Member Reviews
I have been a fan of “THE SECRET GARDEN” for as long as I can remember so when I found out there was a devotional to go along with it, I knew it would be for me! What a well written, well thought out devotional. It brought back memories of my childhood as well as gave me encouragement for today. This will be a book I buy for myself and cherish. It is a wonderful book to pass down to the younger generation too.
What a lovely devotional. Having recently read The Secret Garden, I was so excited to pick this up. The illustrations were beautiful. The daily devotions were applicable and well thought out. Overall, I really enjoyed it! I am looking forward to picking up Rachel Dodge's other devotionals.
"The Secret Garden Devotional" is a beautifully written companion book to the classic childhood novel, "The Secret Garden". The author has flawlessly tied the chapters of the book with devotionals that provide hidden seeds of wisdom. Each devotional includes a summary of a book chapter, a book quote, scripture references, personal application, and a prayer. The author has a gift for connecting the book to stories from the Bible and scripture. The illustrations are stunning, making this book a perfect addition to anyone's library, especially those who love the original book. The devotional will leave readers feeling refreshed and revived as they spend time with the Lord, allowing Him to cultivate the garden in their heart. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to checking out the author's devotionals for other classic books like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Secret Garden Devotional by Rachel Dodge is a beautifully put-together study that follows the classic book chapter by chapter. The illustrations are lovely and are reminiscent of the beauty of the original story. But even better are the direct connections the author makes of Mary’s experiences in the pages of The Secret Garden with Scripture. I never felt like the author had to stretch to make a point, but the lessons Mary learned translated well into what the Father wants us to learn. I loved The Secret Garden as a young girl, and I think this devotional would be perfect to read on your own or with a young lady, like Mary. It is not necessary to read The Secret Garden as you read this devotional, but it would add to the depth of devotions.
Overall, The Secret Garden Devotional is a unique and beautifully put-together Bible study tool. It would make a great gift for lovers of the classic story, whether young or old.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Beautifully illustrated, this is a soothing book of devotions based on each chapter of The Secret Garden. Each chapter contains a Christian summary, a personal application, Biblucal quotations and thoughts and prayers. I haven’t read the book for a long time though, and this really should be read together with the novel.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This devotional was my first devotional based on the book and I didn't know what to expect. The author wrote devotionals for thirty days and the based on the chapters of the book. I'm encouraged after going through this book to be closer to God ans seek him and his will for my life.
The Secret Garden Devotional, beautifully compiled by Rachel Dodge, is a chapter-by-chapter companion to the beloved classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett. As we wander through the long corridors and winding passages of Misselthwaite Manor, we lose ourselves in the delightful mystery of the Secret Garden, a hidden place where we can quiet our hearts serenely to find peace and tranquility. It is a place where healing, restoration and new life are always possible, in spite of trying circumstances or difficult situations.
The Secret Garden bursts with latent themes, hidden motifs and meaningful symbols that illustrate deep spiritual truths, when viewed from a Biblical perspective through the lens of faith. Like the garden, our hearts must be carefully tended and cultivated to bloom in the Spirit.
This inspiring companion devotional is the ideal book for a quiet study to meditate on deep spiritual truths and assess our own personal walk with God. As we read on, we find our minds being led to dwell on secret truths that highlight our spiritual growth. I recommend this book to everyone who loves the classic books of Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Miriam Jacob
“It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place anyone could imagine.”
Is there anyone who hasn't heard of Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden? If you're a fan, you'll understand why I was so excited to learn that a new devotional was being published as a companion to this classic. Author Rachel Dodge shares thirty devotions that relate to this story that's captivated readers for over 100 years, and she shows us again why The Secret Garden is so special. She invites readers to relive the magic and feel the enchantment that Mary Lennox always experienced when she entered the hidden garden and then, Dodge reminds us that we can also experience joy, peace, and enchantment. We just need to trust and believe to gain entrance to a special place that is tended by the Master Gardener himself!
The Secret Garden Devotional is a beautiful hardback book with a ribbon bookmark and gorgeous illustrations, but the true beauty comes from the inspiration and encouragement that are offered within its pages. Each devotion has a short reference to one of the chapters of Burnett's original story, along with carefully selected Bible scripture, a personal application, and a prayer prompt. How can we not be refreshed and revived when using this devotional? I'm always eager to enhance my devotion time and I've definitely found a worthy addition to my daily worship. It would also be a wonderful choice for a women's study group!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
The Secret Garden was one of my favorite movies growing up. Not only did I love watching the garden restored to life, but I liked seeing the individual transformations in both Mary and Colin.
I finally read the book this year with my classic buddy readers. And of course…the book was better. It is a story filled with magic and hope. And the devotional makes it even more dear to my heart. In this devotional, Rachel takes this classic and explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy through the lens of Christianity. I may have cried…ok I definitely did. God’s Word does that to me. It reminds me that I am not alone, that I belong, and I am loved by the best Gardener.
“The Secret Garden” is beautifully written devotional with unique artwork. It’s been a long time since I read The Secret Garden novel but after reading this devotional I’ve been inspired to read it again.
Each chapter includes a brief recap from the fictitious novel, quotes, scripture references, spiritual thoughts, personal application, and then ending with a prayer for the day. There are 30 total chapters corresponding with the chapters of the novel which makes this a 30 day devotional.
I enjoyed reading the welcome chapter at the very beginning of the book. The author shares that she received a copy of The Secret Garden from her grandmother in fourth grade and that she loved it immediately and continued to read it into adulthood. I love how she uses scriptures and the analogy of God being our gardener and we as his children are the garden.
I have read other devotions by this author and she’s done a wonderful job with all of them. Highly recommend!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
This devotional combines two of my favorites – The Secret Garden and reading God’s Word. When I was a kid I cannot tell you the number of times I got lost in The Secret Garden. Probably more than 100. And not only does Rachel Dodge take me back to memories of my childhood, she incorporates the bible into it. She does it in a way I never even thought possible.
I really like the way she breaks up the reading, just a chapter at a time. It makes it so those who are a little slower to read can still enjoy the devotional without feeling rushed or behind. The bible verses she picks out are perfect, and ones that I need to have as memory verses. But what I enjoyed most, was the personal application and prayer at the end. The questions she asks are deep enough to get you to ponder things, and learn something about yourself while growing in your faith, but at the same time don’t feel overwhelming.
I highly recommend this devotional. I think it’d be fun to do in a book club setting, or even just at home with your daughters, granddaughters, or anyone else in your family. It’s such a great way for bookworms like me to not only read a classic that they love, but study God’s Word and grow their faith at the same time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another wonderful devotional by Rachel Dodge! Like her previous devotionals, The Secret Garden Devotional is a day-by-day companion to the classic book. Each day starts with a bible verse, which is then connected to a passage of the novel, The Secret Garden. It is concluded with a personal application and prayer for that day.
The Secret Garden Devotional is very well thought out and includes the most adorable illustrations! The ivy throughout the book ties it all together and keeps the garden theme alive throughout the book.
Rachel Dodge always shows her knowledge of scripture as she perfectly pairs it with themes in the novel. She brings out passages that I never would have thought of, but she shows how well they work with the Bible verses! I’m always amazed at how she can pull scripture out of these beloved novels.
Like her other devotionals, I recommend this as a great gift for loved ones in your lives, family, friends, bible study partners. It’s such a unique way to study scripture, especially as a book lover!
Author Rachel Dodge has a gift of taking classic childhood books and paralleling them with Biblical lessons so beautifully!
The care put into each chapter devotional shows and this book would make a lovely gift for a young lady in your life paired with a pretty edition of The Secret Garden.
As if that wasn't enough - the illustrations are adorable, as well!
I loved it and highly recommend.
I am a big fan of Rachel Dodge’s work and when I found out about her latest release, The Secret Garden Devotional, I had to read it! In the Rachel Dodge fashion I have come to know and love, The Secret Garden Devotional takes the beloved classic and looks at each chapter of the classic through a Biblical lens. Ms. Dodge looks at the book The Secret Garden and goes through it chapter-by-chapter and writes devotion entries inspired by the corresponding chapter. The Secret Garden Devotional has 30 entries. The first 27 entries go for the 27 chapters that are in The Secret Garden. The last 3 entries are bonus inspiration from the Author. Each entry has a opening Bible verse, an opening quote from the particular chapter being discussed from The Secret Garden, a inspiration of what God showed Ms. Dodge from The Secret Garden, an additional verse that goes with the inspiration, and a “Personal Application” section and a prayer with a closing Bible verse. In the last devotion, the Author invites the reader to get to know Jesus as their Personal Savior if they wish. There are also a couple of sections in the back of various quotes from The Secret Garden.
I have literally read every book that Rachel Dodge has written–from her devotional on the work of Jane Austen, to her devotion books based on Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, and now The Secret Garden respectively. I love everything about The Secret Garden Devotional! I love how Ms. Dodge takes beloved classics that most have grown up with and love and looks at it from a Godly Perspective. I love the nuggets that Ms. Dodge brings out from each chapter of The Secret Garden. The nuggets that are written in The Secret Garden Devotional are encouraging and make you think about your Walk with the Lord. I love the Biblical applications that were written in each devotion entry and that they are rooted in Scripture. I feel like Ms. Dodge takes her writing seriously and really does see it as a Ministry (like I do with mine). Not every Author takes time out of their book to make sure that their reader’s know Christ. I believe that The Secret Garden Devotional would be great for young readers on up. The Secret Garden Devotional would also be great to do as part of a Family Devotion or in a Home School/Christian School setting, reading it along with The Secret Garden itself. If you are looking for a devotion book for you or someone you know that is Biblically Sound and an all-around fun read, then I highly recommend The Secret Garden Devotional by Rachel Dodge!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is on Goodreads, Amazon, and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
Every devotional I read by Rachel Dodge nourishes my soul, much like the children’s were by the garden itself.
Rachel effortlessly weaves Christ into each beloved classic and opens our eyes to the themes of grace on each page in a way that many of us likely can’t see on our own.
I was honored to receive an advanced reader copy through NetGalley as part of her launch team and I looked forward to my quiet time with the Lord with this devotional each day and could feel the difference when busyness kept me away. I look forward to purchasing her Praying with Jane and Anne of Green Gables devotionals as well!
What a fun idea. I loved the book The Secret Garden as a child so I was intrigued by this devotional. Would it contain my favorite characters? Would it be part of the book? I had so many questions!
Well, let me tell you! It is amazing! I loved the cover. It’s so pretty and definitely draws you in. The book contains a one-month devotional. You can do it as described and do it daily or you can just choose what chapter you want to do when.
While this book isn’t solely The Secret Garden you can definitely see the story in the pages of this book. And if you’ve read the book you will get more out of this devotional.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I absolutely loved this hard back 30-day devotional, by author Rachel Dodge, that is a chapter-by-chapter companion to the classic novel, The Secret Garden! She also wrote devotionals for Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. The book is beautiful and filled with stunning artwork. The Secret Garden is a book treasured by many generations. I remember my own daughter loving this novel as a young girl. The book takes the messages of the novel and intertwines God's word to nourish you with faith, hope, and love. Who remembers how Mary Lennox found this overgrown and forgotten garden and transformed it into beauty?!! This devotional is done through the lens of God's redemptive love. It takes you on a journey of spiritual growth as Dodge uses passages that will cultivate the garden of your heart.
I recommend this devotional for girls of ages 10 and up that loved The Secret Garden. As an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it and this would make a wonderful gift for a young lady. It is really heartfelt that would even be great to read aloud with your daughter as they grow their faith. Each day is filled with scripture, illustrations and quotes from the novel, personal application, and prayer that will draw you close to God.
Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Rachel Dodge for taking a classic novel and transforming seeds into the beauty of God's Word.
As a child, one of the first books that I really remember reading that made me fall in love with reading was The Secret Garden. I loved that book so much, and reread it several times growing up. When I saw Rachel Dodge's newest devotional was based on it, I knew I had to have this one! I had read her previous Jane Austen devotional, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't have the same connection to that as I do with The Secret Garden.
In this devotional, Rachel takes a look at the classic book and dives into it through a Biblical perspective, offering application to life and scriptures to read as well. This was a whole new way to look at that beloved favorite, and definitely has me wanting to reread it with new eyes! While I cannot say that I have read the entire devotional at the time of this review, but I've read several passages and am enjoying what I've seen so far. I cannot wait to read more!
If you are a fan of The Secret Garden, this is a devotional you won't want to miss!
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
This devotional was both refreshing and inspirational. Each chapter begins with a verse. Then there are some quotes from the book, and inspirational thoughts, to tie the book and the Scriptural thoughts together. Because I hadn’t read The Secret Garden real recently, I found it helpful to read that chapter just before reading the accompanying devotional chapter.
I loved seeing the correlations the author made between the book and the Biblical application.
I found it to be just a beautiful way to enjoy an old favorite classic story. It helped me see the story in a new light. It also brought fresh inspiration to Bible verses and their themes.
If you are a fan of the old classics, and The Secret Garden in particular, I highly recommend this devotional. I think it would be a great devotional to read with my daughters, and I hope to do that in the near future.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Absolutely fantastic! Beautiful illustrations, inspiring words, uplifting read. I am a huge fan of Rachel Dodge! Thank you for allowing me to read and review this!