Small Eden - a Historical Novel from Award-Winning Author Jane Davis

Heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal measure, this wonderfully human historical novel tells the story of a man haunted by his past who risks everything for the chance of redemption.

‘A story of hidden feelings, of dreams to dream and secrets never to be told.’ ~ Helen Hollick, USA Today bestselling author.

In the twilight of Victorian England, where opium fortunes bloom and grief lies unspoken, one man's obsession is about to change everything.

Robert Cooke, opium producer and social climber, shoulders a burden heavier than his rising fortune. The guilt he carries about the loss of his two sons, a grief unspoken between him and his wife Freya, haunts the edges of their meticulously curated life.

By day, Robert navigates the cutthroat world of business and society. By night, he dreams of shadow-sons playing in a garden.

When a chance to purchase a disused chalk quarry arises, Robert sees more than land—he sees a canvas for his redemption. He will create the garden of his dreams in memory of his sons.

Rather than share his vision with his wife, Robert widens the gulf that is growing between them by keeping her in the dark. It is another woman who translates his dreams onto paper, an obscure yet talented artist called Florence Hoddy, who lives alone with her unmarried brother, painting only what she sees from her window.

But dreams exact a price. As the project spirals beyond control, Robert must decide: what is he willing to sacrifice for his Small Eden?
His business?
His home?
His family?

A vivid portrait of an era on the cusp of change and a man balanced between past and future, Small Eden explores the shadows that lie beneath Victorian propriety and the lengths to which a man will go to find meaning in his grief. If you enjoy books by Sarah Winman and Maggie O’Farrell, you’ll be swept away by this spellbinding tale of one man’s quest to create beauty from tragedy.

📚 Perfect for readers who enjoy books by Sarah Winman and Maggie O’Farrell, or who love:

• Historical historical fiction set in Victorian England
• Literary historical fiction with strong female protagonists
• Historical Fiction about the impact of the British Empire
• Historical novels about village life
• Book club fiction that sparks lively discussion
• Character-driven historical novels
• Emotionally rich, immersive storytelling
• Historical fiction with themes of identity and resilience
• British historical fiction with strong sense of place
• Thought-provoking fiction for reflective readers
• Literary fiction that blends history with emotional depth

'Sensational!' Small Eden receives the ‘Highly Recommended’ award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company.⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

'Page-turning historical fiction, both heart-wrenching and delightful. Highly recommended.' ~ Historical Novel Society ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

‘Robert is an immensely absorbing main character and his energy and successes, as well as his flaws and failures, make him very sympathetic and real.’ ~ Christine Webber, Author ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

‘Unpredictable, delightful, and poignant.’ Blue Sky Girl, Book Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

‘The story is of a family tearing apart, pulling together, finding joy, yet stumbling in the imperfections of each participant and the inevitable vagaries of the era, the fickleness of business and prosperity, and the impact of fate and destiny.’ ~ Lorraine Devon Wilke, Author of The Alchemy of Noise ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

‘Small Eden is written with love. I couldn't help loving it in return.’ ~ A C Flory, Book Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

‘A total triumph, both heart-wrenching and delightful.' ~ Sally Zigmond, Vine Voice ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

'Just as a great artist can create a masterpiece with a few strokes of the brush, Miss Davis’ characters seem to grow and take form effortlessly.' ~ Denise, NetGalley Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

'The emerging female liberation, the impact of empire and a plethora of other issues from this celebrated period of British history are beautifully portrayed. Small Eden is a work to get immersed in – one to revisit and savour.' ~ Trevor S, NetGalley Reviewer ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Add Small Eden to your collection today.