The Garden of Small Beginnings

By: Abbi Waxman

Narrated by: Emily Rankin

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

“A quirky, funny, and deeply thoughtful book” (Hello Giggles) that’s “filled with characters you’ll love and wish you lived next door to in real life” (Bustle) from the author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.

Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years - ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she's just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she's becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed.

At least her textbook-illustrating job has some perks - like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there's that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently, being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can't be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity.

After recruiting her kids and insanely supportive sister to join her, Lilian shows up at the Los Angeles botanical garden feeling out of her element. But what she'll soon discover - with the help of a patient instructor and a quirky group of gardeners - is that into every life a little sun must shine, whether you want it to or not....

©2017 Abbi Waxman (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“What a treat!! Abbi Waxman is one of the wittiest voices in the world today. The Garden of Small Beginnings is a beautiful book full of humor, heart, and deep insight. An intimate and hilarious journey about a young mom moving on from grief. Reading it gave me the feeling I was talking to a really funny, open mom-friend sharing secrets about life, love, loss, and gardening! Abbi Waxman’s quick wit and heart shine brightly throughout this debut novel. I just loved it!” (Molly Shannon, actress)

“Waxman's skill at characterization...lifts this novel far above being just another 'widow finds love' story. Clearly an observer, Waxman has mastered the fine art of dialogue as well. Characters ring true right down to Lilian's two daughters, who often steal the show. This debut begs for an encore from Waxman.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Kudos to debut author Waxman for creating an endearing and realistic cast of main and supporting characters (including the children). Her narrative and dialog are drenched with spring showers of witty and irreverent humor, which provides much respite from the underlying grief theme.” (Library Journal, starred review)

Well-written, insightful, funny

Really enjoyed this. I was worried that it would be the usual mediocre writing and limp plot about sad widow looking for new life and love—but it is much more. The writing is snappy and sometimes funny, the characters appealing, and the plot satisfying.

Delightful and funny

Delightful and made me actually laugh quite a few times. Very witty!

A touching story of healing.

A feel-good book

This book made me laugh and smile. I felt like I was outdoors in the sun, even when it was actually grey and raining outside.

Funny, interesting, angsty

Loved it. New author for me. Starts with a sad premise but overflowing with fun quirky humor and characters I really liked.

Great read

Loved this book! Big fan of Abbi Waxman and Emily Rankin, as narrator. This book did not disappoint. It’s witty, funny, and charming.

Cute Read

I finished it but it was very dark at parts and too cheesy and predictable at others. Loved the gardening intros at the beginning of the chapters though, that was sweet. Love to garden so overall enjoyed the concept.

cute story

I like the author's humor and wisdom. I have enjoyed several of her books. The narrator does a wonderful job on all the voices except for Ed.
She sounds like Dr. Ruth, the love doctor. It was so annoying that I almost gave up on the book.
I did enjoy the book including the gardening aspect and the varied characters.

It was ok.

The narrator’s voice didn’t match the characters penchant for badly used swear words.
The narrator sounded much too smart and elegant to use words like dickhead and bastard.
And, really, who ACTUALLY uses the word bastard to swear anymore? And what woman calls themself a dickhead? The whole story could have been delivered without them. And I am no prude. They just didn’t seem to belong.
The story was ok- the characters interesting. But it wasn’t worth $15.

A must have for your library

If you love romance in the real world with realistic characters, this is a great book for your Audible library. I enjoyed hearing about real life struggles and how the characters worked through them.

Couldn't stop listening!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Didn't want it to end. Witty, smart conversations and funny. Loved how friendships & romance built & blossomed right upto the very end!