The Keys to the Garden

by Susan Sallis

Widowed Martha Moreton was a devoted mother to her only child Lucy, and when Lucy married Len, Martha gradually came to terms with her marriage. This story explores the maternal bond of mother and daughter.

Genres: Fiction

412 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Susan Sallis was the author of over twenty bestselling novels, many of them set in the West Country. She was born in Gloucestershire and lived in Somerset with her family. She died in 2020.

Reviews

[Isabella Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different from I expected at the outset. It went much deeper. I was amazed and inspired by Martha's capacity to forgive.

[Janet C · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started the book, it seemed to be an 'easy' feel good read, however, about a third of the way through it all changed and the dark side of the characters started to be apparent.

I stuck with this book despite the fact that almost everyone in the book is very flawed and I developed a deep dislike of them.

I guess this just wasn't 'my kind of book' so if you're looking for a light hearted feel good read, this isn't, in my opinion, it.

[Mrs J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but very long winded.

I enjoyed the story, but wanted it to hurry up in places. There was a lot of introspective soul-searching and guilt going on, that was necessary to the overall plot, but irritating, nonetheless. Twisty and with an unsuspected ending, which was good, as I do like a surprise.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I was reluctant to put down. The relationship between the mother and daughter was so close that one wondered how this was going to pan out. Not how I expected though.

[Shirley Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Silly, not humorous, women

Couldn't finish. Couldn't stand the silly women characters. Didn't see any redeeming qualities or worthwhile plot development. Can't believe I read as far as I did.

[Christina Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I loved Susan Sallis's beach stories in Cornwall, particularly the sense of place. Not a great sense of place in this novel, but wonderful character development and relationship wisdom.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mothers and daughters have such a complicated bond. How much is too much? How much is not enough? This mother daughter pain have such a relationship.

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story, nothing like I imagined it would be.

[Cheryll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story but a bit long at 413 pages. The end was not what I expected and the final few chapters raced along!