Kate Morton Collection: The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden & The Distant Hours

by Kate Morton

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

509 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

KATE MORTON is an award-winning, New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author. Her seven novels - The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden, The Distant Hours, The Secret Keeper, The Lake House, The Clockmaker's Daughter, and Homecoming - are published in over 45 countries, in 38 languages, and have all been number one bestsellers around the world.

Kate Morton was born in South Australia, grew up in the mountains of south-east Queensland, and now lives with her family in London and Australia. She has degrees in dramatic art and English literature, and harboured dreams of joining the Royal Shakespeare Company until she realised that it was words she loved more than performing. Kate still feels a pang of longing each time she goes to the theatre and the house lights dim.

"I fell deeply in love with books as a child and believe that reading is freedom; that to read is to live a thousand lives in one; that fiction is a magical conversation between two people - you and me - in which our minds meet across time and space. I love books that conjure a world around me, bringing their characters and settings to life, so that the real world disappears and all that matters, from beginning to end, is turning one more page."

You can find more information about Kate Morton and her books at https://www.katemorton.com or connect on http://www.facebook.com/KateMortonAuthor or instagram.com/katemortonauthor/

To stay up-to-date on Kate's books and events, join her mailing list here: https://www.katemorton.com/mailing-list/

Reviews

[Louise at The Reading Experiment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Morton is Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl for grown-ups.

While she doesn’t write about magic faraway trees or boys who live in giant peaches, she has a gift for storytelling that sweeps you up into the lives of her characters and their worlds.

Morton has written three books to date – The Shifting Fog / The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden and The Distant Hours.

Each book is set in the grand manor houses of early 20th century England. Present day events become loose threads that unravel the long-held secrets contained within their walls.

I loved all three books so much I can’t pick a favourite and I recommend them all.

You can read more of my book recommendations at www.thereadingexperiment.com

[Denise]

Loved them but The Forgotten Garden is so far my fav.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

FYI, Kate Morton is my new author crush.

I actually read these three books in their original editions, but I'm happy to review them together because it's Morton's storytelling genius that makes these books what they are. She takes history and combines it with genuine humanity and then adds her own brand of magic to it all and what she hands the reader is a rich, provoking experience that spans generations. I'm officially obsessed.

[Debra Favale]

I have read The Secret Keeper.....brilliant!!!!! I just finished the House at Riverton.....loved it!!!!! I cannot wait to start another Kate Morton book. She transports me into the world of her story settings and time. I wish I had dozens of more of her books to look forward to.

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all three of these books-each for their own merit. Morton does a good job of pulling you in, and even if you've figured it out keeps you reading to the end.

[Diana Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Riverton is the first book that I have read from Kate Morton portfolio. Amazing, captivatting story telling, interesting plot, excellent twists. Once I have finished this book I was searching for more Kate Mortons books :) Highly recommend if you like historical novels, mystery solving.

[Karren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the Distant Hours moved rather slowly but love this author. The plot unfolded but it took a long time.

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable and a bit of a slog.

[Joseph Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book

[Jill Kirst babin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The House at Riverton. I enjoyed this book immensely! The combination of history and mystery were perfectly balanced. It is rare that a book keeps me I uessing until the end. Simply put...a really good book. I can't wait to get started on the next book in the collection.

The Forgotten Garden was a great book. You follow the story of 3 women across 3 different times in history. Each story is compelling and gives you clues to the other stories. I don't want to give anything away. This is a well written and smartbook that will keep you turning the pages.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morton weaves a mysterious story using multiple voices and alternating timelines that had me hooked throughout. The essence of the book forced me to reflect on the idea of the importance of finding truth. Morton has the ability to make you love her flawed characters, and her usage of symbolic fairytales creates an almost preamble for the readers as they root for Cassandra to find the missing pieces of Nell's past. One of my favorite sentences from this book is, "Memory is a cruel mistress with whom we all must learn to dance."

[Lynie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay just finished the book and really enjoyed it! Changed my rating from 2 to 4 stars because the ending is so dang good :o) There is one strand of the story that could have been either made bigger or left out completely but it did not matter in the end.



I am having a hard time getting through this one! I enjoyed The Forgotten Garden. Maybe I will change my rating after I finish.....

[Yesucan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to read Kate Morton's books when I have time to sit and absorb the details and imagine the scenery in my head. It is a luxury I do not always have, but when I do I thoroughly enjoy her books. They are to be relished on a cold winter day, beside the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and a dog by yourside.

[Star Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzziiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really is fantastic and mind boggling!

[Rachel Meldrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it was because it was the third one of her books that I read in a row, but it didn't quite have me the way her other two books did! All though, I definitely didn't have the ending figured out, yet again! excellent writer! I will definitely read every book she writes!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have absolutely LOVED reading Kate Morton's books! She has become one of my favourite authors. Each book has held me locked in another place, another time without fail! Can't wait for the next one!

[Jenine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting, but slow at the first. Fascinating learning about what it was like to be in service at the beginning of the 20th century. Made me grateful for what I have. Ending could have been better.

[Emily Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these books are what I look for when trying to find a new book to escape into for awhile. They really do transport you to another land! It's easy to get lost! There's romance, mystery, and historical fiction. My favorite things all rolled into one!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely! I really appreciated the brilliant use of a story within a story within a story. And thanks for the author's notes at the end. Kate Morton I agree with you sentiment of the importance of quality books for children.

[Robin Amrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both are excellent. The House at Riverton is a bit slow going, but definitely worth the wait.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series thanks to my friend Andrea for recommending it to me

[Sara Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE Kate Morton! My very favorite was the Distant Hours, then The Forgotten Garden and lastly House at Riverton. I love her character development and beautiful writing! Great reads!!

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite read in a long time!

[La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Morton is a very good author. These books are easy to read but they hold your attention. I got so involved in each one that I didn't want to put the book down.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Glad I didnt listen to the naysayer reviewers. Good story, characters and it held my attention every minute.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Very unusual characters and plot.

[Dana Brathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE all these books!! Each one was better than the next!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I have some questions ... but it definitely make book discussion fun! I love her style and can not wait to read her other books.

[Yianna Yiannacou · Rating 5 out of 5]

See each book for individual reviews. Loved them all!

[Jean Bennett]

I was in a different world reading these, so enjoyable