This book has a great feel to it and I love the way the author describes the setting and the mystical aspects of the story. I see a very vivid picture in my mind of gardens and hills the protagonist explores and I was drawn in by the mystery and magic of the quest she embarks on. My primary complaint about the book, and my reason for not rating it higher, is the main love interest. He pulls all this nasty manipulative boyfriend bullshit and the story just glosses over it and paints his actions as romantic. I couldn't get behind the relationship because it didn't seem healthy or logical so any appeal the romance has for others was lost on me. Despite this I did enjoy the book and might read it again in the future. ( )

Paranormal romance, psychic teenagers, ancient mystical stuff and bad boys on motorcycles - Whee! For what it is, this one is good fun, though I never quite warmed to the bad boy. ( )

Clare has just completed her A-levels when her mother announces that she is moving to Ravensmere, an estate in the west country, for a private nursing job. Although Clare has the option of staying in London until she goes up to university, she decides instead to accompany her to Ravensmere. There she discovers a strange connection between herself and Ravensmere, as well as its grounds. There is also her intense attraction to Mark, an enigmatic, motorcycle riding, local. With Ravensmere threatened with demolition, Clare is left to solve its mysteries and try to preserve this magical bit of land.

A bit of a mixed read, The China Garden has its charms. Lush descriptions of the gorgeous English country side and the beautiful estate are well done and the creation of a magic that is not entirely understood by anyone creates an excellent source of tension. The characters, however, have rough patches in terms of development and both Clare and Mark have multiple lightning changes in attitudes. Their relationship also develops extremely quickly (partially explained by the magic, but I'm still not sure I've forgiven Mark for his actions at his introduction to Clare). The book also shows its age a bit. Originally published in 1996 (and feeling even a bit older than that), it has an environmental conservation sub-theme that was lacking in subtlety. A not bad read if you're in the mood for a quiet YA romance with a menacing magic undercurrent. ( )

Clare Meredith is struggling with decisions about the direction of her life when her mother unexpectedly announces her own plans to return to Ravensmere. As he mother's plan unfolds, Clare begins to understand that there is a great mystery that her mother has withheld from her. At Ravensmere, Clare learns more about her heritage and falls in love with a young neighbor. This story is a very well done piece for young adults with unsubtle messages about the importance of good life choices and care of the environment. Sexual scenes are a explicit; perhaps too much so for the young reader. The characters are well-developed and engaging and the story is compelling. References to myth and local history might prompt a young reader to read further on these subjects. ( )

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book at how much I liked it. I found the characters to be interesting and the reason why her mother left and why her mother didn't want her daughter to go with her. My advice is to give this book a chance. ( )