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Surun ja onnen puutarha
Riipaiseva rakkaustarina ensimmäisen maailmansodan pauhuissa
Surun ja onnen puutarha on menestyskirjailija Lorna Cookin historiallinen lukuromaani sodasta, selviytymisestä ja murheen läpi välkehtivästä toivosta.
Cornwall, kesä 1914. Sodan uhka tuntuu painostavana ilmassa, kun nuori Cordelia rakastuu puutarhassa työskentelevään Isaaciin. Yläluokkaisen perheen tyttären ja puutarhurin suhde olisi paljastuessaan skandaali, mutta asetelma muuttuu, kun Isaac lähtee sotaan. Cordelia jää hoivaamaan puutarhaa, johon Isaac oli sotaan varustautuessaan perustanut tuottoisan kasvimaan.
Isaac kirjoittaa Cordelialle rintamalta ja nuoret sopivat tapaavansa Lontoossa Isaacin ensimmäisellä lomalla. Eräs kirje kuitenkin muuttaa kaiken, ja Cordelian elämässä alkaa uusi aikakausi. Nuoruuden haaveet väistyvät työnteon tieltä, sillä tulevaisuus on nyt Cordelian omissa käsissä.
Lorna Cookin Surun ja onnen puutarha on ajaton, aseista riisuva tarina rakkaudesta, kaipuusta ja ihmismielen voimasta.
Lorna Cook on brittiläinen kirjailija, joka asuu Essexissä miehensä ja kahden tyttärensä kanssa. Surun ja onnen puutarha on kolmas häneltä suomennettu romaani. Aiemmin ovat ilmestyneet Ystävät, rakastavaiset, viholliset ja Tanssi sodan näyttämöllä. Lisää Cookia on luvassa vuonna 2026.
Surun ja onnen puutarha on menestyskirjailija Lorna Cookin historiallinen lukuromaani sodasta, selviytymisestä ja murheen läpi välkehtivästä toivosta.
Cornwall, kesä 1914. Sodan uhka tuntuu painostavana ilmassa, kun nuori Cordelia rakastuu puutarhassa työskentelevään Isaaciin. Yläluokkaisen perheen tyttären ja puutarhurin suhde olisi paljastuessaan skandaali, mutta asetelma muuttuu, kun Isaac lähtee sotaan. Cordelia jää hoivaamaan puutarhaa, johon Isaac oli sotaan varustautuessaan perustanut tuottoisan kasvimaan.
Isaac kirjoittaa Cordelialle rintamalta ja nuoret sopivat tapaavansa Lontoossa Isaacin ensimmäisellä lomalla. Eräs kirje kuitenkin muuttaa kaiken, ja Cordelian elämässä alkaa uusi aikakausi. Nuoruuden haaveet väistyvät työnteon tieltä, sillä tulevaisuus on nyt Cordelian omissa käsissä.
Lorna Cookin Surun ja onnen puutarha on ajaton, aseista riisuva tarina rakkaudesta, kaipuusta ja ihmismielen voimasta.
Lorna Cook on brittiläinen kirjailija, joka asuu Essexissä miehensä ja kahden tyttärensä kanssa. Surun ja onnen puutarha on kolmas häneltä suomennettu romaani. Aiemmin ovat ilmestyneet Ystävät, rakastavaiset, viholliset ja Tanssi sodan näyttämöllä. Lisää Cookia on luvassa vuonna 2026.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2023
766 people are currently reading
1668 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Cook
15 books406 followersLorna Cook writes historical fiction, weaving secrets and forgotten history with mystery and romance.
She also writes contemporary fiction under the name Elle Cook.
She also writes contemporary fiction under the name Elle Cook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
March 10, 2023
Cordelia Carr-Lyons lives at her family’s estate Pencallick House in Cornwall, she has two brothers, Edwin is the eldest and Clive the youngest is a right handful. The tranquil existence they have in England is under threat, with rumours of a war starting and Cordelia’s worried about Edwin.
Isaac Leigh is a landscape architect, he and his brother David work together and design formal country gardens. He’s been employed by Lord Carr-Lyons to renovate the grounds at Pencallick House, and Isaac and David move around a lot due to their job .
Cordelia needs to do something to take her mind off all the war talk, she speaks to Gilbert the head gardener and Isaac and they both believe the estate needs to produce more food and especially fruit and vegetables. Her mother is horrified by Cordelia digging in the dirt and thinks it’s very unladylike. War is declared against Germany, all of the men from the area are joining up together, forming a pal’s battalion and will be a part of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.
Cordelia is very busy helping Gilbert with the gardens, and she and Isaac write to each other. His letters from Europe are read by the sensors, despite this, Cordelia discovers the conditions in the trenches are terrible and all the men are freezing. When she doesn’t hear from Isaac in December 1914, she fears he’s fallen in battle, Cordelia checks the newspaper lists and she has no idea what’s happened to him? Cordelia goes to visit an old school friend, she’s living in the Lake District, and it’s the perfect place for Cordelia to workout what she’s going to do and she doesn’t want to believe she's never going to see Isaac again?
I received a copy of The Hidden Letters by Lorna Cook from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. The articulate narrative by Ms. Cook gives you a realistic idea of what it was like during WW I, for the men fighting in the trenches and the women left behind in England. I felt so sad, when I read that all the men of military service age left Pencallick House and Pencallick Village together, I knew most of them would be killed and wounded. A sweeping historical saga about war, duty, family, social change, sacrifice, loss, and unexpected love. Five stars from me, The Hidden Letters made me cry, Ms. Cook’s writing was emotive and I found it really moving.
Isaac Leigh is a landscape architect, he and his brother David work together and design formal country gardens. He’s been employed by Lord Carr-Lyons to renovate the grounds at Pencallick House, and Isaac and David move around a lot due to their job .
Cordelia needs to do something to take her mind off all the war talk, she speaks to Gilbert the head gardener and Isaac and they both believe the estate needs to produce more food and especially fruit and vegetables. Her mother is horrified by Cordelia digging in the dirt and thinks it’s very unladylike. War is declared against Germany, all of the men from the area are joining up together, forming a pal’s battalion and will be a part of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.
Cordelia is very busy helping Gilbert with the gardens, and she and Isaac write to each other. His letters from Europe are read by the sensors, despite this, Cordelia discovers the conditions in the trenches are terrible and all the men are freezing. When she doesn’t hear from Isaac in December 1914, she fears he’s fallen in battle, Cordelia checks the newspaper lists and she has no idea what’s happened to him? Cordelia goes to visit an old school friend, she’s living in the Lake District, and it’s the perfect place for Cordelia to workout what she’s going to do and she doesn’t want to believe she's never going to see Isaac again?
