1907, 1944 and Present Day.....Venetia, Beth, Emma.....three women, three timelines in alternating chapters all in the same Country Estate with a Garden that is as much the Protagonist as it is the Setting.  The Garden  holds a secret that deeply affects the lives of all three women.  Wars, Separations, Death, and the subplot that ensues as the estate is requisitioned by the military all make for a most engaging story.  This historical fiction novel was the perfect escape from the pressures 2020 is presenting.  There is something very therapeutic about a garden.  A well written story about a garden works also! I read a NetGalley advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful story to follow, which takes us to three time periods, present day 2021, 1944 and 1907. The story follows three different woman and there involvement in the formal gardens of Highbury House in Scotland, and the generations of family who owned it.
In 2021, we learn that Emma is Commissioned, to recreate these wonderful gardens which had been in great need of repair and where the owners wanted her to recreate the original gardens by a famed landscape artist in 1907, Venetia Smith.
In 1944 The home has been taken over by the army for a convalescent home for soldiers of WWII. Beth, a Land girl, (a women who in wartime worked in Agriculture), also helped with the gardens.
Through each of these stories we follow the joys, secrets and sorrows of the character, and the role each played in its recreation.
So many great characters to follow, as we go from one discovery to the next.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for a copy of this book.

Julia Kelly crafts a beautiful multi-generational novel in The Last Garden in England. Centering around the breathtaking Highbury House estate, the reader meets women across three different timelines--1907, led by Venetia Smith, the garden designer who brings it to life; 1944, and the women who protect it from being destroyed and turned into wartime farmland; and present-day as Emma tries to restore the garden's original beauty.

The writing is absolutely gorgeous and so descriptive that I felt like I was in the dirt with these women. While there are a lot of different characters to keep track of and the narration and timeline shift quite a bit throughout the seasons the book is divided into, I thought Julia Kelly did a great job really developing each character.

I really enjoyed traveling throughout time with this novel and this special garden. I will be grabbing a copy of this when it comes out, it will make the perfect gift for someone who loves gardening and a strong set of female leads!

Special thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The book just didn't keep my interest. Maybe you have to be a gardener?? Tried a few chapters but then closed the book.

When done right, historical fiction can prove as riveting as the best spy thriller and author Julia Kelly is a masterful writer. The task of weaving characters and three disparate timelines from 1907, 1944 and 2021 must have been daunting but the narrative sails along on smooth seas. From the reader’s POV keeping track of who fits where requires close concentration and I occasionally had to flip back to refresh my memory about what era I was in.. Thank the powers that be that this is not a time travel story. What it is is three separate tales, three protagonists and one glorious English garden.covering 115 year period. Emma Lovett has been hired to restore the gardens to their former glory and in the process she uncovers long buried secrets from the past.. It’s fascinating and challenging in scope but Kelly rises to the occasion and sweeps the reader up in the grandeur.of the garden’s restoration.

This is no namby pamby dry Victorian narrative. “The Last Garden in England” is beautifully written with brilliant subplots of the hope that accompanies love and the despair of death, all built around a love of gardening that shines brightly and feeds the soul.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review “The Last Garden in England” by Julia Kelly.

#NetGalley #TheLastGardenInEngland

I really enjoyed this book. Alternating timelines & a story about 3 strong women. I loved the description of the gardens as well. 4/5 stars. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Garden in England, by Julia Kelly, is an interesting novel that intertwines 3 separate lives/time periods, involving the same place, Highbury House gardens.  It is a good read, however, I complicated it by looking up a multitude of things that were mentioned about gardening, the area, etc.  This slowed my reading progress and delayed my finishing.  While I can't blame the book for my own desire to know more, I think it may be a book best enjoyed by someone with more knowledge of gardening, unless you are open to the learning experience.  The cover is beautiful and the text is well written.   Though it took me a while to read it, I am glad I did.  And yes, I do now feel the need to visit Highbury! Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me an ARC ebook version of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sorry to say this historical novel did not do much for me. Perhaps it's because I'm not a gardener. Despite what the book description promises, I did not find this either "poignant" or "unforgettable".

