The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

 

1907: Venetia Smith is commissioned to design the elaborate gardens of Highbury House. She never expected that this experience would change her life forever.

1944: Highbury House is requisitioned as a convalescent hospital during the war. The gardens serve a new role offering a quiet space for reflection and recovery.

Present Day: Emma Lovett is hired to restore the gardens to their original beauty. As she peels back the layers of history, she uncovers secrets that have long been kept buried.

This sets up the captivating plot of The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly, a story of secrets, sacrifice, friendship, and love. 

I have a special gift of killing any plant that enters my home, but that didn't stop me from being swept away by the vivid descriptions of the lush gardens at Highbury House. I found the idea of women through three generations being connected through this garden to be so compelling. I felt completely transported to this English country estate.

If I had one critique, it would be that there are many characters to follow spanning the three timelines; however, this didn't keep me from enjoying this book.

The mélange of sometimes sad, many times happy historical fiction with touches of romance means that fans of Jennifer Robson and Hazel Gaynor will quite enjoy The Last Garden in England.

This excerpt from Julia Kelly's author's note at the end is also not to be missed, "I believe that, much like books, gardens are organic, unpredictable things, revealing their beautiful how and when they choose. It is up to us to remember to pause and enjoy that beauty every day."

xo
Jenn

Disclaimer - Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me a complementary copy of this book to review.