house.
While going through her grandfather’s studio where he made his pottery, she finds a suede bag full of some kind of dust with a note to her from her grandfather to put a scoop into each special order. She has no idea what is in the bag and what the significance is. Not long after, people start to show up asking for unusual items to be made out of clay - a mirror, a wineglass and a candy dish. Charity adds a scoop to each. She finds the orders strange but the people leave happy, almost giddy.
I loved the little magic elements of the tree and the special dust. They are reminiscent of Alice Hoffman. Unfortunately, they are overtaken by drama. I started to lose interest in the book when the sullen, teenage runaway, Daisy, appears. She’s been squatting in the attic of Baxter House, sneaking in and out unseen until Dalton catches her one day. Charity decides to let her stay. I found her annoying and wished she’d move on. Then, Charity’s horrible mother visits, not once but twice. She brings so much turmoil with her. I’m not a big fan of family drama so it started to turn me off once it pushed the magical elements aside.
In the Light of the Garden has some great elements and interesting, nicely-drawn characters, and Burch is a lovely writer, I just wish there was more magic and less drama in this tale.
January 3, 2017
4.5 stars
In the Light of the Garden is a gem. Heather Burch has written a beautifully crafted tale of forgiveness and redemption that will stay with me for a long while. As the book opens, 31-year-old Charity Baxter has inherited her grandparents’ home on Gaslamp Island in Florida. As a child, her grandparents provided refuge for Charity from her life with her narcissistic single mom; as she grew older and after her grandmother died, she spent less time on Gaslamp Island. Returning to the island, Charity attempts to straighten out her own life while realizing that she needs to find strength in herself. Meanwhile, as an adult on the island, she realizes that certain family had not been fully shared with her as a child, and she must come to terms with her family history.
The characters in this story are fantastic. I would love to live on Gaslamp Island with this crew. Heather Burch created an authentic, believable cast of characters which made for a very entertaining and credible read. I liked the way the story played out as Charity finally matured and chose to live her life as she wanted to versus as her mom and others wanted her to.
Thanks to Lake Union for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In the Light of the Garden is a gem. Heather Burch has written a beautifully crafted tale of forgiveness and redemption that will stay with me for a long while. As the book opens, 31-year-old Charity Baxter has inherited her grandparents’ home on Gaslamp Island in Florida. As a child, her grandparents provided refuge for Charity from her life with her narcissistic single mom; as she grew older and after her grandmother died, she spent less time on Gaslamp Island. Returning to the island, Charity attempts to straighten out her own life while realizing that she needs to find strength in herself. Meanwhile, as an adult on the island, she realizes that certain family had not been fully shared with her as a child, and she must come to terms with her family history.
The characters in this story are fantastic. I would love to live on Gaslamp Island with this crew. Heather Burch created an authentic, believable cast of characters which made for a very entertaining and credible read. I liked the way the story played out as Charity finally matured and chose to live her life as she wanted to versus as her mom and others wanted her to.
Thanks to Lake Union for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2016
Will you come, sit with me
We'll tell our troubles 'neath the tree
The tears we shed will surely be
Water for the Weeping Tree.
And in its shade our woes will fall.
Pain and suffering, sorrow and all
They'll fall like glistening diamond drops.
You see, the tree, our pain, it stops.
This is a poem from the book that I fell in love with. It is a magical journey to have read this. Heather Burch takes us on an emotional ride that will touch your heart and your soul. It touched mine. You can relate to this story in some way or another. This book will grab onto you from the beginning and never let go. You will remember it forever. This story brought forth such a multitude of emotions. At once heartbreaking and heartwarming. Full of loss, sorrow and regret, but also of redemption. At its very core, is forgiveness, something that we all know can be hard to do.However, do it we must, so that we can move on from the pain that not forgiving causes us. It is about love lost and love found. Love of friends and family despite our differences. This is a magical story, it is a very special gift. Heather Burch is a master storyteller of the highest caliber. This book is so incredibly well written and it will move you. It made me cry and made me laugh. It also made me reflect. Heather Burch will make you feel. The characters are richly developed and you will grow to love them. They will become like family to you. The flow of the story is simply amazing. Here are a few quotes that I loved:
"That's the thing about when our past catches up to us. We don't get to choose what stays behind and what follows us."
"Forgiveness is rarely deserved. That's what makes it such a gift."
"It was a garden song that would continue to serenade. It was a sanctuary for some, a second chance for others. But for all, it was a promise. And it was hope. And hope was the light of the world, where no darkness could penetrate."
Thank you Heather Burch for trusting me with this amazing story. I highly recommend this book to all. It will take you on a journey that will leave you breathless.
We'll tell our troubles 'neath the tree
The tears we shed will surely be
Water for the Weeping Tree.
And in its shade our woes will fall.
Pain and suffering, sorrow and all
They'll fall like glistening diamond drops.
You see, the tree, our pain, it stops.
This is a poem from the book that I fell in love with. It is a magical journey to have read this. Heather Burch takes us on an emotional ride that will touch your heart and your soul. It touched mine. You can relate to this story in some way or another. This book will grab onto you from the beginning and never let go. You will remember it forever. This story brought forth such a multitude of emotions. At once heartbreaking and heartwarming. Full of loss, sorrow and regret, but also of redemption. At its very core, is forgiveness, something that we all know can be hard to do.However, do it we must, so that we can move on from the pain that not forgiving causes us. It is about love lost and love found. Love of friends and family despite our differences. This is a magical story, it is a very special gift. Heather Burch is a master storyteller of the highest caliber. This book is so incredibly well written and it will move you. It made me cry and made me laugh. It also made me reflect. Heather Burch will make you feel. The characters are richly developed and you will grow to love them. They will become like family to you. The flow of the story is simply amazing. Here are a few quotes that I loved:
"That's the thing about when our past catches up to us. We don't get to choose what stays behind and what follows us."
"Forgiveness is rarely deserved. That's what makes it such a gift."
"It was a garden song that would continue to serenade. It was a sanctuary for some, a second chance for others. But for all, it was a promise. And it was hope. And hope was the light of the world, where no darkness could penetrate."
Thank you Heather Burch for trusting me with this amazing story. I highly recommend this book to all. It will take you on a journey that will leave you breathless.
December 26, 2016
Loved, loved, loved this book!
This is one book that I won't soon forget. It is the story of a tree. Yes, believe it or not, the weeping tree is a major character.
Charity has always loved her grandparents' home on the Gulf Coast of Florida. She spent most of her summers there because her mother dropped her off so that she could spend the summers elsewhere. Ellen, Charity's mom, is materialistic and has a number of issues with her parents. So, Charity grows up with the love of her grandparents and the island they live on. Then Charity's grandfather dies and Charity feels alone in the big house on the island that she's inherited. That begins her story.
This book was so beautiful from the descriptions to the characters that enter Charity's life that I didn't want to stop reading even though I had a house full of people for Christmas!
I'm not a believer of providing a synopsis of a book and I won't do it here either, but.....this is a book to read at the beginning of 2017. I don't think you'll regret it! Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of "In the Light of the Garden."
This is one book that I won't soon forget. It is the story of a tree. Yes, believe it or not, the weeping tree is a major character.
Charity has always loved her grandparents' home on the Gulf Coast of Florida. She spent most of her summers there because her mother dropped her off so that she could spend the summers elsewhere. Ellen, Charity's mom, is materialistic and has a number of issues with her parents. So, Charity grows up with the love of her grandparents and the island they live on. Then Charity's grandfather dies and Charity feels alone in the big house on the island that she's inherited. That begins her story.
This book was so beautiful from the descriptions to the characters that enter Charity's life that I didn't want to stop reading even though I had a house full of people for Christmas!
I'm not a believer of providing a synopsis of a book and I won't do it here either, but.....this is a book to read at the beginning of 2017. I don't think you'll regret it! Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of "In the Light of the Garden."
