Return to the Secret Garden by Holly Webb - Starting October 6, 2016

[Adriana]

Return to the magic of Burnett's classic tale with a brand-new character as she discovers a very secret garden.

It's 1939, and the occupants of the Craven Home for Orphaned Children have been evacuated to Misselthwaite Hall, a fancy manor in the English countryside, to escape the Blitz. Emmie would hardly call the orphanage "home," but her heart breaks knowing that leaving Craven means leaving her beloved cat, Lucy. Away from everything she's ever known and trapped in imposing Misselthwaite, Emmie finds herself more miserable than ever.

But soon she starts discovering the secrets of the house-a boy who cries in the night, a diary written by a girl named Mary, and a garden. A very secret garden…

[Adriana]

Ch. 1 (view spoiler)[ Really beautiful writing. I like Emmie already. I'm assuming she's supposed to be like Mary. Pale, skinny, and unwanted. I wanted to slap that woman for doing that to her. How dare you? She's trying to show compassion. I wish the cat hadn't left. I feel sorry for it because there is a clear bond there at least on Emmie's side. The beginning reminded me of Narnia. How they had to leave London - their parents behind and go on a train to the country. I can't believe that was an actual thing. I would have to go with my kids. Someone could hurt them. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 2 (view spoiler)[ I hope it isn't Mary with Colin. I always liked her with Dickon. Plus, they are cousins. I'm surprised Colin would go off to war but not too surprised because he became a whole new person at the end. Has he neglected seeing his child like his father did to him? That would be unfortunate. Jack is one, I wonder who the other is. I hope we see Dickon and his kids. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 3 (view spoiler)[ I'm sure Mrs. Craven is Mary. Why would she send her kid away? She seems like she retained her kindness...

So she found a Robin and is talking to it. It looks like the story is going to follow the original somewhat. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 4 (view spoiler)[ Oh no! Mary's son David is in the airforce. How sad. Jack is so angry. He's lashing out for some reason. Mary should do something.

I think there were diaries in the original book but I'm not sure. I know there was a key in a drawer or something. So it looks like Emmie is going to walk the same path as Mary. She's like a kindred spirit. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 5 (view spoiler)[ Of course it's not a secret anymore little girl. Mary found it and the people from the house will surely know about it. Jack is obviously the person who is crying. I'm surprised his mother doesn't know. I want to know his reasoning. I'm sure it's because he misses his brother and father and clearly has no friends. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 6 (view spoiler)[ Aw! What a sweet moment. I feel like Ruby, Joey, and Arthur are going to find their way into the secret garden. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 7 (view spoiler)[ Even though this is closely resembling the original I'm still really enjoying the new story and the nostalgia. I'm so glad Lucy is safe and sound and that she really cares for Emmie. I feel like I know how the story is going to go though which isn't too bad of a thing. She will probably get adopted by the Cravens since they are so fond of her and she'll end up with Jack. I hope David survives... (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 8 (view spoiler)[ WHY!? You had to kill Colin off didn't you. Poor Mary and David and Jack. I refuse to believe he is actually dead. I just don't believe it. Couldn't Emmie see that Mary was grief stricken and that it was her secret garden. She should realize who she is and that she's lost the love of her life. She must feel like the magic in the garden betrayed her. (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 9 (view spoiler)[ I'm glad everything was revealed. It's really sad to think about Dickon then and now but he's courting Ms. Rose which is really sweet. I'm glad she and Jack are friends again. Jack was obviously upset to hear that she might be going. I got teary eyed when Mary was talking about Colin and her past. I'm really enjoying this book and its almost done! (hide spoiler)]

Ch. 10 (view spoiler)[ David is definitely going to be alright. They wouldn't kill him off too. (hide spoiler)]

Done (view spoiler)[ Oh I loved that ending with his brother being there. Very much like the ending. Kind of abrupt though. I feel like there should have something a little more to the closing. Not necessarily her getting adopted but something. (hide spoiler)]