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This was an interesting story that explores family connections and the true extent that keeping secrets can have. The characters are all very warming and I enjoyed reading about the three women. They have all suffered in their own ways but grow from their experiences – a lesson we can all learn from. The author lives in Suffolk and is a keen gardener and this is clearly reflected in her descriptive writing. Hilary Parker is very happy: she has a kind, caring husband, David, two lively children, and she immerses herself in both family life and life in the village of Hulme Welford, which has been her home since childhood. A dual timeline book between the 1980’s & 1920’s, a very well written book which drew me in from the start & had me devouring this engrossing read in two sittings. Dual timelines are not my favourite but the author certainly did a very good job of changing my mind. The characters have depth & were well portrayed &the pace is good. There was friendship spanning decades, tragedy & secrets as well as some twists & surprises. A delightful read which I recommendPartially set in the early 1980s and with a timeline starting sixty years previous, the story follows several characters. Libby, a woman whose wedding plans are cancelled when she finds out her fiance is cheating on her, and her great aunt, Bess, who has worked for the third main character, Elfrida, for the best part of her life. Angel Sands is a traditional seaside resort of bed and breakfasts, cottages to rent, and teashops, and the place with the best views of the tiny beach and surrounding coastline is Paradise House, home to the Baxter girls?or the Sisters of Whimsy as t...
A story of friendship, classism, forbidden love, disappointments and celebrations, losing and finding precious memories and forgiveness. Tragedy , loves and secrets accumulate over the years and when Libby arrives from London in a vulnerable state it seems a good time to try to confront the issues of the past. There is a beautiful friendship between two ladies that has lasted almost a lifetime. Over the years they have shared each other’s confidences and kept each others secrets.July 1981. As the country prepares to celebrate Prince Charles’ wedding to Lady Diana, Libby wants to be as far away from royal wedding fever as possible. I have not read an Erica James novel for a number of years but I was soon engrossed in the storyline and anyone who enjoys a family drama with some twists will find this a compelling read. A gripping novel about how friendships survive the best and worst of times from the bestselling author of SUMMER AT THE LAKE. From Erica James, bestselling author of Summer at the Lake , comes an enchanting tale of one family coming together and finding their way. It's the summer of 1939, and after touring an unsettled Europe to promote her latest book, Romily Temple ret...
Elfrida Ambrose has supported heself and the upkeep of Larkspur House designing gardens in England and overseas for many wealthy people , and over the years Bess travelled with her as her ladies maid. Maggie, married to a bore who doesn't appreciate her, promises that from now on she's going to stand up for herself. Ella, an artistic interior designer, promises that from now on her head is going to rule over her heart. Ethan, struggling in a lifel...
A Secret Garden Affair
The storyline covers a lot of ground not least with Elfrida’s gardening but we also see Love, Loss, devastation and numerous secrets that look set to rear their ugly heads. This really was a quaint and charming read with exceptional detail which made everything so easily to visualise.
It was very timely with the coronation taking place earlier in May and I loved hearing about all the gardens in areas of England where beauty abounds. A gorgeous, heart-warming tale set among the gardens of Italy The Gardens of Delight brochure promises the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful gardens in the Lake Como area of Italy. For Lucy, the chance to go to Italy offers more than ju... Izzy Jordan knows that she ought to put the past behind her and make more of an effort to be a thoroughly Modern Woman. But shaking off a cowardly ex-boyfriend and a manipulative mother who, between them, have robbed her of her self-esteem, is easier...Bess herself lives with Elfirda the woman she became a maid to when she was a teenager, although now it is more of a friendship, than master and servant. Though Liby may be running from the present she may find a lot more about their past and how it affects her. There are some great characters to get your teeth into in this tale, but my favourites are Elfrida and Bess. A wonderful closeness grows up between them over the years after everything they have been through together, even though they begin the story in very different places socially. Elfrida has always been the unconventional rule breaker, misunderstood by almost everyone except Bess, and their fierce protectiveness of each other is enchanting. Their interactions give rise to many humorous and poignant episodes. Mia Channing appears to have an enviable life: a beautiful home in the village of Little Pelham, a happy, stable marriage, a job she enjoys and three grown up children to whom she's devoted. I loved travelling around the world in the past with Elfrida (and Bess) as she designs the gardens – the glitz and the glamour and the olde world feel. At home, during the war and afterwards, life is harsh but their indomitable spirits get them through. All across the USA, people are showing up dead. The deaths don't appear to be connected in any way until one particular death occurs and gets the Secretary of Defense's attention. He arranges for a task force to investigate.
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