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The Forever Garden
'A gorgeous story, full of heart' Jo Thomas
'Bursting with sunlight and beauty' Kate Furnivall
Amid the sun-soaked hills of southern Italy lies the Romano family olive grove, where Lara lives with her daughter Rose and her granddaughter Bea.
Lara has spent a lifetime trying to forget the traumatic events that led to her desperate escape from Dorset seventy years ago. But when she sees Bea - a passionate horticulturalist most at home in nature - being swept off her feet by Matteo, a handsome and charismatic restaurateur, Lara fears her granddaughter is in danger of making the same mistake as Lara did all those years ago.
Remembering a promise she once made, Lara asks Bea to travel to Dorset to restore her family's long-lost garden. Bea is torn. She would love to find out more about the mystery of her beloved grandmother's past. But if she leaves Italy, will Matteo wait for her? And when she arrives at the house in Dorset - what will she find?
Meanwhile back in Italy, an old flame from Rose's past reappears, threatening to expose a secret that could tear the heart out of the Romano family for good.
'A luminous, sun-soaked delight' Woman's Weekly
'A real treasure' Tracy Rees
'I loved the way each chapter left me begging for the next' 5* reader review
'Brilliantly paced' 5* reader review
'I was enthralled from the first page' 5* reader review
'Storytelling at its best' 5* reader review
'Bursting with sunlight and beauty' Kate Furnivall
Amid the sun-soaked hills of southern Italy lies the Romano family olive grove, where Lara lives with her daughter Rose and her granddaughter Bea.
Lara has spent a lifetime trying to forget the traumatic events that led to her desperate escape from Dorset seventy years ago. But when she sees Bea - a passionate horticulturalist most at home in nature - being swept off her feet by Matteo, a handsome and charismatic restaurateur, Lara fears her granddaughter is in danger of making the same mistake as Lara did all those years ago.
Remembering a promise she once made, Lara asks Bea to travel to Dorset to restore her family's long-lost garden. Bea is torn. She would love to find out more about the mystery of her beloved grandmother's past. But if she leaves Italy, will Matteo wait for her? And when she arrives at the house in Dorset - what will she find?
Meanwhile back in Italy, an old flame from Rose's past reappears, threatening to expose a secret that could tear the heart out of the Romano family for good.
'A luminous, sun-soaked delight' Woman's Weekly
'A real treasure' Tracy Rees
'I loved the way each chapter left me begging for the next' 5* reader review
'Brilliantly paced' 5* reader review
'I was enthralled from the first page' 5* reader review
'Storytelling at its best' 5* reader review
- GenresFiction
496 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2024
79 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Rosanna Ley
19 books224 followersRosanna Ley has worked as a creative writing tutor for over 15 years. Affiliated to several colleges and universities in England, she also runs her own writing courses in the UK and abroad. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. Her writing holidays and retreats take place in stunning locations in Italy and Spain and whilst not teaching or writing she mentors and appraises the work of new writers. Rosanna has had numerous articles and short stories published in UK magazines, and 12 novels of contemporary fiction published in the U.K, Germany, Greece and the U.S.A under a pseudonym. Her books are inspired by the culture and landscapes of Italy, Sicily and the Canary Islands and feature strong female voices from the past and present, along with an intense undercurrent of mystery and romance. Rosanna spends some time every year travelling around Europe looking for writing inspiration and more tranquil settings for writing holidays. She loves cliff walking and her favourite writing place is somewhere with a sea view. When she is not travelling, Rosanna lives with her artist husband in a Victorian cottage in West Dorset by the sea.
(From the author's website)
(From the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 24, 2023
My favourite children’s book was The Secret Garden and Rosanna Ley has gifted me a new book about a secret garden for my adulthood.
This is such a cleverly constructed story. We have dual timelines of the present day and a war story that reaches into the early post-war years and beyond. We have two major settings: Dorset and beautiful Puglia. And everything is bound together by a garden: a place of sanctuary but also a place of secrets. I loved it. I loved the way each chapter left me begging for the next. Brilliantly paced.
