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The Sparrow Sisters #2
The Forbidden Garden
Every garden is a story, waiting to be told…
At the nursery she runs with her sisters on the New England coast, Sorrel Sparrow has honed her rare gift for nurturing plants and flowers. Now that reputation, and a stroke of good timing, lands Sorrel an unexpected opportunity: reviving a long-dormant Shakespearean garden on an English country estate.
Arriving at Kirkwood Hall, ancestral home of Sir Graham Kirkwood and his wife Stella, Sorrel is shocked by the desolate state of the walled garden. Generations have tried—and failed—to bring it back to glory. Sorrel senses heartbreak and betrayal here, perhaps even enchantment. Intrigued by the house’s history—especially the haunting tapestries that grace its walls—and increasingly drawn to Stella’s enigmatic brother, Sorrel sets to work. And though she knows her true home is across the sea with her sisters, instinct tells her that the English garden’s destiny is entwined with her own, if she can only unravel its secrets…
At the nursery she runs with her sisters on the New England coast, Sorrel Sparrow has honed her rare gift for nurturing plants and flowers. Now that reputation, and a stroke of good timing, lands Sorrel an unexpected opportunity: reviving a long-dormant Shakespearean garden on an English country estate.
Arriving at Kirkwood Hall, ancestral home of Sir Graham Kirkwood and his wife Stella, Sorrel is shocked by the desolate state of the walled garden. Generations have tried—and failed—to bring it back to glory. Sorrel senses heartbreak and betrayal here, perhaps even enchantment. Intrigued by the house’s history—especially the haunting tapestries that grace its walls—and increasingly drawn to Stella’s enigmatic brother, Sorrel sets to work. And though she knows her true home is across the sea with her sisters, instinct tells her that the English garden’s destiny is entwined with her own, if she can only unravel its secrets…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
304 people are currently reading
4071 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Herrick
2 books278 followersEllen Herrick lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts and a small seaside town very much like Granite Point. She spent nearly ten years in the book publishing business as a publicist before moving to to England where she raised three children and traveled like crazy. After sixteen years in London, it was the ocean that called her home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
December 10, 2018
When Sorrel Sparrow is hired, through a friend’s recommendation, to restore the Shakespeare Garden at Kirkwood Hall, she is unsure about taking it one at first. But her sisters Patience and Nettie and friends convince her to travel to England and give it a go. After the hurt and drama the three sisters experience in Granite Point, covered in the previous book about the Sparrow sisters. A change might be just what is needed. But Sorrel finds more than she ever expected, not only with the desolate, some would say cursed, garden, , but with the inhabitants of Kirkwood Hall, the home of Sir Graham Kirkwood and his wife Stella. Sorrel also meets their daughter Poppy and Andrew, Stella’s brother an Anglican minister on sabbatical. The problems with the garden appear to be somehow tied up with some shocking tapestries, one of which is missing.
I had read the previous book and enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this one. But this one turned out to be an unsettling read and ultimately a disappointment. The characters were unlikable, some downright creepy, and basically all were unconvincing and that includes Sorrel. They never came alive. Yes, I admit I kept reading to see how it was going to be resolved but it was a chore. I found much of it just too unbelievable. The other problem was an excess of detail about plants and food that slowed the pace to a crawl. Maybe it was just me and I was not in the right frame of mind at present for this, but it didn’t do a thing for me. I suspect if any more books appear about the Sparrow Sisters I will not be reading them. Others may like this book but I was just glad to be done with it.
I had read the previous book and enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this one. But this one turned out to be an unsettling read and ultimately a disappointment. The characters were unlikable, some downright creepy, and basically all were unconvincing and that includes Sorrel. They never came alive. Yes, I admit I kept reading to see how it was going to be resolved but it was a chore. I found much of it just too unbelievable. The other problem was an excess of detail about plants and food that slowed the pace to a crawl. Maybe it was just me and I was not in the right frame of mind at present for this, but it didn’t do a thing for me. I suspect if any more books appear about the Sparrow Sisters I will not be reading them. Others may like this book but I was just glad to be done with it.
April 13, 2017
This is the second book from the author featuring her mystical, gardening sisters. In the first book, The Sparrow Sisters, the women were introduced and with this book the eldest surviving sister, Sorrel is featured. There was much trauma in the first book that leads to the actions in The Forbidden Garden. You can easily read this book without having read the first but as is usual with a continuing series, having done so will enhance the experience.
Sorrel Sparrow has an uncanny ability with flowers. Her bouquets bring joy and her gardens are a joy to behold. There is no simple explanation for how she does what she does but her talents are sung far and wide. She does make some people nervous but she tries to not let it bother her. A man in England with a garden in desperate need of help learns of Sorrel and writes to her to come and bring his Shakespeare Garden back to life – his family history is dark and he fears that there is something evil that only a stranger can fix.
Sorrel agrees and finds herself falling in love with England, the estate and a special someone – but can she trust any of it? Or is it just being out of her element and away from her sisters?
I did enjoy this book. I really enjoyed The Sparrow Sisters and this sequel is also good – not as good in my opinion but still a good book. Ms. Herrick really brought both London and the English countryside to life for me as a reader. I wanted more history though – since the premise of the story was the evil in the garden and that evil was due to something that happened in the past I wanted (needed?) more of that part of the story. Maybe it’s my love of historical fiction and I’m in the minority here, I don’t know, but I feel that there was not enough. Other than that it was a good story with a bit of romance, a bit of magic and a touch of history. I do hope there will be further Sparrow Sisters books.
Sorrel Sparrow has an uncanny ability with flowers. Her bouquets bring joy and her gardens are a joy to behold. There is no simple explanation for how she does what she does but her talents are sung far and wide. She does make some people nervous but she tries to not let it bother her. A man in England with a garden in desperate need of help learns of Sorrel and writes to her to come and bring his Shakespeare Garden back to life – his family history is dark and he fears that there is something evil that only a stranger can fix.
Sorrel agrees and finds herself falling in love with England, the estate and a special someone – but can she trust any of it? Or is it just being out of her element and away from her sisters?
I did enjoy this book. I really enjoyed The Sparrow Sisters and this sequel is also good – not as good in my opinion but still a good book. Ms. Herrick really brought both London and the English countryside to life for me as a reader. I wanted more history though – since the premise of the story was the evil in the garden and that evil was due to something that happened in the past I wanted (needed?) more of that part of the story. Maybe it’s my love of historical fiction and I’m in the minority here, I don’t know, but I feel that there was not enough. Other than that it was a good story with a bit of romance, a bit of magic and a touch of history. I do hope there will be further Sparrow Sisters books.
