This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Kay Brooks
Tilly Parker is looking for a fresh start away from the sympathetic glances and pain of the past. Taking on a plot at Ivy Lane Allotments seems like a good way to keep herself busy and learn a new skill at the same time but Tilly finds more than she was looking for. The Ivy Lane community are overly-enthusiastic, a bit nosey and eager to recruit another member, no matter how unwilling, to help organise events. Unfortunately, Tilly’s looking for solitude and is determined to keep everyone at a distance. If she could just learn to trust people again, Ivy Lane and all it has to offer could be exactly what she needs.
Ivy Lane was originally sold in four installments, one for each of the seasons. We join Tilly at the start of Spring when she has moved to a new area, found a part-time job as a primary school teacher and procured a plot on Ivy Lane Allotments. I have to say I’m glad I was given the whole collection to read as one as, when I am enjoying a story, I hate being forced waiting to know what happens next. This way, I could read as much as I wanted and, on a few nights, I looked at the clock to see I had been reading for much longer than I intended to.
Tilly is a warm character that I took to straight away. She has had her heart broken in the past but the reader is left to speculate as to why, with only small clues dropped as the plot progresses. As the seasons pass, Tilly starts to heal and a whole new side to her is revealed.
It is rare to read a book with such a unique cast of characters, each one wonderfully lovable with their quirks, flaws and different personality traits. There’s glamorous beautician, Gemma, who would rather do her nails than plant vegetables; her wayward daughter, Mia, and handsome fireman, Charlie, who is one of the first to welcome Tilly with literal open arms. This is one of those special stories where, even when you put the book down, you are still thinking about the characters and wondering what will come their way next.Ivy Lane is never short on drama, whether it’s storm or fire damage, unexpected pregnancy or visiting criminals. The story really picks up pace when a television production company reveals their plans to film the allotment and the gardeners’ progress. Tilly quickly finds that her efforts to remain in the background are futile.
I recommend a visit to Ivy Lane for all readers of women’s fiction! A warm, friendly welcome is guaranteed!
9/10