The Kew Gardens Girls

by Posy Lovell

A heart-warming novel inspired by real life events, about the brave women during WWI who worked in the historic grounds of London’s Kew Gardens.

Can the women of Kew keep the gardens alive in the midst of war?

London, 1916. England is at war. Desperate to help in whatever way they can, Ivy and Louisa enlist as gardeners at Kew, the Royal Botanic Gardens, taking on the jobs of the men who have gone to fight. Under their care, the gardens begin to flourish and become a safe haven for those seeking solace–but not everyone wants women working at Kew.

The pair begin to face challenges on the home front. When a tragedy overseas affects the people closest to them, can the women of Kew pull together to support themselves and their country through the darkest of times?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, British Literature, World War I, Gardening, Book Club

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2020

About the author

Kerry Barrett was born in Edinburgh but grew up in London where she still lives; television journalist and has written novels under her real name; has also written fiction under the pen names Kerry Bell and Posy Lovell.-- http://kerrybarrett.co.uk/about-kerry...

Reviews

[Elisabeth Plimpton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story. The book is about how the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens in London were kept alive by women during WWI while the men were off fighting. I loved reading about the gardens, and it was interesting to learn about the meaning of flowers and plants.

The characters in this book were endearing and down to earth. Louisa, Ivy, and Win form a special bond. They support, help, and stand by one another even when they don’t always agree. The male characters, like Bernie, were also kind, gentle, and understanding.

This book showcases the strength of women and the power of female friendship. The characters come together to take action and help each other in hard times. It was fascinating to learn about the Suffragettes, and their part in helping the war effort while continuing to fight for equal rights.

There was no big twist in this book, and the plot was somewhat predictable. However, it was a lovely story that flowed nicely and made you smile. (: I genuinely enjoyed reading it and learning about the Kew Gardens Girls. I would recommend it to historical fiction lovers.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1915 and the men are signing up for war. Louisa Taylor dreams of being a gardener. She had grown up on a hop farm in Kent. She's estranged from her violent husband. Ivy Adams has grown up around plants. Her boyfriend Jim is a trainee gardener at Kew. Bernie is a former teacher. He's looking for meaningful employment, hoping to escape conscription. Then there's Lady Russell (Winniefred) who soon becomes a friend to them all.

The story primarily focuses on Ivy. The women are all strong characters who form a strong bond whilst working together. They are also keen on the women's suffragette movement and the fight for equal pay. A story of friendship and love. There is some true events mixed in that happened concerning ithe suffragettes. This is a nice and easy book to read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author Posy Lovell for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

London, 1916. England is at war with Germany and head gardener Mac and his assistant Jim are doing their best to keep the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew maintained. Not only do they grow decorative plants for display, they cultivate much needed fruit and vegetables. Ivy Adam’s and Louisa Taylor apply to work at the gardens and Mac’s hesitant to employ women and he has no choice. They work long twelve hour days, weeding, building rock gardens and the women have a green thumb. Working with them is Bernard Yorke, he’s rather clumsy and an ex private school teacher.

English people are extremely patriotic, most support the war and wonder why a fit Bernie haven’t joined up? He has his reasons, he’s a pacifist and Quaker. This causes tension at work, people take sides and it doesn’t end well. A new recruit starts Lady Winifred Ramsay, she’s a volunteer, she’s the nicest person and not a snob. Louisa, Ivy and Win become best friends, they face many challenges together, fighting for women gardeners to be paid the same as men, keeping Louisa safe and the loss of a spouse.

The Kew Gardens Girls is inspired by true events, it’s a story about friendship, comradery, women’s rights and life in England during WW I. Women’s roles changed, with their husbands and sons off fighting in the war and many became the main bread winners in the family. I especially loved reading about the friendships in the story, how much the women enjoyed working at the Botanic Gardens, how the men’s attitudes changed towards them, and it’s an inspiring, heart-warming and at times heart wrenching account of life at the time.
Thanks to Edelweiss for my copy in exchange for an honest review, great book Posy Lovell and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the men are gone and no one is left except women to tend to the Kew Gardens in London during WWI.

