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Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time
What if you stumbled into a timeless party, in a secret garden only you could see?
Kelsey Willoughby doesn’t have time to pursue her writing dreams. Imagination doesn’t pay the bills, and she’s busy saving her beautiful city bookshop from online competition, hotel developers, and the sneaking suspicion that nobody reads anymore.
Not to mention all those voices telling her she doesn’t have talent.
But then the vacant lot of weeds next door starts to shimmer.
When Kelsey stumbles into a luminous nighttime garden party, larger than the vacant lot that holds it and filled with enigmatic guests, she suspects they hold the key to saving the bookshop, and perhaps even to her own mysterious origins.
But answers aren’t forthcoming, not until Kelsey is willing to confront her past, step into her potential, and push deeper into the unknown edges of the garden, where an unexpected journey takes her into a world of dangerous revelation.
Kelsey Willoughby doesn’t have time to pursue her writing dreams. Imagination doesn’t pay the bills, and she’s busy saving her beautiful city bookshop from online competition, hotel developers, and the sneaking suspicion that nobody reads anymore.
Not to mention all those voices telling her she doesn’t have talent.
But then the vacant lot of weeds next door starts to shimmer.
When Kelsey stumbles into a luminous nighttime garden party, larger than the vacant lot that holds it and filled with enigmatic guests, she suspects they hold the key to saving the bookshop, and perhaps even to her own mysterious origins.
But answers aren’t forthcoming, not until Kelsey is willing to confront her past, step into her potential, and push deeper into the unknown edges of the garden, where an unexpected journey takes her into a world of dangerous revelation.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
435 people are currently reading
4653 people want to read
About the author
Tracy L. Higley
46 books788 followersTracy Higley has been attempting to time travel through the pages of books since she was a child. She started her first story at the age of eight, and has since authored nearly twenty books, including the acclaimed Seven Wonders Series, and the Time Travel Journals of Sahara Aldridge. She earned a Master’s Degree in Ancient and Classical History, and has traveled to Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Israel, Italy, and Turkey, researching her books and falling into adventures. Peruse her travel journals and learn more fascinating history at www.tracyhigley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 299 reviews
January 17, 2024
"The soul lives in such eternally deep time.
We are both driven and called forward
by a kind of deep homesickness.
What appears to be past and future
is in fact the same home, the same call…
~ Richard Rohr"
It positively was a novel I've never experienced before. Definitely an underrated book, it feels like one of those that everyone should read - it gives the answers to some important questions, making us see beautiful things there are in the world. This book confirms my thinking on what is real, true and alive and what is deceptive. My third this year all-time favourite!
The setting in ancient Egypt was mesmerizing to follow - when there only were the three pyramids: Khufu, his son's Khafre and grandson's Menkaure's;
sphinx statues, newly sculpted were strikingly vivid, and bright-coloured surroundings were so beautifully described, it felt like I've seen those magnificent places myself - the authours who are talented truly give us a pass into another world and time. I felt the same when I experienced Madeleine L'engle's "Time Quintet" series - like she did take us with her to see and live for a while in the Past!
And as for the Garden itself, I have no words to explain the intricate complexity, importance and the beauty of this place...
"Somewhere within lies an answer, though I do not yet know the question."
We are both driven and called forward
by a kind of deep homesickness.
What appears to be past and future
is in fact the same home, the same call…
~ Richard Rohr"
It positively was a novel I've never experienced before. Definitely an underrated book, it feels like one of those that everyone should read - it gives the answers to some important questions, making us see beautiful things there are in the world. This book confirms my thinking on what is real, true and alive and what is deceptive. My third this year all-time favourite!
The setting in ancient Egypt was mesmerizing to follow - when there only were the three pyramids: Khufu, his son's Khafre and grandson's Menkaure's;
sphinx statues, newly sculpted were strikingly vivid, and bright-coloured surroundings were so beautifully described, it felt like I've seen those magnificent places myself - the authours who are talented truly give us a pass into another world and time. I felt the same when I experienced Madeleine L'engle's "Time Quintet" series - like she did take us with her to see and live for a while in the Past!
And as for the Garden itself, I have no words to explain the intricate complexity, importance and the beauty of this place...
"Somewhere within lies an answer, though I do not yet know the question."
November 4, 2022
Rich in detail, this book was captivatingly mysterious. It brought back memories of reading classic books such as Narnia and The Secret Garden. Who wouldn’t love a bookshop with a real wardrobe opening up to a children’s book room! Or a walled garden with secrets contained within!
“A bookshop holds a thousand-thousand portals to other worlds between the pages...worlds of love and longing, joy and sadness, of questing and mystery and destiny.”
Ms. Higley writes beautifully and creatively. She kept me turning pages as the heroine, Kelsey, battles issues with her Gran’s declining health and big business threatening to swallow up her beloved Chestnut Street Book Emporium. There is a secret next door- an empty lot. But all is not as it seems. Will this wonderful garden where a party takes place, its guests creative people known only by their first initial, hold the answers to her problems? That you will find out as you read the story.
I saw this as an allegorical tale, urging us to make use of the gifts God has given us. The quotes at the start of each chapter were inspirational.
“You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” George Bernard Shaw.
Ms Higley offers encouragement to all who wish to create. The key is to create- no matter if your gift ends up in a museum to wide acclaim or on a mantlepiece as a special keepsake for one person.
This is a beautiful story and should not be missed.
*I received an ebook from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
“A bookshop holds a thousand-thousand portals to other worlds between the pages...worlds of love and longing, joy and sadness, of questing and mystery and destiny.”
Ms. Higley writes beautifully and creatively. She kept me turning pages as the heroine, Kelsey, battles issues with her Gran’s declining health and big business threatening to swallow up her beloved Chestnut Street Book Emporium. There is a secret next door- an empty lot. But all is not as it seems. Will this wonderful garden where a party takes place, its guests creative people known only by their first initial, hold the answers to her problems? That you will find out as you read the story.
I saw this as an allegorical tale, urging us to make use of the gifts God has given us. The quotes at the start of each chapter were inspirational.
“You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” George Bernard Shaw.
Ms Higley offers encouragement to all who wish to create. The key is to create- no matter if your gift ends up in a museum to wide acclaim or on a mantlepiece as a special keepsake for one person.
This is a beautiful story and should not be missed.
*I received an ebook from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
November 6, 2022
When I saw in Tracy Higley’s latest newsletter email that she was offering early review copies of Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time to her readers who consider themselves Creatives, I knew I wanted to read it even though I was already currently reading several other books.
I am so glad I took her up on the offer!
Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time is first, and foremost, a story. It’s a heart-felt fanciful fantasy using intrigue and a touch of sweet romance to captivate the casual reader. But it’s also more than just a story. And it’s exactly what my creative heart needed to read right now.
To a creative person—like me—it is more than just another really good book. It’s also a word of encouragement in story form. This book reminds, or maybe a better word would be confirms, that what every creative person brings to the table is important, no matter the medium used or the person’s ability.
I was thankful that I could read this on my Kindle and use the highlight feature. I was highlighting passages all throughout the story. There were so many meaningful-to-me quotes that rekindled the fire in my amateur artist’s heart. It made me want to stop being afraid of what myself or others think and just start doing, making, creating. Something beautiful could come of my trying.
One of the biggest take-aways for me from this book was the discussion Kelsey (the main character) has with another character about the word amateur. I love that the word’s root is love!
For me, I know it’s time to counter the negative thoughts about my art that have stalled out my creative process. It’s time to draw, paint, write, and do so without worrying about what others (or even myself) think of it. To reflect Beauty into a world that has forgotten. That’s all I really want to do, to the best of my ability.
I highly recommend Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time to all teen or adult readers who consider themselves remotely creative.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars). If I could give this book 100 stars, I would.
These words are my honest thoughts about this book. Although I did receive the ebook ARC from the author to review, immediately after I finished reading, I preordered a paperback copy. I’m pretty sure this will be a book I return to again and again. I can see it being a source of encouragement whenever I find myself fighting feelings of artistic insecurity.
I am so glad I took her up on the offer!
Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time is first, and foremost, a story. It’s a heart-felt fanciful fantasy using intrigue and a touch of sweet romance to captivate the casual reader. But it’s also more than just a story. And it’s exactly what my creative heart needed to read right now.
To a creative person—like me—it is more than just another really good book. It’s also a word of encouragement in story form. This book reminds, or maybe a better word would be confirms, that what every creative person brings to the table is important, no matter the medium used or the person’s ability.
I was thankful that I could read this on my Kindle and use the highlight feature. I was highlighting passages all throughout the story. There were so many meaningful-to-me quotes that rekindled the fire in my amateur artist’s heart. It made me want to stop being afraid of what myself or others think and just start doing, making, creating. Something beautiful could come of my trying.
One of the biggest take-aways for me from this book was the discussion Kelsey (the main character) has with another character about the word amateur. I love that the word’s root is love!
For me, I know it’s time to counter the negative thoughts about my art that have stalled out my creative process. It’s time to draw, paint, write, and do so without worrying about what others (or even myself) think of it. To reflect Beauty into a world that has forgotten. That’s all I really want to do, to the best of my ability.
I highly recommend Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time to all teen or adult readers who consider themselves remotely creative.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars). If I could give this book 100 stars, I would.
These words are my honest thoughts about this book. Although I did receive the ebook ARC from the author to review, immediately after I finished reading, I preordered a paperback copy. I’m pretty sure this will be a book I return to again and again. I can see it being a source of encouragement whenever I find myself fighting feelings of artistic insecurity.
May 5, 2023
I couldn’t get into this story. I kept picking it up and putting it down because the story was progressing SO slowly! It wasn’t until roughly 300 pages in that I finally felt the story was capturing my attention, but the final 100 or so pages really seemed to rush to attempt to tie up loose ends. I enjoyed the mixture of mystery and fantasy but didn’t feel it went deep enough into either to really dig into any details that would have really elevated the entire book.
October 27, 2022
This book by far is one of the most enjoyable and intriguing books I've read this year. If I had to compare it to another book which is similar, I would have to go with Rachel Hauck's, Fifth Avenue Society which I enjoyed also.
The author's writing style is unique, and she has a way with words that is pure magic. Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time is a very relatable story with an underlying deep message for any creative but melded together with fantasy with an edginess that keeps you wondering what reality is.