March 18, 2018
3-1/2 Stars
In The Light of the Garden, 31-year-old Charity returns to her grandfather’s home upon learning of his passing. This is a place full of fond childhood memories from Charity’s summers spent there with her grandparents. Upon returning as an adult, many secrets are discovered.
This a book about forgiveness and loss. What makes it intriguing is that the author adds a bit of magic to the storyline. There is something mysterious about the willow tree and a “secret ingredient” Grandpa left for Charity to use in her pottery making. Family drama unfolds as we learn the answers to these mysteries.
In The Light of the Garden, 31-year-old Charity returns to her grandfather’s home upon learning of his passing. This is a place full of fond childhood memories from Charity’s summers spent there with her grandparents. Upon returning as an adult, many secrets are discovered.
This a book about forgiveness and loss. What makes it intriguing is that the author adds a bit of magic to the storyline. There is something mysterious about the willow tree and a “secret ingredient” Grandpa left for Charity to use in her pottery making. Family drama unfolds as we learn the answers to these mysteries.
September 10, 2022
The book us trying to do too many things. Not really moved to care about what's going on. Dropped out at 40% due to extreme boredom and the sudden introduction of a new character. Two thumbs down 👎 👎
August 26, 2023
5 stars for this enchanting, heartwarming story about forgiveness, families, and a magical tree. In The Light of the Garden tells the story of Charity, who inherits her grandparents' estate in Florida. As a child, Charity spent her summers there, a magical place for a young girl, a way to escape the rejection and disappointment she lives with every day when she is at home with her mother. Upon returning to Florida, she unearths a history and family secrets that upend her world, but also bring her the family she's always been seeking. The other characters in the book are unique: her next door neighbor, still grieving the loss of his family; an uncle whom she's never met, looking for the forgiveness of a past love; a runaway girl who finds refuge and love with Charity and the rest of this ragtag group who become a family. The author creates beautiful images in this book, words that make the setting and the emotions palpable.Here is a favorite:"far greater than the pain that had driven them both here to the island. They shared hope, fresh and blooming, as green and lush as the garden Dalton had resurrected, as surprising as the weeping tree that anchored the edge of her yard and watched over them all."
August 2, 2020
A wonderful contemporary novel! About family and forgiveness. A special garden and a special tree.
July 14, 2019
This was a lovely story of timeless beauty. I loved everything about it.
The book has soul and drama and a bit of magic to it. It is the perfect summer read. It is a bit long so I could not read it in one swoop but it's a sweet and tender book and should be perfect for those looking for a summer read of something both poignant and imaginative. Four lovely stars.
The book has soul and drama and a bit of magic to it. It is the perfect summer read. It is a bit long so I could not read it in one swoop but it's a sweet and tender book and should be perfect for those looking for a summer read of something both poignant and imaginative. Four lovely stars.
April 15, 2019
4.5 stars
March 13, 2018
Apparently I am on a kick of abusive mothers for some reason. It feels like every book I've been on recently has a mother who is downright awful to her offspring and is incredibly selfish.
A few years ago, a friend of mine was having a fight with her mother over something. She said to me, in this sad resigned voice, that her mother was a lovely person but she was never meant to be a mother. She didn't have the right personality for it and her own priorities would always come first. I'm not going to pass judgement on my friend's mother or that statement but I feel like it is incredibly applicable to this story.
Charity's happiest memories in life are of the summers she spent on Gaslamp Island with her grandparents. After they pass, she inherits their huge house that is filled with history and secrets. She flees New York to take over her Gramps' pottery studio on the island and to escape the pressure of her mother's life.
Charity has a serious inferiority complex that is in direct competition with her mother's selfish personality. However, once she is on the island, she begins to build a life for herself, filled with peace and growth. Her neighbor Dalton is also searching for something on the island. Dalton begins to work his way slowly into Charity's life before several unexpected visitors toss everything into the wind.
Ultimately, this is a book about healing.
Not all of our scars are physical. The characters carry their traumas in their souls and do not let themselves heal, out of spite or anger or fear. This is a book about letting go and living your life for yourself again. It is about self care and the importance of forgiveness.