Can women really do this job? Of course!!

Louisa and Ivy certainly can. They form a wonderful friendship that neither ever had, but then something happens that pulls them apart.

We also meet adorable, helpful Lady Winifred and Bernie who is a Quaker and trying to avoid conscription.

Ivy is an endearing character and my favorite. She and her boyfriend, Jim, were the sweetest couple.

Louisa had troubles of her own and caused trouble for Bernie which upset me because Bernie was another wonderful, caring character.

You will love the friendships that develop and the support and forgiveness everyone eventually gave each other.

This book is a very enjoyable read telling of real-life events that happened at the Kew Gardens.

It also touches on a suffragette event that got pay equality for the women working in the Kew Gardens, but most importantly it addresses the beauty of friendship and love.

If you need a book that is going to lift your spirits, a book that will teach you the meaning flowers have, and a book that will have you take a look at the wonderful friendships these characters have and that you hopefully have, you won't want to miss THE KEW GARDENS GIRLS.

It is the most heartwarming book I have read in a while. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nadine Schrott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wirklich stimmungsvoller FrauenHistorienUnterhaltungsroman....Perfekt für kurzweilige Lesestunden im Garten...

Zur Zeit des ersten Weltkrieges müssen Frauen in bis damals von Männern dominierten Berufen einspringen....
Im Zentrum der Story stehen drei Gärtnerinnen des berühmten Kew Garden in London...und ihr Kampf ums Überleben in einer vom Krieg gezeichneten Zeit...

Kurzweilig, gut geschrieben und wirklich lesenswert!

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I too wish I had an author who would magically fix things as they went wrong in my life. I really wish the characters in this book actually dealt with their problems instead of something miraculously happening to save them at every point. Some things were left unresolved, like Louisa's plotline. Some gardening things were unrealistic, like poppies in February. Otherwise the story was fluffy and easy to read.

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I misread the blurb on the book cover and let myself be pulled in by the title of this one, because it was not what I expected. My own fault, I guess, but I really hoped for some authentic, at least slightly more serious, stories about women taking over Kew Gardens when the men who usually managed it went to war, especially since I’d heard it was based on true events. But I felt that, except for bringing up the name Kew a lot, and mentioning the Palm House a few times, there was no real description of Kew Gardens here at all. If I hadn’t been to Kew, this really wasn’t going to tell me anything more about it, and it seemed the book really could have been set in any large garden that would have a staff.
Also, the characters were pretty standard (except possibly for the suffragettes, who are brought up a lot). A grumpy boss who everyone is a little bit afraid of, but who is really a teddy bear underneath his rough exterior. And everyone else, a mixed bunch thrown together, has a big personal secret that eventually comes out, which mostly drove the plot here, and got pretty neatly and conveniently tied up at the end. If I didn’t know, I might have guessed this was a book by Maeve Binchy. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read and enjoyed my share of her books, but as lighthearted stories, which is what I expected from them. This was also a light read, but in this case I’d hoped for more. I'd actually hoped I could recommend this one to a gardener friend after reading it, but I think I'll let that go.

[Charlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

During the Great War, Louisa and Ivy are hired at London's Kew Gardens to take the place of men who are away at the front. Ivy's beau Jim also works at Kew as a trainee gardener, and Bernie, a teacher turned conscientious objector, hopes to contribute to the war effort through different means. Louisa and Ivy find fast friends in the temporarily idle Suffragette movement, which is most helpful when tragedy strikes overseas as well as on the home front. A good story, just a bit simplistically told. (2.5 stars).

[Carol lowkey.bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this historical fiction novel set during WWI.

I especially appreciated the strong female friendships and that it was based on real-life events.

I was a little disappointed the book didn't contain more author's notes about the historical facts that were featured in the book or that came up in her research.

[SM Surber · Rating 2 out of 5]

To quote another reader....”slow and dull.”

[Rachel Stienberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has so much potential but unfortunately was undermined by bad writing, which was a shame as this was one of the most unique takes on World War One that I’ve read in a long time. I don’t often find Quaker references in this time period with fiction specifically, or other themes like illiteracy, women in agriculture, and a really great take on flower language.