I simply could not put it down. The characters had me hooked from the beginning and Kelsey and her adopted mother, Elizabeth's secrecy added to the plot wonderfully. The storyline makes you think, trying to sort out the real from the imaginary. The ending was a surprise and loved it. It will touch your heart in ways you can't imagine.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
The author's writing style is unique, and she has a way with words that is pure magic. Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time is a very relatable story with an underlying deep message for any creative but melded together with fantasy with an edginess that keeps you wondering what reality is.
I simply could not put it down. The characters had me hooked from the beginning and Kelsey and her adopted mother, Elizabeth's secrecy added to the plot wonderfully. The storyline makes you think, trying to sort out the real from the imaginary. The ending was a surprise and loved it. It will touch your heart in ways you can't imagine.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
November 5, 2022
A beautifully written story with magnificent descriptions and a unique storyline!
"The choice between duty to family, obligations and commitment to practical concerns and the chance to be truly yourself and to express the beauty asking to be revealed through you." This is my favorite quote from this book. This book has beautiful imagery that awakens the imagination.
Kelsey longs to know who she truly is. She also wants to write a novel that is a true expression of herself. While looking for answers she experiences a magical garden that helps her to see who she is. She finds that she has much to offer and embraces her gifts.
"The choice between duty to family, obligations and commitment to practical concerns and the chance to be truly yourself and to express the beauty asking to be revealed through you." This is my favorite quote from this book. This book has beautiful imagery that awakens the imagination.
Kelsey longs to know who she truly is. She also wants to write a novel that is a true expression of herself. While looking for answers she experiences a magical garden that helps her to see who she is. She finds that she has much to offer and embraces her gifts.
February 22, 2024
Sigh. Will write review and then figure out stars because I've got some mixed feelings on this one.
I do think there are some rather earnest and lovely messages in this book, especially when it comes to creating art -- you don't need to be the World's Best at everything, but merely creating to bring pleasure to yourself and others is noble in itself. However, I feel like that's undermined by a lot of what happens in the book.
General thoughts:
- Initially I had a hard time connecting to Kelsey, as she comes off as super snobby. I know that's part of her character arc, but I wanted to say "well no WONDER your bookshop is failing if you're not stocking popular books that people are actually reading." You can't say "wahhhh the art of reading is dying" if YOU ARE NOT SELLING THE STUFF PEOPLE ACTIVELY SEEK OUT. I think this is largely due to the presence of The Starlight Folio or whatever it's called (and we will get to that more in-depth later...) but still. She does become a bit less precious as the book goes on but again I think this ends up kind of undermined by the ending.
- The garden is a really, really cool concept -- who DOESN'T want to find a magical garden? But some of the execution left me a bit "meh." I really loathed how everyone only goes by a first initial; I'm not sure why that was necessary. I do think there were few enough named characters to make it decently easy to follow but it was just eh. I also was super irritated by the fact that (initially) the garden is full of deceased luminaries. Again, that's not a bad thing, but for *so long* it seems like everyone there is a famous so-and-so. It's only later revealed that there are some people in there who are not quite as famous or basically "nobodies" but I felt like that information was left out too long. I think emphasizing that from the beginning would've been beneficial given the theme of the story is "anyone can and should be making art, you don't have to be the Agatha Christie of everything." As it stands the characters in the garden (save Sam) felt kind of wooden and mad at Kelsey for not knowing how the magical garden worked. Because, you know, all of that is super-intuitive once you stumble upon something like that. (It's not.) It also really rankled when someone said, "Oh, so it's like Midnight in Paris!" in the text. It was just a bit too on the nose to have a character in the story say "oh it's like this other piece of media."
- The Ancient Egypt bit was absolutely unnecessary and really took me out of the story. I didn't give a flying fig because nobody in there ever returned so it all felt very superfluous. I spent a lot of time wondering why it was there to begin with. (I guess the purpose was to reveal "you're not who you thought you were!" but I think that could've been done without some kind of weird time-travel plot.)
- The parent plot ... I kind of didn't care at all. Felt a bit too convenient that while Gran is dying she has a photo album with a picture that Kelsey suddenly sees and is like "oh I should talk to this person" (who, it turns out, is in the garden but hasn't made it to the garden yet, so ... I don't fully get the physics of that but whatever).
- The ending. THE ENDING. THE MOST "SUSPEND YOUR DISBELIEF" SECTION OF THE FANTASY STORY SHOULD NOT BE THE STUFF THAT TAKES PLACE IN THE REAL WORLD. After moaning about how one person in her critique group ripped into her novel and called it trite and how she's mad that this new author basically stole her idea for a book, it's revealed ... dun dun dun ... that Gran sent in Kelsey's manuscript anonymously and the publishers liked it SO MUCH that they decided to publish it, setting aside all of the money for whoever is the real author. And the book is wildly successful, having sold at least 50K copies before going into paperback if I read that right. There's literally no way any of this would happen and I was FURIOUS, especially after all the messages of "you don't have to be wildly successful!" Because then of course it turns out that Kelsey IS wildly successful despite not having been able to revise her manuscript (I guess the editors just ... changed a couple things????) and everybody loves it. Of course now she has enough money to save the bookshop from being taken over by the big bad hotelier. I was just so over it by that point.