June 4, 2017
4.5 I love an English garden and I was totally smitten in the Shakespearean garden recreation. First I must say I have two homes, one by the sea, and one in the inland heat with a bountiful but completely neglected garden. For twenty years all I did was toil in my garden from sun up until sunset, the last 7 years I have lived in a cold wet foggy coast where nothing can survive the ceaseless winds, cold and deer. I happened to be inland while reading and listening to this, which made it almost a five star experience for me. I read curled in a gazebo while the fountain tinkled, surrounded by figs, berries, blossoms and blooms. I put on my headset and trimmed boxwood, vinca and burgmansias, all the while listening to them toil in the garden and greenhouse. I WAS LOVING IT! I am not sure I would have loved this on the cold coast, but today I was utterly delighted to feel the warm sun while listening to this perfect in the garden book. Although I wasn't wild about the sparrow sisters, it's great to read that first book to have the sisters in context. I totally enjoyed this, even if predictable it was a wonderful day in the garden to enjoy this fine book.
April 12, 2017
"Hiraeth: a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was: the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past."
The Forbidden Garden had me with the above epigraph. I have always believed the old adage, "you can't go home again"--at least not expecting it to be the same home that you left. Sorrell Sparrow hasn't left home quite yet when we meet her at the beginning of the book, but with some traumatic events that have occurred at the Sparrow family home and nursery in New England and her sisters both finding love, she hasn't felt at home lately. This makes the letter she receives from Sir Graham Kirkwood, offering her a professional opportunity to spend six weeks resurrecting the Shakespearean garden on the Kirkwood estate outside of London an opportunity to find her wings and she sets off on an adventure. It turns out that the garden is a disaster, there are dark secrets being kept at the manor along with a potential curse--but there is also a new group of friends, a potential love interest, and perhaps more than a little magic in the works.
The Forbidden Garden is a lovely book from the beautiful garden descriptions (it's strange since I don't have any kind of green thumb but gardens and novels with gardens always fascinate me) to all of the detailed food descriptions, making it a book I can easily curl up and get lost in. Ellen Herrick has a way of describing things that had me smelling the sweet peas and lavender and tasting the delicious bounty of fruits and vegetables in my mind. Not a book to read on an empty stomach! I took over three pages of food notes, so I am putting it on my foodie fiction shelf. The magical realism is woven into the story well--both the garden's magic and the magical gifts that Sorrel and her sisters seem to have. I like books where the magic is there but not too the point where it is too unbelievable. Sorrel is a likable character, as are the supporting characters--the Kirkwoods and their friends and family--even when they are not behaving at their best. My only real disappointment is that although I knew that Herrick had a previous book, The Sparrow Sisters, I for some reason didn't pay attention enough to realize that this book picks up where that one leaves off. It's a pet peeve of mine to read things out of order so I usually avoid it--but it's my own fault. I actually have The Sparrow Sisters downloaded on my Kindle to read but The Forbidden Garden was a bit late to arrive and by the time I figured out that reading the first book before The Forbidden Garden would make me happier, I didn't have the time. There is enough background given by the author that you have the gist of what happened to the sisters in the previous book, but that kind of bummed me out as now I know the outcome before I read that one. Anyway, all of my bookish OCD issues and need for order aside, it's a wonderful story that I recommend if you like stories set in the English country side, mysterious gardens, delicious food, and a little magic and mystery thrown in--I would just make sure to read The Sparrow Sisters first.
You can see my review, along with a recipe for an (absolutely delicious if I do say so myself) ;-) Asparagus Risotto with Sorrel-Spinach Pesto inspired by my reading on my blog post here: kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2017/04/t...
Note: A review copy of the "The Forbidden Garden" was provided to me by the publisher, Harper Collins, and TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Forbidden Garden had me with the above epigraph. I have always believed the old adage, "you can't go home again"--at least not expecting it to be the same home that you left. Sorrell Sparrow hasn't left home quite yet when we meet her at the beginning of the book, but with some traumatic events that have occurred at the Sparrow family home and nursery in New England and her sisters both finding love, she hasn't felt at home lately. This makes the letter she receives from Sir Graham Kirkwood, offering her a professional opportunity to spend six weeks resurrecting the Shakespearean garden on the Kirkwood estate outside of London an opportunity to find her wings and she sets off on an adventure. It turns out that the garden is a disaster, there are dark secrets being kept at the manor along with a potential curse--but there is also a new group of friends, a potential love interest, and perhaps more than a little magic in the works.
The Forbidden Garden is a lovely book from the beautiful garden descriptions (it's strange since I don't have any kind of green thumb but gardens and novels with gardens always fascinate me) to all of the detailed food descriptions, making it a book I can easily curl up and get lost in. Ellen Herrick has a way of describing things that had me smelling the sweet peas and lavender and tasting the delicious bounty of fruits and vegetables in my mind. Not a book to read on an empty stomach! I took over three pages of food notes, so I am putting it on my foodie fiction shelf. The magical realism is woven into the story well--both the garden's magic and the magical gifts that Sorrel and her sisters seem to have. I like books where the magic is there but not too the point where it is too unbelievable. Sorrel is a likable character, as are the supporting characters--the Kirkwoods and their friends and family--even when they are not behaving at their best. My only real disappointment is that although I knew that Herrick had a previous book, The Sparrow Sisters, I for some reason didn't pay attention enough to realize that this book picks up where that one leaves off. It's a pet peeve of mine to read things out of order so I usually avoid it--but it's my own fault. I actually have The Sparrow Sisters downloaded on my Kindle to read but The Forbidden Garden was a bit late to arrive and by the time I figured out that reading the first book before The Forbidden Garden would make me happier, I didn't have the time. There is enough background given by the author that you have the gist of what happened to the sisters in the previous book, but that kind of bummed me out as now I know the outcome before I read that one. Anyway, all of my bookish OCD issues and need for order aside, it's a wonderful story that I recommend if you like stories set in the English country side, mysterious gardens, delicious food, and a little magic and mystery thrown in--I would just make sure to read The Sparrow Sisters first.
