Reviews

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

tracyreally's review

3.0

Perfectly nice, multi-narrator historical fiction. Perfect for an audiobook!

eviesellers's review

3.0

this is another book that i would give 3.5 stars if i could. my main issue was the 5 different alternating perspectives; while the stories of each of the women were interesting and had unique points of interwoven detail with one another, so many perspectives shifting across time periods, physical place, and individuals made it tough to keep track of who was who and what was what. for example, one of the chapters is from the perspective of diana, the widowed head of highbury house during ww2. however, other characters both within and outside of her own chapters refer to her by various titles. despite this, the story itself was very well written, with heartfelt detail and messages of family, love, and following your desires and dreams.

acrowder's review

hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

sofi0518's review

4.0

Doesn't the idea of a beautiful English garden in full bloom just make you smile? This book definitely put a smile on my face.

The story of three women during three different timelines and the garden that unites them combined all of my favorite things: historical fiction, hidden secrets and romance. This was a beautiful way to spend a lazy Sunday.

The only thing that bothered me (and why I didn't give five stars) was

Spoiler

the way that Stella gave up on her nephew. I know she didn't want to be a mother but it was so quick and I felt it wasn't in line with the character.

ellestrike's review

emotional sad

4.0

bethmtaps's review

I hit the half way point and still could not find the plot to this story. Three women in three timelines is also very confusing with how many people are connected to each person. 

rose_marie_fern's review

4.0

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.

ordinarypickle's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

aefsargent's review

5.0

This was an enthralling read. I was completely wrapped up in the characters and the writing. One of those wonderful books that you wish would never end.

daniber's review

emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, Medical content, Grief, Pregnancy, and War