Review of 'Rosie's Garden of New Beginnings' by Linda Corbett

Review of 'Rosie's Garden of New Beginnings' by Linda Corbett

Release date: October 24th, 2025

Publisher: Cavy House Press

Review

I absolutely adored Rosie’s Garden of New Beginnings by Linda Corbett! Such an honest, warm, witty, uplifting, inspiring second chance story that also portrays the importance of good neighbourly relations. The plot unfolds beautifully in this garden setting. It is perfectly paced, lovingly crafted and exquisitely described. But just as in life, there are curveballs, trials, betrayals and misunderstandings. The temperature of emotion sometimes burns hot with anger and other times smoulders with passion.

Besides a new romance, new friends and new jobs, this exceptional story addresses the ups and downs of social media and the effects it can have on a person’s career—especially one that is in the limelight. The fickle and pretentious, the fandom and favours are evident here in Connor’s work world. We get to see the inside scoop of high flying existence and the fact that, as Connor learns, all the money in the world won’t provide the peace most are seeking.

Rosie Steadman is due for a refresh of her life. She has worked in the same clothing store for the past eighteen years. But she has other talents that have been somewhat buried, thanks to her late husband, who died unexpectedly a year ago. His control over her life was quite far reaching. It seems she gave up her dreams to accommodate his and it is not until he is gone, that she realises how much she has missed.

First up, she seeks a new project to get her moving forward. Gardening comes to mind. An advertisement for a garden plot rental draws her attention. So she contacts the owner and asks to see the property. Little does she know it is in quite a mess! But that only fuels her ambition to try and turn it into something beautiful. Of course, that means, getting rid of weeds first! This garden experience tends to parallel Rosie’s life. There are obstacles to overcome and hearts to be won. Starting with Connor, a grumpy and very unfriendly landlord. Little does Rosie know that she will not only transform his garden but also his heart (a bit of Beauty and the Beast theme here!).

Initially Rosie is unaware of Connor’s celebrity status. He has had a bad break and fallen on hard times. Having someone tend to his garden offers a double bonus: to appease the neighbours and to recoup some funds. While Connor is lying low, he is trying to find another job. For a while, he wallows in his loss, until Rosie starts shaking up his world with her kindness, goodwill and neighbourly actions. He begins to look at others differently, show some concern for those less fortunate, while falling for this woman who is like nobody he has known before. She is direct in her speech and observations but this is what he needs after dwelling in a media world of fantasy and false friendships.

When Rosie decides to help a neighbour’s child by restoring her ripped costume, the work she does on it draws attention. It is obvious she is a gifted clothes designer. As she dabbles in it further, encouragement comes from others. I love what she ends up doing and how her courage flourishes. Her ability to make something new from something old is astounding. (Same as her work in the garden!)

I loved everything about this novel from the first page to the last. Rosie and Connor are a delight to watch as they grow, blend and blossom like a beautiful bouquet. These two touched my heart and kept me turning the pages. This is a delightful romance full of charm, pleasure and promise. There’s so much to rave about here --including the healthy humour, valuable lessons and romantic gestures (love that song dedication and gorgeous letter by Connor!)! Rosie’s Garden of New Beginnings is a delectable treat you cannot miss. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to Linda Corbett for the review copy.