Another brilliant book from Katie Fforde! This book is the story of finding love at various stages of life and how that love can be different depending on the stage you are at. The relationships are at the heart of the story with gardening and cooking being the mechanisms to allow them to meet and interact. I liked Philly and Lucien's relationship (young couple) and how it developed from a sweet friendship into something stronger, surviving separation and interfering parents. In this book though you don't just get the one love story and I absolutely loved Lorna and Jack's relationship with its ups and downs. The fact that Lorna is a little older (middle aged) made it all the more credible and that's why I read Katie's novel they feel real. The other characters in the novel particularly Seamus and Anthea are simply adorable, real scene stealers. The plot is very well woven with the discovery of a secret garden, about half way through the book, being the magical icing on the cake and bringing them all together at the end. It is well written, funny in places, heart-warming throughout. I loved it and if you are looking for a happy ever after read then this is the book for you.

Quite engaging story line, though I found it a little contrived and definitely a little too "happy ever after", and a little too obvious in outcome. I have read better Katie Fforde books. The writing needed further editing, which I presume may been done before publishing. A light read and Katie is always good for leaving the reader in a happy mood!

Have always enjoyed Katie Ffords books, well written, light and easy to read - perfect for sitting in the sun with, with a glass of something nice.

I've loved Katie Fforde's books for as long as I can remember and also look forward to each new publication come springtime each year. Her books are always warm, nice, light reads ideal for curling up on the couch for a few hours lost in a good story. She has written so many books and the majority always focus on a woman who is of a particular profession. Last year's book A Summer at Sea focused on a woman who was a cook on a puffer boat in Scotland whereas in this new story A Secret Garden horticulture and gardens is the focus. Like all her other books it was a nice, gentle read and there was nothing wrong with the story itself but it just seemed to lack the sparkle of her previous books and I can't say it was my favourite read from this author. I really don't like saying that considering I have loved everything else she has written but this one was missing something and I still can't put my finger on what it was. I think if you are new to this author's writing A Secret Garden probably wouldn't be the book to start with. That said I won't stop reading anything this author writes, in particular I love her short story collections, and will just leave this one as a slight blip in the road well in my mind anyway.

A Secret Garden follows two women Philly and Lorna. At some points the way these characters were written I thought they were older than they were. Philly is 23 and Lorna much older but she read as if she was around Philly's age. It was only when a son of Lorna's is mentioned and then makes an appearance that I realised just how old she was. I know this shouldn't bother me too much but it's just when you have built up a picture and sense of a character in your head and you're beginning to become invested in their storyline and then things change it disrupted the flow of the story for me and the images I had created. Philly lives with her Grandfather Seamus, both having run away from their overbearing family in Ireland to seek some solitude. They bought an abandoned house with plenty of land and outbuildings where Seamus can bake to his hearts content and Philly can grow her plants and flowers to sell on her stall.

Philly also sells plants to Lorna who works at Burthern House recreating the gardens for her long-term friend Peter. Peter and Lorna grew up together and Lorna harbours these long term feelings for Peter which are clearly not reciprocated. Even when we discovered this and saw Peter had a new partner Karen, I just wished Lorna would forget all about him and move on in her life to someone else. There is no point procrastinating over someone you clearly can't have and never will have. So it was nice to see a new male character make an appearance in the form of sculptor Jack who wants to be part of the exhibit being held in the gardens. In some ways this 'friendship/tentative relationship' felt very rushed and had little development then in others there was very little happening and I thought the reader had to fill in the gaps. Truthfully I wasn't overly concerned what happened to either of them in the end.

Philly was a good character whom you could see wanted to break free from the unrealistic expectations of her parents and follow her dream of working with plants and flowers. She seemed willing to hep anybody that needed it whilst at the same time worrying about Seamus. It was clear money was an issue as she took on waitressing jobs to keep everything afloat and this is where she meets chef Lucien and a spark is ignited. Lucien in ways was similar to Philly in that he knew what he wanted in life but he just didn't have the means in which to achieve it given that like Philly in fact even more firmly his parents were against what he wanted to do. I suppose that was partly the connection that was drawing them towards each other but also they were at that point in their lives when they wanted to find that special someone. Of course things never run smoothly and there were a few obstacles thrown in their path but yet they failed to hook me. In my mind the best characters in this story were Seamus and Athena (Peter's mother). They were funny and sweet at the same time and brought some of the much missing sparkle to this book. Their scenes were a joy to read and in a way they were slightly mischievous.

I haven't mentioned anything relating to the secret garden as mentioned in the title and I suppose that was the most frustrating thing for me in this read. I kept waiting and waiting for this garden to materialise given that seemed to be the focus of the book when looking at both the title and blurb. Only at the 75% mark was there any mention of it and by then it was far too late and not utilised properly, it really should have been more of a focus. It could have brought the much needed sparkle to the book had it occurred far earlier in the story. It just fell rather flat for me when it did come to light.

I'm sorry to say and I say it with great reluctance but A Secret Garden isn't the best book Katie Fforde has written and I have read some other reviews where readers feel the same. I hate saying this but I was disappointed with it given how much I had looked forward to reading it. I rarely, if ever, use these words but it did become boring in places and although at the story was pleasant enough it just didn't capture my attention and keep me hooked until the end. I don't like having that feeling reading a book of, will this ever get going? Sadly that is what I had here. I don't think this is the most memorable of all the books the author has written given some of the wonderful stories I have read from her in the past but I will definitely read whatever she writes in the future.

Feb 26, 2017 Kim rated it really liked it
Shelves: kindle, net-galley, 2017

It's a while since I read a Katie Fforde book and this was an absolutely delightful read. I was lost in the pages and in the secret garden and was so sorry to come to the end.

It's full of wonderful friendships, relationships and families. Lorna and Philly are working on a 'secret garden' for when the gardens are opened to the public and are getting read for a sculpture event. Philly is supplying the plants- but is enjoying working in the gardens themselves to earn a little extra money

As I read this novel, I kept telling myself that it had all the ingredients to appeal to an older woman like myself, who loves cookery,gardening and romance. Unfortunately, it was all too easy to put down. I persevered but found the plot too predictable and the characters lacked personality. Grand was the only character, who felt real to me.

The storyline, where Lorna is falling in love with Jack, but breaks from him, feels implausible. The reason seems too trivial and feels contrived in order to create a little tension, but it's obvious they're going to get back together in the end. Lorna was a somewhat irritating character, though good-hearted, but rather old-fashioned.

Early on I was forming the opinion that this novel would be a feel-good read, but it's not an easy read when there is very little to hold your attention.

Having not read any of this author's books before, I decided to try it when it came up on Netgalley. I'll say from the outset that it is not the type of book I normally read but looked forward to the change.
I'm afraid that I found it very disappointing. It is a light, frothy romance with very little substance. The main female characters turn into simpering idiots at the first sign of interest from a man. The men aren't much better and all of them fell 'madly' in love within days of meeting. There are the usual hiccups along the way but the ending is so predictable it's laughable.
I had to keep asking myself when the story was supposed to be set and where. I think it's a small village and yet there is an abundance of 'experts' in all kinds of fields - baking, gardening, stone masonry, landscape design.... It's all just too twee and contrived and everyone speaks like they are at a 1950's garden party. There is a bit of sex thrown in but I found that quite uncomfortable, like it was an attempt to spice up a fairly boring novel - it didn't work for me. I also found the constant references to people being 'posh' ridiculous.
I know this is a very popular author and I respect the fact that we can't all like the same sort of books but this just wasn't for me.
My thanks to Netgalley for this copy.

Love Katie Fforde books and this is no exception. Philly lives with her grandfather Seamus in a rundown house where Seamus bakes and Philly grows plants and posies to sell on the local market stall. Lorna is a gardener to her friend Peter. Both get involved with opening the garden to the public and along the way meet Lucien and Jack who help them along the way. Lucien the aspiring artisan baker with his difficult parents and Jack the stonemason who thinks he knows Lorna from somewhere but can't quite place her. A fantastic read as always and well researched

I always enjoy Katie Fforde's books, they are well structured and well written. I read this one in a couple of sittings and was not tempted to stray while reading it. A Secret Garden, is, as usual a feelgood story, which is believable and quckly pulls you into the world of the characters.
The central action is based around a garden with some nice descriptions and imagery. Lorna, who is middle aged and divorced is not looking for a new relationship. Philly, her young assistant is! The garden in question is being restored by Lorna and there are some good anecdotes amogst the roses.
As usual true love will out and after numerous twists and gentle turns, all is well.
A good feel-good read and up to the authors usual high standard.

This is a light and frothy romantic story which would most likely appeal to readers looking for an unchallenging holiday read.

I have never read a Katie Fforde book I haven't adored and wanted to read in one sitting. And this book was no exception. From start to finish I was hooked and I love with the characters.

Because of the type of book it is, you know everything will work out in the end and some things can be a little predictable, but for others at times you do wonder how situations can be rescued and problems overcome. The story keeps you on your toes and has some wonderful happy moments, as well as some that leave you angry and frustrated for the characters..really feeling for Philly when she meets Lucien's horrible parents and is so poorly treated. Wanting her to fight back, or just slap them!

The descriptions were so clear I could picture the main and secret gardens and plants and arrangements and it gave a great depth to the story.

I sadly finished the book now and know I have a long wait until her next. That's the only negative thing I can say.

I read this book whilst on holiday and found it an excellent 'holiday' read. I hVe read a number of books written by this author and A Secret Garden did not disappoint. If you want a lighthearted easy read, which I want whilst on holiday, this book hits the mark.

A very enjpyable book for light holiday or commute reading-ideal for those who like happy endings The only thing that grated on me was Philly calling her grandfather Grand. Despite the explanation it seems unlikely. Books set in a garden are always enjoyable and most of the charcters very likeable.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance story. It involved some of my favourite things: plants, gardening, food and love. It would be the perfect summer read, sitting in the garden, sunshine and a cool drink to hand.

I really enjoyed the flow of the writing and the way the story and characters developed and linked together. I did predict the ending fairly easily but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story at all.

The two main women in the story were great; Philly and Lorna are a generation apart in age but both with a love of gardening. They were lovely and I liked that there were older woman in the story; they played off each other really well, all giving support and advice. I loved Grand, Philly’s grandfather; he did make me chuckle.

If you are looking for a sweet romance with a happy ending, then I advise you to read this one; it is a lovely read.

I am not a big fan of chick lit, when relaxing I prefer crime books and thrillers but I don't mind the odd chick lit book if well written, interesting and has some humour in it (or makes some serious points). This book is not one of them, I am afraid. I had never read anything by Katie Fforde but heard of her so I was quite happy to try a new author.

The story is mainly about two women, Philly and Lorna who are working in restoring a mansion house in England. They are both looking for love but don't know where to find it. I could not get interested in the characters if I have to be honest, the only one I really liked was Philly's grandfather Seamus who was at least an interesting character. I suppose it might work well as a holiday read, it is not very long and it is a very light feelgood read. Unfortunately I did not find much in the book to hold my attention and I had to struggle to reach the end. I also find it difficult to read a book which is mainly made of dialogues, some of them do not sound very natural at all.

A thoroughly enjoyable read with a big feel good factor.

So I mentioned to a book loving colleague that I had the new Katie Fforde to read from Netgalley. "Oh you won't like it at all" she told me (with a lot of emphasis on the "you"). I was very affronted. Why would such prodigious reader like me not like it? "Well no one dies horribly or has scheming friends/partners/budgies. They're nice books. Romantic. Not you at all." I have to admit she had a point (and that I might be not quoting her exactly). Romance isn't really my thing. Romantic comedy with more comedy than romance yes but actually romance. No not me. But guess what? I think Ms Fforde has found the remnants of the young me, the one that believed in romance.

The story follows friends Lorna and Philly. Lorna is a talented gardener, a middle age divorcee who has pretty much given up on love. Philly is barely out of her teens, who's better at sowing flower seeds than the seeds of love. But onto the scene comes Jack, a charming sculptor who seems immediately taken with Lorna, who finds it difficult to understand why this handsome and younger man is so interested in her. And then there's Lucien, who Philly has been gazing at across the farmers market. He's posher than a minor royal but on the run from parents disappointed in his dream of cooking for a living.

I don't have to say much else about this book. This is all about the romance, happy endings and gentle humour. When you look for romance books THIS is what should come up, not some guff about billionaire shape shifters, candle wax and time travelling kilts (OK I admit I'm a Jamie Fraser fan but enoughs enough now). It's not taxing, there are no real surprises but if you curl up with a glass or mug of what you fancy, in the sun or by the fire and this book I can almost guarantee you'll feel good after reading this. This is the definition of feel good reading.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this review copy.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the fact that despite being woven around one girl Philly, they managed to interweave 4 other romances around her.

It was a nice setting for the story and i could imagine myself there.

A great way to spend a few hours on a miserable day.

Katie Fforde never disappoints - you are always immediately drawn in to the narrative. Her characters are well rounded and believable. A Secret Garden is no exception - I found myself trying to ration how much I read (because I didn't want it to end), but at the same time wanting to just sit and read it! Gardening and cooking are the occupations to the fore this time. I would thoroughly recommend this book.

Delightful read that I enjoyed immensely. Beautifully written, with a cast of characters you quickly come to care about, 'A Secret Garden' would be the perfect book to read on a hot summer day.. A must read for anyone who loves a romantic, sometimes humorous story. Recommended.