You can see my review, along with a recipe for an (absolutely delicious if I do say so myself) ;-) Asparagus Risotto with Sorrel-Spinach Pesto inspired by my reading on my blog post here: kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/2017/04/t...
Note: A review copy of the "The Forbidden Garden" was provided to me by the publisher, Harper Collins, and TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2017
The Forbidden Garden was a delight to read. I felt immersed in life at Kirkwood. Herrick beautifully captures the imagination with descriptions of the grounds, the well-developed characters, endless, mouthwatering details about the food, and, of course, the planting knowledge of a true master gardener. The magical touches of the Sparrow sisters are woven throughout this rich novel. While the reveal of the mystery isn't much of a surprise, the journey to the book's climax is well worth it.
Having just finished The Secret Garden, this book was a brilliant follow up. The father, Graham, constantly reminded me of Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey. There are definite comparisons to Sarah Addison Allen and Kate Morton. I was just completely charmed. Highly recommended.
Having just finished The Secret Garden, this book was a brilliant follow up. The father, Graham, constantly reminded me of Lord Grantham from Downton Abbey. There are definite comparisons to Sarah Addison Allen and Kate Morton. I was just completely charmed. Highly recommended.
April 7, 2017
Slow, predictable and far too many references to the previous book (it really could have been a standalone). But overall a good semi-Gothic beach read.
April 5, 2017
What worked was brilliant (gardening and characterization), but there were large bits of this novel that just failed for me.
Complete review to come.
Complete review to come.
July 18, 2019
I wanted to love these so much. They had so much potential in them, all the perfect ingredients for deliciousness.
March 2, 2017
What I liked about this book:
1. It’s set in England. The descriptions of the country estate and the London museums were interesting to me.
2. There is a mystery about the failing garden, something about a Kirkwood family curse. The idea if a mystery intrigued me.
3. The descriptions of gardening and the ability to grow so many herbs, flowers and vegetables – how I wish I had that talent.
4. The cover is colorful and invites you pick the book up for a quick look, especially if you are a sucker for a pretty book cover.
5. There are passages about food throughout the book. Eggs with chives, Shepherd’s Pie, Roasted chicken with potatoes and veggies….. I prepared a Shepherd’s Pie as my representative dish. It’s the first meal Andrew prepared for Sorrel Sparrow.
What I didn’t care for:
Unbeknownst to me there was a previous book called The Sparrow Sisters. When I started reading The Forbidden Garden I felt like I was missing something, a backstory that wasn’t explained by the author. After looking online I saw there was a previous book. That would have fleshed out the characters more for me if I’d known and read it first. Mystery solved.
This book was advertised as “Perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Sarah Jio, comes a lush imaginative novel that takes readers into the heart of a mysterious English country garden.” Well……..there is a garden in England and there is a bit of mystery but, not at all like Kate Morton in my opinion. That may come as a disappointment to some readers if they absolutely love Kate Morton, so I wanted to mention that. The mystery has more to do with enchantment....think about Alice Hoffman books instead.
The allusion to magic had me shrug my shoulders – Meh. Witchcraft wasn’t mentioned but it’s hinted at as an innate magical and mystical ability within each of the Sparrow sisters as they handle the soil in the gardens and make potions.
Predictable ending but that doesn’t always put me off a book. Sometimes you can figure it out and sometimes it’s obvious who the love interests and culprits will be.
Overall a solid B rating for the writing and descriptive passages.
Here is the vegetarian version of Shepherd's Pie. Lots of beans and freshly cut vegetables. Now Andrew prepared a version using ground lamb. We have also done that and it's quite good. That recipe may be found HERE.
*I won an advanced reader's copy of this book from LibraryThing.
May 10, 2023
I won this book from the Goodreads Giveaways.
3.5 stars.
This is an enjoyable magical realism/paranormal story about the restoration of a Shakespearean garden on an English country estate.
The Kirkwood family have owned Kirkwood Hall for hundreds of years and within the extensive grounds is a walled garden that refuses to thrive. Everything that's planted there dies and the garden is said to be cursed. Lord and Lady Kirkwood hire Sorrel Sparrow, an American gardener with a special gift, to restore the garden to its former glory. But Lord Kirkwood isn't telling her the whole story about the curse and its very real dangers. Dun! Dun! Dun!
I loved the history surrounding the garden and estate, and all of the plant lore. Most of the characters are well fleshed out, with interesting back stories. Poppy was someone I'd love to have as a friend and Stella was such a kindhearted and generous person, it's too bad she isn't real. Delphine should have had a bigger part in the book; she was, for me, the most fascinating character. The best part of the book was the story of the tapestries and what caused the garden to be cursed and haunted. It's well worth reading just for the mystery.
This book lost a half star because Sorrel is not someone I enjoyed spending time with. She's so prickly and unlikable it's off putting. It's as though the author wanted to paint us portrait of an ugly American in Britain. Imagine being hired for such an amazing job and then being unnecessarily rude to your employers and their daughter. Poppy didn't need to be "schooled" for saying "I am rather enjoying this whole mysterious thing we’ve got going." So was I Poppy! It's not for one moment possible that Poppy and Stella would consider themselves "schooled" by Sorrel in this situation. And Sorrel's behavior with Stella's brother was unprofessional and selfish. Having a special gift doesn't excuse you from good manners and behaving responsibly. There are plenty of obnoxious characters who are a pleasure to read about, but we're supposed to like this woman and that wasn't possible for me.
Altogether, not bad.
3.5 stars.
This is an enjoyable magical realism/paranormal story about the restoration of a Shakespearean garden on an English country estate.
The Kirkwood family have owned Kirkwood Hall for hundreds of years and within the extensive grounds is a walled garden that refuses to thrive. Everything that's planted there dies and the garden is said to be cursed. Lord and Lady Kirkwood hire Sorrel Sparrow, an American gardener with a special gift, to restore the garden to its former glory. But Lord Kirkwood isn't telling her the whole story about the curse and its very real dangers. Dun! Dun! Dun!
I loved the history surrounding the garden and estate, and all of the plant lore. Most of the characters are well fleshed out, with interesting back stories. Poppy was someone I'd love to have as a friend and Stella was such a kindhearted and generous person, it's too bad she isn't real. Delphine should have had a bigger part in the book; she was, for me, the most fascinating character. The best part of the book was the story of the tapestries and what caused the garden to be cursed and haunted. It's well worth reading just for the mystery.
