A review by beachgrlreads
The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

4.0

I was was immediately drawn to this book when I saw the cover on Instagram. I mean who does not love an English garden? The book, which is set in England, specifically the village of Highbury, was told during three different time frames, by Venetia Smith, a garden designer in 1907, in 1844 by Land Girl, Beth Pedley, cook at Highbury House, Stella Adderton, the mistress of Highbury House, Diana Symonds and present day by garden designer, Emma Lovett. Venetia’s story is of particular interest as she has a career during a time when women did not. She is a highly recognized an reputable designer who is hired to bring the gardens of Highbury House to life. Beth, Diana and Stella’s stories become intertwined in a surprising way while navigating life is a small English village during the worst of WWII while Highbury House is a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. Diana is widowed with a young son while trying to navigate living in a house that has become a hospital, Stella is her cook who wants nothing more than to see the world, and Beth is an orphan and gifted artist who is searching for her place in the world by becoming a Land Girl. In present day, Emma has been hired to restore the gardens after the renovation of Highbury House to its original splendor. Venetia Smith is her hero so she is honored to be restoring her work. The characters in the story are well written and have excellent backstories. The details about the garden, the house and the timelines are detailed and make for a very interesting read. I only wish there had been more. I felt that the story ended a little abruptly without giving the reader a chance to prepare for the ending. All in all, I would recommend this book for the details and wonderful writing. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.