Synopses & Reviews
What could be worse than losing your child? Having to pretend he's still alive
Bestselling author Will Shepard is caught in the twilight of grief, after his young son dies in a car accident. But when his father's aging mind erases the memory, Will rewrites the truth. The story he spins brings unexpected relief
until he's forced to return to rural North Carolina, trapping himself in a lie.
Holistic veterinarian Hannah Linden is a healer who opens her heart to strays but can only watch, powerless, as her grown son struggles with inner demons. When she rents her guest cottage to Will and his dad, she finds solace in trying to mend their broken world, even while her own shatters.
As their lives connect and collide, Will and Hannah become each other's only hopeif they can find their way into a new story, one that begins with love.
"A moving story about the challenges of OCD and grief combined with the power of the human spirit to find love in the most unlikely of places." Eye on Romance on The Unfinished Garden
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The Unfinished Garden: Winner of the 2013 Golden Quill for Best First Book
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"I learned so much about myself from this story-that fear doesn't have to hold me back, but rather, it can move me forward. The Unfinished Garden is a touching and accomplished debut."-Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author of The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes
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"White...conveys the condition of OCD, and how it creates havoc in one's life and the lives of loved ones, with style and grace, never underplaying the seriousness of the disorder."-RT BookReviews on The Unfinished Garden
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"A powerful story of friendship and courage in the midst of frightening circumstances... I highly recommend this wonderful love story."-Bergers' Book Reviews on The Unfinished Garden
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"A mesmerizing tale of fear, loss, and love. Tilly and James are richly drawn and wonderfully flawed characters who embody the contradictions and imperfections that exist in all of us. Barbara Claypole White has created a novel as beautiful and complex, dark and light, sweet and sensuous as Tilly's beloved garden."-Joanne Rendell, author of The Professors' Wives' Club, on The Unfinished Garden
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"Barbara Claypole White has created such a likable, adorable, entertaining main character that I never wanted this book to end."-Lydia Netzer, author of Shine Shine Shine, on The Unfinished Garden
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"I found the writing style in The Unfinished Garden reminiscent of Rosamunde and Robin Pilcher. As a fan of both, I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from Barbara Claypole White."-Julie Kibler, author of Calling Me Home
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"The In-Between Hour is a heartwarming story of grief and the desire to save the people you love even when you can't save yourself. Barbara Claypole White writes exquisitely and creates characters that capture your heart. I loved it!" Anita Hughes, author of Lake Como
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"Readers, prepare to open your hearts for a charming cast of original characters. Here is a beautiful, smart love story that will have you burning dinner or the midnight oil to read one more chapter."--Lydia Netzer, author of Shine Shine Shine
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"In THE IN-BETWEEN HOUR Barbara Claypole White's elegant prose paints a vivid portrait of multi-generational families, unlikely friendships, crushing loss and binding love. THE IN-BETWEEN HOUR breaks your heart and mends it at the same time."--Amy Sue Nathan, author of GLASS WIVES
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"A beautiful combination of story and characters make The In-Between Hour a captivating read about the deepest emotions the word family evokes. Barbara Claypole White writes with a fluidity that draws you in, telling a tale that stays with you long after turning the last page." –Laura Spinella, author of Perfect Timing
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"Barbara Claypole White has created a tender and emotionally-charged novel in THE IN-BETWEEN HOUR. Her multifaceted, flawed characters, each with their own wounded heart, are carefully drawn. Ms. White depicts the North Carolina mountain setting with an evocative sense of place, creating a perfect backdrop for this story of life, survival and, ultimately, of love that transcends all."-Karen White, New York Times bestselling author
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"White's beautifully crafted novel demonstrates how two broken souls can find peace for themselves and their loved ones. " --Booklist on The In-Between Hour
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SIBA Winter 2014 Okra Pick
About the Author
Barbara Claypole White writes love stories about damaged people. She grew up in rural England, studied history at York University, and worked in London fashion before marrying an American professor she met at JFK airport. Today they live in the forests of North Carolina with their award-winning poet son. Despite detours through journalism and marketing, Barbara chased her dream of becoming a novelist and was thrilled to find a publisher months before turning 50. Never give up is her motto!