What do you think?
Rate this book
The Garden of Lost Secrets
🎧Run Time = 9 hours & 10 minutes
After moving to a run-down cottage in the Cotswolds, Philippa digs up a hidden memorial buried in the garden. As she searches for answers regarding its secrets, she discovers a story that dates back decades — straight into the heart of the Second World War. This unforgettable and moving dual-timeline tale is a brand-new release!
A forgotten past. A garden full of secrets. A mystery to be uncovered.
1943.
With her best friend having recently joined the Land Army and her mother lost in grief after the death of her father early in the war, Gloria is lonely. When she finds an unlikely kindred spirit in Jerome, an American soldier stationed in her Cotswolds village, Gloria begins to fall in love. But conflict between the soldiers and the villagers lead to an impossible choice with devastating consequences.
Present day.
After their dreams of starting a family are crushed, Philippa and her husband Marco need a fresh start. Focusing on repairing the crumbling walls and leaking roof of the Cotswolds house they impulsively bought seems easier work than repairing their relationship. When Philippa finds a hidden memorial hidden deep in the garden, the discovery only pushes them further apart. But as Philippa determines to uncover the truth behind the memorial, could the secrets it reveals be the key to finally putting their heartbreak to rest?
Don’t miss this sweeping dual-timeline historical novel from the author of The Girl in the Picture and The Book of Last Letters, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook.
After moving to a run-down cottage in the Cotswolds, Philippa digs up a hidden memorial buried in the garden. As she searches for answers regarding its secrets, she discovers a story that dates back decades — straight into the heart of the Second World War. This unforgettable and moving dual-timeline tale is a brand-new release!
A forgotten past. A garden full of secrets. A mystery to be uncovered.
1943.
With her best friend having recently joined the Land Army and her mother lost in grief after the death of her father early in the war, Gloria is lonely. When she finds an unlikely kindred spirit in Jerome, an American soldier stationed in her Cotswolds village, Gloria begins to fall in love. But conflict between the soldiers and the villagers lead to an impossible choice with devastating consequences.
Present day.
After their dreams of starting a family are crushed, Philippa and her husband Marco need a fresh start. Focusing on repairing the crumbling walls and leaking roof of the Cotswolds house they impulsively bought seems easier work than repairing their relationship. When Philippa finds a hidden memorial hidden deep in the garden, the discovery only pushes them further apart. But as Philippa determines to uncover the truth behind the memorial, could the secrets it reveals be the key to finally putting their heartbreak to rest?
Don’t miss this sweeping dual-timeline historical novel from the author of The Girl in the Picture and The Book of Last Letters, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook.
Audible Audio
Published January 18, 2024
359 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 24, 2023
1943. Gloria Henry is seventeen and her mother Rose is lost in her own grief after her husband and Gloria’s dad Geoffrey was killed at the beginning of the war. When the American GIs arrive in the quaint Cotswolds village and it causes quite a stir, and an officer moves into Honeyford House. Gloria meets Jerome Scott, like her he loves to read, they have a lot in common and they start to fall in love.
The locals treat all American soldiers the same, but they notice those who are coloured are discriminated against by their own army, who enforce segregation and this causes tension in the village. When the pub won’t ban the coloured soldiers from entering and it creates major problems between the locals and white American soldiers and you can guess who they take out their frustration and anger on. One night it gets completely out of hand and with terrible consequences for Gloria and Jerome.
The story has a dual timeline, it’s told from the two main characters points of view, Gloria and Philippa and it’s very easy to follow.
Present day. Philippa and Marco Costello need a fresh start, London is full of reminders of their struggle with infertility and failure to have children. They buy a rundown Honeyford Manor, the plan is to repair the old home to it’s former glory, open a restaurant and wedding venue.
One day Philippa decides it’s time to tackle the large garden, it’s over grown with brambles and weeds. She stumbles across a hidden statue and what looks to be a memorial to a baby? While Philippa wants to find out the truth, but Marco gets really upset and it drives a wedge between them. Philippa with help from Vanessa, Jackie from the museum in Honeyford village and using the internet they start putting the pieces of the historical puzzle together and hopefully Philippa and Marco will work out their own relationship issues?
I received a copy of The Garden of Lost Secrets by Kerry Barrett from HQ digital and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The story raises some really relevant topics and issues, such as how the British civilians felt about African American soldiers during The Second World War, they didn't believe in segregation and I had no idea the soldiers gave out sweetheart pins.
It covers Philippa's struggles with being a foster child, not being able to have children of her own and she feels like a failure, how the couple thought they had accepted their lost pregnancies and being childless. No one ever does by the way, life is hard, messy, complicated and heart-breaking but it goes on and time doesn’t stop for anyone. The ending wasn't predictable and I really liked how the story emphasises how important communities are and sticking together and helping each other in the good times and the bad.
Five stars from me, a well written narrative once again by Kerry Barrett, and she’s sets a very high standard when it comes to creating believable dual timelines, I highly recommend this book and the authors previous release The Book of Lost Letters.
The locals treat all American soldiers the same, but they notice those who are coloured are discriminated against by their own army, who enforce segregation and this causes tension in the village. When the pub won’t ban the coloured soldiers from entering and it creates major problems between the locals and white American soldiers and you can guess who they take out their frustration and anger on. One night it gets completely out of hand and with terrible consequences for Gloria and Jerome.
The story has a dual timeline, it’s told from the two main characters points of view, Gloria and Philippa and it’s very easy to follow.
Present day. Philippa and Marco Costello need a fresh start, London is full of reminders of their struggle with infertility and failure to have children. They buy a rundown Honeyford Manor, the plan is to repair the old home to it’s former glory, open a restaurant and wedding venue.
One day Philippa decides it’s time to tackle the large garden, it’s over grown with brambles and weeds. She stumbles across a hidden statue and what looks to be a memorial to a baby? While Philippa wants to find out the truth, but Marco gets really upset and it drives a wedge between them. Philippa with help from Vanessa, Jackie from the museum in Honeyford village and using the internet they start putting the pieces of the historical puzzle together and hopefully Philippa and Marco will work out their own relationship issues?
I received a copy of The Garden of Lost Secrets by Kerry Barrett from HQ digital and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The story raises some really relevant topics and issues, such as how the British civilians felt about African American soldiers during The Second World War, they didn't believe in segregation and I had no idea the soldiers gave out sweetheart pins.
It covers Philippa's struggles with being a foster child, not being able to have children of her own and she feels like a failure, how the couple thought they had accepted their lost pregnancies and being childless. No one ever does by the way, life is hard, messy, complicated and heart-breaking but it goes on and time doesn’t stop for anyone. The ending wasn't predictable and I really liked how the story emphasises how important communities are and sticking together and helping each other in the good times and the bad.