Women in agriculture was the basic obsession I had fourth year in University and I devoted a chunk of my final project studying the Land Army, so this book stood out to me as a chance to explore a new angle. However, much like the author’s very brief note on the history of the Kew Gardens, there’s very little of actual substance regarding the gardens and work. I wish it had bothered to go deeper in history and examine the influence it had in both women worker rights and agricultural support during war years.

My biggest grief with this novel is that the characters have so few opportunities to demonstrate adversity. Horrible things happen, yes. But they are so easily overcome with minimal impact it’s almost a joke. An abusive husband, a MIA partner, unequal pay for equal work, and the issue of pacifism? Basically the author waves a magic wand and cures the characters of their struggles so very easily.

This could have been better but ultimately I wouldn’t advise it. A few great details, but objectively a very rough draft of what could have been an excellent finished piece.

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really love beautiful English gardens and history, so this title sounded like a great combination. Here we have women working and proving that they are worth being hired as gardeners, but they are not just any women, they are suffragettes. The story itself is not developing much, the garden is just a background for going over issues of domestic violence these women experienced, and sexist expectations of a young man, who is hired to be a gardener because he is a man, but he can't do manual labor. And so my reading became unexciting, the only interesting thing left to do was to count how many "suffragette" words the author used in this book. I was not able to finish counting...

[Booknblues · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid gardener, I really loved reading The Kew Gardens Girls by Posy Lovell. Along with the famous gardens it is at the intersection of World War I, conscientious objectors and the suffragette movement.

With men joining the army, women were asked to apply for positions as gardeners in Kew Gardens. Louisa and Ivy are two who were hired. Their story is lovely. I enjoyed every bit of this book.

While it is not highbrow literary fiction, those who enjoy historical fiction will find this appealing.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most informative historical fiction I’ve ever read but I enjoyed it.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kew Garden Girls is a heartwarming and poignant book, set in London during the Great War. Ivy and Louisa begin working at the gardens when the men are gone and help is hard to come by. It was lovely to watch them both gain confidence, become friends, and flourish at their jobs. The book explores the suffragette movement, the war, conscientious objectors, the home front, and even the language of flowers. The characters are lovely and compelling, dealing with adversity, pain and grief—but always doing so with love, compassion, loyalty, and friendship.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the men of France are being shipped off to war, the women left behind are filling in the jobs left open while laterally fighting for the right to vote and equal pay for equal work. This is a story about two such women and one male who believed war was not the answer. They all start working at Kew Gardens and quickly bond in kindred thought and fortitude. These are endearing characters with several offshoots that add into the fold. The numerous complexities are skillfully tilled in with ease, as if planting a border of spring bulbs. Nothing was dwelled on for long which kept this at a lively pace and very enjoyable.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of a woman

This book was a special read. I read it because I love gardens and gardening. It was so much more than a garden book. The characters were endearing and enjoyable, the book was well written and a wonderful read.

The book is about the women that took over the job of tending the Kew Gardens in England when the men went off to fight in WWI. They did the jobs the men were doing and did them well. They fought to get the jobs and they fought for equal pay with the men. They became a family and stood strong together in their fight for equality.

The book in its characters addresses the woman suffrage movement, the white feather campaign, the conscientious objector or conchie as they were called, and the woman's right to vote and to equal treatment in the workplace.

The story was heartwarming and heartbreaking. Each of the main characters have a story to tell and are helped by the character of Bernie who is a Quaker and a pacifist or a conchie as he was cruelly called. How each member dealt with their particular situations with the help of their fellow Kew Gardener's was a wonderful story. How even when one member is cruel in words or actions to another they still find the courage to help that member of the group. Teamwork, courage, strength, love, compassion and romance all figure into the book.

I enjoyed this book , it was a wonderful read and I didn't want it to end.

Thanks to Posy Lovell, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book for an honest review.

[Jillian Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive storytelling, in a beautifully imagined WWI adventure.

I adore historical fiction like this. Just like Natasha Solomons' Song for Hartgrove Hall and Tracy Chevalier's A Single Thread - this whimsically powerful story, of those who had to prevail at home during The Great War, leaves you missing the characters far after the story ends.

Here we're treated to everything from a choir of strong female protagonists, to their deeply supportive male counterpoints, suffragettes, sacrifice and redemption - and the great illustration/sanctuary that is Kew Gardens.

Galley borrowed from the publisher.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came back to read this after I read the second book in the series, The Kew Gardens Girls at War. I felt there were things I missed with the friendship between Louisa and Ivy. Ivy was only 16 and Louisa 35 for this story. Louisa was running from an abusive husband and Ivy and her beau, Jim, were working at the Gardens. I did like this book but the friendships didn't seem as intense as they did in the following book and I found the ending kind of abrupt and wondered what happened to Bernie.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very slow and dull, with lackluster characters.

[Alicia Mesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh… plot just plods along while you get more and more bored.

[ROCKY · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book.

[Bambi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating this book a 3.5.

It never stops to amaze me how a book can teach me new things, whether it is about a part of history or something I've never knew about.

The Kew Garden Girls is definitely one of those books that surprised me with a bit of history that I knew nothing about and made me do some research afterwards just to confirm what I've read. I never knew the Kew Gardens existed. I have never heard of it once, and it was never mentioned by anyone that I know. Then, secondly, I have never heard about the Suffragettes, like I understand from the story, it's a group of ladies trying to fight for equal rights back in the early 1900's. So, imagine the surprise I got when I've read this story. I discovered a jewel.

This story doesn't just resolve around the garden, but it describes the lives of ladies back in the WW1 when men were at war, and life had to continue without them. This story to me is more about newfound friendships, forgiveness, bravery, love, compassion, losses and regrets.

Not only is this story about historical events back in WW1 in London, but the fictional characters brought this whole book to life. Louisa, Ivy and Win is an odd group of friends, who all works as gardeners at Kew. Each lady has their own secrets and pasts, but when one of them are in trouble, you will be guaranteed that the other ladies will support and help wherever they can. But let me not forget to mention Bernie (the brave Conchie) and one true friend to the girls, and Ivy's sweetheart, Jim who is sent off to war. These two men are real gentlemen, and they play a huge role to support especially Louisa' and Ivy's characters.

As the story progressed, I've learned that each character matured in a way that will make him or her more independent, stronger and wiser. Bernie especially have come a long way, and he ended up being one of my favorite characters, and honestly, it did not start that way. Louisa disappointed me a bit what she did to Bernie, but she bounced back again. She regretted what she did and made up for her mistake.

This story was a true delight to read, lighthearted and easy paced. And with all the WW1 and WW2 books I've read so far, I'm still grateful that I wasn't part of the wars.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this story up because it was about World War I which I'm currently interested in. I didn't like it at first - and I'm not sure why. I grew to love Louise and Ivy, the women who go to work at the Kew Gardens. They go for the same reason, they need money and they love working in the earth, but they have different backgrounds and struggles.

But it was great. Bernie also works there. He is a conscientious objector to the war and is trying to contribute in his own way. But it divides people and threatens the friendship of Ivy and Louise which is still so new.

It also talks about the suffragette movement, which went on hold during World War I.

It's a feed good novel. You know that all the problems will get resolved and in a very satisfactory way. And I think you need those once in a while.

[Onceinabluemoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up because I was pleasantly surprised. I don't care for female fiction but as an avid gardener I gave it a go, listening to the audio while I gardened. Loved the language of flowers, the historical aspect and the Kew girls bond, glad I tried it.

[Janet R. Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women’s rights. Loved it. Couldn’t put it down. One of my top favorite reads for sure.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've actually been to the Kew Gardens, so when I saw this book available I was excited to request it. I wanted to hear about the adventure and intrigue the ladies encountered during wartime at the gardens, but sadly the main characters were more on about gardening tips and the ins and outs of green houses than war. The blurb makes you think the women used their innocent position as guardian of gardens but really they were deeply involved in England's war effort. Which, yes, was talked about, but not as much as gardening was. I was trying to decide if I was reading Gardening For Dummies or a historical fiction novel. I'm torn. I'm not sure how to rate this, so I'll just go with 3.5 stars (ALMOST 4 mkay)

Thanks netgalley for giving me the pdf so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 🧡

[Marthabethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such an enjoyable read.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction ones, especially ones set during World War One. This one was so lovely. I really enjoyed it and loved all the characters.

Ivy and Louisa was both amazing, as was Win! I loved when she joined their gang. As a woman and a feminist I loved all of the scenes that focused on the suffragettes and their work during the war. I also loved Bernie and sympathised with him throughout.

Ivy and Jim were the most wholesome couple and I loved them so so much and was rooting for them throughout. I loved all the friendships in this book and friendship was such an important and beautiful theme in this story.

I recommend this book for any nature fans or historical fiction fans!

Thank you to Netgalley, Orion Publishing Group and Trapeze for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is becoming a popular theme. World War I is starting and the men are enlisting to fight the war. That leaves women to fill the jobs and London's Kew Garden reluctantly hires girls to do the work. This is also the same time that women are fighting for equal rights and the right to vote. Ivy and Louisa are hired and the gardens are beginning to thrive. Mac and Jim are teaching the girls about plants and soils. There is romance and of course bad news from the front. This looks like it might be Posy Lovell's first novel. I enjoyed the characters and history. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Wal.li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zusammen sind sie stark

Im Jahr 1916 gehen schon viele junge Männer zur Armee. Deshalb ist es für die Kew Gardens schwierig, gute Gärtner zu finden. Mac, verantwortlich für die Einstellungen, hat allerdings nicht mit den Frauen gerechnet. Gärtner sind schließlich Männer, das sagt ja schon der Name. Er hat aber auch nicht mit seinem Lehrling Jim gerechnet, der das anders sieht und der seinen Mentor überzeugt, seiner Freundin Ivy und der etwas älteren Louisa eine Chance zu geben. Eine gute Wahl, wie sich herausstellt. Nicht nur für die Kew Gardens, sondern auch für die Frauen, die eine enge Freundschaft schließen.

Auch wenn die raue Wirklichkeit nicht an den Kew Gardens und ihren Gärtnerinnen vorbei geht, so ist ihre Tätigkeit und ihre Freundschaft doch ein Hort des Wohlbehagens. Eng arbeiten Ivy, Jim, Louisa und Bernie, der eigentlich als Lehrer tätig war, zusammen. Doch die Auswirkungen des Krieges rücken näher. Immer mehr junge Männer melden sich freiwillig und auch Jim wird bald zum Militär gehen, während Bernie als Pazifist, sich vorsehen muss, nicht unfreiwillig rekrutiert zu werden. Über dieses Thema gehen auch die Meinungen im Volk auseinander. Auch die Freundschaft der vier jungen Leute wird auf die Probe gestellt.

Vor dem Hintergrund eines der ältesten Botanischen Gärten Englands lernt der Leser oder die Leserin wirklich liebenswerte Menschen kennen. In der harten Zeit des ersten Weltkriegs haben es junge Frauen wie Ivy und Louisa nicht leicht. Dennoch kann man den Anbruch neuer Zeiten sehen, denn sie haben den Mut sich zu bewerben und sie werden belohnt. Auch wenn der Lohn eher schmal ist, so kann Louisa sich selbst versorgen und Ivy zum Auskommen von Mutter und Geschwistern beitragen. Louisa und Ivy sind Frauen, die es anpacken. Auch wenn die Gesellschaft noch nicht so weit ist und die Frauenrechte eher hintenanstehen, ein Anfang ist gemacht. Möglicherweise sind die meisten Menschen in diesem Roman etwas zu gut, um wahr zu sein, doch gerade heute ist leider wieder eine Zeit, in der man so märchenhafte Bücher richtig genießt. Wunderbare Frauenfreundschaft, große Liebe und trotz der lähmenden Zeit ist der Aufbruch zu spüren. Ein richtig schönes Leseerlebnis, das die Kew Gardens in Kent auf die Urlaubswunschliste bringen kann.