The Memory Gardener, by Meg Donohue

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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 because she's worried about him.

The next part of the plot is about how Lucy flourishes at a local job to rejuvenate the gardens at The Oceanview Home, a lovely old estate housing senior citizens.  This task becomes the catalyst for Lucy's own healing and self discovery. The denizens of this home  are varied and interesting, and their reactions to her--and her affect on them--are delightful. 

Lucy's dog, Gully, is a wonderful, fun character. He's the perfect way to introduce characters, an excuse to visit the garden while Lucy is working, and sometimes he even helps to heal wounds.

Overall, this novel seems like a feel-good, light read, but it's not fluffy or shallow. There is both grief and happiness in this story and there is at least one plot element that surprised me. The ending comes together nicely and is satisfying as well. 

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for making this ARC available to me to read in exchange for an honest review. 


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