I received a copy of The Hidden Letters by Lorna Cook from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. The articulate narrative by Ms. Cook gives you a realistic idea of what it was like during WW I, for the men fighting in the trenches and the women left behind in England. I felt so sad, when I read that all the men of military service age left Pencallick House and Pencallick Village together, I knew most of them would be killed and wounded. A sweeping historical saga about war, duty, family, social change, sacrifice, loss, and unexpected love. Five stars from me, The Hidden Letters made me cry, Ms. Cook’s writing was emotive and I found it really moving.
January 8, 2023
Beginning a short time before World War I this story goes right through to the end of the war and a bit beyond. However, the actual war doesn't take center stage, that spot goes to Cordelia, the daughter of the big house and Isaac, the gardening architect who comes to help plan the new gardens. The difference in their status in life does not stop them falling in love, albeit secretly. Cordelia initially starts work in the garden to see more of the handsome architect but soon realises she has a flair for it and enjoyment in the task. The garden is only central in the first half of the book and fades out after that.
This is a slow burn and is all the better for it. The love between Cordelia and Isaac is beautifully written. It could have easily turned schmaltzy but didn't because of the wonderful writing. Cordelia grows and matures as the story unfolds and I liked her as a character. She handled what life threw at her with dignity.
Every chapter contained more surprises and one in particular stunned me. The end is neatly tied up and I do like this in stories. I loved spending time with Cordelia and needed to know what happened to her.
This is my first read of the year and what a fantastic one to start with!
I absolutely loved this book.
Many thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for an early copy.
This is a slow burn and is all the better for it. The love between Cordelia and Isaac is beautifully written. It could have easily turned schmaltzy but didn't because of the wonderful writing. Cordelia grows and matures as the story unfolds and I liked her as a character. She handled what life threw at her with dignity.
Every chapter contained more surprises and one in particular stunned me. The end is neatly tied up and I do like this in stories. I loved spending time with Cordelia and needed to know what happened to her.
This is my first read of the year and what a fantastic one to start with!
I absolutely loved this book.
Many thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for an early copy.
April 16, 2023
Even as the clouds of war gather, a forbidden love blossoms at Pencallick House, between Cordelia, daughter of the household, and Isaac Leigh, landscape gardener. Over the years to come and the hardships faced, both will change irrevocably, however, the memory of that summer will never be forgotten.
My first read from Lorna Cook, this was a generally enjoyable, if somewhat predictable war time romance.
I thought that the build up of the relationship between Cordelia and Isaac was generally done quite well, as was the building threat of the war itself looming over them. The idyllic summer of 1914 was well brought to life, the opulence of life at Pencallick House at this time contrasting well with Cordelia's changed circumstances later on in the book. There was definitely an air of romanticism in the first part of the book before the outbreak of war, not just in terms of the central romance playing out, but also of a way of life that would never return. Class and status was also something explored here in terms of obstacles to Cordelia and Isaac's relationship.
I enjoyed the theme of gardening, and how this was a passion that Cordelia grew fond of, but also was able to earn a livelihood off when she later needed to. Cordelia's character itself evolves quite a bit throughout the course of the book, from an initially somewhat spoiled and ignorant young lady, to a woman who is able to carve out her own life on her own terms.
There were some interesting supporting characters here too, such as Tabitha, who in many ways was an inspiration for Cordelia, and also Millicent, through whom Cook is able to touch upon the role of women in nursing during the war.
I enjoyed the epistolary format that makes up some of the second half, with letters exchanged between Cordelia and Isaac, but also Cordelia and several other characters.
As already mentioned, I did find the book rather predictable, even though I think Cook went to some lengths to try to throw some red herrings and create some twists in the second part of the story. Personally I thought that in trying to do so, it meant she had to gloss over the emotional impact of some of the events on Cordelia, as we are not really privy to her thoughts and feelings at the time.
I did also find the book somewhat superficial at times. There was plenty of weighty material that could have been explored, even towards the end, as regards to characters' feelings for what they had been through, but it felt as if Cook only really brushed the surface, and certainly the ending felt rushed.
Overall, I did think that this felt a little by the numbers in terms of this genre, and certainly was not anything that stood out.
My first read from Lorna Cook, this was a generally enjoyable, if somewhat predictable war time romance.
I thought that the build up of the relationship between Cordelia and Isaac was generally done quite well, as was the building threat of the war itself looming over them. The idyllic summer of 1914 was well brought to life, the opulence of life at Pencallick House at this time contrasting well with Cordelia's changed circumstances later on in the book. There was definitely an air of romanticism in the first part of the book before the outbreak of war, not just in terms of the central romance playing out, but also of a way of life that would never return. Class and status was also something explored here in terms of obstacles to Cordelia and Isaac's relationship.
I enjoyed the theme of gardening, and how this was a passion that Cordelia grew fond of, but also was able to earn a livelihood off when she later needed to. Cordelia's character itself evolves quite a bit throughout the course of the book, from an initially somewhat spoiled and ignorant young lady, to a woman who is able to carve out her own life on her own terms.
There were some interesting supporting characters here too, such as Tabitha, who in many ways was an inspiration for Cordelia, and also Millicent, through whom Cook is able to touch upon the role of women in nursing during the war.
I enjoyed the epistolary format that makes up some of the second half, with letters exchanged between Cordelia and Isaac, but also Cordelia and several other characters.
As already mentioned, I did find the book rather predictable, even though I think Cook went to some lengths to try to throw some red herrings and create some twists in the second part of the story. Personally I thought that in trying to do so, it meant she had to gloss over the emotional impact of some of the events on Cordelia, as we are not really privy to her thoughts and feelings at the time.
I did also find the book somewhat superficial at times. There was plenty of weighty material that could have been explored, even towards the end, as regards to characters' feelings for what they had been through, but it felt as if Cook only really brushed the surface, and certainly the ending felt rushed.
Overall, I did think that this felt a little by the numbers in terms of this genre, and certainly was not anything that stood out.
February 8, 2023
I love Lorna Cook historical fiction books! Isn't the cover gorgeous?!
I was anxious to read this book from the moment I saw the photos of the ornate, rusted gate on her Facebook post last February.
Cook’s WW1 Cornish setting, her focus on forbidden love and survival during wartime, her carefully placed plot twists and her fantastic character growth made this one a winner. I enjoyed the tension created by love across the social divide and was reminded that this notion is what has pulled me in with books such as Jane Austen or movies such as Pretty Woman. Cook has written a beautiful, slow-burn romance between Cordelia Carr-Lyon and Isaac Leigh. It pulled at my heartstrings, made me gasp aloud, and I couldn’t put this book down to get on with my ‘to do’ list because I was wrapped up in the war correspondence.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was anxious to read this book from the moment I saw the photos of the ornate, rusted gate on her Facebook post last February.
