5 Star
After tragedy shatters her small community in Seattle, the Reverend Elsa
Montgomery has a crisis of faith. Returning to her hometown of Pueblo,
Colorado, she seeks work in a local soup kitchen. Preparing nourishing
meals for folks in need, she keeps her hands busy while her heart
searches for understanding.
Meanwhile, her sister, Tamsin, as pretty and colorful as Elsa is unadorned and steadfast, finds her perfect life shattered when she learns that her financier husband is a criminal. Enduring shock and humiliation as her beautiful house and possessions are seized, the woman who had everything now has nothing but the clothes on her back.
But when the going gets tough, the tough get growing. A community garden in the poorest, roughest part of town becomes a lifeline. Creating a place of hope and sustenance opens Elsa and Tamsin to the renewing power of rich earth, sunshine, and the warm cleansing rain of tears. While Elsa finds her heart blooming in the care of a rugged landscaper, Tamsin discovers the joy of losing herself in the act of giving—and both women discover that with time and care, happy endings flourish.
Meanwhile, her sister, Tamsin, as pretty and colorful as Elsa is unadorned and steadfast, finds her perfect life shattered when she learns that her financier husband is a criminal. Enduring shock and humiliation as her beautiful house and possessions are seized, the woman who had everything now has nothing but the clothes on her back.
But when the going gets tough, the tough get growing. A community garden in the poorest, roughest part of town becomes a lifeline. Creating a place of hope and sustenance opens Elsa and Tamsin to the renewing power of rich earth, sunshine, and the warm cleansing rain of tears. While Elsa finds her heart blooming in the care of a rugged landscaper, Tamsin discovers the joy of losing herself in the act of giving—and both women discover that with time and care, happy endings flourish.
Lydia - 5 Star
When I read the first page of The Garden of Happy Endings realized it was about a reverend and then shortly after, a priest,
I might have actually groaned out loud. In a shocking twist though, I ended up
loving this novel – almost from the first page. I was stunned at how
relatable the characters were even though it has been decades since organized
religion has played a role in my life. Anyone who has questioned the
choices they have made or questioned the devastating decisions of others as well
as anyone with compassion, a sense of community or has suffered a crisis of
faith will enjoy The Garden of Happy Endings.
I think I’ve always viewed priests and ministers
like I used to view teachers as a child – or how I viewed any adult as a child
for that matter – as an authority figure and nothing beyond that. Except with
priests and ministers I have never ventured beyond the part where I can think
of them having a life outside of their vocation, especially as priests and
ministers essentially are their vocation. I have never really seen them
as human beings I guess and here’s the magic of this novel, and is a true
testament to the Barbara O’Neal on how convincing her writing is - these
characters come across as utterly real, fully relatable and human.
The fact that both Elsa and Joaquin had rich lives prior to marrying their
respective churches was probably what helped this for me, as well as seeing
them in their day to day activities and questioning their choices, and some
even their faith. They were never portrayed as perfect which one might
expect in a novel with a religious angle. Instead, they were perfectly
flawed, even the priest who has his own guilt and demons to overcome and who
was probably my least favourite character.
Having diverged from my upbringing of Catholicism
when I was old enough understand and make my own decisions, I could comprehend
Elsa’s ministry and those who followed her even though I have never desired to
delve further into any sect of organized religion. I enjoyed reading about
the contrast between the two churches and the communities that surrounded them
and every character in this novel stood out, even the ones who played minor
roles.
Tamsin’s story
was equally fascinating to me with her husband’s disappearance and Ponzi
scheme unraveling. There is a quiet strength among the sisters who
solider on in the face of adversity, although the novel doesn't only explore
their growth and sisterly bond, but also that of the men surrounding them.
The Garden
of Happy Endings is easy to
read and made me think, which surprised me as it comes from such a
religious stance and I was surprised at how many sides of various issues and
ideas were explored. I adored the portrayal of community which I
found astounding and anything to do with gardening is always a win with me.
I never at any time felt this novel was
predictable. There was the undercurrent of a threat and the connection
between Elsa and Deacon, but I was never certain how everything would play out.
Love, community – regardless of how you serve it -
choices and ultimately acceptance, The Garden of Happy Endings is a thought
provoking read that I enjoyed every drop of. I look forward to reading
more from Barbara O’Neal.
Connect with Barbara O'Neal here:
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