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Thursday, January 14, 2021

The Last Garden In England by Julia Kelly


One thing that draws me to a book is an old house, and Highbury House sounded amazing.

And with the mention of many gardens, I was pulled in from the start.

We meet Emma, present day, who was commissioned to restore the gardens of Highbury House that were designed by Venetia Smith to what they looked like in 1907.  Emma had no photos but did some research.

Emma’s work was definitely cut out here, but it was so exciting for her to be able to recreate these famous gardens.

We also meet two other women who had something to do with the gardens and Highbury House.  Each time we meet one of the women, we find a little more about the garden, their lives, and their connection to it all.

Venetia Smith, 1907, was the original designer of the many gardens at the Highbury House Estate.

Beth Pedley, 1944, worked on a nearby farm.  She would deliver goods to Highbury House and loved the gardens. She also wanted to and did sketch the gardens.  These sketches were helpful to Emma.

These three women were easy to like, and I loved how the gardens were the main focus for all three of them.

There were many gardens filled with flowers that represented the name of each garden.

The different gardens were: The Tea Garden, The Lovers' Garden, The Bride's Garden, The Poet's Garden, The Children’s Garden, and The Winter Garden that was behind locked gates and Emma didn't know why.

No one knew why it was kept locked or where the key was, but you will find out when you read this lovely book.

Along with the beautiful writing of Ms. Kelly, the gardens, and the story line, there also is some romance in each time period.

If you enjoy Ms. Kelly's books, you will not want to miss this one.  5/5

This book was given to me by the  publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

10 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Yes...love old houses. :)

      Thanks for commenting, Mystica.

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  2. Replies
    1. I think you would really enjoy this book, Mary.

      Thank you for your comment.

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  3. I loved this read! Great review!

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    Replies
    1. Yes...it was very good.

      Thanks for your comment, reeca.

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  4. I also love books about old houses...and gardens, too. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. The old house and gardens didn't disappoint. :)

      You would love it, Laurel.

      Thanks for your comment.

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  5. I love books about old houses -- and the gardens would have me swooning.

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    Replies
    1. I hope you get to read this book, Dianna.

      Thanks for your comment.

      Delete