- One last thing: I would've really liked the ambiguity of "garden real?" because it would've been cool if the garden had been Kelsey's way of dealing with all her stress: dreaming of entering into a place where she meets with other creatives. However, Sam then comes into the bookshop and says "hi! Remember me from the garden?" and it's then confirmed Garden Real after all. I would've honestly liked it if Sam came into the bookshop and didn't seem to know Kelsey at all but they had an immediate connection because she felt like she knew him as a creative. That's kind of a more minor thing in the end.
Overall I was definitely intrigued enough to keep reading, but halfway through the intrigue turned to irritation and that fuelled me through. PLEASE NOTE YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY. I'm a picky cynic and if something like this leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy, then that's honestly dope.
I do think there are some rather earnest and lovely messages in this book, especially when it comes to creating art -- you don't need to be the World's Best at everything, but merely creating to bring pleasure to yourself and others is noble in itself. However, I feel like that's undermined by a lot of what happens in the book.
General thoughts:
- Initially I had a hard time connecting to Kelsey, as she comes off as super snobby. I know that's part of her character arc, but I wanted to say "well no WONDER your bookshop is failing if you're not stocking popular books that people are actually reading." You can't say "wahhhh the art of reading is dying" if YOU ARE NOT SELLING THE STUFF PEOPLE ACTIVELY SEEK OUT. I think this is largely due to the presence of The Starlight Folio or whatever it's called (and we will get to that more in-depth later...) but still. She does become a bit less precious as the book goes on but again I think this ends up kind of undermined by the ending.
- The garden is a really, really cool concept -- who DOESN'T want to find a magical garden? But some of the execution left me a bit "meh." I really loathed how everyone only goes by a first initial; I'm not sure why that was necessary. I do think there were few enough named characters to make it decently easy to follow but it was just eh. I also was super irritated by the fact that (initially) the garden is full of deceased luminaries. Again, that's not a bad thing, but for *so long* it seems like everyone there is a famous so-and-so. It's only later revealed that there are some people in there who are not quite as famous or basically "nobodies" but I felt like that information was left out too long. I think emphasizing that from the beginning would've been beneficial given the theme of the story is "anyone can and should be making art, you don't have to be the Agatha Christie of everything." As it stands the characters in the garden (save Sam) felt kind of wooden and mad at Kelsey for not knowing how the magical garden worked. Because, you know, all of that is super-intuitive once you stumble upon something like that. (It's not.) It also really rankled when someone said, "Oh, so it's like Midnight in Paris!" in the text. It was just a bit too on the nose to have a character in the story say "oh it's like this other piece of media."
- The Ancient Egypt bit was absolutely unnecessary and really took me out of the story. I didn't give a flying fig because nobody in there ever returned so it all felt very superfluous. I spent a lot of time wondering why it was there to begin with. (I guess the purpose was to reveal "you're not who you thought you were!" but I think that could've been done without some kind of weird time-travel plot.)
- The parent plot ... I kind of didn't care at all. Felt a bit too convenient that while Gran is dying she has a photo album with a picture that Kelsey suddenly sees and is like "oh I should talk to this person" (who, it turns out, is in the garden but hasn't made it to the garden yet, so ... I don't fully get the physics of that but whatever).
- The ending. THE ENDING. THE MOST "SUSPEND YOUR DISBELIEF" SECTION OF THE FANTASY STORY SHOULD NOT BE THE STUFF THAT TAKES PLACE IN THE REAL WORLD. After moaning about how one person in her critique group ripped into her novel and called it trite and how she's mad that this new author basically stole her idea for a book, it's revealed ... dun dun dun ... that Gran sent in Kelsey's manuscript anonymously and the publishers liked it SO MUCH that they decided to publish it, setting aside all of the money for whoever is the real author. And the book is wildly successful, having sold at least 50K copies before going into paperback if I read that right. There's literally no way any of this would happen and I was FURIOUS, especially after all the messages of "you don't have to be wildly successful!" Because then of course it turns out that Kelsey IS wildly successful despite not having been able to revise her manuscript (I guess the editors just ... changed a couple things????) and everybody loves it. Of course now she has enough money to save the bookshop from being taken over by the big bad hotelier. I was just so over it by that point.
- One last thing: I would've really liked the ambiguity of "garden real?" because it would've been cool if the garden had been Kelsey's way of dealing with all her stress: dreaming of entering into a place where she meets with other creatives. However, Sam then comes into the bookshop and says "hi! Remember me from the garden?" and it's then confirmed Garden Real after all. I would've honestly liked it if Sam came into the bookshop and didn't seem to know Kelsey at all but they had an immediate connection because she felt like she knew him as a creative. That's kind of a more minor thing in the end.
Overall I was definitely intrigued enough to keep reading, but halfway through the intrigue turned to irritation and that fuelled me through. PLEASE NOTE YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY. I'm a picky cynic and if something like this leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy, then that's honestly dope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2023
I am truly baffled by the strong reviews of this book. First, the positives:
Higley creates interesting characters that I'd like to know more about.
She has a nice grasp of language and can conjure an intriguing scene.
However, this story was not good. The plot twists were easy to see very early in the book. The theme of creativity being its own end was hammered so hard, I am bruised. It became ridiculous. The absolutely inane side path about 2/3 through was frustrating, especially would like to point out that avocados are native to the Americas.
