Secrets Ever Green

Firstly, how stunning is this cover?! It immediately drew me in when I was scanning @netgalley & the description intrigued me.

Reading Secrets Ever Green feels like you've entered a fairytale. From 'unique' trees to 'unusual' boats to the sweet smelling bakery, it all sounds like a dream. The descriptions are brilliant and make you want to visit Windermere!

The book description mentions exploring new powers but I don't feel we heard much in depth about them, so I'm really looking forward to reading more about them in the next book!

I guessed pretty early on where Ivy's story was heading, but it was a lovely, easy read & I'm intrigued to see what happens next to Ivy (& York!). The cliffhanger was a brilliant way to finish the book and sets book 2 up perfectly!!

It was a fine change to read a book that focused on the story & world building rather than romance.

My review will be posted on Goodreads, Instagram (maggie_books92) & Amazon.

Thank you to Netgalley, Portal Publishing & Sara Knightly for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Secrets Ever Green by Sara Knightly

Secrets Ever Green is book one in The Everlight Series and was a beautiful introduction to our main character Ivy. If you love mystery, adventure and fairytales, you will love this.

✨ Magic
🗺️ Adventure
🔍 Mystery

The ending sets up really nicely for book two, where there are still a lot of secrets left to be uncovered.

This book definitely leans on the younger side of YA, which isn't really my thing but I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my niece who will love this.

Thank you Sara Knightly, Portal Publishing and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Knightly, and Victory Editing for the eARC. All reviews and thoughts are my own.

I absolutely loved this book. It was intriguing from the start and pulled you in. The world building and descriptions were easy to understand. The main character was easy to connect with, I even felt myself tearing up with her at one point.
I’m very excited to buy this and read the second book!


This review will run on Instagram 1/28.

Woah what a wild read! It keeps you on your toes the entire time you are reading, trying to guess what is coming next. I had a hard time putting the book down and each time I did, I was thinking of what was coming next.

I enjoyed the characters and the world building development. I found everything described perfectly and it was easy for me to imagine the scenario.

"Secrets run in the family tree, but they do not start with me."

Forest & Fern. A wooden owl key. A missing father leaving an Arborist shop to his only daughter. Beautiful flowers & plants with the power to eat away at human skin just with a simple admiring touch.

A girl with a heart understanding people better than the greenery around her, unlike her predecessor with a gift for plants and trees alike.

Scheming botanical and florist students and suspicious teachers. A returned "misplaced" journal of her father's.

A curious castle, an even more mysterious Count. Who will win the Carver tournament? Will Ivy Rune pass the Arborist test to become just like her father?

And who are those curious three figures wandering on the path of the Count's castle?

Readers, dive into this new release to find out!

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 stars. Can't wait to read the next installment in this incredible world of mystery, arborists, carvers , and botanists.

A solid 4 ⭐ with 0 🌶️

Characters: The FMC is smart, brave and dealing with a lot emotionally. I enjoyed how her reactions to situations were written - I was fully immersed and riding those emotions with her! The MMC was a little annoying for me, but he comes off as just a young boy, which he is. I wish we got to find out more about Nicholas - maybe in book 2?! I felt a lot of love towards some of the side characters with how they treated the younger ones and looked out for them as one large family! I hate Bryn haha!

World: The world in this story is so well written that I could easily imagine it as I read. From the bakery, Forest & Fern, to the Tree Garden and the castle. It reads like a fairytale with an underlying dark secret.The world reads all happy and light on the surface, but you can tell there is something else there.

Plot: I honestly wasn't too sure where this book was going at first. I know some other reviewers guessed early on, but not me! There's no shocking twists, but the way the book flows is fantastic. The FMC was trying to find out who her and her family really were. I'm intrigued to see where book 2 is going to go!

Ending: A great cliff hanger, I'm excited for Book 2! And with the new characters that have been introduced ... I'm hoping I spy a little romance!

Emotions: I spent the entire book just overwhelmed with curiosity!! I was absorbed into what the characters were feeling, which for me, means their experiences were well written.

Recommend: Most definitely! It was a nice, pleasant read, with a mysterious fairytale feeling.

I received an ARC of this book (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

I will be posting a review of this book on Amazon and TikTok on the 1st February (date of publish).

This book was amazing and I could not put it down. I did not see the plot twists coming and I absolutely loved it!

“I’d been drowning for years; only now did I see that.”

“Secrets Ever Green,” by Sara Knightly

Ivy wants nothing but to pass the Arborist exam and take over the Arborist shop that her father owned before his death. Unfortunately, she is not a natural Arborist and isn’t sure how she will pass. She starts to find mysterious clues left by her father for her to find the secrets that are being kept from the townspeople.

I really liked this book. Once I started reading, I could not put it down, it is a slower paced book but wasn’t boring. My favorite part is the MC, Ivy, is terrible at almost everything. She has a lot of obvious flaws that don’t see in many main characters like how she thinks the entire time that she’s going to pass the test despite admitting dozens of times how bad at plant knowledge she is. By the end of the book, I knew that I have to read the second book when it gets released, it ended at such a good spot, and I have a feeling the second book will end up being even better. 5 out of 5 stars, so good.

-Mystery
-Magic
-Orphan
-Found Family
-Plants/Botany

This gave me hunger games vibes with all the tournaments.
loved ivy and York …ivy is also too stubborn and wanted to meet Nicholas but York was upset. I felt bad for York .
Such a magical read !!

Ivy lost her parents and is now trying to follow in her father's footsteps to become an Arborist. The trade does not come easy to her and she must pass a final test to be able to move back into her childhood home and fathers store.

While studying and preparing she meets someone unexpectedly and is thrown into a mystery with clues, left by her father, leading her into a magical and secret world.

This book was fun and never had a dull moment! The characters were likable, the story was fast paced and it left off with a series to look forward to and much more mysteries to uncover. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book and seeing what is in store for Ivy and her friends!

Thank you NetGalley for sending me the advanced copy of Secrets Ever Green by Sara Knightly! This is a phenomenal coming of age story, full of mystery, and excitement! I could not put this book down, or stop thinking about it. Ivy's story so far is one that will keep any reader on their toes. In addition, Ivy's fears are captured and communicated so well. I laughed, and cried, and was entirely entranced in this read!

First, thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC! I am very new to the fantasy genre. I really enjoyed this book. I felt it started a little slow but quickly picked up pace. Ivy was such a stubborn but fierce female character. I felt so bad for her knowing she had no family and was left trying to fill the shoes in a career she didn't want. I couldn't imagine having to do that. I felt she wasn't given much of a chance since everyone just assumed she was like her dad and she had to go along with it. I have so many questions when it comes to the plant she picked. Did Nicholas lie? Did someone change the plant so she wouldn't pass? So many questions! Then there is York! The best friend who wants more. Uh, I saw that coming and I felt awful for him. To like someone and they not like you back the same way is so rough. At some points he was a little frustrating but I understood as the book went on. I really want to know what happened with York's hands and I hope we find out more in book 2! Will Ivy get to see him later?? I couldn't stand Percy or Bryn and I hope they get what they deserve. I look forward to book 2!

“Secrets Ever Green by Sara Knightly. I loved this book and totally added it to my favourite series list! The secrets were buried… until clues began to bloom.

I must start off by saying I have just started reading fantasy YA books again after years of only mysteries. I read this story today and couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know what would happen to Ivy and I anxiously wait for book two Castle Ever Dark!

It was a coming of age story, about friendship, and the unknown of becoming an adult, with a little mystery and magic thrown in. I could feel and relate to Ivy's fears as they were portrayed in such a realistic way.

Highly recommend this debut fantasy novel to all my book loving friends, I know I will be adding Sara Knightly to my favorite author list.

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Enchanting fantasy with intrigue and mystery. First book in a new series.

Ivy Rune has one goal, pass her final exam and become an Arborist like her late father. Although, she is not sure she can pass and continue her father’s legacy. As she prepares for the test, she discovers her father’s old journals and wood carvings that have some meaning. Ivy tries to interpret the clues and what she finds is a magical world outside the Count’s forbidden castle. With the help of her friend, York, she has to determine what path she will take.

I felt for Ivy as she conquered her fear of failing. I wanted to give her a big hug and help guide her. I loved the descriptions of the lush forest, the vibrant city Ivy lived in, her horse, and the characters. The story was slow and pulled you in, so you had to keep reading. the book ended at the perfect place for the series to continue. I look forward to the next book in the series.

I would recommend this book for a quick, sweet story. Order your copy today. The book comes out on February 1st.

Thank you to the NetGalley, Portal Publishing, and the author for an advance copy of the e-book.

I found Secrets Ever Green a captivating story with intriguing twists that kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to learning more about Ivy’s life in the Count’s Castle. I will be recommending this book to my students and adding to my list of personal reading recommendations.

Secrets Ever Green is the first book of The Everlight Series, is a beautiful story about overcoming fears and discovering one’s true passion in life, with an amazing FMC and her path to uncover the secrets her father left behind.

The book was an easy read, the story flows and is really original in the world building. Loved the sense of magic in the air and that is a subtle type of fantasy that almost felt real.

The main plot takes time to develop, I was approaching 80% of the book and still didn’t quite grasp where the mystery was going, so at the end it kind of felt rushed and a little disconnected with all the other situation the main character was experiencing during the whole book.

Regardless of that, I’m still looking forward to book number two and to find out how the new life of the FMC is going to go and how the relationship with the MMC is going to growth.

My rating is 4.5 stars, definitely would recommend this book.

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to read this book. I think it would be perfect for middle school age kids. There’s enough mystery to draw and keep them in. Loved the story. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one 😊

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The moment I saw the cover and read the blurb, I was instantly intrigued and requested the arc. I'm glad I did! This was a fun, whimsical read. Something about the writing and the whimsical quality of the world reminds me of Once Upon a Broken Heart! The mystery unfolds slowly, and I'm definitely interested in reading book two to see what happens next! And I'd love to walk around in this world, it sounds so charming!

I will say, although the MC is of YA age, the book as a whole reads a bit younger than a lot of YA. I actually think this makes it great for upper middle-grade and younger teens, who often get left out in age categories!

This book hooked me from the first chapter. It was incredibly descriptive and had beautiful world building. I loved Ivy immediately. This was such a magical and creepy story. I can’t wait for book 2 and to find out what happens!

If you enjoy books from Rachel Griffin and Stephanie Garber and The Secret Garden, you will love this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and Portal Publishing for the arc. This book is out now!

I was drawn into reading this book by the concept of a new world, where gardening and carving are key.

I enjoyed the story after the first few chapters. Early on, there was a lot more “telling” than “showing”, as other reviewers have commented. I persisted anyway, and was drawn into Ivy’s world of secrets and discovery. The originality of the plot makes up for this.

The cover clearly lets you know this is to be a series, so I wasn’t completely surprised that the book ends with a cliffhanger. More mystery and intrigue is promised for book 2.

I think this book will suit middle school aged kids, especially those who aren’t hungry for romance.

4 stars.

Seventeen year old Ivy is the daughter of the towns lead arbourist who passed away many years ago but she doesn’t really understand the trade. However everyone assumes she must be good because of her Father and she doesn’t want anyone besides her friend York to know her secret.

At the start, Ivy is foraging for her classes final test where she needs to find an unusual/spectaculaor plant to showcase her skills . If she can’t find the “right” one, she’s scared everyone will find out her secret, she will be fail the test. This would mean she’d loose her families shop and home which would be given to someone else. During this outing in the woods she meets Nicholas who knew her father. He lives in the woods and says her father told him to give her something if he ever went missing, in trade for a wooden owl. She had believed her father dead since she was 7 so doesn’t know whether to believe what Nicholas tells her. This begins a journey of Ivy questioning what she knows, her home and what she really wants to do with her life.

I read this book within 24 hours and I felt fully immersed in the world and story, making it easy to picture what was happening inside my mind. The ending has me needing to know what happens in the next book!

Plants, magic, secrets - I was in from the moment I read this book's description!

I didn't know what to expect, but I really liked this book! I liked the occupation system, the build-up to a test, and a big competition. I just assumed this was a romance (because it's most of what I read), but I didn't mind the focus on adventure and magic over Ivy's love life. Though there was a sprinkle of will they/won't they and I'm hoping for Ivy to find some luck in love in the next book!

I knew this was a series before I started (since the title had Everlight #1) so I expected a cliff hanger, but I will say I finished the book feeling like none of my loose ends had been tied up. I was grateful to find a peek at the very end into Castle Ever Dark, and I felt like that gave me the closure I was missing from the last chapter of SEG.

Overall I really enjoyed this, and I'm looking forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I have been provided with a review copy of Secrets Ever Green from NetGalley for an impartial review. Awwww this was such a cute story. I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. It was just so easy to get into these characters lives and you just can't help but fall in love with them. I can't wait to see what's next from this author.

It has been a long time since a book stopped time, and my day. Ivy does what Ivy does, winds its way into drama and trouble that keeps you turning page after page, like her desperate for resolution. What a novel.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the pleasure of reading this novel. I was starting to think that I was just not a fantasy reader, but this book made me change my mind completely, it was so atmospheric and magical and not complicated in the least. It sucked me in from start to finish and the mystery aspect was the cherry on top. Plus, I love when books have a cool castle. This fantasy has aspects of academia, with the tests, as well as a not so common magic (arborists), brings a refreshing twist to the genre. I can't wait for the final product to come out, and this is a series, so we'll eventually get to see the world fleshed out even more and see what Ivy gets herself into in the future.

This book drew me in and kept me trapped (in a good way), I could not put it down and honestly, I didn't want to. The world-building was amazing, it was at a good pace and that made me so happy. Ivy was a very interesting character to follow and I know there are a load of questions that need to be answered (please!!!) in the next book - which I cannot wait to read.

4 Stars
A great coming of age story full of mystery and magic. I loved it! I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Portal Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Secrets Evergreen is a YA fantasy following Ivy Rune, a wonderful girl in a difficult position. I loved following her throughout the story, and had so much empathy for her. Her development and growth in the story was well done, and I can't wait to see more in book 2. There is so much more development she can have and I can't wait! I really enjoyed her anxiety and dread about her profession. It was so relatable and was giving off imposter syndrome vibes which is something a lot of people struggle with, including myself. It was nice to see it written in a character!

I loved the relationship/friendship between her and York. Are they friends, are they more? Will they stay in each others lives? It was cute. They clearly care for each other a lot and want to stay in each other's lives. I am also excited to see what is in store for him in book 2!

The side characters were all well done, and I liked the differences they brought to the story. The mean girl, the selfish friend, the mysterious benefactor, the scary leader, the kind of strange teacher, the wonderful and kind smart friend, etc.

The main plot following her father's clues and the magic forest was great! I loved the magic element, and the notes her father left behind were so interesting and intriguing. All the world building was wonderful and I felt like I could really envision being in the forest with Ivy, and experiencing what she experienced.

We had a heck of a cliffhanger and a few tense chapters at the end, and it left me excited for the next installment of this series.

Overall, Secrets Ever Green by Sara Knightly was a wonderful coming of age story full of magic, mystery, character development, and following your instincts. I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out.

Thank you for the opportunity to Read Secrets Ever Green.
This is about a girl whose father passed away and she hoped to live in his footsteps in a small town.
Story world-building with a cliffhanger... HOW DARE YOU :-)
Can't wait to continue the story to find out all the secrets.

I absolutely loved this book. It just felt so fresh. The whole organization system was interesting and I would have liked to see Ivy more interested in herbalism, and explore more through her eyes.

The magic system was a bit confusing and I'm still not sure I understand it right, the romance was a bit off, and the MMC annoyed me at times, being the typical nice guy imo, but being upset when she's not sharing everything with him the moment she learns something.

The plot is interesting and mysterious but sometimes it can feel a bit lacking, but everything may be cleared in the next book, so it's not too bad.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion

This was such a good book! I thought for the most part the story was unique and the characters had lots of layers. I found myself not wanting it to end - spoiler - there isn’t actually really a resolution to any of the mysteries so in that regard it doesn’t end. I would have liked one question at least to have an answer, but I guess I will have to wait. Thus, the deduction of one star, as I don’t like waiting! I read a few reviews that didn’t like the way the book was written, but I do think it highlights the youth and nativity of Ivy so her voice isn’t confident and mature quite yet. I’m guessing the next book will have her evolve more. I think this would be a great book for middle schoolers. I love that the author didn’t feel the need to include sex to draw in readers. My 14 year old would love this book, too!

What a great read! I love that this is a different take on a fantasy novel. This book has a wonderful fairytale feel.

This had a cozy fantasy vibe and would be excellent for younger readers.

Great first book, I am interested to see where this series goes!