2012. Little Eden, London, England. The beautiful sanctuary town of Little Eden is under threat. Human greed, selfishness and disregard are about to turn the last 1,000 years to dust. Robert Bartlett-Hart must make a choice. With the help his friends (plus plenty of tea and cake), Robert learns that there is more at stake than just Little Eden. Something lies at the heart of the Abbey; something that stands between mankind and Armageddon. The friends must navigate past lives, other dimensions, and even Heaven itself, to find a way to save Little Eden and themselves. Will Little Eden survive to usher in a new age, or will humanity perish with it?
What readers are saying… Magical...My heart is singing...Cosy and delicious…. I literally couldn’t put it down…Quirky…Thrilling… Captivating…Enchanting characters…A rollercoaster ride…I was always on tenterhooks…Charming… A great escape…It really is a magic book…
Join me in Little Eden on social media @ktkingbooks
Hello Dear Readers Come join me on social media and visit my blog for all things Little Eden including links to the soundtracks. You can also buy handmade gifts all inspired by Little Eden in my Etsy Shop. Just visit https://linktr.ee/ktkingbooks for everything you need! As you’ll be able to tell from reading Little Eden, I love afternoon tea, investigating all things spiritual and work as a complimentary therapist (when my health allows). I try to help others as much as I can. Making a contribution to someone else’s happiness or healing is the only thing that keeps me going! I couldn’t have a family or a husband due to the ME but have nieces, nephews and a goddaughter, Grace, all of whom inspire the children in Little Eden. When I’m writing Tambo I always picture my eldest nephew, Fabian and for Alice – I always think to myself, what would Gracie say? I also love crafting, up cycling and a bit of shabby chic! I sell some of my handmade jewellery in my Little Eden Etsy shop where all the gifts inspired by Little Eden. I meditate daily and would love to exercise more than the ME allows as I eat way too much chocolate! I can’t read a lot these days but I chill out by watching TV adaptations of cosy crime novels!
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Little Eden is a difficult book to categorise, as it has elements of mystery and horror, but these aren’t the main focus of the story. The main focus is the exploration of all sorts of different aspects of spirituality and the moral qualities that come from adherence or rejection of human spiritual needs.
The plot begins with a funeral. The deceased was a greatly beloved and important member of the area of London called ‘Little Eden’, which was created by the founding family to be a sanctuary from the rat race of urban humanity. Within Little Eden’s protective embrace, the citizens run old-fashioned businesses and adhere to old-fashioned community values. Well, most of them do.
The death of Lilly sparks a bitter feud, as some of her descendants want to preserve Little Eden’s principles while the others wish to sell the land to the highest bidder and cash in on the windfall. At least, that’s what is happening as far as the surface world sees. Lilly’s nieces, Sophie and Lucy, see a bit further than most and fear that there are darker, ghostlier motives lurking beneath: jealousy at old betrayals and a plot to prevent the ascension of mankind to a higher plane of existence.
There is a lot of paranormal, occult and spiritual information contained within this outline: ghosts and spirit guides; psychic visions; reincarnation; karma; hypnotherapy; holistic treatments; crystal powers; past-life regression; ‘Star’ children (like Indigo children); dragon-lines (leylines); flower rescue remedies; guided meditations; psychic attacks and prayers to ‘the Goddess’ are the elements I noted, but I may have missed some! Some of these practices and beliefs are explained in the text, and others are just mentioned in passing, but it is clear that the author knows her subject thoroughly. As a nice added bonus, the author has even added a selection of recipes to the back of the book, courtesy of Mrs B!
This is one of the very few books that I have read that has a main character with a chronic illness – specifically, chronic fatigue, which I also suffer from – and the representation is excellent: a realistic portrayal of, not just the physical effects, but the effects on a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing, and on their relationships, career prospects, etc. It really does make a difference to see your own struggles represented in the fiction you are reading.
The only quibble I have with this book is that there were often narrative interjections directly from the narrator to the reader, offering chunks of exposition or commentary on events. These passages felt unnecessary and intrusive, reminding me that I was reading a book and interrupting my immersion in the characters and plot.
Otherwise, this is a fascinating and unique story. The immediate plot is somewhat resolved by the end of the book, but the wider questions of the survival of Little Eden and of the evolution of humanity remain open ready for the next instalment in the series. There are clearly still huge challenges ahead, but the temporary solution offers hope that Robert, Sophie and the Star Children may eventually prevail. The most important takeaway here is to focus on the positive and release the negative – a useful lesson for everyone to remember.
The candles suddenly flashed and began to burn brighter. The subterranean room became effervescent with an unnatural light that seemed to sparkle and hum. Sophie shuddered again and closed her eyes. “Who can you see?” Lucy whispered. Sophie regained her composure, and opening her eyes she looked around the glittering room. The others watched and waited. They saw her smile slightly and then frown, as if trying to focus on something. She began to laugh a little and then grinned. She nodded, “It’s okay folks! It’s not a ghost – it’s a spirit guide.” “Well!” Lucy said, still petrified. “That’s okay then!” “But, who is it?” Robert asked. Sophie smiled and replied, “It’s just Alienor Bartholomew come to visit us, or depending what time frame you are in, it’s also Aunt Lilly!
