The Girl in the Witch's Garden is about Piper Peavey, a young girl who goes and lives with her estranged mother, who she really hasn't seen since the divorce, and grandmother in their mansion for the summer while her dad goes through chemotherapy. Mallory Estate is the last place Piper wants to be. The grounds are always cold, the garden is dead from a fire long ago, and a group of children are now being fostered by her Mother there. The place holds many secrets though and Piper is set to figure them out - especially since it might even save her father.

The story had blunt truth in it, especially when it came to Piper's father and his diagnosis. But it was also very heartwarming as well. Piper, Julius, Camilla, Kenji, and Teddy all had their own personalities and were pretty strong (though I do wish the foster kids were given a little more).

The main plot twist wasn't unexpected, but it was still presented in a way that worked well with the story. Though I do feel like the riddles at one point were just a bit too easy, it again, still worked.

I wish we were able to see more of the magi world side, but the ending of the book was a bit open-ended to where the author could (and I hope) write more about it. It's definitely a fast pace, middle grade read. I read it all in one day it was so cute and enjoyable. ( )

Review on my Wrap Up Vlog
https://youtu.be/OOcKZ5f0UWc ( )

My blurb: "Magical and mysterious, a captivating read from start to end."

The Girl and the Witch's Garden is a magical but dramatic middle grade children's story. Piper Peavey is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother. Piper has a lot to deal with -- her father is dying, her mother abandoned her, her grandmother is eccentric....the estate is filled with foster kids who claim magical abilities. It's a weird situation. Piper is an awesome main character. She isn't perfect....but she seems real. She lies and manipulates others when necessary, but also shows great strength, resilience and kindness as well.

This story is magical, but has a hard edge of blunt truth to it as well. I think that made the story seem magical, but real at the same time. A fairy tale with a bit of bite to it.

This is the first book by Erin Bowman that I have read. I'm definitely going to read more. This story was enjoyable and well-written. Very though provoking. I'm not sure as a child I would have had the strength that Piper or the other children have. I don't think I would have liked a summer at the Mallory Estate or that I could have weathered the storms that Piper had in her life.

*I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Simon & Schuster. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

In a mix, which somewhat reminds of The Secret Garden and Miss Pergine's Home for Peculiar Children, this is an adventure packed with magic and friendship.

Piper hasn't seen her mother since the divorce, despite the fact that her mom still lives with her grandmother on the mysterious Mallory Estate. All of this is fairly fine, until Piper's father falls ill with cancer, and she moves in with her grandmother while he undergoes treatments. She's met with a shocking surprise, not only does her mother dislike her (for no apparent reason), but her mother has adopted several other children instead. With her grandmother out of the house, and the other children seemingly possessing magical talents, life begins to get strange. Soon, she finds herself wrapped up in a mountain of secrets...many which shouldn't even be possible.

This is a solid, fun, fantasy read for kids, where magic abounds and secrets lay lurking behind every twist and turn. It's not as carefree as the cover might suggest but carries weighted moments and dark mysteries. But with these characters, it's a worthy adventure. Piper is obviously out of her comfort zone and has a lot to learn and deal with. But she has the personality which makes it easy to root for her. The other children at the Estate stretch over a nice variety of quirks, making each one a treat in their own way. Some are easy; others are not. It's a lovely mix.

Mystery and secrets fly as imaginative as the magic. The garden is a wondrous and perfect place to hold at the center of the tale. But then, there are all sorts of surprises, which keep these pages turning. The writing is just right for the age group, and while I did find that the first chapters jumped into things a bit quick (leaving getting to know Piper a little better first behind), the start does dive right into the action and capture attention. I was a bit disappointed with the mother's character. Her meanness to her own daughter seemed to come out of nowhere and held on without explanation. Still, it's a nice read and definitely worth picking up. ( )