The Last Garden in England explores the unexpected connections that can cross time and the special places that can bind us together in unbreakable bonds. Inspired by true events in Syria, this touching story will open up conversations around the impact of war and migration. Mirroring themes in the book, the story opens up a safe space to explore how people deal with conflict and what happens when people are forced to leave. This is ultimately a story of hope and healing which could pair well with aspects of the science and art curriculums as children explore the cyclical nature of life and the appreciation of beauty, even in times of hardship. Links and themes:

I had been reading quite a few books that take place during WWII and had even decided to take a break from this subgroup of historical fiction. I am quite glad that I was offered this book. This book actually covers 3 different time periods 1907, 1941. and present day. It is the tale of five strong women over 3 time periods whose lives are connected by one garden in England.

Overview:

Three timelines and multiple characters challenged me for the first portions of the book. However, it became cohesive as the stories verged around the Highbury estate, family secrets, and the farm next door. Personally, I loved the World War II time line the most. My favourite characters were Beth Pedley and Diana Symonds. Along with the three story lines, there were also three love stories which were integral to the novel. In this sweeping novel reminiscent of Kate Morton’sTHE LAKE HOUSE and Kristin Harmel’s THE ROOM ON RUE AMÉLIE, Julia Kelly explores the unexpected connections that cross time and the special places that bring people together forever. We also meet two other women who had something to do with the gardens and Highbury House. Each time we meet one of the women, we find a little more about the garden, their lives, and their connection to it all. After searching visuals of English gardens, I discovered several beautiful photos which added ambiance to reading this wonderful book!

When land girl Beth Pedley arrives at a farm on the outskirts of the village of Highbury, all she wants is to find a place she can call home, while cook Stella Adderton could not be more desperate to leave Highbury House pursue her own dreams. Diana Symonds, a widow and the mistress of the grand house, is desperately trying to cling to her pre-war life now that Highbury House has been requisitioned to become a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. But when war threatens the gardens at Highbury House, these three women are drawn together by a secret that will last decades. In this beautiful tale of love, heartbreak and re-invention, Julia Kelly draws us deeply into the heart of the English countryside and a mysterious garden where the destinies of women living decades apart collide in unexpected, transformative ways.Gorgeously written and rooted in meticulous period detail, this novel is vibrant as it is stirring. Fans of historical fiction will fall in love with The Last Garden in England.”—Roxanne Veletzos, bestselling author of The Girl They Left BehindWhen land girl Beth Pedley arrives at a farm on the outskirts of the village of Highbury, all she wants is to find a place she can call home. Cook Stella Adderton, on the other hand, is desperate to leave Highbury House to pursue her own dreams. And widow Diana Symonds, the mistress of the grand house, is anxiously trying to cling to her pre-war life now that her home has been requisitioned and transformed into a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. But when war threatens Highbury House’s treasured gardens, these three very different women are drawn together by a secret that will last for decades.