Five stars from me, a well written narrative once again by Kerry Barrett, and she’s sets a very high standard when it comes to creating believable dual timelines, I highly recommend this book and the authors previous release The Book of Lost Letters.
January 19, 2024
Despite being set during the war years, this book was more about the social dynamics that shifted when the American GI arrived in England. Not featuring bombing, blitzes and death, Barrett instead has created a narrative that focuses on racism and social divides as a result of different cultures coming together.
To be honest, this was not something I had ever considered about the war and I think this makes Barrett’s narrative refreshing and interesting. The arrival of the American army to help fight the war is considered as a massive boost to resources but this was tainted by the racism that was also presented. Gloria and her family witness how the white American soldiers treated the black soldiers differently – even if they were from the British colonies and were part of the RAF. This shocking behaviour is resisted by Gloria and her Cotswolds community and I enjoyed seeing the locals stand up to some of the more bullish soldiers. They justify their actions because it falls under the American army jurisdiction yet, Gloria and others consider that when on English soil, English equality applies.
As the story progresses, there is a simmering tension that increases and this becomes mirrored by the present day narrative. Philippa has moved into this same Cotswold village with her husband and, learning more about her character, their lives have been tainted by loss and devastation. Their new project marks a turning point in their lives, until a discovery in the wild gardens has Philippa’s husband questioning their actions and Philippa turning to the past to find out more.
This brings the two timeframes together and I found that this did take a while to occur in the story. Barrett takes a while to establish the narrative and it wasn’t until nearly half-way that I started to get an inkling of how the story would progress. However, this didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story because I found the narrative largely sweet to watch unfold – minus the racism, of course.
When truths start to emerge about Gloria’s life and the discovery in Philippa’s garden, I thought the tension was more palpable and this was reflected by my need to keep reading and find out the entire truth. Furthermore, I thought this made the story grow darker towards the conclusion, metaphorically represented by both women’s panic and desperation. Yet, the story has a happy and satisfying conclusion, rather than the tragedy that I thought Barrett was suggesting.
I enjoyed this story so much because of the setting and how different it felt to other historical reads. Once more, I have read about a different aspect to the war and the social dynamics between cultures was not something I had seriously considered before. The determination that Gloria and her community display to ensuring equality was brilliant and I liked seeing them being resistant to the bullish ways of some of the GIs.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, this was not something I had ever considered about the war and I think this makes Barrett’s narrative refreshing and interesting. The arrival of the American army to help fight the war is considered as a massive boost to resources but this was tainted by the racism that was also presented. Gloria and her family witness how the white American soldiers treated the black soldiers differently – even if they were from the British colonies and were part of the RAF. This shocking behaviour is resisted by Gloria and her Cotswolds community and I enjoyed seeing the locals stand up to some of the more bullish soldiers. They justify their actions because it falls under the American army jurisdiction yet, Gloria and others consider that when on English soil, English equality applies.
As the story progresses, there is a simmering tension that increases and this becomes mirrored by the present day narrative. Philippa has moved into this same Cotswold village with her husband and, learning more about her character, their lives have been tainted by loss and devastation. Their new project marks a turning point in their lives, until a discovery in the wild gardens has Philippa’s husband questioning their actions and Philippa turning to the past to find out more.
This brings the two timeframes together and I found that this did take a while to occur in the story. Barrett takes a while to establish the narrative and it wasn’t until nearly half-way that I started to get an inkling of how the story would progress. However, this didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story because I found the narrative largely sweet to watch unfold – minus the racism, of course.
When truths start to emerge about Gloria’s life and the discovery in Philippa’s garden, I thought the tension was more palpable and this was reflected by my need to keep reading and find out the entire truth. Furthermore, I thought this made the story grow darker towards the conclusion, metaphorically represented by both women’s panic and desperation. Yet, the story has a happy and satisfying conclusion, rather than the tragedy that I thought Barrett was suggesting.
I enjoyed this story so much because of the setting and how different it felt to other historical reads. Once more, I have read about a different aspect to the war and the social dynamics between cultures was not something I had seriously considered before. The determination that Gloria and her community display to ensuring equality was brilliant and I liked seeing them being resistant to the bullish ways of some of the GIs.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2024
An absolute pleasure to read. Loved the dual time-line and the story just flowed. I really didn't want to finish this one but, I wanted to find out what was going to happen. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 11, 2025
Another book I listened to on BorrowBox and I absolutely loved it!
A dual timeline set during WW2 and present day in a village in the Cotswolds following the stories of Gloria during WW2 and Phillipa in the present day.
GI’s are stationed in the village but the white GI’s are separate from the black ones. I was shocked at how the American army continued with the segregation that was happening in America over in this country during the war - quite shocking actually.
I love historical fiction, particularly books set during WW2 and what I really enjoyed about this book was the story of a part of the war that didn’t focus on bombings, etc but a completely different side of the war.
I think this could be my favourite read of the year so far. Loved it.
A dual timeline set during WW2 and present day in a village in the Cotswolds following the stories of Gloria during WW2 and Phillipa in the present day.
GI’s are stationed in the village but the white GI’s are separate from the black ones. I was shocked at how the American army continued with the segregation that was happening in America over in this country during the war - quite shocking actually.
I love historical fiction, particularly books set during WW2 and what I really enjoyed about this book was the story of a part of the war that didn’t focus on bombings, etc but a completely different side of the war.
I think this could be my favourite read of the year so far. Loved it.
February 18, 2025
Kerry Barrett never fails to tug at the heartstrings with her historical novels. The Garden of Lost Secrets is a dual timeline story, set in 1943 and present day.
What bridges the narrative is Honeyford House, a stunning manor in a Cotswold village. During World War 2, it was home to Gloria and her widowed mother. When America occupied Honeyford, it also became a base for their GI's.
I found Gloria to be an opinionated and brave young woman, wise beyond her years. In a time where segregation was brought to Britian (something that I had no idea that occured), she was quick to defend those who suffered injustice by the hands of those that were supposed to be comrades.
One such person was her lover, Jerome. Hailing from New York City, he was American as they come. However, he was also Black. When poor attitudes caused the situation to implode, Gloria and Jerome were forced apart. Which could only lead to one thing: unwarranted and unwanted yearning and years of 'what if'.
Which brings us to present day. Marco and Phillipa have faced their own adversaries. Years of trying to start a family has caused a wedge between the married couple. In hope to salvage their relationship, they buy the rundown Honeyford House, hoping to turn it into a restaurant and wedding venue.
