The Heirloom Garden: A Novel

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Summer Cottage In her inimitable style, Viola Shipman explores the unlikely relationship between two very different women brought together by the pain of war, but bonded by hope, purposeand flowers. Iris Maynard lost her husband in World War II, her daughter to illness and, finally, her reason to live. Walled off from the world for decades behind the towering fence surrounding her home, Iris has built a new familyof flowers. Iris propagates her own daylilies and roses while tending to a garden filled with the heirloom starts that keep the memories of her loved ones alive. When Abby Peterson moves next door with her familya husband traumatized by his service in the Iraq War and a young daughter searching for stabilityIris is reluctantly yet inevitably drawn into her boisterous neighbors life, where, united by loss and a love of flowers, she and Abby tentatively unearth their secrets, and help each other discover how much life they have yet to live. With delightful illustrations and fascinating detail, Viola Shipmans heartwarming story will charm readers while resonating with issues that are so relevant today. Don't miss bestselling author Viola Shipman's charming new novel, THE WISHING BRIDGEwhere an ambitious executive rediscovers the magic of family, friendship, home...and Christmas! Other books by Viola Shipman: Famous in a Small Town The Secret of Snow A Wish for Winter The Edge of Summer The Summer Cottage The Clover Girls