Jeremiah Williams has been tending the gardens of the Tennessee governor’s mansion for over twenty-five years. And like most first families who have come and gone, this one has stolen his heart.
Mackenzie and her husband, Governor Gray London, have struggled for ten years to have a child and are now enjoying a sweet season of life—anticipating the coming reelection and sending their precious daughter, Maddie, off to kindergarten—when a tragedy tears their world apart. As the entire state mourns, Mackenzie falls into a grief that threatens to swallow her whole.
Though his heart is also broken, Jeremiah realizes that his gift of gardening is about far more than pulling weeds and planting flowers. It’s about tending hearts as well. As he uses the tools that have been placed in his hands, he gently begins to cultivate the hard soil of Mackenzie’s heart, hoping to help her realize what it took him years to discover.
A Southern tale of loss, love, and living, The First Gardner reminds us that all of life is a gift, but our heart is the most valuable gift of all.
My Review:
The First Gardner is such a heart-wrenching story of loss. Mackenzie and her husband, Gray, who is the Governor of Tennessee,
are enjoying such a wonderful season in their life. After years of trying to have children, finally, they were blessed with their daughter, Maddie. Mackenzie and Gray are so happy and little Maddie is just the light of their lives! Just as she is about to start Kindergarten, tragedy strikes the London family.
Jeremiah, tends the Governor's Mansion garden, and has for the last 25 years. He has a very special place in his heart for this family. He has learned many lessons while gardening and longs to help the London family deal with their loss. He shares the one thing he know best ~ flowers.
I have to share about a very special woman in this story ~ Eugenia, Mackenzie's Mother! She comes to tend to Mackenzie and is just one of the brightest spots in this book! She brings laughter in what might be just a very sad book. She loves and cares for Mackeznie even though she is grieving as well. Like most Mothers do, give to their children before themselves right??!!
First Gardner although it is heart-wrenching, it is a book I will recommend to all! Truly, it is a must read along with must have kleenex's! You just may find yourself so involved with these characters and be inspired by them as well!
Thank you Tyndale Media for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!
