The Garden Party by Wendy Clarke | book tour
AD | book tour – I love a good thriller so when I was invited on the book tour for Wendy Clarke’s new book, The Garden Party, it sounded right up my street so I was more than happy to get involved. This is what I thought.
THE BLURB
It’s so kind of our neighbours to throw this party welcoming us to our new home. My husband and I finally moved to the right place. A happy, safe street where nobody knows about my mistakes. But I soon learn their smiling faces hide even deadlier secrets…
As I take in the little plates of sandwiches arranged over checked tablecloths, the lavish cocktails, and children playing, I finally feel happy in my new home with Owen. I love hearing the gossip from the local families; the whispers about which wives I should avoid, and which husbands sneak out at night.
But then I notice that the mother at number 3, Phillipa, is completely ignoring her sweet little girl. All blue-eyed Lexi wants is for her mother to play with her. And as Lexi pulls on Phillipa’s skirt, I’m certain I hear the woman threaten to smack her.
Isn’t anyone going to say something? Even as I’m filled with rage, terrible memories flood back: of standing in a cold, thin hospital gown, hearing I may never have my own biological child.
And then a shout pierces my memory. Lexi has run away from her mother and nearly fallen into the large, deep pond in the middle of the green. Everyone rushes over to comfort her, while Phillipa stays at the party to top up her drink.
I promised Owen I’d put my past behind me so that we could start a new life. But some people don’t deserve to become mothers. I plaster a smile onto my face. I need to befriend Phillipa. And do whatever it takes to keep Lexi safe…
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THE GARDEN PARTY
This was a real slow burner but utterly addictive. I thought that The Garden Party was going to go in a particular direction when in actual fact it ended up being something so much different. Full of hints that something is not quite right about number 2, not just then but now too. And when history starts to repeat itself you see things really start to fall apart.
Rachel is a great character, though frustrating at times. But what was really nice about The Garden Party were the little insights from Owen from time to time. I also really liked that the timeline stayed in the present with the back story coming to light through dialogue and character reflection. It felt like a nice change after ready so many books that jump between the past and present. By allowing the timeline to stay constant, meant that you really got to know the characters and who they are today.
The Garden Party is a great read with a good storyline and characters that you can really get behind.
THE BOOK TOUR
If you enjoyed reading about what I thought of The Garden Party, then why not check out the other blogs on the tour to see what they had to say,
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a digital copy of Heir to Frost and Storm for the purposes of this book tour. As usual though, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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