Garden of Time

by Sharon Ricklin

Emma Lee Parkinson’s life appears to be perfect. She’s young and beautiful and lives in an elegant high-rise condominium with her rich, handsome husband. Her closet is full of designer clothes, shoes, and purses. Dining at elegant restaurants, attending cocktail parties or upscale gala events are typical nights out on the town for her. Luxurious vacations are taken at least twice a year. This life of leisure allows Emma to pursue personal interests as well. She loves shopping for antiques, strolling through art galleries, museums, and furthering her own artistic skills with painting classes. Who could ask for more? But appearances can be deceiving. Emma hates her life. With a passion. Intimidated by a deep, dark secret, she lives in a constant state of dread. Battered, abused, and even threatened with death, she’s often on the edge of panic. Paralyzed by fear, she’s certain there’s no way out. Until the day she attempts to hang her latest find – a painting so enchanting that she buys it on a whim. Little does she know… this painting will change her life forever.

Paperback

First published November 16, 2015

About the author

Sharon Ricklin grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and always knew she wanted to be a writer. Besides being a mother and grandmother, she's also spent time as a medical assistant, ranch-hand, and a teacher. While still home-schooling her youngest son - she finally started writing. However, after writing her first romance novel, circumstances in life forced her to set that book aside for a few years...
No longer working full time and having an empty nest,(and no more excuses)she decided to get to work on editing that novel. Little did she know, her muse had other ideas. A fantastically vivid dream forced her to set the book aside, yet again. This dream gave birth to the Ravenswynd Series, and the muse hasn't shut up since.
Sharon is a member of Romance Writers of America, the author of two blogs, and involved in several Writers Groups.
Now living in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Sharon is in the final edits of book four in the Ravenswynd series and is also working on two time-travel novels. She hopes that someday she'll find the time to edit that elusive first novel - still safely tucked away under her bed. UPDATE: No longer tucked under bed! Song of Memory was published 2-12-15!

Update: Jan. 2014
Ravenswynd Dreams (2) is available, and Ravenswynd Visions (3) is available The final book, Ravenswynd Destinies (4) is available!

Be sure to click on "more" under the two videos to see more!
Also available now: River of Time - my first time-travel novel!

Reviews

[Charlotte Rains · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Ricklin Jones has delivered yet another great read with her latest time travel novel, Garden of Time. It had all the elements needed to bring the characters to life and pull the reader right into the story from the very first page, which is exactly what I have come to expect from this author. Her attention to historical details throughout the story is simply flawless. Romance, mystery, drama, comedy; whatever tickles your fancy can be found in this latest work that keeps, Sharon Ricklin Jones among one of my very favorite new authors. I always look forward to hearing when her next book will be released.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a lovely email from a lady who read Garden of Time. She's not familiar with GoodReads, but said I could post her email anywhere I chose. So, here it is:

" I just finished Garden of Time and I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it.

I just loved the story, the element of time travel, and all of the details of an era that existed long ago. Your characters were so fully drawn. I especially adored the two little girls, Cora Mae and Lilly Ann. I will miss them as well as Mack and Emma. I am a docent at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and love art, so of course I was drawn to the "journey of the painting". What a gorgeous, happy setting!

Keep up the terrific work. I will definitely recommend the book to friends! "

Quite awesome, me thinks!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Author:
The inspiration for Garden of Time began with a beautiful painting. I found it at a resale shop a few years ago, and similar to Emma in the story, I was in the midst of a very dark time in my life. The picture emanated such a peaceful scene - immediately sparking my imagination, and the premise of the story came to me before I left the store. (Yes, I bought it.)

I've included a black & white copy of the painting in the back of the paperback, and if you'd like to see it in color, it's for sale on e-bay. However, if you want the name of the artist and the title of the painting, you'll have to read my book!
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
SRJ

[Laura Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very romantic story. I enjoyed it so much, I was sad when it was over. I love the time travel element which was inspired by a painting purchased at a flea market. The story has some unique twists and was hard for me to put down. I loved it!

[Melissa Reich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really pulled me in and kept me looking forward to what was going to happen next. I loved the romance and the connection you felt with the charters! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a good time travel romance!

[Sharon]

This is the new cover.