Giving away 3 Uncorrected Proofs to Aussies on my blog - open until 28/10/2012My reaction at the end of chapter 1:*GASP**No, she did not just do that!!?!?**flicked the page**Yes, she did… Golly!*And with that, I’ve bitten the bait, was totally hooked and reeled through the story.Due to some personal issue, I am not a fan of The Forgotten Garden. I am very sensitive about it and would usually avoid a story that’s blatantly obvious that’s where it was going. With The Forgotten Garden though, I wasn’t really sure until maybe midway where it’s going but (my compliments to the author), I really had to know the ending so I just couldn’t put the book down. Unfortunately, the book not only breached my comfort zone, it nearly killed me! Hence, am not really a fan. I can’t tell you what this personal issue is as it will give away the story a bit much… The Secret Keeper, on the other hand, was borderline but the ending was on a very acceptable level to me so it was a story I enjoyed reading, overall.A dark secret is overshadowing the Nicolson family though not all knew or even felt the shadow but Laurel does. She was a part of the shadow whilst not fully aware of the secret. As her mother lay close to the end of her life, Laurel was compelled to explore this mystery and in effect, came to know her mother for who she really was –as a person, a woman, and not just ‘Ma’. This story spans over a century and over the ocean, through war, filled with friendship, love, and betrayals.A totally heartbreaking story that stays with you long after you read it. I finished reading this quite late at night and I just couldn’t get to sleep as the book continues to haunt me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it even now! Thank you, Kate Morton, I believe your tales will haunt me for the rest of my life.Thank you Allen & Unwin and The Reading Room for providing me with the Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review
