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The Garden House
This is an alternate-cover edition for B012PG4ZMU.
Turning fifty disrupts Miranda’s life in ways she hasn’t expected, forcing her to come to terms with unresolved issues. Chief among these is the mystery surrounding William Priestly, the tenant who is renting the family garden house for the summer. Is he the nice man he appears to be? Or is he the reason behind her increasingly disturbing dreams?
Turning fifty disrupts Miranda’s life in ways she hasn’t expected, forcing her to come to terms with unresolved issues. Chief among these is the mystery surrounding William Priestly, the tenant who is renting the family garden house for the summer. Is he the nice man he appears to be? Or is he the reason behind her increasingly disturbing dreams?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2015
173 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 20, 2017
Thrilling
I was completely swept away by this tale. I was engaged in the mystery, the confusion and all the secrecy. I was impressed by the author's ability to craft a story, have it leading one direction and then, switching sides altogether. The atmosphere was astonishing, and the story telling was extraordinary. I felt more sure than the character, in my mind I was constantly urging her to take action, share her doubts with someone. I was certain she had the right idea, so certain!
This book is one that will definitely test your intuition. It begins with a fifty year old woman, Miranda, thinking about renting her garden house to someone. Her husband, Ben, agrees and, soon it is inhabited by William- a man they know very little about. A while after his entry into her life, Miranda has trouble sleeping. She has disturbing nightmares that make little sense, and prevent her from living her life as she wants. She decides to take action but, it might be a little too late for that or, she might just be putting herself in danger.........
It was a perfect novel, and the cover is stunning. I especially enjoyed reading Mahkovec's beautiful descriptions of the garden and the garden house. I've always helped my mother with the gardening and I've always fancied creating this beautiful, vibrant, garden. As hard as I've tried it is near impossible to do that with the English weather playing up, as it so often does. But, one can certainly dream!
I loved this book, the hope it inspires, and Ben and Miranda's companionship. All in all, it was fantastic.
I received this book through NetGalley.
I was completely swept away by this tale. I was engaged in the mystery, the confusion and all the secrecy. I was impressed by the author's ability to craft a story, have it leading one direction and then, switching sides altogether. The atmosphere was astonishing, and the story telling was extraordinary. I felt more sure than the character, in my mind I was constantly urging her to take action, share her doubts with someone. I was certain she had the right idea, so certain!
This book is one that will definitely test your intuition. It begins with a fifty year old woman, Miranda, thinking about renting her garden house to someone. Her husband, Ben, agrees and, soon it is inhabited by William- a man they know very little about. A while after his entry into her life, Miranda has trouble sleeping. She has disturbing nightmares that make little sense, and prevent her from living her life as she wants. She decides to take action but, it might be a little too late for that or, she might just be putting herself in danger.........
It was a perfect novel, and the cover is stunning. I especially enjoyed reading Mahkovec's beautiful descriptions of the garden and the garden house. I've always helped my mother with the gardening and I've always fancied creating this beautiful, vibrant, garden. As hard as I've tried it is near impossible to do that with the English weather playing up, as it so often does. But, one can certainly dream!
I loved this book, the hope it inspires, and Ben and Miranda's companionship. All in all, it was fantastic.
I received this book through NetGalley.
December 7, 2017
MY REVIEW OF ‘THE GARDEN HOUSE’ BY LINDA MAHKOVEC
I love everything about “The Garden House” by Linda Mahkovec. Linda Mahkovec writes stories about Love, Beauty and Meaning! In this heartwarming and emotional touching story, Linda describes the landscape and gorgeous flowers, the home, the people in all ways that touch the senses.
Miranda is turning fifty, and is experiencing the empty nest syndrome. Both of her children have left home, and Miranda is not quite sure what she wants to do and can do. Miranda once had dreams of doing something artistic, since she has talent. She has thought of working in a nursery school. Her husband tries to encourage Miranda to do what she wants to do since she has freedom
Miranda works miracles with the flowers in her garden and around the Garden House on her property. The Garden House holds many dear memories of her children’s playdates and parties. The way the author describes the grounds, landscaping and flowers is just so appealing. Miranda’s husband suggests renting The Garden House to a youngish teacher for a few months.
Miranda starts having mysterious dreams when the new tenant moves in. The dreams become more intense. Miranda has a feeling about this person. Something is just so unsettling. What is happening to cause Miranda to feel this way?
I would recommend this Fiction book to any reader that likes a mystery, and enjoys such a well written book.
I love everything about “The Garden House” by Linda Mahkovec. Linda Mahkovec writes stories about Love, Beauty and Meaning! In this heartwarming and emotional touching story, Linda describes the landscape and gorgeous flowers, the home, the people in all ways that touch the senses.
Miranda is turning fifty, and is experiencing the empty nest syndrome. Both of her children have left home, and Miranda is not quite sure what she wants to do and can do. Miranda once had dreams of doing something artistic, since she has talent. She has thought of working in a nursery school. Her husband tries to encourage Miranda to do what she wants to do since she has freedom
Miranda works miracles with the flowers in her garden and around the Garden House on her property. The Garden House holds many dear memories of her children’s playdates and parties. The way the author describes the grounds, landscaping and flowers is just so appealing. Miranda’s husband suggests renting The Garden House to a youngish teacher for a few months.
Miranda starts having mysterious dreams when the new tenant moves in. The dreams become more intense. Miranda has a feeling about this person. Something is just so unsettling. What is happening to cause Miranda to feel this way?
I would recommend this Fiction book to any reader that likes a mystery, and enjoys such a well written book.
July 14, 2022
Touching story
After spending a year on my own as an empty nester, i identified with the the main character in this touching story. It has encouraged me to find the me of long ago.
After spending a year on my own as an empty nester, i identified with the the main character in this touching story. It has encouraged me to find the me of long ago.
July 2, 2018
I have read all of this Linda Mahkovec's books and they all leave me with wanting more. I love the way she writes the descriptions are so vivid.
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it all in one sitting. Her Christmastime series is just as good if not better. I can't wait for her new book to come out.
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it all in one sitting. Her Christmastime series is just as good if not better. I can't wait for her new book to come out.
April 4, 2021
A lovely, gentle read. Perfect for a Sunday morning. A nice little mystery entwined with a feel good book.
ARC from Netgalley
ARC from Netgalley
September 21, 2017
I immediately felt like I was inside this beautiful book with Miranda, feeling the love of her home her lush garden, her creative cooking and love of her art. Miranda is feeling adrift, her grown children are gone and she wants to recapture her passion for life, to clean out her little garden house to make it her art studio for the summer. However her husband Ben has already rented out the little house to a teacher, William. When days go by, Miranda begins to sense that William is not who he seems to be, he has mysterious comings and goings and although he is friendly, Miranda's suspicions mount. Miranda starts to have disturbing dreams about a little boy Johnny, crying and locked somewhere in a room, and feels it is a bad omen, and one she can't shake. There is plenty of mystery in this charming, romantic story, as tensions increase and trust seems broken between Ben and Miranda. I loved the way the author describes the characters, feeling their emotions, making them very real, and her descriptions were so rich, I didn't want to leave her lovely landscape. I thank Linda Mahkovec for sending me a copy of this book, and I would love to read more of your work!
June 16, 2023
My three main gripes: Absolutely nothing happened for the first half of the book (literally) and the mystery really only took up three chapters. There was a constant mention of weight and the fear of getting fat (god forbid). The narrating perspective would randomly switch to Ben for like half a page. Who cares about what Ben is doing??? It was SO jarring. Also Ben is kind of the worst so I’m lumping him in as a bonus gripe.
Three things I liked: The ending was sweet, even though it was rushed and super convenient. The descriptions of the food and cooking were so cozy and delightful! The three chapters that actually had something mysterious happening were VERY intriguing (I was biting my little nails during the pool scene, girl).
Three things I liked: The ending was sweet, even though it was rushed and super convenient. The descriptions of the food and cooking were so cozy and delightful! The three chapters that actually had something mysterious happening were VERY intriguing (I was biting my little nails during the pool scene, girl).
May 8, 2021
Cozy up and enjoy with warm drink
I identified with Miranda - children grown and on their own. I too have done art in the past and love to garden flowers. We even lived in the Seattle area. The book was a slow easy start but I almost gave up on it when she was wildly speculating. Still, I picked it up again and came to the satisfying conclusion.
Rita Bennett
I identified with Miranda - children grown and on their own. I too have done art in the past and love to garden flowers. We even lived in the Seattle area. The book was a slow easy start but I almost gave up on it when she was wildly speculating. Still, I picked it up again and came to the satisfying conclusion.
Rita Bennett
March 30, 2021
So very enjoyable! Shamefully my first book by this author but will remedy that. Though a short book, it is long enough for plenty of jaw-clenching suspense and character development. Beautiful Seattle is the setting for this mystery and as a master gardener, I was smitten with the floral descriptions and could envision them and the wonderful scents.
Miranda is a 50-year-old woman who lives with her husband in what I picture to be a lovely home with a large yard and a garden house. The couple's two adult children have recently left home which Miranda has mixed feelings about. Now she can pursue what she loves yet she dearly misses her children and all the bustle that goes along with family. Her husband suggests they rent out the garden house for the summer and a renter soon arrives. Well. This story grows more and more interesting as we see the dynamic between them and witness the couple navigating their new lives. Plus Miranda begins having very odd dreams she cannot connect anything to.
The story riveted me and entranced me fully. I literally tuned everything else out and immersed myself in the tension on a cold, blizzardy, stormy and dark March night, the perfect atmosphere for this. I highly recommend this awesome read for anyone itching for escapism with a lot of suspense but without any terror or horror.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fabulous book!
Miranda is a 50-year-old woman who lives with her husband in what I picture to be a lovely home with a large yard and a garden house. The couple's two adult children have recently left home which Miranda has mixed feelings about. Now she can pursue what she loves yet she dearly misses her children and all the bustle that goes along with family. Her husband suggests they rent out the garden house for the summer and a renter soon arrives. Well. This story grows more and more interesting as we see the dynamic between them and witness the couple navigating their new lives. Plus Miranda begins having very odd dreams she cannot connect anything to.
The story riveted me and entranced me fully. I literally tuned everything else out and immersed myself in the tension on a cold, blizzardy, stormy and dark March night, the perfect atmosphere for this. I highly recommend this awesome read for anyone itching for escapism with a lot of suspense but without any terror or horror.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fabulous book!
April 20, 2021
Miranda has turned fifty and she is very unsettled. Living in an idyllic home, her two children have both left home almost at the same time and she feels that her entire life other than being a wife and a mother - has left her no time for her own aspirations or her own ideas of what she wants to do with her time.
At the same time, Miranda is very undecided, has no confidence in her own abilities (she is very talented obviously) but does not have the gumption to go ahead with any idea of her own, dismissing herself as either too old, or not talented enough or has been out of the workforce for so long - very negative indeed.
When Miranda and Ben rent out their extra garden house as they call it to William, Miranda starts having dreams in the night. Very specific ones regarding a couple of children in distress and this is not taken much notice of - it is after all a dream and there are no immediate children in the neighbourhood who could be in any danger. The dreams persist though.
How the subconscious of some can be stronger than others is known and acknowledged though why and how this happens no one knows.
The story delves into this and is very well told though not technical or boring in the least. It makes for a happy ending as well.
At the same time, Miranda is very undecided, has no confidence in her own abilities (she is very talented obviously) but does not have the gumption to go ahead with any idea of her own, dismissing herself as either too old, or not talented enough or has been out of the workforce for so long - very negative indeed.
When Miranda and Ben rent out their extra garden house as they call it to William, Miranda starts having dreams in the night. Very specific ones regarding a couple of children in distress and this is not taken much notice of - it is after all a dream and there are no immediate children in the neighbourhood who could be in any danger. The dreams persist though.
How the subconscious of some can be stronger than others is known and acknowledged though why and how this happens no one knows.
The story delves into this and is very well told though not technical or boring in the least. It makes for a happy ending as well.
April 12, 2025
Enjoyable!
It is a fantastic and captivating story for fans of fantasy stories. When Miranda's grown children move out of the house, she looks for a way to relive her youth. She planned to convert the garden house into an artist studio but her husband has already rented it to a mysterious young man.
I must say that at the beginning I didn't know what to expect but I decided to give it a try and it surprised me! I liked it because the premise is a completely normal situation that the author takes and gives it an ingenious twist. It is a short, simple, and fast-paced read that captivates the reader with a mysterious touch.
It is a fantastic and captivating story for fans of fantasy stories. When Miranda's grown children move out of the house, she looks for a way to relive her youth. She planned to convert the garden house into an artist studio but her husband has already rented it to a mysterious young man.
I must say that at the beginning I didn't know what to expect but I decided to give it a try and it surprised me! I liked it because the premise is a completely normal situation that the author takes and gives it an ingenious twist. It is a short, simple, and fast-paced read that captivates the reader with a mysterious touch.
January 17, 2026
It blew my mind
My goodness! As a woman, I must say that this book is fantastic! Personally, it took me to many places in my mind, in my imagination, and at the same time in my reality, which were impressive.
With a mysterious tone, literally foggy but also very, very sensual, we delve into the story of this 50-year-old woman, seeking to rediscover herself, and BAM! A situation arises that, while not obvious, presents itself as a great opportunity for that discovery. Beauty is ultimately also found in secrecy, in a forbidden mystery, in a crazy and insightful imagination.
I loved it, I recommended it to all my friends, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to break out of their routine through imagination.
My goodness! As a woman, I must say that this book is fantastic! Personally, it took me to many places in my mind, in my imagination, and at the same time in my reality, which were impressive.
With a mysterious tone, literally foggy but also very, very sensual, we delve into the story of this 50-year-old woman, seeking to rediscover herself, and BAM! A situation arises that, while not obvious, presents itself as a great opportunity for that discovery. Beauty is ultimately also found in secrecy, in a forbidden mystery, in a crazy and insightful imagination.
I loved it, I recommended it to all my friends, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to break out of their routine through imagination.
October 9, 2022
Linda Mahkovec has written another very enjoyable book. The Garden House is about an empty nest couple who rent out their garden house to a young man and this starts the mysterious setting. Mahkovec does a great job with descriptions and makes you feel as if you were there. This is a very enjoyable and well written book.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this.
January 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Since I am going through the empty nester home, I can relate to the feelings of the main female character in the story. I was excited to read that she clung to her husband during this difficult time. This is a clean read with no profanity and no sex scenes. I would recommend this book to all moms!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2021
The Garden House by Linda Mahkovec is an engaging story. Ms. Mahkovec did an excellent job showing that things aren't always what they appear to be.
As an added bonus there's a beautiful garden in the book which has inspired me to add to my garden.
As an added bonus there's a beautiful garden in the book which has inspired me to add to my garden.
June 29, 2022
Compelling read
I was thoroughly captivated with the beauty of this story. Being an older woman, I understood the confusion of feelings Miranda felt as her life shifted balance. The element of mystery around William changed a "feel good" novelette into a book I was compelled to finish.
Enjoy the read as I have.
I was thoroughly captivated with the beauty of this story. Being an older woman, I understood the confusion of feelings Miranda felt as her life shifted balance. The element of mystery around William changed a "feel good" novelette into a book I was compelled to finish.
Enjoy the read as I have.
February 3, 2026
In my opinion, the two faces of Miranda are difficult to reconcile. On the one hand, she seems almost mentally disturbed in the first 3/4 of the novel; but in the other 1/4, she is happy, fulfilled, satisfied. The Happily-Ever-After ending fails to ring true.
November 17, 2019
Thank You, Linda Mahkovec, for sharing this story with us all!
Learn to trust your instincts. Enjoy life that is all around you. Don’t let your dreams die out. Life Is Good!
Learn to trust your instincts. Enjoy life that is all around you. Don’t let your dreams die out. Life Is Good!
April 3, 2021
I liked this book very much. The story kept me wanting more. The wonderful descriptions of the garden, the food, the art made the story so vivid. Miranda was depicted as someone I felt I knew.
April 7, 2021
The Garden House
I wish more time could have been devoted to Miranda learning to reconnect to what she loved and how she wanted her next life chapter to unfold.
I wish more time could have been devoted to Miranda learning to reconnect to what she loved and how she wanted her next life chapter to unfold.
May 28, 2024
Great book
There is something special about how this author uses language.I really enjoyed reading it. The people felt real and and fleshed out.
There is something special about how this author uses language.I really enjoyed reading it. The people felt real and and fleshed out.
April 30, 2018
I just finished this book I was very surprised at the ending, I thought the story was leading in another direction. Glad it ended the way it did.
June 1, 2021
A Surprise
I started this book thinking it was just a free book for a reason. Not expecting much, I worked my way through the first few pages. About twenty pages in, the plot became interesting. I felt like I knew Miranda, perhaps because I am an empty nester myself. There is a psychic feel to the story, and a surprising ending. I only wish that the book was longer and had included more about the shelter for teens.
I started this book thinking it was just a free book for a reason. Not expecting much, I worked my way through the first few pages. About twenty pages in, the plot became interesting. I felt like I knew Miranda, perhaps because I am an empty nester myself. There is a psychic feel to the story, and a surprising ending. I only wish that the book was longer and had included more about the shelter for teens.
June 20, 2022
easy reading
Her style of reading is very easy but keeps one interested. The story line in this story is one that most women can relate to.
Her style of reading is very easy but keeps one interested. The story line in this story is one that most women can relate to.
April 23, 2021
The Garden House A Novel by Linda Mahkovec. BooksGoSocial, 2016.
Miranda, the main character of this relatively short and simple story, turns fifty around the same time her two grown children move away. She is unsettled, at least partly because she has deferred acting on her hopes and dreams and plans until this milestone, and is now uncertain about what she wants to do. Some of these – a daycare, art studio – involve use of the fully equipped guest cottage in her garden, so she has mixed emotions when her husband mentions renting the garden house for two summer months. Although she engages briefly with two other strangers, Miranda’s suspicions about the tenant and the possibility of his wrong doing become the focus of the story.
This book is well-written but I had some difficulty understanding Miranda.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Deadly Influence for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #TheGardenHouse #NetGalley
Miranda, the main character of this relatively short and simple story, turns fifty around the same time her two grown children move away. She is unsettled, at least partly because she has deferred acting on her hopes and dreams and plans until this milestone, and is now uncertain about what she wants to do. Some of these – a daycare, art studio – involve use of the fully equipped guest cottage in her garden, so she has mixed emotions when her husband mentions renting the garden house for two summer months. Although she engages briefly with two other strangers, Miranda’s suspicions about the tenant and the possibility of his wrong doing become the focus of the story.
This book is well-written but I had some difficulty understanding Miranda.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Deadly Influence for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #TheGardenHouse #NetGalley
July 6, 2017
A hard-to-put-down short story full of mystery that will keep you turning the page to read more.
Read
June 10, 2022Fooled me
Had it all wrong and glad I did. I don't know much about flowers and I still don't, but it was interesting to learn about them. This lady's property must have been enormous.
Had it all wrong and glad I did. I don't know much about flowers and I still don't, but it was interesting to learn about them. This lady's property must have been enormous.
September 6, 2017
Miranda is 50 year old woman with a loving husband and two children who have recently left home. She is suffering from the empty nest and has lost her sense of purpose. Miranda is creative with her cooking and garden and is a talented artist. Miranda hasn't painted in a long time and has decided to clean out their Garden House to use as an art studio. Her husband has decided to rent out the Garden House for the Summer to a teacher named William. After William moves into the Garden House, Miranda starts to have dreams of a boy named Johnny who is trapped behind a wall. Miranda thinks that her dreams are related to William while her husband thinks they are related to the Shelter she has visited. As her dreams intensify, Miranda becomes suspicious of William and questions why he really rented the Garden House.
I loved this story and could relate to Miranda as I too have recently become an empty nester. The descriptive language the author used as Miranda walked through the garden made me feel as I was walking along side her. The Garden house is inspiring, romantic and suspenseful.
I loved this story and could relate to Miranda as I too have recently become an empty nester. The descriptive language the author used as Miranda walked through the garden made me feel as I was walking along side her. The Garden house is inspiring, romantic and suspenseful.
March 21, 2018
Linda Mahkovec is a great writer. Her writing grabbed me from the get! This book touched on so many different and captivating topics including family dynamics, growth as individuals, and relationships. On top of this there was also mystery. It’s a definite page turner. I look forward to reading more from this excellent author.
April 2, 2021
I don't know that I have read anything like this before. There were some incredibly beautiful moments in this book. I felt like I could see and feel the atmosphere so perfectly and that felt very cozy and special. I do feel like there should maybe be a trigger warning for abuse as I was not expecting that. Especially since the beginning of the book IS so cozy. But all and all a nice story and I will definitely be picking this author up again.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews