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marijana80's review
relaxing
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
inkstainedthumb's review
5.0
Another incredibly well written book by Janet MacLeod Trotter. Could barely put the book down. The amount of twists and turns that took place kept me hooked, like Adela Robson discovering she was pregnant by that prince and that she couldn't keep her son, John Wesley, because she was unmarried and there was so much shame in being an unmarried mother that many were forced to give their children away, or were forced to marry in hurry to avoid the scandal surrounding the birth of a child born out of wedlock. Joan (the wife of Adela's cousin, George) was six months pregnant when she and George got married.
Another mystery is solved in this book. In the previous book, I was left wondering what happened to the brother of Sophie Logan (later Sophie Khan). You can't help but ask yourself if he died, got adopted or grew up in an orphanage somewhere in India. This puzzle is solved in this book. You're left wondering if Tommy Villiers is Sophie's long lost brother, but the truth comes out in the end of the book when Adela confronts Sam Jackman and tells him that his mother didn't abandon him, because she wasn't really his biological mother. The lady who Sam had called mother had left for England because she could bare to stay with her husband, who had refused to let her take Sam with her. Sam hated her for abandoning him. She just didn't have the same pull of love she might have had for her own children. His biological mother had been killed by his biological father, who then turned the gun on himself, Sophie had been in the house at the time and was only six. Sam had been saved by the nanny and had been offered in adoption to the Jackmans by a police officer who'd found Sam in the nanny's care.
In the end Adela and Sam get married. It was a happy ending for a couple who'd loved each other for years, despite believing they'd lost the other, and that they'd forever be separated by distance, or that the other had married someone else. It made me so happy to finish the story on such a high.
I can now start [b:The Secrets of the Tea Garden|39691511|The Secrets of the Tea Garden (India Tea #4)|Janet MacLeod Trotter|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539700945s/39691511.jpg|61312477] by [a:Janet MacLeod Trotter|725892|Janet MacLeod Trotter|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1320887676p2/725892.jpg], with much anticipation and excitement. I also don't want the series to finish, they're so good!
Another mystery is solved in this book. In the previous book, I was left wondering what happened to the brother of Sophie Logan (later Sophie Khan). You can't help but ask yourself if he died, got adopted or grew up in an orphanage somewhere in India. This puzzle is solved in this book. You're left wondering if Tommy Villiers is Sophie's long lost brother, but the truth comes out in the end of the book when Adela confronts Sam Jackman and tells him that his mother didn't abandon him, because she wasn't really his biological mother. The lady who Sam had called mother had left for England because she could bare to stay with her husband, who had refused to let her take Sam with her. Sam hated her for abandoning him. She just didn't have the same pull of love she might have had for her own children. His biological mother had been killed by his biological father, who then turned the gun on himself, Sophie had been in the house at the time and was only six. Sam had been saved by the nanny and had been offered in adoption to the Jackmans by a police officer who'd found Sam in the nanny's care.
In the end Adela and Sam get married. It was a happy ending for a couple who'd loved each other for years, despite believing they'd lost the other, and that they'd forever be separated by distance, or that the other had married someone else. It made me so happy to finish the story on such a high.
I can now start [b:The Secrets of the Tea Garden|39691511|The Secrets of the Tea Garden (India Tea #4)|Janet MacLeod Trotter|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539700945s/39691511.jpg|61312477] by [a:Janet MacLeod Trotter|725892|Janet MacLeod Trotter|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1320887676p2/725892.jpg], with much anticipation and excitement. I also don't want the series to finish, they're so good!
constantine2020's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0
A wonderful historical fiction that takes you to India in the 1930s - 1940s. Part of the events take place in England as well. I love the fine details the author used for that era. This is the third book in the India Tea series and you can read it as a separate story (that is what I did), however it seems that you would understand some of the characters better if you read the first two books. But this book can still be read separately because the protagonist Adela is just 11 years old and the book concentrates on her story for about 10 years or so. Her relationship with her family, with her friends, love interests, aunt etc.
The book is captivating and very well written specially the details of how British people were living in India prior to India's independence. I also liked a lot how the author used world war II within the story. The characters are very detailed and distinctive. I would recommend this book because you will not enjoy it just because of the protagonist's main story but also because of the book's historical and social aspects.
Note: I have won a free copy of this book by participating in a giveaway.
A wonderful historical fiction that takes you to India in the 1930s - 1940s. Part of the events take place in England as well. I love the fine details the author used for that era. This is the third book in the India Tea series and you can read it as a separate story (that is what I did), however it seems that you would understand some of the characters better if you read the first two books. But this book can still be read separately because the protagonist Adela is just 11 years old and the book concentrates on her story for about 10 years or so. Her relationship with her family, with her friends, love interests, aunt etc.
The book is captivating and very well written specially the details of how British people were living in India prior to India's independence. I also liked a lot how the author used world war II within the story. The characters are very detailed and distinctive. I would recommend this book because you will not enjoy it just because of the protagonist's main story but also because of the book's historical and social aspects.
Note: I have won a free copy of this book by participating in a giveaway.
gretel7's review against another edition
3.0
I received this ARC from GOODREADS.COM in exchange for a review.
This is the 3rd book in the tea garden series and we see the third generation of Robsons. The story traverses from Adela Robson's homeland of India to England and back home to India. Both WW1 and WW2 wars are in the background story and affect the lives of everyone.
3 stars
This is the 3rd book in the tea garden series and we see the third generation of Robsons. The story traverses from Adela Robson's homeland of India to England and back home to India. Both WW1 and WW2 wars are in the background story and affect the lives of everyone.
3 stars
sweetheart_seer's review
5.0
*I was sent an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Not having read book one and two, I wondered what it would be like to jump into a series at book three. Without knowing what I was missing, I can say with certainty that it didn't take overly long to get my bearings in terms of the characters. The only issue I was having was of where it was supposed to be taking place.
The book opens with us joining Adela in deciding whether or not to help the newbie of the all-girls school, Flowers, from the malicious torment of Nina. From that scene we move to an introduction of Sam Jackman and his monkey Nelson. Then to a talent show, a stowaway in the boot (which I knew from previous readings elsewhere means the trunk of the car), to a novel that keeps turning out surprises.
I was unclear on setting until about 10% of the way through. It was a bit confusing since the characters talk about being from Britain, but then there some slurs against some of the girls for being part this and part that. So I wasn't clear initially on location.
Around the start of chapter four, I realized that it was taking place IN India and some of the girls/their families were FROM Britain. "
I wonder if books one and two dealt with Adela's parents and the things leading right up to? It was an adventure to have no prior knowledge of storylines on this. Having never jumped into a series without starting at book one, I felt rebellious.
My working vocabulary grew from this. I learned words like "upbraided" and "tiffin" among others.
Adela runs into Sam again and witnesses him choose another woman. Adela then turns to a prince who has been seeking her out and begins an illustrious affair with him despite warnings from others.
I found it intriguing to read about a character that I didn't actually identify with very much in terms of how she portrayed herself. Adela is shown to be very outspoken, boisterous, and prone to making rash ill-planned decisions. She is a character very unlike myself who despite, or perhaps because of this, I found enjoyable to read. She is a sympathetic character that even as you watch her making poor choices, you still root for her and want things to go well for her regardless of what led her.
An unfortunate hunting trip changes her life forever and Adela goes to live for awhile with one of her aunts back in England, a country she did not actually grow up in, with her aunt and cousin. This aunt, Olive, is very overprotective of Adela's cousin, Jane, who is in her early twenties and can't stand up for herself very well against her overbearing Mother. Adela swoops in like a breath of fresh air; until she is proven to have a secret she hadn't consciously realized herself until it is pointed out to her.
Political talk lightly weaves through the tale, mentioned by characters in passing on a few occasions and the topic of discussion/family alignments for some too, until we discover that World War II has broken out.
The kindness shown by a few women that used to know Adelas' mother, speaks volumes of how respect and honor need not only be given by those that are in power or blood-relations, but can come carry down through generations. Sometimes, family may turn on you, and virtual strangers may feel closer than you could have imagined. It's a beautiful read.
I enjoyed living in this world created. It was nice to see the changes as the characters grew up. To share in their joys as well as sorrows. The writing here is a delight to the senses. The descriptions were vivid without being overly done and the new word/culture exposure was a sharp change from the type of books I usually read.
The war is mentioned as happening almost as a backstory to the main actions that occur. Adela is reminded of a mistake from her youth that causes her to reflect on her decision with what read like a hint of regret but ultimately sounded like she would make the same choice again if she could live it over again.
Adela and Sam cross paths again, and they have the same issue that seems to crop up in a lot of star-crossed romances, communication problems.
4.0% "31 chapters total. Just finished chapter 2. So far so good."
11.0% "Takes place in 1933. Are we actually in India here and this is a section of Britain that had settled to spread the Christian gospel? I feel like I need to research some History to know for sure. Story itself is clipping along well. Adela and Sam are interesting and what a surprise to come home to!"
18.0% "Through a few thank you letters for birthday cars we are moved up to 1937 and some things that have happened along the way. I love that Adela is still thinking about Sam; although she hasn't seem him in years. it still makes sense because how many boys has she really been around? Not many."
66% "Tiffin is one of my favorite words now. (Lunch)
92% "Adela is part of a touring theater group, along with some untalented folks who make up the other "acts", and she along with the friends in the group sing and perform to try to lift the spirits of the soldiers. The wounded are an especially hard group to perform for as Adela feels deeply for them, and she even comes across an old flame of hers that she hardly recognizes. Letters continue to help move things along."
96% "Oh you beautiful naive humans. Talk to each other. Tell each other. What is the worst that could happen? Stop being so judgemental of one another when things are revealed. No one is perfect. Be honest and then figure out if you can "move past" later. Don't just speculate endlessly on how you think the other *may* react. Ugh!"
Not having read book one and two, I wondered what it would be like to jump into a series at book three. Without knowing what I was missing, I can say with certainty that it didn't take overly long to get my bearings in terms of the characters. The only issue I was having was of where it was supposed to be taking place.
The book opens with us joining Adela in deciding whether or not to help the newbie of the all-girls school, Flowers, from the malicious torment of Nina. From that scene we move to an introduction of Sam Jackman and his monkey Nelson. Then to a talent show, a stowaway in the boot (which I knew from previous readings elsewhere means the trunk of the car), to a novel that keeps turning out surprises.
I was unclear on setting until about 10% of the way through. It was a bit confusing since the characters talk about being from Britain, but then there some slurs against some of the girls for being part this and part that. So I wasn't clear initially on location.
Around the start of chapter four, I realized that it was taking place IN India and some of the girls/their families were FROM Britain. "
I wonder if books one and two dealt with Adela's parents and the things leading right up to? It was an adventure to have no prior knowledge of storylines on this. Having never jumped into a series without starting at book one, I felt rebellious.
My working vocabulary grew from this. I learned words like "upbraided" and "tiffin" among others.
Adela runs into Sam again and witnesses him choose another woman. Adela then turns to a prince who has been seeking her out and begins an illustrious affair with him despite warnings from others.
I found it intriguing to read about a character that I didn't actually identify with very much in terms of how she portrayed herself. Adela is shown to be very outspoken, boisterous, and prone to making rash ill-planned decisions. She is a character very unlike myself who despite, or perhaps because of this, I found enjoyable to read. She is a sympathetic character that even as you watch her making poor choices, you still root for her and want things to go well for her regardless of what led her.
An unfortunate hunting trip changes her life forever and Adela goes to live for awhile with one of her aunts back in England, a country she did not actually grow up in, with her aunt and cousin. This aunt, Olive, is very overprotective of Adela's cousin, Jane, who is in her early twenties and can't stand up for herself very well against her overbearing Mother. Adela swoops in like a breath of fresh air; until she is proven to have a secret she hadn't consciously realized herself until it is pointed out to her.
Political talk lightly weaves through the tale, mentioned by characters in passing on a few occasions and the topic of discussion/family alignments for some too, until we discover that World War II has broken out.
The kindness shown by a few women that used to know Adelas' mother, speaks volumes of how respect and honor need not only be given by those that are in power or blood-relations, but can come carry down through generations. Sometimes, family may turn on you, and virtual strangers may feel closer than you could have imagined. It's a beautiful read.
I enjoyed living in this world created. It was nice to see the changes as the characters grew up. To share in their joys as well as sorrows. The writing here is a delight to the senses. The descriptions were vivid without being overly done and the new word/culture exposure was a sharp change from the type of books I usually read.
The war is mentioned as happening almost as a backstory to the main actions that occur. Adela is reminded of a mistake from her youth that causes her to reflect on her decision with what read like a hint of regret but ultimately sounded like she would make the same choice again if she could live it over again.
Adela and Sam cross paths again, and they have the same issue that seems to crop up in a lot of star-crossed romances, communication problems.
I am including my notes during reading (I have been more conscious as of late to try to limit spoilers in my note-taking):
4.0% "31 chapters total. Just finished chapter 2. So far so good."
11.0% "Takes place in 1933. Are we actually in India here and this is a section of Britain that had settled to spread the Christian gospel? I feel like I need to research some History to know for sure. Story itself is clipping along well. Adela and Sam are interesting and what a surprise to come home to!"
18.0% "Through a few thank you letters for birthday cars we are moved up to 1937 and some things that have happened along the way. I love that Adela is still thinking about Sam; although she hasn't seem him in years. it still makes sense because how many boys has she really been around? Not many."
27.0% "Sam has come to Adela's 17th bday. Things have kept on at Adela's home. She is still performing and is also working for a man Sam had warned her of. He has realized he likes her. She still likes him. Now we are in 1938..."
33.0% "Learned a new word: upbraided, which means to find fault or scold."
66% "Tiffin is one of my favorite words now. (Lunch)
70% "Did not see this coming until a paragraph or so before. Poor Adela. She can't seem to catch a break!"
85.0%"Prior books must have had a story-line with Sam and his parents..."
92% "Adela is part of a touring theater group, along with some untalented folks who make up the other "acts", and she along with the friends in the group sing and perform to try to lift the spirits of the soldiers. The wounded are an especially hard group to perform for as Adela feels deeply for them, and she even comes across an old flame of hers that she hardly recognizes. Letters continue to help move things along."
96% "Oh you beautiful naive humans. Talk to each other. Tell each other. What is the worst that could happen? Stop being so judgemental of one another when things are revealed. No one is perfect. Be honest and then figure out if you can "move past" later. Don't just speculate endlessly on how you think the other *may* react. Ugh!"
This starts off in India in the early 1930s and by the mid-to-late thirties takes place in Britain with some scenes still occurring in India. The story is told in third person omniscient so we can get into the minds and eyes of various characters without too limited of view.
I would recommend this book, even if you haven't read the others, as I felt this did solid taken as a stand-alone. The ending felt a little abrupt and like "Quick, let's tie a ribbon around it and call it done" which was my only real complaint as a whole.
I was sent this ARE to review along with a few others and hadn't realized at the time that it was sent to me the *day* before the release date. Well, that's great now though because the wait is done before it began!
The Girl From The Tea Garden is now available for purchase.
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