All Sophie Drear ever wanted was to grow flowers. After studying horticulture, she lands her dream job at the Botanical Gardens in New York. But even the best-laid plans do not always blossom. Sophie’s best friend is sick, and she cannot imagine life without Harrie by her side. As she reconsiders her future, Sophie is unexpectedly invited to become head gardener at Lilymoor for the summer. This magical estate in Maine is filled with gardens, mazes, and extraordinary beauty. It is also the place Sophie and Harrie always planned to revisit. Despite her best efforts to keep an emotional distance from the quirky staff, Sophie cannot resist the pull of the blue door. Once inside, she enters a world that both exists and does not exist. Inside the secret garden, Sophie meets Rus, the nephew who ran away years ago. Only available at the golden hour, Sophie searches every day for a way to set him free. She can come and go, but Rus is trapped. Sophie doesn’t know whether hours or days are passing, because inside the garden time moves differently. As Sophie and Rus garden together and appreciate the beauty around them, there is one thing she cannot deny: she is falling in love. Romance, friendship, and magical realism are the perfect combination in this light, flower-filled adventure. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