This book lost a half star because Sorrel is not someone I enjoyed spending time with. She's so prickly and unlikable it's off putting. It's as though the author wanted to paint us portrait of an ugly American in Britain. Imagine being hired for such an amazing job and then being unnecessarily rude to your employers and their daughter. Poppy didn't need to be "schooled" for saying "I am rather enjoying this whole mysterious thing we’ve got going." So was I Poppy! It's not for one moment possible that Poppy and Stella would consider themselves "schooled" by Sorrel in this situation. And Sorrel's behavior with Stella's brother was unprofessional and selfish. Having a special gift doesn't excuse you from good manners and behaving responsibly. There are plenty of obnoxious characters who are a pleasure to read about, but we're supposed to like this woman and that wasn't possible for me.
Altogether, not bad.
May 8, 2017
At the nursery she runs with her sisters on the New England coast, Sorrel Sparrow has honed her rare gift for nurturing plants and flowers. Now that reputation, and a stroke of good timing, lands Sorrel an unexpected opportunity: reviving a long-dormant Shakespearean garden on an English country estate.
Arriving at Kirkwood Hall, ancestral home of Sir Graham Kirkwood and his wife Stella, Sorrel is shocked by the desolate state of the walled garden. Generations have tried—and failed—to bring it back to glory. Sorrel senses heartbreak and betrayal here, perhaps even enchantment. Intrigued by the house’s history—especially the haunting tapestries that grace its walls—and increasingly drawn to Stella’s enigmatic brother, Sorrel sets to work. And though she knows her true home is across the sea with her sisters, instinct tells her that the English garden’s destiny is entwined with her own, if she can only unravel its secrets.
unlike many other reviewers I did know this was a "sequel" to the Sparrow Sisters, and had read that first. At the time i gave that book a 3. Decent story, good beach read. Unlike other readers, this one did not really hold my interest. I thought the story was choppy, didn't feel the characters had much depth, and pretty much could have predicted the story line. There wasn't anything that really grabbed me about this book , sorry to say.
Arriving at Kirkwood Hall, ancestral home of Sir Graham Kirkwood and his wife Stella, Sorrel is shocked by the desolate state of the walled garden. Generations have tried—and failed—to bring it back to glory. Sorrel senses heartbreak and betrayal here, perhaps even enchantment. Intrigued by the house’s history—especially the haunting tapestries that grace its walls—and increasingly drawn to Stella’s enigmatic brother, Sorrel sets to work. And though she knows her true home is across the sea with her sisters, instinct tells her that the English garden’s destiny is entwined with her own, if she can only unravel its secrets.
unlike many other reviewers I did know this was a "sequel" to the Sparrow Sisters, and had read that first. At the time i gave that book a 3. Decent story, good beach read. Unlike other readers, this one did not really hold my interest. I thought the story was choppy, didn't feel the characters had much depth, and pretty much could have predicted the story line. There wasn't anything that really grabbed me about this book , sorry to say.
June 6, 2017
I chose this book as a book club selection because someone compared Herrick to Kate Morton and Alice Hoffman, two of my favorite writers. She doesn't even come close. Her writing was flowery and amateurish, her plot predictable, and her characters were flat. A waste of time and money.
April 23, 2024
I picked it because the cover is so pretty. I never learn.
I didn't know it was a sequel, so my bad. I felt nothing much for the characters and might have had more interest if I read the first one. Sorrel comes from the USA to England to rework a Shakespeare garden. She fell into insta love with the priest, that felt forced. It just was a weird, messy read.
I didn't know it was a sequel, so my bad. I felt nothing much for the characters and might have had more interest if I read the first one. Sorrel comes from the USA to England to rework a Shakespeare garden. She fell into insta love with the priest, that felt forced. It just was a weird, messy read.
April 12, 2017
Sorrel and her two sisters are famous in New England for their gifts with plants. When someone overseas asks for their help with a problematic garden Sorrel takes the opportunity and travels to England. She will stay at Kirkwood Hall together with the people who hired her. To find out what's wrong with their garden Sorrel needs to learn all there is to know about the family's history, so she has an idea of what she's getting herself into. She has to unravel secrets and she'll have to restore the garden with her own magic hands to have a shot.
Are Graham and Stella Kirkwood telling Sorrel the whole truth? What will Sorrel be able to discover about the garden and is it the only thing she will find at Kirkwood Hall or is there something more for her to experience while she's there? Stella's brother Andrew is having a personal and professional crisis and maybe it's up to Sorrel to heal both the garden and his heart. Will she succeed or has her journey been in vain?
The Forbidden Garden is an intriguing story. I love the Sparrow sisters and was very happy to be able to read about one of them again. Sorrel is a strong woman who deserves some happiness in her life. She's always there for others and has a caring and nurturing personality. She's amazing with plants and she can make everything grow in a magical way. She's a special person and I found her calm and comforting personality absolutely wonderful. Sorrel is trying to unravel a mystery and I liked the combination of a gripping family history and her loving and nurturing relationship with plants. While trying to make things grow Sorrel also grows on a personal level and that was fabulous to witness.
Ellen Herrick has written an enchanting story. She writes about magic like it's the most normal and most enigmatic thing there is, which is what makes me enjoy her stories so much. Sorrel is actively using all of her senses and experiences even the most ordinary things in a fascinating way. It was beautiful to see the world through her eyes. I liked reading about the plants she loves so much and Ellen Herrick's vibrant and colorful descriptions make them come to life incredibly well. I also loved the romantic aspect of The Forbidden Garden and the secrets that are being kept are quite interesting. Ellen Herrick has written a complete and unique story. I really enjoyed reading The Forbidden Garden, it's a gorgeous spellbinding story.
Are Graham and Stella Kirkwood telling Sorrel the whole truth? What will Sorrel be able to discover about the garden and is it the only thing she will find at Kirkwood Hall or is there something more for her to experience while she's there? Stella's brother Andrew is having a personal and professional crisis and maybe it's up to Sorrel to heal both the garden and his heart. Will she succeed or has her journey been in vain?
The Forbidden Garden is an intriguing story. I love the Sparrow sisters and was very happy to be able to read about one of them again. Sorrel is a strong woman who deserves some happiness in her life. She's always there for others and has a caring and nurturing personality. She's amazing with plants and she can make everything grow in a magical way. She's a special person and I found her calm and comforting personality absolutely wonderful. Sorrel is trying to unravel a mystery and I liked the combination of a gripping family history and her loving and nurturing relationship with plants. While trying to make things grow Sorrel also grows on a personal level and that was fabulous to witness.
