Beyond the Garden by Ashley Farley is second in her Magnolia series and is storytelling at its best. Although second in the series this could easily be read as a stand-alone as the author fills in enough backstory that the reader is not wondering what is missing. As Ellie's story continues, Farley captivates readers with believable characters whose lives and stories are compelling. They each have a past story that is driving life in the present. Ellie is an amazingly strong and vibrant character--her emotions and actions resonate with readers. They are realistically and powerfully depicted as Ellie tries to keep it all together through the desperate situations that come her way. Lia, her sister, is portrayed realistically too as she struggles with emotional and mental illness. Ellie is caring for Lia's twin girls and nurturing them in a secure and loving home. Will Lia take her girls back and destroy the family that Ellie and Julian are creating? I loved Ellie's relationship with her father who is supportive and so involved in Ellie's family. The story is riveting and moves quickly with a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. The story is permeated with love, mystery, drama, and emotional tension as the author tackles sensitive and gritty subjects--mental illness, foster care, blended families, murder, heartache. Beyond the Garden is a story of family, what it should look like and what it doesn't, a story of sisters, a story of a woman discovering herself in the role of being a mother and wife...a story from a talented author not to be missed.

Ashey Farley has become a favorite author with books about family; especially sisters. This sister relationship is much different than the close relationships of the Sweeney sisters. I loved all the aspects of this book; especially Ellie's huge heart and her love for all the children. Mystery, murder, sadness and joy but mostly a lot of love and hope fill this book.

"Giving birth to chil'run doesn't make a woman a good mother."
This is the perfect quote told to Ellie as she desperately wants to have a baby of her own.
Her family will grow as she realizes the love in her heart, must be shared with two twin nieces, a step-daughter and a young student who she and her husband, Julian take in to foster.
The plot is a mix of a murder mystery and a mentally ill family member (Ellie's twin sister) who desperately needs help, but refuses and has abandoned her children for seven months and now wants them back.
But- does she really?
The novel moves quickly and at times my heart was breaking as Ellie struggles to do what is right for these children and her sister.
I truly enjoyed this book!

This is a quick read and somewhat of a suspense novel. Ellie lives with her husband and her two nieces. She is a volunteer artist at a local school. The main plot of the novel involves Ellie's life and the mystery of the murder of her vanished sister's husband. There is a lot of family issues as Ellie tried to get pregnant, foster a young girl from the school she helps at, and takes is her husbands daughter who has run away from her mother. Lots of tension as Ellie doesn't know if Lia her sister will suddenly show up demanding that Ellie give back the two girls she gave up.

An interesting book and a real page turner,however I think more could have been written about the main character,however as I did not read the first book in the series it got a bit confusing about the characters and the part they played in each other lives,therefore I recommend that readres read the first part in the series
to understand the next all in all a pleasant read.

I adore Charleston and am always looking for books set there - this was a good one