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Love in an English Garden
The Jacobs family has lived at Orley Court for generations. But when Vanessa Jacobs’s husband dies and leaves the property to her, she finds costs spiralling out of control. In order to stay in their beloved home, she and her daughters will have to sell part of it off—a decision that drives a wedge between Vanessa and her live-in mother-in-law.
The new owners of the north wing are Laurence Sturridge and his father, Marcus. Laurence wants to escape the constant pressure of his corporate job in London, while Marcus longs to heal from the grief of losing his wife. Could the beauty of Orley Court offer them a fresh outlook on life?
As the two families embark on a challenging new chapter over the course of a glorious English summer, secrets are revealed and relationships tested. But as Orley Court begins to weave its magic over them, will it be love, above all, that brings the two families together?
The new owners of the north wing are Laurence Sturridge and his father, Marcus. Laurence wants to escape the constant pressure of his corporate job in London, while Marcus longs to heal from the grief of losing his wife. Could the beauty of Orley Court offer them a fresh outlook on life?
As the two families embark on a challenging new chapter over the course of a glorious English summer, secrets are revealed and relationships tested. But as Orley Court begins to weave its magic over them, will it be love, above all, that brings the two families together?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2017
782 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books509 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
May 14, 2017
The writing was okay and so was the plot. It's a feel good romance book, I don't really have much to say about it because there's nothing really bad or good about it.
February 27, 2017
3 1/2 *
If you love old houses and beautiful English Gardens then this is a book you will enjoy. A story about a family dealing with loss but enduring and finding love. It is told at a slower pace (almost like taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens.) The romances in the book were sweet, reminding me of an old-fashioned romance. The setting of the grand manor, Orley Court in Sussex was beautiful. I could imagine the gardens as I was reading the book. The author did a lovely job with the descriptions. It's a perfect Spring time book!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
If you love old houses and beautiful English Gardens then this is a book you will enjoy. A story about a family dealing with loss but enduring and finding love. It is told at a slower pace (almost like taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens.) The romances in the book were sweet, reminding me of an old-fashioned romance. The setting of the grand manor, Orley Court in Sussex was beautiful. I could imagine the gardens as I was reading the book. The author did a lovely job with the descriptions. It's a perfect Spring time book!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
April 1, 2017
This book put me in a good mood. As another reviewer had said, this book had a calming effect, I couldn't agree more. It was just a sweet and simple story and, yet, it had such an impact on my attitude. I don't know much about gardening or names of flowers/plants but I appreciate the beauty in a garden, especially those English gardens. I cannot imagine the effort it takes to maintain them. There was a lot of talk about gardening and everything that goes with it but I never was bored with that. Instead I imagined sitting on a bench admiring all the beauty the characters were talking about. I would love to have that garden in my back yard--what an excellent place to be able to read!!
Anyway, yes there was a lot of garden talk but there was so much more. All the characters were trying to move on from some loss in their life. Moving or living at Orley, they were all able to grieve and find life again. I just really enjoyed this book--I guess that's all I really want to say.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Anyway, yes there was a lot of garden talk but there was so much more. All the characters were trying to move on from some loss in their life. Moving or living at Orley, they were all able to grieve and find life again. I just really enjoyed this book--I guess that's all I really want to say.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2017
It may sound bizarre but I found Love in an English Garden to be an incredibly calming read, perhaps because of the large focus of gardens, and working in the great out doors. It is from the characters love of nature that you really get to know more about all of them.
Not only did the book have a calming affect on me, but I also loved every second of it, which didn't really surprise me as I do tend to be a big fan of Victoria Connelly's books. I literally couldn't put it down for the perhaps four hours solid it took me to absorb every single word. I loved the writing style, and the focuses on a variety of characters, so you got to know a bit more about all of the main players.
There is the Jacobs' family who own Orley Court, but the only way they can afford to still live there is to sell the North wing, and divide the property into two. The Jacobs are mother Vanessa, who is starting to move on with life as a widow, daughter Tilda who loves music but has fallen out of love with the music industry, and Jassy. Jassy spends most of her time in the Oast House and is on the autistic spectrum. She adores painting and is always found either talking about painting or creating art. She doesn't overly like change, and tends to be quite outspoken and honest, which are endearing qualities.
There is also mother-in-law, Dolly who seems to hate Vanessa, also lives in Orley Court and is opposed to anything that may make life better for them all. She especially takes exception to the the team Vanessa hires to look after the garden.
Enter Jonathan and his team of young offenders, who are being rehabilitated with honest hard work, and are a great bunch of youngsters to get to know.
Then there are the people that bought the north wing, father and son, Marcus and Laurie. Marcus has seemed lost since his wife died two years ago, and Laurie is needing a change of pace.
Watch out for unlikely alliances forming, friendships blossoming, and sprouts of romance being planted, with all of these vastly varied characters.
There are a whole host of storylines, which all work together with the focus on the two families and their garden. It may sound when I put it like that rather mundane, but in fact, its fabulous, with so much focus on the people, the interactions, to such an extent that I'm sad the book has finished and that I won't be able to spend any more time at Orley Court.
Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Not only did the book have a calming affect on me, but I also loved every second of it, which didn't really surprise me as I do tend to be a big fan of Victoria Connelly's books. I literally couldn't put it down for the perhaps four hours solid it took me to absorb every single word. I loved the writing style, and the focuses on a variety of characters, so you got to know a bit more about all of the main players.
There is the Jacobs' family who own Orley Court, but the only way they can afford to still live there is to sell the North wing, and divide the property into two. The Jacobs are mother Vanessa, who is starting to move on with life as a widow, daughter Tilda who loves music but has fallen out of love with the music industry, and Jassy. Jassy spends most of her time in the Oast House and is on the autistic spectrum. She adores painting and is always found either talking about painting or creating art. She doesn't overly like change, and tends to be quite outspoken and honest, which are endearing qualities.
There is also mother-in-law, Dolly who seems to hate Vanessa, also lives in Orley Court and is opposed to anything that may make life better for them all. She especially takes exception to the the team Vanessa hires to look after the garden.
Enter Jonathan and his team of young offenders, who are being rehabilitated with honest hard work, and are a great bunch of youngsters to get to know.
Then there are the people that bought the north wing, father and son, Marcus and Laurie. Marcus has seemed lost since his wife died two years ago, and Laurie is needing a change of pace.
Watch out for unlikely alliances forming, friendships blossoming, and sprouts of romance being planted, with all of these vastly varied characters.
There are a whole host of storylines, which all work together with the focus on the two families and their garden. It may sound when I put it like that rather mundane, but in fact, its fabulous, with so much focus on the people, the interactions, to such an extent that I'm sad the book has finished and that I won't be able to spend any more time at Orley Court.
Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 19, 2017
This book was so beautifully written that it drew me into its pages and had me lost in the garden descriptions so well that I could imagine that I had actually visted Orley Court and met everyone who lived and worked there. You could picture perfectly every flower that was planted and the walled vegetable garden. I loved this description
" There was something very special about the countryside at dusk; it seemed to be breathing out, relaxing into itself after a long day."
I totally felt as though I'd spent glorious days wandering around the gardens and was sitting at a bench at the end of the day just reflecting on the blissful day.
I loved the characters - Vanessa lives at Orley court with her dragon of a mother in law and her two daughters. Both are very arty girls- one loves painting and the other had a spell as the latest singing sensation. When Vanessa is made to realise that they need to sell part of the house to ensure it stays in their family, some very hard decisions have to be faced. Her mother in law particularly takes it badly as it didn't happen under her 'reign' as lady of the manor.
The romance throughout the book is very sweet although you are wondering exactly what secrets are going to be revealed at some point. I loved the youth offender group working in the garden and the fact that there are wonderful people in this world who try to help those who may have made a bad decision at some point and help them to let their future not be blighted by the past.
The friendships between unlikely characters is heartwarming and adds extra dimension to them. I think my favourite was between Jassy and Marcus. I found her fascinating because she is on the autistic spectrum and some of the things she says are so believable- as they say it as they see it! I could imagine my daughter coming out with some of her phrases. I could also imagine her art studio in the oast house as if I was sitting with her- I wanted to look through the canvases.
My favourite flowers are white roses- so I also particularly loved this description " White flowers are magical at night aren't they?" Jonathan said."It's like they've captured the essence of the moon in their petals and are shining it back at the heavens". White roses will always make me think of this phrase from now on.
" There was something very special about the countryside at dusk; it seemed to be breathing out, relaxing into itself after a long day."
I totally felt as though I'd spent glorious days wandering around the gardens and was sitting at a bench at the end of the day just reflecting on the blissful day.
I loved the characters - Vanessa lives at Orley court with her dragon of a mother in law and her two daughters. Both are very arty girls- one loves painting and the other had a spell as the latest singing sensation. When Vanessa is made to realise that they need to sell part of the house to ensure it stays in their family, some very hard decisions have to be faced. Her mother in law particularly takes it badly as it didn't happen under her 'reign' as lady of the manor.
The romance throughout the book is very sweet although you are wondering exactly what secrets are going to be revealed at some point. I loved the youth offender group working in the garden and the fact that there are wonderful people in this world who try to help those who may have made a bad decision at some point and help them to let their future not be blighted by the past.
The friendships between unlikely characters is heartwarming and adds extra dimension to them. I think my favourite was between Jassy and Marcus. I found her fascinating because she is on the autistic spectrum and some of the things she says are so believable- as they say it as they see it! I could imagine my daughter coming out with some of her phrases. I could also imagine her art studio in the oast house as if I was sitting with her- I wanted to look through the canvases.
My favourite flowers are white roses- so I also particularly loved this description " White flowers are magical at night aren't they?" Jonathan said."It's like they've captured the essence of the moon in their petals and are shining it back at the heavens". White roses will always make me think of this phrase from now on.
March 7, 2017
In her latest book- LOVE IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN, Victoria Connelly invites the readers to meet the family living at Orley court and to take a stroll through their enchanting English garden. I immensely enjoyed this book- it's incredibly soothing and relaxing. The Orley garden puts everyone at ease with its charm. Connelly's evocative writing assists in bringing the garden in its full beauty to the reader's mind. This book is the best spring read I have read so far, I assure you.
The story chiefly centres around the Jacobs family. Vanessa- who is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband - and her two daughters and mother-in-law. They decide to sell the North wing when the financial troubles start cropping up. The story continues by introducing new members of Orley court and a unique team working on restoring the garden to its prior beauty.
LOVE IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN is the first Victoria Connelly book I've read and surely, it won't be the last. Even the cover of this book is so inviting; it promises an old-fashioned kind of tale and that's exactly what it delivers. The fans of stories set in English countryside can't resist it at all.
This book discusses quite a few women-centric concerns, but mainly of finding hope and love after the death of dear ones. The lives of the characters make us think how painful it is to live with only the memories of people who mattered the most to us once; of how lonely and desolate one experience from time to time. The author throws light on this subject from three different points of views and it was enlightening to see how it differs from person to person.
Albeit the story begins pretty well, it can be trifle slow-paced towards the middle. But don't stop there, keep reading on for you will be delighted once you have finished reading it. The cheerful feelings- with which this story is pervaded - is infectious, it put me in a light-hearted mood. It has a handful of endearing characters, whose tales Orley Court gently unfurls for the readers to delight in. I'm already looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Put LOVE IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN on top of your Spring TBR, pals.
The story chiefly centres around the Jacobs family. Vanessa- who is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband - and her two daughters and mother-in-law. They decide to sell the North wing when the financial troubles start cropping up. The story continues by introducing new members of Orley court and a unique team working on restoring the garden to its prior beauty.
LOVE IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN is the first Victoria Connelly book I've read and surely, it won't be the last. Even the cover of this book is so inviting; it promises an old-fashioned kind of tale and that's exactly what it delivers. The fans of stories set in English countryside can't resist it at all.
This book discusses quite a few women-centric concerns, but mainly of finding hope and love after the death of dear ones. The lives of the characters make us think how painful it is to live with only the memories of people who mattered the most to us once; of how lonely and desolate one experience from time to time. The author throws light on this subject from three different points of views and it was enlightening to see how it differs from person to person.
Albeit the story begins pretty well, it can be trifle slow-paced towards the middle. But don't stop there, keep reading on for you will be delighted once you have finished reading it. The cheerful feelings- with which this story is pervaded - is infectious, it put me in a light-hearted mood. It has a handful of endearing characters, whose tales Orley Court gently unfurls for the readers to delight in. I'm already looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Put LOVE IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN on top of your Spring TBR, pals.
February 23, 2022
I listened to this on audiobook.
This was quite a lovely story, a nice easy listen, not too taxing or complicated, easy to follow. Was well told, with likeable characters and the setting/location sounded lovely and was well described. A highly enjoyable story from start to finish, with a few little funny moments thrown in. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, of which there were quite a few.
Truth be told I wasn’t overly keen on the narrator, but after a few chapters her voice grew on me and I didn’t mind as much, that or I was so involved in the story that I’d stopped noticing the voice.
It’s definitely made me want to give this authors other books a try.
This was quite a lovely story, a nice easy listen, not too taxing or complicated, easy to follow. Was well told, with likeable characters and the setting/location sounded lovely and was well described. A highly enjoyable story from start to finish, with a few little funny moments thrown in. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, of which there were quite a few.
Truth be told I wasn’t overly keen on the narrator, but after a few chapters her voice grew on me and I didn’t mind as much, that or I was so involved in the story that I’d stopped noticing the voice.
It’s definitely made me want to give this authors other books a try.
November 29, 2017
I always enjoy escaping into Victoria's books, and this was no exception.
A romance or two, some laughs, tears and a few surprises; this is an excellent read, and the author's love of gardens is evident from beginning to end.
A romance or two, some laughs, tears and a few surprises; this is an excellent read, and the author's love of gardens is evident from beginning to end.
September 3, 2017
Another winner I found this on Facebook as a free read and really loved it ! A new author for me I loved her story which was so beautifully written .
February 25, 2017
Picture perfect!
What a fantastic story! I am ever so grateful to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book prior to publication.
I am a great fan of Victoria Connelly's books, and I must say this is one of her best.
Imagine being transported in an idyllic setting, imagine a series of beautiful watercolours, imagine your favourite British landscapes.
Just imagine. The story will provide a balanced, sweet, uplifting turn of events, where the characters are mere extras and the protagonist is, to me, the beautiful English garden.
It is so well written that you'll manage to even smell the flowers, hear the nightingale, feel the Summer sunshine on your skin.
I absolutely loved it.
What a fantastic story! I am ever so grateful to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book prior to publication.
I am a great fan of Victoria Connelly's books, and I must say this is one of her best.
Imagine being transported in an idyllic setting, imagine a series of beautiful watercolours, imagine your favourite British landscapes.
Just imagine. The story will provide a balanced, sweet, uplifting turn of events, where the characters are mere extras and the protagonist is, to me, the beautiful English garden.
It is so well written that you'll manage to even smell the flowers, hear the nightingale, feel the Summer sunshine on your skin.
I absolutely loved it.
February 20, 2017
I liked this story, lots going on with numerous characters all playing their part. Yet again Victoria writes a story that you can instantly picture the scene that she has set. The was one character i didn't warm too which was tilda and I'm not really sure why. I did like jazzy and marcus I think because they were to the point and didn't beat around the bush.
A perfect spring read.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this prior to publication. Can't wait to purchase my own copy for my shelf.
A perfect spring read.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this prior to publication. Can't wait to purchase my own copy for my shelf.
July 10, 2019
A charming story of love after loss.
This was a sweet and undemanding story set in an English stately home. It’s a clean romance, which I know some readers really appreciate but personally I found it a little restrained. That aside, it made for an enjoyable holiday read.
This was a sweet and undemanding story set in an English stately home. It’s a clean romance, which I know some readers really appreciate but personally I found it a little restrained. That aside, it made for an enjoyable holiday read.
March 22, 2017
I found this an entertaining and poignant read. I suspect it was the more poignant for me as the main characters are recovering from bereavements and their feelings resonated with me. It isn't however an unhappy book at all. Vanessa and her daughters live in Orley Court - a beautiful house with an equally beautiful garden. Vanessa's husband has died and left the Court to her but the expense of maintaining it is becoming too much and they must sell part of the house in order to continue living there.
Marcus and Laurence Sturridge buy the north wing and the two families gradually settle down to share the property and the garden. When Vanessa makes major decision about getting help to return the garden to its former glory things at Orley Court start to change for all the residents. This is a well written relatively light story with some interesting characters and I found the gardening background interesting even though I don't enjoy gardening in the flesh! I much prefer reading about it.
I'm sure Victoria Connelly's many fans will love this book though I found it a little too sentimental for my taste. I do like the cover art - it really does sum up the whole book for me.
Marcus and Laurence Sturridge buy the north wing and the two families gradually settle down to share the property and the garden. When Vanessa makes major decision about getting help to return the garden to its former glory things at Orley Court start to change for all the residents. This is a well written relatively light story with some interesting characters and I found the gardening background interesting even though I don't enjoy gardening in the flesh! I much prefer reading about it.
I'm sure Victoria Connelly's many fans will love this book though I found it a little too sentimental for my taste. I do like the cover art - it really does sum up the whole book for me.
April 9, 2018
This was one of those lovely and easy to read books that are full of wonderful characters, set around a gorgeous home and gardens and just made me smile throughout as the people were trying to move on with their lives after losing loved ones, and looking for a new start!
Enjoy all the books from this author so will be reading more!
Enjoy all the books from this author so will be reading more!
September 1, 2018
Love in an English Garden is by Victoria Connelly. This beautiful story is set in Sussex, England in a little village where a beautiful mansion, Orley, is set. Its gardens were famous although now they were only for the family and were rather rundown.
Vanessa had come down from London and met Oliver Jacobs and was lost. They had been married for thirty years and raised two lovely daughter, Tilda and Jasmine or Jassy. His Mother, Dolly, lived with them. After Oliver died of cancer, the four Jacobs women shared the huge house. Dolly and Vanessa did not get along and Dolly constantly criticized Vanessa. Tilda left home to have a singing career and came home in disgrace. She now taught individuals and at the schools. Jassy spent her time in the oast house where she painted constantly. She also was very honest and told it like it was. Vanessa was an interior decorator and worked around the area. With all their income together, they had a hard time keeping up Orley. Tilda came up with the idea of selling half the house, the North wing. Then they could still live in their house. After some doubts, they did just that and sold the North wing to Laurence Sturridge.
Laurence or Laurie quit his job, sold his condo, and moved with his Father to Orley. He started his own finance business. It began to take off. Laurie took an interest in Tilda’s music life while his Father began painting with Jassy.
Then Vanessa ran into Jonathan Dacre, a gardener, who also worked with troubled teens. He convinced her to let them use the walled garden to teach these teens to garden and along the way to teach them to get along in the world without turning to crime. Will they work out or would the teens decide to rob Orly?
The gardens are so lovely and the flowers are described in such loving words that you can actually see the gardens when they are in full bloom.
Vanessa had come down from London and met Oliver Jacobs and was lost. They had been married for thirty years and raised two lovely daughter, Tilda and Jasmine or Jassy. His Mother, Dolly, lived with them. After Oliver died of cancer, the four Jacobs women shared the huge house. Dolly and Vanessa did not get along and Dolly constantly criticized Vanessa. Tilda left home to have a singing career and came home in disgrace. She now taught individuals and at the schools. Jassy spent her time in the oast house where she painted constantly. She also was very honest and told it like it was. Vanessa was an interior decorator and worked around the area. With all their income together, they had a hard time keeping up Orley. Tilda came up with the idea of selling half the house, the North wing. Then they could still live in their house. After some doubts, they did just that and sold the North wing to Laurence Sturridge.
Laurence or Laurie quit his job, sold his condo, and moved with his Father to Orley. He started his own finance business. It began to take off. Laurie took an interest in Tilda’s music life while his Father began painting with Jassy.
Then Vanessa ran into Jonathan Dacre, a gardener, who also worked with troubled teens. He convinced her to let them use the walled garden to teach these teens to garden and along the way to teach them to get along in the world without turning to crime. Will they work out or would the teens decide to rob Orly?
The gardens are so lovely and the flowers are described in such loving words that you can actually see the gardens when they are in full bloom.
March 14, 2017
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
(This review can also be found here: https://beautifulilies.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/love-in-an-english-garden-by-victoria-connelly/)
Connelly only had to whisper the words “Orley Court” to have me hooked. Anything to do with old English manor houses, courts, castles, is already a must-read on my list. This novel is every bit promising as the synopsis sounds. Connelly is an exceptional writer who has a power with words that very few authors seem to possess these days.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I can’t compare it to her previous works. However, Connelley’s sensational ability to intertwine characters and plots to deliver what stories are really about is rare and astounding. The characters’ backgrounds were so varied which made the novel so much more interesting, displaying the power of the author’s imagination.
The only thing about this novel was in the middle and towards the end when some of the writing seemed rushed. Dialogue was sometimes emotionless bar the odd bit of punctuation, and there were passages with detail so little that I, as a reader, couldn’t quite envisage what the author wanted me to. But the worst of the poorly-written parts are still better than many of the better-written parts in other novels, and this is what really stood out in the book for me.
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who’s interested in the mysterious workings of the world and how sometimes stars align, people meet in all the right places, and the world could be ending but everything just works out.
(This review can also be found here: https://beautifulilies.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/love-in-an-english-garden-by-victoria-connelly/)
Connelly only had to whisper the words “Orley Court” to have me hooked. Anything to do with old English manor houses, courts, castles, is already a must-read on my list. This novel is every bit promising as the synopsis sounds. Connelly is an exceptional writer who has a power with words that very few authors seem to possess these days.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I can’t compare it to her previous works. However, Connelley’s sensational ability to intertwine characters and plots to deliver what stories are really about is rare and astounding. The characters’ backgrounds were so varied which made the novel so much more interesting, displaying the power of the author’s imagination.
The only thing about this novel was in the middle and towards the end when some of the writing seemed rushed. Dialogue was sometimes emotionless bar the odd bit of punctuation, and there were passages with detail so little that I, as a reader, couldn’t quite envisage what the author wanted me to. But the worst of the poorly-written parts are still better than many of the better-written parts in other novels, and this is what really stood out in the book for me.
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who’s interested in the mysterious workings of the world and how sometimes stars align, people meet in all the right places, and the world could be ending but everything just works out.
January 29, 2020
I gave this a 5 star because I love the slice of life stories that the British excel at writing. I genuinely liked every character in this book, especially Vanessa who in her grieving is still thinking of others, Tilda who was traumatized by her short lived fame in the public eye, Jassy who copes with her inability to not speak out her opinion on everything that crosses her path by hiding out in her studio with her art, the kindhearted Laurence who is confused and hurt by his fathers unwillingness to discuss his mothers death two years previously, his father Marcus who is trapped in his grief so painfully that the reader is just waiting for the explosion. Each of the other characters; Dolly, Jonathan and his "team" of youthful offenders are all suffering from something in their past. The ability to communicate with others is a highly underrated gift that every character in this book comes to realize. Victoria Connelly has the uncanny ability tell us about each person and how they make peace with themselves so they can move on with life. I loved the book and will probably read it again.
January 5, 2023
Such a charming read, my first 5 ⭐️ read of 2023.
Victoria Connelly has written a book with four very strong female characters , a family affected by grief. Dolly the grandmother, is grumpy and bitter but to be honest she’s my favourite character of the book. Jassy is so unique , honest and a breath of fresh air who surprised me at the end and I loved that about her . Tilda is the one I found hardest to connect too, more because she was a rather lost character. Vanessa the mother is the one that changed the most, finding unexpected happiness and was a truly kindhearted character .
The menfolk also held their own in the novel, Jonathan charming but also hurt until he met Vanessa, Marcus was a more tougher character hiding a secret from his son that put up a barrier between them . Laurie was the one that tried too hard , I felt his relationship with Tilda was him chasing continuously though in the end it worked out.
I liked the background of getting the garden back into order and the garden gang that Jonathan organised. Jenna was such an outstanding character .
Victoria Connelly has written a book with four very strong female characters , a family affected by grief. Dolly the grandmother, is grumpy and bitter but to be honest she’s my favourite character of the book. Jassy is so unique , honest and a breath of fresh air who surprised me at the end and I loved that about her . Tilda is the one I found hardest to connect too, more because she was a rather lost character. Vanessa the mother is the one that changed the most, finding unexpected happiness and was a truly kindhearted character .
The menfolk also held their own in the novel, Jonathan charming but also hurt until he met Vanessa, Marcus was a more tougher character hiding a secret from his son that put up a barrier between them . Laurie was the one that tried too hard , I felt his relationship with Tilda was him chasing continuously though in the end it worked out.
I liked the background of getting the garden back into order and the garden gang that Jonathan organised. Jenna was such an outstanding character .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
I stumbled upon this Author by pure chance. After reading many novels based in Victorian London, it was a welcome change.
I was unsure what to expect from the title but was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel.
A really lovely feel good story about second chances and who could resist a beautiful garden and country manor setting? A slow paced easy read which makes for great escapism after a tough day.
I loved the characters who were relatable and the sort of people you'd want to be around all the time.
I don't like spoiler reviews and hence not giving too much away. However if you want a light hearted, enjoyable read with a happy ending then give this a go. I'm glad I did. Now reading Flights of Angels which was made into a film. Loving it so far.
I was unsure what to expect from the title but was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel.
A really lovely feel good story about second chances and who could resist a beautiful garden and country manor setting? A slow paced easy read which makes for great escapism after a tough day.
I loved the characters who were relatable and the sort of people you'd want to be around all the time.
I don't like spoiler reviews and hence not giving too much away. However if you want a light hearted, enjoyable read with a happy ending then give this a go. I'm glad I did. Now reading Flights of Angels which was made into a film. Loving it so far.
September 19, 2018
Oh dear
I borrowed this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription as an audio book. The story itself is a old fashioned romance, absolutely nothing wrong with it. A solid read with a good mix of characters. I have only given 2 stars (first time ever 😞) because of the narrator. I didn’t know it was possible to put so many download inflections into one sentence. I wasn’t listening to the story half the time I was wondering how on earth this had been published at all. I know l sound mean, but I pay for a monthly subscription purely for the audio. I usually get used to vocal quirks but this was awful. (Just my opinion)
Listen to the sample and tell me I’m wrong, but remember it got worse as it went along. Sorry to the narrator but it just spoilt the book for me.
I borrowed this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription as an audio book. The story itself is a old fashioned romance, absolutely nothing wrong with it. A solid read with a good mix of characters. I have only given 2 stars (first time ever 😞) because of the narrator. I didn’t know it was possible to put so many download inflections into one sentence. I wasn’t listening to the story half the time I was wondering how on earth this had been published at all. I know l sound mean, but I pay for a monthly subscription purely for the audio. I usually get used to vocal quirks but this was awful. (Just my opinion)
Listen to the sample and tell me I’m wrong, but remember it got worse as it went along. Sorry to the narrator but it just spoilt the book for me.
November 29, 2020
Je tiens particulièrement à remercier les éditions Amazon Publishing France et le site Netgalley de m'avoir permis de lire ce livre.
On y retrouve la famille Jacob qui vit sur Orley Court qui suite à la mort du mari de Vanessa hérite de la propriété et ne roulant pas sur l'or se voit de louer la moitié de cette propriété. Sauf que la belle mère n'est pas de cet avis.
Quant à Laurence et son père Marcus vont s'y installer. Les deux familles vont commencer un nouveau chapitre de leur vie quitte à dévoiler au grand jour leurs secrets.
J'ai accroché de suite à l'histoire si émouvante à certains passages, addictive, captivante, remplie de suspens et de rebondissements avec des personnages attachants.
On y retrouve la famille Jacob qui vit sur Orley Court qui suite à la mort du mari de Vanessa hérite de la propriété et ne roulant pas sur l'or se voit de louer la moitié de cette propriété. Sauf que la belle mère n'est pas de cet avis.
Quant à Laurence et son père Marcus vont s'y installer. Les deux familles vont commencer un nouveau chapitre de leur vie quitte à dévoiler au grand jour leurs secrets.
J'ai accroché de suite à l'histoire si émouvante à certains passages, addictive, captivante, remplie de suspens et de rebondissements avec des personnages attachants.
June 3, 2017
In Love in an English Garden the author has captured the atmosphere of an English summer with a story involving two families, and how they adapt to their changing circumstances. It is easy to relate to each character, as different from each other as they could be.
Laurence Sturridge moves into a wing of Orley Court, a decision his live-in father isn’t too happy with at first. The Court owner’s mother-in-law is not happy either and this sets off a mix of interesting tales as we get to know each member of the cast – the Jacobs and the Sturridges, and their back stories.
Engaging storytelling, a charming setting and romance makes this a wonderful read.
Laurence Sturridge moves into a wing of Orley Court, a decision his live-in father isn’t too happy with at first. The Court owner’s mother-in-law is not happy either and this sets off a mix of interesting tales as we get to know each member of the cast – the Jacobs and the Sturridges, and their back stories.
Engaging storytelling, a charming setting and romance makes this a wonderful read.
June 21, 2017
The cover initially drew my attention to this novel. As a member of the National Trust, I often visit beautiful gardens and historical houses around the UK. I live in Sussex and there are a couple of beautiful gardens that has either a castle or a manor house and could easily be an 'Orley Court'. Next time i go, i shall remember this book! A book that i very much enjoyed reading.
As usual, i will not write what the story is about for fear of spoiling for others, but will say that i do recommend. It is the first time that i have read any novels by this author and i'm sure it isn't going to be the last.
I received an electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
As usual, i will not write what the story is about for fear of spoiling for others, but will say that i do recommend. It is the first time that i have read any novels by this author and i'm sure it isn't going to be the last.
I received an electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2019
"Love" describes so many more relationships than a just romantic one. In this book, it's about the relationships between parents and children, betwixt siblings, among friends, with your in-laws and even a person and their circumstances. Nothing too heavy. Just a comforting, everyday-life kind of novel. Very enjoyable listen while cleaning or going for a walk. My only complaint was the narrator. She was extremely breathy and dramatic at points while reading ordinary descriptions. Thankfully, she lost a lot of her breathiness when doing dialogue or I'm not sure if I would have been able to keep listening.
April 23, 2018
I'm not normally one for soppy love stories, but this was a lovely book which I enjoyed very much. The setting of a grand old house in beautiful English countryside added to the bright and fresh feeling of the story. All the characters were totally believable and the text flowed freely and was easy to read. Thankfully, it seemed free of spelling errors which unfortunately seem to be the norm in a lot of Kindle books. A feel good love story which I found perfect for a Summer read. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2022
Love a Garden
Mar 30, 2017Holly rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2017, netgalley
This book put me in a good mood. It was just a sweet and simple story and, yet, it had such an impact on my attitude. I don't know much about gardening or names of flowers/plants but I appreciate the beauty in a garden, especially those English gardens. I cannot imagine the effort it takes to maintain them. There was a lot of talk about gardening and everything that goes with it but I never was bored with that
I enjoyed reading this story which cheered me up.
Mar 30, 2017Holly rated it really liked it
Shelves: 2017, netgalley
This book put me in a good mood. It was just a sweet and simple story and, yet, it had such an impact on my attitude. I don't know much about gardening or names of flowers/plants but I appreciate the beauty in a garden, especially those English gardens. I cannot imagine the effort it takes to maintain them. There was a lot of talk about gardening and everything that goes with it but I never was bored with that
I enjoyed reading this story which cheered me up.
October 3, 2017
This is a heart-warming story of loss, broken and restored relationships, and finding love again.
Wonderfully done, the descriptions of the gardens and the English countryside made me feel as if I were there.
Lovely, endearing characters. The stories of each one unfold and blend together seamlessly.
I listened to the audio version of this story and narrator, Susan Duerden, did a fantastic job.
I would definitely read more by this author.
Wonderfully done, the descriptions of the gardens and the English countryside made me feel as if I were there.
Lovely, endearing characters. The stories of each one unfold and blend together seamlessly.
I listened to the audio version of this story and narrator, Susan Duerden, did a fantastic job.
I would definitely read more by this author.
October 6, 2017
Like a walk in the garden
This was an easy reading escape. Great for an airplane ride, day at the beach or a chance to get away from the world's sordidness. It was light and uplifting. The characters were well developed and you cheered and felt with and for them. Could've been longer to continue their stories. Wrapped up a little too abruptly. Maybe a sequel is out there. Will have to check.
This was an easy reading escape. Great for an airplane ride, day at the beach or a chance to get away from the world's sordidness. It was light and uplifting. The characters were well developed and you cheered and felt with and for them. Could've been longer to continue their stories. Wrapped up a little too abruptly. Maybe a sequel is out there. Will have to check.
April 28, 2018
My favourite things
I choose the rating because I loved every page. I am gardener so the setting was my cup of tea. I work in a team of gardeners at a big house so could really relate to the setting. I'm a romantic at heart, so this book ideal for me. If you love gardening and love romance this is the ideal book! If your interest is one or the other, you will still find plenty to enjoy. Life goes on and you can be happy again.
I choose the rating because I loved every page. I am gardener so the setting was my cup of tea. I work in a team of gardeners at a big house so could really relate to the setting. I'm a romantic at heart, so this book ideal for me. If you love gardening and love romance this is the ideal book! If your interest is one or the other, you will still find plenty to enjoy. Life goes on and you can be happy again.
December 3, 2018
This is a well written book about a very sweet love story. There is no jumping into bed after two or three dates as happens in the majority of romance books these days. The plot is fairly complicated as there are several important characters, but all are well drawn and interesting. A very refreshing book to read. I highly recommend it to those who are tired of reading about sex as part of the dating game.
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