Ellen Herrick has written an enchanting story. She writes about magic like it's the most normal and most enigmatic thing there is, which is what makes me enjoy her stories so much. Sorrel is actively using all of her senses and experiences even the most ordinary things in a fascinating way. It was beautiful to see the world through her eyes. I liked reading about the plants she loves so much and Ellen Herrick's vibrant and colorful descriptions make them come to life incredibly well. I also loved the romantic aspect of The Forbidden Garden and the secrets that are being kept are quite interesting. Ellen Herrick has written a complete and unique story. I really enjoyed reading The Forbidden Garden, it's a gorgeous spellbinding story.
July 3, 2020
The Forbidden Garden by Ellen Herrick is the sequel to The Sparrow Sister. As we know from the first book the sister process unique abilities when it comes to plants and flowers, some might even call them magical.
After the events of The Sparrow Sister, the three sisters are trying to get their lives back and get back to normal. For Sorrel, the eldest of the sister, this has become hard as she finds herself drifting without a real purpose. Her youngest sisters have become involved in relationships and have downs stability in that and in their gardening. Feeling adrift, Sorrel accepts an offer from an English lord to come to his country estate and plant a Shakespeare garden in a plot of land that seems to be curse. While in England, Sorrel forms a bond with the Kirkwoods and even falls in love with Lady Kirkwood's brother.
As with the first book the writing is beautiful and very descriptive. I think the author must have some botany degree or something because her mastery of plants is impressive (says the person who knows nothing of plants). The magical realism is well drawn, the style here is magic that isn't outwardly magic. Sorrel's abilities are considered more of a "gift". There is a mystery, which was entertaining, but not very mysterious. it was pretty clear early on what happened to make the land "cursed". The romance was alright. I like both the characters but I thought the they fell in love really quickly and Andrew came off as a little needy. Not my thing...
The narrator, Fiona Hardingham, was good though her American accent could use some help. I wasn't bothered too much by it, it was more amusing to me than anything. But she needs to work on it. Otherwise, I though she did a good job.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, it wasn't complex enough in the depth of the characters and the story for me to give it more stars. Nonetheless, I'm glad I read the book, it was entertaining.
After the events of The Sparrow Sister, the three sisters are trying to get their lives back and get back to normal. For Sorrel, the eldest of the sister, this has become hard as she finds herself drifting without a real purpose. Her youngest sisters have become involved in relationships and have downs stability in that and in their gardening. Feeling adrift, Sorrel accepts an offer from an English lord to come to his country estate and plant a Shakespeare garden in a plot of land that seems to be curse. While in England, Sorrel forms a bond with the Kirkwoods and even falls in love with Lady Kirkwood's brother.
As with the first book the writing is beautiful and very descriptive. I think the author must have some botany degree or something because her mastery of plants is impressive (says the person who knows nothing of plants). The magical realism is well drawn, the style here is magic that isn't outwardly magic. Sorrel's abilities are considered more of a "gift". There is a mystery, which was entertaining, but not very mysterious. it was pretty clear early on what happened to make the land "cursed". The romance was alright. I like both the characters but I thought the they fell in love really quickly and Andrew came off as a little needy. Not my thing...
The narrator, Fiona Hardingham, was good though her American accent could use some help. I wasn't bothered too much by it, it was more amusing to me than anything. But she needs to work on it. Otherwise, I though she did a good job.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, it wasn't complex enough in the depth of the characters and the story for me to give it more stars. Nonetheless, I'm glad I read the book, it was entertaining.
February 12, 2017
Thanks to LibraryThing for a copy of this book to review. I found this a very interesting book to read but I wish I had read Sparrow Sisters before I read this because there were so many references to what occurred in that book. I have just ordered Sparrow Sisters and that should fill in the gaps for me.
"Every garden is a story, waiting to be told..."
This is the belief of the main character, Sorrel Sparrow, who runs a nursery with her sisters. Sorrel has a remarkable reputation in Granite Point for being able to nurture and grow beautiful plants and flowers. She is still trying to find her way after a family tragedy (unknown to me because it's part of the story of The Sparrow Sisters) and when she is offered a chance to go to England to help restore a garden that appears to have a curse and hasn't bloomed in 200 years, she decides that she needs to go despite the closeness that she has with her sisters. The people at Kirkwood Hall in England are all pretty quirky but they are accepting of Sorrel and try to help her with the garden in their own ways despite their fear of the curse.
This is an interesting and compelling book to read. There is a little history, a little romance, a little magic and a lot of family history. If you are a gardner, you're going to love this book because the author goes into lots of details about them. I enjoyed this book but think I will enjoy it even more after I read The Sparrow Sisters.
"Every garden is a story, waiting to be told..."
This is the belief of the main character, Sorrel Sparrow, who runs a nursery with her sisters. Sorrel has a remarkable reputation in Granite Point for being able to nurture and grow beautiful plants and flowers. She is still trying to find her way after a family tragedy (unknown to me because it's part of the story of The Sparrow Sisters) and when she is offered a chance to go to England to help restore a garden that appears to have a curse and hasn't bloomed in 200 years, she decides that she needs to go despite the closeness that she has with her sisters. The people at Kirkwood Hall in England are all pretty quirky but they are accepting of Sorrel and try to help her with the garden in their own ways despite their fear of the curse.
This is an interesting and compelling book to read. There is a little history, a little romance, a little magic and a lot of family history. If you are a gardner, you're going to love this book because the author goes into lots of details about them. I enjoyed this book but think I will enjoy it even more after I read The Sparrow Sisters.
January 6, 2018
An easy read - a straightforward account of a stereotypical relationship, a forgotten garden, and an attempt at magical realism in the form of some characters having magical powers. It needed much more development of character and situation to really immerse the reader in the world the author wanted to create. However, there were some areas of interesting writing and the premise was good, just not well-executed, IMO.
April 9, 2025
A Beautifully Atmospheric Tale of Healing and Heritage
The Forbidden Garden by Ellen Herrick is a lush, magical story that transports readers from the windswept coast of New England to the rolling countryside of England. At its heart is Sorrel Sparrow, a gifted gardener with a mysterious past and a touch of the supernatural in her hands. When she’s summoned to tend an ancient English garden rumored to be cursed, she uncovers not just buried secrets in the soil, but also within herself.