This felt like a crisis of confidence for the writer, attempting to convince herself that this story was ready for publishing - maybe pushing through writer's block.
Higley creates interesting characters that I'd like to know more about.
She has a nice grasp of language and can conjure an intriguing scene.
However, this story was not good. The plot twists were easy to see very early in the book. The theme of creativity being its own end was hammered so hard, I am bruised. It became ridiculous. The absolutely inane side path about 2/3 through was frustrating, especially would like to point out that avocados are native to the Americas.
This felt like a crisis of confidence for the writer, attempting to convince herself that this story was ready for publishing - maybe pushing through writer's block.
October 3, 2022
Have you ever poured your heart out doing something you love? Have you ever made something, written a story, painted a picture, or created something that gave you joy, yet you were afraid to share it for fear it wasn’t “good enough?” I have. We were made to create beautiful things. We were made to enjoy the work of our hands. Step inside "Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time" by Tracy Higley. Explore and discover the beauty Kelsey finds there. Share her wonder, delight, and longing for MORE. Courageously follow her journey of self-discovery and revelation. Go Deeper! A truly insightful, great read! It will be out in paperback in November 2022; sorry you have to wait! Mine was an advanced copy!
August 26, 2023
An unusual look at the life of a creative, reminiscent of the movie Midnight in Paris.
August 22, 2023
The writing is beautifully rich and evocative. The story concept is interesting, unique and delightful. The characters are three dimensional and have their own personalities. I adore the bookshop and garden settings. However, this is one of the most frustrating books I've read in a while. The main character has no idea what she is doing in the magic garden or what she is supposed to do and all her questions are met with infuriatingly vague non-answers and evasions by 99% of the secondary characters, who promptly get upset and sulk when the main character makes an inadvertent blunder. This would have been a much shorter book if all the characters actually bothered to communicate properly. The little side plot to Ancient Egypt also didn't really work for me in the end. The messaging about creativity was also rather heavy handed. The book quotes at the beginning of each chapter were nice, but I felt they interrupted the flow of the story. But, despite its faults, this is a lovely novel that I enjoyed enough to read through the night.
September 6, 2023
Had high expectations for this book but it did not produce. So Long, so drawn out.
Knew from the start the kind of guy Kelsey’s boyfriend was. What a waste of a character. Author should have left Kelsey on her own until the swoon worthy Samuel shows up in her life.
Concept of her Gran in nursing home and not doing well and is Kelsey’s only “family” plus the bookstore that Gran worked and ran is now in Kelsey’s hands along with the never ending bills, impending threat of takeover, her trying to find her writing voice and trying to find secrets about who her parents are. The magical lot next door that sometimes turns magical at dusk is filled with past artists, writers, etc like Agatha Christie known as A. Who try to coach/help K get past her writing issues. During the day it is a weed filled lot with garbage and a discarded old broken washing machine tossed aside. To me, she has no business there - she does not appear to take their input seriously. She seems to be more interested in filling her plate with food from banquet tables under tree. She spends time trying to figure out who S is, who C is, etc. this initial used for a name concept is lame. Over and over they tell her somewhat cryptically what to do to conquer her writing fear. It’s like she zones out each time. Geez! Her Gran would call it woolgathering. Yes, that’s it!!!
The part where K is transported from the magical garden to Egypt is really rather lame. Overall, there is just too much going on in the plot to stay on a steady storyline. It just jumps all over the darned place. The popular new book that K despises the author for and will not allow any copies of it in her store is revealed. Again, no surprise there.
I felt like K had a big time problem focusing. She also would find loss of time slots after her visits to the magical garden. Sorry but it seems like she was a very lost, very confused, emotional individual who had many things to take care of and was not able to handle it all. She was always running off or thinking of something else, rudely leaving her partner at the bookstore to cover for her. Her partner is revealed at the end. No surprise there either. Who else would put up with her
This Kelsey, or K as she is known in the mystical garden, She is a hot mess! Girl, get it together! No wonder you can’t write! How can you write when your mind is full of all this other stuff? Plus you make some really bad decisions and choices. And you can’t prioritize your life or assign the most serious things to handle!
A very tiring and trying book to read and follow. 😟
Knew from the start the kind of guy Kelsey’s boyfriend was. What a waste of a character. Author should have left Kelsey on her own until the swoon worthy Samuel shows up in her life.
Concept of her Gran in nursing home and not doing well and is Kelsey’s only “family” plus the bookstore that Gran worked and ran is now in Kelsey’s hands along with the never ending bills, impending threat of takeover, her trying to find her writing voice and trying to find secrets about who her parents are. The magical lot next door that sometimes turns magical at dusk is filled with past artists, writers, etc like Agatha Christie known as A. Who try to coach/help K get past her writing issues. During the day it is a weed filled lot with garbage and a discarded old broken washing machine tossed aside. To me, she has no business there - she does not appear to take their input seriously. She seems to be more interested in filling her plate with food from banquet tables under tree. She spends time trying to figure out who S is, who C is, etc. this initial used for a name concept is lame. Over and over they tell her somewhat cryptically what to do to conquer her writing fear. It’s like she zones out each time. Geez! Her Gran would call it woolgathering. Yes, that’s it!!!
