Book Review: The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen

Rating 3.5 Stars

When I first picked up The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen, the cover art immediately caught my eye. It's one of those beautifully designed covers that almost whispers promises of enchantment and mystery. And in many ways, the book delivers on that promise.

The story takes us to Victorian London, where Harriet Hunt finds herself ensconced in the crumbling estate of Sunnyside house. With her father mysteriously vanished, Harriet is left to her own devices, tending to her peculiar and magical garden—a sanctuary teeming with life and a certain otherworldly power. Harriet's reclusive nature and her affinity for the garden make her an oddity in the eyes of society, but she seems content with this solitude.

However, things take a dark turn when Harriet becomes the target of suspicion regarding her father's disappearance. In a bid to safeguard herself, she enters into marriage with a man who appears to appreciate her quirks. But as the story unfolds, it becomes painfully clear that her new husband may be entangled in a sinister plot, forcing Harriet to tap into the latent magic of her garden to uncover the truth and regain her freedom.

Iversen weaves a tale that is both enchantingly mesmerizing and fiercely feminist, exploring themes of independence and empowerment through Harriet's journey. The garden itself is a character full of vibrancy and potential—its magical elements are intriguing, though I found myself wishing for a bit more exploration into its depths. A deeper dive into the mystical aspects could have added an extra layer of richness to the narrative.

Despite this, I found myself flying through the pages, finishing the book in just two days. The pacing is brisk, and the writing engages effortlessly, pulling you into Harriet's world. While I craved a little more fleshing out of certain plot points and characters, The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt still offers an enjoyable escape into a world where magic seeps through the cracks of reality.

Overall, I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars. It's a delightful read with a premise that piques curiosity, even if it leaves you longing for just a touch more magic and complexity.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

"The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt" is a quirky, fun historical novel. Set in the Victorian era, Harriet has a certain talent with plants and her garden. However, this doesn't make her fit in with society. Gothic in feel at times, it does have child-like elements of "The Secret Garden". If you want something a little bit lighter to read but with structure then this could be the book for you.

The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen begins with Harriet, who’s father has recently disappeared and Harriet for the first time in her life finds herself alone and free to do as she pleases. One person understands Harriet’s peculiarities and her peculiar gardens and pops by whenever she can. The rest of the novel contains an inspector; Julian, a conniving beau; Eliza, a friendly maid; and a man that appreciates Harriet for who she is.

Initially, the sentient garden was captivating and lured me into the story. But that’s all the garden did. It mostly felt like an afterthought the editors of the book suggested when the book had already been finished and presented. The promise of the garden was so lackluster that I had to switch to an audiobook and do something with my hands while listening. I could not give my whole attention to the book. I did however enjoy all of Harriet’s relationships with the women in her life. She ultimately grows into her own and feels confident in her identity with their help.

This is not my usual sort of book. I'm not a big "gothic" novel reader, but this was different. It was a little women's lit, a little Victorian, a little gothic, and a little magical realism thrown in, which is why I wanted to read it and why I found myself not wanting to stop reading it.

Harriet is a lonely character; the men in her life don't treat her very well and she is looked upon with suspicion because of her strange garden that seems to have a life of its own. She's a lot stronger than she knows. I've seen the book described as "cozy" but I don't find dark, atmospheric, surroundings and heart-wrenching events to be cozy.

I will admit I found myself yelling at the book a few times, but overall, it was enjoyable and engaging. I'm a fan.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review a digital copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine and freely given.

This wasn't for me. I think it was wrong book/wrong time. I appreciate the world building attempt and do think the writing was good, the content just wasn't engaging.

I loooooooved the writing here! The author knew exactly how to describe the setting and how the garden had all this life to it. I adored Harriet and I really felt for her. The story touched on some heavier topics here, which I thought the writing gave it justice.

I chose not write a full-length review for this title. It was included in my Books for December round up.

No shrinking violet here. This was an interesting mashup of fairytale and Victorian heroine fiction. It kept a good balance of realistic integrity with the more fantastical elements.

This was okay but took too long in the beginning, only speeding up towards the end. It was bland in the magical realism department, which is what I was looking forward too the most. Not much female empowerment either.

The writing itself is engaging.

The story didn't work for me at all.

Harriet is such a dull character. Her lack of curiosity drove me nuts. Everything in this story happened because she had no interest or desire to learn anything, and she didn't do the simplest things for herself.

The other characters aren't developed at all.

Pacing is slow.

I was bored.

*I received a free eARC from Sourcebooks Landmark, provided via NetGalley.*

As cute as the synopsis was for this book it just was not for me and I gave up on it around 30%. The magical realism of the garden protecting Harriet was a fun concept but just did not deliver what I was hoping for in this one. Harriet's behaviour made me quite annoyed frequently. I might have to try it again when I'm not snowed in during the winter and can appreciate plant life a bit more.

Such a fascinating book. I loved it. I loved the written book and the audiobook. Some romance, some mystery and also supernatural all thrown in together. Lovely setting and interesting characters. Great writing. Really enjoyed this one.

Harriet Hunt is alone in her home. It's been months since her father suddenly disappeared after railing about his financial woes. He has kept Harriet isolated all her life, hating her strangeness, same as her mother before her, who was a gentle and kind person. Harriet's strangeness is a powerful connection to the plants in her beloved garden: her emotions affect the plants, and whenever she's upset or feeling threatened, the plants respond by growing ferociously or moving near what threatens her.

A policeman shows up, threatening her with the asylum unless she can tell him where her father is. Harriet has no idea, but tells him that her father left for Norway. When attempting to post a letter later, she meets an attractive young man and his friend. Harriet gets to know the young man better, and quickly marries him when she realizes that the marriage will protect her from the policeman's questions and threats. Of course, this proves disastrous, as there is more going on around the naïve Harriet, involving her fortune, and she soon finds herself in danger. Her only ally is a young woman whom she was forced to employ by her father's former cook, who held Harriet in contempt all her life for being unusual.

This book by Chelsea Iverson took a little too long to really get going. It was obvious what was happening from the novel's outset, then later between Harriet and her new husband. Harriet's extreme, enforced isolation growing up proved an easy predictor of her relationship mistakes, as well as her too easily given trust to clearly malicious people.

I did like Harriet's connection to plants, and could easily tell where the nasty men in her life ended up.

I liked the voice work of Anna Burnett (I switched back and forth between the book and audiobook), and thought her work elevated the book from predictable to moderately enjoyable.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Sourcebooks Landmark and to RBMedia for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

What a unique premise! I am a big fan of magical realism done right and I think this book nailed it.

Harriet is a pitiful character at the beginning of this book but by the end we see lots of personal growth. We see her blossom (see what I did there?) along with her mysterious magic garden after a childhood brimming with trauma.

I will say that the beginning of this is rather slow. It takes awhile to get to any real excitement but, by the end, it’s full of action.

I also thought this was quite atmospheric and creepy at times! I was impressed by how dark this was in parts. It really keeps the story from being too cute and lends an element of depth.

Anyone looking for historical fiction with a twist of magic and darkness should read this.

I liked the book but didn't love it. The story of magical plants didn't di it for me, but an interesting idea.

I'm always so grateful to Netgalley and the publishers that grant me permission to read their ARCs. That's why I feel absolutely terrible when a book just doesn't work for me and I end up DNFing it. It could just be my mood (I am truly a mood reader) or if it's a slow start or any other factor that interferes with me enjoying a read.

Unfortunately that's what happened with this book. While I may give it another chance in the future, I just couldn't get through it this time. Still, I know it will find it's audience which is why I'm giving it 3 ⭐️.

I will start by saying that this wasn't exactly what I was expecting.
While I did enjoy this, it was difficult to stay with because the pacing was slow.
I also find books where the female main character has extremely low self-esteem for more than half of a book, difficult to relate to. I found myself wanting to yell at Harriet to DO something or oh noooo do NOT do that. It what seemed like common sense situations.
That being said, I found the plot interesting and I was invested and curious enough to keep reading. Harriet's relationship to nature was endearing as well. It somewhat reminded myself of Jane Eyre a bit.
I give this a 3.75 rounded up.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC.

A masterfully crafted and haunting novel, weaving together a narrative that is both profoundly unsettling and breathtakingly beautiful. It delves into the depths of human resilience, highlighting the extraordinary capacity to endure and persevere through unimaginable challenges. From the very first page to the last, I was utterly captivated. The author’s writing style is evocative and thought-provoking, immersing the reader in a world of darkness, nature, and intrigue. The pacing felt just right, and the message about dreaming of a better life and working toward it was both inspiring and beautifully conveyed. This is a book that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page, making you reflect on its themes and characters. I truly loved every moment.

i’ll start with what i did like. the garden and all of it’s little quirks and mannerisms. that was the most interesting bit to me. the rest… i was not entirely prepared for. to start, there are some heavy themes in this; a few noteworthy ones being attempted sexual assault and domestic abuse. do with that what you will. the story as a whole was only okay imo.

harriet is alone. having lost her mother at a young age and her father’s disappeared to who knows where, harriet is utterly alone. alone in a house that holds too many secrets in its dark halls with a very peculiar garden.. she seems to understand that she’ll have to stay at the house for the rest of her life because who else will care for her garden like she will?? until a curious investigator starts asking about the details of her father’s disappearance does her perception of anything beyond the garden suddenly shifts and changes.

i feel so ??? for harriet. this is set in a victorian era and women then were often painted as having bouts of hysteria by the male figures of their lives for whatever motive. but i wish harriet just listened to her gut more. also the repetition of “where did my father disappear of to?” slowed down the story a lot and at times i lost interest. thankfully it does pick up more in probably the last third of the book.

i’m not the biggest fan of magic realism and i think that plays a big role in my overall rating of this book but it’s not a bad book. there were just some things i could have done without. this wasn’t for me unfortunately.


ty to netgalley & the publisher for the arc ♡

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 1/2 stars. I loved this book! I think I discovered how much magical realism works for me this year in my reading adventures. This story is about Harriet who has 'a way' with plants in her family garden. Her father disappears and this is the story of her hunt for him and the things that happen to her while she is living alone in the house. The local law takes an interest in her, a young woman living alone is scandelous and her father's absence itself is suspicious. Harriet needs to protect her garden, so she can't exactly run off on her own. This isn't an out the edge of your seat thriller or anything. Its a lovely story with a unique premise and a heroine you can't help but like. The resolution was satisfying and I had a great time with this one. I have read the author's previous book and enjoyed it as well, although I liked this one even more. I will continue to be on the lookout for more works by this author.

I just finished The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen and here are my thoughts..

Harriet has been controlled by evil men in her life and the unexpected consequences of her frustrations have a visible reflection in her wild garden.

Harriet has no faith in herself. It is sad to watch. The book is well written and really intriguing. I love the found family and the innate sense of loyalty that runs through the whole book.

The character development was well done. I loved how quirky and eccentric Harriet was.

I found the first half of the book a difficult read. It definitely got better in the second half for me. I loved the ending too.

4 stars.

Thank you to @netgalley @sourcebooks for my gifted copy