"Garden Variety," by Christy Wilhelmi

 "Garden Variety," by Christy Wilhelmi

Each time Lizzie steps through the gates of the Vista Mar Community Gardens, she knows she’s left the chaos of the outside world behind. Here, the rows are even, tools are properly stored, and each season brings new life. But even the shiniest apple can hide a worm, and behind the leafy green façade there is hidden heartbreak, tomato hornworms, and inter-garden political powerplays.

And to make things worse—a long forgotten loophole enacted by a nasty neighbor brings the outside world crashing in. The members are feuding, Lizzie’s budding romance is wilting on the vine, and the very existence of Vista Mar is threatened. Can Lizzie and her fellow gardeners fight to save their urban oasis while they struggle to stay grounded in this chaotic city? 

Garden Variety is as much about growing food and flowers as it is about life’s growing pains, and how a community rallies and comes together to save their own.

I bought this book from Dollar Tree, and it was such a good read.  It has quite the variety of characters in this book.  For each character the garden means something different for them.  For all of them it fills a need/void in their lives.

Add in a "villain," and things get interesting.  This book isn't a "deep," book, but it is a feel good book.  Also it's very interesting if you have an interest in gardening.

Although this was set in California, what happened in this book could happen in any part of the country.  An added bonus there is gardening tips/lessons at the end of the book.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I was instantly hooked and needed to see what happened next.  It reminded me of when my dad had an allotment when I was a child.

I purchased this book and will donate the book.