It seems everybody has something to hide. Lara, whom we meet at the start of the book, knows she does not have much time left. Living in Puglia now, she has left behind a garden in Dorset, but she has also created one in Puglia too and passed on her need for gardening to her granddaughter, Bea. “The bond between them ran deep and true.” Lara will leave this world soon and she has a secret from her past that she needs to settle so that her “soul” can find “ease.” I found myself thinking of Dorothy Frances Gurney’s well-known lines whilst reading The Forever Garden: “The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth etc …” Those lines are very well known. But the last verse chimed very true to me as the story unfolded.
“For He broke it for us in a garden,
Under the olive-trees
Where the angel of strength was the warden
And the soul of the world found ease.”
Bea travels to Dorset to her grandmother’s old house and she too becomes enmeshed in secrets. Escaping from gorgeous, passionate but imperious and persuasive Matteo, she needs to find space to find herself. “And why did love mean having to give anything up at all?” This is a question which her grandmother feels strongly about and we learn why as we read on.
The unravelling of the secret runs parallel with another, shameful secret that Bea’s mother, Rose, has struggled with for years. And the story also visits, with great sensitivity, the subject of abuse of women: not only physically but mentally. There is a particular chapter which left me reeling, crying and shouting with rage. The sign of a skilful writer when passions are aroused in the reader. Wow!
Rosanna Ley has researched the Arts and Crafts Movement and the book opens with a diagram of her imagined, forever garden with its seven different rooms to dream in, and a wild garden too. The garden is a constant theme and I pictured it like a Gobelin tapestry in the background with the author’s rich writing superimposed. In her notes at the back, she reveals her own love of gardening and it certainly shines through on the page.
I highlighted several passages and I’ll end by letting a few of the author’s words speak for themselves to show you the quality of the writing which captivated me.
“it seemed to fizz in the very air like thousands of bonfire night sparklers all let off at once (re the atmosphere at the end of the war)
“they passed the faded pink façade of a building with worn green shutters and a rusty wrought-iron balustrade. Some things became simply more beautiful with age.” (Puglia)
“He smelt of the tang and bitterness of the olives and the earth”.
“…and Lara was weeping into her shoulder and she could smell the scent of her – geranium and lavender – and she was crying for her mother, for David, for herself. Crying as if she was already quite broken.”
“Around her the trees and undergrowth knew that it was autumn, the crinkly oak leaves were starting to rust around the edges.”
“the scent of autumn – musty and fruity – was in the air.”
“Gardens are important but there should always be time for love.”
“The breeze whispered some unknown message softly through the leaves.”
You can probably tell that I loved this book. There is much more to talk about but my review is already too long. I shall read The Forever Garden again and buy the paperback when it is released to sit on my shelf. Five stars without any hesitation.
This is such a cleverly constructed story. We have dual timelines of the present day and a war story that reaches into the early post-war years and beyond. We have two major settings: Dorset and beautiful Puglia. And everything is bound together by a garden: a place of sanctuary but also a place of secrets. I loved it. I loved the way each chapter left me begging for the next. Brilliantly paced.
It seems everybody has something to hide. Lara, whom we meet at the start of the book, knows she does not have much time left. Living in Puglia now, she has left behind a garden in Dorset, but she has also created one in Puglia too and passed on her need for gardening to her granddaughter, Bea. “The bond between them ran deep and true.” Lara will leave this world soon and she has a secret from her past that she needs to settle so that her “soul” can find “ease.” I found myself thinking of Dorothy Frances Gurney’s well-known lines whilst reading The Forever Garden: “The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth etc …” Those lines are very well known. But the last verse chimed very true to me as the story unfolded.
“For He broke it for us in a garden,
Under the olive-trees
Where the angel of strength was the warden
And the soul of the world found ease.”
Bea travels to Dorset to her grandmother’s old house and she too becomes enmeshed in secrets. Escaping from gorgeous, passionate but imperious and persuasive Matteo, she needs to find space to find herself. “And why did love mean having to give anything up at all?” This is a question which her grandmother feels strongly about and we learn why as we read on.
The unravelling of the secret runs parallel with another, shameful secret that Bea’s mother, Rose, has struggled with for years. And the story also visits, with great sensitivity, the subject of abuse of women: not only physically but mentally. There is a particular chapter which left me reeling, crying and shouting with rage. The sign of a skilful writer when passions are aroused in the reader. Wow!
Rosanna Ley has researched the Arts and Crafts Movement and the book opens with a diagram of her imagined, forever garden with its seven different rooms to dream in, and a wild garden too. The garden is a constant theme and I pictured it like a Gobelin tapestry in the background with the author’s rich writing superimposed. In her notes at the back, she reveals her own love of gardening and it certainly shines through on the page.
I highlighted several passages and I’ll end by letting a few of the author’s words speak for themselves to show you the quality of the writing which captivated me.
“it seemed to fizz in the very air like thousands of bonfire night sparklers all let off at once (re the atmosphere at the end of the war)
“they passed the faded pink façade of a building with worn green shutters and a rusty wrought-iron balustrade. Some things became simply more beautiful with age.” (Puglia)
“He smelt of the tang and bitterness of the olives and the earth”.
“…and Lara was weeping into her shoulder and she could smell the scent of her – geranium and lavender – and she was crying for her mother, for David, for herself. Crying as if she was already quite broken.”
“Around her the trees and undergrowth knew that it was autumn, the crinkly oak leaves were starting to rust around the edges.”
“the scent of autumn – musty and fruity – was in the air.”
“Gardens are important but there should always be time for love.”
“The breeze whispered some unknown message softly through the leaves.”
You can probably tell that I loved this book. There is much more to talk about but my review is already too long. I shall read The Forever Garden again and buy the paperback when it is released to sit on my shelf. Five stars without any hesitation.
July 4, 2023
What Rosanna Ley is so good at is drawing the reader into the worlds she creates for her characters. And this book is no exception. Here we travel from Dorset to Puglia both in distance and time and learn about love in its many guises, as well as hardship and heartbreak. 'The Forever Garden' is a book whose cast list you will miss once you have finished reading.
June 6, 2023
4.5 stars but I wasn't interested in a minor part of the story so rounded down to 4*. Still a really lovely tale with some fab characters and strong main storyline.
August 14, 2023
An intriguing story set over several generations.
A story of a family with a generational love of gardening and the struggles through adversity in their daily lives ,to the peace & serenity found in a special garden which provides all the answers.
I liked the setting of this story in Dorset and in a very different Puglia. An enjoyable read.
A story of a family with a generational love of gardening and the struggles through adversity in their daily lives ,to the peace & serenity found in a special garden which provides all the answers.
I liked the setting of this story in Dorset and in a very different Puglia. An enjoyable read.
April 5, 2024
A really really lovely read. I loved the characters of Lara, Rose and Bea🫶🏼 the plot had me hooked. I want a secret garden 🥲
October 14, 2023
Rosanna Ley - The Forever Garden.
This is a captivating read, with some strong and likeable female characters, Lara, Rose and Bea, who span three generations of the same family.
I was engaged in each of their stories and grew to like and care for all three women.
Set in Italy and Dorset, we are treated to some fabulous descriptions of beautiful gardens. Rosanna Ley draws some vivid pictures in the readers mind, that can stimulate all the senses.
I adored this book. I was hooked from the start and as much as I wanted to know what happened next, I equally didn’t want the story to end.
#TheForeverGarden is a glorious family drama. It is filled with love and hidden secrets to uncover.
An absolutely beautiful, emotional and unforgettable story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With many thanks to Quercus books for a review copy of this title.
This is a captivating read, with some strong and likeable female characters, Lara, Rose and Bea, who span three generations of the same family.
I was engaged in each of their stories and grew to like and care for all three women.
