04 Aug Book Review of Where You're Planted
Where You’re Planted by Jessica M. Dall: A Garden of Promises and Pitfalls
There’s something enchanting about the intersection of books and plants—two worlds that thrive on care, attention, and growth. So, when I stumbled upon Jessica M. Dall’s Where You’re Planted, I couldn’t resist the lure of a narrative intertwining a library, a botanical garden, and the complexities of life as a single mother. I hoped for a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance wrapped in greenery and books, but, unfortunately, the promise didn’t quite bloom as I envisioned.
The story revolves around Tansy Perkins, an assistant director at a library, whose world is disrupted when a hurricane damages her workplace. Now she must collaborate with Jack Reid, a moody gardener passionate about his plants and reluctant to share his beloved garden space. Their journey, narrated through both Tansy and Jack’s perspectives, straddles both prickly tension and tender moments. You’ll like it if you like the MCs, but sadly, I found myself struggling to engage with their characters.
Tansy, while painted as this strong, independent woman, often veers into frustrating territory. Her reluctance to accept help felt not just like independence but more like a stubborn pride that overshadowed her better judgment. As the narrative unfolded, my patience wore thin at times, particularly when her choices potentially jeopardized the well-being of her daughter, Briar. However, Briar is an absolute treasure—her sweetness and curiosity shine through, and she provides the emotional anchor Tansy desperately needs.
Jack is described as rugged and built for the outdoors, but the cover art features someone who looks more like a beleaguered office worker rather than the outdoor hunk I envisioned. Still, he does manage to evolve throughout the story, though his change of heart feels rushed and undercooked. His budding friendship with Briar brings a much-needed warmth, which helps to balance the tension in Tansy and Jack’s relationship.
On a bright note, Dall’s exploration of themes like community politics, funding for public spaces, and the resilience following a hurricane offers some intriguing food for thought. The thorough explorations of plants intertwining with the narrative also helped me visualize the lush setting, and I appreciated the map at the beginning that grounded me in the world. The author’s notes at the end added a personal touch that I found enlightening.
Regrettably, the supposed tension of the enemies-to-lovers trope fell flat here, partly because I found it hard to root for either character. In any good enemies-to-lovers story, you need to feel the tension and frustration but also like the characters enough to invest in their journey. Both Tansy and Jack felt more like hurdles than protagonists, and their romance didn’t culminate in a satisfying flourish.
In a nutshell, while Where You’re Planted has a captivating premise, it ultimately falters due to its character struggles and uneven execution. If you’re a fan of literary romances that celebrate nature and family dynamics, this book might still find a place with you. For me, the disconnection with the main characters left me yearning for more depth and vibrant interplay that could have truly brought the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the eARC—this review truly reflects my honest opinion as I share my reading experience with you all. Happy reading, fellow bookworms!
