The Garden Of Small Beginnings

by Abbi Waxman

[kimbacaffeinate]

Breakfast Club meets the gardening club. Waxman introduces us to Lilian Girvan, a young widow, and mother of two girls, five and seven years of age. It hasn't been easy for Lilian, but she is finally at a place where she is handling things. Every day isn't all sunshine and puppies, but she is trudging along.

In THE GARDEN OF SMALL BEGINNINGS, Lilian's world is about to change. Lilian works as an illustrator and has been with the same company since she graduated. With dismal textbook sales, her company takes on another project involving garden books, and sign Lilian up to attending a garden class in preparation to drawing vegetables. With her sister and children along for support, she attends the first class. Over the summer they meet, and friendships blossom. More changes are coming as Lilian navigates life and Waxman takes us along in this touching, humorous tale that wraps itself around you. It is poignant, realistic and speaks to the reader.

Waxman shares parenting moments, friendship, mother and daughter dynamics, loss, love, new beginnings, sisterly love and so friggin much more. Lilian was very real, and the running commentary in her head frequently struck a cord. I found myself understanding her loss and relating it to my own losses. Her thoughts on parenting, waking up and just dealing with the life's daily dose of crap were spot on. Don't even get me started on her mother. The author captured their relationship perfectly.

We get a little side dish of romance, and threads on other relationships. It added depth and gave us a strong sense of Lilian's world. I loved Saturdays with the gardening group and getting to know each of the characters. The writing is just brilliant. The author brought all of these characters to life. Think an adult version of the Breakfast Club. I felt as if I knew them and/or recognized someone I knew in them.

THE GARDEN OF SMALL BEGINNINGS is the type of story that uplifts you even as it tugs at your heartstrings. I still cannot believe this is a debut novel. Waxman writes characters and their complexities like a seasoned writer who has honed their skill.

Emily Rankin was the sole narrator, and she was the perfect choice for this tale. Hr voice became Lilian, and her voices for the other characters were wonderful. She handled accents, age, and personality delightfully. The pacing was perfect allowing me to listen for long lengths of time.

Audiobook provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer