The Seeing Garden: A Novel

by Ginny Kubitz Moyer

Set on a lavish California estate, The Seeing Garden is “a moving story with strong female characters” (Kirkus Reviews) for fans of Edith Wharton and Downton Abbey.

It’s 1910, and Catherine Ogden is aching to live a creative and meaningful life. That’s not easy to do when her aunt and uncle—and all of New York society—consider a good marriage to be the pinnacle of feminine achievement. But when Catherine visits Oakview, the Northern California estate of handsome bachelor William Brandt, she thinks that it might be possible to satisfy her family’s hopes as well as her own. In that beautiful place, she finds the promise of a new start and the opportunity to use her artistic gifts in designing the garden. But as Catherine is drawn into William’s hidden life, as well as the secrets of his estate staff, she discovers that Oakview holds both more opportunity and more risk than she ever imagined. It will take all her courage—and the lessons of some shocking revelations from the past—to choose the path that leads to real freedom.

Full of rich period detail and complex characters, and set against an unforgettable backdrop, The Seeing Garden explores what it takes for a woman to discern the path to her most authentic life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2023

About the author

Ginny Kubitz Moyer is an author of historical fiction. Her novel A Golden Life was named one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Indie Books of 2024, and her debut novel The Seeing Garden won Silver in the 2023 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards for historical fiction. She has also written several books on women's spirituality. Ginny lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she gardens, walks her rescue dog, and constantly searches for more bookshelf space.

Reviews

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspiring novel! I completely fell in love with this lush and intriguing story by Ginny Moyer. She has a style of writing that is smooth, a little dreamy and keeps you wanting to know more after every page. As soon as I read the first chapter, I was completely hooked. The Seeing Garden was really hard to put down!

You can expect—gorgeous California gardens described in detail, deeply drawn characters, impressive estates, cozy details of food and clothing and heartbreaking secrets, as well as an overall creative and artistic theme. Together, they combine into the most compelling and superb novel.

Not only is the content wonderfully written, but the book itself is a joy to hold and read. Unlike many paperback books, this edition has the perfect amount of line spacing, a lovely font and excellent margins. I always get frustrated by a book that you cannot read without breaking the spine or are printed with lines too close together. I also appreciated the short chapters, which prompted me to continue to read long after I normally would. Plus, the ending was perfection!

I'm very anxious to read more books by this amazing author! If you love Rosamunde Pilcher, as well as gardens and historical fiction, you will love this novel! Highly recommended!

Find out more about Ginny Moyer and her novel here: https://ginnymoyer.org/fiction/ or on Instagram @moyerginny.

[Tarn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens in 1910. Our heroine, Catherine, is young and beautiful, a darling of New York society, who captures the eye of the eligible, handsome, brooding railroad magnate from California. This sounds like a romance—and it is, but one filled with surprises. This story is also a love letter to the California landscape and a celebration of female friendship and mentorship. This is a story about beauty and art and creativity—about those who think they can own it and those who are redeemed by it. This is a coming-of-age story, as Catherine, constrained by social and gender expectations, must be brave enough to discover a more authentic version of herself. To me, the heart of the book is captured in advice our heroine’s father shared before he died: “Life gives you a choice between two things. And all the different parts of you, good and bad, get caught up in making that choice. You have to decide whether you will choose from what is best in you or the worst that is in you.”

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginny Kubitz Moyer's first novel, The Seeing Garden, explores what it means to be an artist in so many senses--on paper and canvas and landscapes, through words and deeds, and in life's various relationships.

Her story about Catherine Ogden's coming of age has echoes of Pride and Prejudice (anyone who can sympathize with Lizzy's reaction when she sees Pemberly will be of like feelings when Catherine first tours Oakview), the upstairs-downstairs feel of Downton Abbey, and feminist leanings of Brontë novels--all with Moyer's own flair, creativity, and sensitivity.

Moyer creates multidimensional characters throughout her tale, each so different and working in harmony, much like the components of a well-balanced garden. This beautifully crafted cast helps Catherine along her journey of love, trust, faith, and redemption to fully see her truest self. It is in one of these fine character's words that she and readers begin to learn one of life's best lessons: "You look at the patterns in your life and see what brings you real happiness, and peace, even the little things. You love those things and do them as often as you can."

[ColleenSC (colleenallbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she was young, Catherine, the main character, was sent to live with her rich aunt and uncle in high society New York City. At 19, she catches the eye of a wealthy Californian and moves to his Bay Area estate when they become engaged. She begins planning a new section of the garden, learning more about herself in the process.

I loved this book! The writing style is beautiful, especially when describing nature’s wonders. I felt compassion for Catherine as she strives to find balance between behaving the way society expects and finding personal fulfillment. The lavish dinners and lush estate grounds brought Gilded Age glamor, but Moyer does an excellent job reminding us that California is not made up solely of rich white people, and she does not idealize the time period.

I was so moved by the themes of connection and love, along with the different ways of finding fulfillment and making an impact on others. Some of the serious and difficult topics addressed reminded me of an Edith Wharton novel, but luckily this book has optimism and joy too. If you enjoy tv shows like Downton Abbey or The Gilded Age, you will enjoy this story.

[Sarndra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this novel! The descriptions of the characters, their experiences and the scenery were so vivid, I felt I was reading with all of my senses. The story drew me right into the pages as if I was living alongside the characters. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and The Seeing Garden was not only an wonderful story, it helped me to imagine this area of Northern California in days gone by. I can't wait to see what Ginny Kubitz Moyer writes next!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to believe this is a debut novel! Beautifully written, immersive scenery and incredible attention to detail. A coming of age story set in Northern California 1910.
“Perhaps, in the end, life is about seeing. Seeing and recognizing “
Highly recommend, a perfect summer read!

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book feels like it's destined for something beautiful. Even though there are many life challenges, struggles, and disappointment there is always hope, humanity, and kindness. Catherine is an amazing character and shows so much growth throughout the novel. The writing style is captivating and I was immediately drawn into the complex storyline. The gorgeous northern California setting is described in such rich detail that I feel as though I've been there. This is a gorgeous summer read that you won't want to put down.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting was beautiful and it made me wish I had a green thumb. I loved that this revolved around choices and how such a small choice made a huge difference in Catherine’s life. The garden was a place where Catherine felt safe and at home so it was also the place she did most of her thinking. Her character growth was great and I loved her conversations with the people her fiancé deemed beneath her. It was a well written historical fiction.

Thank you @moyerginny and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy

[cindy guillas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very slow for the first half - I contemplated not finishing but I thought "surely there's got to be a plot twist..."
And there was. It got better in the second half and was an enjoyable read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seeing Garden by Ginny Kubitz Moyer is a wonderful historical fiction that takes us to Northern California in the early 20th century.

Catherine Ogden is a stunning MC. Her coming of age story is so beautifully depicted and described. The way the author blends the colors, textures, sights, and emotions through multiple avenues and mediums truly makes this novel a work of art.

Add in the historical contents of society and social expectations, aspirations, and limitations…and the reader can be fully immersed in a book that engages and tests all of your senses.

I loved the location, time, threads of romance and also independence, the pace and progression, and I loved the conclusion.

The journey to finding one’s purpose and passion within oneself, as well as within your surroundings, is something that I think every reader can resonate with. It is something fundamental that surpasses space and time.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and She Writes Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/9/23.

[A Dellaporta]

The Seeing Garden is much more than a romance novel, though it makes good use of the classic tropes of a thoughtful, intelligent heroine; a handsome and wealthy beau; and a lavish mansion on a large estate on the San Francisco peninsula. Catherine lives in a milieu of culture and privilege — and lovely clothes — that many a young woman might long for, and her journeys through the novel bring her depth and wisdom as she comes to understand life’s choices with new eyes. The novel is filled with varied characters whose lives are shaped by social pressures, ambition, fear, and of course, by love. Throughout, there is a clear awareness of and respect for those who lived with less privilege in that time and place. The oblique reference to F. H. Burnett’s The Secret Garden is not wasted, and certainly the idea that one can — nay, must — carefully nurture the garden of one’s life is always apropos. I will be sharing this book with many a young woman of my acquaintance who is on the cusp of making decisions that will change her life, as well as with my friends and book group!

[JANELLE]

Catherine Ogden is an orphan, raised by her aunt and uncle after her parent's death. Her aunt is emphatic that she needs to marry well in return for them raising her. Catherine is struggling and then she meets handsome bachelor William Brandt from California. Soon she's on the way to see his estate and finds so much more. She falls in love with the views and the gardens. Using her artistic skills, she helps the head gardener design a special section of the garden. And then secrets start unraveling and romances change.

Enjoyable story with well crafted characters. The descriptions are rich and lush and enhance the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book. Cathrine is a fun-loving young woman with plenty of ambition. Hoping to please her aunt and uncle, Cathrine stays at the estate of William Brandt a handsome young bachelor. However, Cathrine quickly learns there is more than meets the eye with not only William but his estate. Can she unravel the secrets and find her true self in the process? I enjoyed this book. It was well written and was full of mystery and secrets waiting to be unraveled. I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and family.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book as I recently read and enjoyed the author’s newest book, A Golden Life. I like her writing but this story felt trite to me. A Golden Life contained a romance as a side plot but in this book it was the main story and I found it too predictable and a bit boring. Three stars for the writing but only two for the story.

[Caty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish could rate in half stars. 3.5 Enjoyable. I especially loved the setting context as I grew up in the area. I I’ve the gardens at the Filoli Mansion which was a major reference.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Catherine's story! A great historical fiction novel with wonderful scenery and how much appearance was the expectation. Catherine, left to be raised by her aunt and uncle in New York's elite gets a marriage proposal from one of the most eligible bachelors and her aunt could not be more happy. Catherine's life is taking on the path her aunt has groomed her for. Off to California she heads to soon become a wife and caretaker of a mass estate with breathless gardens. But it doesn't take long for Catherine to start seeing the true character of William and all that he believes and expects and Catherine is questioning accepting this path. She has always dreamed of a love like her parents had and the relationship between her and William does not seem to be growing. When a painter is commissioned for her portrait an unexpected friendship happens, and her childhood past is growing more present in her decision in what she wants in life. Will Catherine go against all conventions for a woman of her time and choose her heart over appearances? I really enjoyed this story and loved the gardens the author painted through out the storyline. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the free novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novel that in some ways conforms to the typical romance novel storyline and in others deviates from it to showcase a lead character that takes control of her life in a time when such things were just not done.

Catherine is raised in a life of privilege after her parents die and she is told her purpose is to marry well to repay her aunt and uncle for their care of her but she longs for more out of her life than to just be an ornament on the arm of a rich man. She is a talented artist and that part of her soul wants to be free to soar.

Fall in love she does and she marries well. He takes her to his home where she promptly becomes enthralled with the gardens and the expansive views. She embarks on a project to create a garden that utilizes her artistic skills and more than just flowers bloom.

This was a well written and interesting book that chronicled the struggles intelligent women dealt with in a time when men controlled just about everything. Despite being told she couldn’t Catherine did and her life and the lives of many around her were richer for it.

4.5

I received a free copy for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction book set in 1910 New York and California (mostly California). The main character, Catherine, has been raised by her aunt and uncle in New York.

Catherine catches the eye of a wealthy bachelor, William Brandt, who lives in Northern California. Even though she doesn’t love William she agrees to marry him. She also moves to his estate in the summer before the wedding to get acclimated to California society.

Catherine begins a project of transforming a part of the estate’s garden with the help of Thomas, the temporary gardener.

As the garden takes shape, Catherine begins to question her decision to marry William. She also gets a huge surprise about her family.

I liked this one not only for its rich descriptions (especially of all the flowers as Catherine works on her garden) but also for the character of Catherine who really develops over the course of the read.

[Kim W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging novel...I didn't want to put it down!

It's hard to believe this is the first novel written by Ms Moyer. It is so well written with the story moving easily from chapter to chapter. I didn't feel like it stalled along the way, so it kept my interest. The characters are well developed, which made me
want to know where life
would take them. Being a romance novel, it was rather predictable, but I got lost in the beautiful description of the gardens and California itself. It also made me thankful I wasn't born in that period of history when women were only to be seen as an accessory to their husbands and not heard as an individual. Catherine found the strength to live her life with the love of her mother, who came back into her life when she needed her most. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet love story of Catherine and Thomas and, mostly of all, seeing Catherine come into her own as a woman.

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to my partner, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 - Overall, this historical fiction debut is in one word - captivating. I could not put it down. It is one of those up-until-the-break-of-dawn reads.

2. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 - Reading a story such as this makes me thankful to live in a time and a class in which we are not forced into a marriage simply due to another’s standing in civilization.

3. 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 - We feel the love growing as Catherine’s story progresses. Even though she doesn’t know what is happening, the reader becomes aware quite early on.

4. 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 - William holds so many secrets and none of them are ones that will make the reader want anything good to happen for him.

5. 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑶𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 - William: In my meager opinion, he is a sleazy, intolerable excuse for a human being. Keeping in mind this was the early 1900s, I have to, again, feel grateful that I live now and not back then. Thomas: Be still my heart. That’s it - be still my heart 💕

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story of a young woman torn between two very different men. Catherine’s fiance is wealthy and of high standing, but it is with the gardener, Thomas, she feels the most at peace and happy.

I loved being in the garden with Catherine and Thomas; it was as if I could smell the fragrances and feel the cool soil. The story shines a light on class and race disparity as Catherine watches how her betrothed and his friends treat “the staff.” The setting felt very authentic to the time period, with the etiquettes and manners of the day.

A vivid and poetic love story with a few secrets as well.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @moyerginny for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1910 New York, Catherine is expected to live a good society approved life and marry well to do. She meets a handsome bachelor at his estate in California where she thinks just maybe she can please her family and still have the life she wants. She helps designing the garden. There are hidden pasts and secrets. This was beautifully written and I liked the focus of the path we choose, art and social standards of women. I loved this historical coming-of-age. I highly recommend for historical fans.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[K McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this story of a woman trying to find her place and her path in early 20th century California. I hadn’t read anything by this author before so didn’t know what to expect, but I thought the characters were particularly well portrayed. They are all very real humans with strengths and flaws, and they drive the story along in a compelling way. The ending is satisfying without being unrealistic, and I enjoyed reading a book set in a time and place that seem less typical fare for historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seeing Garden by Ginny Kubitz Moyer is an incredible debut novel!

An excellent historical fiction set in 1910 in California.

Catherine Ogden is a lovely protagonist. The story is written with such detail I felt like all the colors in the art.

Romance, history and high society all wrapped up in a beautiful coming of age story.

I especially enjoyed the elements and details of finding oneself among uncertainties in place and time.

I loved this novel and hope to read more from this author!

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking place in the early 1900’, this is a historical romance fiction. The protagonist Catherine’s parents die and she is shipped to live with her aunt and uncle in NYC. They considered themselves to be in the high social standards class of people. They groomed and Catherine to follow this path. She is expected to marry well and repay them for all they did for her.

Catherine, young and beautiful, meets a rich, eligible and handsome railroad magnate. Becoming his fiancé and moving to CA, gives her the opportunity to change and design the gardens of the mansion they will live in.

The author did a great job describing the gardens and all the wonders surrounding the homestead. She showed so much creativity and this book reminded me of Emily Bronte’s writing style. The author’s attention to details concerning this time period made the book come alive and keep my interest.

As she was preparing and designing the garden, a painter was brought in to do her portrait. As they became friends, Catherine starts to see her husband is not the man she thought he was. It is here in the book, that racial and class standings were apparent. Catherine’s inner self awakens and she ignores the social norms. It is wonderful to see Catherine come into her own person with her own ideals. Really liked this book! #suzyapprovedbooktours

[Teresa Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading 'The Seeing Garden' was like enjoying a delicious drink-every sip (or page) a treat. Kubitz-Moyer fully develops protagonist Catherine's character so that, as we journey with her from New York to northern California, she becomes a friend that we can't help but root for. A gardener myself, I especially enjoyed the detailed painting of the flowers, trees, and plantings--as though I were strolling through the garden, too. Other period detail was spot-on. An engaging and moving tale of a young woman's challenges and agonizing choices, as she strives to forge an authentic life.

[Anna Citrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Moyer is an excellent writer. The characters are drawn believably, the setting vividly described, and valuable insights and life lessons emerge naturally within the story's context. I also appreciated the various references to other pieces of literature in the book and the way certain objects and elements in the setting take on larger significance. The narrative made clear the lack of freedom a woman of high society would likely have experienced during the early 1900s and the plot engaged me throughout the entire novel. I especially appreciated how Moyer depicted both the subtle and not so subtle ways a woman could become both trapped and controlled in a patriarchal social structure.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s a perfect curl up with a cup of tea, can’t put it down kind of book! I haven’t read any books that take place in the Bay Area during this time period, and it was so fun that I could see one of my favorite places, Filoli, in the descriptions. I totally know the tree that’s described in the book which was a fun little surprise for me! The characters are really well developed, and I can’t help but see William as the shadow side of Mr. Darcy. Ok I’ll stop there! This is one of those books that I’ll be reading again!

[Joan Grejtak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gardeners delight

Lovely fast easy read. Filled my senses with historical garden walks through delicate fragrant floral and fauna. I could almost see myself in the garden with Catherine. This was a fast easy read because the author has a lovely writing style that transports you right into the story. Predictable ending..but I love that it wrapped up nicely. Great historical love story of following your heart. It was written so well that I also felt like I knew all of the characters personally.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m only at 60%, but I am really enjoying this historical fiction. As a gardener, I’m easily lured (and usually disappointed) with books that have “garden” in the title, but The Seeing Garden in corporates the design of a new garden wonderfully into the story line.

Updated. Completed The Seeing Garden. Kudos to the author Ginny Kubitz Moyer on the publication of her first novel!

Thank you to this new-to-me author (and everyone else) Ginny Kubitz Moyer, the publisher She Writes Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of The Seeing Garden in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is May 2023.

I enjoyed this novel, but the Author's Note at the end of the book additionally helped me appreciate this work of historical fiction.