oh blimey, absolutely stunning. this book takes you into a walled garden, sits you down,envelopes you, wraps itself around you and takes you into its world. and it was a pleasure to do so. to be in Angela's story, the world she created for us within her story was spellbinding and beautiful and i felt lucky to read such a book. i felt emotional at times not only from the words within but also just from being able to read such a book! this book soared itself to a favourite, top tier, stick with me forever book. and when you find these gems. when you find books that will be on your faves forever its like nothing else. yes, im a book fan. and so yes reading this book gave me a day full of joy.
this is a story about that period of time but also so much more. its about a girl that was left motherless and when she stumbles across a hidden garden in a house thats often felt so lonely, she stumbles into something quite remarkable. but there is a mystery in this garden and also why it must never be mentioned? but drawn to it TIna is. drawn to it and the feeling of her mother there. so she tends to it. cares for it. and it cares somehow right back to her.
there are truths to come out but should they? and what will this mean for Tina? and when war and all that darkness that swoops into their lives what will this mean for her and her garden? what will it mean when more loyalties are questioned and risks taken?
there is such gentle writing in this book and then somehow so much courage and strength woven through even in the hardest times. it doesn't shy away from the themes it explores but it does so in a way you feel held whilst it does so.
there is actually so much more im tempted to say about this book but i really want each person to come to it new. to meet the garden, to meet the housekeeper who is always there for Tina. to meet the sacrifices and secrets. to meet Tina. that needs to feel personal but its a must read. a definite must read.

Angela Petch’s The Lost Garden is one of those stories that quietly wraps itself around you, like ivy on old stone. Set in 1930s Italy, it follows young Tina, who stumbles upon a forgotten garden hidden behind a crumbling door in her family's castle—a place steeped in mystery, memory, and the whispers of her late mother.

The garden itself feels like a character: wild, fragrant, and full of secrets. As Tina begins to tend it in secret, she uncovers not just family truths but her own strength, especially as war creeps closer and loyalties are tested.

Petch’s writing is evocative without being overwrought. There’s a softness to her prose, even when the stakes rise. The emotional pull is gentle but persistent—grief, love, and courage all bloom slowly, like the roses on the garden wall.

If you enjoy historical fiction that leans into atmosphere and heart, this one’s a lovely escape. It’s not just about war or secrets—it’s about the quiet resilience of a girl who finds hope in the most unexpected place.

With thanks to Angela Petch, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the story of a girl that grew up motherless, in a crumbling castle in Italy. Thank goodness a friend of her mother's is the housekeeper, Allegra is there for Tina.
We meet this family when the country of Italy has joined forces with Germany, and Tina's father is in the thick of things. Of course, this is WWII time, and things go from bad to worse.
This is such a hard time here, and we are there as some resist, and give the ultimate. A very emotional story, some with such big hearts, and others whom betray their friends.
This read highlights Italy, and shows the heart of those that stood all along for the what was right, and I loved the sacrifices made here.
I did love the last chapter and thank the author for that!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.