The Last Garden in England

Written by Julia Kelly

Narrated by Shiromi Arserio, Marisa Calin, Danielle Cohen and 2 more

From the author of the international bestsellers The Light Over London and The Whispers of War comes “a compelling read, filled with lovable characters and an alluring twist of fates” (Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife) about five women living across three different times whose lives are all connected by one very special garden.

Present day: Emma Lovett, who has dedicated her career to breathing new life into long-neglected gardens, has just been given the opportunity of a lifetime: to restore the gardens of the famed Highbury House estate, designed in 1907 by her hero Venetia Smith. But as Emma dives deeper into the gardens’ past, she begins to uncover secrets that have long lain hidden.

1907: A talented artist with a growing reputation for her work, Venetia Smith has carved out a niche for herself as a garden designer to industrialists, solicitors, and bankers looking to show off their wealth with sumptuous country houses. When she is hired to design the gardens of Highbury House, she is determined to make them a triumph, but the gardens—and the people she meets—promise to change her life forever.

1944: 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. 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.

“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, author of The Girl They Left Behind).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jan 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797117546

Julia Kelly

Julia Kelly is the award-winning author of books about ordinary women and their extraordinary stories. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London. Readers can visit JuliaKellyWrites.com to learn more about all of her books and sign up for her newsletter so they never miss a new release.

Reviews for The Last Garden in England

[Marta Em · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not full 4 stars but I enjoyed parts of this book, although there were too many points of view and that was confusing sometimes. Made me think of Kate Morton's books.

[Sharon Hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s wonderful how the characters are connected over time. Enjoyed this book; I only wish I could stroll

[Natalie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Decent fiction if you like gardens. Not much mentioned about the war, mostly character driven so it followed more of a pattern of regular fiction vs historical fiction. I still liked it.

[Ann G Miller-Sobel · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good story, needed editing some parts run long. Author’s note helpful.

[Charlotte Bellis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book. One of my favorites I think. The stories are so beautifully written and in a voice that fits each period of time the character in question belongs too. Yet another book I was sad to finish! Loved every moment of it.

[Kathleen Tomlin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another winner! I have enjoyed Ms. Kelly’s historical fiction series and am looking forward to her next release I March 2023.

[Elizabeth Rundle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very few books right about nature and the garden. I love gardening and was drawn towards this book. I love the three different characters.

[Donna Larson Christian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well written, well read too. I love the story line, and mixing the different generations together.

[Sandra Middleton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written. So vivid you could see the characters and the gardens!

[MR · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Loved the novel's time-spanning narrative that joins the women and the garden. The numerous readers didn't add much value to the story-- especially because some of the accents were inaccurate and effected/ Overall, a nice enough listen while doing running errands or doing tasks around the house.

[JuIia Winters BIanks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read the physical book and listened to the audiobook. The narration in the audio is excellent.
This is such a cozy read about 5 women in 3 different timelines and how a grand house and garden connects them.

[MitraSalehi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As Beautiful as a gardens with all the plants and secrets within...

[celia · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating, I loved the way the book wove from the past to present