The part where K is transported from the magical garden to Egypt is really rather lame. Overall, there is just too much going on in the plot to stay on a steady storyline. It just jumps all over the darned place. The popular new book that K despises the author for and will not allow any copies of it in her store is revealed. Again, no surprise there.
I felt like K had a big time problem focusing. She also would find loss of time slots after her visits to the magical garden. Sorry but it seems like she was a very lost, very confused, emotional individual who had many things to take care of and was not able to handle it all. She was always running off or thinking of something else, rudely leaving her partner at the bookstore to cover for her. Her partner is revealed at the end. No surprise there either. Who else would put up with her
This Kelsey, or K as she is known in the mystical garden, She is a hot mess! Girl, get it together! No wonder you can’t write! How can you write when your mind is full of all this other stuff? Plus you make some really bad decisions and choices. And you can’t prioritize your life or assign the most serious things to handle!
A very tiring and trying book to read and follow. 😟
April 16, 2025
"Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time" isn't the type of book I usually read, but I'm glad I took a chance on it. It is a wonderfully poignant and well-written book with just the right amount of drama, family dynamic, suspense, and magical wonder. The characters were well crafted, believable, and likeable. Most of all, I appreciated that the author wrote a phenomenal story with no profanities and no distasteful sexual imagery. I love finding new authors (to me) who understand that a book can be great without filth.
As a relatively new author who struggles to find their audience, I loved that Ms. Higley wove inspiration into the story, especially for the creators of the world with artistic dreams. As authors, especially unknown ones, it takes courage to put your blood, sweat, and tears onto every page then push it into the world knowing that many readers will disregard everything good about our stories and instead focus only on what they hate about it. Ms. Higley aptly encourages creators of all variety to find the path to accomplish their dreams of writing the book, of creating the song, of building the sculpture--despite the plaguing fear that no one will ever enjoy their work...despite the worry that their talent isn't good enough...and despite the nagging imposter syndrome with which most creators undoubtedly struggle. For me, this quote says it all: "For an artist--whether she be poet or painter, singer or storyteller, dancer or decorator--the magic is wild and unknown and altogether frightful."
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
As a relatively new author who struggles to find their audience, I loved that Ms. Higley wove inspiration into the story, especially for the creators of the world with artistic dreams. As authors, especially unknown ones, it takes courage to put your blood, sweat, and tears onto every page then push it into the world knowing that many readers will disregard everything good about our stories and instead focus only on what they hate about it. Ms. Higley aptly encourages creators of all variety to find the path to accomplish their dreams of writing the book, of creating the song, of building the sculpture--despite the plaguing fear that no one will ever enjoy their work...despite the worry that their talent isn't good enough...and despite the nagging imposter syndrome with which most creators undoubtedly struggle. For me, this quote says it all: "For an artist--whether she be poet or painter, singer or storyteller, dancer or decorator--the magic is wild and unknown and altogether frightful."
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
November 5, 2022
A timeless and magical story with a powerful, heartfelt message...
Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time is a beautiful and masterfully written story that is rich in setting, with a delightful (and often surprising) cast of characters deliciously woven into a plot that keeps you devouring each page all the way to "The End."
Along the way, we are encouraged to step into the garden — a reminder to embrace our creativity, recognizing that while fear, self-doubt and imposter syndrome are all part of the journey, they should not hold power over us or prevent us from stepping into our passions and that which calls to us. Instead, we can walk with them, acknowledge them and thank them for keeping us safe as we travel the path and step into our true selves. In the end, we owe it to others (and ultimately, to ourselves) to share these gifts with the world.
Thank you, Tracy, for a simply magical story. You have touched my heart and soul in ways I can not begin to express, and I will carry your words close as I forge ahead on my own journey, ever mindful as I step into the garden...
Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time is a beautiful and masterfully written story that is rich in setting, with a delightful (and often surprising) cast of characters deliciously woven into a plot that keeps you devouring each page all the way to "The End."
Along the way, we are encouraged to step into the garden — a reminder to embrace our creativity, recognizing that while fear, self-doubt and imposter syndrome are all part of the journey, they should not hold power over us or prevent us from stepping into our passions and that which calls to us. Instead, we can walk with them, acknowledge them and thank them for keeping us safe as we travel the path and step into our true selves. In the end, we owe it to others (and ultimately, to ourselves) to share these gifts with the world.
Thank you, Tracy, for a simply magical story. You have touched my heart and soul in ways I can not begin to express, and I will carry your words close as I forge ahead on my own journey, ever mindful as I step into the garden...
October 28, 2022
This was such a beautiful book. I was immediately drawn in and captivated by this enchanting tale.
I really felt for Kelsey. She seemed to be getting bombarded on all sides with bad news. The negativity she received for being a dreamer, a Storyteller. For holding on to what others saw as futile. The way she was talked down to. Not to mention the everyday stresses of life. All of that can really wear a person down, and I could see that happening to her. She was so relatable and I couldn't help but root for her.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It will speak to anyone who's ever felt like they weren't good enough, who's been overlooked, who's been made fun of for their "silly" dreams, who's felt alone. It's for the creative in all of us. It's a book I know I'll want to read again and again. It's one of my favorites of the year. It's soul-lifting, inspiring, and encouraging. A must read! I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come.
I received an early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I really felt for Kelsey. She seemed to be getting bombarded on all sides with bad news. The negativity she received for being a dreamer, a Storyteller. For holding on to what others saw as futile. The way she was talked down to. Not to mention the everyday stresses of life. All of that can really wear a person down, and I could see that happening to her. She was so relatable and I couldn't help but root for her.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It will speak to anyone who's ever felt like they weren't good enough, who's been overlooked, who's been made fun of for their "silly" dreams, who's felt alone. It's for the creative in all of us. It's a book I know I'll want to read again and again. It's one of my favorites of the year. It's soul-lifting, inspiring, and encouraging. A must read! I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come.
I received an early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
October 31, 2022
Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time ⏲️ is a most unusual story filled with imagination and strange dreams.
Can you unlock 🔑 the secrets that behold you?
This is a story for everyone who loves Garden Parties and the strange events that could take place in your imagination or for real when you unlock the gate to your mind and heart 💙 and dreams.
I loved hearing about the night garden with lanterns lit and flowers of Lilac and Bougainvillea.
This is a story for Writers and Readers filled with creativity and imagination.
Congratulations, Tracy on your new book 📖 Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time ⏲️ 🌙
* I really enjoyed the download!
Can you unlock 🔑 the secrets that behold you?
This is a story for everyone who loves Garden Parties and the strange events that could take place in your imagination or for real when you unlock the gate to your mind and heart 💙 and dreams.
I loved hearing about the night garden with lanterns lit and flowers of Lilac and Bougainvillea.
This is a story for Writers and Readers filled with creativity and imagination.
Congratulations, Tracy on your new book 📖 Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time ⏲️ 🌙
* I really enjoyed the download!
May 9, 2023
My book club chose this book to read. I tried because I always like to give everything a chance, but I couldn’t for the life of me get into this one. I got about 1/3 of the way through and DNFed it. I had a hard time paying attention and found it pretty boring. I may pick it up again to give it another chance in a few weeks.
Read
March 13, 2025Cannot finish. Half way through and I am forcing myself to sit down and read it. There are better books waiting for me. I won't give it a rating but this novel was definitely not for me.
May 5, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up. There were some things I really liked about this book but a lot that didn’t make sense and took away from the positives.
December 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. There is so much mystery and beauty I had trouble putting it down. This book is about learning to believe in yourself while finding who you are truly meant to be. The scenes from the garden were my favorite part. There is so much detail that it makes you feel like you are right there with Kelsey and the others in the garden. I highly recommend this book if you are a lover of fantasy, and even if you’re not, I think you might truly enjoy it. I mean, what reader doesn’t love a good book about a bookstore that needs to be rescued!
September 8, 2023
Absolutely magical! This is a wonderfully lyrical work of art that encapsulates all I love about books, creativity, and gardening; all woven together with a beautiful backdrop of believing in oneself and trusting the process of becoming.
Sprinkled throughout are quotes from some of my favorite authors, thinkers, and philosophers - Henri Nouwen, Julia Cameron, e.e. Cummings, Charles Dickens, Tolkien, and so many more. Higley is a writer who obviously appreciates those who came before her, who inspired and influenced her love of words. This was my first book by this author, but certainly won't be the last.
Sprinkled throughout are quotes from some of my favorite authors, thinkers, and philosophers - Henri Nouwen, Julia Cameron, e.e. Cummings, Charles Dickens, Tolkien, and so many more. Higley is a writer who obviously appreciates those who came before her, who inspired and influenced her love of words. This was my first book by this author, but certainly won't be the last.
February 9, 2023
This book was a delightful read and honestly unlike any book I’ve read before. It combines a captivating storyline with themes of the gifts, challenges, and responsibilities of creatives.
Although this book has elements of Fantasy/Science Fiction, the relatable characters and way the magical elements are tied into the realistic ones in a satisfying way resulted in a enjoyable story even for someone like me who tends to hate these genres.
Highly recommend, especially for creatives, but really for anyone.
Although this book has elements of Fantasy/Science Fiction, the relatable characters and way the magical elements are tied into the realistic ones in a satisfying way resulted in a enjoyable story even for someone like me who tends to hate these genres.
Highly recommend, especially for creatives, but really for anyone.
October 24, 2022
A really amazing book. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a creative who often doubts herself and her purpose for writing.
November 19, 2022
Couldn't get past chapter 2. Bit busy and uncoordinated
January 1, 2024
A magical experience! I could not put it down. The story draws you in. It’s heartfelt and thought provoking. I love the authors writing style. A must read!
November 18, 2022
This book impacted me like no other book I’ve read. It hit me on several levels, stirring the depths of my own creative soul. This book accentuates the creativity of Tracy Higley but also shows the depth she has as a storyteller, understanding all it takes to bring her works of written art to us, the readers.
For me Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time didn’t grab me from page one. Since I have read all of Higley’s books, I knew the quality of her writing, persevered and quickly was hooked. The protagonist, Kelsey, is a young woman who is determined to keep her Gran’s bookstore, which is lagging behind in taxes and mortgage payments. A fancy hotel is scheduled to be built next door and gobble up the bookstore. Gran (her adoptive mother) is now quite elderly and in a nursing facility. Gran speaks cryptically to Kelsey about a Garden and all that is there for her.
