Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which held me captivated throughout. Nursing is Holly Cooper’s vocation, until she witnessed a murderous attack which brings her childhood fear of never belonging back. Holly decides to leave, and then works either as a nurse or a volunteer at music festivals whilst travelling down Australia’s eastern seaboard. Meanwhile, reclusive gardener Kit is undertaking a research project, on the therapeutic powers of gardening. As a survivor himself he wants to discover if gardening activities can help kids heal after domestic violence. When the on-site nurse is injured she suggests her granddaughter take her place.
When Kit and Holly first meet he’s unsure about whether the pink and green haired free spirit is right for the project. However, it’s not long before a relationship begins between the couple as the garden develops. When security on site is breached, Kit must confront his worst fears, but in defending Holly and the kids he proves his critics right, thinking that he is violent. Holly knows this is not true, but must overcome her own fears to help prove him wrong. The characters and well defined and the beautiful Australian setting is brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, which made me feel immersed in the story. Both Kit and Holly are likeable and relatable characters, and I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story. An emotional read at times, but one which had me hooked from start to finish.

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