The Garden of Small BeginningsAuthor: Abbi Waxman
Published by: Berkley
Publication Date: May 2, 2017
Format: eARC
Pages: 358
Source: Publisher
Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she s just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she s becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed.
At least her textbook illustrating job has some perks like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there s that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty, literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can t be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity.After recruiting her kids and insanely supportive sister to join her, Lilian shows up at the Los Angeles Botanical Garden feeling out of her element. But what she ll soon discover with the help of a patient instructor and a quirky group of gardeners is that into every life a little sun must shine, whether you want it to or not "
This book deserves a lot of hype!
On the surface, it seems like it would be depressing. Lilian is a widow with two young daughters. She suffered a major breakdown after her husband died and still struggles with it three years later. And she’s just been laid off. Total country song material, right? Wrong. When she’s commissioned to illustrate a gardening guide, she also gets roped into taking a gardening class where she learns about new beginnings.
Oh, how I adore this book. Adoooore! It’s without a doubt a top read. It’s one of those books I love every single thing about it, but have a difficult time conveying it.
I want to put all the characters in my pocket and keep them forever. No joke.
Lilian is such a relatable character who had me laughing throughout the book.
I love the family! I’d happily babysit Lilian’s daughters ?. Lili’s sister is such a great support & pretty entertaining, too. Even the in-laws touched my heart with a dash of humor.
The class brought together a diverse group who built beautiful friendships. In some cases more than friendship.
There’s a tad bit of romance that is done perfectly for the story.
It’s definitely a book anyone will enjoy, but those who have kids or deal with kids will get an extra kick out of it.
I love the gardening aspect. There are even little tips at he beginning of each chapter that are smile inducing.
It’s truly touching, poignant and very well written. And if you know me, you know I’m all about the humor. This book brings it in spades.
Seriously, The Garden of Small Beginnings is a must read. It’ll cure any reading slump. Read it!
(Thank you, Heidi, for putting it on my radar!)
We are review twins today! I loved this as well, way more than I thought I would and I wanted to keep all the characters too! They really were all fabulous.
Neat how it delivered an added layer so it wasn’t just a sad, depressing story of a widow. Love the gardening aspect and the circle of friends there, too. I will definitely get to this one.
YES. I just want to buy the audio for everyone and stand there while they listen!
Ah yes I heard nice things about this one as well so it”s nice to see you had a good time!
THIS! This is the book I need in my life right now. Little romance, fun, wonderful friendships and being a bit of gardener myself it sounds absolutely lovely! It sounds like a wonderfully healing book as well, something that just touches your soul. Going to try to hunt down a paperback so I can pass it along to my dear old mum when I’m done. Brilliant review Christy, really enjoyed it <3
For sure! It’s one of those books everyone will enjoy.
I was told it was awesome and I HAVE to read it
It is & you do!
I totally agree! This one took me by surprise with how much I liked it. It was one so well and I think most will enjoy it. Great review!
I’ve been seeing this book around. I really need to try it. It isn’t my normal kind of read, but with so many of my blogger friends loving it, I think I need to give it a go. Great review.
You should! I bet you’d love it.
I have heard so much about this. I am glad that you enjoyed it so much. Great review and I have added this to my list. Thanks for sharing.
You have to read it!
I’ve read a few reviews for this one and they are making it sound pretty good.
It really is! Read it! ❤️
It made me so happy to read this review and Ali’s today. I am so happy that you guys listened and took a chance on this one. It was so amazing, right? I totally loved all the humor. The mother cracked me up. I want to get an audio copy and re read this one. I hope more readers picked it up. It’s your turn to find the next great book! You did find Hating Game last summer.
It really is. Yeah, I’d like to get the audio for a future listen. And nope, Ali can find the next great one. ?
The Garden of Small Beginnings sounds very good, after reading your glowing review I’ve added it to my wish list. Thanks!
I hope you read it!
I have seen some great reviews for this book but after reading your review, I am adding it to my tbr list. This sounds like a book that I need to have in my life. Great review!
I hope you try it, because I bet you’d love it.
I grabbed this after Heidi put it on my radar, too! I’m so glad you enjoyed it as well; I can hardly wait to start it!
Hurry! It’s so good!
Yep. just added it to my pile. Ali just wrote a glowing review of this book as well so yeah. I’m in!
You need to read it, Joy. It’s a quick, refreshing read.
II have heard great things about this book. I will be adding this to my TBR. Great review.
Hope you read it!
This one is on my TBR and every good review I read makes me more excited for it!
It’s so good! Hope you read it soon.
“country song material” lol. Glad this one was good. 🙂
Awesome review, Christy. Sounds a great story. I love stories about single parents. I can see myself enjoy this story. I’ll check out this author. Haven’t heard about her. ?
Yep Heidi got to me too but I have yet to devour it. So going to hopefully soon. I put in a request at the library. Maybe I need to send Heidi and you their way to put the pressure on… 😉 Brilly review. You have made me want to read it even more!
I have read so many good reviews of this book. I have it on my to do list-not my wish list. I plan on listening because Kimberly said it was wonderful. Great review!
This is probably not one I would have picked up on my own, but you’ve convinced me I should read this one. I really like the sound of it from your review.
I’ve seriously only heard great things about this book, glad it lived up to the hype! I’m loving the family aspect, will have to keep this book in mind! Awesome review!
I’ve been seeing the cover of this, and haven’t really looked twice at it until now. It sounds just lovely!
I’m of the opinion that any book that touches you and robs you of words is always a great thing regardless if it’s a good or bad one. We read more than the average person and I personally have become desensitized on certain themes and tropes so when I come across a book that makes me react, I almost immediately file it under the “special” file
yay super glad you enjoyed it. I loved the family dynamics in this book myself and the pinch of romance worked
omg I guess I WILL HAVE to read this book ASAP! It was already high on my pile but man after this review??? WOW
I really enjoyed this one too Christy!!
I’m glad that you thought it was such a great read. You can’t get a lot by looking at the cover, but the blurb sucks you in. Fab review girl!
Lol about the country song material comment. But that’s awesome that the author managed to take something that could have been depressing and make it really sweet!