Like many new fiction books written these days, this one uses that tried-and-true (in my opinion, overused) device of telling three narratives, from different periods of time, that only come altogether at the very end of the book.

• 1907. A little-known-but-soon-to-be-famous garden designer, Venetia Smith, specializes in long-neglected gardens. She is working to design elaborate gardens for famous Highbury House, a Downtown Abbey type home for British landed aristocrats.

• 1944. Like many large homes, Highbury House has been requisitioned by the government for use as a convalescent hospital for injured World War II soldiers. Recently-widowed homeowner Diana Symonds is not only dealing with her own grief, her young son, and a domineering sister-in-law, she is also managing the house staff and trying to maintain some semblance of a normal home life. And she is working with a number of "land girls", small town civilians working in agriculture to contribute to the war effort.

• 2020. Emma Lovett, a deep lover of history, runs a small gardening company specializing in restoring overgrown gardens to their original design. The opportunity to work at Highbury House is a dream come true. As is the looming prospect of a job offer that would free Emma from all the business-owning tasks she hates doing.

Weaving back and forth between time, we follow the stories of these three women and a few others as they navigate war, tragedy, dances, romances, pregnancy, and all manner of secrets and British class prejudice.

It sounds like a decent enough premise. Only, for at least half the book, I found it difficult to remember who was who as the author jumped back and forth in time. There are lots of people, multiple romances to track, and too many of the characters didn't seem particularly distinctive to me. I rarely felt any emotion for any of them.

BUT, I will close by suggesting that reading this novel might be a totally different experience... if you love gardening.

I received a free ARC of this book through Netgalley.
It mixes love and horticulture in 3 different time periods and 3 different women all in regards to a single garden in England. It was quite riveting as it went back and forth between the strong female characters. I enjoyed the descriptions of the gardens as well, but you don't have to be into horticulture to enjoy this book.

A story you can slide right in to, The Last Garden in England brings to life three generations of women whose lives cross the spectacular gardens at Highbury House in Warwickshire. Mixing their voices in a collection of chapters slotted into each season of a single year, we witness the progression of their lives in the contexts of radically different times and accompanying social mores.

In 1907, Edwardian garden designer Venetia Smith designs the gardens. In 1944, recently widowed Diana Symonds is the Lady of Highbury House, now repurposed as a convalescent hospital; Stella Adderton, head cook, is caring for her orphaned nephew; and Elizabeth Pedley is a Land Girl on the adjacent farm. In 2021, Emma Lovett is trying to restore the gardens, struggling to unearth information on their original state.

The writing and story remind me of Kate Morton (I’m a fan) — deep characters and easily absorbed writing with a plot that that is equally character and story driven. I love the way each character makes her way through the constraints of her time period following the dictates of her own values on vocation, family, love, and internal worth. They were all different! Some were naturally maternal, some not; some were pulled towards a life of great achievement (despite difficulties), some not; some were willing to compromise for love, some not. I loved the lack of stereotypes and the matter-of-fact descriptions of social context for women in each time period and the way they got on with it. Included interesting insight into the process of garden design (both creation and restoration).

A real joy to read with that lovely combination that keeps both the heart and the mind engaged.

I was drawn to the narrative of a multi generational garden from 1900 to the present, its inception the creation of a singularly talented young woman, Venetia Smith.
Just as history itself lays claim to periods of prosperity and beauty, war and hardships, so does the Highbury House garden both flourish and become overgrown and neglected.
The garden is the main character and focus as the communal lives, familial and romantic relationships of the owners and household, become intertwined with Venetia and the two women, Beth and Emma, who follow in her footsteps to restore the gardens.
The descriptive, sometimes overly flowery, garden passages on large estate landscape planning, choosing and identifying plants and flowers, to the toil of clearing, digging and planting became a metaphor for the lives of the characters.
Jumping back and forth between eras, and the complicated stories of five women, crowded the storyline and was at times more distracting than enticing.
There are seasons in life, and seasons in a garden.
There are secrets in history and life and there may be secrets in a garden.
We just need to wait, wonder and find the key.

I heard Julia Kelly interviewed about this new book, coming out in January. I was thrilled to get an advanced copy. First of all, the cover is gorgeous! And the story is very lovely as well, with 3 different time lines all connected to the extensive gardens at Highbury House. All 3 are strong women and their love of life and gardens shines through. Venetia, who was hired to design the gardens in 1907, Beth in 1944 and Emma in the present day are all interesting characters in their own right. I would think it challenging for the author to write in 3 timelines, all woven together but it was beautifully done. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of "The Last Garden in England " by Julia Kelly.
I had been reading quite a few books that take place during WWII and had even decided to take a break from this subgroup of historical fiction. I am quite glad that I was offered this book. This book actually covers 3 different time periods 1907, 1941. and present day. It is the tale of five strong women over 3 time periods whose lives are connected by one garden in England.
At first, it was a bit difficult to keep the people organized with the jumping from one era to another but as I got further in to the story, it all fell in to place and I actually enjoyed the time- jumping.It just took a bit of time for me to become comfortable with the actors or who-who's of each time period . Once I got to know each of the women, it was quite easy to get caught up in their lives. The story flowed well through the ages and restorations.Although each story was unique to its period setting, there were also similarities across their experiences, too. All of the women were fully fleshed characters who evolved quite organically . It was a quite fulfilling read to travel their evolution with them. It was impossible to read their stories without feeling empathetic to their plights and without cheering them on their final pages. All of the women are strong, independent ( even when they do not seem to be) women who tackle life's problems differently bit don't back down from a challenge. They would be women whom you would wish to share a cup of tea.
I found the tale of the elaborate garden at Highbury House and its evolution over the decades to be interesting. too. Not only its evolution, but the work going in to planting, tending and restoring it was fascinating to even a very amateur gardener such as myself. These English gardens are a fascinating piece of history in and of themselves.
I found this book to be an interesting addition to the historical fiction shelf. Even with WW2 books,, it was nice to see a unique tale of the people left home rather than on the front. As I said, though, this is more than just the 1940's. It is interesting to see the lives and restrictions on women's lives and expectations and how they have changed over the years. Interesting to compare the differences yet similarities of women throughout time.
I would recommend this book to any who enjoy historical fiction, gardening and it's history and even women studies. I found it to be an enjoyable and even educational read. I learned much about gardens and the commandeering of estates during the wars in Britain.

What is a garden’s purpose? Perhaps it provides sanctuary, inspiration or privacy for its visitors. In Julia Kelly’s novel we meet three women from different time periods who have in common one special garden at Highbury House. Venetia is a garden designer in 1907 who creates themed “rooms” on this estate; Beth, a WWII land girl, works nearby and sketches the various gardens when she has the opportunity; Emma, a devoted admirer of Venetia Smith, is trying to re-create the old gardens for the 21st century. All of them, artists, and all in need of something. Will they find answers? This garden can provide solace for those grieving and various characters in the novel experience its healing. Questions are raised as the three woven stories proceed. A garden can be planned out, but so many factors will determine how it grows and produces, like people. There is much to learn from a garden as there is much to learn from a novel of three women who love it.

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly is a beautiful novel told from the perspective of several women spanning a century in Highbury, Warwickshire, England. Julia Kelly manages to give the reader vivid detailed descriptions of the gardens at Highbury House and the labor of love required to design, sketch and maintain them. As each woman's involvement in the gardens are played out, without knowing, their personal lives are interwoven with each other through the years. Love, loss and enduring friendships are formed and become as integral as the gardens themselves.

First there is Venetia Smith. In 1907 Venetia was hired to design and implement several garden rooms on the premises of Highbury House Estate. Through her genius, the gardens are designed and planted and come to life. What the mistress of Highbury House did not foresee was the love that developed between Venetia and her brother Matthew. A forbidden love between two classes with the potential to cause great scandal.

In 1944, Diana Symonds finds herself a widow after her husband, a medical doctor, is killed during WWII. She now owns and runs Highbury House, a hospital of sorts for wounded soldiers. There she becomes friends with Beth Pedley, a land girl on a nearby farm. Together, Beth and Diana’s lives will become intertwined with Stella Adderton, the cook of Highbury House. When tragedy strikes, the gardens will become a source of both pain and solace to the women.

Emma Lovett brings the past into the future when she is asked by Sydney and Andrew Wilcox, the current owners of Highbury Estate, to bring the ancient and disheveled gardens back to life. Wanting to reconstruct the gardens to the same state as Venetia had designed them would be a monumental task, but one Emma was determined to do. In order to do the job correctly, Emma must delve into the past to find the story behind each garden room. It's the Winter Garden that holds the key to the past for each woman and one that holds the answers for Emma’s future.

Julia Kelly has created a story with rich characters that will melt your heart. There is heartache and loss, but love and friendships that endure the test of time. As one garden room leads to another, these women weave an integral past that leads directly to the future impacting each woman along the way. Beautiful, touching and often heartbreaking, the final product is magical. Anyone who has had the pleasure of touring an English Garden, (Williamsburg, VA), and treasures stories of love and friendship will fall in love with this novel. Past to present day, this novel is a winner in my book. Sure to please anyone who loves Historical Fiction, Romance and Women’s Fiction.

I want to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced reader copy of The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly. “The Reviews expressed in this review are completely my own”.

I really enjoyed the three timelines and the different points of view from three very strong women. Julia Kelly created characters that you really care about. Her descriptions allowed me to imagine the garden (and house) in all time periods. I love Historical Fiction and feel that this book was true to the times it takes place in, 1907, 1944, and 2021.

It was not easy to put this book down. I love that when I finished reading the book I felt like the story was complete and not hanging even though you wish all of the characters a long and pleasurable life. I can't wait to read other books by this author.

Disclosure:
Thank you NetGalley, Julia Kelly, and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review; all opinions are my own.

Julia Kelly has crafted a lovely, visually gratifying novel. Her story centers around Highbury House Estate in England and its beautiful gardens. The focus is on the women who inhabited the estate or worked in and around the famed gardens during the different time periods of 1907, 1944, and present day. Each story was unique and enchanting. I found myself enveloped in the landscape, especially in the earlier century, as Ms. Kelly's descriptions were incredibly vivid. It was, without a doubt, an aesthetically pleasing novel. I also appreciated being immersed in the history and topography of English gardens, something I've really never thought much about.

I will admit, however, that the multitude of characters spread out between the various time periods initially proved to be disorienting. Thankfully, I eventually grew accustomed to each person and found my bearings. Additionally, what were meant to be "aha" moments were somewhat predictable for me (though in all fairness, I pride myself in uncovering the outcomes of novels way ahead of time).

I would recommend this novel to those looking for a lighter Historical Fiction novel entwined with a bit of romance, as well as for those who enjoy complex character webs. Be on the lookout for this one on March 3, 2021.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery books for gifting me with this early review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an intriguing WWII era/modern day historical read. I liked the intertwined storylines and the pace of it.

A historical fiction novel that has three timelines, five female main characters, and one beautifully described garden that connects all of them together. This read is perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and British historical fiction. I really enjoyed that all three time periods were brought together by a beautiful garden at an English estate. I’m not one for gardening myself, but the descriptions of it really made me wish I could see it. The characterization and feminist theme also made me really enjoy the differences and combined strength of the women in this novel. The Last Garden in England has just enough romance and just enough mystery to make the reader not want to put it down. 4 stars from me. Thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Julia Kelly for this lovely novel.

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly is about three women gardeners who work their botanical magic on the grounds of Highbury House. The first delightful character is the creator of the manor's gardens, Venetia. The second, Beth, is a land girl helping on the grounds and who sketched the gardens providing artifacts for Emma, the current day restoration gardener, to discover. I truly enjoyed this incredible book which traveled to one garden during three time periods (1907, 1944 and 2021)! The characters in each time period were exquisitely developed and the transitions were flawless. If you are looking for an uplifting book with strong female characters, appreciation for restoration and a little romance through the decades, this one is for you! Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this advanced copy for my review.