Set in Italy and Dorset, we are treated to some fabulous descriptions of beautiful gardens. Rosanna Ley draws some vivid pictures in the readers mind, that can stimulate all the senses.
I adored this book. I was hooked from the start and as much as I wanted to know what happened next, I equally didn’t want the story to end.
#TheForeverGarden is a glorious family drama. It is filled with love and hidden secrets to uncover.
An absolutely beautiful, emotional and unforgettable story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With many thanks to Quercus books for a review copy of this title.
July 13, 2023
Wat is dit toch een fijne schrijfster
Ook dit was weer een heerlijk boek om te lezen
Ook dit was weer een heerlijk boek om te lezen
January 3, 2024
Rosanna Ley is one of those authors where you know you can settle into the story from the beginning, knowing you’ll experience the most amazing settings and get drawn into the character’s emotions. There’s nothing quite like the anticipation! And The Forever Garden lived up to my expectations. It’s one of my favourites from this author.
Narrations from Lara in 2018 hint at the mystery of what happened in Bridport in 1945 and why she fled to Puglia but it’s not until we step back in time with her throughout the book that those events become clear. Gritty and dark, knowing Lara had a settled life in Italy took the edges off a bit for me but it was still like a punch to the gut. Leaving behind everything and starting again was the only option …
I felt such at peace just reading how Bea works and her connection to the energy a garden can create. The different ‘rooms’ fascinated me and I just had to look up the Arts and Crafts houses and gardens (delighted to find a directory of sorts on Great British Gardens!). In Bea’s personal life, I did wonder if she was going to make a mistake being blinded by all that Matteo represented. There were a few warning signals. Her time in Dorset is much more than bringing the garden back to life.
And Rose. I thought she was so brave facing up to her past. Imagine carrying that burden around for all those years!
The pace of the story is perfect. The reveals came at just the right time for me (there were a couple of surprises there). I identified with each of our three women and enjoyed how the gardens and the relationships tie the generations together.
Each of our three leads experience abuse of power to differing degrees and despite the years between, it’s the same emotions and the same fear and loss of self-belief and self-worth. The one thing that really matters is the people around you … when you can’t save yourself, you need others who care about you who will cross barriers to make sure you’re safe or to nudge you in the right direction. The acceptance of family members is priceless.
The Forever Garden is gritty and painful, tackling issues with sensitivity and realism. There’s also love and light. This is a story that will stay in my heart for a long time.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/the-f...
Narrations from Lara in 2018 hint at the mystery of what happened in Bridport in 1945 and why she fled to Puglia but it’s not until we step back in time with her throughout the book that those events become clear. Gritty and dark, knowing Lara had a settled life in Italy took the edges off a bit for me but it was still like a punch to the gut. Leaving behind everything and starting again was the only option …
I felt such at peace just reading how Bea works and her connection to the energy a garden can create. The different ‘rooms’ fascinated me and I just had to look up the Arts and Crafts houses and gardens (delighted to find a directory of sorts on Great British Gardens!). In Bea’s personal life, I did wonder if she was going to make a mistake being blinded by all that Matteo represented. There were a few warning signals. Her time in Dorset is much more than bringing the garden back to life.
And Rose. I thought she was so brave facing up to her past. Imagine carrying that burden around for all those years!
The pace of the story is perfect. The reveals came at just the right time for me (there were a couple of surprises there). I identified with each of our three women and enjoyed how the gardens and the relationships tie the generations together.
Each of our three leads experience abuse of power to differing degrees and despite the years between, it’s the same emotions and the same fear and loss of self-belief and self-worth. The one thing that really matters is the people around you … when you can’t save yourself, you need others who care about you who will cross barriers to make sure you’re safe or to nudge you in the right direction. The acceptance of family members is priceless.
The Forever Garden is gritty and painful, tackling issues with sensitivity and realism. There’s also love and light. This is a story that will stay in my heart for a long time.
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/the-f...
March 29, 2025
I have read quite a few of Rosanna Ley's novels but would not say I am a regular reader, but when I do read one it is always a relaxing read. She often writes novels set in my beloved Italy which is always a bonus.
The Forever Garden is set in both Italy and the UK, a dual timeline story set in the present day and the nineteen forties, two delightful settings in Puglia and Dorset. The elderly Lara has created special gardens in both locations and she has passed on her love of gardening to her grand-daughter Bea. Lara needs to unburden herself of secrets in her past before she dies and with the help of Bea she is able to do so.
In conclusion, if gardening, Italy and some light romance are what you are looking for then you will find this a pleasure to read.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
The Forever Garden is set in both Italy and the UK, a dual timeline story set in the present day and the nineteen forties, two delightful settings in Puglia and Dorset. The elderly Lara has created special gardens in both locations and she has passed on her love of gardening to her grand-daughter Bea. Lara needs to unburden herself of secrets in her past before she dies and with the help of Bea she is able to do so.
In conclusion, if gardening, Italy and some light romance are what you are looking for then you will find this a pleasure to read.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
February 29, 2024
A lovely generational story about love and loss. It was easy to read and I enjoyed it.
Bea and her grandmother Lara are fond gardeners and Bea is building her own garden design business. The memories Lara has of her own garden in Dorset links beatifully with the story and the authors use of the garden and flowers to describe beauty and love is perfect.
Bea reflects on the Arts and Craft garden 'The Spring Garden seemed to represent hope, the Nurturing Garden did as its name suggested, the Rose Garden was a feast for the senses, the White Thinking Garden the place for reflection and the Wild Garden represented the boundary where formal garden shifted into the landscape beyond.'
Bea and her grandmother Lara are fond gardeners and Bea is building her own garden design business. The memories Lara has of her own garden in Dorset links beatifully with the story and the authors use of the garden and flowers to describe beauty and love is perfect.
Bea reflects on the Arts and Craft garden 'The Spring Garden seemed to represent hope, the Nurturing Garden did as its name suggested, the Rose Garden was a feast for the senses, the White Thinking Garden the place for reflection and the Wild Garden represented the boundary where formal garden shifted into the landscape beyond.'
October 12, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I like the way this author entwines dual timeline stories, and this novel is no exception. It also includes much of Rosa's life, as daughter and mother she provides an extra link to Lara's past and Bea's present. Each tale of relationships is credible, the friendship between Hester and Lara being particularly poignant. The final twist is foreseeable - or is it?!- and I loved the overarching details about the garden and it's flowers, colours and scents created in the linked rooms. Every bit as good as her other books
I like the way this author entwines dual timeline stories, and this novel is no exception. It also includes much of Rosa's life, as daughter and mother she provides an extra link to Lara's past and Bea's present. Each tale of relationships is credible, the friendship between Hester and Lara being particularly poignant. The final twist is foreseeable - or is it?!- and I loved the overarching details about the garden and it's flowers, colours and scents created in the linked rooms. Every bit as good as her other books
November 6, 2025
Absolutely loved this lovely can’t put down book. In all honesty I love all of Roseanne Leys books! The characters were in the main realistic and the storyline intriguing encouraging the reader’s curiosity of what might happen next. Whilst some of the story line is probably a little close to ‘too good to be true’ it makes the book all the more enjoyable. However it does highlight the plight of many women caught in domestic abuse at that time and how alone they must have been then. I really enjoyed the read
February 5, 2023
What more could you want from a book? Set in beautiful Italy and then Dorset in a glorious garden with wonderful descriptions of all the plants and flowers. The description was so vivid I could almost picture the garden and the scenes. A truly wonderful read even though sad at times. I love Rosanna Let’s books and this one is no exception. A must read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.
February 7, 2023
What an intriguing book. We start the story in Italy learning about the wonderful gardens there and end up in rural Dorset in a most fantastic garden that you wish you could go and visit so see all the outdoor rooms. A lovely story that links two timelines together. It was nice to see how three generations have their own stories and secrets, and slowly they intertwine and link together and become one.
March 5, 2023
I love Rosanna Ley's stories as they're always heartwarming and poignant. There's a lovely setting, great characters and a lot of emotions: the right book if you want to escape reality and travel to beautiful places.
This one matches all my high expectations and I rooted for the characters and was involved in their story and emotions.
Another winner by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
This one matches all my high expectations and I rooted for the characters and was involved in their story and emotions.
Another winner by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
June 28, 2023
I uised to like her books but this just feels flat. William Morris said something like - you should only have things that are useful or beautiful, and for me the literary equivalent is that a book should inform (if it is factual) or entertain/move (if it is fictional) why read something that does neither? I think reading more than a third is enough. Evidently the characters have experiences much pain but although I have been made aware I have not felt that suffering so for me it is a fail.
February 20, 2023
This for me is the epitome of a great summer read.
It transports you immediately to the glorious scenery of Italy and takes you by the hand into the intriguing lives of Leah and Bea. Then before you know it you are then taken to the beautiful countryside of Dorset and the beautiful intricacies of an Arts and Craft garden.
Mix into this love stories and secrets, what more could you ask for
It transports you immediately to the glorious scenery of Italy and takes you by the hand into the intriguing lives of Leah and Bea. Then before you know it you are then taken to the beautiful countryside of Dorset and the beautiful intricacies of an Arts and Craft garden.
Mix into this love stories and secrets, what more could you ask for
February 21, 2023
what more can we readers want from a summer read?
Beautiful Italian scenery, a touch of mystery, a handsome but flawed male character and of course a romance or two.
This book has it all and will banish the winter blues and prepare us to slip into a wonderful summer.
A great book to escape into.
Beautiful Italian scenery, a touch of mystery, a handsome but flawed male character and of course a romance or two.
This book has it all and will banish the winter blues and prepare us to slip into a wonderful summer.
A great book to escape into.
November 27, 2023
A glorious read encompassing Italy and England. Family history, secrets, well-kept stories that emerge with the growth and enquiring minds of grandchildren. A fabulous read with beautiful scenery from both locations. Relationships - both familial and romantic come under question in this wonderful story from Rosanna Ley.
June 24, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down!! It was beautifully written and I could imagine myself in the magical
garden in Dorset as it’s where I live and also recognised the places.
Such a touching storyline full of love, heartache and loss which truly captured me throughout.
garden in Dorset as it’s where I live and also recognised the places.
Such a touching storyline full of love, heartache and loss which truly captured me throughout.
June 30, 2024
A lovely read about 3 different generations of a family, a Grandmother, mum and daughter and set between Dorset and Italy. It was mainly a love story however the book had lovely descriptions of gardens food and scenery and makes for a perfect holiday read.
July 31, 2024
Interesting story, centred around gardens, family, and the decision we make. The gardens parallel the story, describing different plants, flowers, and trees that align with the story's context. Women are the main characters and their strength during difficult times is evident.
September 30, 2024
Dual timeline, 2018 and 1945 … Lara was bought up in Dorset but now resides in Puglia, Italy with her daughter, Rose and granddaughter Bea. Full of secrets to be told this is a wonderful story full of heart and rich characters. I lived it, totally absorbing.
Read
April 12, 2023Dnf
April 18, 2023
Just fabulous.
June 12, 2023
Brilliant
I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next but sad when l realised l had finished such a great story
I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next but sad when l realised l had finished such a great story
August 18, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable. Rosamna's characters are always so well thought out and her storylines so gripping. I could feel the heat of Italy and the cool, fresh greenness of Dorset. A lovely book.
August 30, 2023
Very moving story.
The story was a bit slow to start with but then I couldn’t put it down. Definitely worth a read.
The story was a bit slow to start with but then I couldn’t put it down. Definitely worth a read.
September 17, 2023
Lovely story
October 21, 2023
Another great read from Rosanna Ley. She never disappoints
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews