Customer Reviews

The Ladies of Garrison Gardens: A Novel

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Whether this is your first visit to Charles Valley - originally written about in Shaffer's delightful The Three Miss Margarets - or a return visit, get ready to settle onto the porch with Maggie and Lil Bit for an evening of Southern hospitality, gossip and, of course, a bit of scandal.

For those who fear they'll be jumping in midstream, rest assured that although most of the characters were introduced in The Three Miss Margarets, one need not have read that book to fully enjoy everything that the sequel has to offer. Of course, I'd advise readers to buy both books if for no other reason that the moment you finish reading Ladies, you'll want to read (or re-read, as the case may be) The Three Miss Margarets.

As this tale opens, there is one less Margaret thanks to the passing of a long-time beloved Charles Valley resident. Her heir, the feisty Laurel, isn't sure she wants the burden that comes along with her having inherited Garrison Gardens, a resort which keeps most of the valley employed (not to mention grumbling). Before long, Laurel is dividing her time between a charming doctor and a mysterious suitcase which holds the key to a long-buried secret. To say much more would be to spoil the fun for readers, who will at least twice nod their head knowingly, thinking to themselves, "A-ha! I've figured it out!" only to have the rug yanked out from under them as the surprisingly quick-paced novel unfolds.

The moment you reach the surprising - and completely satisfying - conclusion, you'll no doubt be joining me in urging Shaffer to whisk us back to the Valley ASAP!

This is my first review at Amazon but not my first book by Louise Shaffer. "The Ladies...." can be read in one sitting if you have the time. I kept getting interruptions so was forced to put it down a few times. The plot keeps thickening and all the new characters and situations are so interesting. Just when you think you know what's going on, a new twist develops.

Ms Shaffer is one of my favorite authors and I will continue buying her books and hoping others will do the same.

Granny

It's not too often that a sequel is just as good as the original, but that was just the case here! Shocking...that is how I'd have to describe this story. But in order for it to be shocking, you HAD to of read 'The Three Miss Margaret's'. I couldn't believe the tale that was told! And just as the story before this, it was loaded with southern charm and deep secrets.

The story is mostly told by Laurel Selene, who has inherited Garrison Gardens after Miss Peggy's death. With not a clue as to how to run a business, she's being hounded by Stuart Lawrence, the sleazy Garrison lawyer, to sign over power of attorney to him, just as the two previous Mrs. Garrison's did. Not comfortable with this setup, Laurel senses that somethings just not right with the way the whole operation is run.

The rest of the story is told by the mysterious Mrs. Rain. Who she is, where she lives, and her ties to the Garrison's is revealed slowly through her story, but once you find out who she is...wow! I couldn't believe it!

As I said before though, if you're thinking abut reading this book, MAKE SURE you've read 'The Three Miss Margaret's' first, everything will be so much clearer, not to mention that it too is an excellent read. I can't wait for Ms. Shaffer's next novel, and I really hope it continues with Charles Valley, GA...wether it be Laurel Selene, or someone's else's story, this is a great little town to read about!

This is an intriguing story that has, in my opinion a pathetic, weak, frustrating ending. This story sucked me in emotionally and then left me wishing that I had not wasted my time reading it.
Mrs. Rain's story is told throughout the Novel and then her story at the end dies without any resolution...very, very sad and pointless to have such an interesting story end so badly.

Very interesting story line, enjoyed putting the pieces together. I gave it four stars because I was hoping for a little more at the end. Course maybe I just hated to see it end!

I enjoyed reading this book. There is just a little bit of romance in it. Louise Shaffer is a beautiful writer and creates a pleasing story with good characters. A relaxing read, and it keeps you turning the pages.
How I Met My Spouse

I bought "The Three Miss Margarets" and "The Ladies of Garrison Gardens" at the same time and have had them quite a while. Not long ago I decided I wanted to read a light summer novel so I read "The Three Miss Margarets" expecting it to be amusing. Yes, I do judge a book by it's cover. That is part of the advertising, and it was advertised on the cover as "funny, rich." Since it wasn't funny--- oh well, just read my review and you'll get the picture. But I had to admit it was a good book. So I decided to read "The Ladies", and I must say, it was wonderful. Again, it was not exactly what I expected, but this time I was prepared to not expect to be amused. "The Ladies" was not deep reading, but was complex enough to keep me wondering who was who and what was going to happen next. There were surprises and twists and turns in the story, and unlike "The Three Miss Margarets", this one had a better ending. A great book.

The Ladies of Garrison Gardens is a great follow up to The Three Miss Margarets and fills in some interesting facts on a minor character in the first book. If you liked the Three Miss Margarets, this is a must read.

what a wonderful book. this is the second in a series of four books by this author that do tie together.. ms shaffer is a delightful storyteller and she depicts these ladies as real people we all might know from our own communities.. five star..

It's not often that I enjoy a sequel more than the first book but...it was the case with The Ladies of Garrison Gardens. Felt like catching up with old friends and making some new friends too.I really enjoyed finding out more about the background of Miss Myrtis and how Laurel struggles with sudden wealth and the responsibility of Garrison Gardens. As others mentioned you can read this independent of The Three Miss Margarets but both are great reads. Hope Ms Shaffer returns to Charles Valley for another visit soon.