I loved reading Little Eden so much that I couldn't put it down and was a little sad to finish it. It felt like KT was weaving a beautiful tapestry of magic rather than writing a novel. The mix of genres, moments of suspense and collective of Kindhearted Little Eden characters make this a pleasant read no matter what genre you like to read. I enjoyed the mix of all types of spirituality and loved the way ME/CFS was presented. This book deserves all of the stars. Five just isn't enough. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy ready any genre as you can not really put Little Eden in one genre category.
Little Eden is a difficult book to categorise, it has a little bit of everything, fantasy, thrills drama and spiritualism and it all makes for a wonderful story. Sadly after numerous searches on various estate agents websites, there doesn't seem to be any houses for sale there, which is a shame as I'd move there in a heartbeat!
When much loved, influential resident and Little Eden Trustee, Lilly Rose passes away no-one knew what a hornets nest it was going to open. Some people are desperate for change, as well as money, which could see the end of life as its residents know it. Lilly's nieces, Lucy and Sophie, enlist the help of close friends and family, past and present, to help them find a way to protect their little slice of paradise.
The community in Little Eden is a close knit one - the shops there sound amazing, especially The Daisy Place Cafe-Bookshop, I mean come on, cakes AND books in one place, what's not to love - and they will do everything they can to help.
I loved this book, with it's sense of quirkiness, references to past-lives, crystals, spiritualism and healing, along with it's colourful cast of enchanting characters. KT King has created a truly magical world which I was eager to be a part of and the story is full of cliffhangers, so I was always on tenterhooks as to which way things were going to go. Of course I wanted a fairy tale, happy ever after ending for Little Eden and I had all my fingers and toes crossed for good to triumph over evil but I'm not going to give anything away. What I will tell you about the end of the book though is that there are some mouth-watering sounding recipes there - all courtesy of The Daisy Place Cafe-Bookshop.
If you're looking for true escapism, a captivating, charming and well written story then take a trip to Little Eden with KT King!
Little Eden is a spirituality story set in a fictional village within London. The year is 2012, and it is believed by some that the Earth and its inhabitants are about to undergo significant changes.
Little Eden is a community set up by a trust, and many of those living within its walls have special connections to mysticism. The story opens with a funeral and then an incident involving a breakaway group who want to sell Little Eden and use the proceeds of the sale for personal gain. Focusing on the inhabitants of Little Eden, the author attempts to show the changes, particularly spiritual ones, needed to help the planet.
I liked the idea behind this book, with its messages about fear, greed and compassion. Little Eden sounded like an idyllic place to live and one that many of us would be happy to discover in the heart of London. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-fh1
Little Eden is a tiny walled hamlet in London that has been there for thousands of years and owned by the same family. Now it’s cared for by a Trust to ensure its safety. But when one of the mayor trustees dies, it looks like Little Eden is under threat….
And it’s not just threats from the living…..There’s something else about Little Eden. It’s a spiritual little place with psychics and star children, ghosts and other things that are yet to be discovered……
With the plight of Little Eden firmly on Robert Bartlett-Harts shoulders, he can’t decide what the best thing is to do. But if he doesn’t decide soon, Little Eden could be lost forever…..
I really enjoyed this story. It was cosy and magical with some funny moments, but there were also creepy and dark moments too. The plot felt really unique and other-worldly. The idea that this tiny hamlet was in the middle of London, yet the citizens way of life was completely different was fab. The town is full of magic, ghosts and spirituality which I loved. I thoroughly enjoyed finding out about Little Eden as it was in the present (2012) and across the centuries. It sounds like such a lovely delightful little place with cute, little boutique shops and cafes – a place I’d love to visit. However, there is the dark side which is just bubbling on the surface. We get a good insight into the supernatural but I have a feeling there is a lot more to come in book 2 (which I can’t wait for by the way!). There was plenty of mystery in this to keep you turning the pages, and I just kept coming back for me!
There is a large cast of characters, some you will love and some you will absolutely hate! Robert and Jack are brilliant – I loved them both. They both seem to be so charming! The kids, especially Alice and Tambo are adorable, and Sophie and Lucy are brilliant. Sophie is psychic but also suffers with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; the author really makes you understand what it must be like for her; not only how hard it must be, but also how frustrating. There are loads of supporting characters too – and I have to say, the men in Little Eden all sound like they should be models!!
There are so many lovely messages throughout the book. I love the fact that the community all come together and the Trust help people to live. It really makes you want to be part of a loving and caring community with some wonderful wise old people to share their experiences! Apart from a few, people really to rally for each other and it’s just beautiful.
I mainly enjoyed the writing style. At times it is told from a narrators point of view and at times I found it slightly off-putting. I was so engrossed in the story and characters that I didn’t feel like I was really necessary, I think the detail could have been bought in another way. However, it really didn’t stop me from loving the book and won’t stop me from reading Book 2!
The other brilliant thing that you need to know about the book is that there are some fantastic recipes in the back, recipes from No.1 Daisy Place Cafe – they all sound delicious, especially the brownies!
So overall, a fantastic magical, other-worldly and unique story, set in a beautiful, quirky and ancient hamlet, with a wide cast of characters who will individually draw out emotions in you. If you’re looking for a good magical, supernatural mystery, with someone wonderful messages throughout, then you should check this out. Definitely recommended by me.
Little Eden, a small walled town in the middle of London is a piece of paradise for it's residents and has been for about a thousand years. After the death of one of it's residents, Lily, the sanctuary is about to be threatened. Held in trust for the Bartlett-Hart's, Robert Bartlett-Hart finds himself fighting his mother and brother who wish to sell the town and dissolve the trust that protects it. Dark forces try to destroy the stability of the town and in a tale of good versus evil, Robert and his friends must fight for the residents of this ancient town.
I think we could all do with some time in Little Eden, a place with a sense of community, where people from different races and religions live happily together, a place of little crime and a place that is in inclusive and supportive of everyone. The place names in the town are all very twee and English and add to the idea of this being an idyllic place; Mr Muggles Clock Shop, Violet Yard, Dovecote Street. What added to the charm of all this is the idea of the town being magical with a strong sense of spirituality at its core. This is a book that takes on the time old tradition of good versus evil and positivity overpowering negativity. As well as the enchanting magical side to this book KT King also looks at some serious issues that face us in today's society; domestic violence, chronic illness and suicidal thoughts. The plot moves along pretty fast and KT King's writing is atmospheric and engaging drawing you into the story and the lives of the residents.
There are a lot of characters in this book, but the main two that stood out for me, and were at the centre of the book were Robert Bartlett-Hart and Sophie. Robert finds himself at odds with his family, and questions his self worth and belief in being able to fight and win to keep Little Eden as it is. Sophie was the character I was drawn to the most. She is very spiritual and can communicate with dead, she is a vessel for good and an important part in the saving of Little Eden. However, she is struggling with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, she has had to give up her job, her house and move in with her sister. I really empathised with her feelings of being a burden, and letting people down and how this leads to feelings of suicide. In contrast to their goodness, Robert's mother Jennifer and his brother are the darkness and pretty horrible people. One thing that did grab my attention and made me laugh was the name of his Jennifer's lawyers, Shaft, Pencill and Push, a perfect name in my opinion.
Little Eden is enchanting, charming and an absolute joy to read. There is a cast of wonderful, quirky and inspiring characters, both alive and dead, good and evil, that draw you in to their lives and I'm looking forward to learning more in future books. This is pure escapism and even has recipes for some of the lovely cakes mentioned in the book which I am going to try out. So, go on and bring a little bit of magic into your life with this wonderful book.
After reading this, I really wish I could visit Little Eden. I would love to meet Robert (and his friends) for tea one day. An old-fashioned haven in a modern world, Little Eden isn't your typical small town. With more than meets the eye going on, this is more than a struggle between good and evil. On one side you have greed, and the weight of materialistic desires, on the other spiritual growth and ascension to a higher plane. I greatly enjoyed the depth and complexity of the story and characters, and I'm looking forward to book two.
A fab read, a great mix of mystery, suspense with a twist of a cosy atmosphere that makes you want to be there! Wonderful characters which makes you want to know them more. Can’t wait for book two!
This is a story that pulls you in. I loved all the different characters and the mystery that unfolds. The story does not disappoint and you are left wanting more.
But I freaking loved this book. So much so I purposely slowed down reading this book and read bits and pieces before I went to bed. Somehow and I think this was the author’s intention which really did work. I felt calm, relaxed and totally invested with Little Eden and the many wonderful characters.
Little Eden is a little town in London, surrounded by walls. It’s a place of beautiful people, beautiful businesses. I really want to go and chill in No.1 Daisy Place Cafe and Bookstore, reading a book talking to the lovely people of the town. And of course, eating cake and drinking tea.
Aunt Lily, A trustee of Little Eden dies who very much sounds like a wonderful person and unfortunately, some of the people left in Little Eden trust wants to sell up.
Which threatens peoples businesses, homes, peace and happiness in this unique town. A place so different and beautiful from the rest of the world.
Where spirituality and magic are so very alive and real.
I loved all the characters, there are so many but I think I absolutely love Sophie who suffers from Chronic Fatigue. She moved back to LittleEden when she could no longer work and lost her home. I also love how the people around here are accepting of her illness and understand that she is very much ill which in real life this isn’t always the case. Sophie presents and raises awareness of a little tiny slice of what having ME/CFS is like and how hard it is to cope with.
The writing was awesome sort of like magic, compelling, captivating and putting you under a rather epic spell.
If you want a book you can escape to full of magic, spiritualism, hope, amazing beautiful enchanting characters then this is the book for you. It is not a book that fits into one single genre. It is many woven together, a bit of something for everyone.