This is my first time reading Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle. I would give this 2.5 stars. For me it failed on a number of levels, but I think there could be promise here. It was an interesting read. To me, a number of the main characters were not fully developed. I also think the author needs to tighten up the story, make the "physical attributes" and other phenomena a little more digestible. Madelyn Alt makes the paranormal believable. This was a little more fantasy. Perhaps the author needs to decide what she really wants the reader to get out of the series, mystery, paranormal, romance or fantasy. I was disappointed that the a Ladies of Lantern Street Novel had little to do with the Ladies of Lantern Street. While the ladies and their employment are introduced, the story focuses on one, which created a story line of its own. So I had trouble at the end trying to figure out how this book was the first in a series on the Ladies of Lantern Street. I think either story line could be interesting. The question is will will I get to the second book to find out. Not sure. This book was tedious and boring. I liked the idea of the Crystal Gardens & creepy Night Garden, but the whole thing lacked momentum. And I think it got caught up in itself, in all the "I have psychic abilities, so I'm awesome," nonsense. The 2 main characters weren't very passionate - I mean this is a romance novel, aren't they supposed to be convincing in their true forever and ever and ever love? They were wooden. Overall: meh
What do You think about Crystal Gardens (2012)?
I always enjoy Amanda Quick books. This was a solid addition to her paranormal series.
—snoopy430
The storyline was good but was overpowered by too much paranormal repetitive phrases.
—Myky
Man eating plants and poisionous roses - cool.
—Sophii87
This was a bit humourless. Not her best work.
—Brecoder
