What do you think?
Rate this book
House of Crimson and Clover #11
Within the Garden of Twilight
Dive into the secret, ancient, powerful world of two New Orleans families, the Deschanels and the Sullivans…
Temporary peace descends on the Deschanels in New Orleans. Loved ones have returned. A calm appears in the chaos. Life is, seemingly, back to normal.
Those who had been away look to establish their new routine. They trade intrigue for dinner parties. Survival skills for day jobs. Settling into a quiet life comes with a sense of long-awaited relief, and they want, desperately, to embrace it with open arms. To sit in silence in their gardens at twilight and dream a dream they dare not: One of health, happiness, and above, all family.
Yet under the surface lurks the shadows of their past, and the promises of tomorrow. A whisper in their ear, reminding them, “Soon.”
Temporary peace descends on the Deschanels in New Orleans. Loved ones have returned. A calm appears in the chaos. Life is, seemingly, back to normal.
Those who had been away look to establish their new routine. They trade intrigue for dinner parties. Survival skills for day jobs. Settling into a quiet life comes with a sense of long-awaited relief, and they want, desperately, to embrace it with open arms. To sit in silence in their gardens at twilight and dream a dream they dare not: One of health, happiness, and above, all family.
Yet under the surface lurks the shadows of their past, and the promises of tomorrow. A whisper in their ear, reminding them, “Soon.”
684 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
21 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Sarah M. Cradit
99 books899 followersSarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 29, 2017
So I read this story without reading the books in between. I knew this would be coming out now but I've been in a reading funk and haven't finished the others.
I really expected to be lost. However this is so well written that I understood everything. It seems like a lot happened in those other books and new people show up. While sometimes it did take a few pages to catch up it was told in such as way that I didn't even realise what was happening.
It had an incredible ending that I could gush about but don't want to spoil anything.
This was such a great story that even though I know how it ends that I'm still looking forward to the other books.
I really expected to be lost. However this is so well written that I understood everything. It seems like a lot happened in those other books and new people show up. While sometimes it did take a few pages to catch up it was told in such as way that I didn't even realise what was happening.
It had an incredible ending that I could gush about but don't want to spoil anything.
This was such a great story that even though I know how it ends that I'm still looking forward to the other books.
March 28, 2017
This is my favorite book in the House of Crimson and Clover Series. Of course, my favorite is always the book I'm reading at the time. Every book in this series has been so good. Sarah Cradit has developed into an amazing storyteller through this series. There are many plot threads that are being pulled in this book as the series comes closer to an end. Each of the characters are brought back through their journey in this book getting us ready for what is sure to be a fantastic climax. While you need to read the books before this one in the series, I highly recommend this book. These are books that will pull you in and live the lives of Ana and Finn, Alexei, Amelia and Jacob, Colleen, Sebastian and Victor. Don't miss a book in this series.
I was given this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I was given this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions are strictly my own.
March 28, 2017
Sarah Credit is an amazing storyteller. For want of telling you about the whole book I don't want to give out spoilers so I will say if you get a chance to read this series it is unlike any I have read so far. Not my usual genre but Ms. Credit has a way of capturing your interest from the very first line. Highly suggest this book as well as the series. Start with book one if you haven't read the series. You will not regret it.
March 23, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.
Life appears to be back to normal for the Deschanel family - they are establishing routine, getting jobs or studying at college. But there are plenty of shadows from the past lurking with the promise of something happening soon.
This was a continuation of the story with yet more strands being pulled together or in some cases pulled apart. The writing was good and I could understand and experience the thoughts and emotions of the characters as the story developed. There are some big stories developing and I look forward to those being concluded in the next book.
Life appears to be back to normal for the Deschanel family - they are establishing routine, getting jobs or studying at college. But there are plenty of shadows from the past lurking with the promise of something happening soon.
This was a continuation of the story with yet more strands being pulled together or in some cases pulled apart. The writing was good and I could understand and experience the thoughts and emotions of the characters as the story developed. There are some big stories developing and I look forward to those being concluded in the next book.
June 6, 2018
Wonderful
I am sad that this story is ending soon. It was written beautifully. Sarah Cradit has combined all the story lines together seamlessly. I cannot wait to read the last book.
I am sad that this story is ending soon. It was written beautifully. Sarah Cradit has combined all the story lines together seamlessly. I cannot wait to read the last book.