Without spoiling the storyline for the readers, I’ll suffice to say Kelsey eventually finds and enters the Garden. There she meets creative people who are known by their first initial. Kelsey is known as K. She is told that she needs to bring a gift to the Garden. Her gift is storytelling but she struggles with her writing.
Kelsey has so many questions regarding her adoption but gets no answers. Gran again is cryptic in her responses to Kelsey’s questions. People in the Garden know of her childhood but do not offer insight. This leaves Kelsey quite frustrated.
The Garden attendees challenge K to go deeper. She struggles with what “deeper” means. She does what she thinks is the best way to go deeper and ends up getting nowhere. More frustration. But once she brings her gift, one attendee senses K is ready to go deeper and leads her to the doorway to deeper. What happens in that deeper experience is quite amazing and gripping.
The end of the book answers all of the reader’s questions and has multiple surprises that put a smile to my face and brought tears to my eyes. Kelsey went deeper and found herself.
Moving is a word that comes to my mind after reading this book. As I noted above, this book stirred the depths of my own creativity that has long been shoved aside. Challenging me to go deeper and write.
I highly recommend this book. It’ll transport you in time and open your eyes to the struggles and triumphs of creative people.
For me Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time didn’t grab me from page one. Since I have read all of Higley’s books, I knew the quality of her writing, persevered and quickly was hooked. The protagonist, Kelsey, is a young woman who is determined to keep her Gran’s bookstore, which is lagging behind in taxes and mortgage payments. A fancy hotel is scheduled to be built next door and gobble up the bookstore. Gran (her adoptive mother) is now quite elderly and in a nursing facility. Gran speaks cryptically to Kelsey about a Garden and all that is there for her.
Without spoiling the storyline for the readers, I’ll suffice to say Kelsey eventually finds and enters the Garden. There she meets creative people who are known by their first initial. Kelsey is known as K. She is told that she needs to bring a gift to the Garden. Her gift is storytelling but she struggles with her writing.
Kelsey has so many questions regarding her adoption but gets no answers. Gran again is cryptic in her responses to Kelsey’s questions. People in the Garden know of her childhood but do not offer insight. This leaves Kelsey quite frustrated.
The Garden attendees challenge K to go deeper. She struggles with what “deeper” means. She does what she thinks is the best way to go deeper and ends up getting nowhere. More frustration. But once she brings her gift, one attendee senses K is ready to go deeper and leads her to the doorway to deeper. What happens in that deeper experience is quite amazing and gripping.
The end of the book answers all of the reader’s questions and has multiple surprises that put a smile to my face and brought tears to my eyes. Kelsey went deeper and found herself.
Moving is a word that comes to my mind after reading this book. As I noted above, this book stirred the depths of my own creativity that has long been shoved aside. Challenging me to go deeper and write.
I highly recommend this book. It’ll transport you in time and open your eyes to the struggles and triumphs of creative people.
March 14, 2023
Hey! This story kept getting better and better! Kelsey was an owner of a bookstore who was struggling to keep her shop afloat. Not only was her business in financial difficulties, but her grandmother was also suffering from dementia and had to be admitted to a nursing home, which only created more financial problems.
When she was younger Kelsey dreamed of being a writer. She even wrote a story but stored it away because she lacked confidence in herself to get it published. One night she stumbles into a magical garden where she learns about the importance of creativity. I don't want to ruin the story by giving spoilers. Let me just say that this book explored surprising twists and turns and ended with an unexpected but delightful conclusion.
When she was younger Kelsey dreamed of being a writer. She even wrote a story but stored it away because she lacked confidence in herself to get it published. One night she stumbles into a magical garden where she learns about the importance of creativity. I don't want to ruin the story by giving spoilers. Let me just say that this book explored surprising twists and turns and ended with an unexpected but delightful conclusion.
February 14, 2023
Who doesn't love a good portal fantasy? A vacant lot becomes a secret garden party populated with creative luminaries who encourage the main character to choose her craft over her self-doubt. It's a beautifully written story with a lovely message, and reassuring for those of us who want to create but have never been confident in our creations.
Also, the book delivers the exact vibe suggested by the title and cover art. Sometimes those things sell a different story and leave me disappointed, but here? *Chef's kiss*
Also, the book delivers the exact vibe suggested by the title and cover art. Sometimes those things sell a different story and leave me disappointed, but here? *Chef's kiss*
June 28, 2023
I am very stingy in giving a 5-Star rating to any book, even those I really enjoy. But this was such a unique novel, so skillfully woven, that I feel I have no choice but to do so! The way it pulled me into the story is reminiscent for me of how I felt when reading The Secret Life of Bees. And not only will the characters and story stick with me, but having read this amazing book has stirred in me the desire to make a little time for returning to creative pursuits which have been languishing in my life lately.
December 15, 2022
A Incredible Story
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I was so impressed with this story, that I read it in two days! This story genuinely was magical to read and led me feeling inspired and squashing those feelings of self-doubt that I often experience. For anyone looking for a heartwarming story and is a fan of the creative and literary geniuses of our world, this book is a must read :)
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I was so impressed with this story, that I read it in two days! This story genuinely was magical to read and led me feeling inspired and squashing those feelings of self-doubt that I often experience. For anyone looking for a heartwarming story and is a fan of the creative and literary geniuses of our world, this book is a must read :)
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