This book is two parts historical fiction, one part whimsical fantasy, and I really don't know how I feel about it. I don't regret reading it but I also couldn't say I really liked it. It was darker than I expected, though that's not a bad thing (it features domestic abuse and mental health problems). I did want the winter garden itself to be a bigger part of the story than it ultimately proved to be. 

I liked the writing style, I found it easy to read.  The world building was interesting and the author has a real talent for coming up with magical, whimsical new flora and fauna (also seen in her brilliant middle grade Explorer's Club series, which I adore). 

Possibly my biggest issue is that I didn't particularly like either of the main characters. I felt empathy for them and there were some genuinely emotional moments, but they both had moments that made me want to rage at them.  I also wasn't particularly gripped by the story; it's not that I disliked it but at one point I put the book down and didn't pick it back up for several weeks. 

Overall I just don't think I like this type of book. I know there are people who love it, I've seen it given five stars, it just doesn't work for me.