March 20, 2017
Holy eff. This series just keeps blowing me away and when you think it cannot get better it truely does. Do you like books that sit and make you think, not just about what is happening but what could possibly happen next? Yeah this is it.
Sarah truely has a creative and wonderful mind that capivates you and leaves you reeling. I would love to spend one day in her mind.
Nail biting and gripping constantly. The one problem i have now is hanging on for the last in the series. I know it will be utterly brilliant.
Major Flove for this!
Sarah truely has a creative and wonderful mind that capivates you and leaves you reeling. I would love to spend one day in her mind.
Nail biting and gripping constantly. The one problem i have now is hanging on for the last in the series. I know it will be utterly brilliant.
Major Flove for this!
March 27, 2017
As I raced toward the end of this book, I struggled with my contradictory desire to make it last longer. Of course, I knew there would be no definitive conclusion to the story, but with the turn of each page, I had to know what happened next.
The pacing of this story is perfect, switching between 3rd person POVs with the beginning of each chapter. Though I hated to leave the last character in limbo, I was equally excited to get back to one that had been left previously. The chapters flowed effortlessly from one character and set of circumstances to the next in a way that a less skilled author would be unlikely to succeed. Have I mentioned how masterful Sarah Cradit’s writing is? I'm pretty sure I have.
The author wastes no time on recapping past installments of this saga, so if you haven't read the previous books, do that first. Reading this one was bittersweet, knowing that the next will be the last for the Deschanels. Still, I can't wait to read that one and I am anxiously awaiting its release.
The pacing of this story is perfect, switching between 3rd person POVs with the beginning of each chapter. Though I hated to leave the last character in limbo, I was equally excited to get back to one that had been left previously. The chapters flowed effortlessly from one character and set of circumstances to the next in a way that a less skilled author would be unlikely to succeed. Have I mentioned how masterful Sarah Cradit’s writing is? I'm pretty sure I have.
The author wastes no time on recapping past installments of this saga, so if you haven't read the previous books, do that first. Reading this one was bittersweet, knowing that the next will be the last for the Deschanels. Still, I can't wait to read that one and I am anxiously awaiting its release.
March 27, 2017
Life never seems to be smooth sailing for the Deschanels and the Sullivan's! I enjoyed this book as much as if not more then any other in this series! I am on pins and needles waiting on the final book!
March 28, 2017
This book ties up some loose ends from prior books, so I suggest you read the others first.
As life starts to become "normal", so to speak,and each character is coming to their own ...but, there always seems to be something around the next corner.
I hate giving things away in my reviews, but I can say this author is a very descriptive and detailed writer. She has a talent as to make you feel you are there with the families involved.
There is one last book to this series, I am looking forward to reading it.
As life starts to become "normal", so to speak,and each character is coming to their own ...but, there always seems to be something around the next corner.
I hate giving things away in my reviews, but I can say this author is a very descriptive and detailed writer. She has a talent as to make you feel you are there with the families involved.
There is one last book to this series, I am looking forward to reading it.
March 28, 2017
Within the Garden of Twilight continues the saga of the Deschanel and Sullivan families, their mysterious curse, and the battle with the Empyreans. This series crosses the fantasy, time travel, and paranormal genres. The books cannot be read as standalone novels.
I have been reading Sarah Cradit’s series from the start. With every book she has added more plot threads, more characters, and more details to the House of Crimson and Clover worlds. There have been times when I felt a bit lost in the details because I had forgotten something from a prior book. That cannot be said for Within the Garden of Twilight. Ms. Cradit superbly provides sufficient reminders of where each character’s story left off. This is a complicated storyline that requires reading in order, and since the various books don’t necessarily provide continuous coverage of each storyline, I really appreciated the recap on each character as their story was picked up in Within the Garden of Twilight.
The story is told in a third-person narrative. Each chapter continues the story of a different main character. In this second-to-last book of the series, Ms. Cradit starts weaving together more of the storylines. With each chapter, the characters contribution to fulfilling the prophesy grows more apparent. The plot is well paced; it allows readers to dive into the details of the characters, and it has enough action so the story isn’t bogged down. I loved how Ms. Cradit showed the frailty and vulnerability of her characters juxtaposed with their individual strengths and powers.
Within the Garden of Twilight is one of the longer books in the series, and it is currently one of my favorites. It pulled together the story, answered many of my questions, and the ending is the perfect cliff-hanger segue to the next and final book of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
I have been reading Sarah Cradit’s series from the start. With every book she has added more plot threads, more characters, and more details to the House of Crimson and Clover worlds. There have been times when I felt a bit lost in the details because I had forgotten something from a prior book. That cannot be said for Within the Garden of Twilight. Ms. Cradit superbly provides sufficient reminders of where each character’s story left off. This is a complicated storyline that requires reading in order, and since the various books don’t necessarily provide continuous coverage of each storyline, I really appreciated the recap on each character as their story was picked up in Within the Garden of Twilight.
The story is told in a third-person narrative. Each chapter continues the story of a different main character. In this second-to-last book of the series, Ms. Cradit starts weaving together more of the storylines. With each chapter, the characters contribution to fulfilling the prophesy grows more apparent. The plot is well paced; it allows readers to dive into the details of the characters, and it has enough action so the story isn’t bogged down. I loved how Ms. Cradit showed the frailty and vulnerability of her characters juxtaposed with their individual strengths and powers.
Within the Garden of Twilight is one of the longer books in the series, and it is currently one of my favorites. It pulled together the story, answered many of my questions, and the ending is the perfect cliff-hanger segue to the next and final book of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
March 28, 2017
With only one more book in this series, the end is in sight, and while I'm sad to see it conclude, I'm anxious to see how the journey will end for these characters that have become almost real to me.
One of the things I enjoyed so much about this book was the number of characters included. Some of the novels have focused on just a handful, but with Garden of Twilight, the reader learns exactly where everyone stands and how all of their individual situations are intertwined in the overall scheme of things. In short - be ready for a humdinger of a showdown in the last book.
I was surprised a few times - especially with one character. I wouldn't go so far as to say his actions were out of character - just seemed sudden and unexpected. With another (my personal fav), I hated to see him hit rock bottom, but sometimes that needs to happen before you can become who you're meant to be, and I'm excited to see his transformation.
Overall, I'm bittersweet about this series winding down, but I'm also looking forward to seeing this author expand into other worlds. As always, if you're new to this series, start from the beginning
I received a digital copy of this book from the author.
One of the things I enjoyed so much about this book was the number of characters included. Some of the novels have focused on just a handful, but with Garden of Twilight, the reader learns exactly where everyone stands and how all of their individual situations are intertwined in the overall scheme of things. In short - be ready for a humdinger of a showdown in the last book.
I was surprised a few times - especially with one character. I wouldn't go so far as to say his actions were out of character - just seemed sudden and unexpected. With another (my personal fav), I hated to see him hit rock bottom, but sometimes that needs to happen before you can become who you're meant to be, and I'm excited to see his transformation.
Overall, I'm bittersweet about this series winding down, but I'm also looking forward to seeing this author expand into other worlds. As always, if you're new to this series, start from the beginning
I received a digital copy of this book from the author.
March 28, 2017
Within the Garden of Twilight by Sarah M. Cradit is the 9th book in The House of Crimson & Clover series. It is my new favorite. Just when the Deschanel and Sullivan families begin to relax, they realize their newfound peace was only an illusion, a calm before the storm. Their hardest battles are still waiting to be fought. Ms. Cradit has gifted us love, betrayal, mystery, and danger all deliciously wrapped and waiting to be devoured.
March 28, 2017
This book may be a mosterous 142k, but as a reader, you'll breeze through it as if it were a 5000 word story. Within the Garden of Twilight is the 9th book in the House of Crimson and Clover series and like its predecessors, you should grab you a bag of chocolate and wine (LOTS of wine) and settle in for a few days of intrigue, mystery, drama, and magic. Cradit takes us on a journey across the globe, but very clearly makes it known that the heart of this story resides in New Orleans.
The reality that Within the Garden of Twilight is the second to last book in the series is bittersweet. This series has been one of my favorites for years and I'm sad to see its conclusion. On the other hand, I'm excited for #10 and beyond as the House of Crimson and Clover is a part of the overarching Saga of Crimson and Clover. So #10 isn't a 'goodbye' as much as it is a 'see you later.'
