The Garden on Holly Street

The Garden on Holly Street is a book with real heart and an interesting mix of characters. I loved the sense of community the garden brought to the residents of Willow Court. The book is insightful, and I could really feel the author's passion in the underlying message about not judging someone too quickly and the importance of spending time getting to know someone. The third person POV allows us to see what goes on behind closed doors and how there is often more to 'the grumpy old man' or 'the pesky kid'.

It's the perfect book to cosy up with on a rainy summer's day.

The Garden on Holly Street is a beautifully written, heart-warming story about the importance of kindness and reaching out to those around us. As someone with great neighbours myself, I loved how Abby’s connection with her neighbours developed, and enjoyed all the insights into the other characters' lives. Arthur and Ernie, in particular, really stole my heart and I found tears rolling down my cheeks on many occasions throughout this lovely story. It’s not preachy in the slightest, but it does make you wonder what’s going on behind other people’s front doors, and maybe think about another person’s loneliness or if they need a bit of help. Abby is a great character and I was rooting for her throughout. There are some lovely romantic moments that made me swoon too. All in all, a wonderfully uplifting, positive read!

A warm and comforting story of just how much people can grow when given the opportunity.
When Abby first discovers the unloved and forgotten wilderness that is the garden on holly street, she’s got more than enough to worry about. Her long term relationship has broken down and she just lost her job.
Moving into her new block, Abby starts to interact with other people in the building, and the story flows seamlessly between Abby and her neighbours Ernie and Arthur.
There are some wonderful friendships here and i was particularly emotional when it came to the parts from Ernie’s perspective as a small boy, and Arthur as an older gent dealing with the loss of his wife.
Attley shows with great skill the impact that coming together as a community and having time for each other can have, and it’s made me not only passionate about what I can grow in my garden but what I can grow in my life!

A sweet, heartwarming and life affirming story about what happens when you reach out to your neighbours. Loved it.