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The Gardener's Daughter
Motherless nineteen-year-old Ava has always believed brilliant botanist Theo Gage to be her father. But when a chance discovery reveals she is not his daughter, her world falls apart. Determined to discover her true identity, Ava impetuously runs away and enlists the help of inexperienced private detective, Zavier Marshall. Pursued by shadowy figures, she takes on a new name and follows in her dead mother’s footsteps to work at the mysterious Fun World Holiday Camp. Penniless and cut-off from everything she’s ever known, and trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a ruthless criminal gang, will Ava survive in a world where she’s more valuable dead than alive? Will she discover the shocking truth behind her mother’s death? And will she find her real father before it’s too late?
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2018
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Hitchins
3 books26 followersK. A. Hitchins studied English, Religious Studies and Philosophy at Lancaster University, graduating with a BA (Hons) First Class in English, later obtaining a Masters in Postmodern Literatures in English from Birkbeck College, London. K. A. Hitchins is married with two children. Her first two novels 'The Girl at the End of the Road' and 'The Key of All Unknown' were published by Instant Apostle in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 21, 2018
K A Hitchins has gone and done it again! Another STONKINGLY brilliant story from this most talented of writers. The concept is unusual, really different from anything I'd read in quite a long while. Of course, Hitchins executes the whole tale with her usual wit and flair. Employing thoroughly credible characterisation alongside detailed and diligent research and powerful and pleasing prose. As I'm not a writer, (except of shopping lists), and I neither want to rehash the blurb nor reveal any spoilers, there's not much else to say other than I definitely, most highly, of all the highest highs in Highland, recommend you read this book. You can thank me later!
March 8, 2018
Described as a YA/Thriller/Romance I was a little wary of delving into this newest novel by one of my favourite authors. I loved her two previous books, particularly for the beauty of the language, style and uniqueness.
So, here we go, my review of a book that challenges me to read it as a young adult and perhaps lay aside my ‘more mature’ view of the world.
Ava, the daughter of the title makes a terrible mistake, with the typical egotism of a headstrong 19 year old who cannot see what she has and can only see the injustice of certain family secrets. My adult hands want to shake her and tell her how lucky she is, but since when can any parent tell a proud and determined young woman-child what to do. So yes, frustration did sometimes influence my reading of the book a little, but did not stop me recognising quality writing and enjoying Ava’s rite of passage as she grows to understand what is truly important in life, love and family. A most enjoyable read.
So, here we go, my review of a book that challenges me to read it as a young adult and perhaps lay aside my ‘more mature’ view of the world.
Ava, the daughter of the title makes a terrible mistake, with the typical egotism of a headstrong 19 year old who cannot see what she has and can only see the injustice of certain family secrets. My adult hands want to shake her and tell her how lucky she is, but since when can any parent tell a proud and determined young woman-child what to do. So yes, frustration did sometimes influence my reading of the book a little, but did not stop me recognising quality writing and enjoying Ava’s rite of passage as she grows to understand what is truly important in life, love and family. A most enjoyable read.
March 23, 2018
The Gardener's Daughter by K.A. Hitchins is an absolutely marvellous thriller that had me hooked and guessing, clinging to the edge of my seat. I was immediately drawn into the novel and asking questions from the start.
There are the themes of identity and searching to belong. "I was no longer the person I thought I was." Deep down we all want to know our roots. Who are we? Where do we come from? Where we have been is not as important as where we are and where we are heading. We need to listen to the voices of the present and not confuse them with the voices of the past.
The novel is about truth and lies. How would you feel if your whole life was built upon a lie?
Tied in to this is the theme of trust. In an ever more confusing world, where do we place our trust?
With themes of murder, corruption and organised crime, the reader finds themselves drawn further into the shady world and wonders who can be trusted?
The novel is set at times in a holiday camp. With its pink jackets, I was reminded of the old BBC series Hi De Hi. I relished in the almost cringey atmosphere of the holiday camp. It was superbly written as I 'saw' the whole camp in my head.
There is an undercurrent of love. Love motivates. Love cares. Love leaves a legacy. "What you do for yourself dies with you... what you do for others is a legacy that lives forever." Love dies to self.
The novel is about choices. We all have the choice to choose good or evil.
With a desire to find a home, the novel reminded me of the Prodigal Son theme. Sometimes home is not found in a place but in a person. I found the sentence "I was no longer lost", one of the most powerful in the whole book.
The motif of God the Father as the master gardener really impacted me. I loved how the novel appeared to come full circle. So powerful.
When I began The Gardener's Daughter I had no idea what to expect - but oh wow, oh wow, oh wow what an incredible read. It exceeded all my expectations. Totally engrossing, full of suspense, minute attention to detail. An all round fabulous read you do not want to miss.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
There are the themes of identity and searching to belong. "I was no longer the person I thought I was." Deep down we all want to know our roots. Who are we? Where do we come from? Where we have been is not as important as where we are and where we are heading. We need to listen to the voices of the present and not confuse them with the voices of the past.
The novel is about truth and lies. How would you feel if your whole life was built upon a lie?
Tied in to this is the theme of trust. In an ever more confusing world, where do we place our trust?
With themes of murder, corruption and organised crime, the reader finds themselves drawn further into the shady world and wonders who can be trusted?
The novel is set at times in a holiday camp. With its pink jackets, I was reminded of the old BBC series Hi De Hi. I relished in the almost cringey atmosphere of the holiday camp. It was superbly written as I 'saw' the whole camp in my head.
There is an undercurrent of love. Love motivates. Love cares. Love leaves a legacy. "What you do for yourself dies with you... what you do for others is a legacy that lives forever." Love dies to self.
The novel is about choices. We all have the choice to choose good or evil.
With a desire to find a home, the novel reminded me of the Prodigal Son theme. Sometimes home is not found in a place but in a person. I found the sentence "I was no longer lost", one of the most powerful in the whole book.
The motif of God the Father as the master gardener really impacted me. I loved how the novel appeared to come full circle. So powerful.
When I began The Gardener's Daughter I had no idea what to expect - but oh wow, oh wow, oh wow what an incredible read. It exceeded all my expectations. Totally engrossing, full of suspense, minute attention to detail. An all round fabulous read you do not want to miss.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
March 3, 2018
Recap: Ava Claire discovers a secret about her past and tries to find out the truth.
Review: As a mum of two younglings and coping with snow days, if I can read a book in a day it means it's too good to put down! I didn't particularly like Ava Claire, I thought she was a spoilt brat, but she is so well written you just want to find out what happens next. I always suspected caravan parks were dens of iniquity, I shall be doubly cautious when I next visit one. There were very small niggles when reading, overall the characters were well differentiated and the book had great pace. I'd read this author again.
Review: As a mum of two younglings and coping with snow days, if I can read a book in a day it means it's too good to put down! I didn't particularly like Ava Claire, I thought she was a spoilt brat, but she is so well written you just want to find out what happens next. I always suspected caravan parks were dens of iniquity, I shall be doubly cautious when I next visit one. There were very small niggles when reading, overall the characters were well differentiated and the book had great pace. I'd read this author again.
April 4, 2018
Oh Ava, Ava, Ava… Why are you playing an adult, when you are just a child??? Why?
The main lead in this novel is Ava, a nineteen-year-old girl, who finds out that she is adopted. Filled with anger and wish to find out who her real dad is, she runs away from home, getting herself in a lot more trouble than she could dream. This book offers a very wide variety of different characters, who bring intrigue and personality to the whole book. I really liked this selection of characters in this novel, and I think they all played their roles really well. However, Ava really annoyed me sometimes, with her silly and very childish decisions and actions. My favourite would be Theo, I loved his kind nature and heart, and he represented real father figure to me.
I really liked the plot of this novel, it was very well crafted, bringing a compelling and interesting setting and plenty of intrigues. It was really interesting to read all those bits and pieces of camp’s life and what can be hiding behind closed doors. The twists and turns were smartly placed and left me pleasantly surprised.
I think Hitchins is a very talented author, she has a great eye for detail and very creative writing style. I found the chapters quite long for my liking, but overall, the book didn’t drag for me because I was quite keen to find out, what will happen next. I really enjoyed the ending of this novel, and if there will be a continuation, I will be definitely waiting for it. 🙂 So, to conclude, this is a very amusing book, filled with very well developed and engrossing characters and intriguing plot, and I truly believe that Hitchins is incredibly good at what she does. So please give this book a try and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
The main lead in this novel is Ava, a nineteen-year-old girl, who finds out that she is adopted. Filled with anger and wish to find out who her real dad is, she runs away from home, getting herself in a lot more trouble than she could dream. This book offers a very wide variety of different characters, who bring intrigue and personality to the whole book. I really liked this selection of characters in this novel, and I think they all played their roles really well. However, Ava really annoyed me sometimes, with her silly and very childish decisions and actions. My favourite would be Theo, I loved his kind nature and heart, and he represented real father figure to me.
I really liked the plot of this novel, it was very well crafted, bringing a compelling and interesting setting and plenty of intrigues. It was really interesting to read all those bits and pieces of camp’s life and what can be hiding behind closed doors. The twists and turns were smartly placed and left me pleasantly surprised.
I think Hitchins is a very talented author, she has a great eye for detail and very creative writing style. I found the chapters quite long for my liking, but overall, the book didn’t drag for me because I was quite keen to find out, what will happen next. I really enjoyed the ending of this novel, and if there will be a continuation, I will be definitely waiting for it. 🙂 So, to conclude, this is a very amusing book, filled with very well developed and engrossing characters and intriguing plot, and I truly believe that Hitchins is incredibly good at what she does. So please give this book a try and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
March 10, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed The Gardener’s Daughter. An interesting and original premise revolving around the impetuous, slightly spoiled but ultimately courageous and compassionate eponymous character. The author’s poetic and lyrical prose complements a compelling narrative as the heroine uncovers family secrets, rebels, seeks to reinvent herself and remain strong in the face of spiralling adversity, tragedy and apparently insurmountable injustices.
I would heartily recommend this compelling and thought-provoking emotional roller-coaster for older teenagers who are accomplished readers and adults (young and old) alike.
I would heartily recommend this compelling and thought-provoking emotional roller-coaster for older teenagers who are accomplished readers and adults (young and old) alike.
March 7, 2018
Ava and I could be very good friends; as the pages turn the story unfolds of a teenage young lady from what could be percieved, as a comfortable upbringing, wanting to find her true roots.
Embarking on her solo path through the wilderness of life, Ava is faced with numerous challenges and unearths dark secrets that will change the lives of those involved undoubtedly.
I enjoyed the Gardener's Daughter and felt a real fondness (from my teenage self) to Ava, her drive to want to know the truth is portrayed well through the writing. Her determination leaves no stone unturned and she encounters some salt of the earth 'types' as well as, those who can gladly crawl under the rock they came from and stay there!
A good read, well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Embarking on her solo path through the wilderness of life, Ava is faced with numerous challenges and unearths dark secrets that will change the lives of those involved undoubtedly.
I enjoyed the Gardener's Daughter and felt a real fondness (from my teenage self) to Ava, her drive to want to know the truth is portrayed well through the writing. Her determination leaves no stone unturned and she encounters some salt of the earth 'types' as well as, those who can gladly crawl under the rock they came from and stay there!
A good read, well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
March 15, 2018
Another excellent read from K A Hitchins, although labelled a YA read this is probably based on the fact that there is a young female lead as this is definitely something that will appeal to all ages!! Ava makes a shocking discovery and this triggers a journey of discovery set against mystery, intrigue and an old fashioned Holiday Park.
There are some intriguing characters and dynamics, you have a plot that is well paced and I became emotionally engaged with the story. There may be a few issues where you feel that Ava does things that are a little hard to credit but that is only a minor element but overall it is an enjoyable read.
This is my third read by this author and all have been very different but all great reads - I'll be looking out for where she goes next!
There are some intriguing characters and dynamics, you have a plot that is well paced and I became emotionally engaged with the story. There may be a few issues where you feel that Ava does things that are a little hard to credit but that is only a minor element but overall it is an enjoyable read.
This is my third read by this author and all have been very different but all great reads - I'll be looking out for where she goes next!
March 15, 2018
This is the third K A Hitchin book I've read, and it is another excellent story!
The Gardener's Daughter has a pacy plotline, and is beautifully narrated with wonderful characterisation. The story focuses on Ava - whose life is turned upside down by the discovery of a long kept family secret. Ava leaves the sanctuary of the only home she's ever known to pursue the truth of who she is.
A great book that I could not put down. Highly recommended.
The Gardener's Daughter has a pacy plotline, and is beautifully narrated with wonderful characterisation. The story focuses on Ava - whose life is turned upside down by the discovery of a long kept family secret. Ava leaves the sanctuary of the only home she's ever known to pursue the truth of who she is.
A great book that I could not put down. Highly recommended.
February 25, 2018
Another fantastic book by Ms Hitchins! Wow, I’m having a major book hangover. If you can get your hands on this book you will love it.
Ava Gage works in a Garden Centre with her father, who is also a research scientist in the horticultural field. When he goes abroad for work, Ava thinks she should have been left in charge as the heir apparent, and not Marcus. When her G-dfather, Colin, tells her he needs a file from the safe quickly, Ava can’t wait to get one over on Marcus and get him the file.
Ava finds out more than she intended- she is adopted, and she goes off in search of her real father.
Murder, intrigue, plot twists, bullying and prostitution. Ava soon finds herself way over her head. The only saving grace is the PI she has employed to help her find her father.
Amazing book, highly recommended. You won’t want to put it down.
Ava Gage works in a Garden Centre with her father, who is also a research scientist in the horticultural field. When he goes abroad for work, Ava thinks she should have been left in charge as the heir apparent, and not Marcus. When her G-dfather, Colin, tells her he needs a file from the safe quickly, Ava can’t wait to get one over on Marcus and get him the file.
Ava finds out more than she intended- she is adopted, and she goes off in search of her real father.
Murder, intrigue, plot twists, bullying and prostitution. Ava soon finds herself way over her head. The only saving grace is the PI she has employed to help her find her father.
Amazing book, highly recommended. You won’t want to put it down.
March 7, 2018
the gardeners daughter by KA Hitchins.
Motherless nineteen-year-old Ava has always believed brilliant botanist Theo Gage to be her father. But when a chance discovery reveals she is not his daughter, her world falls apart. Determined to discover her true identity, Ava impetuously runs away and enlists the help of inexperienced private detective, Zavier Marshall.
a very enjoyable read. had me guessing all the way through. I liked the ending too. 5*.
Motherless nineteen-year-old Ava has always believed brilliant botanist Theo Gage to be her father. But when a chance discovery reveals she is not his daughter, her world falls apart. Determined to discover her true identity, Ava impetuously runs away and enlists the help of inexperienced private detective, Zavier Marshall.
a very enjoyable read. had me guessing all the way through. I liked the ending too. 5*.
April 29, 2018
My Review: This is the second book I’ve read by K A Hichins so I knew I would be guaranteed a well written and enjoyable read based on The Key of All Unknown.
The Gardener’s Daughter is very different from her other book, more of a Young Adult/Coming of Age story than the thriller I was expecting, however this book still has credible characters and an interesting plot.
Ava-Claire is a typical teenager who thinks the world revolves around her, lives a privileged life with her father and works in his large and impressive garden centre in the belief she is entitled to take over the business one day.
A series of events leads Ava to find out her father is not her biological father and her mother’s death was not as straightforward as she was led to believe, so she runs away determined to find out the truth.
An enjoyable story with some interesting characters, an insight into the world of botany and holiday parks and an overall message of love, family and belonging.
The Gardener’s Daughter is very different from her other book, more of a Young Adult/Coming of Age story than the thriller I was expecting, however this book still has credible characters and an interesting plot.
Ava-Claire is a typical teenager who thinks the world revolves around her, lives a privileged life with her father and works in his large and impressive garden centre in the belief she is entitled to take over the business one day.
A series of events leads Ava to find out her father is not her biological father and her mother’s death was not as straightforward as she was led to believe, so she runs away determined to find out the truth.
An enjoyable story with some interesting characters, an insight into the world of botany and holiday parks and an overall message of love, family and belonging.
April 3, 2018
The Gardener's Daughter is a welcome addition to the YA genre featuring a kaleidescope of supporting characters fanning out from a central feisty protagonist named Ava. Equal parts drama and mystery, Hitchins creates a tale of a young woman desperate to understand her past and longing to figure out her place in the world.
Ava, the only child of a renowned botanist, has been learning the ropes within her father's greenhouse. She has had her eye on some improvements in the greenhouse gift shop and when he leaves on a trip, she fully expects to be able to bring her plans to fruition. The acting manager, however, assigns Ava to greenhouse duties. In a sulk, she reaches out to her godfather who asks her to find a file that he'd been working on with her father.
Her agreement to find that file starts a chain of events that have consequences she could not have foreseen. The world she has known all her life is turned upside down and she heads out on her own, hoping to find the answers to unsettling questions. Ava is drawn to where her mother worked as a young woman to find out more about her life. She meets a rag tag bunch of people with various problems of their own and soon discovers that not everything at the camp is on the up and up. And as Ava noses around, she discovers that when you stir up a hornets nest, you often get stung.
Readers will be caught up in Ava's journey to find a place to belong. I highly recommend this book and I'm hoping there will be another installment in Ava's story!
[I received a digital copy of The Gardener's Daughter from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
Ava, the only child of a renowned botanist, has been learning the ropes within her father's greenhouse. She has had her eye on some improvements in the greenhouse gift shop and when he leaves on a trip, she fully expects to be able to bring her plans to fruition. The acting manager, however, assigns Ava to greenhouse duties. In a sulk, she reaches out to her godfather who asks her to find a file that he'd been working on with her father.
Her agreement to find that file starts a chain of events that have consequences she could not have foreseen. The world she has known all her life is turned upside down and she heads out on her own, hoping to find the answers to unsettling questions. Ava is drawn to where her mother worked as a young woman to find out more about her life. She meets a rag tag bunch of people with various problems of their own and soon discovers that not everything at the camp is on the up and up. And as Ava noses around, she discovers that when you stir up a hornets nest, you often get stung.
Readers will be caught up in Ava's journey to find a place to belong. I highly recommend this book and I'm hoping there will be another installment in Ava's story!
[I received a digital copy of The Gardener's Daughter from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
March 10, 2018
The Gardener's Daughter is centred around the character of Ava. Brought up solely by her father after the death of her mother, Ava's world is blown apart when she discovers that the man she thought was her father is not her biological parent. In shock and denial, and angered that this was kept secret from her, she leaves home on a quest to discover more about her mother, and find out her true parentage.
She follows in her mother's footsteps to Fun World Holiday Camp where she meets a cast of characters, all with stories and secrets of her own. She hires a young private detective to help her find her father, but is unsure whether she can fully trust him, or anyone else she meets.
Homeless and penniless, Ava becomes embroiled in a drama which will reveal secrets and truths she might not be ready to learn.
The book is really well written, the characters are all very believable, and I found myself desperate to know how or if Ava's story would be resolved. It is a story of finding your place in the world, and of belonging; that sometimes people we have known the longest, are people we do not know at all.
She follows in her mother's footsteps to Fun World Holiday Camp where she meets a cast of characters, all with stories and secrets of her own. She hires a young private detective to help her find her father, but is unsure whether she can fully trust him, or anyone else she meets.
Homeless and penniless, Ava becomes embroiled in a drama which will reveal secrets and truths she might not be ready to learn.
The book is really well written, the characters are all very believable, and I found myself desperate to know how or if Ava's story would be resolved. It is a story of finding your place in the world, and of belonging; that sometimes people we have known the longest, are people we do not know at all.
February 28, 2018
I've absolutely loved the two previous K A Hitchins books I have read, so I'm definitely a fan. I was really hoping this one would be marvellous too, although, as it is listed as a YA/Thriller/Romance, I wasn't sure whether I'd enjoy it quite as much - however, I certainly wasn't disappointed. The quality of the writing is BRILLIANT and there's not a hint of condescension. The story is interesting and intelligent dealing as it does with quite serious subjects, but it never descends into too much graphic detail. Ava, the gardener's daughter, is a sweet, headstrong, impetuous girl who runs away from her sheltered loving home in her search to uncover the truth about her real parents. It's not long before she discovers how much she has taken everything for granted and how much she wants to put everything right. Read it. You'll love it!
March 15, 2018
The Gardeners Daughter
KA Hitchins
Ava Gage’s world fell apart when she happened upon the discovery that the man she thought of as her father was not her biological father. She was devastated to realise that all those who were close to her knew that Theo Gage was not her father but no one had told her.
Feeling utterly betrayed, she ran away to try to find the identity of her real father. Her mother had died when she was a baby but Ava knew that she had worked at a local holiday camp before she married Theo and gave birth to Ava, so this was where she began her search.
This lead to a tale of intrigue and criminal behaviour, as Ava found herself in danger. The story seems a little implausible to begin with, but it is worth persevering as the story unfolds into a web of deceit. Will Ava discover the truth and is it what she wants to hear.
KA Hitchins
Ava Gage’s world fell apart when she happened upon the discovery that the man she thought of as her father was not her biological father. She was devastated to realise that all those who were close to her knew that Theo Gage was not her father but no one had told her.
Feeling utterly betrayed, she ran away to try to find the identity of her real father. Her mother had died when she was a baby but Ava knew that she had worked at a local holiday camp before she married Theo and gave birth to Ava, so this was where she began her search.
This lead to a tale of intrigue and criminal behaviour, as Ava found herself in danger. The story seems a little implausible to begin with, but it is worth persevering as the story unfolds into a web of deceit. Will Ava discover the truth and is it what she wants to hear.
July 9, 2018
A fast-paced thriller, with an intricate plot and subplots, high-quality writing and a satisfying climax. The characters Zavier and Boody are particularly delightful.
There is a chilling depiction of the Holiday Camp ‘from hell’ which made me shudder. It opens one’s eyes to the dangers and horrors of working in the underpaid service industry in this country, and what can happen to cash-paid, illegal immigrants, no matter how hard they work and how much they try to survive without sinking into the underworld.
Read it if you enjoy Frank Peretti but aren’t too keen on the American right-wing evangelical Christian viewpoint. Read if if you enjoy the ‘Poppy Denby Investigates’ series by Fiona Veitch Smith. Read it if you want an exciting adventure and detective story with a Christian worldview that isn’t preachy or obvious.
There is a chilling depiction of the Holiday Camp ‘from hell’ which made me shudder. It opens one’s eyes to the dangers and horrors of working in the underpaid service industry in this country, and what can happen to cash-paid, illegal immigrants, no matter how hard they work and how much they try to survive without sinking into the underworld.
Read it if you enjoy Frank Peretti but aren’t too keen on the American right-wing evangelical Christian viewpoint. Read if if you enjoy the ‘Poppy Denby Investigates’ series by Fiona Veitch Smith. Read it if you want an exciting adventure and detective story with a Christian worldview that isn’t preachy or obvious.
October 13, 2019
"The Gardener's Daughter" by K.A. Hitchins is that rarest of combinations in modern literature: a carefully crafted moral tale and a compulsive page turner. Kathryn Hitchins weaves a gripping story around a prodigal daughter and her desperate search for the true father she has unwittingly left behind. Through an uncanny insight into the seedy side of a Holiday Camp, the reader is drawn inexorably into Ava's desolation and turbulent emotions. Writing against a background of some beautiful and evocative description , Hitchins captures her characters with a range of realistic dialect and sparkling vignettes(like the five year old girl in the pink dress reacting instinctively to the hidden repulsiveness of the gross Chuckles). We journey the whole way with Ava in this sparkling piece of fiction which touches the prodigal in us all."
March 5, 2018
The gardeners daughter
Ava lives and works with her father at local landmark Greenacres Garden Centre and Institute where the distinctive biosphere is a local landmark. But when she stumbles across a family secret locked away in the office safe it starts a chain of events that leaves Ava wondering who she can trust.
Soon enough, having reinvented herself as Claire, and on the hunt for answers to her family secret, Ava finds herself in real danger but can she protect her new friends?
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and although they’re different genres, both books were hard to put down.
Ava lives and works with her father at local landmark Greenacres Garden Centre and Institute where the distinctive biosphere is a local landmark. But when she stumbles across a family secret locked away in the office safe it starts a chain of events that leaves Ava wondering who she can trust.
Soon enough, having reinvented herself as Claire, and on the hunt for answers to her family secret, Ava finds herself in real danger but can she protect her new friends?
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and although they’re different genres, both books were hard to put down.
March 14, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written and exciting tale.
The young protagonist, Ava has lived a privileged life as the daughter of Theo Gages, a gardener-scientist cum entrepreneur.
Petulant and headstrong, Ava's world is flipped when she discovers a dark secret about her past which throws her into turmoil. In her hunt to discover her true identity, she uncovers a seedy underworld of criminality and violence. Her life is under threat as she attempts to expose those who want her dead. But there are others who want to help her, only who can she trust?
A fantastic read with believable characters and great pace, I will be reading more of this author.
The young protagonist, Ava has lived a privileged life as the daughter of Theo Gages, a gardener-scientist cum entrepreneur.
Petulant and headstrong, Ava's world is flipped when she discovers a dark secret about her past which throws her into turmoil. In her hunt to discover her true identity, she uncovers a seedy underworld of criminality and violence. Her life is under threat as she attempts to expose those who want her dead. But there are others who want to help her, only who can she trust?
A fantastic read with believable characters and great pace, I will be reading more of this author.
December 28, 2018
The plot was filled with many unexpected twists & turns.
I really like the descriptions about scenery used by the author. Hitchens weaves all the senses into her writing, which are so fluent that it's subtle enough to paint very specific images my mind. Really allows the plot's flow to run very smoothly. The storyline kept me guessing all the way through, which is exciting when the anticipation is building & goes a completely different direction. A vivid imagination, to come up with a good story!
I really like the descriptions about scenery used by the author. Hitchens weaves all the senses into her writing, which are so fluent that it's subtle enough to paint very specific images my mind. Really allows the plot's flow to run very smoothly. The storyline kept me guessing all the way through, which is exciting when the anticipation is building & goes a completely different direction. A vivid imagination, to come up with a good story!
March 3, 2018
This is my first K A Hitchins book but it certainly won't be my last. I'm usually into gory thrillers but absolutely loved this style of writing. The story had me hooked and I loved all the characters. Although I wanted to get to the end to read the outcome I was upset when I'd actually finished it as I just wanted it to carry on. A worthy 5 stars from me and glad I have found K A Hitchins to add to my list of favourite authors
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2018
I’ve read another KA Hitchin book which I enjoyed but this I loved. Plot, pace, characters all great. Don’t be put off by the YA classification - i’m certainly not young.
March 18, 2018
This is the second book I’ve read by K A Hitchins and although aimed at the young adult market it had me hooked from the start.Highly recommend this novel.
February 3, 2022
The Gardener’s Daughter, by K A Hitchins, is a story of a young girl, on a roller-coaster of a journey searching for her true identity. With all things seemingly safe and secure, her life suddenly spirals out of control when she discovers by accident that her birth father is not the man who had brought her up.
Her “fight or flight” instinct kicks in, and she runs. The “roller-coaster” journey, by way of homelessness, takes her into a shadier side of life in her home town, discovering some harsh truths about her background and her parents. The circumstances come together to inform her of some deeply hidden dark truths about her back story, as her history is slowly unravelled...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/the-garde...
Her “fight or flight” instinct kicks in, and she runs. The “roller-coaster” journey, by way of homelessness, takes her into a shadier side of life in her home town, discovering some harsh truths about her background and her parents. The circumstances come together to inform her of some deeply hidden dark truths about her back story, as her history is slowly unravelled...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/the-garde...
March 16, 2018
This book was a very enjoyable read.
I must confess that I didn't have as much sympathy for the 19 yo protagonist Ava as she seemed to want!
But she herself looks at her actions with a critical eye when recounting them so it was ok.
Ava has a more than decent life with her father who has his one of a kind greenhouse dome and gardening centre. An irresponsible act on her part results in the knowledge that she isn't his biological child.
She impetuously runs away to look for her dad and the story follows her adventures and her realization of the kind of life she left behind and the relationships that matter.
There were enough elements to make the story interesting and though I sort of guessed certain things, the way they were revealed was worth waiting for.
Some very good life truths and insights were put forth as Ava's thoughts and those were quite profound.
I must confess that I didn't have as much sympathy for the 19 yo protagonist Ava as she seemed to want!
But she herself looks at her actions with a critical eye when recounting them so it was ok.
Ava has a more than decent life with her father who has his one of a kind greenhouse dome and gardening centre. An irresponsible act on her part results in the knowledge that she isn't his biological child.
She impetuously runs away to look for her dad and the story follows her adventures and her realization of the kind of life she left behind and the relationships that matter.
There were enough elements to make the story interesting and though I sort of guessed certain things, the way they were revealed was worth waiting for.
Some very good life truths and insights were put forth as Ava's thoughts and those were quite profound.
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