*I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The reality that Within the Garden of Twilight is the second to last book in the series is bittersweet. This series has been one of my favorites for years and I'm sad to see its conclusion. On the other hand, I'm excited for #10 and beyond as the House of Crimson and Clover is a part of the overarching Saga of Crimson and Clover. So #10 isn't a 'goodbye' as much as it is a 'see you later.'
*I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2017
Within the Garden of Twilight by Sarah Cradit is the latest installment in the House of Crimson and Clover saga, it is full of intrigue and action as the many storylines come together to be resolved only to see bigger issues looming. While this is not a stand-alone novel, Ms. Cradit did an excellent job in providing details on the prior books without resorting to a basic overview – which I really appreciated, it takes a delicate voice to provide that information in a way that is interesting - and there’s a lot of backstory by the time you get to book 9!
March 28, 2017
This is book 9 in the story of the Dechanels and the Sullivans, their curse and the battles with the Emperyeans. This is most definitely not a stand alone and trust me you want to read them all so you don't miss a second of this amazing saga.
This one starts to tie all the threads from all the other books together and as much as I'm excited to finally learn how it's all going to end, I don't want it to end. Even though this is one of the longer books in the series, the pace is so fast and the writing so expressive, it seems to be over before you realise it. All I can say is I've been reading this series since book 1 and it just keeps getting better and better. I have enjoyed this journey into this world and I know if you join us you won't be disappointed.
Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
This one starts to tie all the threads from all the other books together and as much as I'm excited to finally learn how it's all going to end, I don't want it to end. Even though this is one of the longer books in the series, the pace is so fast and the writing so expressive, it seems to be over before you realise it. All I can say is I've been reading this series since book 1 and it just keeps getting better and better. I have enjoyed this journey into this world and I know if you join us you won't be disappointed.
Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
March 28, 2017
Love, love, love this series and latest installment. Sarah M Cradit is an exceptional storyteller with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Her characters are complex and will become like members of your own family. Can't wait for the next installment but don't want the series to end.
March 28, 2017
Sarah M. Cradit adds another gem to The House of Crimson and Clover series. As much as you hope to have your favorite characters be able to just enjoy life without turmoil that usually leads to the end of a series. So we must embrace the twists, trials, and struggles if it allows us more time with our favorite families.
Settle in for another awesome story and enjoy!!
Settle in for another awesome story and enjoy!!
March 29, 2017
Is there a such as thing being too complacent? For this group they are about to find out. Among getting jobs and education, something is lurking. This series gets better and better and with each one more and more is brought together.
March 29, 2017
Another great addition to the series. We are finally starting to see things come together and getting close to the end. With this series Sarah M Cradit created a complex and wonderful world that just keeps pulling you in. The Deschanel and Sullivan families journey is full of surprises and it's always fun to see how they will fair at the end. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy
March 29, 2017
Sarah Cradit definitely has a way with words. This books was quite the undertaking for someone who hasn't read the other books in her series yet. She warns of this in the beginning, but I wanted to try to read this without any background. I will now be going back to read this entire series, it's definitely that good. Although I haven't read the previous books, yet, Sarah provides a lot of detail and background on the characters within her writing structure, so it helps keep things straight. There's a lot going on between all of the family members in this long standing adventure. Sarah's writing is awesome and she has a way of totally pulling you in to the story and keeping you wanting more. So you'll stay up into the wee hours to read just one more chapter. So even though I didn't understand everything going right now, my review comes just from the writing and intrigue contained in this part of the saga which was really great.
*ARC provided for review.
*ARC provided for review.
March 29, 2017
As we come to the end of this part of the saga we get answers. There are so many floating plots with the different story lines in this series it is nice to have all of the answers. The writing is amazing as we step thru and see the story come together chapter by chapter as most of the issues come to rest. It has been a wonderful journey with this family and it's quirky, meddlesome, unique, vicious, ok yes the range of characters we have been introduced to and their quirks is a long list. However, this time some will hit rock bottom, some will rise, others will suffer and others will be revealed. Oh what a read it is.
This author has twisted and turned us from head to toe throughout the series throwing us for massive looks and stringing our emotions throughout the universe. Now all will be resolved. How exciting and yet I will miss this this series but will most definitely continue to follow the author.
This author has twisted and turned us from head to toe throughout the series throwing us for massive looks and stringing our emotions throughout the universe. Now all will be resolved. How exciting and yet I will miss this this series but will most definitely continue to follow the author.
March 29, 2017
I am just in love with this series. This isn't usually my cup of tea , but this author has changed my mind.
If you want a great story line and lots of amazing surprises, then read this book . I can not wait for the next book to come out .
If you want a great story line and lots of amazing surprises, then read this book . I can not wait for the next book to come out .
March 29, 2017
This author once again tempts us into the lives of the Deschanels and the Sullivans. Once we are entered the door shuts behind us sealing us in for a bit. Even though things seem to be serene darkness lurks. Drama and magic are of the first order with with this author giving us her best. I ponder often also while I am taken on this adventure with these characters. All to soon though I find myself dropped off again until the next one with knowing my emotions got a work out.
March 29, 2017
I was holding my breath {figuratively :-) of course} while reading this latest book. As each chapter is for a different character, you can't really put it done because you will want to know what happened next with Nicholas or Amelia or any of the other amazingly written characters. I would recommend people to start the series from the beginning but if you are brave... you can dive in at this point, mind you , you Will go back and read the previous books for sure. It is a fast moving story but the only rush is from the reader not being able to put it down, I dare you to try that :-)
I loved it and can't Wait for the next installment now and I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves a good tale that has everything from Love, War, Magic, Intrigue, Suspense, etc
I loved it and can't Wait for the next installment now and I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves a good tale that has everything from Love, War, Magic, Intrigue, Suspense, etc
April 1, 2017
4.5*
The penultimate story in The House of Crimson and Clover series, Within the Gardens of Twilight brings us up to speed with each character’s story, pulling threads together until it seems peace might be attainable at last…..for some. There are a lot of story lines, details and corresponding characters and each chapter switches perspective so we see some situations resolved, others not so much. More than enough to keep interest high and yet still there are surprises.
The long ago prophecy is nearing it’s conclusion, the Deschanels and Sullivans know what must be done but there are those who will do anything to stop them, and further their own agenda.
A wonderful, imaginative and exciting series written incredibly well. Can’t wait to see how it’s all resolved.
The penultimate story in The House of Crimson and Clover series, Within the Gardens of Twilight brings us up to speed with each character’s story, pulling threads together until it seems peace might be attainable at last…..for some. There are a lot of story lines, details and corresponding characters and each chapter switches perspective so we see some situations resolved, others not so much. More than enough to keep interest high and yet still there are surprises.
The long ago prophecy is nearing it’s conclusion, the Deschanels and Sullivans know what must be done but there are those who will do anything to stop them, and further their own agenda.
A wonderful, imaginative and exciting series written incredibly well. Can’t wait to see how it’s all resolved.
April 4, 2017
Loved this book that ties together the pieces of this book series that I've been anticipating.
April 4, 2017
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. An amazing read. This series gets better with every book. Now knowing all the characters, the book flowed with ease. The great prophecy is trying to be fulfilled, with a lot of bumps along the way. I felt with this book I could really get into the characters minds and emotions. Excellent job Sarah! I feel the best is yet to come!
April 18, 2017
Great series
I love this whole series. I haven't been able to stop reading since I picked up book 1. I do not know what I will do once it ends as this world has become so very real. Picturing the characters and locations has become as real as picturing people I know or the mall down the street. I've been drawn in and I want more :) these are the kind of books you hope to find when browsing titles , but only stumble upon rarely.
I love this whole series. I haven't been able to stop reading since I picked up book 1. I do not know what I will do once it ends as this world has become so very real. Picturing the characters and locations has become as real as picturing people I know or the mall down the street. I've been drawn in and I want more :) these are the kind of books you hope to find when browsing titles , but only stumble upon rarely.
January 12, 2018
I found Within the Garden of Twilight to be wholly unique compared to the other books in this series. While Sarah Cradit has always switched between characters from one chapter to the next, each chapter has always led the Deschanels from one drama to the next. From one action packed, life altering moment to the next. Within the Garden of Twilight has more of a slow build up towards that action. At first I considered giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because I confused less action with less good (even though it was just as well written) but about halfway through I began appreciating it for what it was. The calm before the storm. With a bit of drama and healing and intrigue thrown in for good measure and an ending that has you anticipating the next book whether you had planned to or not. Excellent read!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews