Within the enchanting narrative of "The Garden of Memories," the profound impact of nature on the human soul is vividly portrayed. Surrounded by a plethora of vibrant flowers, individuals find solace and healing, their emotions stirred by the magic that resides in the lush greenery. Memories, intricately tied to familiar scents and blossoms, are awakened, as seen through the eyes of Rose, a compassionate retired nurse who initially cultivated the garden in honour of her late spouse. However, this sanctuary transcended its original purpose, blossoming into a haven where wounded hearts converged, forming a tight-knit community bound by shared experiences and the blossoming of enduring friendships.

- Discover the transformative power of nature in "The Garden of Memories."
- Embrace the healing magic of flowers and friendship.
- A tale of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Hashtags:
#NatureHeals #FlowerMagic #CommunitySupport #HealingJourney #FriendshipBlossoms #EmotionalWellness #GardenTherapy #PowerOfNature #MemoriesInBloom #HeartsUnite

This magical book really resonated with me on so many levels. It is a real feel good book that takes a look at retirement, grief, friendship, helping others and being part of nature. I take a great deal of comfort from my garden so this was such a joyful read. The characters were all loveable in their own way and I was rooting for them all throughout. I loved learning about their lives and how the garden and the friendships with each other really opened up their lives. It is a book full of hope and has inspired me to plant some new flowers in my own garden.

The Garden of Memories by Amanda James is a book that feels like a warm hug from a good friend.
Rose is retiring from her long career as a nurse and is struggling to find ways to spend all her new found free time. She decides to tackle her garden which is filled with memories of her husband and the many happy years her family spent there. She doesn't know a lot about plants or gardening, but she is determined to restore it to its former glory. As she works on her project the garden becomes something of a focus for the community, and several of Rose's friends, old and new, become involved. As the concept of a garden of memories, filled with plants that evoke a personal recollection, becomes a reality, Rose finds her life enriched in many ways and becomes part of a truly special and supportive circle of friends.
This was just such a sweet and charming story, it really does make you feel good as you read. Rose is a great character to build the story around, the author has done a wonderful job of making her come to life on the page, that being said I had a real soft spot for her new neighbour, the feisty and exuberant Flora. It might seem a little strange to describe a book about a woman of retirement age as a sort of coming of age story, but it did have that feeling, like Rose was beginning her second act.
A book filled with friendship, found family and an almost magical garden, this was made for Summer reading.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the copy 💕

I loved this book from start to finish! It was such a nice cosy read that I never wanted to put it down. I loved learning about the characters and their lives and personalities, as well as seeing them change throughout the book whether it was healing from the past or just changing with age for the better. I also loved the progression of the garden through the book as well as how much the garden became part of the community and something every character could enjoy.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed reading this book by Amanda James.

We meet Rose, who has now retired as a nurse, and finds comfort in bringing Glen, her late husband’s garden back to how it used to be.

The garden becomes a place for different people of the community, those that are lonely, finding themselves adrift to come and find solitude. Each person brings something to plant in the garden and heal in the scents and smells.

The story was about friendship, taking a chance and how being around nature helps.

I highly recommend this book.

What a wonderful book, Rose is a widow and about to retire from her role as a nurse in the local community, she feels lost and has no purpose.... so many of us approaching retirement can relate to this book, even if we have a partner.

Rose's garden soon becomes a community garden, as neighbours, friends - old and new set plants in memory of a loved one.. The characters are so real, you feel as you know them by the end of the book.

Amanda also highlights problems with relationships, including gaslighting, bullying etc.... all written in a caring nature.

After nurse Rose retires she is not sure what to do with herself but decides to tidy up her late husband's garden. She starts off with plants that remind her of her husband but then her friends are also drawn to the garden as well and add their own memories.
Any book set in Cornwall is always a draw for me plus I've previously read and enjoyed books by this author. The premise might be a little bit unlikely, someone letting others join in planting in their garden, but it does work. Although we only have a small garden at home I do love gardens as described here, more of a cottage garden than a formal one, and can imagine how peaceful and restorative they can be. The story is told from several viewpoints and they intertwine as the garden develops along with their hopes and dreams. A contemplative book, character driven with a touch of romance, that I would give 4.5* but have rounded it up to 5*.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

~ CW for some readers: drug overdose; bereavement; dementia~

Rose used to be a nurse. But as she stares retirement in her face, she is apprehensive about a life full of "used to be" and uncertain about the future she feels boxed in to. In an attempt to break out of her box, she dusts off old dreams - long discarded - and the cherished memories they inspire. As so many of these memories involve nature, Rose, starts planting associated plants in her late husband's garden, adding more memories of happy times.

And thus she meets her neighbour Flora, 77yo former teacher who portrays brash confidence but is battling a destructive inner voice, who provides another happy memory for Rose's garden. Sally, Rose's former colleague, soon finds herself drawn there to recover from a shattered relationship, rebuild her own confidence and plant memories. Rose's daughter Bella and her children find safe harbour in the garden. And even chance meetings of other strangers find the garden becoming populated with more friends and memories.

This is a delightful coming of age story for grownups, complete with friendships, repairing the past, new beginnings, and warm, genuine relationships. Amanda James paints a delightful sensory picture of the warm breezes and dappled gardens around Rose's house as her home becomes the hub that allows people to heal from past memories and follow their dreams for the future. A space for people to support and uplift one another and be there when things fall apart.

I don't know how big the gardens in Cornwall are, but Rose's garden seems to b a magical garden, expanding as more and more plants are planted, and yet still holding space for ponds, picnic tables and events!

(Perhaps I'm being a little curmudgeonly, but the thought of the entire village taking over a garden of my memories with their own plants -and plans~- annoys me. Rose is a nicer person than I!)

A delightful read!

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

I absolutely loved this book. So heartwarming and beautiful, I felt wrapped in a warm quilt whilst reading it. I loved ALL the characters and the stories they each had, I loved the kindness shown to Josh and I loved the curieux thé garden brought everyone. The only very slight downside was that I felt the ending was really abrupt - I was looking for an extra chapter. Beautiful beautiful story though. 4.5 stars

The Garden of Memories by Amanda James is a heartwarming tale of renewal and connection, centered around Rose Lanyon, a retired nurse who finds solace in restoring her late husband Glen's garden. Initially a tribute to Glen, the garden evolves into a sanctuary for a community of lost and lonely souls, each contributing to and finding healing in its blossoming beauty. The novel explores themes of friendship, second chances, and the therapeutic power of nature, with Rose's transformation at its heart. Through vivid descriptions and relatable characters, James highlights how tending to a garden can mend broken spirits and foster new beginnings.

Absolutely loved this book! Such an uplifting story, full of joy, friendship and a magical garden. Rose is such a wonderful character, so caring and thoughtful, who seems to acquire friends and always helps others. Part of this is allowing them to share her garden and in particular, to include a memory plant in it. So many different plants with so many different reasons! And who wouldn’t want to be at one of Rose’s party evenings - they sound like great fun!

My only criticism would be that I felt the book finished quite abruptly. I guess most of the storylines had concluded so it could just be that I was enjoying it so much, I didn’t want it to end! Highly recommended!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

Such lovely heart warming story. This book reminds me of Nora Robert’s. Such great book. Highly recommend

A really beautiful story which I found addictive and compelling. Beautifully written I loved every page. Highly recommend. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Garden of Memories is such an uplifting feel good book that I really enjoyed reading. This book will make you shed tears, happy and sad ones, as the garden grows with the community's plantings. Many thanks to the author, netgalley and publisher for giving me the opportunity to sample this treat of a book. The idea of planting flowers, shrubs or trees that evoke such fond memories of happy times in our lives should be made compulsory!

What's not to love about this book? food, flowers,family, friendships...new and old, love, laughter and loss, this book has it all. This is a lovely heartwarming story beautifully told, with some interesting and likeable characters whose lives become connected within the walls of what becomes a very special garden. I heartily recommend this book.

I have read several of this author's books. I love the feelings of caring and friendship her books communicate to the reader. Recently retired nurse Rose has decided to restore the garden her husband cared for in remembrance of him. With the help of friends and neighbors contributing plants that have special memories for them, they create a peaceful place to meet that makes everyone feel blessed and welcomed. The Garden of Memories is an enjoyable, feel-good book. Thanks to author Amanda James, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A charming heartwarming it-takes-a-village novel that's perfect to relax with. Rose, a widow, decides to take on her husband's garden. Her invitation to her friends and acquaintances to join her opens up her world and provides some surprises. This is very much about people coming more confident and secure in themselves- and helping others. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC, A very good read.

Such a sweet read, immersed in friendships and memories. This resonated with me so much. I put Cornwall on my bucket list for the places to visit!

I love this authors books as they always have a certain magical quality to them and this one was no exception. It was a beautiful poignant read and as a keen Gardner I absolutely loved the story line and how flowers can evoke memories and how gardens can be a safe peaceful haven and be somewhere we can escape to that helps us to relax and unwind.

This was a beautiful story of love loss grief and friendship and of second chances and making memories.

I look forward to seeing what this author writes next.

The Garden of Memories by Amanda James is a touching and tender story about sorrow, loss, memories, comfort, hope and friendship. Purpose and usefulness are crucial to wellbeing and gardens are known for their therapeutic power. Three female friends bond in unexpected ways as they live their own journeys.

Set in stunning Cornwall, recent nurse retiree Rose worried retirement would cause her to become a used to be, no longer useful. Rediscovering wild garlic plants evoked nostalgic childhood memories for her. In honour of her late husband she established a garden. Her friends Flora and Daisy chose plants to include with particular individual meaning and impact. Not only was beauty created but also friendship and community.

The plant descriptions and connections to others through gardening are gorgeously written with lovely and thoughtful intimacy. I could feel the gentle heart and soul of the garden and friendship which illustrated courage and hope.

My sincere thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this uplifting novel.