Herrick’s prose is evocative and elegant, weaving nature, folklore, and romance into a rich tapestry that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The setting is a character in itself—filled with wildflowers, crumbling walls, and whispers of old magic. While the pacing slows in places and some character arcs could have been explored more deeply, the story remains captivating, especially for fans of gentle magical realism and stories of emotional rebirth.
This is a book to savor slowly, much like watching a garden bloom after a long winter. A satisfying follow-up to The Sparrow Sisters, it stands well on its own and will appeal to readers who enjoy Deborah Harkness, Sarah Addison Allen, and Kate Morton.
The Forbidden Garden by Ellen Herrick is a lush, magical story that transports readers from the windswept coast of New England to the rolling countryside of England. At its heart is Sorrel Sparrow, a gifted gardener with a mysterious past and a touch of the supernatural in her hands. When she’s summoned to tend an ancient English garden rumored to be cursed, she uncovers not just buried secrets in the soil, but also within herself.
Herrick’s prose is evocative and elegant, weaving nature, folklore, and romance into a rich tapestry that feels both timeless and deeply personal. The setting is a character in itself—filled with wildflowers, crumbling walls, and whispers of old magic. While the pacing slows in places and some character arcs could have been explored more deeply, the story remains captivating, especially for fans of gentle magical realism and stories of emotional rebirth.
This is a book to savor slowly, much like watching a garden bloom after a long winter. A satisfying follow-up to The Sparrow Sisters, it stands well on its own and will appeal to readers who enjoy Deborah Harkness, Sarah Addison Allen, and Kate Morton.
April 12, 2017
The second story featuring the Sparrow Sisters, this one focuses on Sorrel's story.
If you haven't read The Sparrow Sisters, you should. It's one of the best books I've read recently.
Each of the sisters is known for her possibly magical abilities in the garden.
After the rough year they faced in the first story, Sorrel accepts an offer to restore a Shakespeare Garden in England.
When she arrives, she is warmly greeted by the Kirkwood family. Graham and Stella are the married couple that hired her, Poppy is their college aged daughter.
Sorrel is less warmly greeted by Stella's brother Andrew. He's been through a rough time himself.
Stella hopes that Sorrel can pull Andrew out of his funk. Graham hopes that Sorrel can restore the garden. But what Graham doesn't tell her is that his family's garden has a dark history. He is concerned whether the garden is cursed. He wants to keep Stella away from it. He thinks Sorrel may be able to fix the problem without knowing the full story.
I enjoyed the new characters but I missed the dynamic of the three sisters always together in the first book.
This book felt darker than the first book, but it is not without its own light.
I loved the descriptions of the food so much that I feel like there should be a third book devoted to a newfound love of cooking.
If the author keeps writing them, I'm going to keep reading them :)
If you haven't read The Sparrow Sisters, you should. It's one of the best books I've read recently.
Each of the sisters is known for her possibly magical abilities in the garden.
After the rough year they faced in the first story, Sorrel accepts an offer to restore a Shakespeare Garden in England.
When she arrives, she is warmly greeted by the Kirkwood family. Graham and Stella are the married couple that hired her, Poppy is their college aged daughter.
Sorrel is less warmly greeted by Stella's brother Andrew. He's been through a rough time himself.
Stella hopes that Sorrel can pull Andrew out of his funk. Graham hopes that Sorrel can restore the garden. But what Graham doesn't tell her is that his family's garden has a dark history. He is concerned whether the garden is cursed. He wants to keep Stella away from it. He thinks Sorrel may be able to fix the problem without knowing the full story.
I enjoyed the new characters but I missed the dynamic of the three sisters always together in the first book.
This book felt darker than the first book, but it is not without its own light.
I loved the descriptions of the food so much that I feel like there should be a third book devoted to a newfound love of cooking.
If the author keeps writing them, I'm going to keep reading them :)
February 14, 2017
Sorrel is one of the Sparrow sisters, a trio (once a quartet) of preternaturally gifted women who have a connection with plants. Their nursery in New England overflows with gorgeous plants that grow and bloom fast- that’s Sorrel’s realm. Another sister works with herbs and healing; the third can make any food related plant bear lushly. For this reason, Sorrel has come to the attention of a wealthy British manor owner. Kirkwood Hall has been renovated and made open to the public part time. All is lovely- except for one spot. The old Shakespeare garden lies in ruins, as it has for a couple of centuries. Within its walls, nothing grows. Sir Graham Kirkwood asks Sorrel to come over and make it right.
Once she gets there, Sorrel finds a happy extended family. There is only one grim spot- Lady Kirkwood’s brother, Andrew. An Anglican priest on sabbatical, he’s recovering- poorly- from a broken heart. He provides the romance in this combination romance/mystery, as Sorrel and the Kirkwood’s try to not just make the Shakespeare garden beautiful again, but to find out *why* it’s lain fallow for so many decades. Then there is the legend that any Kirkwood entering the garden will fall ill and die…
This is a pleasant enough story, with the extended family (that includes the head gardener, the inn keeper, and Lady Kirkwood’s brother) searching for clues while Sorrel designs and plants the garden. Basing it both on other Shakespeare gardens and glimpses of it in the tapestries, she creates a formal arrangement of parterres and knots that bursts into growth and bloom the minute she puts the plants in the ground. But things don’t work out easily; the garden’s curse is still alive.
As a gardener and a foodie, I couldn’t help but love the descriptions in this story. Herrick brings to life the look, feel, and scent of the plants. The meals the family eats are described just as lushly as the plants; I was hungry most of the time reading this! The mystery was interesting, although it largely came down to people deliberately hiding information. But the book is not without its faults; this is the second book of I assume a series, and as such referred constantly to events of the first book. Those references took up far too much of the narrative, and it’s far too repetitious. Also, for a mystery, it’s not a very tense story- it dwells on the relationships too much to make us worry much. It’s like the book couldn’t decide if it was a mystery or a cozy woman’s story. Still, I’m going to find the first book and read it. Because plants.