This is an important and necessary theme in life. The reader follows these characters through incredible amounts of pain but they come out on the other side. It shows that you have to work at forgiveness sometimes and it can honestly take some time.
I believe that this is a good message for this book. I enjoyed the stories of redemption and self love.
November 18, 2017
2.4 A Weeping Willow is one of the characters.
The beginning of the book is my favorite part. The grandparents receive Charity from her selfish emotional vampire mother. Charity blossoms in the magic of their love. Charity is learning to throw clay. She loves the magic of the island and embraces life.
Bam! Charity's grandmother is dead and her grandfather follows.
She inherits the house. She inherits all the money in the world.
We meet Dalton the typical male with the shattered past. Daisy the typical runaway with the shattered past. Uncle Harold also has a ....shattered past.
This is where we had to get on the POV melodrama merry-go-round. We see everyone refusing to communicate their problems.
Charity fights against her mother's domination. This gets lost.
We are switching POV so much I've gotten whiplash.
I care less about the characters. FRUSTRATION.
Nothing is resolved unless is goes to an extreme. It's like a soap opera.
Dalton is leaving until he's almost gone and decides to return.
Charity exiles her uncle until she almost dies the way her grandmother did. (This part is super confusing)
Daisy the runaway runs away TWICE and at the last minute gets rescued and decides to stay.
Charity's selfish mother has an epiphany after being a jerk for most of the book and trying to burn down the forgiving Weeping willow and getting burned herself. Phoenix from the ashes.
The Weeping Willow is gone until the end when Dalton remembers there is a sprout that he planted.
The Weeping Willow equals Therapist.
I believe this book wasn't written for me. Everyone else gave it four stars. To me it was just ok. A frustrating ok. I miss the Charity in the beginning who embraced life. We never meet her again. It's sad.
The beginning of the book is my favorite part. The grandparents receive Charity from her selfish emotional vampire mother. Charity blossoms in the magic of their love. Charity is learning to throw clay. She loves the magic of the island and embraces life.
Bam! Charity's grandmother is dead and her grandfather follows.
She inherits the house. She inherits all the money in the world.
We meet Dalton the typical male with the shattered past. Daisy the typical runaway with the shattered past. Uncle Harold also has a ....shattered past.
This is where we had to get on the POV melodrama merry-go-round. We see everyone refusing to communicate their problems.
Charity fights against her mother's domination. This gets lost.
We are switching POV so much I've gotten whiplash.
I care less about the characters. FRUSTRATION.
Nothing is resolved unless is goes to an extreme. It's like a soap opera.
Dalton is leaving until he's almost gone and decides to return.
Charity exiles her uncle until she almost dies the way her grandmother did. (This part is super confusing)
Daisy the runaway runs away TWICE and at the last minute gets rescued and decides to stay.
Charity's selfish mother has an epiphany after being a jerk for most of the book and trying to burn down the forgiving Weeping willow and getting burned herself. Phoenix from the ashes.
The Weeping Willow is gone until the end when Dalton remembers there is a sprout that he planted.
The Weeping Willow equals Therapist.
I believe this book wasn't written for me. Everyone else gave it four stars. To me it was just ok. A frustrating ok. I miss the Charity in the beginning who embraced life. We never meet her again. It's sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2016
A very beautiful book that I couldn't put down! The story is Captivating and just really grabs a hold of you physically and emotionally! It's very well written with beautiful descriptions and with such ease that you've hardly noticed you've finished the book until you're there! The story is amazing I've not read anything like it before it fills you with a sense of hope and love!!! This is a story that will stick with me my whole life and one that I'll definitely be recommending to my fellow readers!!
June 14, 2017
I will not say that this was a total disappointment. There's no doubt, Heather Burch's In The Light of The Garden had its moments. For instance, I enjoyed the rare confrontational parts of the story, where Charity finally stood up against her manipulative, selfish mother. But for the remainder, there was simply too much introspection and too much inexplicable so-called magic happening, and, in the end, I wasn't convinced. When it comes to that particular genre of magic realism, I prefer by far, Sarah Addison Allen. Her stories feel more authentic.
In The Light of the Garden was merely too stagnant for me. I thought that the book – at times - skipped important parts of a character’s evolution, on one hand, and was too repetitive on the other.
Overall, this book came across as wishy-washy – Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely get where the author was going, but it didn't transpire, nor translate very well in the story.
As characters went, they weren't badly depicted, a little bland maybe; and the males were definitely more sympathetic than the females. Loved old uncle Harold.
In The Light of the Garden was merely too stagnant for me. I thought that the book – at times - skipped important parts of a character’s evolution, on one hand, and was too repetitive on the other.
Overall, this book came across as wishy-washy – Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely get where the author was going, but it didn't transpire, nor translate very well in the story.
As characters went, they weren't badly depicted, a little bland maybe; and the males were definitely more sympathetic than the females. Loved old uncle Harold.
Read
March 19, 2017This just wasn't my cup of tea. I think the Once Upon a Time Book Club subscription is a charming idea and obviously those who run it put a lot of time into it, but I get really annoyed with chick lit books where everyone is supposedly damaged but when we meet them things start magically working out for them. I suppose I should have known that a subscription named "Once Upon a Time" would choose some fairy tale stories and this book is no exception. There's nothing wrong with it if you're looking to escape reality and indulge in the fantasy for a bit. I wouldn't have chosen it for myself if not for the book club, so I hesitate to give it a star rating when it just wasn't for me.
April 3, 2018
Gardens hold a special appeal to me. Magic coming from gardens never surprises me. The combination of seriously-damaged people and magic from trees is an unbeatable combination. This story is sad, funny, sweet, annoying and, ultimately, delightful.
February 3, 2017
This book had so much potential! It started off so whimsical and then it was like the author ran out of story and substituted having a lengthy book instead of a good plot.
February 7, 2017
Wow. This book really played my heartstrings... Love, loss, pain, renewal, hope--it's all here. There's even a dash of magic! (The real world sort. The kind we all hope for.) Such a good book! I definitely recommend it if you have a taste for women's fiction. :)
February 10, 2017
This book was lovely, clean, and refreshing...yet there were things that bothered me. Thus the 3 star rating. Charity the main character of this story is number 1. She was WAY to perfect! I mean I don't think she did anything wrong ever in this book. It was difficult to relate to her. She takes in an 18yr old girl, and is immediately ready to take her on like a daughter. It was strange. Number 2. Her mother. Exact opposite of Charity, a selfish woman who is one of the antagonists (in a mild sense) in this story. It didn't gel for me considering Charity and her grandparents were really good people. Yet her mother is super selfish, even jealous of her daughter. Number 3. This is a general complaint that many authors are guilty of. This is also just my own personal opinion...here it is...I really get annoyed when authors like to describe scents related to certain characters. It makes me roll my eyes hard! "He smelled of oranges and soap"...or "He smelled of toothpaste and earth". COME ON! I mean maybe I need to pay more attention to smelling people I am close with. I never notice things like that unless they smell bad. Enough with the criticism. This a story of forgiveness. The willow tree plays a major role, and almost reminds me of an allegory of the atonement which was pretty cool. The ending I will admit was wrapped up nicely in a little bow, all happy and great. It was a quick read. This was just ok for me.
November 22, 2016
Heather Burch has done it again. In the Light of the Garden is a wonderful story about love and forgiveness, and how family should always come first even if the family isn't biological. The heroine, Charity Baxter, is my favorite Heather Burch character yet. I could relate to her and how being an only child had made her socially awkward. Still, she was full of love and so willing to give it to others even to those not worthy of it. As for the hero, Dallas Reynolds, I wish I could bring a book boyfriend to life because he'd be sitting in my living room right now. If you like great characters, mystery, romance, and a little magic, this book is for you.
July 23, 2019
I loved this! This is my first time reading this author. I'm so glad that I did. I'll be getting all of her books. I loved the writing. This story moved me in so many ways and triggered many of my own family memories. A remarkable story of love, loss and new beginnings. I highly recommend it.
