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In the Shadow Garden

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About this listen

 This richly atmospheric and luminous debut about three generations of empathic witches combines mystery, magical realism, and a touch of romance--perfect for fans of Practical Magic and Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe.

As featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

There’s something magical about Yarrow, Kentucky. The three witches of the Haywood family are known for their shadow garden—from strawberries that taste like chocolate to cherry tomatoes imbued with the flavors of basil and oregano. Their magic can cure any heartache, and the fruits of their garden bring a special quality to the local bourbon distillery. On one day every year, a shot of Bonner bourbon will make your worst memory disappear.

But the Haywoods will never forget the Bonners’ bitter betrayal. Twenty years ago, the town gave up more than one memory; they forgot an entire summer. One person died. One person disappeared. And no one has any recollection of either.

As events from that fateful summer start to come to light, there must be a reckoning between the rival Haywood and Bonner families. But untangling the deep roots of this town’s terrible secrets will expose more than they could ever imagine about love, treachery, and the true nature of their power.

 Contemporary Romance Family Life Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Horror Magic Magical Realism Paranormal Romance Small Town & Rural Women's Fiction Heartfelt Witchcraft

Critic reviews

“The perfect blend of magic and mystery.”—Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author
“This beautiful, remarkable book drew me in deep with its rich, soulful atmosphere and intriguing story. Imbued with a fascinating, wonderfully unique magic, and with relationships that feel really authentic, it is at once dreamlike and genuine. In the Shadow Garden is a powerful debut and a true gift for anyone who loves a mix of witchiness, mystery, and romance.”—India Holton, author of The League of Gentlewomen Witches
"In the Shadow Garden is an enchanting tale of witchery and wonder, of herbs and whisky, and especially of the persuasive magic of memory. A delightful debut!"—Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches
“A careful examination of grief, healing, and the necessity of sorrow, In the Shadow Garden takes root in you from page one.”—Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf
All stars
Most relevant
Look it’s ok. It’s like autumnal feeling lite lit. But dear god find another word. I picked up on <(character) said > in chapter 6 and counted about 15 uses in a minute or so of dialogue later on. Once I’d noticed that was it. All I could pick up on. I’m not sure yet if there will be a reveal for why some of the characters are as they are but jeepers. You’re witches. Get a backbone. 25 years pining over a guy who cheated? Nuh-uh. And River has absolutely every right to be mad at you, stop making it all about you. I’m sticking til the end but don’t think I’d read again.

Stop saying said!

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I loved it. It's a warm, cosy, magical story that kept me enthralled and captivated until the end.

lovely cosy listen

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The concept of the magic is good, but the storyline is predictable and the characters feel flat. There are different narrators, with different quality.

Predictable

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