The Memory Gardener, by Meg Donohue

The Memory Gardener, by Meg Donohue, is a charming story which contains a couple of intriguing mysteries and characters who seem believable and likeable. The writing style is pleasing and flows nicely, and I found the plot to be perfectly paced. The main protagonist, Lucy, has grown up in what sounds like a beautiful, idealic place close to the ocean called Bantam Bay. Lucy's special talent is gardening. Actually, it's more than a talent--it's actually a magical gift. Lucy's plants grow faster than anyone else's, but the most important power she has is the matching of particular scents to people, to bring out their best memories. Her gardens are wondrous, healing places for her clients. However, Lucy has not stayed in Bantam Bay. To the contrary, she's been a nomad for years, avoiding her hometown for reasons that will unfold as this novel progresses. When we meet Lucy, her mother has recently died, and she is returning to Bantam Bay to stay with her father be...