Overall: 4 stars

This is a book about a family learning to communicate with each other after the death of the family member that was the glue that held the family together. Due to this miscommunication, all were dealing with the same issues, but afraid to express that to each other. It took two different medical emergencies to bring the family together and get them to learn to communicate with each other.

I loved how the book focused on healthy cooking while keeping the taste of soul food. It also normalized the importance of mental health and seeking help when needed.  

I received this as a digital arc and physical arc in exchange for a for an honest review.

Following four Black women bound together by a multimillion-dollar family business in Georgia, this story reminded me of Queen Sugar but with peanuts instead of sugarcane. It explores love, loss, and jealously, and the pace was a little slower than I would’ve preferred. But the Southern characters and plot twists made powering through worth it.

Fans of TV shows like Succession Dallas or Dynasty or will appreciate this multi-generational tale where business meets personal, but with more realistic characters, and significantly more grown-up behavior.

Sure, there’s plenty of drama that kept me turning pages, but The Gardins of Edin is about grown-ups who value relationships and family and, when help is needed, turn to therapy and their faith.

I appreciated reading about the four women who make up a successful black family peanut business, based in Edin, Georgia. Ruth, matriarch Naomi, and sisters Mary and Martha, each have their own journey to tread, and I appreciated the dash of romance, along with how the novel tackles the questions of how we deal with grief, belonging, and the joy and challenges of family.

A heart-warming page turner, that still makes you think. I didn’t want to leave the Gardin family behind, and I hope to read more stories from this author, including set in the same universe of Edin, Georgia.

The Gardens of Edin is a compelling journey through the tapestry of southern history and culture. The author skillfully crafts a vibrant portrayal of a family, with a focus on resilient women determined to embrace their fullest potential. Each character, a fusion of strength and vulnerability, grapples individually and collectively with life's trials.

Though the pace may be considered slow, it affords readers a profound exploration of the characters, both those we cherish and others who may elicit mixed feelings.

I appreciate the author's poignant exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the enduring strength found in the ties that bind us. Even when these bonds seem to unravel, the narrative eloquently captures the resilience that resides within, offering readers a profound reflection on the complexities of human connections.

Thanks to the author and to NetGalley for a complimentary ARC. All views are my own.

✨MY THOUGHTS✨
This is a witty and charming Christian fiction. The characters caught me in the beginning with their strong and fierce personalities. I loved that they were older women and successful. They were continuing the legacy of their formerly enslaved ancestors and ensuring the success of the family’s peanut business. Martha was a trip. She was very selfish and totally just out for herself. And she can’t stand Ruth! Poor Mary was just trying to get from behind her sister’s shadow and it caused her to have anxiety. She came to realize she needed to set boundaries. Physical and mental health was prominent in this story. I loved that Naomi, the matriarch, allowed herself to be open and do what was best for her. Ruth feels like an outsider and tries to figure out if she still belongs in the family after both her husbands have passed. This is a story of family and forgiveness, and even though it fell a little flat for me in the middle, it all came together in the end.
If you enjoy shows like Queen Sugar and The Family Business, I think you’ll enjoy this book as well.


Thank you @netgalley for a chance to read and review this EARC.

This was a hard novel for me to read. While it might be described as touching in the end, there was way too much bickering. There was so much bickering between the family members it seemed endless. This would be a very difficult novel for readers who have had or have difficult family relationships. I found myself skimming after a while, tired of the bickering that lasted almost until the very end.

I missed character descriptions. While clothing was sometimes overly described with brand names and other details, descriptions of facial features were missing. I could not picture the characters, not knowing if they were lanky or plump or had dimples or sparkling eyes.

The structure of the novel seemed a bit unorganized. Mary has a very emotional scene with Tynan but it is not until much later that we find out the background to their relationship. An explanatory sentence or two at the time would have helped. Another example is all of the talk early on about the Gardin Family Enterprises. It is not until much later we find out it is about peanut farming and associated productions. A revealing sentence or two early on would have helped my understanding and appreciation of the business.

This is a debut effort and I think Lee has great potential. I hope her next novel has fewer pages devoted to relationship dysfunction and more to healing and restoration.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Rosey Lee's debut novel, "The Gardins of Edin," isn't just about a place – it's about the women who weave its story, their voices intertwining like the branches of a family tree weathered by both storm and sunshine. Lee builds her narrative around the Gardin women, Ruth, Naomi, Martha, and Mary, each a prism reflecting a different facet of the bigger picture.

Lee imbues each character with an authenticity that's both relatable and captivating. Their inner monologues and interactions unfold with a nuance that draws you into their world, their laughter ringing in your ears and their tears staining the pages. The story unfolds at a perfect pace, each chapter a brushstroke, building tension without sacrificing moments of levity and tenderness.

What truly sets this novel apart is Lee's storytelling. Her prose is as graceful as a magnolia blossom, yet packs the punch of a summer squall. Her descriptions breathe life into the scenery, transporting you to the sun-drenched fields of Edin, a town as vibrant and complex as its inhabitants. Lee's voice is unique, infused with a charm that lingers even after the last page is turned.

The Gardins of Edin is a feast for the senses, a testament to the power of women and the enduring strength of family bonds. The drama unfolds with an irresistible magnetism, fueled by secrets, sacrifices, and the undeniable power of these remarkable women. Lee doesn't shy away from difficult topics, weaving themes of mental health, loss, and forgiveness into the narrative with sensitivity and wisdom.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished it, its characters lingering in your thoughts like the scent of a magnolia long after the bloom has faded. If you're craving a family drama that is both deeply personal and fiercely compelling, with women who will ignite your spirit and break your heart in equal measure, then "The Gardins of Edin" is a must-read. This book is not just good, it's unforgettable.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate nuanced female characters, captivating storytelling, and a powerful family drama that will keep you turning pages until the very end.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝔼𝕕𝕚𝕟 𝕓𝕪 ℝ𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕪 𝕃𝕖𝕖

Disclosure- this book was received through NetGalley. The thoughts and views below are of my own expressed opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Release date: January 9, 2024

The story is set in Edin, Georgia, a predominantly black community founded by the Gardins formerly enslaved ancestors, among others. I enjoyed reading about the history and traditions of the town. It is rooted in black and southern cultures, portraying a family of women, the Gardins, whom are loosely based on women in the bible.

In the beginning, it was a bit of a struggle to keep up with who was who, but about a third of the way in I had it figured out. Though slow paced, I did enjoy this story.

This book has your fair share of drama which is very relatable, such as death, overcoming obstacles and taking care of your overall health. But the main theme is the importance of family.

This is the author’s debut book and I’m looking forward to seeing what she has in store next!

🏷️: #TheGardinsofEdin #arc #netgalley #bookreview #bookstagram #chaptersncognac

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Scripture Connection

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
Ruth 1:16

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Luke 10:40

Spiritual Themes

Gardins of Edin (which is easy to accidentally misspell) takes its title from the biblical garden of Eden. The four main characters, Ruth, Naomi, Martha and Mary, “loose[ly] parallel…” their biblical namesakes (quoted from publisher’s synopsis).

Twice-widowed Ruth has lived alongside her mother-in-law, Naomi, who she calls “MIL,” since the death of her first husband, Naomi’s son. Ruth’s second husband, Beau, was Naomi’s cousin.

Martha and Mary, who are Naomi’s nieces in the book, are sisters who also live on the family estate. While I don’t see as obvious of a parallel between Mary and her namesake, the characters of Martha is clearly inspired by the Bible verse where Martha speaks to Jesus about her sister.

What I Liked

This is author Rosey Lee’s debut novel, and I am especially impressed with the authenticity of the characters and their interactions. Lee does an excellent job of fleshing out four main narrative (third-person) perspectives and I enjoyed the multi-generational plot. Lee’s interpretation of the multi-generational story is also unique, in that the females are not grandmother-mother-daughter, but aunt/mother-in-law and nieces.

I was also impressed with Lee’s attention to detail, down to small things like the character accidentally sliding her shoe out of reach under the table during a business meeting.

Counseling and Boundaries

Counseling plays a moderate role in the story, as Mary and Ruth each see a counselor named Shari. Both are dealing with family dynamics: Mary grapples with her relationship with her competitive sister, Martha; and Ruth feels unwelcome in the family (also thanks to Martha’s behavior). Ruth is also mourning the fairly recent loss of her husband, Beau.

Through these sessions and Shari’s influence, the characters learn about setting healthy boundaries and making an action plan for when others are unwilling to respect boundaries. There’s a wealth of direct, practical advice that readers can take away, too. (The strength of these sections caused me to wonder if the author is a counselor. Her website mentions that she’s a physician).

This portion of the book, alone, is enough to commend the book as a whole. The Lord has spoken to me through stories from a young age, and I really appreciate when books convey important messages through story. For me, the message about boundary-setting is made more palatable in novel format, and I could see many readers benefiting from Gardins of Edin.

Martha

As I touched on above, Martha is a large source of the conflict in the book. Despite Ruth’s loving and active role in Martha’s upbringing, Martha is extremely suspicious of Ruth and seeks to oust her from the family business—and the family!

Martha’s character led to a lot of personal reflection on my part. Initially, I identified with Mary’s need to set boundaries with her, since Martha reminded me of someone I needed to set boundaries with.

However, there were also a lot of points in the book where, to my shame, I recognized “Martha” in myself. From her unfounded suspicions to her competitiveness, I do see her traits in me. These are some things the Lord has been speaking to me about, recently, so this was certainly a timely read, for me.

Setting

The story is set in Edin, Georgia, a predominantly black community founded by the Gardins formerly enslaved ancestors, among others. I enjoyed reading about the history of the town. I also liked learning about the tradition of Watch Night.

Content Notes (Spoilers)

I will be mentioning something that happens a bit later in the book, but I consider it worth noting, since it’s sensitive content.

Ruth grew up believing that her father died before she was born, but learns that he is actually alive (and she already knows him).

Recommendation Status

Rosey Lee’s debut novel is excellent. I enjoyed the multigenerational plot and I especially benefited from the sections about counseling, as well as from reading Martha’s perspective. While I’d rather have had less in common with her, I liked seeing her thoughts articulated in ways that pointed out my own negative thought patterns. For this reason, reading was a solid, introspective experience for me.

Recommended for readers who enjoy stories about adult family members. Thanks to the counseling element, I’d also recommend it readers who are working on setting boundaries in their own interactions.

3.5 stars

What I Thought About the Book:
Overall, I enjoyed the book. At the beginning of the book, I had a hard time keeping up with the characters, but I eventually got my barring on who was who. It was a slow read for me. There were moments while reading I wanted to stop, but I still felt engaged to continue reading and see how the story panned out. I felt somewhat invested in the characters, but not completely.

What I Liked About the Book:
I liked that the book emphasized the importance of mental and physical health care. Also, I enjoyed the seriousness of some topics and the happy ending.

Read if you like:
Happy endings
Family tension/drama
Characters loosely based on characters from the Bible

This was debut author, and I will definitely read her next book!

The Gardins of Edin
by: Rosey Lee
Waterbrook & Multnomah
publication date: January 9, 2024

Rosey Lee's debut novel is a beautifully woven, intricate story of the women of the Gardin family. With a glowing talent for deep character development, Lee writes with vivid portrayals of Naomi, Ruth, Mary, and Martha.
This Southern family must work through secrets, business decisions, grief, and health scares as they navigate their relationships within and outside their family.

Lee's writing is characterized by well written dialogue between characters, as well as competent research into many points of interest, history, and locale in the narrative. She offers meticulous attention to detail to ensure that readers understand and appreciate these women, their ancestry, and family heritage. The presentation of the book itself is gorgeous, with a stunning cover. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which is set in my home state of Georgia.

Thanks to Rosey Lee, Waterbrook & Multonomah, and Net Galley for gifted advance reader copies of this book. My review is my own.

Rosey Lee pens a heartwarming novel about the importance of family, forgiveness, overcoming obstacles, death, and so much more. Ruth, Naomi, Mary and Martha have been through so much, and I really appreciate how Lee portrays their relationships. They aren't perfect, wrapped in a bow, and that Hallmarky family that you just want to punch in the face. They argue, disagree on things, speak up at times and keep quiet at times. I thought it was a real and honest way to portray this family.

I will say that at times the story was a little slow for me. I took me a few chapters to begin to feel like I was invested in the characters. And a few times throughout I felt that perhaps there could have been scenes that could have been cut, or sped up a little bit. That being said, I did enjoy the journey that these ladies went on. They had a lot to overcome and I was impressed with how Lee showed their dynamic. It was a great women's fiction read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5⭐️

This is an allegory. It depicts the journey of the the women versus their namesake in the Bible. It also celebrates black and southern culture.

It was a bit confusing working out the names and relationships. It also took more than half of the plot to get me invested in the family drama and the participants.

I didn’t connect with any of the women until towards the end where Mary began to make an impression on me. Nicholas was also a good voice of reason and my best character.

I didn’t see the plot twist. It was unexpected and changed the dynamics of the story and made it more interesting.

I love the mental health aspect and representation. I also love how heart health is also prevalent throughout the book with subtle advice for better care.

I received a copy via Netgalley and the review is mine and voluntary.

The Gardins of Edin by Rosey Lee
This is the story of four black women within a family who fight to preserve their legacies, heal wounds from the past, and move forward together in this debut novel.
The family has a multimillion-dollar peanut business in Georgia and it is currently being run by Ruth after her husband Beau died. She feels out of place and wants to be close to the other women in the family. She wants to be understood and appreciated for her role in the family as well as her exceptional running of the business. Her sisters Mary and Martha have unfounded mistrust of Ruth and they look for ways to undermine Ruth’s authority. Naomi the matriarch of the family has supported Ruth and plays the peacemaker within the group. This story ventures into the lost family, conditional love and criticism, diversity within families, sibling rivalry, and more.
This is a Southern story with many complexities. The four women try to hold onto their identities and lives while finding peace and holding onto one another for support and love.

This is a family drama that kept me turning the pages for sure. I enjoyed the women and their stories. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Brief Synopsis: When the bonds in their family begin to fray, four Black women fight to preserve their legacy, heal their wounds, and move forward together in this heartwarming contemporary debut novel with loose parallels to beloved women from the Bible.

Things I liked:
• The women were loosely based off of Bible characters and I liked how they were portrayed in the story!
• It truly was a feel-good story and had a lot of happy elements but also deep and hard ones too.

Things I didn't like:
• It was a pretty normal story and I was bored at times. Quite. a few times I considered DNFing.

My rating: 3.5/5 stars

The Gardins of Edin by Rosey Lee is her Debut Novel. Ruth, Naomi, Martha and Mary Gardin are related by family and the hardships they have shared. The live in Edin, Georgia on the Gardin estate and are part of Gardin Enterprises. This delightful novel shares their lives and challenges.

I was so taken in by the Gardin family. This beautiful redemptive story was from the perspective of all four women and flowed seamlessly between each one. The characters were strong, independent, interesting women who had such depth and were very relatable. Each character grew and changed in the story and I was rooting for each one. The author drew me in and I felt myself making four new friends by the end of the book. The setting of Edin, Ga was lovely and I found myself tempted to plan a visit.

The Gardins of Edin was a redemptive story that will stay with me. The characters, setting, and life lessons learned makes this a fabulous read. I highly recommend The Gardins of Edin.

In the “About the Author” section of this book, it states “Rosey Lee writes hopeful stories about complicated families and complex friendships.” This was totally reflected in her debut novel!!

In this character-driven story, four strong Black women—Naomi, Ruth, Martha, Ns Mary—navigate life as a family that has built a peanut-empire in a small town in Georgia founded by their ancestors. This business brings tons of complexity into their relationship, especially as some members of the family feel threatened by Ruth who married into the family and leads the company.

There is TONS of family drama and their stories get messy, but it doesn’t feel purposeless. All of the drama makes room for redemption and character growth.

I was invested in seeing what happened with these women! I also really enjoyed the allusions to beloved women in the Bible and some of the similarities with them that the author woven into the narratives.

If you aren’t a fan of character-driven stories, this may not move quickly enough for you. But if you love stories with complex characters and family dynamics (or you want to give them a shot), it’s totally worth the read!!

I’m so grateful to have been a part of the launch team and to have received the eARC.

The Gardin Of Edin by Rose Lee ⭐⭐⭐

Had a hard time keeping track of ALL the characters, relationships to each other besides the main 4. Ruth, Naomi, Mary, Martha. I felt like a counselor listening to all the traumas, the grief and loss of the husbands, high anxiety.

But in the end its all about family and remembering that's what is important in life.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

With realistic portrayals of anxiety, trauma, grief/loss and counseling sessions, this complex and complicated family drama hits home, no matter your family background. There's enough dysfunction mixed with change, growth, and personality issues for genuine conflict. Do yourself a favor and sip some hot hibiscus tea to immerse yourself in the town of Edin. Themes include boundaries, grace, redemption, and forgiveness. The biggest surprise is the talented Rosey Lee is a debut novelist, yet this work reads like those of well-established authors. I look forward to more of her tales.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

This was fine, I couldn’t connect to the characters throughout the story. There were too many for me to keep track of and thrown into the mix all at once.

Thank you to the publisher for the chance to read this early.