In the Shadow Garden

Liz Parker — 2022

Three generations of witches must discover where their magic went wrong as secrets resurface that could solve a twenty-year-old mystery in this riveting debut, perfect for fans of Practical Magic and Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe. There's something magical about Yarrow, Kentucky. The three empathic witches of the Haywood family are known for their shadow garden—from strawberries that taste like chocolate to cherry tomatoes with hints of basil and oregano. Their magic can cure any heartache, and the fruits of their garden bring a special quality to the local bourbon distillery. On one day every year, a shot of Bonner bourbon will make your worst memory disappear. But twenty years ago, the town gave up more than one memory for the year; they forgot an entire summer. One person died. One person disappeared. And no one has any idea why. As secrets from that fateful summer start to come to light, there must be a reckoning between the rival Haywood and Bonner families. But the only clue Irene Haywood has is in her tea leaves: a stranger’s arrival will bring either love or betrayal…

Reviews

Leah | @LeahsLittlePleasures@leahslittlepleasures

Nov 5, 2022

This was perfectly witchy, mysterious, and downright magical. A delightful fall-time read to start the season!

In The Shadow Garden combines magic, mystery, romance, and healing in a modern, small town setting told through multiple points of view. It was utterly cozy and atmospheric from the start with great banter and dialogue, hints of a who-dun-it mystery and second chance romance, and overarching themes of being connected to the universe as well as the process of heartbreak and healing. It was such a unique spin on the everyday, average murder mystery. I don't think I've read anything like it before. And I had such a wonderful time getting lost in these pages!

In a magical town where tea leaves are read, bourbon is brewed, missing memories abound, and healing magic resides, a darkness has seeped in and planted roots and an entire town has forgotten that summer 25 years ago when a man died and another disappeared and was completely forgotten.

THIS STORY HAS:
🪄 magic x mystery
🌿 gardens x tea leaves
✨ modern day witches
🧍🏻 the prodigal son
🏡 small town feels
🥃 kentucky locale x bourbon
⚡️ family rivalry x generational grudges
❤️‍🩹 healing x memory magic
🗣️ multiple POVs
💫 magical realism
💞 second chance romance

Thank you to Forever Publishing for my early copy!

Content Warnings: domestic/child abuse, death of a family member, past trauma/grief

Katherine Marie Elizabeth@kat_marel

Jun 3, 2022