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.

Five different women and a garden with secrets. . The changing timelines and lives of the five women were woven together nicely. The description of the garden was vivid enough to picture. It’s an engaging story with a bit of romance that was enjoyable to the very end.

The Last Garden in England
by Julia Kelly
Gallery Books
You Like Them
Historical Fiction | Romance | Women's Fiction
Pub Date 12 Jan 2021 | Archive Date 12 Jan 2021

Thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book told from three different perspectives and what the garden means to them.
Wonderful story!

4 stars

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very well written, the characters were likable and each had their own unique and developed storyline. I loved the multiple perspective through the three time periods and seeing how the characters each were involved in the garden. I was immediately drawn into the story and enjoyed every minute reading it. Good historical fiction of the war, but with a fresh perspective. I enjoyed learning about the land girls and the use of different properties for hospital and agriculture. Great read that I would happily recommend to friends.

The words ‘Garden’, ‘England’ and gorgeous cover lured me to this book. What’s better than strolling, albeit virtually in an English garden. I am a big enthusiast of flowers and gardens. Loved getting to know more about the garden rooms. Admire the way Kelly had incorporated the garden as a pivotal character, infused life and soul into it. Unbelievable how she adeptly used the garden to change the life trajectory of her protagonists. Another brilliant aspect of her talent was the way she made garden rooms correspond to each stage of life.

This story of three generation women bound by secrets, and the lush garden changes the lives of them forever.
• In the present day, Emily, landscape designer, takes upon a challenging task of restoring the expansive
garden of Highbury House in Warwickshire.
• During WWII, Lady Diana inherited the aforementioned house, and the garden changed her destiny
irrevocably. Beth came to the farm in this village to work as a land girl.
• Early 90’s, renowned gardener Venetia Smith was commissioned to design the gardens at Highbury
House.

Past timelines are my most favorite ones. Admire at the resilience of remarkable people who lived and endured it. Everyone has tried to accomplish their part for the country by giving up their homes to be converted to hospitals, working as land girls, suffering with limited supplies… Admired Diana for her courage to stand up against authorities to protect what is dear to her and providing comfort to many convalescents. Can’t help but empathize with her for the loss she suffered.

There are a lot of characters as the author takes time to establish their stories. It took me little time to keep all of them straight in my head.

Loved the past narratives better than the present one. My only quibbles are, don’t see the need for the current story as it didn’t add much to the narrative except a little. In my opinion, the book would have been crisp if the present story is condensed and the reader wouldn’t feel the story is dragged out.

Take a bow Kelly for writing a beautiful story that captures the war and love and loss sensibly and vivid descriptions which transported me to the verdant countryside.

Absolutely recommend this if you are a fan of historical fiction.

It's been a year since I was first introduced to Julia Kelly with both, The Whispers of War and The Light over London - click on titles for my reviews. So it only stands to reason that I would follow those up with The Last Garden in England.

Given the year that 2020 has turned out to be I loved that the current day story is set in 2021 - hope for a better year. I haven't read too many books with 3 different story lines set in 3 distinct time periods it wasn't hard to stay on top of things. The uniqueness of a multi room garden with the different themes/names felt very English to me and one I'd love to see in person.

It wasn't until the half way point that things picked up for me and the story took off. That being said it's not like the first half wasn't good. The introduction to the different characters gave me a chance to get to know them, their backgrounds and personalities. The WW2 story was my favourite as it involved more women - and I got to see another side of how the war affected those out in a country setting. It was a horrible time of adjustment and heartache.

The Last Garden in England is a story of friendship, legacy and creating your own path. It hits book stores on January 12th and available for preorder now.

My sincere thanks to the author, Julia Kelly for a digital ARC (via Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review.

From 1907 to the present day, this book takes of a beautiful place. A place that was started and cared for through the years by three very different women. Different but the same in things that counted.
A wonderful, delightful story. Grabs you and keeps you engaged to the very end.

This is the third historical novel that I have read by this author. I have enjoyed all three books. Each has had war as a backdrop and all have had characters with whom I enjoyed spending time.

A garden is a character in this title. Like a person it is born, grows, and faces struggle and renewal. Indeed, the main characters in this novel also have their struggles and joys as they spend time in this very special garden that was designed with rooms, including a children’s garden, a tea garden and a winter garden.

There are many characters to follow. The original designer of the garden is Venetia, a woman who was independent for her era which was WWI. During WWII readers follow land girl Beth, cook Stella and owner of the house with the garden, Diana. In the present, readers get to know Emma who is restoring Venetia and Diana’s garden. Each of these women has a back story and people who matter to them. Their lives are vividly presented by the author who writes characters with whom readers get to know well.

During Covid, I have spent a lot of time visiting my local botanical garden. I think that enhanced my enjoyment of the sections of the book that described the gardens but you don’t have to be a horticulturalist to read this title.

Come to visit this garden and these characters with their love stories and tales of life both in the present and in the shadow of war. It will be time well spent. Everything invites the reader in including the book’s lovely cover.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderfully visual story of an English garden that binds the lives of five women from 1917 through the end of WWII. Author Julia Kelly does such a fantastic job describing the creation and regeneration of this place that you can picture yourself walking from flower to flower and tree to tree. A terrific historical connection is made to a woman's place in the English botanical society and the principles that need to be kept in order to make a point. Her character development has you wishing to know or dislike everyone mentioned. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC.

Another wonderful novel by Kelly! A multi-timeline story centered around a garden in England. The novel explores the societal, personal, and daily angst of life in the early 20th century and during the War. Loved the flora and fauna descriptions. A wonderful read.

This was a delightful read and I adore Julia Kelly's storytelling technique! The Last Garden of England refers to the Highbury House estate's once-lush garden with the story centering around the garden's past and impact on five women across different points in history, from modern-day to 1907 and 1944.

Kelly offers poignant and beautiful details about the garden's plantings and the garden's evolution through time, a reflection on the five-strong women characters and how their connection with the garden forever shapes their lives.

If you adore historical fiction with strong female characters, I highly recommend this book!