I had high hopes for this one and it started very well. Then it seemed to slow right down in the middle before gearing up again at the end. I was hoping for better as I’ve enjoyed other books by Lorna but, this one just didn’t hit the spot for me. Shame. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Isaac Leigh has been employed to make improvements to the garden at Pencallick House and under normal circumstances would never come into contact with Cordelia Carr-Lyon who, as the daughter of the big house, has limitations placed upon her, and a burgeoning friendship with a handsome gardener is strictly out of bounds. However, the country is on the brink of war and social restrictions whilst still in place seem to melt into insignificance as Isaac and Cordelia gradually get to know each other. It is this secret friendship and clandestine bond which must sustain their relationship through some deeply troubling times especially as the storm clouds of WW1 gather their inevitable momentum over Europe.

Lorna Cook writes the most wonderfully detailed historical dramas which are filled with an abundance of emotions, from love and passion, through to sadness and despair and, believe me, there were many times during this beautiful novel when I had to reach for the tissue box. The story moves from the wild and windswept Cornish coast, to war ravaged Europe and from stately manor house to humble cottages and all the while keeping at its heart a love story which beguiles, entertains and tugs away at the heartstrings.

The Hidden Letters is every bit as good as I hoped it would be from this talented author.

I have nearly read all of Cook’s novels (only her debut remains unread!). However, I think that in this story, Cook takes her writing in a different direction. I was expecting a dual-timeline story with a switch between war times and present day. Instead, this is solely focussed on the First World War and how a small group of characters are impacted by this life-changing event.

The strict class system is displayed with this story of forbidden love. Cordelia is of the upper classes where her parents, especially her mother, are keen for her to maintain the family’s reputation. On the other hand, Cordelia is known to be a bit reckless and wild. Perhaps then it is of little surprise that she finds herself developing feelings for Isaac, the landscape gardener. As an employee of the estate, Cordelia is well aware that she should not build on her attraction, but with the looming war, she realises that time is running out.

The first part of the story focuses on Cook developing the relationship between Cordelia and Isaac. I found the pace to be surprisingly slow and lethargic, perhaps a reflection of the stifling, heady summer weather that the characters were experiencing. It is only until after the halfway point do the letters make an appearance and I think this is when I really started to enjoy Cook’s writing. The letters are not just between Cordelia and Isaac, but several other linked characters too, with some breaks in between. Therefore, Cook combines her standard narrative with epistolary fiction and I enjoyed the effect created.

Cook writes beautifully and I felt absorbed by the times. I think she captures the feelings of the characters perfectly and I particularly enjoyed the honest accounts of life at the Front from both Isaac and Cordelia’s brother, Edwin. From the awful living conditions to the bizarre day of peace on Christmas Day, I could understand Cordelia’s anguish and worry for her friends and family. In contrast, Cordelia’s life changes with the start of the war and I liked how she used her new-found interest in gardening to help with the war effort.

It was the second half of the novel that really grabbed my attention and I thought it demonstrated a return to the style of writing from Cook that I know and love. Secrets, love and despair dominate this section of the narrative, compared with the heady love of the first part. Lives significantly change during the novel and I warmed to Cordelia’s character as she adapts to the circumstances around her.

Although I really enjoyed this story in the end, I don’t think this was my most favourite. I think I was yearning for a dual-timeline and whilst I appreciate the different style of writing from Cook, I hope her next book follow a more familiar plot structure.

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love Lorna Cook’s books, and this in my opinion, is her best so far. She has cleverly conjured up the world as it was before the First World War. Lots of research must have gone into this to get that authentic atmosphere. A lord’s daughter and a landscape gardener. Forbidden love. Meeting Isaac, Cordelia is not only attracted to him, but begins to take an interest in gardening and the management of the gardens. It gives her a purpose in life, away from the normal pursuits of a young, rich woman, whose next milestone in life is marrying into another affluent family.
When war is declared and Isaac goes off to fight, everything Cordelia has learnt about the gardens comes into its own and she takes charge of them. Isaac’s letters from the front give her strength through the war…but then he goes missing.
This is a wonderful read, emotional at times, so be prepared to have tissues handy, because you will need them. The characters are beautifully written and there is humour as well as the inevitable sadness war and all its outcomes bring. It is a story which will linger in the memory long after you’ve read the final page. A big five stars from me.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Avon Books and Lorna Cook for an ARC of The Hidden Letters in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written and throughly enjoyable. Set in England in the days before WWI, a young aristocratic woman falls in love with a landscape architect working on her family's estate. Their romance is a slow burn, beautifully and tantalizingly written. Then the UK enters the war. Everything changes - with lots of surprises in the plot line.

The author did a great job of taking the reader places you don't expect. You think you know how the story ends, but you have another 100 pages to go. The surprise plot twists worked well, leaving me gasping out loud.

Highly recommended, especially for light but meaningful historical fiction.

A moving book about a forbidden love, war, lost love, secrets, and then happiness.
Cordelia and Isaac fall in love right before WWI but he’s a Gardener and their relationship is not acceptable.
Their love letters are bittersweet and then Isaac is lost.
I guess much of the story but hoped against the odds for the ending I received.
It’s a page turner.

England with war talk in 1914 and the young men of all statuses of life vow to go fight expecting that the war will be over in just a few months. Cordelia, at the country estate of her parents, encounters Isaac who has recently arrived at the estate to oversee the development of the grounds of the estate. I loved the tension between the two from the onset and the stolen moments they had while Cordelia develops an interest in gardening. Cordelia is such a strong and resilient character that she takes on the responsibility of keeping the estate grounds while the workers, Isaac and her brother leave for the war. She continues to write to Isaac until there aren’t return letters. The resulting story had me totally engrossed and surprised at various turns of events. Readers of historical fiction, romance and general fiction will find much to like in this story. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK Avon for an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily leave a review.

As the storm clouds of war gather, Cordelia seeks refuge in the grounds of her family estate. Isaac has recently arrived to tend to the gardens, and the connection between him and Cordelia is as immediate as it is forbidden. Isaac begins to secretly teach her how to cultivate the gardens, so when he and all the young men are called away to war, Cordelia takes over. From the battlefiekds of Europe, Isaac sends her letters that give her hope for a future in peacetime.

The pace is on the slow side throughout. We follow Isaac and Cordelia's love story. It's set around WWI in Cornwall. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but once I was in, I was hooked. This is a heartbreaking story that covers - life, love, loss and war. The characters are well developed and likeable. This is a beautifully written story.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the Author #LornaCook for my ARC of #TheHiddenLetters in exchange for an honest review.

Set mostly in 1914 Cornwall, The Hidden Letters is a Historical Romance about class divides, courage, choices, love, loss and hope. Raised in privilege on their family estate, Cornelia and her brother have a close bond. Outwardly, though Cornelia has everything she could possibly want materially, she is unfulfilled. She meets landscape architect Isaac who is responsible for revamping the garden structure. He also gleans joy from simple and therapeutic tasks in the vegetable garden. Cordelia learns about how plants grow and produce which serves well during the war when women become responsible for jobs normally performed by men.

Isaac and Cordelia inevitably fall in love and write letters after he goes off to fight. When Cordelia's brother tells her that Isaac is the first in their unit to die, her heart shatters and she struggles with moving forward.

As a master gardener I fell in love with the nature descriptions and gardening aspects particularly. Reading about upended societal conventions due to the changing world in times of war is always fascinating. Though sometimes predictable, the story's slow burn is engaging and enthralling. The cover could not be more breathtaking!

If you are drawn to Historical Romance punctuated by bits of sorrow and realities of war, do seek this one out.

My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting novel.

The Hidden Letters starts in Cornwall 1914, just before World War 1. Cordelia's family live at Pencallick House, Isaac is the architect hired to modernise the gardens of the stately home. As what would be, a forbidden romance, blossoms between Cordelia & Isaac, the world becomes a very different place.
This was a lovely book, at first glance it may be seen as a romance novel, but for me it was more about the strong friendships women forge and the things they will do to help and protect a friend in need.
Beautifully written, will definitely read more by Lorna Cook.

Set mostly in Cornwall between 1914 and 1921. Cordelia lives with her family at Pencallick House in Cornwall, the house was built in the 1700’s and bought by her grandfather in 1835.
Early in 1914 a garden Landscaper was employed to modernise the gardens. Isaac and his brother David live in a cottage in the grounds of Pencallick House while working on the gardens.
Cordelia and Isaac are attracted to each other but are soon separated when the First World War commences.
I loved the descriptions of the location and gardens. This was a romance set during war about friendships and family relationships with lots of secrets and heartache.

An absolutely brilliant read about forbidden love set against the horrors of World War 1.
It is a story of love and hope.
It pulls no punches about the horrors of trench war fare and the loss of a generation of men but it is full of hope.
It is one of the best books I have read in this genre for a long time.
I can’t recommend it enough.
It will make you cry but also make you hope

Set in Cornwall around the first world war, this is a story of forbidden love. It is a story about bravery, both of the men who went to war and the loved ones they left behind. It is a touching, heartbreaking story. Well written, well paced, with solid characters the reader can connect with. I would recommend it.

Cordelia doesn't know it yet, but World War I is about to start. Tucked away at her family's manor property on the Cornish coast, she reminisces on the London high season and the fact that more than likely, she'll need to accept a proposal soon. This is her last chance for adventure.

Isaac has been hired to design and oversee the large scale changes taking place in the manor gardens. One night, as he stands in the shadows enjoying solitude in the quiet, he's shocked to see Cordelia sprint past out of sight, in the direction of the lake. Knowing something isn't right, he follows, and there begins a mutual appreciation between the two for who they are, rather than their social status.

Neither could have prepared for the radical ways in which their lives would change throughout the war, and for who would not make it home. Who will they be when the war is done?

I'm going to start by saying this was an INCREDIBLE book. It's pretty rare that I move from balling my eyes out, to laughing, to shocked every few minutes. But this book did that; this story took me on an emotional roller coaster and I loved it ❤

Both Cordelia and Isaac exhibit such growth throughout the story. Every character has a purpose, and the authors writing style really makes you feel connected to every single one. I laughed and cried with them and felt like I had travelled part of the journey with them. Although I'll never truly know the horrors of WWI, this book showed a side that is often over looked.

I'll say it again, I loved this book. I'm so thankful that I received it as an ARC on Netgalley. Thank you to Author Lorna Cook and Avon books for providing it to me. My review has been given freely and willingly. I can't wait for publication on March 2nd 2023!

What a lovely read. Not my normal genre although I like historical fiction. This is definitely more romance than drama but it’s not ‘soppy’ or graphic just emotional and heart rending. Well written with great characters and a strong plotline. Set in the period starting just before World War 1 and in three parts; pre war, during the war in the form of letters and post war.

Briefly, Cordelia is the somewhat privileged daughter of a wealthy family with an estate in Cornwall. Isaac is a garden architect who is overseeing the redesign of the estate grounds. The attraction is instant and mutual, but forbidden. Almost immediately after admitting their feelings Issac leaves to fight in the war. Cordelia carries on helping with the gardens, waiting for Issac return, but when she is told he has been killed she is bereft, but life has to go on…

I didn’t expect it but I was engrossed with this story from the first page. Beautifully written with a wonderful character in Cordelia who is a strong feisty woman who follows her heart. I’m not ashamed to say I had a bit of a lump in my throat more than once and there might even have been a tear. A very enjoyable, emotional historical family saga that I read in one sitting. Fabulous

Another great read from Lorna.Unlike her previous books which were set in WWII and were 'Then & Now' This is set WWI. As the book goes on you realize the amount of research has gone into it.

Cordelia, daughter of the lord of the manor has 2 brothers, Clive younger and Edwin who is older. She meets with Isaac who is working on the estate, he is a landscape gardener. On the night of a party Clive goes missing and Cordelia begins to look for him and she goes into the lake as she thinks he might have fell in. This is where Isaac enters her life.

Forbidden love, they realize they have a lot in common. Meet when they can. Storm clouds form and WWI is declared. Isaac who lives in a cottage on the estate enlist. They do write to each other and Isaac was granted leave from 26th December. The day before Isaac and his battalion take part in the Christmas truce. Sadly Isaac never makes it home.

Cordelia heartbroken goes to stay with a friend of hers in the Lake district. Her parents have disowned her. Eventually the war ends. Cordelia meets other friends and she begins to re-build her life without Isaac.

I can fully recommend this and have no hesitation in giving it 5*

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Living in a beautiful big house with her family, Cordelia has everything she wants. But she finds herself bored.

Isaac, is employed by her father as a landscape architect. Cordelia wants to learn about gardening, so Isaac teaches her.

Love blossoms between them, and as WW1 is starting, all men young enough to sign up leave, that includes Isaac too. Cordelia continues with her gardening.

Isaac and Cordelia continue their affair through letters, when suddenly the letters stop coming, and she has to look forward to an unknown future.

I recommend this book.

This is such a sweet story set just before and during World War One. Cordelia is running after her brother, who has played a prank on her, when she meets Isaac. Their different classes mean any form of relationship is off limits.

The first half is about the build up to the war. The second half is during the war, and after. I loved the second half because its told partly in letter form. You get snippets of how life was in the trenches, the Christmas Day football match as well as life at home.

Beautiful storyline and beautifully written. It gets quite emotional in parts but uplifting as well. I loved it

I really enjoyed The Hidden Letters. I liked the way love blossoms between Cordelia and Isaac, an unconventional couple during the time the book is set. Their relationship is believable and serves at the beautiful heart at the core of the book. I thought I knew where the story would lead but I was surprised again and again. I cried a lot reading this as I felt really connected to the characters and everything that happened to them. This is an engrossing, gut-wrenching book.

A tender love story set during WW!. Well written with clever set up using letters. Overall enjoyable, but not as good as others by author.