December 2, 2016
Beautifully written....every scene is meticulously described until not only can you visualize but you can actually begin to smell the surrounding environment of Gaslight Island and the weeping willow tree. As a child, I found the weeping willow tree beautiful and so peaceful. This story made me want to grow my own weeping willow.
Each character is important to the story, unforgettable and endearing, beginning with Charity Baxter, daughter, Ellen her mother, Gramps and Gram, Uncle Harold, Dalton Reynolds, her neighbor, Daisy, teen runaway and Louise Cready. Each has experienced loss, pain and suffering. There are surprises and twists throughout but the story moves steadily along. Just past the halfway point, the story takes off and I couldn't put it down. It was exhausting and emotional as happens with family conflicts and secrets but every experience led to bringing family members back together again. Some may say that the story in the beginning moves too slow but I feel the story had to happen as it did and each had to find their hope in the weeping tree branches. As the author writes, we have to believe in the magic and possibilities in each of us. "We find that forgiveness is rarely deserved but that is what makes it a gift".
Each character is important to the story, unforgettable and endearing, beginning with Charity Baxter, daughter, Ellen her mother, Gramps and Gram, Uncle Harold, Dalton Reynolds, her neighbor, Daisy, teen runaway and Louise Cready. Each has experienced loss, pain and suffering. There are surprises and twists throughout but the story moves steadily along. Just past the halfway point, the story takes off and I couldn't put it down. It was exhausting and emotional as happens with family conflicts and secrets but every experience led to bringing family members back together again. Some may say that the story in the beginning moves too slow but I feel the story had to happen as it did and each had to find their hope in the weeping tree branches. As the author writes, we have to believe in the magic and possibilities in each of us. "We find that forgiveness is rarely deserved but that is what makes it a gift".
January 4, 2017
" And hope was the light of the world, where no darkness could penetrate." This is the final line from the book and I just love it. It explains the book. This is a book of forgiveness. Of a great love of family and understanding family can be complete strangers turned into family. I loved this book. Charity inherits her Grandfather's house on Gaslamp Island in Florida. She always loved spending the summers there with her grandparents when she was a little girl. On the property is a willow tree that is very special. She misses her grandparents but has such wonderful memories of them. She has a handsome neighbor she becomes friends with, a runaway stowing away in her attic, a mother she has never been close to visits, and she reconnects with her uncle. All of these people become a huge part of Charity's life. It is a book that completely enchants and teaches how important forgiveness is for yourself and for others. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me a copy of this wonderful book in return for an honest review.
December 15, 2016
I want to cry. Not because the ending is sad, but because it has ended. Heather has a way of writing that just completely envelops you, and makes you feel as if you are inside the story. You feel the joy, the sadness, the despair...all of it. You wish to keep going, looking forward into the characters' futures, to see how things work out beyond the borders of the book. As with any good book, the story of Charity, Daisy, Dalton, and the residents of Gaslight Island, is filled with mystery, magic, heartache, joy, and love. A story that merges the past with the present, and shows the importance of forgiveness. If you have never read one of Heather's books, this will be a great first read.
January 10, 2017
I loved this book. The main character Charity goes through a journey of dealing with guilt, sadness, happiness, learning to put up boundaries, and discovery of who she is. During this process, she helps others find their way as well. The characters are real and believable. There are characters you love, those you love to hate, and some who hit really close to home. Charity's discovery involves friendships, relationships, family, and just a little bit of magic. There is something for everyone to relate to. I couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend it!!
February 4, 2017
"In the Light of the Garden" is a gorgeous, lyrical journey. Heather Burch creates a cast of characters full of quirks and flaws that draw you in and make you root for them all to have a happy ending. The weeping willow reminds me of the forgiveness and grace we all crave and don't think we deserve. It also asks the question, "What is a family?" A family is not only made up of blood relatives but the people we invite into our lives. Bravo, Heather for another great book!
February 16, 2019
An enjoyable read and very well written. It is the first time that i have read a book by Heath Burch and do hope to read more. Although i rarely write what a story is about as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, i do recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
February 4, 2017
2017 Reading Challenge: A book set in two different time periods.
Overall, I'd say that this book was underwhelming, but acceptably decent. I finished it in one day (snow day), so that's something. As always, my biggest pet peeve was excessive descriptions (if you want to know what every character is doing with their hands at all times, this is the book for you). Very melodramatic reactions all around by most characters, lots of dropped stomachs and vision spots and that sort of thing. I also didn't like that we started out with two main POVs, but then about halfway through we start seeing the POV of another side character, and then three fourths of the way through we get two more POVs from side characters. Just pick you main characters and stick with them! Let us find out about the histories and struggles of the side characters through their interactions and words with the main characters! Gah!
But again, the book was still decent. Definitely a sort of feel-good, chock full o' feelins', chick-lit kind of book where everyone explores their inner emotions, and then there's predictably happy endings all around. Not really my style, so someone who does like this sort of book would possible rate it higher.
Overall, I'd say that this book was underwhelming, but acceptably decent. I finished it in one day (snow day), so that's something. As always, my biggest pet peeve was excessive descriptions (if you want to know what every character is doing with their hands at all times, this is the book for you). Very melodramatic reactions all around by most characters, lots of dropped stomachs and vision spots and that sort of thing. I also didn't like that we started out with two main POVs, but then about halfway through we start seeing the POV of another side character, and then three fourths of the way through we get two more POVs from side characters. Just pick you main characters and stick with them! Let us find out about the histories and struggles of the side characters through their interactions and words with the main characters! Gah!
But again, the book was still decent. Definitely a sort of feel-good, chock full o' feelins', chick-lit kind of book where everyone explores their inner emotions, and then there's predictably happy endings all around. Not really my style, so someone who does like this sort of book would possible rate it higher.
December 19, 2016
Once again Heather Burch delivers a touching story of forgiveness and complex life struggles. Charity, the main character, struggles through the pain of a unique upbringing with a narcissistic, mother who tries to love her the best she knows how, all be it unhealthy and very conditional.
During the summers as a child, Charity was able to seek refuge in the loving arms of her maternal Grandparents on what proves to be magical, Gaslamp Island, FL.
Interwoven with complex issues, pain, guilt, and loss and eventually forgiveness are shared by each character as their paths cross and the truth unfolds.
Burch exposes her readers to real life problems and elegantly brings to light the potential in all of us how to forgive and move forward.
I really hope this book is the beginning of a possible series which will expand on the characters and each relationship as they navigate the waters from pain to healing.
During the summers as a child, Charity was able to seek refuge in the loving arms of her maternal Grandparents on what proves to be magical, Gaslamp Island, FL.
Interwoven with complex issues, pain, guilt, and loss and eventually forgiveness are shared by each character as their paths cross and the truth unfolds.
Burch exposes her readers to real life problems and elegantly brings to light the potential in all of us how to forgive and move forward.
I really hope this book is the beginning of a possible series which will expand on the characters and each relationship as they navigate the waters from pain to healing.
January 2, 2017
In the Light of the Garden is an extremely relatable story. Seeing Charity 'grow' throughout the story was insirping. So many people want to please everyone and that just isn't possible. Watching her learn how to accept others for who they are and more importantly, watching her learn to accept herself was inspiring. Forgiveness is difficult but forgiveness of yourself is near impossible. The way the story is written made me reflect on my own life and relationships.
Heather is able to capture the entire island and it's people with such description and emotion. She allows the reader to become a part of the island community. Heathers books always run the gamut of emotions - I laugh, I cry and I love with each and every one of her books. I hope to be able to read another story of this wonderful island and it's people soon!
I highly recommend this book to all my friends.
Heather is able to capture the entire island and it's people with such description and emotion. She allows the reader to become a part of the island community. Heathers books always run the gamut of emotions - I laugh, I cry and I love with each and every one of her books. I hope to be able to read another story of this wonderful island and it's people soon!
I highly recommend this book to all my friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews