The Lost Garden

by Angela Petch

It hides a family secret that could change the course of the war.

Italy, 1930s. Tina lives in the crumbling castle of Montesecco with only her strict father and their maid, Allegra, for company. She’s never been allowed to ask questions about her mother, who died in childbirth. But the day Tina discovers a hidden, crumbling door, everything changes.

Inside is an overgrown garden. Ivy and roses adorn the stone walls. Fresh water springs from a fountain and the scent of wild herbs fills the air. How did she never know this beautiful place existed? Excitedly begging Allegra for answers, the elderly woman’s face turns pale. ‘You must never mention this to your father. It’s not safe. You’ve found your mamma’s garden.’

The Count believes Tina’s mother died because of the garden: but Allegra refuses to say more. Certain she can feel her mother watching over her, Tina secretly tends to the garden herself. And when war breaks out, Tina’s encounters with local resistance fighters mean the garden becomes a place of refuge, a place of hope – and a place of great danger when Tina must prove where her loyalties lie once and for all…

Will Tina ever discover the truth about her mother? Or was the garden, with all its secrets, never meant to be disturbed?

An absolutely breathtaking and stunning historical novel about the incredible risks people took in wartime, family secrets, loss and love. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Santa Montefiore.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2025

About the author

Born in Germany on account of my father being stationed there in the British army, post-war, I have not stopped travelling and collecting stories since. The remainder of my childhood was spent in Rome, I married in Italy, worked for a Dutch company, lived in Tanzania, East Africa and now divide my year between Tuscany and West Sussex, England.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Italy in the 1930s and Tina was fed up with her father's strictness, his determination not to talk of Tina's mother, and his alliances with the enemy. Allegra, her mamma's best friend, maid and cook, cared for Tina and her father, carrying secrets the whole while. Tina had lost her mother to childbirth, so never knew her, but longed to. When she discovered a hidden garden outside the walls of the castle, she was astounded. It was her mother's garden, one that had given her peace and a place to escape. Knowing not to talk to her father about her find, she secretly tended it, removing weeds, clipping roses, doing her utmost to return it to the original beauty she could see it held.

When war began and the Germans arrived, rations and the German's greed, meant the locals gradually starved. Tina's garden became a refuge while she and her friend Luisa, tended to two of the local resistant members. But everything worsened until suddenly there was a cruel and brutal German staying in the castle. What followed haunted all who knew; would their lives ever be the same again?

The Lost Garden by Angela Petch is an outstanding historical novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Tina was a strong young woman who was determined to do what was right, even against her father's wishes. Luisa, Olivio, Sergio - all great characters; and Allegra was wonderful; kind, compassionate, caring and loved Tina like a daughter. All in all, a novel worth recommending.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[elizabeth rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning. The Lost Garden is a sweeping, emotional masterpiece that transported me to 1930s Italy and refused to let me go.

Angela Petch paints history with intimacy and grandeur. Tina’s discovery of her mother’s hidden garden unlocks more than family secrets—it awakens her courage, her compassion, and her defiance in the face of Fascism. Watching her grow from a sheltered girl into a brave young woman willing to risk everything was powerful and unforgettable.

What I loved is that this isn’t only a war story. Petch takes us beyond the expected, into the fragile, uncertain years after the war—the quiet struggles, the rebuilding, the resilience. The author truly made the story feel layered and unforgettable, while providing a useful and informative perspective on what it was like to live in Italy under the fascist regime during this period.

It’s beautifully written, deeply emotional, and full of hope. The Lost Garden is a story of secrets and survival, love and loss, resilience and renewal. Fans of Fiona Valpy and Soraya Lane will be captivated.

A truly breathtaking novel—I was swept away.

[Emma Minazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept up in Tina's story, I read half in one go and the pages flew by. A story set in 1930 Italy. I have Italian family so in that, this was relatable to me. Tina is born into wealth and her father is for Mussolini and the war which makes it hard for her as she has different views to him.

I do feel a kinship to Tina as she tries to do good but her "friends" don't seem to trust her enough to let her in on their plans but little do they know, she has her own means to get by.

I really liked Allegra, she's become a surrogate mother to Tina as her mother passed away when she was young. I like their relationship and can tell Allegra has Tina's best interests at heart. Tina finds a walled garden in her home's land, it becomes her safe place, I would love to find a hidden place like that, one I could make my own!

I do like to read a historical fiction from time to time and it's nice to read something that is relatable, has likeable characters and stays with you after you've finished. We'll worth a read!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book about a secret garden. A quick and relaxing read. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lost Garden, the latest book from Angela Petch has the most beautiful cover which draws you in and has you curious as to the origins of the lost garden of the title. Set in Italy, during World War Two, there is an incredible sense of time and place with rich and vivid descriptions throughout as the author takes her time and builds to a heartbreaking and impactful climax. I’ll admit I did find the first half of the book quite slow as plenty of time was taken for the reader to get to know the main character Tina. Her background, her current situation and what she soon finds herself embroiled in are all carefully explained and the reader is given more than ample time to become familiar with everything. But when the story does get going, things really do ramp up in terms of both plot and character development. This is a story of a young woman coming of age and finding her place in a world full of turmoil, devastation and heartbreak. She emerges from her fathers shadow and control but a catastrophic event threatens to destroy everything she has tried so hard to establish.

A brief prologue provides the reader with an intriguing opening which raises more questions than answers and the answers will not be found until the final few pages, but the ending does come full circle and connects credibly with the prologue. Then we move back to 1939 and meet Contessa Ernestina (Tina) di Montessco who lives in a castle above the Italian village of Saint ‘Agnes with her father the count. Hers a lonely and isolated life because of her father’s control and superiority over her. She is rarely of ever allowed to venture from the castle and has a governess for her schooling. Her mother died in childbirth so the only female figure she has in her life is the housekeeper Allegra, who is like a surrogate mother to her. Allegra is a stalwart of support and discretion throughout the story for Tina and she too can play the game that develops when required to do so.

Tina has a restless spirit and longs to find her place in the world, to break free from the shackles surrounding her all of her father’s making. Her father is a strict fascist and a firm supporter of Mussolini. Tina does not hold these views at all but the townspeople will tarnish her with the same brush as her father in the future no matter how much she helps them in their hours of need. Of course, Tina is dutiful because as time progresses she is clever enough to know that this duty can be played to her advantage as war breaks out and she becomes involved helping the partisans within the local area.

The discovery of a hidden door in the grounds of the castle sets in motion a chain of events that will alter the course of Tina’s life forever. The Lost Garden that is discovered becomes her inspiration to forge her own path but not to do so in a way that would mean her father discovers where she disappears to so often. She keeps this little secret to herself and the garden becomes symbolic the further the plot develops and on reflection it became the catalyst of change for Tina but also a source of comfort and a place of healing for those who need it. The garden is overgrown and neglected but with Tina’s due diligence it is brought back to life and a further discovery will prove essential to a subplot in the later half of the book. The descriptions of the garden were breathtaking. I could visualise everything so clearly in my head and the research the author must have done into flowers, trees, shrubs and medicinal properties of plants must have been extensive. I felt like I was getting a lesson in botany but in a good way as it was very informative. I did feel the focus on the garden and its role diminished as the book progressed as events took an abrupt turn but maybe the book needed this as I have said the first half was slow and it had me questioning in which direction the book was going to venture.

The chapters are interspersed with Tina’s mother Fiametta’s viewpoint and this take on a magical/mystical quality and some belief does have to be suspended but this aspect did add a lot to the overall story and learning about Fiametta helped me understand more about Tina. The similarities between the pair were striking. Tina like her mother was kept penned up within the castle walls and unable to share or form her own opinions or experience anything that life could truly offer. She was stunted in her personal development but with the discovery of the garden and meeting new friends in Luisa, Olivio, Antonio and Sergio a wealth of new experiences were opened up to her. I felt she underwent a complete transformation with the outbreak of war which led to vast changes in the lives of the villagers as hunger, war and death came to their doors. Tina became like a tigress, strong and proud and wanting to do her bit to help anyone that she could whilst at the same time maintaining a façade regarding her father so she could gleam information. The relationship she develops with her friends and in particular Luisa felt real and strong but as the war caused a scattering of this group lots of twists and turns start to emerge some of which will very much throw the reader off track.

Tina’s life starts to find meaning and I loved how she became involved with the partisans but this was doesn’t in an overly ambitious way rather it slotted perfectly into the routine she has established for herself and the connection with the garden became apparent again for a short time. There are a few baddies in this story which are sent to test her and one in particular I thought I had it all figured out but I was proven wrong. The last quarter or so of the book was perhaps the best as the climax was reached and although brutal in its description of its events and the repercussions it needed to be for the reader to feel the full force of everything and a path of revenge was set upon. The most crucial scene of the whole book was like observing the table at The Traitors so tense and magnificent was it.

Resilience, forgiveness, compassion, strength, duty, fortitude and heartbreak are all emotions that surface over the course of the book. Tina becomes a woman who you really root for. She matures, grows and blossoms like the flowers in her mothers garden that are now restored and as she does so an important story in the history of the war although fictional some aspects are based on a similar event means that things really do hit home for the reader. The Lost Garden is beautifully written and an emotional, atmospheric read packed full of acts of quite bravery and of course there is some romance thrown in as well. It’s well worth a read especially as the nights draw in and you need to escape from the world.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: Angela Petch, The Lost Garden
Published by Bookouture — thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

The Lost Garden is one of those rare historical novels that doesn’t just set a scene—it wraps you up in it. Angela Petch has written something quietly powerful and deeply atmospheric, and by the time I turned the last page, I felt like I’d lived inside that crumbling Italian castle right alongside Tina. There’s something spell-like about this book—lush without being flowery, emotional without tipping into melodrama, historical without ever feeling like a lecture. It’s a story that blooms slowly, deliberately, and by the end it has its roots in you.

The story begins in 1930s Italy, in the shadow of Mussolini’s rise. Tina, or Contessina Ernestina di Montesecco, lives an isolated life in her family’s decaying estate under the tight control of her father, a count with fascist ties. Her mother died giving birth to her, and no one has ever spoken of her—not even Allegra, the devoted housekeeper who raised Tina in her mother’s absence. But everything shifts the day Tina stumbles across a hidden door in the old stone walls and discovers the forgotten garden beyond it. Overgrown and wild, fragrant with rosemary and roses, this garden was once her mother’s private escape. And now, somehow, it becomes Tina’s.

The garden is more than a backdrop; it’s the novel’s emotional anchor. As Tina begins to tend it in secret, she’s not just unearthing weeds—she’s digging through grief, history, memory, and fear. Petch writes the garden like it’s alive, like it has moods, seasons, secrets. “I think she planted beauty to survive the ugliness,” Tina says about her mother, and that line stays with you, because it says so much about the entire story.

Through this quiet act of reclaiming the space, Tina starts to understand who her mother was, and more importantly, who she herself wants to be. The contrast between her father’s rigid, politically dangerous world and the tender, hopeful world she builds in the garden is sharp—and intentional. As World War II looms and resistance efforts stir in the village, the stakes rise. Suddenly, the garden is no longer just a refuge—it’s a hiding place. A battleground. A test of courage.

Angela Petch doesn’t write in broad strokes. Her characters are layered and real, with quiet strengths and flaws that make them feel familiar. Tina is not a typical wartime heroine—she’s gentle, unsure, deeply introspective—but her growth is steady and earned. Olivio, a young man tied to the resistance, brings conflict and possibility. Allegra is the quiet heart of the book, a woman who has kept painful secrets and chosen loyalty over comfort. Even the Count, misguided and frightening as he is, isn’t painted as a simple villain—he’s the product of his time, his privilege, and his fear.

Petch’s prose is evocative but never heavy-handed. She draws Italy with painterly detail: the dusty heat, the stone kitchens, the wind moving through olive groves. But she also captures the emotional landscape of war—paranoia, hunger, betrayal, and the small acts of bravery that often go unnoticed. One of the most impressive things about this book is how it moves with quiet intensity. There are no giant battle scenes, no spy chases. Instead, it’s about the slow build of tension, the fear that seeps in through the cracks, the moment you realize silence is no longer an option.

What elevates The Lost Garden is its emotional intelligence. Petch doesn’t just show us what war does to a country—she shows us what it does to families, to friendships, to memory. She’s not afraid to let things unfold gently, giving the reader time to sit with each choice, each consequence. And that patience pays off. When the emotional hits land, they land hard. I found myself unexpectedly teary more than once, not because of some dramatic reveal, but because of a quiet line or a simple act of love in the middle of chaos.

If you’re someone who loved The Secret Garden as a child, this is like its grown-up cousin—darker, more complex, but filled with the same sense of wonder and emotional rebirth. Tina’s journey isn’t just about solving the mystery of her mother or surviving a war. It’s about making peace with the past, even when it hurts. It’s about finding the strength to grow into someone new.

The Lost Garden is a novel that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t rush. But it gets under your skin. It has a ghostly beauty to it—a quiet whisper of the past, a touch of the otherworldly, and a whole lot of heart. Angela Petch has written a story that feels both intimate and timeless, and I’ll be thinking about it every time I smell rosemary or walk past a locked gate and wonder what’s growing behind it.

Five stars. A moving, immersive, emotionally rich novel that will stay with you long after you’ve put it down. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction who crave depth, mood, and soul.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical novel set in wartime Italy with touches of magic and romance, a heady combination and one that kept me entertained until the final page.
Ernestina is a young girl living with her strict father and her maid in the family castle. Her father is the local count and she has never known her mother who died in childbirth.
When she finds a hidden garden, a place her late mother loved, she begins to feel closer to her and begins to tend the garden herself. Her maid and confidant, Allegra warns her to keep this secret from her stern father who would not approve.
As war approaches and her father sides with the “ Fascisti” Tina finds solace in the garden and realises her sympathies lie elsewhere. She does her best to help the resistance, in particular a young man called Olivio who has become one of the partisans and for whom she develops feelings .
As the war progresses and local people are badly affected, her life becomes more and more dangerous and she does not know who is trustworthy. Her father’s Austrian mistress who has been installed in the castle is particularly difficult .
As her views continue to diverge from her father’s, Tina must take care that she does not reveal her true feelings.
As well as this compelling story there are also short sections written from the point of view of Tina’s late mother who is looking down on her and trying to guide her life in a positive way. Some of the late Contessa’s feelings of isolation are revealed in a diary Tina discovers.
I really enjoyed reading about Tina’s life but her difficulties after the war were awful, particularly after her bravery during the earlier times. Her love for the townspeople was wonderful but it was so sad that they did not recognise the person she really was.
The book was well researched and the characters all believable- I particularly liked Allegra who was always so wise and loyal to Tina. I loved the setting of Italy which was beautifully described by the author.
I definitely recommend this novel to lovers of historical World war 2 fiction and I look forward to reading more books by this writer.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance copy.

[Rebecca Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have always been captivated by tales of secret gardens and forgotten places, and in all honesty, that was what first drew me to this book. However, after progressing further into the novel, I came to realize that the role the garden played in this story was not at all how I naively imagined it to be. The garden is not a world where magic and fairies reside, nor is it filled with the constant chirping of birds and appearance of furry critters; it is a place where the past lies buried under loose soil and tangled in long overgrown bushes; a place where solace is found not from the blanketing warmth of the sun but from the quietness of sitting in the cherished place of someone who you never met but always knew.
The beginning of this novel presents the reader with many unanswered questions, keeping one intrigued and invested—unable to help but want to seek answers—as the story continues.
I was very fond of how the author grounded the narrative in a real historical period, weaving in actual events and historical figures to create a rich and authentic backdrop. It truly added a deep sense of realism and complexity to the story.
Yet, despite the excellent prose, the story lacked of a distinct and powerful climax, which I feel—along with Tina's weak display of any drastic emotion throughout the novel—strongly prevented the plot from reaching its full potential.
In addition to this, while the romance between Tina and Olivio develops at a good pace, Olivio’s character could have definitely been more fleshed out. I found myself constantly wishing for more scenes with Olivio, as the limited amount of them make it difficult to form a strong connection with his character, and thus, restricts the depth of emotional investment that one has in Tina and Olivio’s relationship.

Nonetheless, I was extremely excited for the release of this new novel, and thank you very much Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful tale!

**𝘕𝘖𝘛𝘌: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊.

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

1939, Castle of Montessecco. At just sixteen, Contessina Ernestina Di Montesecco is weary of the tedious monotony of her life, secluded within the damp walls of her father’s castle, which overlooks the quaint town of Sant'Agnese. One morning, she follows a stray cat and discovers a long-abandoned garden. She learns that this garden was once a cherished sanctuary for her deceased mother, who watches over her in spirit. Determined to honor her mother’s memory, Tina resolves to restore the garden to its former glory.

Olivio, a local boy, is recruited to help Tina restore the secret garden. As they toil together under the sun, their hands scratched and sore from the labor, the garden slowly blooms, and a friendship blossoms between the two youngsters. The garden transforms into a haven of beauty, solace, and peace for Tina—just as it once was for her mother.

However, the brutality of World War II descends upon Sant'Agnese. Her father's involvement with Mussolini and the Germans makes him dangerous and untrustworthy. As the war intensifies around the town, Tina's loyalty and allegiance are put to the test, and for the first time in her life, Tina faces decisions and choices that blur the line between what is right and what is necessary for survival.

Angela Petch expertly draws readers into the World War II era, introducing relatable and genuine characters whose joys and laughter, fears and tears leap from the pages. Their stories resonate deeply and are conveyed with the utmost respect for the hardships and losses experienced during this period.

My heart raced and my eyes filled with tears many times as I flew through the pages. The book struck such a deep emotional chord within me that I needed time to process the profound impact it left in my soul. The Lost Garden is more than a brilliant book; it’s an experience.

My heartfelt thanks to Angela Petch, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read The Lost Garden.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that I couldn’t put down! It’s like if The Secret Garden was set in 1940s fascist Italy… an absolutely brilliant crossover. Tina is the rich contessa who lives in the castle overlooking the town alone with her distant, strict, fascist father, after her mother fired during childbirth. One day she discovers her mother’s secret garden which her father has had closed off for all those years. There are secret entrances and tunnels and the garden is described so beautifully!

I enjoyed Tina’s meeting with the young folk of the town and how out of place she was initially amongst them - she born with a silver spoon in her mouth, they having to do chores and work for a living. I absolutely adored her friend Luisa and how she kept Tina in check. Tina was never bratty or spoiled, but she was understandably unaware of how other people lived.

The massacre was absolutely devastating and I read at the end that this was based on a true event. I loved how the garden was used as a hiding place for resistance members and army deserters, as well as being a magical place for Tina to work in.

One thing I couldn’t figure out was how old Allegra was meant to be, as she was continually described as being an “old lady” and she was by the end of the book very frail and unwell, but I had thought that she was meant to be around the same age as Tina’s mother had been, which wouldn’t have made her much more than fifty surely?! Unless I misread their relationship.

The dinner party to discover the traitor was delicious. This book is a keeper and huge thanks to NetGalley for letting me devour it!

[Jan Baynham · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Lost Garden' is a beautifully crafted novel that stayed with me a long time after I finished reading it. I was soon immersed in Italy at the time of the Nazi invasion of the country in WWII and life under Mussolini. I loved the fact that the story was inspired by a real place, a real castle, and based on actual historical events, a consistent feature of the author's novels that always adds authenticity. The characterisation is a real strength. Not only did the main characters of Tina, Allegra and Luisa come alive on the page but I got to know the secondary characters really well, too, especially the lovely Olivio. I loved Tina. She is a principled, brave, young woman, loyal to the cause of the Italian resistance and at odds with her fascist father. The relationship between her and Allegra was lovely. As always, the author does not shy away from the harrowing reality of war that the local Italians had to endure - I found these tough to read at times - but it is dealt with sensitively. Counterbalancing that, the reader is transported to the stunning lost garden being restored by Tina with vivid descriptions of the sights, smells and sounds to be found there. The garden becomes a character in its own right. A unique feature of the novel is the inclusion of chapters written in the voice of Fiammetta, Tina's late mother, who designed the garden originally and these are threaded throughout the novel. I loved these.
'The Lost Garden' is another triumph for Angela Petch. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy books set in wartime Italy, with a compelling story at its heart.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to review this story pre-publication. Thank you, @Netgalley.co.uk @bookouture.com, and wonderful author, Angela Petch, for sharing it with me.

The Lost Garden is a beautiful story set in Italy at the beginning of the war. The story centres around Tina and holds a secret that has the potential to change the course of her life and the lives of those nearest to her forever.

Tina lives in the castle of Montesecco with her strict and overbearing father, the Count, and their maid Allegra. All the knowledge she has of her mother is that she died in childbirth. Tina knows little about her as she has been forbidden to ask any questions, and her father refuses to talk to her on the subject, but Allegra knows more than she lets on.
Her wealthy father is a supporter of Mussolini, all his beliefs. Tina doesn't agree with his ideals and wants to help the people of Sant'Agnese the best she can, whilst trying not to upset her father.
Tina is discouraged from making friends in the village. She lives a lonely life in the castle with only Allegra to talk to. One day, out of boredom, she begins exploring the grounds and discovers a hidden crumbling door, and from that moment, her life changes.
Beyond the door, she finds an overgrown garden. Walls are covered with ivy and climbing roses, there are features which point to an old herb garden, and at the centre, a beautiful water feature, neglected and dry of water.
After a few weeks of secretly digging, weeding, and uncovering its beauty, Tina realises she can't work in it alone. She admits to Allegra that she has discovered the garden and asks for help. Allegra issues her with a warning, not to tell her father about it. It was her mother's garden, and the Count forbid anyone from going in there since his wife died as he believes the garden is cursed and the reason for his wife's death.
Tina, however, pays no attention and continues to work at replanting this special place, where she feels a strong connection to her late mother.
As war progresses, the garden becomes an important place of refuge. Tina's encounters with local resistance fighters give her life meaning, and she begins to understand how she and her garden can help. Even though it places her in great danger, Tina is determined to show where her loyalties lie.

Tina and Allegra are fabulous characters, I love the bond between them and the strength each of them are shown to have. Tina's character builds throughout the story, overcoming obstacles and meeting new people. She grows as she understands more clearly how her position of privilege can help benefit those less fortunate and how she discovers that she has more in common with them than she first realises.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

📆 single timeline.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "What you have done is against the conventions of war and when this war is over, you will all be held to account. And God spare your souls."

It's like 'The Secret Garden', but for grownups! And as 'The Secret Garden' was one of my favourite childhood books, I devoured this book too.

Historical Fiction is one of my favourite genres,particularly things set on mainland Europe during the second world war. But despite that, I have read shockingly few books set in Fascist Italy, so it's not something I know masses about. In that regard, 'The Lost Garden' made a refreshing change.

This was a book with some fantastically brave characters, it would have been so easy for Tina to sit back in her castle and live the life of luxury, but instead she risked her life doing what was right. I really loved Tina, but loved Allegra even more. There was something so wonderful about her.

I found the addition of random Italian words and phrases made the writing a bit clunky for me personally. If they had an English translation added as part of the prose, then I found the flow was interrupted somewhat. And if there wasn't a translation then I found myself breaking from the story to see what the words meant. Maybe I need to learn Italian, as I don't find this happens with languages that I can speak.

Despite being a lover of this genre, I don't appear to have read any of Petch's previous works. Which I will of course be correcting by reading some more as soon as I can.

[Jessie Cahalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel had me a secret garden!

The Lost Garden is a story of innocence to experience, set against the backdrop of World War Two Italy and the fall of Mussolini. There is also a clever twist of supernatural in this stunning narrative.

Contessina Ernestina de Montesecco (Tina) inhabits an Italian castle with her over-bearing father. One day, she discovers her late mother’s secret garden, where secrets are hidden, and gains her first taste of freedom.

Reminiscent of the children’s novel – The Secret Garden – I was lost in the gorgeous imagery. The ruined garden reinforced the state of Italy at that time. Like a princess in a castle, Tina is protected from the outside world, until war rages and politics begin to shape her life. As the world changes and the reader walks through Italian history, Tina moves from innocence to experience. But there are many risks… And the countess with a ‘rebellious streak’ certainly does not want to be rescued by a prince!

With a fascist father and ‘wild’ peasant mother, Tina’s identity is full of contradictions until she finds a purpose and courage! Absolutely wonderful how Tina’s late mother’s influence is woven into the narrative. The tension left me on the edge of my seat.

This was a sweeping story of intrigue, secrets and mystery. I loved the twists and turns and slow burn romance. A completely captivating and emotional novel that I will never forget!

[Patricia Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Garden is probably Angela Petch's finest book to date. What is so clever about it is that it captures the heartbreaking details of life under Mussolini in 1940s Italy, not just for the ordinary people but for the supposed rich and privileged as well. There's a double story of revolt here: the struggle of the partisans against the Fascist regime is mirrored by the struggle of the central character, Tina, against the cold bigotry and controlling attitudes of her father.

There is love too: love for a country, for an ageing mother figure and for the garden Tina works so hard to bring back to life. And – because what Italian romance could possibly be without a handsome hero, however briefly glimpsed? – for the principled, flashing-eyed Olivio.

There were many moments, when the tension was too great, the horror of some events too vivid, that I wanted to put the book down. But every time I was drawn back into the story. The final revelation may come as a shock, but an attentive reader will spot the clever clues dropped by the author.

Angela Petch has made a speciality of wartime Italy. She has strong ties with the country, she empathises with it and she tells its story supremely well. If you love history, gardens, rebellion against oppression - or just love itself - read this book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tina might live a privileged life within the walls of her father’s castle – but she also feels imprisoned, with the only kindness she experiences being from their housekeeper Allegra, while her father refuses to talk about her mother who died in childbirth. Until she discovers her mother’s secret garden – and, helped by the handsome Olivio from the nearby village, she sets about restoring it to its former glory. But the Second World War is at their doorstep – her remote father aligns with the fascists, but she finds herself taking extraordinary risks, often putting her own life in danger, to help the forces of the resistance. This really was such an immersive read, very gripping, with a gentle touch of magic as Tina’s mother looks over her and guides her path – the setting and era are beautifully portrayed, with accuracy in every detail, and I found myself totally caught up in the story. There are times when the author doesn’t pull her punches – this was a brutal time, and the story bears witness to that – but there are also moments of real tenderness in the developing romance and the strong and supportive friendships, every emotional moment perfectly handled and every character entirely relatable and beautifully drawn. Immersive storytelling, and a book that will remain in my memory – I loved it.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Garden is a hauntingly beautiful novel that weaves together themes of memory, love, and the devastation of war with remarkable sensitivity. From the opening pages, the author's prose feels almost musical; her sentences flow with a rhythm that captures the beauty of the Italian countryside even as it is shadowed by the scars of World War II. Her imagery is rich and evocative — a secret garden overgrown with wildflowers becomes a metaphor for both loss and renewal, while ruined villages and silent mountains echo with the voices of those who once lived and died there.
The horror of war is not presented in sweeping battle scenes but through intimate, often understated glimpses into lives disrupted: families torn apart, young lovers separated, and the lingering trauma etched into landscapes and memories. This approach magnifies the human cost of conflict, making it all the more poignant. The added supernatural element gives the novel a haunting duality that lingers long after reading.

Overall, The Lost Garden is a moving exploration of love and loss, distinguished by lyrical writing and vivid imagery. It reminds us that even in the darkest chapters of history, beauty and connection endure.

[Kimberly Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Petch's latest novel, a coming of age tale set in Italy's Emilia Romagna region in the 1930s. Ernestina (Tina) is a young girl living a sheltered, privileged life in a village castle. Her father, the count, is a staunch Fascist. He is also distant and rigid with her upbringing, including refusing to speak about her mother, who died young.

But when Tina discovers a lost garden, once coaxed to life by her mother, and some pages of her mother's journal, she begins to discover family secrets long buried, including her mother's deep connection with the peasant class in which she was raised. This mirrors Tina's own burgeoning concerns for the villagers suffering under Mussolini's ambitions, and increasing risks she takes to protect them. I appreciated, too, that a significant part of the story was in the complicated post-war period. Too often stories end on a celebratory note at war’s end, when the post-battle era was often complex and painful, and worthy of exploration.

This is an engaging story about a young woman coming of age in turbulent times, and learning to be brave.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.

[Ann McGoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous story. Tina is the daughter of an aristocrat who grows up in a castle isolated from the local children. Her mother died when she was as very young and she relies on Allegra, her mothers cousin and her fathers housekeeper. One day she finds a garden in the grounds. It’s beautiful but very unkempt. She discovers that it was her mother’s pride and joy. Allegra tells her that her father would be angry at her for discovering the garden but agrees to find someone to help her with it. Olivio is Allegra’s nephew. Through him Tina makes friends with his friends. As war rages across Italy the garden is her sanctuary but also a place to hide Olivio and Sergio, both damaged by the war and. Tina helps the resistance group by passing on information that she overhears from the Germans that her father invites into the castle. One night she demands to know where the party are hiding to warn them that the German army have organised a search party to search for the resistance groups but t she gets caught n the crossfire and is thought to be dead. Want to know what happens? Read the book.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Petch’s The Lost Garden is one of those stories that quietly wraps itself around you, like ivy on old stone. Set in 1930s Italy, it follows young Tina, who stumbles upon a forgotten garden hidden behind a crumbling door in her family's castle—a place steeped in mystery, memory, and the whispers of her late mother.

The garden itself feels like a character: wild, fragrant, and full of secrets. As Tina begins to tend it in secret, she uncovers not just family truths but her own strength, especially as war creeps closer and loyalties are tested.

Petch’s writing is evocative without being overwrought. There’s a softness to her prose, even when the stakes rise. The emotional pull is gentle but persistent—grief, love, and courage all bloom slowly, like the roses on the garden wall.

If you enjoy historical fiction that leans into atmosphere and heart, this one’s a lovely escape. It’s not just about war or secrets—it’s about the quiet resilience of a girl who finds hope in the most unexpected place.

With thanks to Angela Petch, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a girl that grew up motherless, in a crumbling castle in Italy. Thank goodness a friend of her mother's is the housekeeper, Allegra is there for Tina.
We meet this family when the country of Italy has joined forces with Germany, and Tina's father is in the thick of things. Of course, this is WWII time, and things go from bad to worse.
This is such a hard time here, and we are there as some resist, and give the ultimate. A very emotional story, some with such big hearts, and others whom betray their friends.
This read highlights Italy, and shows the heart of those that stood all along for the what was right, and I loved the sacrifices made here.
I did love the last chapter and thank the author for that!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many curiosity seeds are sown in the prologue and we are left seeking answers to our questions, needing to know who Christiana is and what lurks in her past. The story has supernatural elements which enhance the intrigue and mystery. As in Angela’s previous novels, her descriptions draw you immediately into the scene, transporting you to the fragrant garden in Italy, or into the kitchen of the castle where you can almost smell the sauce cooking ready for the gnocchi. The characters come to life on the page as the plot unfolds, taking twists and turns that kept me gripped. I found the historical details fascinating : insight into tensions within village communities, suspicion and distrust where ordinary people took extraordinary risks, all woven seamlessly and naturally through the story. This novel is so easy to read, but having drawn you in still packs an emotional punch.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Garden is a rewarding read, providing fascinating glimpses into modern Italian history, with all the detail and psychological insights I’ve come to expect from Angela Petch’s novels. It’s also an interesting mixture of mystical fantasy and mystery.
I was intrigued by the premise and the start of the story felt almost like a modern fairy tale. Later, there were some gut-wrenching moments which I was sad to discover were based on historical events (I always love an author’s note!).
Tina made for an engaging heroine - Resilient, courageous, resourceful and loyal. I also loved Allegra and Luisa. However, my favourite parts of this book were the descriptions of the garden, where the writing was truly beautiful and evocative.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC which I read in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. This book is set in Italy during WWII in a small town. Tina knows very little about her mother who died in childbirth, but she finds a derelict secret garden that brings her closer to her mother. The story drew me in as Tina begins to defy her father who supports the fascists and help support the antifascists. There are some moments that get ugly very quickly and the trauma that people went through during the war makes it hard to imagine how recovery was after the war. Even in the book, we see that it wasn't a fast recovery to the war's effects on Italy. A coming of age story as Tina finds out who she is and who she wants to be.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Against the backdrop of WWII, The Lost Garden tells the story of Contessina Ernestina Di Montesecco. She lives with her father, who is involved with Mussolini and the Germans, in Castle Montesecco in a small village in Italy. Her mother has passed away and she has led a very sheltered life.
Known as Tina, she discovers a forgotten garden within the castle grounds and learns it was once her mother’s refuge from her isolated life. As Tina restores the garden, she begins to nurture her own sense of hope and possibility for the future.

Angela Petch weaves grief, courage, sacrifice, love, loyalty and betrayal into a beautifully crafted story. The result is an emotionally charged tale of resilience and renewal—one that will linger with you and prove very hard to put down.

[John Broughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read several of Angela Petch’s historical novels set in the Italian fascist context, I was looking forward to reading The Lost Garden. As usual, the novel was superbly plotted and the characterisation of the highest standard. The billing as ‘absolutely heartbreaking’ did not disappoint either, which means that I am pleased to recommend the novel to other readers who are interested in this World War II period. Where the novel falls down, in my opinion, is that it needed better line editing. I came upon several instances of errors, such as contradictions, deus ex machina, punctuation and so on that pulled me up short. These could so easily have been avoided by superior proofreading and it’s a shame because the novel is otherwise so well-written and gripping. Three-stars.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching novel set in Italy during World War II, this is Tina's story as the country is beset by fascism, hunger, and hardship.

A hidden garden becomes Tina's haven as her world crumbles around her as the war proceeds. Struggling against her father's loyalties, she is determined to do her best for her country.

This is a story of suffering and loss, but also of strength and determination. An excellent read, and a stark warning for our own times. Recommended.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love books by this author and this one is a great one. I loved the story of Tina and how she found the garden that had been her mother's and tended it until everything changed when the Germans arrived, when suddenly she had to grow up and be thrown into a whole new dangerous world. Definitely a book I couldn't put down and if you like this genre of book one well worth reading

[Annamarie Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction with a touch of the paranormal
Set in occupied Tuscany during WW2 the wonderfully detailed descriptive writing made this sometimes entrancing, often harrowing novel a captivating and absorbing read. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last.

[Joan Grejtak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

A castle with an enchanted garden, a war story in a quaint Italian village. Rich verses poor. Betrayal that causes so much pain and death. Easy interesting read. Good solid characters. Good wrapped up ending