Once she gets there, Sorrel finds a happy extended family. There is only one grim spot- Lady Kirkwood’s brother, Andrew. An Anglican priest on sabbatical, he’s recovering- poorly- from a broken heart. He provides the romance in this combination romance/mystery, as Sorrel and the Kirkwood’s try to not just make the Shakespeare garden beautiful again, but to find out *why* it’s lain fallow for so many decades. Then there is the legend that any Kirkwood entering the garden will fall ill and die…
This is a pleasant enough story, with the extended family (that includes the head gardener, the inn keeper, and Lady Kirkwood’s brother) searching for clues while Sorrel designs and plants the garden. Basing it both on other Shakespeare gardens and glimpses of it in the tapestries, she creates a formal arrangement of parterres and knots that bursts into growth and bloom the minute she puts the plants in the ground. But things don’t work out easily; the garden’s curse is still alive.
As a gardener and a foodie, I couldn’t help but love the descriptions in this story. Herrick brings to life the look, feel, and scent of the plants. The meals the family eats are described just as lushly as the plants; I was hungry most of the time reading this! The mystery was interesting, although it largely came down to people deliberately hiding information. But the book is not without its faults; this is the second book of I assume a series, and as such referred constantly to events of the first book. Those references took up far too much of the narrative, and it’s far too repetitious. Also, for a mystery, it’s not a very tense story- it dwells on the relationships too much to make us worry much. It’s like the book couldn’t decide if it was a mystery or a cozy woman’s story. Still, I’m going to find the first book and read it. Because plants.
March 16, 2017
I actually liked this book much more than The Sparrow Sisters, the first one in the series. The writing in this one was much more lyrical and descriptive. I also think I liked the rural English setting much better than the seaside New England village of the first one. However, this book was still far from perfect. A lot of the conflict felt manufactured to me, and I sometimes had trouble believing that any reasonable person would make certain decisions presented here as obvious. Still, if you like gardens, rural England, and romance, this isn't a bad way to pass some time.
(Note: I received an uncorrected proof of this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.)
(Note: I received an uncorrected proof of this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.)
April 5, 2017
A solid 4 1/2 stars with a 5 if I hadn't felt the ending was pat and abrupt and if one of the main male characters hadn't been such a sniveling oh woe is me person. The language, characters and sense of place and time entranced me. I was hearing a British accent even as I read; seeing the characters as real individuals; feeling a foreboding even as I celebrated triumphs with the family; and growing to believe that this was a place and a family I would choose to visit. I look forward to reading more by Ellen Herrick and am very grateful for the early opportunity to read this book.
This is an incomplete review but I may be able to participate in an author discussion and choose to write less before that takes place.
This is an incomplete review but I may be able to participate in an author discussion and choose to write less before that takes place.
August 27, 2019
I enjoyed this SO much. The Sparrow Sisters was really lovely, and I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I admit I did not warm up to the characters nearly as much as in this sequel (of sorts) that centers on Sorrel.
All of the characters seemed more approachable and sympathetic to me, yet never boring or clichéd, especially maybe my favorite character, the garden itself.
Perfect cozy reading for anyone with a love for herbs, gardens, England, and family mysteries. Thank you for this magical, evocative novel.
I hope we can look forward to lots more!
All of the characters seemed more approachable and sympathetic to me, yet never boring or clichéd, especially maybe my favorite character, the garden itself.
Perfect cozy reading for anyone with a love for herbs, gardens, England, and family mysteries. Thank you for this magical, evocative novel.
I hope we can look forward to lots more!
November 13, 2018
After a strong start, this book turned into a "meh" for me. I liked the idea of it but I didn't connect to the characters. The romance was undeveloped, it just kind of happens, and I really didn't care if they fixed the garden or not. I did like the end, when things started going wrong, but overall it was just a so-so read for me.
Content warning: strong language and sex
2018 challenge: a book by an author with the same fist or last name as you
Content warning: strong language and sex
2018 challenge: a book by an author with the same fist or last name as you
April 6, 2018
Oh wow, a fabulous garden book featuring Sorrell Sparrow! This one has everything.
February 19, 2018
easy fluffy feel good read.
May 2, 2018
I had just started another book when this one arrived in my mailbox. The thought of an old family estate, a walled Shakespearean garden that refused to grow even a weed, an ancient mystery and all on English soil to boot ~ of course I dropped my intended book & glommed onto this one straight away. One of these days I just need to pack a suitcase, buy a one-way ticket to England and either get over my romantic obsession with the country or get on with making a life there! Since facets of my life haven't aligned to make that possible yet, I'm forced to satisfy my Anglophile notions thru reading. Parts of this book were truly fulfilling in that regard. They include the descriptions of London, the Kirkwood estate (house, land, gardens, dogs ~ the whole shebang,) the walled garden with its Tudor era bricks, the beautiful, bygone Elizabeth complete with missing journal, etc., etc. A surprising addition, if one has foodie inclinations, there are epic meals described within the pages ~ sumptuous creations made from scratch & described in detail, all concocted with ingredients fresh from the estate. I'd advise not to read if the cupboards are bare & your stomach is growling. Just an fyi from someone who learned the hard way....
Since I'm a gardening enthusiast, the idea of recreating a garden filled with plants found in the Shakespearean era was very appealing and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Learning the plant names, reading about laying out the parterres, designing the garden, etc. ~ all interesting subject matter to me & I suspect anyone else with the same shared hobby. An enchanting feature of the book absolutely worth noting was how each chapter was titled with the name of a plant. Lovely idea.
Unfortunately, despite all those "shiny" points, the book wasn't as wonderful as I was expecting and I can't place my finger on why? Immediately upon starting to read, I realized it was a sequel which apparently I'd overlooked prior to ordering. I wouldn't say the story was lost on me for not having read the first book but it sure was referred to often. Also it was strongly reminiscent of books by Sarah Addison Allen (primarily thinking 'Garden Spells' here) in the way it eludes to the protagonist having magical connections to plants and their properties. The love story was sweet but felt a bit rushed, especially how it began. Andrew going from scowling, grumpy, anti-social behavior to caring, patient gentleman (almost overnight) was a bit much to swallow. Maybe I need and/or underestimated the power of 'heart's ease'?
Also the "mystery" part of the book was not so much a mystery as it was deception(s). Family members not being forthright about information that could have resolved questions way before a couple of centuries passed. There were other things that didn't exactly ring "true" with me too but I'm not sure if it would be petty to line them all out? Except I do "need" to say all the "F" bombs seemed out of context considering the subject matter/nature of the book ~ or perhaps I have an heretofore undiscovered prudish nature?? I hope not!
If you're not the kind of person who gets hung up on details and you're looking for an effortless read, maybe 'The Forbidden Garden' would be up your alley? I hope I haven't dissuaded you, it's not entirely without charms, it just fell a little flat for me. A bit sad because with more effort (some editing and tweaking) it could easily be a much better read.
Since I'm a gardening enthusiast, the idea of recreating a garden filled with plants found in the Shakespearean era was very appealing and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Learning the plant names, reading about laying out the parterres, designing the garden, etc. ~ all interesting subject matter to me & I suspect anyone else with the same shared hobby. An enchanting feature of the book absolutely worth noting was how each chapter was titled with the name of a plant. Lovely idea.
Unfortunately, despite all those "shiny" points, the book wasn't as wonderful as I was expecting and I can't place my finger on why? Immediately upon starting to read, I realized it was a sequel which apparently I'd overlooked prior to ordering. I wouldn't say the story was lost on me for not having read the first book but it sure was referred to often. Also it was strongly reminiscent of books by Sarah Addison Allen (primarily thinking 'Garden Spells' here) in the way it eludes to the protagonist having magical connections to plants and their properties. The love story was sweet but felt a bit rushed, especially how it began. Andrew going from scowling, grumpy, anti-social behavior to caring, patient gentleman (almost overnight) was a bit much to swallow. Maybe I need and/or underestimated the power of 'heart's ease'?
Also the "mystery" part of the book was not so much a mystery as it was deception(s). Family members not being forthright about information that could have resolved questions way before a couple of centuries passed. There were other things that didn't exactly ring "true" with me too but I'm not sure if it would be petty to line them all out? Except I do "need" to say all the "F" bombs seemed out of context considering the subject matter/nature of the book ~ or perhaps I have an heretofore undiscovered prudish nature?? I hope not!
If you're not the kind of person who gets hung up on details and you're looking for an effortless read, maybe 'The Forbidden Garden' would be up your alley? I hope I haven't dissuaded you, it's not entirely without charms, it just fell a little flat for me. A bit sad because with more effort (some editing and tweaking) it could easily be a much better read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2017
First off, let me say that The Forbidden Garden is both an absolutely enchanting and effortless read. It's the type of story that a reader can easily sink into, and wile away the hours with. To me, it would be the perfect outdoor read. Something to spend those beach days, hammock days, or even camping days with. Ellen Herrick has made something beautiful here, and it's honestly rather intoxicating.
As a reader, I tend to gravitate towards character who feel genuine. If the people I'm reading about attract me, I want to keep reading. Herrick has accomplished that handily. Sorrel and her sisters, despite the fact that I hadn't yet read the book they are featured in, stole my heart. Their love was evident, as was the heartache that Sorrel still harbored. When Sorrel, and I at the same time, met the Kirkwoods I was head over heels in love. This family, despite their secrets kept, were just delightful. The romance that bloomed between Andrew and Sorrel especially stole my heart. It felt genuine, sweet, and honest, which is hard to do.
The story itself, that is the plot portion of it, started out really strong in my opinion. The rambling estate of Kirkwood Manor was just as charming as the people in it, and as the history began to unfold I was intrigued. However, as the book neared the mid-point, I felt like everything was being rushed to the conclusion. I would have loved to see more about the research that Stella was performing into the past, and possibly more about the whole mystery itself. The ending just felt anti-climactic, after all the tension leading up to it.
For a beautifully written setting, wonderful characters, and a rather interesting plot, I'll happily offer this book three stars. As I mentioned, it was an effortless and honestly enjoyable read. If you're looking for something light and airy, with characters who will make you fall in love, this is your next read.
As a reader, I tend to gravitate towards character who feel genuine. If the people I'm reading about attract me, I want to keep reading. Herrick has accomplished that handily. Sorrel and her sisters, despite the fact that I hadn't yet read the book they are featured in, stole my heart. Their love was evident, as was the heartache that Sorrel still harbored. When Sorrel, and I at the same time, met the Kirkwoods I was head over heels in love. This family, despite their secrets kept, were just delightful. The romance that bloomed between Andrew and Sorrel especially stole my heart. It felt genuine, sweet, and honest, which is hard to do.
The story itself, that is the plot portion of it, started out really strong in my opinion. The rambling estate of Kirkwood Manor was just as charming as the people in it, and as the history began to unfold I was intrigued. However, as the book neared the mid-point, I felt like everything was being rushed to the conclusion. I would have loved to see more about the research that Stella was performing into the past, and possibly more about the whole mystery itself. The ending just felt anti-climactic, after all the tension leading up to it.
For a beautifully written setting, wonderful characters, and a rather interesting plot, I'll happily offer this book three stars. As I mentioned, it was an effortless and honestly enjoyable read. If you're looking for something light and airy, with characters who will make you fall in love, this is your next read.
April 10, 2022
I requested an advance copy of The Forbidden Garden from LibraryThing because it looked like the perfect book for a fan of The Secret Garden and The Forgotten Garden like me. And it was. This one mixes a little magical realism into the closed garden theme and just a touch of witchcraft. It picks up where The Sparrow Sisters left off, with only Sorrell out of the three sisters not in love and settled down. In this sequel, Sorrell finds herself leaving Granite Point on the New England seacoast for an English manor complete with a Shakespearean garden in need of her magical touch. What happens there is mixed with enough backstory from the previous book that I don't think reading it first is necessary. But if you enjoy the stories of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen you'll want to read it too.
January 15, 2018
Herrick (The Sparrow Sisters) moves the story of the Sparrow Sisters out of the small New England town of Granite Point to the English countryside when Sorrel Sparrow accepts an invitation to revive a long deserted Shakespeare Garden. Sorrell immediately feels like part of the family at Kirkwood Hall and begins to develop a special relationship with Lady Kirkwood’s brother, Andrew. Her ability to connect with plants and flowers appears almost magical, and everyone is sure she is just the person to finally bring life back to a garden that has refused to thrive for years. Yet even Sorrel may not be able to overcome whatever curse seems to have overtaken the garden before the entire family falls ill to its spell. While Herrick doesn’t quite find a balance between contemporary women’s fiction and magical realism, her descriptions of Sorrel’s rapport with the plants and garden and the powers they possess will resonate with those who enjoy stories of drawing strength from the land. Recommend this to readers of Sarah Addison Allen, Kate Morton, and Diffenbaugh’s The Language of Flowers.
This review first appeared in Booklist March 1, 2017
This review first appeared in Booklist March 1, 2017
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