The Garden of Shared Stories by Clare Swatman

Having read and enjoyed other books by Clare Swatman, I was thrilled to discover she had written a timeslip novel. The premise instantly appealed to me, and it did not disappoint. This was one of those rare books that completely drew me in — the kind you can’t put down, the kind that sends you sneaking away in the afternoon just to finish. 

Emma’s husband has passed away, leaving her childless, alone, and deeply depressed. Seeking solace, she sits in the bandstand at the park where she and her late husband once spent time together. There she meets Nick, whose wife has also died, leaving him equally lost and grieving. The connection between Emma and Nick is instant and almost magical — but there’s a catch. Emma lives in 2019, while Nick is in 1999. Their bond spans two decades, raising the question of whether love can truly bridge time itself.

This was one of those rare books that completely drew me in — the kind you can’t put down. I found myself sneaking away in the afternoon just to finish it. Clare Swatman has crafted a heartfelt, clever timeslip story that blends grief, love, and hope in a way that feels both poignant and uplifting. It’s a captivating read, and I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8120276711