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The Winter Garden
Sweeping across generations from the 1600s to the present day and inspired by the true story of the leader of the infamous Gunpowder Plot, Nicola Cornick’s latest historical mystery combines past and present story lines that fans of Philippa Gregory and Susanna Kearsley will devour.
1605: Anne Catesby fears for her family. Her son, the darkly charismatic Robert, is secretly plotting to kill the king, placing his wife and child in grave danger. Anne must make a terrible choice: betray her only child or risk her family’s security…and her very life.
Present Day: When her dreams of becoming a musician are shattered, Lucy takes refuge in her family’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire. Everyone knows it was originally home to the notorious gunpowder plotter Robert Catesby. As Lucy spends more time in the beautiful winter garden that Robert made, she starts to have strange visions of a woman in Tudor dress, terrified and facing a heartbreaking dilemma.
As Lucy's and Anne’s stories converge, a shared secret that has echoed through the centuries separating them will change Lucy’s life forever…
1605: Anne Catesby fears for her family. Her son, the darkly charismatic Robert, is secretly plotting to kill the king, placing his wife and child in grave danger. Anne must make a terrible choice: betray her only child or risk her family’s security…and her very life.
Present Day: When her dreams of becoming a musician are shattered, Lucy takes refuge in her family’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire. Everyone knows it was originally home to the notorious gunpowder plotter Robert Catesby. As Lucy spends more time in the beautiful winter garden that Robert made, she starts to have strange visions of a woman in Tudor dress, terrified and facing a heartbreaking dilemma.
As Lucy's and Anne’s stories converge, a shared secret that has echoed through the centuries separating them will change Lucy’s life forever…
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
111 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Cornick
222 books1,166 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
September 27, 2022
A wonderful and engrossing read, I wanted to keep reading to see what happened next. I also researched the subject further myself because I needed to know more about the people in the story. I love when a book grabs me like this.
The prologue is in 1598 and features Catherine and Robert Catesby and their children.
Then we have Lucy in the present, who's devastated by the loss of her career.
When we return to the past we're in 1592 and that story continues from there.
The two stories wove seamlessly into each other. I usually prefer the historical timeline but both stories were equally enthralling.
Lucy is a lovely character and her slow burning relationship with Finn is endearing. Finn is quite enigmatic in the beginning but his personality slowly emerges. They have both suffered in their lives and this draws them together.
The descriptions of Gunpowder Cottage and it's environs are beautifully done. I love good descriptive writing.
In the past story I felt for Anne, Robert's mother. She was a tough lady but had an awful lot to bear and it gradually wore her down.
It was great to read about someone else's involvement in the Gunpowder Plot. I know about Guy Fawke's part but little about anyone else.
The book has a lovely ending which will pull at your heartstrings and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical and or timeslip stories with well defined characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ Publishers for an early copy of this book.
The prologue is in 1598 and features Catherine and Robert Catesby and their children.
Then we have Lucy in the present, who's devastated by the loss of her career.
When we return to the past we're in 1592 and that story continues from there.
The two stories wove seamlessly into each other. I usually prefer the historical timeline but both stories were equally enthralling.
Lucy is a lovely character and her slow burning relationship with Finn is endearing. Finn is quite enigmatic in the beginning but his personality slowly emerges. They have both suffered in their lives and this draws them together.
The descriptions of Gunpowder Cottage and it's environs are beautifully done. I love good descriptive writing.
In the past story I felt for Anne, Robert's mother. She was a tough lady but had an awful lot to bear and it gradually wore her down.
It was great to read about someone else's involvement in the Gunpowder Plot. I know about Guy Fawke's part but little about anyone else.
The book has a lovely ending which will pull at your heartstrings and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical and or timeslip stories with well defined characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ Publishers for an early copy of this book.
November 10, 2022
The Winter Garden is a classic sort of multi-strand mystery novel with a long-ago problem being rediscovered and investigated in the present day. The long-ago part of the novel focuses on the Gunpowder Plot, but not in the usual way. This isn't a novel of men determined to destroy one another for the glory of their faith. Instead, the two women in the Elizabethan strand of this novel are mother and wife to one of the plotters, worried about the impact his decision to pursue violent action will have on the family through the generations.
In the present-day, Lucy, a concert violinist and rising musical star, has had her life forced to a halt because COVID and a long-term pulmonary infection have left her without the stamina needed to continue pursuing her musical career. Lucy is staying at the home of her Aunt Verity, who worked in Bletchly Park during WWII and is now a demolition expert. (Bletchly and demolitions don't really play a role in the novel, but those details are too good to leave out).
Aunt Verity's home, parts of which date back to the Tudor era, is the site of a present-day archaeological investigation of its grounds, which show signs of once having featured a magnificent garden. The archaeological aspect of the story adds two more threads to the plot: the head of the dig is a) a romantic interest for Lucy and b) mourning the sudden death of his brother who had also been working on the dig.
And for good measure, Lucy finds herself bring haunted by Catherine, the wife of the gunpowder plotter.
The thickening plot is neatly constructed and provides the kind of read that, while not remarkable, is quite engaging and satisfying. If you like historical mysteries, "women's fiction" (a label I find irritating, but appropriate here), budding romance between characters who have intellectual and personal connections, as well as an attraction to one another, or cross-century paranormal activity—you'll find The Winter Garden a pleasurable read.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.
In the present-day, Lucy, a concert violinist and rising musical star, has had her life forced to a halt because COVID and a long-term pulmonary infection have left her without the stamina needed to continue pursuing her musical career. Lucy is staying at the home of her Aunt Verity, who worked in Bletchly Park during WWII and is now a demolition expert. (Bletchly and demolitions don't really play a role in the novel, but those details are too good to leave out).
Aunt Verity's home, parts of which date back to the Tudor era, is the site of a present-day archaeological investigation of its grounds, which show signs of once having featured a magnificent garden. The archaeological aspect of the story adds two more threads to the plot: the head of the dig is a) a romantic interest for Lucy and b) mourning the sudden death of his brother who had also been working on the dig.
And for good measure, Lucy finds herself bring haunted by Catherine, the wife of the gunpowder plotter.
The thickening plot is neatly constructed and provides the kind of read that, while not remarkable, is quite engaging and satisfying. If you like historical mysteries, "women's fiction" (a label I find irritating, but appropriate here), budding romance between characters who have intellectual and personal connections, as well as an attraction to one another, or cross-century paranormal activity—you'll find The Winter Garden a pleasurable read.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.
October 13, 2022
The Winter Garden is a slightly unusual dual timeline. We are taken back to Tudor times and the gun powder plot, mainly presented to us through the eyes of Anne Gatesby. We see a beautiful relationship that ends so soon. What stood out to me was that people died so quickly from various diseases, and to make it through childhood is a mission.
In contemporary time, we meet Lucy, who has been ill and can no longer carry on with the musical career she so dearly loved. She stays at her Aunt's place to convalesce, and somehow her sadness connects with a woman from Tudor times. She seems to be wanting something, and from time to time Lucy can see her. Lucy combines with Finn who is restoring the Tudor garden, to solve the mystery that has a past and a present.
There is danger, someone has already lost their life and someone else will too in the course of the story. And through it all Lucy finds a new passion and a relationship that is very likely to last.
I enjoyed this story, the Tudor section was especially interesting and I really felt for Anne Catesby. I liked the slightly paranormal aspect and the link between past and present.
In contemporary time, we meet Lucy, who has been ill and can no longer carry on with the musical career she so dearly loved. She stays at her Aunt's place to convalesce, and somehow her sadness connects with a woman from Tudor times. She seems to be wanting something, and from time to time Lucy can see her. Lucy combines with Finn who is restoring the Tudor garden, to solve the mystery that has a past and a present.
There is danger, someone has already lost their life and someone else will too in the course of the story. And through it all Lucy finds a new passion and a relationship that is very likely to last.
I enjoyed this story, the Tudor section was especially interesting and I really felt for Anne Catesby. I liked the slightly paranormal aspect and the link between past and present.
January 16, 2023
There were many ways I felt a connection to this story.I think it deepened my understanding of the various characters involved and I thought it was well thought out and told.But I really struggled to rate it as I thought the modern part of the book was a bit slow and plodding and I found myself reading it solely for Robert and Catherine's stories.Never the less it is still a worthy read and someone who perhaps enjoys time shift plotlines more than me would be very entertained.
April 12, 2025
This is my second book by this author and I really am enjoying her stories. This is a dual time line story set in England in the late 1500s and then a present time story which coincides. Highly recommend.
September 16, 2022
The Winter Garden is an absolutely enchanting timeslip novel that kept me spellbound throughout! Based on the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 when a group of Catholic men plotted to kill the king by blowing up Parliament, this novel tells the story from the point of view of some of the women in the life of one of them – Anne Catesby, mother of Robert Catesby the supposed ringleader, and his wife Catherine. Anne has never been able to curb her exuberant and charismatic son, and she fears for him as he is passionate about his faith, as well as someone others willingly follow. She watches from the shadows and tries to help and steer him on a safe path, but ultimately she has to make a very difficult decision. Anne’s account is interspersed with that of Lucy, a 21st century woman whose life and career as a professional musician has just come crashing down because of unexpected illness. She goes to recuperate in the countryside in a place called Gunpowder Cottage, a house owned by her aunt which everyone knows was formerly the home of Robert and Catherine Catesby. Lucy begins to have strange dreams and visions. It is as if Catherine is tapping into her grief while trying to tell her something, but Lucy can’t figure out what. At the same time a landscape archaeologist, Finn, is trying to restore the Tudor garden which turns out to have been a beautiful winter garden. His digging and Lucy’s presence seem to stir up ghosts from the past as well as enemies in the present that threaten their happiness … I absolutely loved this story and was completely mesmerised! We all know how the Gunpowder Plot ended, but to read about the events leading up to it and what might have motivated someone to take such drastic measures was fascinating. And I was equally invested in Lucy’s progress as she slowly begins to heal with the help of Finn and others around her. The novel is extremely rich in historical detail, the author’s amazing research shining through effortlessly, and I felt as though I was really there, during those dark and dangerous times. I can’t recommend this highly enough!
November 28, 2022
The Winter Garden is my favorite kind of book: dual timelines that bring past and present to life, characters with depth and resonance that we care about deeply, and a plot that even though the historical outcome is known, has the reader turning the pages to see what happens next.
The Winter Garden is set in modern times at a family estate where the main character has come to rest and renew herself after the onset of a chronic fatigue illness. At the time of her arrival a historic garden excavation and reconstruction are underway. The garden history was one of my favorite parts of the book and has leapt off the page into my own life where I am incorporating some of the ideas on knots and herbs into my own landscape.
The historic story delves into the fines placed on Catholics in a newly Protestant England and The Gunpowder Plot. Having read this book, I will henceforth see both in a more nuanced light and with relevance to our own times.
There is a paranormal aspect, a ghostly presence, that seamlessly ties both stories together and excellent writing that makes of the two stories one. This was my first Nicola Cornick book but will definitely not be my last.
A pleasure to read and highly recommended. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this lovely book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Winter Garden is set in modern times at a family estate where the main character has come to rest and renew herself after the onset of a chronic fatigue illness. At the time of her arrival a historic garden excavation and reconstruction are underway. The garden history was one of my favorite parts of the book and has leapt off the page into my own life where I am incorporating some of the ideas on knots and herbs into my own landscape.
The historic story delves into the fines placed on Catholics in a newly Protestant England and The Gunpowder Plot. Having read this book, I will henceforth see both in a more nuanced light and with relevance to our own times.
There is a paranormal aspect, a ghostly presence, that seamlessly ties both stories together and excellent writing that makes of the two stories one. This was my first Nicola Cornick book but will definitely not be my last.
A pleasure to read and highly recommended. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this lovely book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 22, 2022
Lucy visits her aunt's cottage in order to get some peace and quiet while recovering from a career ending illness. She doesn't expect to meet Finn the garden historian and archeologist who is attempting to find evidence of a Tudor garden at the site. Thrown into Finn's history and her own recovery Lucy becomes attuned to a presence at the cottage and begins to feel and see the memories of its former resident. Catherine Catesby is the young wife of Robert and with his help she is creating a winter garden at their home, however their happy life together is cut short and without Catherine's steadying support Robert becomes drawn into the most treason - the gunpowder plot.
This is a really involving tale of history and ghosts and relationships and treasure hunting. The characters are involving enough and it's interesting to see the historical effects of religious upheaval and treason on the families of those involved. Well worth reading especially if you enjoy history. Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the review copy.
This is a really involving tale of history and ghosts and relationships and treasure hunting. The characters are involving enough and it's interesting to see the historical effects of religious upheaval and treason on the families of those involved. Well worth reading especially if you enjoy history. Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the review copy.
October 13, 2022
This story is told with dual timelines, my favorite!
Both stories are interesting. I did like the present day story more but mostly because of the paranormal element. The present day story has a bit of a twist that surprised me.
Definitely recommend!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Both stories are interesting. I did like the present day story more but mostly because of the paranormal element. The present day story has a bit of a twist that surprised me.
Definitely recommend!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed that book
A soft mystery, and romance as well as tragedy. Present and past entwined it.
A soft mystery, and romance as well as tragedy. Present and past entwined it.
October 6, 2023
Breathtakingly beautiful.
October 28, 2022
Reminiscent of Elizabeth Goudge’s lyricism of the English countryside, and Kate Morton’s historical mysteries, The Winter Garden is a beautiful journey into a captivating Tudor world, guided by a sensitive and courageous 21st-century heroine, musician Lucy Brown. With every Nicola Cornick book I read, I finish with a deep sigh, saying “this is her best yet.” The Winter Garden does not disappoint. As intricate as the enchanted gardens and fascinating archeological discoveries, this novel resonates with the loveliness of the English countryside, and yet threatens with an impending doom lurking on the edge of Lucy’s consciousness.
Ms. Cornick has an amazing skill in spinning together the normal and paranormal, creating a magical world of hauntings and a thoroughly satisfying romance. She has a remarkable perspective on both history and every day, weaving major events and small happenings – from deadly 17th-century political plots to playful match-making Labradors. Each carefully depicted character in the novel plays a crucial role in a destiny of both tragedy and triumph, and the two different eras complement each other in a harmony of counterpoints.
I devoured this novel over the course of a couple of afternoons, putting work aside and allowing myself the luxury of enjoying a really good read, with cat on lap and tea to hand. The Winter Garden is an absolute treat, and I would highly recommend this indulgence to all fans of historical fiction.
Ms. Cornick has an amazing skill in spinning together the normal and paranormal, creating a magical world of hauntings and a thoroughly satisfying romance. She has a remarkable perspective on both history and every day, weaving major events and small happenings – from deadly 17th-century political plots to playful match-making Labradors. Each carefully depicted character in the novel plays a crucial role in a destiny of both tragedy and triumph, and the two different eras complement each other in a harmony of counterpoints.
I devoured this novel over the course of a couple of afternoons, putting work aside and allowing myself the luxury of enjoying a really good read, with cat on lap and tea to hand. The Winter Garden is an absolute treat, and I would highly recommend this indulgence to all fans of historical fiction.
October 27, 2022
Interesting history in this time slip romance/mystery. It involves the Gunpowder Plot (Robert Catesby/Guy Fawkes incident). A little slow to build, but a good read with great characters.
April 5, 2023
1605: Anne Gatesby fears for her family. Her son, the darkly charismatic Robert, is secretly plotting to kill the King, placing his wife and family in grave danger. Anne must make a female choice : betray her only child, or risk her family's future. Present day: When her dreams of being a musician are shattered, Lucy takes refuge in her family's ancestral home in Oxfordshire. Everyone knows it was originally the home of Robert Gatesby, the gunpowder plotter. As Lucy spends more time in the beautiful winter garden that Robert had made, she starts to have strange visions of a woman in Tudor dress, terrified and making a heartbreaking decision. As Lucy and Anne's stories converge, a shared secret that has echoed through the centuries separating them, will change Lucy's life forever...
The reviews for this book are absolutely brilliant - I love historical fiction and the story of the gunpowder plot is one that has fascinated me for years. The fact that this book has such a beautiful cover only added to my excitement and I was looking forward to diving in.
But, unfortunately I just didn't like it at all. I found it a bit boring, a little too convoluted at times, not much happened, there was no real flow to the story and the twist just didn't live up to the authors build up throughout the book.
I'm not even really sure as to why I finished it if I'm honest - I think it may have been the promise of the shocking twist at the end - something which never materialised. The historical facts were quite interesting but I found the rest of the story too predictable and a little flat. A disappointing one star from me ⭐️
The reviews for this book are absolutely brilliant - I love historical fiction and the story of the gunpowder plot is one that has fascinated me for years. The fact that this book has such a beautiful cover only added to my excitement and I was looking forward to diving in.
But, unfortunately I just didn't like it at all. I found it a bit boring, a little too convoluted at times, not much happened, there was no real flow to the story and the twist just didn't live up to the authors build up throughout the book.
I'm not even really sure as to why I finished it if I'm honest - I think it may have been the promise of the shocking twist at the end - something which never materialised. The historical facts were quite interesting but I found the rest of the story too predictable and a little flat. A disappointing one star from me ⭐️
January 16, 2023
I absolutely loved this dual timeline read which is set in 1605 and the present day.
In the present day we meet Lucy, who is recovering from an illness which has left her musical career in tatters. She's recuperating at the ancestral home in Oxfordshire. It's here she meets Finn, who is restoring the Winter Garden along with the loveable Geoffrey, his Black Lab.
In 1605 Anne Catesby worries about her handsome son, Robert. When he meets Catherine & falls in love she seems reassured that he's put his wild ways behind him. When tragedy strikes it seems that Robert is happy to lead a different life including secretly plotting to kill the King.
Lucy sees a woman in Tudor dress both in the Orchard and her dreams. It seems that Catherine is reaching down through the years for Lucy's help..
An unputdownable read with great characters and storylines. I absolutely loved it.
In the present day we meet Lucy, who is recovering from an illness which has left her musical career in tatters. She's recuperating at the ancestral home in Oxfordshire. It's here she meets Finn, who is restoring the Winter Garden along with the loveable Geoffrey, his Black Lab.
In 1605 Anne Catesby worries about her handsome son, Robert. When he meets Catherine & falls in love she seems reassured that he's put his wild ways behind him. When tragedy strikes it seems that Robert is happy to lead a different life including secretly plotting to kill the King.
Lucy sees a woman in Tudor dress both in the Orchard and her dreams. It seems that Catherine is reaching down through the years for Lucy's help..
An unputdownable read with great characters and storylines. I absolutely loved it.
January 9, 2023
This book takes place in both the present and in the late sixteenth century, and it feels like the two time periods were authored by different people. The historical part is interesting, engaging and informative. The contemporary sections however, are trite, cliched and predictable, peopled with two-dimensional characters, some pretty lame prose and some of the most obvious plot development since Jack found a giant beanstalk outside one morning and we all thought, ooh, I wonder what he'll do now.
So two stars from me -both of them for the historical part of this book. Unfortunately that's only about a third of it. The other two thirds was like wading through a Mills & Boon novel.
So two stars from me -both of them for the historical part of this book. Unfortunately that's only about a third of it. The other two thirds was like wading through a Mills & Boon novel.
July 11, 2024
-Novel had potential unrealized
-Disappointing.
-Characters flat, lifeless and unlikeable
-storyline meandering and doesn’t hang together
-Reader led to believe there will be a big reveal—a let down
-Disappointing.
-Characters flat, lifeless and unlikeable
-storyline meandering and doesn’t hang together
-Reader led to believe there will be a big reveal—a let down
January 4, 2023
Much thanks to Nicola Cornick, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book, but there were aspects to it that made it easy to put down. I loved the ghost and paranormal and mystery aspects, and I loved the archaeological aspects. There was plenty of the former (though I wouldn't have minded more), but I wish they'd dived a bit deeper into the latter. I didn't even realize sites as recent as a few hundred years could require excavation, that earth could bury them that quickly. I thought it took thousands or millions of years to build up that much. Furthermore, I didn't realize gardens could be excavated; there's always more focus on artifacts and bones and structures than natural landscape. I figured vegetation would just rot and become dirt indistinguishable from other dirt. Perhaps it more or less does until you put it under a microscope and run tests. Fascinating.
I liked the history aspects as well, but I did not like so much time spent in Anne's point of view. It just didn't feel necessary. It didn't really add to the plot beyond familiarizing the reader with the history of the site and resident ghost, and we simply did not need to be that familiar with the history. Anything pertinent could have been learned via the dreams and visions in Lucy's POV. We didn't need to know Anne at all. Those were the chapters that often put me off, especially in the beginning. I tried to read chapter 8 three times before just skipping it. Perhaps most annoying about the historical chapters was that they were always on the periphery of the important events they were supposed to shed light on--Robert and Catherine's relationship, the Gunpowder Plot. Anne's POV was just not that useful. ROBERT's should have been utilized, considering he was at the heart of it all.
As to the characters--I liked Lucy well enough. I didn't relate to her much, since I'm not musically inclined and don't care for salads, which is pretty much all she ate. It was a bit odd that she never really showed signs of the fatigue she was supposed to be suffering from, and I have a hard time believing she would never fully recover and couldn't continue playing violin later. She might not reach the professional heights she once could have, but.... but I guess no one can know the lasting effects of covid yet.
Cleo was a sweetheart, but I can understand how her energy and cheer could become grating, or at least tiring. Finn was an okay love interest, perhaps a tad bland if anything. He was supposed to be Scottish, but he didn't seem to use many Scottishisms in his speech. Geoffrey the black lab stole scenes of course, I wish there'd been more of him. The historical characters were all dinks except Anne and Catherine. Anne was a great character, the story just didn't need her.
The present-day plot didn't seem to move very quickly. It seemed to take forever for them to discover simple clues, or investigate them. Hmm, I need to research and find the answer, but I think I'll have a salad and take a leisurely walk first. Omg, it took Lucy SO LONG to start looking into Catherine; Lucy spent way too long, like 30 or 40 percent, ready to walk away from it all, uncommitted to the plot. The plot is only as important to the reader as it is to the character driving the narrative. If the character don't give no shits, the reader probably won't either. If the character isn't drawn into the mystery, neither will the reader be.
The demise of the villain was incredibly anticlimactic and lame. That definitely could have been handled better.
Overall, this kind of novel is very much my type. Ghosts, mysteries, digging up the past (literally and figuratively lol), paranormal, murder--but this novel wasn't well executed. Most importantly, it needed a quicker, more urgent pace, and a better balance between past and present storylines. Not to mention the past POV needed more purpose. But I'll definitely be looking into Cornick's other work! *goes straight to library's website*
I liked this book, but there were aspects to it that made it easy to put down. I loved the ghost and paranormal and mystery aspects, and I loved the archaeological aspects. There was plenty of the former (though I wouldn't have minded more), but I wish they'd dived a bit deeper into the latter. I didn't even realize sites as recent as a few hundred years could require excavation, that earth could bury them that quickly. I thought it took thousands or millions of years to build up that much. Furthermore, I didn't realize gardens could be excavated; there's always more focus on artifacts and bones and structures than natural landscape. I figured vegetation would just rot and become dirt indistinguishable from other dirt. Perhaps it more or less does until you put it under a microscope and run tests. Fascinating.
I liked the history aspects as well, but I did not like so much time spent in Anne's point of view. It just didn't feel necessary. It didn't really add to the plot beyond familiarizing the reader with the history of the site and resident ghost, and we simply did not need to be that familiar with the history. Anything pertinent could have been learned via the dreams and visions in Lucy's POV. We didn't need to know Anne at all. Those were the chapters that often put me off, especially in the beginning. I tried to read chapter 8 three times before just skipping it. Perhaps most annoying about the historical chapters was that they were always on the periphery of the important events they were supposed to shed light on--Robert and Catherine's relationship, the Gunpowder Plot. Anne's POV was just not that useful. ROBERT's should have been utilized, considering he was at the heart of it all.
As to the characters--I liked Lucy well enough. I didn't relate to her much, since I'm not musically inclined and don't care for salads, which is pretty much all she ate. It was a bit odd that she never really showed signs of the fatigue she was supposed to be suffering from, and I have a hard time believing she would never fully recover and couldn't continue playing violin later. She might not reach the professional heights she once could have, but.... but I guess no one can know the lasting effects of covid yet.
Cleo was a sweetheart, but I can understand how her energy and cheer could become grating, or at least tiring. Finn was an okay love interest, perhaps a tad bland if anything. He was supposed to be Scottish, but he didn't seem to use many Scottishisms in his speech. Geoffrey the black lab stole scenes of course, I wish there'd been more of him. The historical characters were all dinks except Anne and Catherine. Anne was a great character, the story just didn't need her.
The present-day plot didn't seem to move very quickly. It seemed to take forever for them to discover simple clues, or investigate them. Hmm, I need to research and find the answer, but I think I'll have a salad and take a leisurely walk first. Omg, it took Lucy SO LONG to start looking into Catherine; Lucy spent way too long, like 30 or 40 percent, ready to walk away from it all, uncommitted to the plot. The plot is only as important to the reader as it is to the character driving the narrative. If the character don't give no shits, the reader probably won't either. If the character isn't drawn into the mystery, neither will the reader be.
The demise of the villain was incredibly anticlimactic and lame. That definitely could have been handled better.
Overall, this kind of novel is very much my type. Ghosts, mysteries, digging up the past (literally and figuratively lol), paranormal, murder--but this novel wasn't well executed. Most importantly, it needed a quicker, more urgent pace, and a better balance between past and present storylines. Not to mention the past POV needed more purpose. But I'll definitely be looking into Cornick's other work! *goes straight to library's website*
November 3, 2022
Remember, remember, the Fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
For I see no reason why gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot
There are different variations on this rhyme, but that’s the version I grew up with. It refers, of course, to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The name most often associated with the plot is Guy Fawkes, the man caught in the cellars below Parliament on November 5th preparing to ignite the gunpowder, but the leader of the conspirators was actually the less well known Robert Catesby. Nicola Cornick’s new novel The Winter Garden tells the story of not just Catesby himself but also his wife, Catherine, and mother, Anne.
Like Nicola Cornick’s other recent books, this one is set in more than one time period. In the present day, we meet Lucy Brown, a young woman suffering from the long-term effects of a viral infection that have left her unable to continue her promising career as a violinist. Not yet ready to return to her home in London and face up to a life without her beloved music, Lucy accepts an offer from an aunt to go and stay in her cottage in Oxfordshire while she recuperates. Gunpowder Cottage, as it is now known, was once the home of Robert Catesby and almost as soon as Lucy arrives she begins to have visions of a woman dressed in Tudor clothing. Could this be Catherine Catesby and if so what is she trying to tell Lucy?
The other thread of the novel begins in the late 16th century and is written from the perspective of Anne Catesby. The Catesby family are recusant Catholics – they remained loyal to the Catholic church after the Reformation and refuse to attend Church of England services. In 1593, Anne’s son, Robert, marries Catherine Leigh, the daughter of a wealthy Protestant family, who begins to create a beautiful garden in the grounds of her new home. Anne is pleased to see her son and daughter-in-law settling into married life, but the happy times don’t last for long and soon Robert is deeply involved in treason and conspiracy.
There’s so much going on in this novel: an archaeological dig aimed at finding and restoring Catherine’s vanished winter garden, rumours of hidden treasure dating back to the days of the Knights Hospitaller, and a mystery surrounding the death of one of the experts working on the garden project. There’s also a romance for Lucy, which, although it was completely predictable as soon as the love interest made his first appearance, felt believable and never came to dominate the plot. If you’ve read Nicola Cornick’s The Forgotten Sister, there’s a small part in this book for Johnny Robsart, whom you’ll remember was Amelia Robsart’s psychic brother. There are some paranormal elements in this novel too, but they provide the link between the two time periods and again, don’t really dominate.
When a book has two separate storylines set in different periods, there is usually one I like more than the other and in this case it was the historical one. I felt a stronger connection with Anne Catesby than I did with Lucy, maybe because Anne’s story was narrated in the first person while Lucy’s was written in the third. Although there wasn’t as much focus on the actual Gunpowder Plot as I’d expected, I found it interesting to read about the female influence on Robert Catesby’s life and how events at home may have led to him becoming involved in the conspiracy.
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
For I see no reason why gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot
There are different variations on this rhyme, but that’s the version I grew up with. It refers, of course, to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The name most often associated with the plot is Guy Fawkes, the man caught in the cellars below Parliament on November 5th preparing to ignite the gunpowder, but the leader of the conspirators was actually the less well known Robert Catesby. Nicola Cornick’s new novel The Winter Garden tells the story of not just Catesby himself but also his wife, Catherine, and mother, Anne.
Like Nicola Cornick’s other recent books, this one is set in more than one time period. In the present day, we meet Lucy Brown, a young woman suffering from the long-term effects of a viral infection that have left her unable to continue her promising career as a violinist. Not yet ready to return to her home in London and face up to a life without her beloved music, Lucy accepts an offer from an aunt to go and stay in her cottage in Oxfordshire while she recuperates. Gunpowder Cottage, as it is now known, was once the home of Robert Catesby and almost as soon as Lucy arrives she begins to have visions of a woman dressed in Tudor clothing. Could this be Catherine Catesby and if so what is she trying to tell Lucy?
The other thread of the novel begins in the late 16th century and is written from the perspective of Anne Catesby. The Catesby family are recusant Catholics – they remained loyal to the Catholic church after the Reformation and refuse to attend Church of England services. In 1593, Anne’s son, Robert, marries Catherine Leigh, the daughter of a wealthy Protestant family, who begins to create a beautiful garden in the grounds of her new home. Anne is pleased to see her son and daughter-in-law settling into married life, but the happy times don’t last for long and soon Robert is deeply involved in treason and conspiracy.
There’s so much going on in this novel: an archaeological dig aimed at finding and restoring Catherine’s vanished winter garden, rumours of hidden treasure dating back to the days of the Knights Hospitaller, and a mystery surrounding the death of one of the experts working on the garden project. There’s also a romance for Lucy, which, although it was completely predictable as soon as the love interest made his first appearance, felt believable and never came to dominate the plot. If you’ve read Nicola Cornick’s The Forgotten Sister, there’s a small part in this book for Johnny Robsart, whom you’ll remember was Amelia Robsart’s psychic brother. There are some paranormal elements in this novel too, but they provide the link between the two time periods and again, don’t really dominate.
When a book has two separate storylines set in different periods, there is usually one I like more than the other and in this case it was the historical one. I felt a stronger connection with Anne Catesby than I did with Lucy, maybe because Anne’s story was narrated in the first person while Lucy’s was written in the third. Although there wasn’t as much focus on the actual Gunpowder Plot as I’d expected, I found it interesting to read about the female influence on Robert Catesby’s life and how events at home may have led to him becoming involved in the conspiracy.
October 30, 2022
The Winter Garden by Nicola Cornick
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher: HQ
Publication Date:27th October 2022
Genre:General Fiction, Historical Fiction
Very interesting plot i like how we go through two different time period and it related to the gun powder plot. We see this through the eyes of Anne in the past whearas in the present day we are following Lucy experience.
The year is 1592. Anne her Catesby and her husband wished to find a suitable wife for her son Robert to marry and found the beautiful Katherine her Lee whom her parents approve of. She has her grandmother who is very open and makes me laugh.
Their marriage was successful and two sons were born. Catherine built a summer house in her backyard and devotes herself to beautifying her garden.
Unable to cope when disaster strikes, Robert flees to London and joins a conspiracy to kill the king.
Today Lucy lives in her aunt's converted barn. The barn was built on land occupied by the Catesby family. She recently contracted pneumonia and is now suffering consequences that will change her life.She has to accept the fact that she knew her life had changed completely. She ended her life as a professional violinist. she is devastated.
An archaeological excavation organized by Lucy's aunt is underway to restore the gardens and may uncover treasures said to be hidden within the grounds.
Lucy begins having her strange dreams, seeing things through the eyes of others. She begins to suspect that Katherine Catesby's ghost is haunting her mansion and Katherine needs her help.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview#goodreads #generalfiction #historicalfiction @hq
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher: HQ
Publication Date:27th October 2022
Genre:General Fiction, Historical Fiction
Very interesting plot i like how we go through two different time period and it related to the gun powder plot. We see this through the eyes of Anne in the past whearas in the present day we are following Lucy experience.
The year is 1592. Anne her Catesby and her husband wished to find a suitable wife for her son Robert to marry and found the beautiful Katherine her Lee whom her parents approve of. She has her grandmother who is very open and makes me laugh.
Their marriage was successful and two sons were born. Catherine built a summer house in her backyard and devotes herself to beautifying her garden.
Unable to cope when disaster strikes, Robert flees to London and joins a conspiracy to kill the king.
Today Lucy lives in her aunt's converted barn. The barn was built on land occupied by the Catesby family. She recently contracted pneumonia and is now suffering consequences that will change her life.She has to accept the fact that she knew her life had changed completely. She ended her life as a professional violinist. she is devastated.
An archaeological excavation organized by Lucy's aunt is underway to restore the gardens and may uncover treasures said to be hidden within the grounds.
Lucy begins having her strange dreams, seeing things through the eyes of others. She begins to suspect that Katherine Catesby's ghost is haunting her mansion and Katherine needs her help.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview#goodreads #generalfiction #historicalfiction @hq
September 10, 2022
1605: Anne Catesby fears for her family. Her son, the darkly charismatic Robert, is secretly plotting to kill the king, placing his wife and child in grave danger. Anne must make a terrible choice: betray her only child or risk her family’s security…and her very life.
Present Day: When her dreams of becoming a musician are shattered, Lucy takes refuge in her family’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire. Everyone knows it was originally home to the notorious gunpowder plotter Robert Catesby. As Lucy spends more time in the beautiful winter garden that Robert made, she starts to have strange visions of a woman in Tudor dress, terrified and facing a heartbreaking dilemma.
As Lucy's and Anne’s stories converge, a shared secret that has echoed through the centuries separating them will change Lucy’s life forever…
This is a good story by Nicola Cornick.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Present Day: When her dreams of becoming a musician are shattered, Lucy takes refuge in her family’s ancestral home in Oxfordshire. Everyone knows it was originally home to the notorious gunpowder plotter Robert Catesby. As Lucy spends more time in the beautiful winter garden that Robert made, she starts to have strange visions of a woman in Tudor dress, terrified and facing a heartbreaking dilemma.
As Lucy's and Anne’s stories converge, a shared secret that has echoed through the centuries separating them will change Lucy’s life forever…
This is a good story by Nicola Cornick.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 30, 2022
This piece of historical fiction is centred around the events of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. You hear from Anne Catesby, mother of Robert Catesby,one of the men behind the plot. The narrative is switched between her point of view and the present day where you meet Lucy who stays at her family’s home, where Robert Catesby and his wife Catherine had lived. Lucy starts having bad dreams and strange visions of a woman crying. I loved the paranormal side to the story, I was eager to know what this lady was searching for that she couldn’t rest in peace.
It was fascinating to get some background to the Gunpowder Plot and going on Lucy’s mysterious journey of discovery about the secrets of the garden with landscape archaeologist Finn and the slow burn romance.
Lucy runs into danger by someone who wants to stop her discovering secrets about the garden. It was very gripping, I ended up reading through into the later hours as I just had to know what was going to happen!
The Winter Garden is a compelling and richly told historical mystery with everything you need in a book - romance, ghosts, secrets, murder, treasure and plots. The perfect book to curl up on a cold, dark night and soak in the atmosphere that this book creates seamlessly.
It was fascinating to get some background to the Gunpowder Plot and going on Lucy’s mysterious journey of discovery about the secrets of the garden with landscape archaeologist Finn and the slow burn romance.
Lucy runs into danger by someone who wants to stop her discovering secrets about the garden. It was very gripping, I ended up reading through into the later hours as I just had to know what was going to happen!
The Winter Garden is a compelling and richly told historical mystery with everything you need in a book - romance, ghosts, secrets, murder, treasure and plots. The perfect book to curl up on a cold, dark night and soak in the atmosphere that this book creates seamlessly.
May 22, 2024
The Winter Garden by Nicola Cornick does what I love about historical fiction. It teaches me something new in history. I read the story and am off to search nonfiction sources for the actual history. I have, of course, heard of Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night. However, I had never before heard of Robert Catesby and his role in this history. The fact that the fiction is from the perspective of the women leaves me wondering of the actual women of this history and if anything is written of their roles and contributions.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024...
Reviewed for NetGalley.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024...
Reviewed for NetGalley.
January 5, 2023
I enjoyed this, a good summer holiday read. Set in 2 times, it tells of events around the Gunpowder Plot as seen by Anne Catesby, mother of Robert. The modern day storyline centres around Lucy, a convalescent haunted by the ghost of Catherine Catesby.
December 3, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. Catherine and Anne’s stoires almost made me cry at the end and I loved how Lucy wrapped it all up for Catherine. I don’t want to say too much. But I’ve read all of Nicola Cornick’s books and I love them all
January 3, 2024
3.+definitely not what I would have normally chosen but I was drawn into the duel timeline story linking the lifes of a gunpowder plotter and a girl whose orchestra days had been cut short by illness. Loved the idea of a winter garden and will research more.
May 12, 2025
This book was wonderfully written. I really enjoyed the characters and the dual timeline, which added depth to the story. The mystery had a cozy feel to it, which made it an especially enjoyable read.
December 3, 2022
Pangram! B L I R T A N. good luck and we believe in you and are so proud of you 😘
April 7, 2023
What an excellent read. I love the way the different time settings intertwined. Great characters. My sort of book.
November 7, 2023
This was such a beautiful read for those that like historical fiction.
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