The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt was a decently entertaining story about a girl, wandering alone in her house and garden. I wanted to feel the magic of this story, but I couldn’t quite connect with Harriet, and the story was a bit heavier than I’d anticipated. Still a worthwhile read when you’re in the right mood.

Anna Burnett does a decent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Chelsea Iversen, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

My one star on top of the mandatory rated star is for the only thing I liked about this book: Harriet's special relationship with plants and trees. She is able to communicate with her garden but unfortunately she didn't start to explore that gift until the end of the book. She has spent her whole life terrified of it, trying to keep her emotions managed so the garden doesn't do something violent (again) to protect her. I think she should have been calling on it more! This is a truly, deeply miserable book. Harriet has been abused in many ways her whole life; by her father, the housekeeper, society, and later her husband. This has made her into a shell of a person who doesn't know even the beginnings of the ways of the world. We eventually get a happy ending, but at the cost of losing so many hours of our lives to utter misery. It's not worth it and I think this book should have been marketed differently. Whoever called this "enchantingly mesmerizing and fiercely feminist" needs to find a new line of work.

Historical woman’s fiction with dark elements and a sprinkling of magical realism. The story is dark both in atmosphere and topics but there are rays of light and hope. If you enjoy chick-lit, women’s literature, or historical fiction you will love this.

# The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt
# 3/4/2025 ~ 3/5/2025
# 4.0 / 5.0

Thanks to Sourcebooks & NetGalley for sharing this eARC in exchange for a fair review!

This did not really work for me, but it will work for some!
It's beautifully written, especially the descriptions of the garden, but at times it feels a bit too wordy.

I struggled with some of the pacing in the book. Once the story picked up in the last 35% I was rolling through, but there seems to be a lot of filler and probably-realistic-but-wholesale-unpleasant trauma.

I wanted so much more from Harriet! I kept waiting for a backbone to develop and it made her difficult to root for her because she wasn't rooting for herself.

I think this works if you're ok with a very slow start and a whirlwind conclusion, and a true phoenix from the ashes protagonist, because man, Harriet was put through the wringer.

Quick and Dirty
-Victorian era histfic
-quirky, loner FMC
-abuse trigger warnings
-magical garden

So, let me start by saying I LOVED Iverson’s debut novel and had very high hopes for this book. While it didn’t quite stand up, I still enjoyed aspects of the book. Who doesn’t enjoy a book with a magical garden that can feel/sense the gardener’s thoughts and feelings? I wanted more magic garden! Who doesn’t want more magic garden?!? The mystery was good and wrapped up in a very satisfying way, but the story seemed to sag a little under the weight of the character development. We spent a lot of time in the minutia, the thoughts and feelings of the characters; I wanted a bit more action. Granted, the last chapters were action-packed, but I worry some readers may not get that far. The book’s villain was not a surprise, but they were nonetheless revolting, re-engaging me when I least expected it. All in all, I think it was a good sophomore novel, even if it didn’t have as much magic as I’d hoped, and I’m eager to see what Iverson does next!

This is a story of a woman with a unique gift and connection with nature…somewhat mystical, and being set in the 1800s , emphasized the restrictions placed on wo,en at the time…controlled by men including father and husband. Her father has disappeared and she is left to fend for herself. She is taken advantage of in her attempts to find him and the truth. The garden is another character that is on her side and the story winds to uncover all the deception leading Harriet to a wonderful life.

This was one of those books that leaves a deep impression on you. Dark, disturbing, with a dash of magic.

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.