One day, Phillipa is clearing out one of the side gardens when she stumbles upon an old cherub statue laying upon what suspiciously appears to be a gravestone. With her husband clearly affected by the discovery (which is another set of problems in itself), Phillipa is left to discover what sort of ghosts Honeyford House has left behind. A lot is riding on the results of her research: her marriage, their plans and the future.
What brought this rating down for me was Phillipa's relentless jealousy. Whilst I understand the circumstances where it stemmed from, those emotions only made me view her as cold and distant.
Another factor was the amount of time it took for the plotline to become interesting. Whilst I appreciate a build up, more than halfway in for some sort of development is bit of a stretch. Happily, the remainder of the story made up for this delay.
Not my favourite Kerry Barrett book, but a solid read regardless.
4.5 🌟
What bridges the narrative is Honeyford House, a stunning manor in a Cotswold village. During World War 2, it was home to Gloria and her widowed mother. When America occupied Honeyford, it also became a base for their GI's.
I found Gloria to be an opinionated and brave young woman, wise beyond her years. In a time where segregation was brought to Britian (something that I had no idea that occured), she was quick to defend those who suffered injustice by the hands of those that were supposed to be comrades.
One such person was her lover, Jerome. Hailing from New York City, he was American as they come. However, he was also Black. When poor attitudes caused the situation to implode, Gloria and Jerome were forced apart. Which could only lead to one thing: unwarranted and unwanted yearning and years of 'what if'.
Which brings us to present day. Marco and Phillipa have faced their own adversaries. Years of trying to start a family has caused a wedge between the married couple. In hope to salvage their relationship, they buy the rundown Honeyford House, hoping to turn it into a restaurant and wedding venue.
One day, Phillipa is clearing out one of the side gardens when she stumbles upon an old cherub statue laying upon what suspiciously appears to be a gravestone. With her husband clearly affected by the discovery (which is another set of problems in itself), Phillipa is left to discover what sort of ghosts Honeyford House has left behind. A lot is riding on the results of her research: her marriage, their plans and the future.
What brought this rating down for me was Phillipa's relentless jealousy. Whilst I understand the circumstances where it stemmed from, those emotions only made me view her as cold and distant.
Another factor was the amount of time it took for the plotline to become interesting. Whilst I appreciate a build up, more than halfway in for some sort of development is bit of a stretch. Happily, the remainder of the story made up for this delay.
Not my favourite Kerry Barrett book, but a solid read regardless.
4.5 🌟
December 17, 2023
Review is 3.5 Stars
I loved Kerry Barrett's Book of Last Letters and was delighted when HarperCollins invited me to read her new book The Garden of Lost Secrets. Unfortunately, I found this book to be somewhat slow and it didn’t “grab” me like The Book of Last Letters.
I enjoy a dual timeline novel that is rich with historical facts that I learn from as I read. Although The Garden of Lost Secrets timeline set in 1943 felt accurate and held my interest I can’t say the same for what transpired in the present day. The main characters in both timelines were interesting, with Gloria who grew up in the Cotswolds during the war, far more engaging and appealing. Philippa, while likable was somewhat predictable and even a bit annoying at times. For me, it took too long to reach the part of the story where the timelines intersected.
Kerry Barrett is a good writer and her descriptions of the towns in both timelines are well done. I felt like I was in the Cotswolds with Gloria in 1943 and then with Philippa in current times.
The supporting characters were likable and realistic, especially Gloria's mother Rose and her boyfriend Jerome.. There were one or two soldiers who made my skin crawl even though their actions fit the war years scenario..
Barrett's well researched interactions between the White and African-American US soldiers with each other, as well as with the British residents of the town during 1943 who found segregation appalling, opened my eyes to the depth of the tensions between them all and the unexpected repercussions.
The richest parts of this book are in the final few chapters and meeting Gloria again was an unexpected treat. I won’t divulge what happens but the twist at the end is why I upped my original 3 star review to 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a digital copy of The Garden of Lost Secrets in exchange for my honest review.
I loved Kerry Barrett's Book of Last Letters and was delighted when HarperCollins invited me to read her new book The Garden of Lost Secrets. Unfortunately, I found this book to be somewhat slow and it didn’t “grab” me like The Book of Last Letters.
I enjoy a dual timeline novel that is rich with historical facts that I learn from as I read. Although The Garden of Lost Secrets timeline set in 1943 felt accurate and held my interest I can’t say the same for what transpired in the present day. The main characters in both timelines were interesting, with Gloria who grew up in the Cotswolds during the war, far more engaging and appealing. Philippa, while likable was somewhat predictable and even a bit annoying at times. For me, it took too long to reach the part of the story where the timelines intersected.
Kerry Barrett is a good writer and her descriptions of the towns in both timelines are well done. I felt like I was in the Cotswolds with Gloria in 1943 and then with Philippa in current times.
The supporting characters were likable and realistic, especially Gloria's mother Rose and her boyfriend Jerome.. There were one or two soldiers who made my skin crawl even though their actions fit the war years scenario..
Barrett's well researched interactions between the White and African-American US soldiers with each other, as well as with the British residents of the town during 1943 who found segregation appalling, opened my eyes to the depth of the tensions between them all and the unexpected repercussions.
The richest parts of this book are in the final few chapters and meeting Gloria again was an unexpected treat. I won’t divulge what happens but the twist at the end is why I upped my original 3 star review to 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a digital copy of The Garden of Lost Secrets in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2025
Many twists and turns through a WWII tale unlike any other. At times I struggled in the storyline, but the bigger picture is always best, yes?
December 31, 2023
Easy reading book which makes you want to know more about the characters, their secrets, the mystery, romance, war, prison, and new ventures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
Philippa and Marco bought a large house overlooking a beautiful garden, where they planned to open a restaurant and rooms. During renovations, they discovered a cherub in their garden. Phillipa immediately felt she had to find out more about it, assuming it was the grave of a small child. This discovery further separated Filippa and Marco, who mourned their lost babies. The investigation of the grave led them to a family who lived there during World War II.
The historical timeline is about Gloria Henry who met a black airman with whom she fell in love with. They experienced a terrible time of injustice.
This dual timeline novel was a joy to read. I loved the moment I connected with the characters. I admired Philippa, and Marco was a person with a soft and wonderful heart.
The author focused on the American GIs stationed in England during the war and their contacts with the locals, but above all, she showed the segregation between ethnic groups of the same troops.
An interesting and engaging story with a beautiful ending.
The historical timeline is about Gloria Henry who met a black airman with whom she fell in love with. They experienced a terrible time of injustice.
This dual timeline novel was a joy to read. I loved the moment I connected with the characters. I admired Philippa, and Marco was a person with a soft and wonderful heart.
The author focused on the American GIs stationed in England during the war and their contacts with the locals, but above all, she showed the segregation between ethnic groups of the same troops.
An interesting and engaging story with a beautiful ending.
January 21, 2024
Omg this was a slow burn book. And it had some very interesting topics. But I do not know why, but it did not keep me captivated
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
May 15, 2025
The Garden of Lost Secrets (Unabridged) is a historical fiction novel, written by Kerry Barrett. I listened to the audiobook version, which was narrated by Catrin Walker-Booth and Mary Woodvine. The story is based in England and follows two main timelines. There’s the 1942 timeline, with Gloria. There are American soldiers that have come to her area, due to the stuff going on in World War II. She notices that the black soldiers are experiencing racism from the white soldiers, and are segregated. And then there’s the “present day” timeline, where Philippa and Marco, a wife and husband team, have just moved into the same house that Gloria lived in. The pair plan to turn into a restaurant. However, Philippa finds something in the garden that leads them to wonder about stuff that happened in the past.
(I listened to the audiobook version, so I apologise if I have misspelt any names or words from the book.) My first thought about the book is that I like it. I particularly like the beginning of the Phillipa and Marco story, in the present day. I like their plot line of coming to town and rebuilding the Honeyford House into a restaurant, as well as the issues they need to deal with, in order to get the project moving along. While there are a few sad notes to their story, I think it’s a really well thought out plot for them in the early portions. I appreciate that the pair have a strong relationship and have been supporting each other a lot during their troubled times. It’s great that they can talk to each other and help work through it. Though, as the story went on, I didn’t particularly like later aspects, and the paranoia that Philippa was facing, as well as the stuff about Marco wanting to back out. For me, it’s just something I didn’t enjoy.
I liked a lot of the characters. I think a lot of them were well written and the author put a good amount of thought into the way they fit into the book, as well as their interactions with each other. I think the author did a good job at capturing a lot of the emotions and feelings from characters, and the way situations affected each of them
In my opinion, both narrators did a pretty good job with the book. They both spoke clearly and did a good job at pacing their speaking. For both of them, I think I’d like to look up and listen to other works each of them have done.
Overall, it’s a book I liked and I think the author and narrators have done a pretty good job on it all. I was quite interesting in reading the book and learning more about the characters and their journeys through the book. I initially borrowed this book from the BorrowBox catalogue of my local library. But I think I’d like to get myself a copy of the book to own; I’d like to read it again in future.
(I listened to the audiobook version, so I apologise if I have misspelt any names or words from the book.) My first thought about the book is that I like it. I particularly like the beginning of the Phillipa and Marco story, in the present day. I like their plot line of coming to town and rebuilding the Honeyford House into a restaurant, as well as the issues they need to deal with, in order to get the project moving along. While there are a few sad notes to their story, I think it’s a really well thought out plot for them in the early portions. I appreciate that the pair have a strong relationship and have been supporting each other a lot during their troubled times. It’s great that they can talk to each other and help work through it. Though, as the story went on, I didn’t particularly like later aspects, and the paranoia that Philippa was facing, as well as the stuff about Marco wanting to back out. For me, it’s just something I didn’t enjoy.
I liked a lot of the characters. I think a lot of them were well written and the author put a good amount of thought into the way they fit into the book, as well as their interactions with each other. I think the author did a good job at capturing a lot of the emotions and feelings from characters, and the way situations affected each of them
In my opinion, both narrators did a pretty good job with the book. They both spoke clearly and did a good job at pacing their speaking. For both of them, I think I’d like to look up and listen to other works each of them have done.
Overall, it’s a book I liked and I think the author and narrators have done a pretty good job on it all. I was quite interesting in reading the book and learning more about the characters and their journeys through the book. I initially borrowed this book from the BorrowBox catalogue of my local library. But I think I’d like to get myself a copy of the book to own; I’d like to read it again in future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
Another winner from Kerry Barrett.
This is the story of Philippa and Gloria, who live in the same house 80 years or so apart.
Philippa and husband Marco have bought Honeyford House and plan to renovate it and run a restaurant from its rooms.
A partially collapsed ceiling leads them to a decision to build a pergola and have diners eat outside, so Philippa decides to tidy up the garden. In doing so, she discovers a little stone cherub in the undergrowth. Looking more closely, she finds an area marked out in stones, with the cherub’s base at the head.
Could this be a grave? Or a memorial to a lost person? The area is quite small so Philippa and Marco worry that it may mark a baby’s grave.
The discovery disturbs them both as they have a sad history of failed IVF and baby loss. Marco tries to cope with the discovery but it really preys on his mind.
Local woman Vanessa befriends the pair and when she breaks her ankle whilst helping build the pergola, Philippa and Marco are thrown together with her 12 year old ward, her grandson Alex.
Having a child in the house and thinking about the ‘grave’ and their own losses prove too much for Marco and he heads back to Scotland to stay with his family for a few days.
The dual storyline is that of Gloria, who was 17 in 1942, and living in Honeyford House.
Her mother has struggled to deal with the death of her husband, Gloria’s father, killed at the beginning of the Second World War. Honeyford is awash with GIs and some officers are even stationed in the house.
When some GIs come to build
a sentry hut at the gates of the house, Gloria meets some black GIs and sees first hand how some of the white soldiers treat them. She’s not impressed and makes her feelings known.
In doing so she shares a moment of solidarity with Jerome and their friendship blossoms from then on.
This story deals with prejudice, racism, fertility struggles and baby loss and is deeply moving and very sad. The treatment of the black GIs, especially Jerome, is shocking.
Ultimately though, there is friendship, healing and love and it’s a beautiful, well written, intriguing and interesting story.
I absolutely loved it and although I was desperate to find out who or what the cherub marked, the route to the reveal was so entertaining that I deliberately slowed myself down when reading it.
Just a really good story.
Definitely read it, it’s worth it.
This is the story of Philippa and Gloria, who live in the same house 80 years or so apart.
Philippa and husband Marco have bought Honeyford House and plan to renovate it and run a restaurant from its rooms.
A partially collapsed ceiling leads them to a decision to build a pergola and have diners eat outside, so Philippa decides to tidy up the garden. In doing so, she discovers a little stone cherub in the undergrowth. Looking more closely, she finds an area marked out in stones, with the cherub’s base at the head.
Could this be a grave? Or a memorial to a lost person? The area is quite small so Philippa and Marco worry that it may mark a baby’s grave.
The discovery disturbs them both as they have a sad history of failed IVF and baby loss. Marco tries to cope with the discovery but it really preys on his mind.
Local woman Vanessa befriends the pair and when she breaks her ankle whilst helping build the pergola, Philippa and Marco are thrown together with her 12 year old ward, her grandson Alex.
Having a child in the house and thinking about the ‘grave’ and their own losses prove too much for Marco and he heads back to Scotland to stay with his family for a few days.
The dual storyline is that of Gloria, who was 17 in 1942, and living in Honeyford House.
Her mother has struggled to deal with the death of her husband, Gloria’s father, killed at the beginning of the Second World War. Honeyford is awash with GIs and some officers are even stationed in the house.
When some GIs come to build
a sentry hut at the gates of the house, Gloria meets some black GIs and sees first hand how some of the white soldiers treat them. She’s not impressed and makes her feelings known.
In doing so she shares a moment of solidarity with Jerome and their friendship blossoms from then on.
This story deals with prejudice, racism, fertility struggles and baby loss and is deeply moving and very sad. The treatment of the black GIs, especially Jerome, is shocking.
Ultimately though, there is friendship, healing and love and it’s a beautiful, well written, intriguing and interesting story.
I absolutely loved it and although I was desperate to find out who or what the cherub marked, the route to the reveal was so entertaining that I deliberately slowed myself down when reading it.
Just a really good story.
Definitely read it, it’s worth it.
January 17, 2024
A forgotten past. A garden full of secrets. A mystery to be uncovered...
It's 1943 and Gloria Henry has just finished school, returning home to Honeyford House in the sleepy Cotswolds, just as the American GIs are flooding their village. Her friend Patty had joined the Land Army but Gloria still didn't know what she wanted to do.
And then she met Corporal Jerome Scott, one of the American GIs. But he wasn't like the GIs that roamed their village. He wasn't even billeted at the nearby Eaton air base. No, Jerome was black so therefore he was not given the same entitlements or privileges as the white GIs.
But Gloria didn't care. She loved Jerome and he loved her. But it could only end in tears...and it did.
Present day, Honeyford House
After a string of miscarriages, Philippa and Marco have just bought the crumbling ruins that is Honeyford House with dreams of opening a restaurant and a bed and breakfast whilst they lived in the old servant's quarters. It was quite a task they had set themselves but this was to be their new beginning.
As they stood on the terrace overlooking the garden and the woods beyond, Philippa and Marco decided to plant a deluge of bluebells in the woods in memory of their lost babies. And so one day while walking through that very wood, Philippa comes across what appears to be a grave...or a memorial at least.
Suddenly, she is on a mission to uncover the mysteries of Honeyford House and the memorial stone in its garden. But what she finds is a bittersweet tale that was as heartwrenching as it was unexpected.
I love dual timelines, being swept away between the two timelines and following two separate stories until they collide in a cleverly woven tapestry. I thorougy enjoyed this tale, though maybe not as much as "The Missing Wife" but it was still a wonderful read that moves seamlessly between the two timelines.
Overall, this story is captivating and enthralling and a thoroughly delightful read with a satisfying end.
I would like to thank #KerryBarrett, #Netgalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TheGardenOfLostSecrets in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It's 1943 and Gloria Henry has just finished school, returning home to Honeyford House in the sleepy Cotswolds, just as the American GIs are flooding their village. Her friend Patty had joined the Land Army but Gloria still didn't know what she wanted to do.
And then she met Corporal Jerome Scott, one of the American GIs. But he wasn't like the GIs that roamed their village. He wasn't even billeted at the nearby Eaton air base. No, Jerome was black so therefore he was not given the same entitlements or privileges as the white GIs.
But Gloria didn't care. She loved Jerome and he loved her. But it could only end in tears...and it did.
Present day, Honeyford House
After a string of miscarriages, Philippa and Marco have just bought the crumbling ruins that is Honeyford House with dreams of opening a restaurant and a bed and breakfast whilst they lived in the old servant's quarters. It was quite a task they had set themselves but this was to be their new beginning.
As they stood on the terrace overlooking the garden and the woods beyond, Philippa and Marco decided to plant a deluge of bluebells in the woods in memory of their lost babies. And so one day while walking through that very wood, Philippa comes across what appears to be a grave...or a memorial at least.
Suddenly, she is on a mission to uncover the mysteries of Honeyford House and the memorial stone in its garden. But what she finds is a bittersweet tale that was as heartwrenching as it was unexpected.
I love dual timelines, being swept away between the two timelines and following two separate stories until they collide in a cleverly woven tapestry. I thorougy enjoyed this tale, though maybe not as much as "The Missing Wife" but it was still a wonderful read that moves seamlessly between the two timelines.
Overall, this story is captivating and enthralling and a thoroughly delightful read with a satisfying end.
I would like to thank #KerryBarrett, #Netgalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TheGardenOfLostSecrets in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 28, 2023
This dual time line book worked really well and flowed seamlessly from now back to the 40s. When Phillipa and her husband Marco move into Honeyford House they come across something in the garden which they believe could be a grave and they set out to learn more about the history of the property. The book also gives the viewpoint of Gloria who lived in the house with her Mum during the Second World War and what I particularly enjoyed about this book was the fact it not only introduced the American GIs but also African American and Jamaican soldiers and showed how difficult it could be for them, not only in regards to interracial relationships but in regards to the way they were treated as if they weren’t equals as soldiers, particularly by their own fellow countrymen but that segregation was not acceptable to some British citizens and they would be very supportive of the black soldiers. In regards to present day Philippa has suffered miscarriages and has moved with her Husband for a fresh start and to heal but as the story progresses her pain is still raw but you also get to realise that Marco is also hurting and that perhaps they have never really discussed it with each other and that finding the grave opens up old wounds.
The writing was very clever in regards to the flow and no confusion about how the stories entwine and I enjoyed this book. A beautiful story of love, resilience and heartache and I would strongly recommend reading this.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for a free copy of this book, with all opinions completely my own.
The writing was very clever in regards to the flow and no confusion about how the stories entwine and I enjoyed this book. A beautiful story of love, resilience and heartache and I would strongly recommend reading this.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for a free copy of this book, with all opinions completely my own.
September 20, 2024
The Garden of Lost Secrets was a pleasure to read. The two timelines flowed smoothly beside each other, and I enjoyed both Philippa's and Gloria's stories. Gloria's was the most interesting because it was set during WWII when the Americans arrived in England to help fight Hitler. Gloria meets Jerome, a soldier stationed in her village and they fall in love. However, because of his skin colour, he and his fellow soldiers are treated badly by the white GIs and they disapprove of him interacting with Gloria.
Present-day Philippa and her husband, Marco, have moved into the Honeyford House, the home Gloria lived in as a teen. They want to restore it to its former glory and set up a restaurant and wedding venue. Despite years of trying, they are still not parents and the many miscarriages Philippa has had has left a cloud of despair around them both.
I enjoyed how this novel didn't dwell on the cruelty of the Nazis. Instead, the author focused on the racial tensions that were prevalent in the USA in the 1940s. The white Americans badly treated the black soldiers and I was pleased that the villagers of Cotswold stood up to their bullying, even though it led to devastating consequences.
"The Garden of Lost Secrets" was well-written and gave a refreshing look at some of the things that were occurring during the war. Philippa and Gloria were strong protagonists and both Jerome and Marco were lovely men. There were times I was disgusted at the way Jerome was treated by his fellow GIs, but the ending was a delight. A wonderful read.
Present-day Philippa and her husband, Marco, have moved into the Honeyford House, the home Gloria lived in as a teen. They want to restore it to its former glory and set up a restaurant and wedding venue. Despite years of trying, they are still not parents and the many miscarriages Philippa has had has left a cloud of despair around them both.
I enjoyed how this novel didn't dwell on the cruelty of the Nazis. Instead, the author focused on the racial tensions that were prevalent in the USA in the 1940s. The white Americans badly treated the black soldiers and I was pleased that the villagers of Cotswold stood up to their bullying, even though it led to devastating consequences.
"The Garden of Lost Secrets" was well-written and gave a refreshing look at some of the things that were occurring during the war. Philippa and Gloria were strong protagonists and both Jerome and Marco were lovely men. There were times I was disgusted at the way Jerome was treated by his fellow GIs, but the ending was a delight. A wonderful read.
October 14, 2023
I love a dual timeline story, and this is a really captivating one. In the Cotswolds in 1943 we focus on 17 year old Gloria, who is a strong minded young woman, and won’t be told what she can and can’t do, especially officious Americans who are trying to impose their own prejudices on the locals. Gloria is instantly likeable, she’s still suffering the loss of her father, while trying to help her mother get through her own grief, and then she meets Jerome. Their relationship is lovely, almost naive but wonderful to read about. In the present day we have Marco and Philippa, a married couple who have suffered their own losses, but are still a strong couple, with their grief uniting them, not destroying them. Marco is an interesting character, in the way that he doesn’t feel diminished by showing his feelings. I liked the feel of the village where they live, a real community who band together to make things happen. It’s strange to read about the discrimination suffered by whole swathes of American servicemen, and the way they expected the locals to accept everything that happened. It was very moving at times to read, there were tears shed but joy too. I couldn’t imagine how there could be a satisfying ending, but the author managed it beautifully. Loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 29, 2024
This was an absolute gem. I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to listen to this story!
Set over a split timeline, with two main protagonists both occupying the same house. The timeline shifts very carefully between Phillipa who is the new owner of the house in the Cotswolds and is renovating it with her husband Marco, and Gloria who lives in the house with her mother during WWII. Gloria is 17 years old and having just left school and hasn’t quite decided what comes next for her, she finds herself somewhat alone as the village becomes occupied with American GI’s, and soon she’s spending time with Jerome who is kind and gentle and like her, loves books, but as a black American, he isn’t afforded the same rights as the white American soldiers. Gloria and the other villagers aren’t going to stand for that, but the military police make the rules for the soldiers.
The story is so very well crafted, it was quite unique in its telling of WWII. I loved Gloria, and it was with bated breath I approached the final chapters.
I equally enjoyed seeing Phillipa realise that she could open her heart to children after such loss and heartbreak.
Beautiful and uplifting an easy 5 stars 🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Set over a split timeline, with two main protagonists both occupying the same house. The timeline shifts very carefully between Phillipa who is the new owner of the house in the Cotswolds and is renovating it with her husband Marco, and Gloria who lives in the house with her mother during WWII. Gloria is 17 years old and having just left school and hasn’t quite decided what comes next for her, she finds herself somewhat alone as the village becomes occupied with American GI’s, and soon she’s spending time with Jerome who is kind and gentle and like her, loves books, but as a black American, he isn’t afforded the same rights as the white American soldiers. Gloria and the other villagers aren’t going to stand for that, but the military police make the rules for the soldiers.
The story is so very well crafted, it was quite unique in its telling of WWII. I loved Gloria, and it was with bated breath I approached the final chapters.
I equally enjoyed seeing Phillipa realise that she could open her heart to children after such loss and heartbreak.
Beautiful and uplifting an easy 5 stars 🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
January 10, 2024
The Garden of Lost Secrets was an emotional rollercoaster. There were situations that broke my heart. There were times I cringed in disgust. The ending had me dancing in joy, which is something that rarely happens with me when I read WW2 Historical Fiction.
The story is dual time line taking place in present day and during World War Two. The present day story helps navigate the reader into the past. The author does a lovely job of transporting the reader to situations in history that we usually don't hear a lot about. A time we don't usually talk about.
The Garden of Lost secrets helped me understand how the British dealt with the "Black GI." What I didn't know was that the laws they had in America were transported to England. Thank you Kerry Barrett for giving me greater understanding into the relationships between the different races and the different nationalities. My aunt was one of those land girls that fell in love with a "Black GI."
The ending makes all of the tears worth while. It explained things that the story didn't share. My heart was healed. I was reminded that although the war was horrid, and many lives were lost other lives were created and happily ever did exist after the war.
The story is dual time line taking place in present day and during World War Two. The present day story helps navigate the reader into the past. The author does a lovely job of transporting the reader to situations in history that we usually don't hear a lot about. A time we don't usually talk about.
The Garden of Lost secrets helped me understand how the British dealt with the "Black GI." What I didn't know was that the laws they had in America were transported to England. Thank you Kerry Barrett for giving me greater understanding into the relationships between the different races and the different nationalities. My aunt was one of those land girls that fell in love with a "Black GI."
The ending makes all of the tears worth while. It explained things that the story didn't share. My heart was healed. I was reminded that although the war was horrid, and many lives were lost other lives were created and happily ever did exist after the war.
January 12, 2024
THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS is a dual timeline story, featuring Gloria in 1943 and Phillipa in the current day. The connection between them is the house Phillipa is living in. Told from both perspectives, it is easy to follow the storylines until they connect at the end.
This was an easy-to-read and well-researched story, giving details I was unaware of at the time the Americans came over. That part was hard reading, I'll be honest. Even knowing the history of it, this was more personal. Mind you, Phillipa doesn't have it easy in her time period either. She and Marco are recovering from their own losses and it does affect them.
I loved the twist at the end and it had me finishing this book with a smile on my face. A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 12, 2024
This was an easy-to-read and well-researched story, giving details I was unaware of at the time the Americans came over. That part was hard reading, I'll be honest. Even knowing the history of it, this was more personal. Mind you, Phillipa doesn't have it easy in her time period either. She and Marco are recovering from their own losses and it does affect them.
I loved the twist at the end and it had me finishing this book with a smile on my face. A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 12, 2024
October 23, 2023
This was such a thought provoking dual timeline read, in particular the chapters set during World War Two with the reaction of the local villagers (including protagonist Gloria) to the GIs contrasting with the attitudes of many of the GIs themselves and the increasing tension this causes. In the present day Phillipa and Marco are overcoming personal heartbreak by developing a crumbling house into a restaurant but the secrets it holds may prove too much for them. The two females are very different and whilst Phillipa’s story of healing and moving on is relevant it’s definitely outshone by Gloria’s story which for me made me think about elements of the war I’d never previously considered. Historical fiction isn’t my usual genre but this is not the first Kerry Barrett book I’ve read and won’t be the lady as she writes in a style that I actually really enjoy, this was heartbreaking at times but an excellent character read. 9/10
December 13, 2023
Wow. What a wonderful book to read.
The book is dual timeline from 1943 to the present day.
In 1943 Gloria and her Mother live in a small village in the Cotswolds but after thr death of her father in the war Gloria's mother isn't fairing to well.
But things start to change when the Americans arrive and bring some excitement to the sleepy village.
Gloria finds herself falling in love with Jerome an American GI but not everyone is happy about their relationship. Even Gloria's mother finds happiness again.
But tragedy is about to strike and it will effect the lives of so many people in the village.
Present day and Phillippa and Marco have had enough heartache in their lives to last a lifetime.
So when they decide to leave London and purchase an old rambling house in a small village in the cotswolds to help rebuild their lives again little did they know what secrets the house has been hiding.
This book has heartache and joy and it was an absolute pleasure to read.
The book is dual timeline from 1943 to the present day.
In 1943 Gloria and her Mother live in a small village in the Cotswolds but after thr death of her father in the war Gloria's mother isn't fairing to well.
But things start to change when the Americans arrive and bring some excitement to the sleepy village.
Gloria finds herself falling in love with Jerome an American GI but not everyone is happy about their relationship. Even Gloria's mother finds happiness again.
But tragedy is about to strike and it will effect the lives of so many people in the village.
Present day and Phillippa and Marco have had enough heartache in their lives to last a lifetime.
So when they decide to leave London and purchase an old rambling house in a small village in the cotswolds to help rebuild their lives again little did they know what secrets the house has been hiding.
This book has heartache and joy and it was an absolute pleasure to read.
December 20, 2023
This gem of a book takes place over two different timelines, both focusing on two women who live in the Honeyford house. Gloria was a young girl who grew up at the Honeyford house when WW2 was in full swing and the American GI’s came to stay at her house. Even in her small village, far away from America, some Americans held onto their prejudices against the African American soldiers, even though the British had no such feelings. Gloria ends up falling in love with one of the African American GI’s and has to try to fight for her love. Meanwhile years later Marco and Philippa buy Honeyford to open a restaurant and soon find what appears to be a grave. The couple has to try to deal with multiple things and try to come out stronger in the end. These two women’s lives end up intersecting and the ending was just such a feel good ending it was as a pleasure to read.
Thank you to the publishers and to #netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy
Thank you to the publishers and to #netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy
December 20, 2023
A most enjoyable read , very emotive & poignant read as it goes backwards & forwards through the years but shows that deep love, friendship , community spirit , but also very sadly considering it's the 21st century it pains me deeply to know that people are still being persecuted for their Skin colour ,Religious beliefs , etc , we are highly intelligent beings so by now these issues should not exist . I highly recommend this book ,#NetGalley ,#GoodReads, #Amazon.co.uk, #FB, #Instagram, # 
,#
, #
.
,#, #.December 30, 2023
Another blinder of a novel from Kerry Barrett. I am a huge fan and have read all of her books from The Missing Wife to The Secrets of Thistle Cottage.
Again, this novel is a dual timeline saga, this time based in Honeyford House in a quaint Cotswold village.
Firstly we have Gloria’s story during the Second World War where her family home, is commandeered as housing for the American officers and GI’s recently joining the war. The second timeline is present day and follows Philippa and her husband Marco, who have recently moved from the busy city and bought the derelict house with views to make it into a restaurant.
This book delved into the world of the Americans on UK soil, the conflict between the American military police and UK laws and the uncomfortable world of black and white segregation. In the modern era, we touch on baby loss too. Both stories have great depth and give a lot to both stories.
I would recommend this book highly.
Again, this novel is a dual timeline saga, this time based in Honeyford House in a quaint Cotswold village.
Firstly we have Gloria’s story during the Second World War where her family home, is commandeered as housing for the American officers and GI’s recently joining the war. The second timeline is present day and follows Philippa and her husband Marco, who have recently moved from the busy city and bought the derelict house with views to make it into a restaurant.
This book delved into the world of the Americans on UK soil, the conflict between the American military police and UK laws and the uncomfortable world of black and white segregation. In the modern era, we touch on baby loss too. Both stories have great depth and give a lot to both stories.
I would recommend this book highly.
January 7, 2024
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion
I had not read any other books by this author so didnt know what to expect nor her style of writing.
This is a dual timeline book dealing with pregnancy loss and failure to have a family in the present day and racism and prejudice in WW2 Britain.
The treatment of Jerome was horrendous - even if the village did rally round in his defence. I suppose though that this was how society was in WW2.
I found the book very slow and found it hard to get into - it livened up when they started to look into the family tree of the 1940s family on finding the 'memorial cherub' in the garden of the house.
It was heartening to see a reference to the 'late Queen'. I noticed the reference to 'Facetime' in one paragraph and then 'Zoom' later - I wonder if in the future people will ask what these were?
A slow burner for me that didn't captivate me completely
I had not read any other books by this author so didnt know what to expect nor her style of writing.
This is a dual timeline book dealing with pregnancy loss and failure to have a family in the present day and racism and prejudice in WW2 Britain.
The treatment of Jerome was horrendous - even if the village did rally round in his defence. I suppose though that this was how society was in WW2.
I found the book very slow and found it hard to get into - it livened up when they started to look into the family tree of the 1940s family on finding the 'memorial cherub' in the garden of the house.
It was heartening to see a reference to the 'late Queen'. I noticed the reference to 'Facetime' in one paragraph and then 'Zoom' later - I wonder if in the future people will ask what these were?
A slow burner for me that didn't captivate me completely
January 14, 2024
Gloria is living in England during WW2, and after the death of her friend she only wants to make her mother happy again. But what she doesn't see coming is a charming African American G.I. called Jerome. On the other hand, in the present timeline, Philippa wants to have a happy life with her husband Marco in the English countryside, with an opening of a restaurant, after many of her stillbirths. But why does her world turn upside down when Vanessa and her grandson Alex enter into their lives?
Having already been familiar with Kerry Barrett's work (The Book of Last Letters was amazing) this book did not disappoint. It was also of a dual timeline, and I felt so hard both for Philippa and Gloria. What is interesting in both stories id the depiction of a woman's position in society and how there are certain responsibilities they should take (which is completely crazy, but oh well, it was the 1940s).
Something refreshing that I read was how the English accepted no nonsense from the racist American soldiers regarding the African American soldiers, and I really liked how Gloria had the courage to stand up not only for herself but also for others. On the other hand, I was impartial to Philippa and her attitude towards Vanessa at one point, because I would have absolutely thought the same thing. A character that I didn't like was Gloria's grandfather, and how his close-minded ideologies didn't let him consider his own granddaughter's happiness. But, a personal favorite character of mine was definitely Alex, because he deserves all the love in the world, as every child does.
The book is coming out on January 18th, so don't miss it! Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for sending me an arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Having already been familiar with Kerry Barrett's work (The Book of Last Letters was amazing) this book did not disappoint. It was also of a dual timeline, and I felt so hard both for Philippa and Gloria. What is interesting in both stories id the depiction of a woman's position in society and how there are certain responsibilities they should take (which is completely crazy, but oh well, it was the 1940s).
Something refreshing that I read was how the English accepted no nonsense from the racist American soldiers regarding the African American soldiers, and I really liked how Gloria had the courage to stand up not only for herself but also for others. On the other hand, I was impartial to Philippa and her attitude towards Vanessa at one point, because I would have absolutely thought the same thing. A character that I didn't like was Gloria's grandfather, and how his close-minded ideologies didn't let him consider his own granddaughter's happiness. But, a personal favorite character of mine was definitely Alex, because he deserves all the love in the world, as every child does.
The book is coming out on January 18th, so don't miss it! Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for sending me an arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
December 19, 2023
A dual time line historical fiction that is linked by Honeyford House in the Cotswolds. The story is told through Gloria and Philippa in alternate chapters.
Gloria’s story is set during WWII when American GIs were stationed in the area. Gloria and her mother Rose live in Honeyford House which has been allocated to be used as accommodation for American officers.
Philippa’s story is present day when she and Marco purchase the house with plans to turn it into a restaurant/function house.
There is heartache, joy, a decades old mystery and a village that becomes a family and community for both women. A truly engaging read which I could not put down till I found out the outcome to the mystery in the garden.
Gloria’s story is set during WWII when American GIs were stationed in the area. Gloria and her mother Rose live in Honeyford House which has been allocated to be used as accommodation for American officers.
Philippa’s story is present day when she and Marco purchase the house with plans to turn it into a restaurant/function house.
There is heartache, joy, a decades old mystery and a village that becomes a family and community for both women. A truly engaging read which I could not put down till I found out the outcome to the mystery in the garden.
February 10, 2024
I really loved this book. So many highs and lows! I liked the duo timeline. Gloria was such a forthright young woman not holding back on her opinions and standing up for what she thought was right and just.
0
Phillipa, Marco and their friends were the modern day protagonists and their story was intricately woven into the other.
I was quite staggered to read of the White American GIs overt racism towards their black colleagues. You would think they were on opposite sides! I think Kerry's attention to detail is superb.
I must admit I was a bit surprised at the ending but don't want to give anything away
I will look for more of Kerry's books and am sure I will enjoy them just as much.
0
Phillipa, Marco and their friends were the modern day protagonists and their story was intricately woven into the other.
I was quite staggered to read of the White American GIs overt racism towards their black colleagues. You would think they were on opposite sides! I think Kerry's attention to detail is superb.
I must admit I was a bit surprised at the ending but don't want to give anything away
I will look for more of Kerry's books and am sure I will enjoy them just as much.
March 1, 2024
sweet story
I liked this historical fiction set in England during WWII. Gloria and her mother Rose live in a large house that has been allocated to house American officers. She meet several of the GIs stationed in the area. The focus of the book is on the unfair way that Black GIs were treated by their white counterparts. Apparently The British were more open minded about race and allowed blacks and whites to intermingle and go to pubs. After reading this book I went online and found a website that discusses how blacks were treated by the British during the war and apparently it was much like it was depicted in this novel.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/they-t...
I liked this historical fiction set in England during WWII. Gloria and her mother Rose live in a large house that has been allocated to house American officers. She meet several of the GIs stationed in the area. The focus of the book is on the unfair way that Black GIs were treated by their white counterparts. Apparently The British were more open minded about race and allowed blacks and whites to intermingle and go to pubs. After reading this book I went online and found a website that discusses how blacks were treated by the British during the war and apparently it was much like it was depicted in this novel.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/they-t...
December 28, 2023
Brilliant book! Dual time line which worked so well,
Gloria lives in Honeyford House in the Cotswolds with her mother, it’s 1943 and the village has just opened up to American GIs, Gloria meets Jerome and falls in love however nothing is easy at this time and there are many hurdles for them to face… Philippa and her husband purchase Honeyford House in the present day and are keen to uncover the buildings history and a discovery in the garden pushes them both to the brink.
I thoroughly enjoyed Gloria’s story and the twists near the end of the book were great!
I will definitely be reading more of this author, this was my first and won’t be my last!
Gloria lives in Honeyford House in the Cotswolds with her mother, it’s 1943 and the village has just opened up to American GIs, Gloria meets Jerome and falls in love however nothing is easy at this time and there are many hurdles for them to face… Philippa and her husband purchase Honeyford House in the present day and are keen to uncover the buildings history and a discovery in the garden pushes them both to the brink.
I thoroughly enjoyed Gloria’s story and the twists near the end of the book were great!
I will definitely be reading more of this author, this was my first and won’t be my last!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews