Such a sweet story of loss and love. Iris Maynard lost her husband in the war and her daughter to illness. Because of one awful day, she walled off her home and her garden and has become a recluse. When her home next door is rented to a family with a young girl and a veteran, she is drawn out of her self-made prison and given the opportunity to see the joys of life and relationships. For those that love flowers, this has it in full! At times the flower aspect bogged it down for me, but ultimately it was a beautiful story. At times, being married to a service member, I felt the anti-war sentiment was hard to read, but I also understand those sentiments are out there.

Thank you NetGalley and Graydon House for an ARC for my honest opinion!

The Heirloom Garden follows Abby, who moves with her daughter and veteran husband who is suffering from PTSD for a fresh start. Their neighbor and landlord is Iris, who has been living as a recluse since the 50s after she lost her husband in WWII and her daughter to polio. The two women form a bond that end up healing open and sore wounds.

For the most part, I enjoyed the book. It was heartwarming and I ended up liking the bond between all of the Peterson family and Iris. The ending was bittersweet and leaves the reader with hope. It was a little predictable, but I think most contemporary readers will enjoy this book. I had a couple of issues with it. I didn't like the emphasis that Abby put on her and her husband not wanting to take any medication for anxiety. Instead saying that they want to do it in a "healthy" way. I felt like that was stigmatizing medication where it shouldn't be. I also didn't love the "women are oppressed in the workplace" storyline. It has been overdone and wasn't necessary. Despite that, I would recommend picking this one up. It's a quick read.

Viola Shipman is one of my must-read authors. I just know when I start one of her books, that I am going to be swept away into another world, a world full of memories and love. Her recent book focuses on gardens, flowers, and the memories tied to those flowers.

The Heirloom Garden spans two time periods, between the 1940's and present day. When Abby and her family move in next to Iris, a woman who has been a recluse for many years, the garden provides a source of healing for everyone.

I enjoyed the story immensely and I learned so much about the history and beauty of flowers and how important they are to some people. I love the idea of an heirloom garden, full of flowers from people from your past. They are so meaningful when there are memories attached to them.

I loved The Heirloom Garden and I highly recommend it. It definitely gets 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me!

From my blog: Always With a Book:

This is the first book I've picked up by Viola Shipman and if this one is anything to go by it definitely will not be the last. I did a combination of listening and reading and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've found that listening to the story and then going back and rereading parts of it has become one of my favorite ways to read some books and it absolutely worked this book - there were so many passages that I wanted to go over, not because they required a second glance, but because they were just so beautiful and poignant.

This book was just what I needed right now. I feel that as much as I love my thrillers and psychological suspense novels, with all that is going on with the pandemic, I've been gravitating towards these books that provide hope, which we all need right now. And this book definitely provides that and so much more.

I loved the characters in this book. They were real, relatable and all with their own challenges. Nothing is easy for these characters but what they have gone through is real life and the way they come out of it is so heartwarming and endearing, you can't help but fall in love with them and shed a few tears along the way.

I loved the way history was woven into this book. We hear how Iris set up a victory garden while her husband was away at war. And I also loved how each flower has such special meaning to something in Iris's life. I know that there are certain flowers that I associate with special memories and people and I loved seeing this play out in the story...it made it all the more relatable.

I am not a gardener by any means, but this book definitely has me wanting to learn. I love flowers, I love smelling them, I love looking at them and I love buying them, but I would love more than anything to be able to grow them myself and this book has me wanting to figure that out. I have some areas around my house that would be perfect for little gardens and I am determined to figure out what I could plant that would be hardy enough that even I can't kill it. Green thumb I am not, but perhaps I can learn to be!

I cannot recommend this book enough. It's about new friendships, taking chances and honoring those who we have lost. It's such a great feel-good book, one that inspires hope and has all the feelings.

Beautifully written. I really enjoyed this novel. It's real, it's touching, and it's full of hope. Highly recommended!

Iris has decided to rent her house next door to a small family. She has no intention of having anything to do with them. Iris is a recluse and all she needs is her garden. However, life has a way of throwing you curve balls. This little family ends up changing her life.

This story is a wonderful read about healing and love of family and friends. It is full of some of the best characters ever. I fell in love with Iris. She is so beaten down by life but she keeps going strong. She is an extremely smart woman and that always appeals to me. Then there is Abby. She has to be tough to overcome what life has thrown at her. Cory, her husband is broken from his experience in Iraq. He knows he has to pull himself together for his family. But, my all time favorite character is Lilly. She is Abby and Cory’s little girl and she is just amazing.

I love the way the author throws in unique aspects of history. Lots of little tidbits here and there. And the flowers! I really enjoyed just about everything in this novel. This is such a well written story. It is hard to believe I have never read a book by this author.

Don’t miss this one! Grab it today!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Netgalley and Graydon Books for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

Graydon Books has been really killing the game for me with these historical fiction novels lately and I’m so glad that there’s another one that I can add to my list of books that I enjoyed. I also really like the tribute of the pen name that Rouse chose for his novels, to honor his grandmother. I thought that was a sweet touch.

This book really made me feel emotional because of how Iris felt so alone with her family having already left this Earth before her. I think about my own grandma who I spoke with yesterday and there are times where she tells me something similar to what Iris was thinking, just not wanting to be around anymore, and it breaks my heart. That feeling of not having any family to live for anymore, especially when they aren’t out of your life by choice, can be really hard to go through alone. So Iris really just hit home for me, and my heart hurt for her.

Another reason why I was able to feel for Iris even more was because of her love of flowers and tending to her garden in her home. That’s exactly what brings my grandma joy lately too, and I thought it was really cool that both of them love lilies and roses. I don’t know if those are popular flowers or something, but seeing that similarity just really made me think of my grandma even more. It made me wish that both Iris and my grandma weren’t so alone right now.

I feel like the relationship that ended up blossoming between Iris and Abby was absolutely beautiful, and these two women being able to relate on some aspect on both their loves and their hardships was really great to see. I feel like the overall feeling that I got after reading this book was one of hope, and to me it showed that sometimes you need another person that has an idea of what you are going through to help you take the time to heal. It’s not an easy process, but one that will eventually help you find some joy again in your life. It was a beautiful novel.

This is a wonderful story and one of the best books I’ve read this year. I loved the setting of Iris’s beautiful garden, but it’s the characters of Iris, Lilly, and Abby that grabbed my heart. The way that their stories come together kept me turning pages to see how their friendship would make a difference in their lives and community. Just have a tissue or two on hand when you come to the ending. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’ll definitely be reading more from her.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Iris Maynard is a widow who lost her husband in World War II and her young daughter to Polio, and now lives in seclusion in her childhood home. She has shut herself off from the world and only talks to her flowers in her walled in garden. Her flowers are the only things that keep her going day to day.

Abby Peterson along with her husband and young daughter move in next door to Iris ready for a new start in life. Abby’s husband has come home from the Afghanistan war a shell of the man he once was, and she is trying to hold her family together.

Iris and Abby’s family slowly build a friendship based on loss, love and family, and together start to heal from their wounds, past and present. Iris’s beautiful gardens help both families in ways they couldn’t imagine.

This was such a heartwarming story of two different generations both facing loss yet finding healing through the beauty of a garden. I loved learning about different flowers and their meanings along with the developing story. It was beautifully written by Viola Shipman and I enjoyed each moment as I cried, laughed and loved along with Iris and Abby. Thank you to the author Viola Shipman, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to read and review.

I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Viola Shipman, and Harlequin Books S.A. - GraydonHouseBooks. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Viola Shipman to friends and family. Her nostalgic peek into the past may bring you to tears, but it's a good cry.

The Heirloom Garden is centered in the small town of Grand Haven, Michigan. Iris's grandparents and parents had built side-by-side Sears and Roebuck's Craftsman homes many many years ago.. All three generations of women were avid gardeners, maintaining large yards filled with blooms of every season. Late in the summer of 1944, we visit this small town through the eyes of Iris Maynard, recent widow of First Lieutenant Jonathan Maynard, mother of Jane, a college-degreed botanist, and natural gardener.

We visit Grand Haven, Michigan, and Iris again during the 9/11 Iraqi action in the spring of 2003. In the 1950s Iris lost her daughter to Polio and has since lost her grandparents and parents. Iris is in her 90's and has been for years a complete shut-in. She has her groceries delivered to the gate of her 10-foot fence, pays her bills by computer, and shops online. Most folks in town think she has passed on, as it has been many years since she was seen out and about. Iris still resides in the home built by her father, and occasionally rents out her grandmother's home next door and outside the walls of her personal haven. Over the years she has moved her grandmother's plants into her own garden behind the wall, leaving only what doesn't require labor to maintain at her Grandmother's place.

In the spring of 2003 Iris contacted her realtor and ask that her Grandmother's house be leased out, and as usual, she will let the realtor know whether she approves of the potential renter after the showing. Abby Peterson and her daughter Lily are both enthusiastic about the house. Cory did not come with them, as he had appointments in Detroit concerning his medical needs. The Peterson family need to be in Grand Haven, Michigan for some time, as Abby, a chemical engineer, will be producing a marine paint for a local concern who handles equipment and supplies for boaters on Lake Michigan. Abby's husband - Lily's dad - is a returning Veteran very different from the man who went over to Iraq, that spontaneous, funny, impulsive man they once knew. PTSD has stolen the man they understood, and both Abby and Lily hope the summer out of the city will give him a quiet time to unwind and find peace. Fortunately, Iris approves of them as renters, and the family gets moved in just in time for Lily's summer camps and Abby's job. Cory Peterson has several appointments with the VA which he misses, and he remains isolated in the house, for the most part, drinking beer, watching TV, and sleeping on the sofa. Cory is about as agoraphobic as Iris. Something has to change - but what? What can they do to help him back into the world? And Iris, as well. What can two busy females do to open the eyes and hearts of these shut-ins? Perhaps Iris and Cory just need to understand each other, to help each other to see the world again as it is...

The Healing Power of Flowers

Two Sears and Roebuck’s Craftsman homes stand side-by-side in Grand Haven, Michigan. A very old lady, Iris Maynard, lives in the one her father built. She wants to rent her grandmother’s house next door. She doesn’t want to interact with the tenants but she wants to select them. Iris is a recluse having lost her husband in WWII and her daughter to polio. She has managed her grief by creating beautiful gardens now hidden behind the high wall surrounding her house.

Abby Peterson, a chemical engineer, has a job in Grand Haven. Her husband, Cory, is a veteran who came back from the war with PTSD. The family is having trouble adjusting to his changed personality. Her daughter, Lily, is a delightful child who is also trying to adjust to her changed family.

Iris approves of the family and they move in. Although there is supposed to be no contact, that doesn’t work with a curious child like Lily and the women begin to interact for the benefit of both.

If you love flowers, this is a wonderful story. Each chapter begins with a new flower and a short passage that relates to the story. I loved the description of the gardens and flowers.

The story focuses on the redemption of both families. The narrative weaves between the present and the past where we learn about Iris’ tragedies and challenges. In the present Abby’s difficulties with her job and coping with her husband’s condition take center stage, but binding it all together are the flowers.

I received this book from Harlequin for this review.

THE HEIRLOOM GARDEN: A NOVEL by Viola Shipman is a Women’s fiction novel that is one of the most beautifully written and emotional books that I have had the pleasure to read. This book and characters will be in my mind for a long time to come and it will definitely be one of my favorites this year!

Iris Maynard lives for her beautiful heirloom garden hidden behind a towering fence that keeps everyone out. Having lost her husband in WWII and her daughter to illness, Iris continues on with her heirloom flowers who have always been there for her. She is a talented botanist who shared her gift with the world, until that world turned on her.

Abby Peterson finds the perfect home to rent to be close to her new job. She is hoping this fresh start will be the change her struggling family needs. Traumatized by his service in Iraq, Abby’s husband, Cory is not the man she married and her small daughter is paying the price. She is curious about the high fence separating her property from the house next door and her reclusive landlady.

Iris is drawn to the family next door. Lily, Abby’s daughter is intrigued by the beautiful flowers next door behind the fence and begins to pull Iris into their lives. Iris and Abby realize how much they have in common and slowly each reveals their secrets as they work together in the garden. Iris and Abby have a lot of life yet to live.

This book follows the growing season in Iris’ garden as the timeline of the story. I have to admit that I have a black thumb and could kill a silk plant in my home and yet this book with all its flower and garden facts and allegories pulled me in and I could not put it down. I had watery eyes more times than I care to admit and the tissue box was by my side and yet it is more about the power of family, love and resilience even through the sadness and tragedy than just being a sad book. The author brings not only the characters to vivid life, but also all the beautiful heirloom flowers.

I HIGHLY recommend this beautiful book! I have already downloaded more books by this author and will be looking for everyone in the future.

This is a great exploration of female friendship post-WWII. Enjoyed it quite a bit!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This touching story of a woman who withdraws from society after she loses her family post-WWII, and the family who moves next door, is both heartbreaking and inspirational. I learned a LOT about flowers (very interesting) and thought the author did a nice job illustrating the long-lasting effects of war, regardless of the time period. I thought the characters were well-developed, although some of the situations didn’t seem to fit exactly. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for a digital ARC of this book.

This book soothes the soul and makes you really appreciate your girl friends!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful story of two women trying to survive the war unlikely together!!!! Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for my honest review.

I found this to be a thoroughly delightful novel… And I think you will too, whether you have a green thumb or not! I do not have a green thumb and I loved every page of this marvelous story about an older woman who uses her garden to honor those loved ones she has lost. It’s a lovely story about Faith and Hope and flowers!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Iris Maynard lives her life fenced off from everyone- literally. After losing her husband in WWII and her daughter years later to polio, she never leaves her home. Iris instead finds safety and solace in her garden, gently tending to and nurturing her plants. When the Peterson family moves in next door, Iris finds it harder and harder to be alone.

Abby Peterson is a chemical engineer, mom to Lily, and wife to Cory. Cory has returned home from war after fighting in Iraq, struggling immensely with PTSD. Lily, 7 years old, is my favorite character. She is kind and curious, and becomes the piece that links the families together.

This book alternates between the late 1940s and 2003. Iris is a botanist, a career that was rare for a woman in those days. She was faced with many challenges in her career, which only added to her heartache of losing her family. She becomes very well known among gardeners for her gorgeous hybrid flowers, but a huge misunderstanding causes her to wall off not only her plants, but herself to the outside world. Abby is working to name and develop special marine paints for her company and is also faced with issues in the workplace due to being a woman in a male-driven field.

The author gave very educated descriptions of the plants that bordered on a little too much for me at times but if you love gardening or flowers you will appreciate all of the details! This is a story of grieving and loss, but also of love, hope, friendship, and family. Definitely have your tissues ready when you read this one!

This was truly such a great book. The characters were warm and likable, and I could totally feel the Michigan-ness. Having spent some time on the shores of Lake Michigan, it was great to imagine living there through this book.

In a nutshell, Abby, Cory, and Lily start renting a small lakefront house from Iris Maynard. Iris is an old woman surrounded by lots of rumors about why she's a recluse living alone in her old house with very high fences. The story is told from the viewpoints of Abby and Iris.

Iris's character development was my favorite, but I'd bet that's a pretty popular opinion. She starts out cranky and guarded, and of course comes around through her relationship with the new neighbors. While I was happy to see how Cory evolved, it seemed a little too quick to be 'real,' if that makes sense. I felt the whole book sort of lagged near the end, but the surprise changes at the end made it well worth it.

Overall, I'd give this book 3.5/5 stars. I saw someone else mention that this was one of their favorite authors. I'd definitely be happy to check out another book by her. This one was engaging and uplifting.

Viola Shipman has written another absolutely wonderful book! The Heirloom Garden tells the tale of Iris and Abby, two women from different generations but very similar in many ways. Iris, a renowned botanist and WW2 war widow lives like a recluse among her flowers which she cultivates and nurtures as though they are actually her family. Abby, an engineer who is trying to make it in a man's industry while supporting her family is trying to help her husband deal with PTSD from his time served in Iraq. They moved into the house next to Iris when Abby started her new job. Abby's young daughter Lily becomes the catalyst that brings Iris out of her isolation and into the world again. The author's use of gardens, and in particular flowers is so realistic. I felt as though I could actually see the beauty of Iris' garden and smell the beautiful fragrances. This was a truly inspirational story that showed that one's life, although filled with set-backs and sorrow, can be renewed just like a garden that comes back to life again each spring.
Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for and advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman has Iris Maynard living alone in her home alone after the loss of her husband and daughter for the last six decades. She spends her time taking care of her beautiful heirloom garden. Iris then rents the cottage next door to a woman with a husband recently returned from Iraq and an inquisitive little girl. The Peterson’s remind Iris of how her family used to be before her husband died during World War II and her little girl from illness. Abby and Iris become friends. They find they have much in common especially a love of flowers. Can they help each other heal and discover that not one minute of a life should be wasted? The Heirloom Garden is well-written with relatable characters and incidents. Iris Maynard lost the two most precious people in her life. She erected a tall fence around her property and stays behind those walls. Iris has her heirloom garden to keep her company. Each flower holds a special memory. Gardeners will enjoy the beautiful descriptions of the flowers. They are heirloom varieties that include roses, irises, lilies, daylilies, bleeding hearts and so much more. We learn the meaning of each flower (the language of flowers) as well as how they were propagated and how to care for them. Iris’s garden sounded magical (it would also send my allergies into overdrive). I like how each chapter was titled after a different flower which was then featured. The story alternates point-of-view between Iris and Abby. It also goes between past (begins in 1944) and present (2003) to tell each woman’s story. The Heirloom Garden is confusing in the beginning, but, once you get into it, it becomes easier. The pacing is gentle (not slow or fast) which suits the story. Abby Peterson is a chemical engineer who is developing a special marine paint and was hired by a local company. Her husband, Cory came home a different man from Iraq. He spends his days drinking and sleeping. Lily is a curious little girl who is quick to make Iris’s acquaintance. Lily was a delightful addition to the story. She added lightness and humor. The two homes are Sears kit homes (I would love to live in one). The author provided good information on the homes and I enjoyed the vivid word imagery. I like how the two story lines were blended and came together for a special ending. The Heirloom Garden is a heartening story with a cheeky child, a gorgeous garden, paint problems, a gripping grief, special seeds, a worried wife, a dispirited soldier, and marvelous memories.