This novel has all of the things that a reader of women’s fiction could want. There are engaging characters, an appealing setting that includes gardens, a, second chance romance and (my favorite) lots about books. There is also a bit of seriousness as protagonist Savannah has been diagnosed with lupus.
As the story opens Savannah is a bit at loose ends. She has come to visit the relative with whom she spent many childhood summers. This aunt introduced Savannah and her summer friend Evan to many good reads. Evan and Savannah subsequently fell out of touch but meet up again during Savannah’s visit. Both have had some complex life experiences-for Savannah this includes her diagnosis and a broken engagement while, for Evan, he now has sole custody of his daughter following the death of his child’s mother.
As the story unfolds, one plot, not surprisingly, has to do with this relationship. Another storyline centers on the library in Eleanor’s garden. What happened to it and how will it survive? Readers will root for these characters (pun a bit intended due to gardens and the town being called Bloom) as the pages turn.
I loved that each chapter heading came with a quote from a book. I also enjoyed the many book titles that were scattered throughout the story. Readers could come up with a great TBR pile from these.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. Just right for a spring or summer escape.
Many thanks to Forever/Grand Central and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 16 April 2024
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 