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A review by lavanda4
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
5.0
My hopes were high for this book but they were exceeded! It's full of heart melting beauty from the sweet stories themselves to the magical gardens (just look at the cover!) to the relationships to dreams. All of it. The fabulous ending came far too quickly!
Five women, all very different, over three time periods, are all connected by Highbury House. So many puzzle pieces fit together beautifully whilst not skipping a beat. History, secrets, romance and crushing heartache are intertwined intricately. This is a gentle book of metaphors and life lessons as we follow these women and their lives and interactions between classes.
In 1907 we meet Venetia, a garden designer, very unusual at the time as she is female. Her clients are wealthy and have lofty goals.
In 1944, we are introduced to three women...Beth loves working the land, is hired as a land girl. Stella is a cook but has higher ambitions. Diana is the mistress of the manor and is smitten with her cherished gardens.
We meet present day Emma who was chosen to restore the original gardens but pieces are missing. Pieces are missing for each of these women.
As a Master Gardener who has been to many gardens across Europe (including Hidcote mentioned in the book) I was drawn in and could envision the breathtaking prettiness.
It would be so easy to go on and on about the book but you need to just relax and enjoy it. Absorb its charm. Immerse yourself in the characters. I recommend this book for Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers. It's an absolute must read. Just lovely! Be sure to read the author's personal notes at the end, including her writing inspiration.
My sincere thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this splendid book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Five women, all very different, over three time periods, are all connected by Highbury House. So many puzzle pieces fit together beautifully whilst not skipping a beat. History, secrets, romance and crushing heartache are intertwined intricately. This is a gentle book of metaphors and life lessons as we follow these women and their lives and interactions between classes.
In 1907 we meet Venetia, a garden designer, very unusual at the time as she is female. Her clients are wealthy and have lofty goals.
In 1944, we are introduced to three women...Beth loves working the land, is hired as a land girl. Stella is a cook but has higher ambitions. Diana is the mistress of the manor and is smitten with her cherished gardens.
We meet present day Emma who was chosen to restore the original gardens but pieces are missing. Pieces are missing for each of these women.
As a Master Gardener who has been to many gardens across Europe (including Hidcote mentioned in the book) I was drawn in and could envision the breathtaking prettiness.
It would be so easy to go on and on about the book but you need to just relax and enjoy it. Absorb its charm. Immerse yourself in the characters. I recommend this book for Historical Fiction and General Fiction readers. It's an absolute must read. Just lovely! Be sure to read the author's personal notes at the end, including her writing inspiration.
My sincere thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this splendid book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.