Cook’s WW1 Cornish setting, her focus on forbidden love and survival during wartime, her carefully placed plot twists and her fantastic character growth made this one a winner. I enjoyed the tension created by love across the social divide and was reminded that this notion is what has pulled me in with books such as Jane Austen or movies such as Pretty Woman. Cook has written a beautiful, slow-burn romance between Cordelia Carr-Lyon and Isaac Leigh. It pulled at my heartstrings, made me gasp aloud, and I couldn’t put this book down to get on with my ‘to do’ list because I was wrapped up in the war correspondence.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 13, 2023
" A world at war."
" A forbidden love."
" An impossible choice...."
This is the quote on the front cover of this beautiful book and it describes exactly what to expect between the pages. This story is as beautiful and tender as the cover and the title. Sometimes you can judge a book by the cover!
I absolutely fell in love with this story from page one! It's one of the most beautiful stories I've read this year, it's right up there with " The Butterfly and The Violin" 🦋🎻 by Kristy Cambron, " A Sparrow In Terazin" by Kristy Cambron, " The Sweetness of Forgetting ", and " The Book of Lost Names" both by Kristen Harmal. If you are a Historical Fiction lover and haven't read this book or the others mentioned, I hope that you'll put them on your reading list...you need to read them! It's not just a love story, oh no, it's far more than that.
It spans the years from 1914 through 1921, before, during and and after WW1 in Cornwall. The main characters are Cordelia and Issac. Cordelia is from a well to do family and she's been raised with strict and yet loving parents, along with her older brother, Edwin and younger brother, Clive. She's used to having maids, attending social high society parties and dared not dream of getting dirty in the garden and not falling in love with someone beneath her station in life. As a dutiful daughter, she obeys her parents, until Isaac comes along....
Issac is my favorite character in the story. He's a handsome landscaper just recently hired to tend to the gardens on the families' estate. He and his younger brother, David only have each other and have a wonderful relationship! Issac has a lot of respect for Cordelia, her family and follows the rules. He's a gentleman in every way. Well, an unexpected event happens and he meets Cordelia! This is where the story really begins! Will they deny the feelings they have for each other or give in? World War 1 begins and everything changes. Issac, along with all the men of age, join the war in the " Pals Unit". This means that everyone from the same place joined together and are assigned to the same company. Cordelia and Issac write to each other and declare their love and she can't wait for the war to be over so she can be his wife. Only, Cordelia has a secret that changes everything and everyone around her!! Including herself. What is her secret? My lips are sealed 🤫.
It's a beautiful treasure of a story about love, courage, family, friendships and discovering a new way of life after the war. It's wonderfully written and flows flawlessly between each chapter to the next. It'll definitely keep you tuning the pages to see what happens next and I found it hard to put down. I feel as if I am leaving friends behind because, well, all books have a beginning and an ending.
" He remembers back to the way it started with her, Cordelia. As she ran towards the water, entering it so readily."
" He too is about to do the same now. This is how it's supposed to be "
" It's fitting that it will all end the way it began."
" ' I'm sorry, " Issac says as he walks into the water. If it cold he cannot feel it. He can't fell anything anymore "
It's an absolutely beautiful and heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨💌💞
" A forbidden love."
" An impossible choice...."
This is the quote on the front cover of this beautiful book and it describes exactly what to expect between the pages. This story is as beautiful and tender as the cover and the title. Sometimes you can judge a book by the cover!
I absolutely fell in love with this story from page one! It's one of the most beautiful stories I've read this year, it's right up there with " The Butterfly and The Violin" 🦋🎻 by Kristy Cambron, " A Sparrow In Terazin" by Kristy Cambron, " The Sweetness of Forgetting ", and " The Book of Lost Names" both by Kristen Harmal. If you are a Historical Fiction lover and haven't read this book or the others mentioned, I hope that you'll put them on your reading list...you need to read them! It's not just a love story, oh no, it's far more than that.
It spans the years from 1914 through 1921, before, during and and after WW1 in Cornwall. The main characters are Cordelia and Issac. Cordelia is from a well to do family and she's been raised with strict and yet loving parents, along with her older brother, Edwin and younger brother, Clive. She's used to having maids, attending social high society parties and dared not dream of getting dirty in the garden and not falling in love with someone beneath her station in life. As a dutiful daughter, she obeys her parents, until Isaac comes along....
Issac is my favorite character in the story. He's a handsome landscaper just recently hired to tend to the gardens on the families' estate. He and his younger brother, David only have each other and have a wonderful relationship! Issac has a lot of respect for Cordelia, her family and follows the rules. He's a gentleman in every way. Well, an unexpected event happens and he meets Cordelia! This is where the story really begins! Will they deny the feelings they have for each other or give in? World War 1 begins and everything changes. Issac, along with all the men of age, join the war in the " Pals Unit". This means that everyone from the same place joined together and are assigned to the same company. Cordelia and Issac write to each other and declare their love and she can't wait for the war to be over so she can be his wife. Only, Cordelia has a secret that changes everything and everyone around her!! Including herself. What is her secret? My lips are sealed 🤫.
It's a beautiful treasure of a story about love, courage, family, friendships and discovering a new way of life after the war. It's wonderfully written and flows flawlessly between each chapter to the next. It'll definitely keep you tuning the pages to see what happens next and I found it hard to put down. I feel as if I am leaving friends behind because, well, all books have a beginning and an ending.
" He remembers back to the way it started with her, Cordelia. As she ran towards the water, entering it so readily."
" He too is about to do the same now. This is how it's supposed to be "
" It's fitting that it will all end the way it began."
" ' I'm sorry, " Issac says as he walks into the water. If it cold he cannot feel it. He can't fell anything anymore "
It's an absolutely beautiful and heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨💌💞
March 2, 2023
I have nearly read all of Cook’s novels (only her debut remains unread!). However, I think that in this story, Cook takes her writing in a different direction. I was expecting a dual-timeline story with a switch between war times and present day. Instead, this is solely focussed on the First World War and how a small group of characters are impacted by this life-changing event.
The strict class system is displayed with this story of forbidden love. Cordelia is of the upper classes where her parents, especially her mother, are keen for her to maintain the family’s reputation. On the other hand, Cordelia is known to be a bit reckless and wild. Perhaps then it is of little surprise that she finds herself developing feelings for Isaac, the landscape gardener. As an employee of the estate, Cordelia is well aware that she should not build on her attraction, but with the looming war, she realises that time is running out.
The first part of the story focuses on Cook developing the relationship between Cordelia and Isaac. I found the pace to be surprisingly slow and lethargic, perhaps a reflection of the stifling, heady summer weather that the characters were experiencing. It is only until after the halfway point do the letters make an appearance and I think this is when I really started to enjoy Cook’s writing. The letters are not just between Cordelia and Isaac, but several other linked characters too, with some breaks in between. Therefore, Cook combines her standard narrative with epistolary fiction and I enjoyed the effect created.
Cook writes beautifully and I felt absorbed by the times. I think she captures the feelings of the characters perfectly and I particularly enjoyed the honest accounts of life at the Front from both Isaac and Cordelia’s brother, Edwin. From the awful living conditions to the bizarre day of peace on Christmas Day, I could understand Cordelia’s anguish and worry for her friends and family. In contrast, Cordelia’s life changes with the start of the war and I liked how she used her new-found interest in gardening to help with the war effort.
It was the second half of the novel that really grabbed my attention and I thought it demonstrated a return to the style of writing from Cook that I know and love. Secrets, love and despair dominate this section of the narrative, compared with the heady love of the first part. Lives significantly change during the novel and I warmed to Cordelia’s character as she adapts to the circumstances around her.
Although I really enjoyed this story in the end, I don’t think this was my most favourite. I think I was yearning for a dual-timeline and whilst I appreciate the different style of writing from Cook, I hope her next book follow a more familiar plot structure.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The strict class system is displayed with this story of forbidden love. Cordelia is of the upper classes where her parents, especially her mother, are keen for her to maintain the family’s reputation. On the other hand, Cordelia is known to be a bit reckless and wild. Perhaps then it is of little surprise that she finds herself developing feelings for Isaac, the landscape gardener. As an employee of the estate, Cordelia is well aware that she should not build on her attraction, but with the looming war, she realises that time is running out.
The first part of the story focuses on Cook developing the relationship between Cordelia and Isaac. I found the pace to be surprisingly slow and lethargic, perhaps a reflection of the stifling, heady summer weather that the characters were experiencing. It is only until after the halfway point do the letters make an appearance and I think this is when I really started to enjoy Cook’s writing. The letters are not just between Cordelia and Isaac, but several other linked characters too, with some breaks in between. Therefore, Cook combines her standard narrative with epistolary fiction and I enjoyed the effect created.
Cook writes beautifully and I felt absorbed by the times. I think she captures the feelings of the characters perfectly and I particularly enjoyed the honest accounts of life at the Front from both Isaac and Cordelia’s brother, Edwin. From the awful living conditions to the bizarre day of peace on Christmas Day, I could understand Cordelia’s anguish and worry for her friends and family. In contrast, Cordelia’s life changes with the start of the war and I liked how she used her new-found interest in gardening to help with the war effort.
It was the second half of the novel that really grabbed my attention and I thought it demonstrated a return to the style of writing from Cook that I know and love. Secrets, love and despair dominate this section of the narrative, compared with the heady love of the first part. Lives significantly change during the novel and I warmed to Cordelia’s character as she adapts to the circumstances around her.
Although I really enjoyed this story in the end, I don’t think this was my most favourite. I think I was yearning for a dual-timeline and whilst I appreciate the different style of writing from Cook, I hope her next book follow a more familiar plot structure.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2023
I have read a couple of books by Lorna Cook and loved both of them, the dual time historical fiction being my favorite genre to indulge in. Expecting The Hidden Letters to be of the same genre, I am pleasantly surprised that the author gave us a love story set during World War with a focus on the class divide that dooms it from the start.
Lorna Cook sweeps the reader with her writing. The first part reflecting the idyllic summer before the war begins has a slower pace immersing the reader in the leisurely life led by Cordelia in her estate in Cornwall, and her first impressions of the landscape architect Isaac Leigh who has come from London. Cordelia and Isaac capture the reader's attention immediately, the spark of attraction that both of them feel, and Isaac ever conscious of the improbability of the situation always on guard. Cordelia takes an interest in gardening initially to be near Isaac but then completely immerses herself in the process and loves it. There is so much the author has explored with Cordelia, her mother’s anger about unladylike behavior and her brother Edwin being pragmatic and declaring that when war is here, Cordy can hold the fort, and Cordy’s realization that what she feels for Issac is not just infatuation, that this is it and finally when the declaration comes on the eve of reporting for war duties, there is a sense of little too late.
The second part though comes alive with the magic that the author is excellent at. The letter correspondence between Isaac and Cordelia, and also with other characters like Edwin, Margaret and Tabitha, and then the heartbreak that soon follows, the emotional journey that the reader takes with Cordelia makes our heart heavy. It was such a beautiful piece of writing thru these letters giving glimpses of what life had been like, for the soldiers in the trenches and the women back home, the struggle of continued existence worrying about the casualty list always, The Hidden Letters conveys them poignantly. The subplot of Tabotha and the neglect from her parents was touching and heartfelt.
Another winner from Lorna Cook, The Hidden Letters is all about love and emotions.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Avon Books UK, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Lorna Cook sweeps the reader with her writing. The first part reflecting the idyllic summer before the war begins has a slower pace immersing the reader in the leisurely life led by Cordelia in her estate in Cornwall, and her first impressions of the landscape architect Isaac Leigh who has come from London. Cordelia and Isaac capture the reader's attention immediately, the spark of attraction that both of them feel, and Isaac ever conscious of the improbability of the situation always on guard. Cordelia takes an interest in gardening initially to be near Isaac but then completely immerses herself in the process and loves it. There is so much the author has explored with Cordelia, her mother’s anger about unladylike behavior and her brother Edwin being pragmatic and declaring that when war is here, Cordy can hold the fort, and Cordy’s realization that what she feels for Issac is not just infatuation, that this is it and finally when the declaration comes on the eve of reporting for war duties, there is a sense of little too late.
The second part though comes alive with the magic that the author is excellent at. The letter correspondence between Isaac and Cordelia, and also with other characters like Edwin, Margaret and Tabitha, and then the heartbreak that soon follows, the emotional journey that the reader takes with Cordelia makes our heart heavy. It was such a beautiful piece of writing thru these letters giving glimpses of what life had been like, for the soldiers in the trenches and the women back home, the struggle of continued existence worrying about the casualty list always, The Hidden Letters conveys them poignantly. The subplot of Tabotha and the neglect from her parents was touching and heartfelt.
Another winner from Lorna Cook, The Hidden Letters is all about love and emotions.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Avon Books UK, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
February 27, 2023
As the storm clouds of war gather, Cordelia seeks refuge in the gardens of her family estate. Isaac has recently arrived to tend to the gardens, and the connection between him and Cordelia is as immediate as it is forbidden. Isaac secretly teaches her how to cultivate the gardens, so when he and all the young men are called away to war, Cornelia takes over. From the battlefields of Europe, Issac sends her letters that give her hope for a future in peacetime.
The pace is on the slow side throughout. We follow Isaac and Cordelia's love story. It's set around WWI in Cornwall. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but once I got in, I was hooked. This is a heartbreaking story that covers - life, love, loss and war. The characters are well developed and likable. This is a beautifully written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #LornaCook for my ARC of #TheHiddenLetters in exchange for an honest review.
The pace is on the slow side throughout. We follow Isaac and Cordelia's love story. It's set around WWI in Cornwall. It did take me a little while to get into the story, but once I got in, I was hooked. This is a heartbreaking story that covers - life, love, loss and war. The characters are well developed and likable. This is a beautifully written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #LornaCook for my ARC of #TheHiddenLetters in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2023
The Hidden Letters is an extremely touching historical fiction novel. The story begins in Cornwall the summer before the outbreak of the Great War and I was instantly drawn into the time and place. Mostly I was drawn to Cordelia and Isaac, star-crossed lovers, the daughter of a grand house and the landscape architect. Their story is one of passion and secrecy, until the war comes between them. There are so many emotions running through this entire book—great love, heartache, shame, grief, courage, resilience—and I felt them all. The author did an amazing job bringing these characters, their stories, and this time and place to life.
August 5, 2023
We start this amazing book in 1924 in Cornwall just before WW1. A forbidden romance between Cordelia and the gardener Isaac.
Cordelia wants to learn how to look after the gardens. Isaac spends time showing her how to cultivate, incase the gardeners are called away to war.
This beautifully written story is told from two POV Isaac and Cordelia.
When Issac enlists he sends Cordelia letters full of hope for the future, but when the letters stop coming Cordelia fears the worst.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cordelia wants to learn how to look after the gardens. Isaac spends time showing her how to cultivate, incase the gardeners are called away to war.
This beautifully written story is told from two POV Isaac and Cordelia.
When Issac enlists he sends Cordelia letters full of hope for the future, but when the letters stop coming Cordelia fears the worst.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
Utterly delighted to get my hands on an early copy of YET ANOTHER incredible offering from Lorna Cook ... and (as usual) the story broke my heart, turning it upside-down, before carefully putting it back together again 🥹.
Lorna's writing gets stronger and sleeker with each book. Another five-star Cook read for me.
Out March 2023.
Lorna's writing gets stronger and sleeker with each book. Another five-star Cook read for me.
Out March 2023.
November 13, 2022
Wow! A breathtaking five star read, perfect for fans of historical fiction and Downton Abbey. I feel like my heart was ripped out and then stuffed back in…I think this one will stay with me for a long time.
Starting shortly before World War 1, the novel follows Cordelia, an upper class 20 year old, and Isaac, a garden architect brought to work on her family’s estate.
The start of the book, building up to the war, reminded me of the start of 2020 before Covid took hold; some people disbelieving, others thinking it won’t be for long….hindsight can be a terrible thing.
I want to avoid spoilers so will simply say this was a heart-wrenching read and I gasped aloud at several points. The characters are fantastic and the Cornish setting of Pencallick House was brought to life perfectly.
Being a huge fan of Lorna Cook’s other novels I was thrilled to get an advanced review copy of this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for my copy.
Starting shortly before World War 1, the novel follows Cordelia, an upper class 20 year old, and Isaac, a garden architect brought to work on her family’s estate.
The start of the book, building up to the war, reminded me of the start of 2020 before Covid took hold; some people disbelieving, others thinking it won’t be for long….hindsight can be a terrible thing.
I want to avoid spoilers so will simply say this was a heart-wrenching read and I gasped aloud at several points. The characters are fantastic and the Cornish setting of Pencallick House was brought to life perfectly.
Being a huge fan of Lorna Cook’s other novels I was thrilled to get an advanced review copy of this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for my copy.
February 27, 2023
I usually enjoy Lorna Cook’s books but, this one started off so well and then lost momentum and was slow for the rest of the way through. It’s a shame really as I was hoping for better. I do hope her next one is back to her usual style. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 15, 2023
A beautiful romantic story set at the beginning and during WW1 England, one of forbidden love, lost love and returned love. Perfect for romance readers.
January 8, 2023
Warm, rich, evocative, a story of forbidden love, Lorna Cook’s historical fiction is an auto-buy for me. Highly recommend, releasing March 2023
February 23, 2023
Cordelia doesn't know it yet, but World War I is about to start. Tucked away at her family's manor property on the Cornish coast, she reminisces on the London high season and the fact that more than likely, she'll need to accept a proposal soon. This is her last chance for adventure.
Isaac has been hired to design and oversee the large scale changes taking place in the manor gardens. One night, as he stands in the shadows enjoying solitude in the quiet, he's shocked to see Cordelia sprint past out of sight, in the direction of the lake. Knowing something isn't right, he follows, and there begins a mutual appreciation between the two for who they are, rather than their social status.
Neither could have prepared for the radical ways in which their lives would change throughout the war, and for who would not make it home. Who will they be when the war is done?
I'm going to start by saying this was an INCREDIBLE book. It's pretty rare that I move from balling my eyes out, to laughing, to shocked every few minutes. But this book did that; this story took me on an emotional roller coaster and I loved it ❤
Both Cordelia and Isaac exhibit such growth throughout the story. Every character has a purpose, and the authors writing style really makes you feel connected to every single one. I laughed and cried with them and felt like I had travelled part of the journey with them. Although I'll never truly know the horrors of WWI, this book showed a side that is often over looked.
I'll say it again, I loved this book. I'm so thankful that I received it as an ARC on Netgalley. Thank you to Author Lorna Cook and Avon books for providing it to me for free. My review has been given freely and willingly. I can't wait for publication on March 2nd 2023!
Isaac has been hired to design and oversee the large scale changes taking place in the manor gardens. One night, as he stands in the shadows enjoying solitude in the quiet, he's shocked to see Cordelia sprint past out of sight, in the direction of the lake. Knowing something isn't right, he follows, and there begins a mutual appreciation between the two for who they are, rather than their social status.
Neither could have prepared for the radical ways in which their lives would change throughout the war, and for who would not make it home. Who will they be when the war is done?
I'm going to start by saying this was an INCREDIBLE book. It's pretty rare that I move from balling my eyes out, to laughing, to shocked every few minutes. But this book did that; this story took me on an emotional roller coaster and I loved it ❤
Both Cordelia and Isaac exhibit such growth throughout the story. Every character has a purpose, and the authors writing style really makes you feel connected to every single one. I laughed and cried with them and felt like I had travelled part of the journey with them. Although I'll never truly know the horrors of WWI, this book showed a side that is often over looked.
I'll say it again, I loved this book. I'm so thankful that I received it as an ARC on Netgalley. Thank you to Author Lorna Cook and Avon books for providing it to me for free. My review has been given freely and willingly. I can't wait for publication on March 2nd 2023!
November 14, 2022
Another great story - and a real page turner- from Lorna Cook. I love the settings and historical detail of all her books.
The scene is set at the beautiful house of Pencallick in Cornwall in 1914 where daughter of the house,Cordelia, meets landscape architect Isaac. They fall in love but are separated by the onset of war.
It’s a wonderful story full of twists and turns. I was really disappointed by the last few chapters though which pushed credibility just a tad too far. The book felt like two separate stories really & it would have been nice if they were slightly more linked.
However, these are just minor niggles, and still a great read by a great story teller.
Many thanks to Netgalley & Avon books for the ARC.
The scene is set at the beautiful house of Pencallick in Cornwall in 1914 where daughter of the house,Cordelia, meets landscape architect Isaac. They fall in love but are separated by the onset of war.
It’s a wonderful story full of twists and turns. I was really disappointed by the last few chapters though which pushed credibility just a tad too far. The book felt like two separate stories really & it would have been nice if they were slightly more linked.
However, these are just minor niggles, and still a great read by a great story teller.
Many thanks to Netgalley & Avon books for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
October 19, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. What a beautiful story. It was a page turner In a gentle way. I loved the characters and the plot. First time reader of this author.
March 24, 2023
A world at war...a forbidden love...an impossible choice...
Oh my! It's been some time since I've read a Lorna Cook novel and upon leaving those final pages and closing the book, I remember now why I love them so much. It's like coming home. A feeling of completeness. Of having lived, loved and survived. Everything about her tales are just all encompassing, sweeping you away and back to another time far away and long forgotten. But this tale is one that will not be forgotten. It is one that will stay with you long after you have finished the final page.
It's the summer of 1914 and the Carr-Lyons family have returned to the Pencallick House estate after the close of the London season. And with them they've brought change in the form of a landscape architect who has redesigned their formal gardens as well as their sustainable ones, such as the kitchen and herb gardens. Isaac Leigh may not be from money but he is educated at Cambridge and he has dreams beyond the next commission.
One night he is enjoying the stillness of the gardens when he sees Cordelia flee in the direction of the lake. She is so quick, a vision in ivory, that he imagines he has dreamed it. He follows this vision and sees her fling her all-too-real self into the lake's inky depths. Almost at once he dives in after her as she clambers about screaming for her younger brother Clive, panicking that she's too late, as together they search for him.
And then Isaac hears a titter behind him...and turns. There stands Clive, very dry and very much alive, snickering at the joke he has played on his older sister. Cordelia is understandably angry at him whilst at the same time relieved that the waters had not claimed him after all. But now she stands there cold, shivering and soaking wet. Isaac drapes his pullover around her shoulders and carries her back to the house, where the party she had left was still underway. She does not return, instead going to her room where her maid draws her a bath and she falls into a slumber with the memory of Isaac's arms around her.
When Cordelia takes up an interest in the gardens, her mother's only arguement being that it's "unladylike" while her older brother Edwin wonders if this is something she will stick at for more than a week. Cordelia is determined to prove them wrong. And so she seeks out Isaac's guidance in cultivating and maintaining the gardens from vegetables and fruit to roses and flowers. Their close proximity rekindles the flame they both felt initially whilst still maintaining some level of propriety. After all, he was "a gardener of sorts" and she, a lady of leisure, brought up to marry well and produces heirs and spares for the estate. But class divides mean nothing compared to love in the face of war.
And when that summer is over and war has reached their shores, Cordelia is heartbroken that Isaac has signed up as an Officer, shipping out in days with the rest of the menfolk in the village. With tear-filled farewells, no one knew when they would see their loved ones again...if ever. And Cordelia suffered in silence as her love was a forbidden one that they had kept secret.
Cordelia goes back to the gardens of Pencallick and assists elderly gardener Gilbert whilst she and an Isaac correspond and dream of a life beyond the trenches together. Rumours cited it would all be over by Christmas but that in itself must have just been wishful thinking because Christmas for Isaac was spent in the trenches in a temporary truce with the enemy along the battlelines whilst for Cordelia, hers was spent longing for the day to end and for the week she will spend with Isaac on leave. But when he doesn't arrive as planned nor leaves no word for her, she fears the worst. She checks the papers daily for his name in the list of casualties only to find it absent.
And so she continues her plans to visit an old friend Tabitha in the Lakes District, the perfect place for her rest and relaxation. The perfect place to come to terms with what will be will be...but if that means a life without Isaac, what is she to do? How can she go on without him?
THE HIDDEN LETTERS is a beautiful tale that is a slight departure from her usual offerings. I was fully expecting a dual timeline but this story is focused solely on the past, taking place at the outset of the Great War with the promise of forbidden love. It is beautiful, poignant and touching and had me in tears at times...especially those final pages.
The first part of the story builds with the developing relationship between Cordelia and Isaac. At times, it seems a little slow but there is a also a sense of urgency with the threat of war hanging over the country. And yet with hindsight, would they have done anything different? The story sees Cordelia also posing that very question, particularly in light of the direction it takes. With the waving off of their loved ones, the second part begins and thus do Cordelia and Isaac's correspondence. Also interspersed are letters from her brother Edwin and his fiance Millicent, who became a VAD when war was declared, and her dear friend Tabitha from the Lakes District. The letters bring a life of their own to the story as they detail conditions at the Front whilst life continues back in Cornwall. Until it doesn't. And Cordelia finds herself in the Lakes District on a journey she never thought would be hers. Her life changes dramatically and her devastation is heartbreaking.
It's when the men went off to the Front and through the letters that I felt the story really came alive. Even when everything changes for Cordelia, the writing is thus a return to the style I've come to know and love from Cook, that I was just completely and wholly immersed within the story there was no escaping.
Though it was a departure from Cook's usual dual timeline narrative, I ended up thoroughly enjoying THE HIDDEN LETTERS far more than I thought I would. The final chapters had me on tenterhooks, the final pages in tears. Just beautiful and everything I have come to love about Cook's stories.
I would like to thank #LornaCook, #Netgalley and #AvonBooks for an ARC of #TheHiddenLetters in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Oh my! It's been some time since I've read a Lorna Cook novel and upon leaving those final pages and closing the book, I remember now why I love them so much. It's like coming home. A feeling of completeness. Of having lived, loved and survived. Everything about her tales are just all encompassing, sweeping you away and back to another time far away and long forgotten. But this tale is one that will not be forgotten. It is one that will stay with you long after you have finished the final page.
It's the summer of 1914 and the Carr-Lyons family have returned to the Pencallick House estate after the close of the London season. And with them they've brought change in the form of a landscape architect who has redesigned their formal gardens as well as their sustainable ones, such as the kitchen and herb gardens. Isaac Leigh may not be from money but he is educated at Cambridge and he has dreams beyond the next commission.
One night he is enjoying the stillness of the gardens when he sees Cordelia flee in the direction of the lake. She is so quick, a vision in ivory, that he imagines he has dreamed it. He follows this vision and sees her fling her all-too-real self into the lake's inky depths. Almost at once he dives in after her as she clambers about screaming for her younger brother Clive, panicking that she's too late, as together they search for him.
And then Isaac hears a titter behind him...and turns. There stands Clive, very dry and very much alive, snickering at the joke he has played on his older sister. Cordelia is understandably angry at him whilst at the same time relieved that the waters had not claimed him after all. But now she stands there cold, shivering and soaking wet. Isaac drapes his pullover around her shoulders and carries her back to the house, where the party she had left was still underway. She does not return, instead going to her room where her maid draws her a bath and she falls into a slumber with the memory of Isaac's arms around her.
When Cordelia takes up an interest in the gardens, her mother's only arguement being that it's "unladylike" while her older brother Edwin wonders if this is something she will stick at for more than a week. Cordelia is determined to prove them wrong. And so she seeks out Isaac's guidance in cultivating and maintaining the gardens from vegetables and fruit to roses and flowers. Their close proximity rekindles the flame they both felt initially whilst still maintaining some level of propriety. After all, he was "a gardener of sorts" and she, a lady of leisure, brought up to marry well and produces heirs and spares for the estate. But class divides mean nothing compared to love in the face of war.
And when that summer is over and war has reached their shores, Cordelia is heartbroken that Isaac has signed up as an Officer, shipping out in days with the rest of the menfolk in the village. With tear-filled farewells, no one knew when they would see their loved ones again...if ever. And Cordelia suffered in silence as her love was a forbidden one that they had kept secret.
Cordelia goes back to the gardens of Pencallick and assists elderly gardener Gilbert whilst she and an Isaac correspond and dream of a life beyond the trenches together. Rumours cited it would all be over by Christmas but that in itself must have just been wishful thinking because Christmas for Isaac was spent in the trenches in a temporary truce with the enemy along the battlelines whilst for Cordelia, hers was spent longing for the day to end and for the week she will spend with Isaac on leave. But when he doesn't arrive as planned nor leaves no word for her, she fears the worst. She checks the papers daily for his name in the list of casualties only to find it absent.
And so she continues her plans to visit an old friend Tabitha in the Lakes District, the perfect place for her rest and relaxation. The perfect place to come to terms with what will be will be...but if that means a life without Isaac, what is she to do? How can she go on without him?
THE HIDDEN LETTERS is a beautiful tale that is a slight departure from her usual offerings. I was fully expecting a dual timeline but this story is focused solely on the past, taking place at the outset of the Great War with the promise of forbidden love. It is beautiful, poignant and touching and had me in tears at times...especially those final pages.
The first part of the story builds with the developing relationship between Cordelia and Isaac. At times, it seems a little slow but there is a also a sense of urgency with the threat of war hanging over the country. And yet with hindsight, would they have done anything different? The story sees Cordelia also posing that very question, particularly in light of the direction it takes. With the waving off of their loved ones, the second part begins and thus do Cordelia and Isaac's correspondence. Also interspersed are letters from her brother Edwin and his fiance Millicent, who became a VAD when war was declared, and her dear friend Tabitha from the Lakes District. The letters bring a life of their own to the story as they detail conditions at the Front whilst life continues back in Cornwall. Until it doesn't. And Cordelia finds herself in the Lakes District on a journey she never thought would be hers. Her life changes dramatically and her devastation is heartbreaking.
It's when the men went off to the Front and through the letters that I felt the story really came alive. Even when everything changes for Cordelia, the writing is thus a return to the style I've come to know and love from Cook, that I was just completely and wholly immersed within the story there was no escaping.
Though it was a departure from Cook's usual dual timeline narrative, I ended up thoroughly enjoying THE HIDDEN LETTERS far more than I thought I would. The final chapters had me on tenterhooks, the final pages in tears. Just beautiful and everything I have come to love about Cook's stories.
I would like to thank #LornaCook, #Netgalley and #AvonBooks for an ARC of #TheHiddenLetters in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 29, 2022
Very hard to get into, and after a few chapters, I just couldn’t push forward. Unfortunately, this particular novel just wasn’t for me. It was too slow to start. However, there are many other books by this author that I enjoy and love. This one just didn’t click with me. Lorna Cook is still a fantastic author so please do not let my review dissuade you from reading this book or other books by Lorna.
March 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK, & Avon for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
I've now read 4 of Lorna Cook's books and Hidden Letters, similar to the others that I have read, was a quick & enjoyable read. There's a bit more of the mundane in the story than I was expecting, but not necessarily in a bad way - over 50% of the book is dedicated to the years prior to WWI and the beginning of the relationship between Cordelia & Isaac, and I ended up liking that bit a lot.
You really get to see them fall for one another, both of them having to reevaluate how they see themselves and those around them, and I thought the strongest parts of the book lay in this section. (I also loved all of the gardening bits!)
For me, the pacing was the big thing that I wanted more from - as the first half of the book covers about 3 months, and the second half about 5 years, it felt a bit like I was SUPER shown the first half, and mostly told the second half (although there were some very lovely parts throughout the second half of the book that I enjoyed quite a bit.)
There's also a thing that I didn't want to have happen, because it's a particular plot device in WWI / WWII books that I don't particularly like, and I didn't think it was going to happen, and then I realized it was going to happen ... and although it bothered me just as much as I thought it was going to, I also didn't mind it as much as I could have. If that doesn't make sense, you're right. But I'm trying to keep this spoiler free and my feelings are still muddled, so this is what I've got.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick WWI historical fiction that's easy to read and keeps you invested throughout, I would definitely recommend this one. (And out of the 4 of hers that I've now read, I would recommend The Forbidden Promise highest, and then this one!)
