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The Butterfly Garden
I blamed my son for the death of my daughter…
When twenty-five-year-old Erin flees London for Cornwall and takes a job at Hookes End, a huge house clinging precariously to the Cornish cliffs, all she knows about it are the stories people tell. The owner, reclusive novelist and butterfly enthusiast Maggie, has kept the curtains of her dusty house drawn for many years. But now she is dying, and Erin, seeing the shadows that cross Maggie’s face, wants to help in any way she can.
Years ago, Maggie’s only son Lucas ran away to the other side of the world and the searing heat of the Costa Rican jungle. Maggie is desperate to see Lucas again – there is something she needs him to know.
Erin wants to help Maggie find peace. But when she travels to the warm white sands and tropical butterfly gardens of Costa Rica to find Lucas, it becomes very clear that he is hiding something too.
As Erin unravels the webs of deceit entangling mother and son, she learns about the terrible tragedy that changed their lives forever: the night when a little girl in a fairy nightdress went missing. But with Maggie’s time fast running out, is it too late for them to find the forgiveness they need to move on?
A heart-wrenching page-turner about a family ripped apart by guilt and lies. Set against the storms of the Cornish coast and the silvery sands of Costa Rica, The Butterfly Garden is a story of love, loss and letting go. Fans of Jojo Moyes, Harriet Evans and Lucinda Riley will be gripped.
When twenty-five-year-old Erin flees London for Cornwall and takes a job at Hookes End, a huge house clinging precariously to the Cornish cliffs, all she knows about it are the stories people tell. The owner, reclusive novelist and butterfly enthusiast Maggie, has kept the curtains of her dusty house drawn for many years. But now she is dying, and Erin, seeing the shadows that cross Maggie’s face, wants to help in any way she can.
Years ago, Maggie’s only son Lucas ran away to the other side of the world and the searing heat of the Costa Rican jungle. Maggie is desperate to see Lucas again – there is something she needs him to know.
Erin wants to help Maggie find peace. But when she travels to the warm white sands and tropical butterfly gardens of Costa Rica to find Lucas, it becomes very clear that he is hiding something too.
As Erin unravels the webs of deceit entangling mother and son, she learns about the terrible tragedy that changed their lives forever: the night when a little girl in a fairy nightdress went missing. But with Maggie’s time fast running out, is it too late for them to find the forgiveness they need to move on?
A heart-wrenching page-turner about a family ripped apart by guilt and lies. Set against the storms of the Cornish coast and the silvery sands of Costa Rica, The Butterfly Garden is a story of love, loss and letting go. Fans of Jojo Moyes, Harriet Evans and Lucinda Riley will be gripped.
309 pages, ebook
First published June 21, 2021
257 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 3, 2021
EXCERPT: Her heart thumped harder, louder in her chest. It was Maggie lying in her daughter's bed, clutching Mr Gilbert, hoping her smell wouldn't fade. Maggie, drunk on the street, banging her front door down. Maggie, hitting her son and hating herself. Maggie who had lost her daughter. And blamed her son? What had happened? Where was he? And Richard? How had she ended up all alone, dying in this huge house on a Cornish hilltop with only Erin for company?
ABOUT 'THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN': When twenty-five-year-old Erin flees London for Cornwall and takes a job at Hookes End, a huge house clinging precariously to the Cornish cliffs, all she knows about it are the stories people tell. The owner, reclusive novelist and butterfly enthusiast Maggie, has kept the curtains of her dusty house drawn for many years. But now she is dying, and Erin, seeing the shadows that cross Maggie’s face, wants to help in any way she can.
Years ago, Maggie’s only son Lucas ran away to the other side of the world and the searing heat of the Costa Rican jungle. Maggie is desperate to see Lucas again – there is something she needs him to know.
Erin wants to help Maggie find peace. But when she travels to the warm white sands and tropical butterfly gardens of Costa Rica to find Lucas, it becomes very clear that he is hiding something too.
As Erin unravels the webs of deceit entangling mother and son, she learns about the terrible tragedy that changed their lives forever: the night when a little girl in a fairy nightdress went missing. But with Maggie’s time fast running out, is it too late for them to find the forgiveness they need to move on?
MY THOUGHTS: I love stories about families, secrets, and relationships, and The Butterfly Garden ticks all the boxes.
Although the plot focuses mainly on Erin, home with her tail between her legs after her relationship with her married lover failed, and Maggie, the elderly recluse with terminal cancer who employs Erin to help finish the book she is writing, it also encompasses Erin's parents, who are hiding a secret of their own, and Maggie's son Lucas, who has exiled himself in Costa Rica, guarding his own secret. An old friend of Maggie's, Fred, also appears and is a stabilizing influence.
The Butterfly Garden is a beautifully crafted story that certainly doesn't read like a debut novel. The characters are well rounded and delightfully human. Maggie, although nearly blind and dying, is not above being manipulative in order to get what she wants. Erin, who is feeling more than a little lost, and who is feeling betrayed both by her parents and her lover, starts out as an easy mark, but slowly the two women develop a mutual liking and respect.
The two separate storylines of Maggie's secret, and the secret that Erin's parents have kept works well. Their secrets are very different, but equally heartbreaking.
This is a touching and unpredictable story, one that surprised and delighted me. I will definitely be at the front of the line for this author's next novel, due to be published in 2022.
Thank you Carla Johnson-Hicks, whose wonderful review inspired me to read this.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheButterflyGarden #NetGalley
I: @sophieandersonfiction @bookouture
T: @MSophieanderson @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #mystery #sliceoflife
THE AUTHOR: Sophie Anderson is an author of contemporary women's fiction. She writes emotional stories about families and their secrets, friendship, forgiveness and personal growth. Her debut novel 'The Butterfly Garden' will be released on June 21st 2021 and she is currently writing her second novel which will be out early 2022. Sophie lives in East Sussex with her husband, four children and several animals. When she is not writing or ferrying her children around the countryside she enjoys travelling, delicious food, yoga, playing the piano, walking in the South Downs, binging on box sets and curling up with a good book! (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Butterfly Garden by Sophie Anderson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN': When twenty-five-year-old Erin flees London for Cornwall and takes a job at Hookes End, a huge house clinging precariously to the Cornish cliffs, all she knows about it are the stories people tell. The owner, reclusive novelist and butterfly enthusiast Maggie, has kept the curtains of her dusty house drawn for many years. But now she is dying, and Erin, seeing the shadows that cross Maggie’s face, wants to help in any way she can.
Years ago, Maggie’s only son Lucas ran away to the other side of the world and the searing heat of the Costa Rican jungle. Maggie is desperate to see Lucas again – there is something she needs him to know.
Erin wants to help Maggie find peace. But when she travels to the warm white sands and tropical butterfly gardens of Costa Rica to find Lucas, it becomes very clear that he is hiding something too.
As Erin unravels the webs of deceit entangling mother and son, she learns about the terrible tragedy that changed their lives forever: the night when a little girl in a fairy nightdress went missing. But with Maggie’s time fast running out, is it too late for them to find the forgiveness they need to move on?
MY THOUGHTS: I love stories about families, secrets, and relationships, and The Butterfly Garden ticks all the boxes.
Although the plot focuses mainly on Erin, home with her tail between her legs after her relationship with her married lover failed, and Maggie, the elderly recluse with terminal cancer who employs Erin to help finish the book she is writing, it also encompasses Erin's parents, who are hiding a secret of their own, and Maggie's son Lucas, who has exiled himself in Costa Rica, guarding his own secret. An old friend of Maggie's, Fred, also appears and is a stabilizing influence.
The Butterfly Garden is a beautifully crafted story that certainly doesn't read like a debut novel. The characters are well rounded and delightfully human. Maggie, although nearly blind and dying, is not above being manipulative in order to get what she wants. Erin, who is feeling more than a little lost, and who is feeling betrayed both by her parents and her lover, starts out as an easy mark, but slowly the two women develop a mutual liking and respect.
The two separate storylines of Maggie's secret, and the secret that Erin's parents have kept works well. Their secrets are very different, but equally heartbreaking.
This is a touching and unpredictable story, one that surprised and delighted me. I will definitely be at the front of the line for this author's next novel, due to be published in 2022.
Thank you Carla Johnson-Hicks, whose wonderful review inspired me to read this.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheButterflyGarden #NetGalley
I: @sophieandersonfiction @bookouture
T: @MSophieanderson @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #mystery #sliceoflife
THE AUTHOR: Sophie Anderson is an author of contemporary women's fiction. She writes emotional stories about families and their secrets, friendship, forgiveness and personal growth. Her debut novel 'The Butterfly Garden' will be released on June 21st 2021 and she is currently writing her second novel which will be out early 2022. Sophie lives in East Sussex with her husband, four children and several animals. When she is not writing or ferrying her children around the countryside she enjoys travelling, delicious food, yoga, playing the piano, walking in the South Downs, binging on box sets and curling up with a good book! (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Butterfly Garden by Sophie Anderson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 14, 2021
At times, many times in fact, a broken heart is split apart because of a secret and keeping that secret encompasses one's life and the type of pain that never leaves one.
For Erin, a young woman tarnished in her small town because of her affair with a married man, as she returns to Cornwall she, for a time, flounders at her parents' home. She knows she is the subject of much gossip and while her heart is breaking, she realizes that the married man she loves, a painter, is never going to leave his wife and family. Erin needs something to do, to occupy her mind which is troubled, she takes up with Maggie, a reclusive cantankerous older woman, who is also carrying a secret that has plagued her for over thirty years.
Erin decides to stay at Maggie's even if the reception is quite cool initially. She decides she will assist Maggie is completing her novel, sure to be her last as Maggie is dying. She finds through Maggie's writing that she has a son, Lucas, who left so many years before, cutting off all contact with Maggie and she with him. Erin develops and attachment to Maggie and as she witnesses Maggie's decline, she promises to seek out Lucas and persuade him to see his mother one last time. Tracking Lucas through social media, she finds him living in Costa Rica, and as a promise to Maggie she travels there to speak to Lucas.
Lucas, himself bears a secret that shatters his life and while Erin cajoles and begs him to come to Cornwall, Lucas is adamantly against it. As Erin scurries home, she wonders will she be in time to bid her friend goodbye before she passes? Will she finally be privy to a secret that her own parents have held from her? Can family ever be forgiven hen the hurt that accompanies the secrets might never fully heal?
This emotional story underlines the fact that a family secret can be the driving force as to why loving relationships fall apart. There are many sad happenings in the story, which are both heart breaking and ever so tragic. The story is nicely woven between the events of Cornwall and the beaches and beauty of Costa Rico. ...and of course, there are the butterflies which bind mother and son with invisible wings.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy a family drama that can be realistic and well written.
Thank you to Sophie Anderson, Bookouture, and Netgalley for a copy of this story due out June 21, 2021.
For Erin, a young woman tarnished in her small town because of her affair with a married man, as she returns to Cornwall she, for a time, flounders at her parents' home. She knows she is the subject of much gossip and while her heart is breaking, she realizes that the married man she loves, a painter, is never going to leave his wife and family. Erin needs something to do, to occupy her mind which is troubled, she takes up with Maggie, a reclusive cantankerous older woman, who is also carrying a secret that has plagued her for over thirty years.
Erin decides to stay at Maggie's even if the reception is quite cool initially. She decides she will assist Maggie is completing her novel, sure to be her last as Maggie is dying. She finds through Maggie's writing that she has a son, Lucas, who left so many years before, cutting off all contact with Maggie and she with him. Erin develops and attachment to Maggie and as she witnesses Maggie's decline, she promises to seek out Lucas and persuade him to see his mother one last time. Tracking Lucas through social media, she finds him living in Costa Rica, and as a promise to Maggie she travels there to speak to Lucas.
Lucas, himself bears a secret that shatters his life and while Erin cajoles and begs him to come to Cornwall, Lucas is adamantly against it. As Erin scurries home, she wonders will she be in time to bid her friend goodbye before she passes? Will she finally be privy to a secret that her own parents have held from her? Can family ever be forgiven hen the hurt that accompanies the secrets might never fully heal?
This emotional story underlines the fact that a family secret can be the driving force as to why loving relationships fall apart. There are many sad happenings in the story, which are both heart breaking and ever so tragic. The story is nicely woven between the events of Cornwall and the beaches and beauty of Costa Rico. ...and of course, there are the butterflies which bind mother and son with invisible wings.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who enjoy a family drama that can be realistic and well written.
Thank you to Sophie Anderson, Bookouture, and Netgalley for a copy of this story due out June 21, 2021.
June 21, 2021
The Butterfly Garden is a story about Maggie Muir, a recluse and author, who has a brain tumour. Ter tumour is taking her eyesight, so she places an add in the local paper stating, "Eyes Wanted". It is also the story of Erin Turner, a young woman who has just returned to Portheal. She had left home six months ago to follow her married lover to London and returned with her tail between her legs. No one will hire thie "homewrecker" so applies to Maggie's ad, not knowing what it is all about. Maggie hires her to type up her latest manuscript as her sight will no longer allow her to read what she has written. Through Maggie's manuscript form, alternating with conversations and Erin's point of view, we learn about Maggie's past and what she is dealing with in the present. These two characters form an unlikely pair and a deep and loyal friendship develops, as Maggie races to finish her story.
This was a story full of secrets, lies of omission and guilt. Maggie's story is heartbreaking. She had so much sadness in her past and she was not able to forgive herself for her actions and at times inaction. She has some mental health problems along the way and was angry at her husband for not being there for her. Erin has her own guilt and is not sure what she really wants out of life. She eventually finds Maggie's son, Lucas, and heads to Costa Rica to try and convince him to come and see Maggie before she dies. She learns more about herself on this trip, but is also able to make decisions about her life and what she wants to do when she returns home. There are not a lot of characters in this story, but the main ones are very well developed. Their relationships are not perfect, but I loved seeing how they changed and developed.
This is a story of grief, regrets and hidden secrets. It’s not just Maggie who’s been hiding the truth, Lucas and Erin’s parents have their own truths to tell as well. So much happened in this story because of these secrets, and I was glad that things do work out in the end. It’s an intriguing book that will keep you hooked, with some very poignant and emotional parts that had me reaching for the tissues. The writing is descriptive and I could smell, hear and see what Maggie experienced in Costa Rica, I really want to visit now. I also liked that the chapters were not too long and it was easy to read just one more chapter before I had to do something else, like sleep. I really enjoyed this story, from cover to cover. This is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to seeing what is next for Sophie Anderson. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This was a story full of secrets, lies of omission and guilt. Maggie's story is heartbreaking. She had so much sadness in her past and she was not able to forgive herself for her actions and at times inaction. She has some mental health problems along the way and was angry at her husband for not being there for her. Erin has her own guilt and is not sure what she really wants out of life. She eventually finds Maggie's son, Lucas, and heads to Costa Rica to try and convince him to come and see Maggie before she dies. She learns more about herself on this trip, but is also able to make decisions about her life and what she wants to do when she returns home. There are not a lot of characters in this story, but the main ones are very well developed. Their relationships are not perfect, but I loved seeing how they changed and developed.
This is a story of grief, regrets and hidden secrets. It’s not just Maggie who’s been hiding the truth, Lucas and Erin’s parents have their own truths to tell as well. So much happened in this story because of these secrets, and I was glad that things do work out in the end. It’s an intriguing book that will keep you hooked, with some very poignant and emotional parts that had me reaching for the tissues. The writing is descriptive and I could smell, hear and see what Maggie experienced in Costa Rica, I really want to visit now. I also liked that the chapters were not too long and it was easy to read just one more chapter before I had to do something else, like sleep. I really enjoyed this story, from cover to cover. This is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to seeing what is next for Sophie Anderson. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
June 22, 2021
Secrets and pain go hand in hand in this emotional story by debut author Sophie Anderson. Erin's troubled life grows even more disconcerting when she takes on a job helping novelist and butterfly enthusiast Maggie write her last book. Maggie is dying from a brain tumor and this book that Erin is working on is like none other like Maggie had ever written.
Maggie had been living the life of a recluse while penning mystery novels. Erin is taking a risk heading to the house in the Cornish cliffs, but she takes on the job anyway. The more time Erin spends with Maggie, the more drawn in she becomes. Maggie has one final wish. She wants to see her son Lucas one more time. Lucas left home at the age of eighteen after a tragedy, and has taken on the life a a butteerfly expert deep in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle. Maggie may be dictating words to Erin, even recalling truly tragic experiences from her past, but what she wants most is to talk to Lucas just one more time.
Erin does make the trip. She finds beauty and peace unlike anything she'd eveer known. What is more is she sees Lucas and the two share a connection, despite their twenty-year age difference. But, that is not what is important to Erin. What is most important is fulfilling Maggie's wishes.
Secrets can destroy families. That fact is driven home in this compelling story. This feeds into grief and guilt and can truly remove all hope. This story put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Along the way Erin learns secrets about her own life. How she deals with these secrets is a true test of her character. This book made me think about what could have happened and how things were left as this touching story came to a close.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Maggie had been living the life of a recluse while penning mystery novels. Erin is taking a risk heading to the house in the Cornish cliffs, but she takes on the job anyway. The more time Erin spends with Maggie, the more drawn in she becomes. Maggie has one final wish. She wants to see her son Lucas one more time. Lucas left home at the age of eighteen after a tragedy, and has taken on the life a a butteerfly expert deep in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle. Maggie may be dictating words to Erin, even recalling truly tragic experiences from her past, but what she wants most is to talk to Lucas just one more time.
Erin does make the trip. She finds beauty and peace unlike anything she'd eveer known. What is more is she sees Lucas and the two share a connection, despite their twenty-year age difference. But, that is not what is important to Erin. What is most important is fulfilling Maggie's wishes.
Secrets can destroy families. That fact is driven home in this compelling story. This feeds into grief and guilt and can truly remove all hope. This story put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Along the way Erin learns secrets about her own life. How she deals with these secrets is a true test of her character. This book made me think about what could have happened and how things were left as this touching story came to a close.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 8, 2021
Erin goes to work for Maggie, helping her with her final book. Erin realizes Maggie has a secret and Maggie inadvertently spills another one belonging to Erin’s parents. In the beginning of the book I didn’t really care for any of the characters. As the book goes on they Erin goes to work for Maggie, helping her with her final book. Erin realizes Maggie has a secret and Maggie inadvertently spills another one belonging to Erin’s parents.
TRIGGER WARNING: this book deals with the aftermath of a child’s death, and serious mental health issues.
Erin returns home after her love affair with a married man collapses. She finds employment with a dying author Maggie Muir, typing up her memoirs into a novel, and discovers the truth behind Maggie’s reclusive life. Is it too late for Maggie to reunite with her son Lucas, and can Erin heal her own heart along the way?
The Butterfly Garden is a book which is often heartbreaking but also strangely uplifting.
Each chapter begins with a section of the memoirs which are written in the first person so we get a direct insight into Maggie’s life and emotional state. We discover that Maggie had a breakdown following the death of her daughter Skye and blamed her son Lucas. The overwhelming grief and Maggie’s descent into despair is utterly tragic to read.
Meanwhile Erin’s character arc begins with her feeling at her lowest. Her relationship has fallen apart and now she feels ashamed around her family and community but really this is her own guilt rather than their judgement. Helping Maggie gives her a purpose and in the second half of the book Erin searches for Lucas so that he can be reconcile with his mother.
There is also a secret in Erin’s family which Maggie brings to light. I think there is an important message about the danger of keeping things hidden from our loved ones for our own wellbeing. Forgiveness is also a key theme as both families need to move forward from the revelations which develop over the book. The Butterfly Garden is full of poignant moments and tragedy but also had the warmth of hope for the future. This is a debut novel and I look forward to reading more from Sophie Anderson in the future.
TRIGGER WARNING: this book deals with the aftermath of a child’s death, and serious mental health issues.
Erin returns home after her love affair with a married man collapses. She finds employment with a dying author Maggie Muir, typing up her memoirs into a novel, and discovers the truth behind Maggie’s reclusive life. Is it too late for Maggie to reunite with her son Lucas, and can Erin heal her own heart along the way?
The Butterfly Garden is a book which is often heartbreaking but also strangely uplifting.
Each chapter begins with a section of the memoirs which are written in the first person so we get a direct insight into Maggie’s life and emotional state. We discover that Maggie had a breakdown following the death of her daughter Skye and blamed her son Lucas. The overwhelming grief and Maggie’s descent into despair is utterly tragic to read.
Meanwhile Erin’s character arc begins with her feeling at her lowest. Her relationship has fallen apart and now she feels ashamed around her family and community but really this is her own guilt rather than their judgement. Helping Maggie gives her a purpose and in the second half of the book Erin searches for Lucas so that he can be reconcile with his mother.
There is also a secret in Erin’s family which Maggie brings to light. I think there is an important message about the danger of keeping things hidden from our loved ones for our own wellbeing. Forgiveness is also a key theme as both families need to move forward from the revelations which develop over the book. The Butterfly Garden is full of poignant moments and tragedy but also had the warmth of hope for the future. This is a debut novel and I look forward to reading more from Sophie Anderson in the future.
June 14, 2021
The Butterfly Garden by Sophie Anderson was just, an amazing book. I loved it! and especially as Sophie was a new author to me. I really didn’t want it to end. Its beautifully written throughout and a must read.
I highly recommend this book - it was just amazing and written from the heart!
Big 5 Golden stars for The Butterfly Garden
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book
I highly recommend this book - it was just amazing and written from the heart!
Big 5 Golden stars for The Butterfly Garden
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book
April 21, 2021
Sophie Anderson’s The Butterfly Garden is a story about Maggie Muir, a recluse whose brain tumor is taking her eyesight, and Erin Turner, who the town calls “homewrecker,” and how each of them and the people in their lives deal with secrets. Maggie has placed an ad that states, “Eyes Wanted.” Erin, who has just returned to her hometown of Porthteal after she moved to London to be with her married artist, is in search of a job. Through the book's format told in alternating manuscript form, with bits and pieces of the past, and what is going on in the present, we learn much about Maggie’s past and why she desperately wants to finish her book with Erin's help. The two characters form an unlikely pair and a deep and loyal friendship develops. I highly recommend and I look forward to Sophie Anderson's next book!
May 10, 2021
I loved this book from beginning to end. It’s written with quite short chapters which I like because it’s easy to spare another 5 minutes for just one more chapter. Erin is the main protagonist and there were times when I didn’t like her that much. She sometimes came across as quite self absorbed and perhaps a little judgemental but she’s young as well as an only child. This makes it so reflective of real life because as 25 year olds who haven’t seen that much of the world, we do tend to be quite selfish in our outlook on life.
Erin has returned to her family home in Cornwall after leaving for London to be closer to her artist boyfriend who just happens to also be a married man. Her parents begged her not to go but being a headstrong young woman she thought it was love and that the man of her dreams would eventually leave his wife for Erin.
After answering an advert for help required for a reclusive novelist living in a large crumbling house, Erin meets Maggie. At first she doesn’t know what to make of Maggie and her somewhat unkempt house. But she agrees to work for her and help her finish her memoir before she dies. Maggie has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and is gradually losing her sight, but is adamant that she must finish writing her story for her son to read. A son she hasn’t seen for over 30 years - Maggie needs to make amends and for him to know the truth before she dies.
After a serious fall out with her parents after she is given some shocking news, Erin moves out of her family home and goes to live with Maggie. From here and via the entries into Maggie’s memoir we learn of Maggie’s life. The deep sadness that she has lived with for so many years. We also learn of Maggie’s estranged son Lucas who left for Costa Rica aged 18 and who Maggie has neither seen nor heard from since. Eventually the story moves from Cornwall to Costa Rica when Erin travels there to find Lucas. So many beautiful descriptions here bring the place to life in the book, so much so that it made me want to go there.
It’s a wonderful sweeping story of grief, regrets and hidden secrets. It’s not just Maggie who’s been hiding the truth, Lucas and Erin’s parents have their own truths to tell too. It’s an intriguing book that will keep you hooked, with some very poignant and emotional parts that’ll have you reaching for the tissues. I loved it. A fabulous debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Erin has returned to her family home in Cornwall after leaving for London to be closer to her artist boyfriend who just happens to also be a married man. Her parents begged her not to go but being a headstrong young woman she thought it was love and that the man of her dreams would eventually leave his wife for Erin.
After answering an advert for help required for a reclusive novelist living in a large crumbling house, Erin meets Maggie. At first she doesn’t know what to make of Maggie and her somewhat unkempt house. But she agrees to work for her and help her finish her memoir before she dies. Maggie has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and is gradually losing her sight, but is adamant that she must finish writing her story for her son to read. A son she hasn’t seen for over 30 years - Maggie needs to make amends and for him to know the truth before she dies.
After a serious fall out with her parents after she is given some shocking news, Erin moves out of her family home and goes to live with Maggie. From here and via the entries into Maggie’s memoir we learn of Maggie’s life. The deep sadness that she has lived with for so many years. We also learn of Maggie’s estranged son Lucas who left for Costa Rica aged 18 and who Maggie has neither seen nor heard from since. Eventually the story moves from Cornwall to Costa Rica when Erin travels there to find Lucas. So many beautiful descriptions here bring the place to life in the book, so much so that it made me want to go there.
It’s a wonderful sweeping story of grief, regrets and hidden secrets. It’s not just Maggie who’s been hiding the truth, Lucas and Erin’s parents have their own truths to tell too. It’s an intriguing book that will keep you hooked, with some very poignant and emotional parts that’ll have you reaching for the tissues. I loved it. A fabulous debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 6, 2021
I found 'The Butterfly Garden' to be utterly absorbing, and very memorable; the characters stayed with me long after I'd finished reading. Erin and Maggie are real, authentic women whose
friendship develops in a highly believable way. I read it fast, because I wanted to know what happened, and I'm going to read it again more slowly to savour the lovely writing and beautiful atmosphere it creates, across several fascinating locations.
friendship develops in a highly believable way. I read it fast, because I wanted to know what happened, and I'm going to read it again more slowly to savour the lovely writing and beautiful atmosphere it creates, across several fascinating locations.
June 20, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Butterfly Garden' by Sophie Anderson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Sophie Anderson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st June 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also her debut novel.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and gorgeous cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Jojo Moyes, Harriet Evans and Lucinda Riley will be gripped'. I am a huge fan of JoJo Moyes so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 29 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in both Dorset, UK 🇬🇧 and Costa Rica, America 🇺🇸. I always enjoy when books are partly or fully set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Erin. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Butterfly Garden' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Sophie discusses/includes tumours and the death of a child.
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
Wow!!! What an absolutely devastatingly gorgeous heartbreaking stunning book!!! An absolutely HUGE congratulations Sophie on one of the best debut novels I've ever read. You should be mega proud of yourself!!!!
A beautifully written book whose descriptions are vivid and gorgeous and highlights the beauty of Cornwall and Costa Rica perfectly. The synopsis, title and cover work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself is unique and just absolutely gorgeous. I loved that we got to visit not only Cornwall but also Costa Rica and Sophie has done both places jistoc. I was devastated by the end as it genuinely felt that I had come to the end of one of the most beautiful holidays I've ever had. I loved all the intriguing facts about butterflys and the fact that Sophie has done her research absolutely shines through!!! The storyline is filled with love, loss, friendship, beauty, sadness, happiness and of course butterflies!! It is a true rollercoaster of emotions!!! I was not expecting the twists at all and this is unlike any holiday fiction or romance I've ever read. This did not end like I expected and although I was devastated by a few things that did or didn't happen I LOVE the fact that this book was not predictable. It is so easy to fall into the web of predictability especially on a debut novel but a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Sophie who did not do this!!! I LOVED that I didn't guess the ending which is getting harder and harder the more books I read. The fact that what I hoped would happen didn't makes it more true to life in the fact that we don't always get what we wish for and sometimes the happy ending isn't what you expect.
I was completely invested in the characters. I loved all their unique and eclectic personalities. I really enjoyed watching Erin grow and develop as well as mature as a person throughout the book. It was intriguing watching her relationship with Maggie start and develop throughout the storyline. Maggie absolutely intrigued me and I loved reading her letters although I was definitely in tears several times so make sure you have the tissues ready. If you are going to read this book then you need to clear your diaries as once it sucks you in then your not coming out until the very last page. Absolutely unputdownable!!!
Another congratulations to Sophie on this stunning debut novel. I for one would love to visit The Butterfly Garden and meet Erin and Lucas again. This would make a stunning series and I'm sure I'm not the only person who wants this. If not a series then I still cannot wait to read your next gem of a novel!!! Welcome to my favourite book lost. I most definitely will be recommending this to everyone and anyone.
Overall an absolutely stunning unputdownable unique story that will whisk you to the beautiful Cornwall and stunning Costa Rica.
Some of my favourite quotes in this book include the following:
🦋 "Did you know that their wings are actually transparent, and those wonderful colours we see is just the light reflecting off their scales?’". Talking about butterflies. Learn something new every day. 😊 Actually googled and discovered the following:
"The chitin is covered with modified hairs called 'scales' that contain pigments (such as our very own melanin, found in brown butterflies) that reflect light in different colours. Over time, some of these colourful scales will rub off, exposing the transparent membrane."
Genres covered in this book include Contemporary Fiction and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of JoJo Moyes,. Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult and anyone looking for an absolutely stunning getaway
311 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheButterflyGarden #Bookouture #SophieAnderson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SophieAnderson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
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Review for 'The Butterfly Garden' by Sophie Anderson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Sophie Anderson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 21st June 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also her debut novel.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and gorgeous cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Jojo Moyes, Harriet Evans and Lucinda Riley will be gripped'. I am a huge fan of JoJo Moyes so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 29 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in both Dorset, UK 🇬🇧 and Costa Rica, America 🇺🇸. I always enjoy when books are partly or fully set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Erin. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Butterfly Garden' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Sophie discusses/includes tumours and the death of a child.
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
Wow!!! What an absolutely devastatingly gorgeous heartbreaking stunning book!!! An absolutely HUGE congratulations Sophie on one of the best debut novels I've ever read. You should be mega proud of yourself!!!!
A beautifully written book whose descriptions are vivid and gorgeous and highlights the beauty of Cornwall and Costa Rica perfectly. The synopsis, title and cover work perfectly with the storyline.
The storyline itself is unique and just absolutely gorgeous. I loved that we got to visit not only Cornwall but also Costa Rica and Sophie has done both places jistoc. I was devastated by the end as it genuinely felt that I had come to the end of one of the most beautiful holidays I've ever had. I loved all the intriguing facts about butterflys and the fact that Sophie has done her research absolutely shines through!!! The storyline is filled with love, loss, friendship, beauty, sadness, happiness and of course butterflies!! It is a true rollercoaster of emotions!!! I was not expecting the twists at all and this is unlike any holiday fiction or romance I've ever read. This did not end like I expected and although I was devastated by a few things that did or didn't happen I LOVE the fact that this book was not predictable. It is so easy to fall into the web of predictability especially on a debut novel but a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Sophie who did not do this!!! I LOVED that I didn't guess the ending which is getting harder and harder the more books I read. The fact that what I hoped would happen didn't makes it more true to life in the fact that we don't always get what we wish for and sometimes the happy ending isn't what you expect.
I was completely invested in the characters. I loved all their unique and eclectic personalities. I really enjoyed watching Erin grow and develop as well as mature as a person throughout the book. It was intriguing watching her relationship with Maggie start and develop throughout the storyline. Maggie absolutely intrigued me and I loved reading her letters although I was definitely in tears several times so make sure you have the tissues ready. If you are going to read this book then you need to clear your diaries as once it sucks you in then your not coming out until the very last page. Absolutely unputdownable!!!
Another congratulations to Sophie on this stunning debut novel. I for one would love to visit The Butterfly Garden and meet Erin and Lucas again. This would make a stunning series and I'm sure I'm not the only person who wants this. If not a series then I still cannot wait to read your next gem of a novel!!! Welcome to my favourite book lost. I most definitely will be recommending this to everyone and anyone.
Overall an absolutely stunning unputdownable unique story that will whisk you to the beautiful Cornwall and stunning Costa Rica.
Some of my favourite quotes in this book include the following:
🦋 "Did you know that their wings are actually transparent, and those wonderful colours we see is just the light reflecting off their scales?’". Talking about butterflies. Learn something new every day. 😊 Actually googled and discovered the following:
"The chitin is covered with modified hairs called 'scales' that contain pigments (such as our very own melanin, found in brown butterflies) that reflect light in different colours. Over time, some of these colourful scales will rub off, exposing the transparent membrane."
Genres covered in this book include Contemporary Fiction and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of JoJo Moyes,. Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult and anyone looking for an absolutely stunning getaway
311 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheButterflyGarden #Bookouture #SophieAnderson #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SophieAnderson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
May 11, 2021
Secrets never stay secret forever and secrets can tear families apart.
Set in Cornwall, Erin has become the talk of her hometown. After a stint living in London as the muse to a married artist, one whom she loved, she moved back home and into her family home feeling ashamed. She can’t go back to working in her local pub or working in the shop, so when she sees an advert for ‘eyes wanted’ by the local recluse Maggie, butterfly enthusiast and author who lives on the cliffs, Erin applies and finds herself helping Maggie write her latest novel. This is a different book for Maggie. It doesn’t fall under her usual genre of writing, but as she is coming to her end being terminally ill, her last book is to be an apology to her long-lost son.
After the death of his sister in 1987, Lucas ran away to Costa Rica in search of a new start and to eradicate his mother from his life, but his mother does not want to leave the world without making amends and finding peace. However, she is now too frail to track him down, so she sends Erin in the hope she can help have all the wrongs made right.
I loved how Maggie’s story was told as Erin was typing up her manuscript, the way it unfolded across the 1980’s time period leading up to her moving to Cornwall in 1987 was perfect. It is really well-paced and had me hooked from the start. I also enjoyed how Erin’s life entwined with Maggie with her family not being as perfect after all as she learnt of a huge hidden secret, and had it not been for Maggie she may have never found out. This is a wonderful story, which brought on an array of emotions and I am now looking forward to reading more books from Sophie Anderson.
Set in Cornwall, Erin has become the talk of her hometown. After a stint living in London as the muse to a married artist, one whom she loved, she moved back home and into her family home feeling ashamed. She can’t go back to working in her local pub or working in the shop, so when she sees an advert for ‘eyes wanted’ by the local recluse Maggie, butterfly enthusiast and author who lives on the cliffs, Erin applies and finds herself helping Maggie write her latest novel. This is a different book for Maggie. It doesn’t fall under her usual genre of writing, but as she is coming to her end being terminally ill, her last book is to be an apology to her long-lost son.
After the death of his sister in 1987, Lucas ran away to Costa Rica in search of a new start and to eradicate his mother from his life, but his mother does not want to leave the world without making amends and finding peace. However, she is now too frail to track him down, so she sends Erin in the hope she can help have all the wrongs made right.
I loved how Maggie’s story was told as Erin was typing up her manuscript, the way it unfolded across the 1980’s time period leading up to her moving to Cornwall in 1987 was perfect. It is really well-paced and had me hooked from the start. I also enjoyed how Erin’s life entwined with Maggie with her family not being as perfect after all as she learnt of a huge hidden secret, and had it not been for Maggie she may have never found out. This is a wonderful story, which brought on an array of emotions and I am now looking forward to reading more books from Sophie Anderson.
May 9, 2021
The Butterfly Garden is a story of family drama, intertwining two families and their secrets from the past.
Erin returns home after breaking up with her lover, she is looking for a job and finds one of the most peculiar; she will work for Maggie an old writer who lives secluded in her house. Erin will help her write her latest book, and little by little a friendship will be born.
It's a story about feeling lost and finding your way, family love and forgiveness, secrets and being strong enough to face them.
Erin feels lost, she has dreams, but she is going through a moment where she is not sure what she wants and if what she always wanted will make her happy, maybe its time to find a new goal and try new things.
Discovering Maggie's story and helping her in rectifying the past will help Erin to aspire for a better future.
It feel very realistic, the characters are so human, they make mistakes, hide things and want to be better,
Very enjoyable, lovely descriptions, specially I like the part about Costa Rica, wish it had been more extensive, it's a beautiful place. Also, the descriptions of the butterflies were wonderful.
Erin returns home after breaking up with her lover, she is looking for a job and finds one of the most peculiar; she will work for Maggie an old writer who lives secluded in her house. Erin will help her write her latest book, and little by little a friendship will be born.
It's a story about feeling lost and finding your way, family love and forgiveness, secrets and being strong enough to face them.
Erin feels lost, she has dreams, but she is going through a moment where she is not sure what she wants and if what she always wanted will make her happy, maybe its time to find a new goal and try new things.
Discovering Maggie's story and helping her in rectifying the past will help Erin to aspire for a better future.
It feel very realistic, the characters are so human, they make mistakes, hide things and want to be better,
Very enjoyable, lovely descriptions, specially I like the part about Costa Rica, wish it had been more extensive, it's a beautiful place. Also, the descriptions of the butterflies were wonderful.
May 13, 2021
Maggie, a reclusive author, is dying and losing her sight due to a brain tumour. Erin, has returned to Cornwall following a distrastrous love affair. Erin takes on a job writing Maggie's last book, a true life story. As Maggie's story unfolds, well kept family secrets unravel from both sides.
What tragedy made Maggie become a recluse and can Erin help before it's too late
A delightful story that takes the reader from Cornwall to Costa Rica to discover truths.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own
What tragedy made Maggie become a recluse and can Erin help before it's too late
A delightful story that takes the reader from Cornwall to Costa Rica to discover truths.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own
July 25, 2021
Engrossing
I particularly enjoyed the way the author told the story through the manuscript. At first it was a bit confusing, but soon the reader figures out the plan. It was very clever how the story intertwined, and reminds us how much we can learn from each other if we open our hearts and minds. I recommend.
I particularly enjoyed the way the author told the story through the manuscript. At first it was a bit confusing, but soon the reader figures out the plan. It was very clever how the story intertwined, and reminds us how much we can learn from each other if we open our hearts and minds. I recommend.
November 11, 2021
Beautifully written
A very touching and moving story, kept me enthralled until the end, almost felt like I was reading a true life story.
A very touching and moving story, kept me enthralled until the end, almost felt like I was reading a true life story.
December 24, 2021
A beautifully etched story about family and secrets and everything in between
I loved how both the characters were details with a lot of twists in between
A surprisingly captivating read
I loved how both the characters were details with a lot of twists in between
A surprisingly captivating read
July 16, 2021
Excellent book
November 8, 2021
This book
This is such a sad story but I loved how the author somehow brought out the humour in Maggie. Very moving
This is such a sad story but I loved how the author somehow brought out the humour in Maggie. Very moving
April 5, 2021
An absolutely delightful novel where the friendship between Maggie and Erin blossoms. Erin's a young girl, betrayed by a married lover and comes home to rebuild her life. Maggie is housebound, dying and needs support drafting a manuscript for one last story. Their lives intertwine more after Maggie instigates a Christmas Day family secret that has a massive impact for Erin.
Maggie's manuscript is packed within the story that has even more secrets unravel,
Maggie and Erin's relationship is pure joy, and when the likes of Fred and Jose join them it makes for even more pleasure off the page.
From Cornwall to Costa Rica, this book delights over and over. With the added bonus of learning about butterflies on the way.
A difficult storyline as a subplot handled delicately and sensitively, as well as heartache along the way, this book has it all.
Maggie's manuscript is packed within the story that has even more secrets unravel,
Maggie and Erin's relationship is pure joy, and when the likes of Fred and Jose join them it makes for even more pleasure off the page.
From Cornwall to Costa Rica, this book delights over and over. With the added bonus of learning about butterflies on the way.
A difficult storyline as a subplot handled delicately and sensitively, as well as heartache along the way, this book has it all.
April 20, 2021
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN by Sophie Anderson in exchange for an honest review. Erin returned home to Cornwall in shame after she ran off for London with her married lover; Erin eventually realized his promises to leave his wife were just lies. The need for employment leads Erin to take a job as an amanuensis with the reclusive writer living in a huge house on the Cornish cliffs. The writer, Maggie, is dying, her eyesight is failing, and she has one last book she needs to write - the story of her daughter’s death and the tale of the fallout afterward. Maggie’s estrangement from her son Lucas is the writer’s real regret. Even as Erin finds herself becoming emotionally invested in Maggie and her woes, she finds herself facing her own estrangement from her parents. Can lies be overcome and peace be achieved? Can Erin learn from Maggie’s life lessons?
This is a poignant tale. It’s sad, but there’s hope to be found. I recommend this book to fans of sad stories where the characters are forced to grow in order to reach a brighter future.
#TheButterflyGarden #NetGalley
This is a poignant tale. It’s sad, but there’s hope to be found. I recommend this book to fans of sad stories where the characters are forced to grow in order to reach a brighter future.
#TheButterflyGarden #NetGalley
July 15, 2021
Wow! Loved this debut novel
Best novel I've read in a long time. It made me laugh and cry. Kept me wondering what would happen next. Love story with no trash. Looking forward to her next one. Write fast!!
Best novel I've read in a long time. It made me laugh and cry. Kept me wondering what would happen next. Love story with no trash. Looking forward to her next one. Write fast!!
January 10, 2022
4.5 - very enjoyable.
October 28, 2021
Wonderfully written
Read this book in to days. Couldn't put it down. All the interesting characters pull you in throughout. I had not read this author before but certainly will follow her now
Read this book in to days. Couldn't put it down. All the interesting characters pull you in throughout. I had not read this author before but certainly will follow her now
April 1, 2021
A great story within a story. Erin returns home and goes to help Maggie finish writing her book before she dies of a brain tumor. A lot of pain and tragedy of the past, overflowing into the present makes for a bittersweet story. Highly recommend this book and author. A wonderful read.
August 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The story unfolded with two different families telling their stories. The families had many deep rooted secrets. Going back in time for the one family story worked, as Maggie is writing her last story. Erin, who is helping Maggie finish her draft, has the other story. Is Erin an only child? Maggie has some knowledge of this and let's out a possible family secret on Christmas Day. As Erin's family spirals and Maggie disparately tries to finish her story before dying of cancer, will Erin and Maggie get their anwers?
April 4, 2021
Whilst it had all the makings of a thrilling, gripping, heartbreaking novel, it was slow and I was not swept away by the story. It was too long and dragged in the middle and could have been shorter and to the point. A family divided by death, mental health and a young girl stepping into an old lady's life which is nearing its conclusion, trying to heal the wounds of a separated family. This young stranger does a good attempt to bring the son of the old lady to see her before her demise, but he has not seen his mother for 30 odd years and has no desire to relive the past.
June 21, 2021
Beautiful. A lovely read; written with heart. This story was just wonderful. I couldn't stop reading once I started. Such wonderful writing. Loved loved loved.
Merged review:
Beautiful. A lovely read; written with heart. This story was just wonderful. I couldn't stop reading once I started. Such wonderful writing. Loved loved loved.
Merged review:
Beautiful. A lovely read; written with heart. This story was just wonderful. I couldn't stop reading once I started. Such wonderful writing. Loved loved loved.
July 25, 2021
Beautiful
June 21, 2021
The Butterfly Garden is the debut novel from Sophie Anderson and it’s a dark, moody, atmospheric read. It’s very much a slow burner with a very slow and steady pace throughout which never quite builds to a crescendo of revelation rather like the mental state of the characters it maintains a measured and heavy feeling as the story develops. It had all the makings of a classic thrilling read, full of family secrets but yet I never became fully gripped and swept away by it. It’s a good read but I feel it only touches the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the author is potentially capable of. This book has the most gorgeous of covers and the title suggest the butterfly garden may very well play a pivotal role in the story, it does to a certain extent but not in the way I had imagined it. It’s more of an analogy that ties in with the story of Maggie and her son.
The main story is set in the coastal village of Portheal and the landscape, climate and the sea match the mood of the characters. Interspersed throughout are diary entries written by Maggie detailing what happened to her following a traumatic and unforgettable loss. These pieces of writing will go on to form the basis of Maggie’s last book and in attempting to collate everything together she is searching for peace, forgiveness and acceptance. So many wrongs need to be put right as time is running out. Here is where Erin steps in, can she help Maggie resolve what has haunted her for so many years? But she too has messed up her life and returned to Portheal with her tail between her legs having been deemed a homewrecker. Both Erin and Maggie are lonely, confused and hurting. They share similar characteristics although the circumstances for these differ between each woman. When Erin responds to a sign saying eyes wanted little does she realise the emotional journey she is about to go on but secrets in families will eventually come to the surface as the ghosts, lies and hardships come to the surface.
Maggie lives in Hookes End in a house which clings to the edge of a cliff and is more or less falling down around her. It’s like she has given up and you couldn’t blame her giving her eyesight is failing thanks to a diagnosis she would never have wished for. Maggie when Erin meets her is very hard to read. She reveals nothing about herself and has been very much an enigma in the village for as long as anyone can remember. The circumstances that brought her to Hookes End have never been revealed. But there is something about Maggie that Erin is drawn to. Yes she may have initially taken the job as a means of forgetting what had happened to her and to hide away and earn some money but a revelation regarding her own family has further turned her world upside down. Hookes End provides an escape and a safety net for her and getting to know Maggie as she edits her diary entries and types what Maggie dictates makes her feel as if her worries can be cast aside, for a time at least.
Maggie is very much a haunted character and to be honest I much preferred her to Erin. She was very well written and having the diary entries gave us glimpses into her past. She may now be a recluse despite having had success with her novels but many years ago an event tore her world apart that led to devastation, separation, hurt, anger and a descent into a mental state very much hard to come out of. The diary entries were fascinating, insightful and at times hard to read but they gave us a window into Maggie’s soul. When the reason for Maggie’s way of being and feeling is revealed all the snippets from the past that I had read made much more sense and I had a much deeper appreciation and understanding of what she had been through. I felt her reasons for feeling this way were justified but how her body and mind reacted afterwards was very hard to read about. She has a life full of regrets and as her illness worsens she wishes Erin to help her make amends. There were slow and tantalising hints dropped as to the root cause of Maggie’s isolation, pain, suffering and the life of regrets she has. When the reveal came after the story dragged in the middle, the exact details of it were surprising to me but it helped me make sense of several other strands of the story.
Erin and Maggie do form an unlikely pair but I loved the close friendship and bond that developed between them. Erin was never going to let Maggie suffer alone and she did her utmost best for her at all times. But yet I felt the house became a refuge too for Erin away from all her own insecurities and troubles and she had to push these to the side to tend to Maggie and complete one last favour before it was too late. I kept waiting for the butterfly garden of the title to feature. Yes, there were mentions of butterflies and Maggie’s connection to them but what was the meaning behind it? When Erin sets about completing one final task for Maggie before it's too late the atmosphere of the book lifted ever so slightly despite the grave nature of the overall situation. The descriptions of Costa Rica were just so stunning and visual and in total contrast to those of Cornwall. This is where I felt Erin’s own journey really took place too and shaped and moulded her in order to deal with and confront her own family issues. This part of the book I enjoyed as it was slowly giving us answers and another perspective to Maggie’s story was shared. I just wondered could Erin unravel the secrets of the past before it was too late or had too much damage been done for absolution and compassion to be found and accepted?
Overall The Butterfly Garden was a good read but I found it to be a but if a mixed bag in places and then in others there were wonderfully written moments but not enough to have me fully engrossed. That said, I would definitely read something in the future that this author writes as with time I feel she could become someone who will grow a big fanbase.
The main story is set in the coastal village of Portheal and the landscape, climate and the sea match the mood of the characters. Interspersed throughout are diary entries written by Maggie detailing what happened to her following a traumatic and unforgettable loss. These pieces of writing will go on to form the basis of Maggie’s last book and in attempting to collate everything together she is searching for peace, forgiveness and acceptance. So many wrongs need to be put right as time is running out. Here is where Erin steps in, can she help Maggie resolve what has haunted her for so many years? But she too has messed up her life and returned to Portheal with her tail between her legs having been deemed a homewrecker. Both Erin and Maggie are lonely, confused and hurting. They share similar characteristics although the circumstances for these differ between each woman. When Erin responds to a sign saying eyes wanted little does she realise the emotional journey she is about to go on but secrets in families will eventually come to the surface as the ghosts, lies and hardships come to the surface.
Maggie lives in Hookes End in a house which clings to the edge of a cliff and is more or less falling down around her. It’s like she has given up and you couldn’t blame her giving her eyesight is failing thanks to a diagnosis she would never have wished for. Maggie when Erin meets her is very hard to read. She reveals nothing about herself and has been very much an enigma in the village for as long as anyone can remember. The circumstances that brought her to Hookes End have never been revealed. But there is something about Maggie that Erin is drawn to. Yes she may have initially taken the job as a means of forgetting what had happened to her and to hide away and earn some money but a revelation regarding her own family has further turned her world upside down. Hookes End provides an escape and a safety net for her and getting to know Maggie as she edits her diary entries and types what Maggie dictates makes her feel as if her worries can be cast aside, for a time at least.
Maggie is very much a haunted character and to be honest I much preferred her to Erin. She was very well written and having the diary entries gave us glimpses into her past. She may now be a recluse despite having had success with her novels but many years ago an event tore her world apart that led to devastation, separation, hurt, anger and a descent into a mental state very much hard to come out of. The diary entries were fascinating, insightful and at times hard to read but they gave us a window into Maggie’s soul. When the reason for Maggie’s way of being and feeling is revealed all the snippets from the past that I had read made much more sense and I had a much deeper appreciation and understanding of what she had been through. I felt her reasons for feeling this way were justified but how her body and mind reacted afterwards was very hard to read about. She has a life full of regrets and as her illness worsens she wishes Erin to help her make amends. There were slow and tantalising hints dropped as to the root cause of Maggie’s isolation, pain, suffering and the life of regrets she has. When the reveal came after the story dragged in the middle, the exact details of it were surprising to me but it helped me make sense of several other strands of the story.
Erin and Maggie do form an unlikely pair but I loved the close friendship and bond that developed between them. Erin was never going to let Maggie suffer alone and she did her utmost best for her at all times. But yet I felt the house became a refuge too for Erin away from all her own insecurities and troubles and she had to push these to the side to tend to Maggie and complete one last favour before it was too late. I kept waiting for the butterfly garden of the title to feature. Yes, there were mentions of butterflies and Maggie’s connection to them but what was the meaning behind it? When Erin sets about completing one final task for Maggie before it's too late the atmosphere of the book lifted ever so slightly despite the grave nature of the overall situation. The descriptions of Costa Rica were just so stunning and visual and in total contrast to those of Cornwall. This is where I felt Erin’s own journey really took place too and shaped and moulded her in order to deal with and confront her own family issues. This part of the book I enjoyed as it was slowly giving us answers and another perspective to Maggie’s story was shared. I just wondered could Erin unravel the secrets of the past before it was too late or had too much damage been done for absolution and compassion to be found and accepted?
Overall The Butterfly Garden was a good read but I found it to be a but if a mixed bag in places and then in others there were wonderfully written moments but not enough to have me fully engrossed. That said, I would definitely read something in the future that this author writes as with time I feel she could become someone who will grow a big fanbase.
June 16, 2021
Thank you to @sarahhardy681 for organising this magnificent blog tour and also to @bookouture and @MSophieanderson for the ARC in return for an honest review. The Butterfly Garden is due to be published on 21st June 2021 and you can get a copy here.
Description 🔖
Erin moves from London back home to her parents house in Cornwall after a failed relationship and she feels as though she’s hit rock bottom. In search of a job, she spots an advertisement for a job at Hookes End, a huge house on the edge of the cliffs. The owner; Maggie is looking for someone to help her write her final manuscript before she dies.
Maggie has lived alone for many years and she harbours secrets that she’s never shared with anyone. Her son lives on the other side of the world in Costa Rica and there are things she really wants to say to him before her time is up. Can Erin help Maggie find the forgiveness she seeks before it’s too late?
General Thoughts 🤔
This book was so beautiful. It was heart wrenching for sure but there were so many moments that made me feel all warm and tingly inside. Maggie was quite abrasive towards Erin in the beginning but as the story progressed it put such a smile on my face to see her barriers fall.
It’s true that every family has it’s secrets but I think Erin and Maggie bonded over the magnitude of their family secrets. They weren’t just little fibs told to protect other people, they were pretty big whoppers. Both families had guarded secrets for many years and I can see how it could be so easily done. Once it’s past a certain point it must be harder to tell the truth and therefore easier to just lock away. I loved that this story brought together two people who ordinarily would never make a pair but under the surface, they had so much in common and so much to learn from one another.
Characters 👬👫👭
Despite her harsh edges and somewhat dark past, I couldn’t help but warm to Maggie. After spending so many years on her own, I don’t doubt that it was hard for her letting people back into her life. The weight of her secrets and regrets had to have worn her down over the years and I sympathised with her plight to try and make things right in her final time of life.
Little bit of an under the radar character, but I really liked Erin’s Dad. He came across as the sweetest and most caring man. Erin’s parents had been holding a secret of their own from Erin, but when it finally came out, I thought that her Dad handled the situation really well. He was conscious of Erin’s feelings by wanting her to know the truth but also protective of Erin’s Mother’s feelings by not rushing her to be forthcoming with details.
Writing Style ✍️
The story follows two different timelines; the present and the past. The past is told via excerpts from Maggie’s manuscript which I really enjoyed. Those smaller sections opened my eyes to the reasons behind Maggie’s later behaviours.
Sophie Anderson certainly knows how to pull on the heart strings and I thought that the characters that she wrote and the way in which she made me feel like I was close to them was fantastic. On top of that I loved her destination descriptions. The way in which she weaved small details about Cornwall and Costa Rica into the story made the locations jump right off the page.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖️
I feel like this book came at the perfect time for me. I didn’t know I needed something a little slower paced that would make me really concentrate on the characters and their feelings; but I obviously did. A story of deceit and long-held secrets told alongside beautiful relationships and lessons about letting go. Such a great book!
Description 🔖
Erin moves from London back home to her parents house in Cornwall after a failed relationship and she feels as though she’s hit rock bottom. In search of a job, she spots an advertisement for a job at Hookes End, a huge house on the edge of the cliffs. The owner; Maggie is looking for someone to help her write her final manuscript before she dies.
Maggie has lived alone for many years and she harbours secrets that she’s never shared with anyone. Her son lives on the other side of the world in Costa Rica and there are things she really wants to say to him before her time is up. Can Erin help Maggie find the forgiveness she seeks before it’s too late?
General Thoughts 🤔
This book was so beautiful. It was heart wrenching for sure but there were so many moments that made me feel all warm and tingly inside. Maggie was quite abrasive towards Erin in the beginning but as the story progressed it put such a smile on my face to see her barriers fall.
It’s true that every family has it’s secrets but I think Erin and Maggie bonded over the magnitude of their family secrets. They weren’t just little fibs told to protect other people, they were pretty big whoppers. Both families had guarded secrets for many years and I can see how it could be so easily done. Once it’s past a certain point it must be harder to tell the truth and therefore easier to just lock away. I loved that this story brought together two people who ordinarily would never make a pair but under the surface, they had so much in common and so much to learn from one another.
Characters 👬👫👭
Despite her harsh edges and somewhat dark past, I couldn’t help but warm to Maggie. After spending so many years on her own, I don’t doubt that it was hard for her letting people back into her life. The weight of her secrets and regrets had to have worn her down over the years and I sympathised with her plight to try and make things right in her final time of life.
Little bit of an under the radar character, but I really liked Erin’s Dad. He came across as the sweetest and most caring man. Erin’s parents had been holding a secret of their own from Erin, but when it finally came out, I thought that her Dad handled the situation really well. He was conscious of Erin’s feelings by wanting her to know the truth but also protective of Erin’s Mother’s feelings by not rushing her to be forthcoming with details.
Writing Style ✍️
The story follows two different timelines; the present and the past. The past is told via excerpts from Maggie’s manuscript which I really enjoyed. Those smaller sections opened my eyes to the reasons behind Maggie’s later behaviours.
Sophie Anderson certainly knows how to pull on the heart strings and I thought that the characters that she wrote and the way in which she made me feel like I was close to them was fantastic. On top of that I loved her destination descriptions. The way in which she weaved small details about Cornwall and Costa Rica into the story made the locations jump right off the page.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖️
I feel like this book came at the perfect time for me. I didn’t know I needed something a little slower paced that would make me really concentrate on the characters and their feelings; but I obviously did. A story of deceit and long-held secrets told alongside beautiful relationships and lessons about letting go. Such a great book!
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