The Garden of Small Beginnings by

Lili, a successful illustrator and single mother, has been navigating life since her husband's tragic death three years ago. While she manages her daily routine, the emotional void remains. When she's commissioned to illustrate a series of horticultural books and joins a weekly gardening class, her life begins to flourish anew. The gardening class introduces her to a diverse group of friends, each carrying their own burdens, and potentially, a new chance at love. This uplifting novel explores themes of friendship, love, and personal growth. With its witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, it captures the essence of grabbing life by the roots and finding beauty in unexpected places. Fans of authors like Jojo Moyes and Lucy Diamond will appreciate this gloriously funny and life-affirming read.

Reviews

Dear Author · 2021-05-24

delightful 4.25

The story is filled with smart, sardonic humor that makes it highly enjoyable. The characters and their interactions are particularly noteworthy.

The reviewer from Dear Author adores the smart, sardonic humor that permeates 'The Garden of Small Beginnings'. They find the book to be packed with witty and deadpan humor that makes it a delightful read. The characters are well-crafted, and their interactions add depth and enjoyment to the story. The reviewer particularly appreciates the unique humor style, which they find to be a perfect fit for their tastes. The book's ability to blend humor with more serious themes is also highlighted, making it a well-rounded and engaging read.

Quick quotes

The story is packed to the brim with smart, sardonic, deadpan humor.

This is my kind of humor and I adored it.

The characters are well-crafted, and their interactions add depth and enjoyment to the story.

Los Angeles Times High School · 2019-05-15

powerful 4.50

The book is a powerful blend of sadness and humor, making it both intense and delightful. The delicate handling of themes makes it a standout read.

This review from the Los Angeles Times High School section praises 'The Garden of Small Beginnings' for its ability to balance intense emotional moments with lighthearted humor. The reviewer finds the book to be beautifully delicate in its approach to heavy themes, making it a powerful and enjoyable read. The narrative's wit and humor are particularly highlighted, adding a layer of enjoyment that contrasts with the more serious aspects of the story. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to teach big lessons through a compelling and engaging story.

Quick quotes

This book was sad, intense, and powerful, yet it was also hilarious and witty, as well as beautifully delicate through and through.

The narrative's wit and humor are particularly highlighted, adding a layer of enjoyment that contrasts with the more serious aspects of the story.

The book's ability to teach big lessons through a compelling and engaging story.

Samantha Kilford · Samantha Kilford · 2018-01-10

thought-provoking 4.00

The book tackles heavy themes with a balance of humor and emotional depth, making it a compelling read. The protagonist's journey through grief is both poignant and relatable.

Samantha Kilford's review highlights how 'The Garden of Small Beginnings' skillfully navigates the complexities of grief and loss. The narrative is infused with moments of humor that lighten the heavier themes, creating a balanced and engaging story. Kilford appreciates the emotional rollercoaster that the protagonist experiences, making the book both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions add depth to the story, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

The Garden of Small Beginnings deals with some heavy subject matters and Waxman's musings on the emotional rollercoaster that is learning to cope with grief.

The humor keeps the book from being depressing or maudlin.

The characters are well-developed, and their interactions add depth to the story.

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