My thoughts…

I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was that this book was lacking but there was definitely something. The genre is blurred. It’s a combination of contemporary fiction, family drama and trauma – or at least that’s what I think the intention was for this book. However it seemed to miss its’ mark. If you’re looking for a book with beautiful countryside descriptions and garden focus then you’ll find it in this. If you’re looking for a storyline…then possibly not.

Many aspects of this book were not believable. It touches on difficult subjects e.g. a young married couple unable to have Children. But the way in which the topic is explored just seems incredulous. For example, within a short while of moving into a new house would you expect a stranger neighbour to march in and declare their apologies for you being ‘barren’? No… I don’t think you would. There are societal expectations and assumptions to be explored but they could have been done in a much better way.

And that is where the book lost me. There was great potential in the blurb and in the topic that the Author chose to write about – to weave an interesting, harrowing and gripping story. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen in this book.

About the book…

After a life-saving operation leaves Sam unable to have children, could a rural cottage be the fresh start she needs? Or is she running away from her problems?

For her husband Danny, this was never part of the plan. He likes predictability. The countryside is just a bit, well – wild. But he wants Sam to be happy, even if he isn’t.

If only Danny could tell Sam what is going on in his head. If only he knew what was really going on in hers. If only they knew that they’re equally afraid of what happens next.

Can the couple find a way to face the future together, or have they already grown too far apart?

Growing Season is a poignant and uplifting novel about how love and nature sometimes need a helping hand.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication: 20th August 2020 by HQ

About the author…

Novelist, founder and former CEO of The Book People and founder of WeFiFo (“We Find Food”)

Seni Glaister has worked in bookselling since 1988. The mother of four children, she uses her spare time (when she is not working or reading) to raise pigs, confide in her cattle, climb mountains, make wine and write.

She has recently led a management buy out of The Book People, one of the UK’s favourite booksellers and she is currently planning a long cold walk to the South Pole.

After stepping down as CEO of The Book People in June 2015, Seni launched a new venture WeFiFo (short for “We Find Food”) which enables home cooks to connect to the thriving UK supper-club community and help them find them a larger audience.

Connect with the Author…

Twitter

Thanks to HQ and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.