Content Warnings:
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
I've now read 4 of Lorna Cook's books and Hidden Letters, similar to the others that I have read, was a quick & enjoyable read. There's a bit more of the mundane in the story than I was expecting, but not necessarily in a bad way - over 50% of the book is dedicated to the years prior to WWI and the beginning of the relationship between Cordelia & Isaac, and I ended up liking that bit a lot.
You really get to see them fall for one another, both of them having to reevaluate how they see themselves and those around them, and I thought the strongest parts of the book lay in this section. (I also loved all of the gardening bits!)
For me, the pacing was the big thing that I wanted more from - as the first half of the book covers about 3 months, and the second half about 5 years, it felt a bit like I was SUPER shown the first half, and mostly told the second half (although there were some very lovely parts throughout the second half of the book that I enjoyed quite a bit.)
There's also a thing that I didn't want to have happen, because it's a particular plot device in WWI / WWII books that I don't particularly like, and I didn't think it was going to happen, and then I realized it was going to happen ... and although it bothered me just as much as I thought it was going to, I also didn't mind it as much as I could have. If that doesn't make sense, you're right. But I'm trying to keep this spoiler free and my feelings are still muddled, so this is what I've got.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick WWI historical fiction that's easy to read and keeps you invested throughout, I would definitely recommend this one. (And out of the 4 of hers that I've now read, I would recommend The Forbidden Promise highest, and then this one!)
Content Warnings:
July 10, 2023
Cordelia Carr-Lyon lives with her parents and brothers on the family estate in the fishing village of Pencallick, Cornwall, England. Isaac Leigh is the architectural landscaper for the estate and lives in a cottage with his brother David on the grounds. Although introduced when Isaac first arrived, Issac and Cordelia truly took note of each other thanks to Cordelia's rambunctious younger brother's antics in the lake on a night their parents were hosting a party. It is their beginning.
The well-written, atmospheric story is told from 2 POVs, Isaac and Cordelia. I loved the flow of the storyline encompassing pre- to post-World War I, beginning in 1914 to 1921, immersing the reader in the lives of Isaac and Cordelia in their roles before the war, the changes war brought to their lives, and the aftermath of war. Letters intermittent throughout the novel were captivating, portraying a more intimate view of the characters' circumstances, thoughts, and emotions.
It is a novel of forbidden love by societal influences of social class and family expectations, of the necessities, courage, and resilience of those serving on the battlefields and the sacrifices and changes for those at home during and after the war, of supportive friendship, the bonds of family, and bonds of those that become family.
From twists, I anticipated to unexpected turns, the characters in this interlude of time were brought to life on the page. As meaningful as the ending was, a part of me didn't want the novel to end.
A bibliography of Further Reading is available at the end of the novel.
The well-written, atmospheric story is told from 2 POVs, Isaac and Cordelia. I loved the flow of the storyline encompassing pre- to post-World War I, beginning in 1914 to 1921, immersing the reader in the lives of Isaac and Cordelia in their roles before the war, the changes war brought to their lives, and the aftermath of war. Letters intermittent throughout the novel were captivating, portraying a more intimate view of the characters' circumstances, thoughts, and emotions.
It is a novel of forbidden love by societal influences of social class and family expectations, of the necessities, courage, and resilience of those serving on the battlefields and the sacrifices and changes for those at home during and after the war, of supportive friendship, the bonds of family, and bonds of those that become family.
From twists, I anticipated to unexpected turns, the characters in this interlude of time were brought to life on the page. As meaningful as the ending was, a part of me didn't want the novel to end.
A bibliography of Further Reading is available at the end of the novel.
March 10, 2023
When the story commences, at the surface it seems like a high-society girl and handsome-intelligent underclassman risk society's scorn for love. What transpires will leave readers shocked by the turn of events. Cordelia and Isaac's chance meeting at the water's edge sets ripples in their relationship.
At first glance, he seemed beneath her but the second look elicited a deeper discovery. Why was she attracted to this man? His aloofness instead of putting her off drew her closer. His love of agriculture awakened a passion within her rather than society socials.
When war threatens to tear the couple apart, he pledges to return. The truth will be revealed in letters. Lorna Cook's surprising take on World War I will leave her fans paging through the novel to discover the hidden answers. I enjoyed Cordelia and Isaac's story but felt it progressed too slowly. Then suddenly it started jumping incrementally and I struggled to keep up with the setting and time period.
Cordelia's strength warrants a four-starred rating but the plot development scores three stars. I'm glad I read the story but it didn't capture my interest as much as Cook's earlier reads. If you start the novel, make to read to its conclusion. You'll enjoy the final chapters and that makes it worth the read.
At first glance, he seemed beneath her but the second look elicited a deeper discovery. Why was she attracted to this man? His aloofness instead of putting her off drew her closer. His love of agriculture awakened a passion within her rather than society socials.
When war threatens to tear the couple apart, he pledges to return. The truth will be revealed in letters. Lorna Cook's surprising take on World War I will leave her fans paging through the novel to discover the hidden answers. I enjoyed Cordelia and Isaac's story but felt it progressed too slowly. Then suddenly it started jumping incrementally and I struggled to keep up with the setting and time period.
Cordelia's strength warrants a four-starred rating but the plot development scores three stars. I'm glad I read the story but it didn't capture my interest as much as Cook's earlier reads. If you start the novel, make to read to its conclusion. You'll enjoy the final chapters and that makes it worth the read.
February 6, 2023
I really enjoy Lorna's books, so I jumped at the chance to read this one via Netgalley. I was immediately surprised to find it wasn't one of the dual-timeline books I've become used to from this author, and honestly, a little disappointed. I've always found those dual timelines really gripping and a great way to drip feed information and make me eager to keep turning pages long past bedtime. However, once I got used to this, I found this book gripping in its own way. The book was well written, as always, and with an intriguing storyline. I did unfortunately guess a couple of things that were going to happen, but it didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, not *quite* as enjoyable as her previous books (guess I'm a sucker for those dual timelines!) but definitely worth reading if you enjoy this sort of historical fiction.
Overall, not *quite* as enjoyable as her previous books (guess I'm a sucker for those dual timelines!) but definitely worth reading if you enjoy this sort of historical fiction.
June 6, 2024
I am weeping right now. This book took my feelings for a rollercoaster ride. Such a romantic, emotional war love story. Everything about this book was so perfect I loved every character and every chapter!
July 13, 2024
Loved loved loved. First time read of this author. Read in one day. That’s my review
October 5, 2025
Wonderful book by a new author! I’m looking forward to more of her books.
April 15, 2024
Easy to read, sweet love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews