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The Orchid House: A Novel
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Note to readers: In the UK, this book is published under the title Hothouse Flower.
From beloved New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley, a “sweeping, poignant saga that will enthrall fans of The House at Riverton, Rebecca, and Downton Abbey” (Shelf Awareness).
Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this sweeping novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
As a child, concert pianist Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the grand estate reminiscent of Downton Abbey where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to this tranquil place. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.
When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed the estate. Their search takes them back to the 1940s when Harry, a former heir to Wharton Park, married his young society bride, Olivia, on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt for generations to come.
This atmospheric story alternates between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant novel.
From beloved New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley, a “sweeping, poignant saga that will enthrall fans of The House at Riverton, Rebecca, and Downton Abbey” (Shelf Awareness).
Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this sweeping novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
As a child, concert pianist Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the grand estate reminiscent of Downton Abbey where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to this tranquil place. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.
When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed the estate. Their search takes them back to the 1940s when Harry, a former heir to Wharton Park, married his young society bride, Olivia, on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt for generations to come.
This atmospheric story alternates between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant novel.
Book Actions
Start ReadingBook Information
The Orchid House: A Novel
Description
Note to readers: In the UK, this book is published under the title Hothouse Flower.
From beloved New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley, a “sweeping, poignant saga that will enthrall fans of The House at Riverton, Rebecca, and Downton Abbey” (Shelf Awareness).
Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this sweeping novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
As a child, concert pianist Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the grand estate reminiscent of Downton Abbey where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to this tranquil place. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.
When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed the estate. Their search takes them back to the 1940s when Harry, a former heir to Wharton Park, married his young society bride, Olivia, on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt for generations to come.
This atmospheric story alternates between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant novel.
From beloved New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley, a “sweeping, poignant saga that will enthrall fans of The House at Riverton, Rebecca, and Downton Abbey” (Shelf Awareness).
Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this sweeping novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
As a child, concert pianist Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the grand estate reminiscent of Downton Abbey where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to this tranquil place. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.
When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed the estate. Their search takes them back to the 1940s when Harry, a former heir to Wharton Park, married his young society bride, Olivia, on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt for generations to come.
This atmospheric story alternates between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant novel.
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Reviews
***contains a spoiler***The book is full with drama between lovers in multiple sense, historic elements (I had to check to rely on the given information and set the right reading atmosphere), families, responsibilities - right and wrong, society demands. I find difficult to give my rating because it's between 2 1/2 stars, not exactly 2 and not 3 either. Although I was glued to the book and I did spend some good 4 or 5 hours reading, the whole plot made me question couple of things and something didn't get the clarification, although Lucinda Riley mastered to create a family saga over time and the distance (two story timings - the past and nowadays), involving many characters and their perfect roles - the characters act according to the time they live but so irresponsible, be it in the past or nowadays. And here I come to absolutely not loving Harry's character at all, can't draw any sympathy to him at all - no matter at what stage on story he was mentioned, and of course Xavier, Julia's husband, oh, and her elder sister. Those just irritated me so much. Instead I liked Olivia's, Elise's more. I don't want to include the spoilers, but one most obvious was - when police included the report it mentioned two human remains - one child and one adult, but due to burn - it has lost all DNA evidence - thus, I as a reader have to believe the story later on where Xavier comes back to the story? This is never cleared off, as I would question - who else was in the car then? He marveled to hide the fact that he was driving drunk and create a very misleading story - we know Julia's reaction and the finding out - out of blue someone mentioned a comment about the time. But as Julia is still under the shock - she simply leaves - thus abandons any explanation to me - a reader. And the very last ending chapters about Lidia - she had been to England before on multiple occasions and as quite wealthy woman at her age now - I could't believe she had never tried to search for more information about Wharton House or the inhabitants of those. At her age she demonstrates wise knowledge of modern technology or she might have instructed someone to do it for her - then why not to go the extra mile for the daughter she has lost at once? Her character was obviously drawn powerful and wise over the decade of time, but this, the matter which shuffled the whole plot?I am glad I read this book after the Seven Sisters, because I know how much has the author grown in her writing style and I am not giving up, just because this don't close all open climaxes and side information of the story.(less)
Rating: 2I had mixed feelings with this one. I enjoyed the twist and turns and all the mysteries but I didn't like Harry's character. He annoyed me and made me angry. Nevertheless, I liked that the ending was solid and the story felt complete.
Rating: 4This is truly a family saga. It has twists and turns. At times I held my breath and didn't want to turn the page to find out the results but I'm really glad I did.
Rating: 4[Hothouse Flower] by Lucinda Riley is also published under the title of [The Orchid House]. It is a historical fiction about two families who are forever entwined by secrets and switches time frames between WWII and the present. Lucinda Riley has excellent writing skills and really knows how to pull your heart strings. She keeps you interested from the beginning to the end of the book with non-stop twists and turns. Her characters are fascinating and show you how people were affected by the war and many lives were changed. I loved reading about the exoticism of Thailand and how the East and West came together and impacted lives of many also. I look forward to reading more of Lucinda Riley's books in the near future. I would highly recommend this book to those who like romantic WWII novels.
Rating: 5What better way to heal from a tragedy than to go back to a time and a place when life was good. Julia had lost her husband and her son in a tragic accident in France and decided to return to England to begin healing and to begin re-acquainting herself with her family.Julia was having a difficult time with her grief, but luck came her way one day when she was given a diary that belonged to her grandfather. The diary had been found under the floorboards in one of the cottages on the Crawford estate, Wharton Park. Along with the diary, Julia also had Elise, her grandmother, to help her remember the good times and to explain firsthand about the past and what actually happened at Wharton Park when Elise worked as a lady's maid for Olivia Crawford. The memories and a few of the characters, one in particular, helped Julia begin to bring herself back.Wharton Park was where Julia helped her grandfather in the estate's hothouses where he grew orchids....orchids that had come from Thailand where her grandfather had been held captive during WWII. Being with her grandfather was the best part of her childhood. The diary brought back memories, and Julia's grandmother brought forth the truth about the family's history along with all its unspoken secrets.Remembering the past and finding hidden secrets are a part of THE ORCHID HOUSE that is very appealing. You will follow the lives of the Crawford family where Julia's grandmother and grandfather were part of the staff of Wharton Park. The secrets revealed in the diary and those secrets revealed firsthand by Elise will keep you turning the pages. Knowing that there is a secret between the aristocratic Crawfords of Wharton Park and the household staff which included Julia's grandparents made the book intriguing and one that will keep your attention. Don't miss this alluring story with its captivating characters who have secrets that span 70 years and a family that makes a full circle with Wharton Park being the beginning and the end. I truly enjoyed the book because of its historical fiction and the style of going back and forth in time. The secrets that are revealed, the lies that kept the secrets unspoken, the twists and turns, and the surprise ending make this book one I couldn't read quickly enough. ENJOY!!!! 5/5This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5I suppose one could call this a book of coming full circle. Julia grew up at Wharton Park as the granddaughter of the gardener. She loved spending time with him as he tended to his orchids. What she didn't know was that there were many secrets hiding at the house. As an adult Julia suffers a great loss and comes back to England from France and meets the current heir to Wharton Park, Kit. and despite her mourning she falls in love. She also falls back in love with the place of her childhood. Kit cannot afford to keep Wharton Park so he decides to sell and live in what was, ironically Julia's childhood home. While renovating he finds a diary which he assumes to be Julia's grandfathers. Julia takes it to her grandmother who then starts to tell her the history of the people of Wharton Park. Julia does not know how this will impact her and her grandmother soon grows tired in the telling.As Julia grows stronger in her health and her love for Kit she decides to go back to France to close out her life there but she runs into an unexpected complication. I won't say what so as to not ruin a plot point but I will say that it didn't ring true to me and Julia's reactions to it were also somewhat out of character.Overall I did enjoy the book but there were some parts that just didn't make sense to me. For example: Julia's grandmother starts on this grand explanation of the diary, detailing the lives of Kit's ancestors and then just stops because she is tired. It leaves off at an integral point and yet NO ONE is curious enough to find out the ending for weeks? This did not make sense to me. Second was the incident in France to which I referred to above. Doesn't make sense AT ALL. Yet all just go along with the "plot point" as if it happens every day. I don't think so.The historical part was far more compelling than the story written in current times. I didn't really connect with either Julia or Kit and was happier when reading about the antics of their ancestors.
Rating: 4Very enjoyable book. Tons going on with one family. Fun read.
Rating: 4I had mixed feelings with this one. I enjoyed the twist and turns and all the mysteries but I didn't like Harry's character. He annoyed me and made me angry. Nevertheless, I liked that the ending was solid and the story felt complete.
Rating: 4Entertaining enough, but too much of a romance for my taste.
Rating: 3Amazing history. Unforgetable!!!
Rating: 5Hothouse Flower, alias The Orchid House.At the time that I listened to this as an unabridged book from Audible, I was far too busy with family commitments to write a review, but I think it is telling that now, as I find the time to write, I realise that I remember very little about the book and it has had no lasting impact on me. At the time, my 3 star rating echoed the feelings of my book group as well as myself, that this was not as good as Lucinda Riley's The Light Behind The Window, which I gave 4 stars.It is the current day plot that I recall best: Talented concert pianist, Julia Forrester is home from France, grieving the loss of her husband and son. She is in pieces and has returned to her childhood village, where her sister is offering moral support. As she gradually drags herself out of the pit of despair, she is persuaded by her sister to attend a sale of contents of Wharton Park. Somewhat predictably, she purchases an item that links her back to the Park's past via her own relatives.The part of the book set in WWII, with Harry Crawford, heir to Wharton Park, and Olivia, his young bride is less clear in my mind. I find this surprising as I usually prefer the earlier time frame of this type of book.I visited the author's website, where she explains the significance of Wharton House, a sizeable, old family home, originally in a much larger estate, inspired by her own house. At the time she wrote the book, her friend was struggling with the pressure to sell a similar house, in order to pay off death duties, which generated Kit's situation in The Hothouse.For me, the book's strongest features were the author's vivid descriptions of Julia's struggle to return to some sort of normality after her loss and the scenes later on, when we visit the old man, still living on the estate, and he retells his story from the war. Other aspects of the plot and characterisations lacked depth and were less satisfying.My audiobook was well read by Beth Chalmers.
Rating: 3I ended up enjoying this book, but I must admit that it was some effort to keep reading during the first half.This is a historical romance that tells the story of three generations of an aristocratic family, and the book takes you from Norfolk to Bangkok with shorter visits to the south of France along the way. I very much enjoyed time spent in Thailand. I feel like that author convincingly transported me there.However, I must admit that I enjoyed the first half of the book almost exclusively during the visits to the past that told Olivia's and Harry's stories, and I was disappointed each time to return to that of Kit's and Julia's. I found that I read through the present impatiently wishing to skip over it and return to the past again. The reason is that I simply didn't find Julia and Kit convincing as characters. In fact, I found Kit's passion for Julia unbelievable to the point that I wondered for a long time if he had a hidden agenda and kept anticipating a twist. Discovering the mystery behind the misfortune that led to Julia's depression also wasn't interesting to me the way I feel sure the author intended. For these reasons during the first half of the book I convinced myself to keep reading merely because I don't like to quit a book once I begin. That is a shame because the last half and particularly the last third of the book were so much more enjoyable and captivating that I probably would have otherwise given this book four stars. I can't help but wonder, however, what went wrong with character development of Julia and Kit. I never really felt I knew them the way I felt I knew the characters from the past.I would recommend this book to readers of historical romance only.
Rating: 2My copy entitled "Hothouse Flower".Loved the idea of the plot: a modern story and one set in the 1930's/40's, linked by a Country House. But this was let down by dull, clunky dialogue, and too-good-to-be-true supporting characters and main characters that I couldn't warm to or care about.
Rating: 2What an incredibly beautiful story. The lyrical language caught me from the very beginning. Lucinda Riley's novel is impressive, weaving together a tale that spans decades and continents.
Julia, at first, is not the most likable character; she is too lost in her depression, the cause of which you do not know for a while, to be too understandable, at least to someone lacking such an experience. She is actually rather rude to her well meaning family members, pushing away those that would help. But, as she becomes enthralled by the glimpses into the past, she begins to open up, like an orchid perhaps, revealing the bright spirit underneath.
Riley's novel champions love. She definitely seems to believe that real love is out there. However, she also clearly knows that love does not always win out. In fact, love may lose more often than not. Many romances end in tragedy, due to bad timing or a lack of reciprocation. She points out too how passion can blind one, and that love might be more calm than exciting. The variations of love felt by the characters is touching and inspirational and sad.
The historical fiction sections were completely fascinating, not that the modern ones were not. I know absolutely nothing about the WWII occurrences in Thailand. My favorite thing about historical fiction is learning things I previously didn't know. I may need to research this. Also, I now really want to go to Thailand and swim in the ocean.
If you like well-written fiction, do not miss this. Also, this might appeal to Downton Abbey fans.
Rating: 5Julia, at first, is not the most likable character; she is too lost in her depression, the cause of which you do not know for a while, to be too understandable, at least to someone lacking such an experience. She is actually rather rude to her well meaning family members, pushing away those that would help. But, as she becomes enthralled by the glimpses into the past, she begins to open up, like an orchid perhaps, revealing the bright spirit underneath.
Riley's novel champions love. She definitely seems to believe that real love is out there. However, she also clearly knows that love does not always win out. In fact, love may lose more often than not. Many romances end in tragedy, due to bad timing or a lack of reciprocation. She points out too how passion can blind one, and that love might be more calm than exciting. The variations of love felt by the characters is touching and inspirational and sad.
The historical fiction sections were completely fascinating, not that the modern ones were not. I know absolutely nothing about the WWII occurrences in Thailand. My favorite thing about historical fiction is learning things I previously didn't know. I may need to research this. Also, I now really want to go to Thailand and swim in the ocean.
If you like well-written fiction, do not miss this. Also, this might appeal to Downton Abbey fans.
What better way to heal from a tragedy than to go back to a time and a place when life was good. Julia had lost her husband and her son in a tragic accident in France and decided to return to England to begin healing and to begin re-acquainting herself with her family.Julia was having a difficult time with her grief, but luck came her way one day when she was given a diary that belonged to her grandfather. The diary had been found under the floorboards in one of the cottages on the Crawford estate, Wharton Park. Along with the diary, Julia also had Elise, her grandmother, to help her remember the good times and to explain firsthand about the past and what actually happened at Wharton Park when Elise worked as a lady's maid for Olivia Crawford. The memories and a few of the characters, one in particular, helped Julia begin to bring herself back.Wharton Park was where Julia helped her grandfather in the estate's hothouses where he grew orchids....orchids that had come from Thailand where her grandfather had been held captive during WWII. Being with her grandfather was the best part of her childhood. The diary brought back memories, and Julia's grandmother brought forth the truth about the family's history along with all its unspoken secrets.Remembering the past and finding hidden secrets are a part of THE ORCHID HOUSE that is very appealing. You will follow the lives of the Crawford family where Julia's grandmother and grandfather were part of the staff of Wharton Park. The secrets revealed in the diary and those secrets revealed firsthand by Elise will keep you turning the pages. Knowing that there is a secret between the aristocratic Crawfords of Wharton Park and the household staff which included Julia's grandparents made the book intriguing and one that will keep your attention. Don't miss this alluring story with its captivating characters who have secrets that span 70 years and a family that makes a full circle with Wharton Park being the beginning and the end. I truly enjoyed the book because of its historical fiction and the style of going back and forth in time. The secrets that are revealed, the lies that kept the secrets unspoken, the twists and turns, and the surprise ending make this book one I couldn't read quickly enough. ENJOY!!!! 5/5This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5just a little but short if a romance novel so i thought until - spoiler alert - xavier the dead husbamd turns up again for no aparent reason than just make a book longer. i like the start ampnd middle of the book but in the end how it wrapped up it was just too smoochy for me. i wished for a better more realistic ending.
Rating: 3I really enjoyed this quiet story of tragedy, love and hope. Julia Forrester and her sister are stellar opposites. Julia has lost her son and husband in a horrible car accident and her sister, Alicia, has a house filled with family. Julia is reeling from the loss and so paralyzed with grief that almost a year has slipped by. As the spring comes to England it's time to get off the couch and see what is left of her life.Alicia hovers nearby attempting to smooth out the life of her younger sister just as she always has. And that brings them to the estate sale of the house where the girls' grandparents lived. It's a crumbling old home that has been in the Crawford family for generations. And, just as Julia's life has fallen in ruins -so has the house.But through chance meetings at the sale and in the subsequent days after - Julie begins to notice life.This is a book of twists and turns. Each time I thought I knew what was next - I was mistaken. There are family secrets for generations which are laid bare due to time and circumstance. And Julia's biggest surprise shreds her fragile psyche, but gives her the strength to move on.This is a great story. It mixes jolly old England with WWII, orchids, sister rivalry and a good old love story. Highly recommended!
Rating: 5How can you go wrong with a book whose tagline is "for fans of The House at Riverton and Rebecca"? As soon as I read that I put it on hold at my library :) I liked the characters, the places, the world the author created, and where she took the story. It also is helping me get through the long days ahead before the next season of Downton Abbey comes out. A big English house.... a family named Crawford.... maids, gardeners.... lords, ladies... a war. Yay! I might just need to buy my own copy.
Rating: 4This novel had a great premise but I found it extremely predictable and rather disappointing. Too many plot points felt like something I'd read before, and I never cared much for the characters. Not a great read for me.
Rating: 3I liked this book a lot during the historical portions which account for about 2/3 of the book. The author handles the period prior to WWII and just after very well. The characters are well developed and believable. Unfortunately the story goes out of control with Julia, Harry's granddaughter, a contemporary character. Totally unrealistic and just silly, the last 40 pages, which wind up Julia's tale, ruined the book for me. Hopefully the author's next effort will be written as well with a plot that is more mature.
Rating: 3Covers a vast time span with a lot of different twists and turns--it is a great example of how generations before can influence the future for good or bad. Great read and kept my interest all the way though.
Rating: 5Loved this book - both the characters and the story. Hope to read more by this author!
Rating: 5I suppose one could call this a book of coming full circle. Julia grew up at Wharton Park as the granddaughter of the gardener. She loved spending time with him as he tended to his orchids. What she didn't know was that there were many secrets hiding at the house. As an adult Julia suffers a great loss and comes back to England from France and meets the current heir to Wharton Park, Kit. and despite her mourning she falls in love. She also falls back in love with the place of her childhood. Kit cannot afford to keep Wharton Park so he decides to sell and live in what was, ironically Julia's childhood home. While renovating he finds a diary which he assumes to be Julia's grandfathers. Julia takes it to her grandmother who then starts to tell her the history of the people of Wharton Park. Julia does not know how this will impact her and her grandmother soon grows tired in the telling.As Julia grows stronger in her health and her love for Kit she decides to go back to France to close out her life there but she runs into an unexpected complication. I won't say what so as to not ruin a plot point but I will say that it didn't ring true to me and Julia's reactions to it were also somewhat out of character.Overall I did enjoy the book but there were some parts that just didn't make sense to me. For example: Julia's grandmother starts on this grand explanation of the diary, detailing the lives of Kit's ancestors and then just stops because she is tired. It leaves off at an integral point and yet NO ONE is curious enough to find out the ending for weeks? This did not make sense to me. Second was the incident in France to which I referred to above. Doesn't make sense AT ALL. Yet all just go along with the "plot point" as if it happens every day. I don't think so.The historical part was far more compelling than the story written in current times. I didn't really connect with either Julia or Kit and was happier when reading about the antics of their ancestors.
Rating: 4This is very possibly the best book I have ever read. What a gift this author has for weaving the tapestry of the lives of several generations of the families involved in this story. The twists and turns the story takes keep the reader totally captivated. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: 5Originally published in Europe as "Hothouse Flower" and subsequently distributed in America as "The Orchid House", this book transports one from 1930's England to Bangkok to the present day French Riviera, Paris and back to England. It's a bit of "Upstatirs, Downstairs" with all the characters one might encounter. The book's descriptive language paints a grand story transcending 65 years. It opens with concert pianist, Julia, coping with the loss of her child and husband through a tragic accident. She seeks her solitude in northern England not far from the Wharton Park estate where her grandparents had served Lord and Lady Crawford, just as their parents before them had done. The estate is to be sold for lack of restorative funds which brings up some deep emotions among the folks whose lives had been connected to the estate at one point or another. There are many long buried secrets that begin to unravel through the dicovery of hidden diary on the estate. As the secrets unravel and take the reader through many twists and turns, there is no putting the book down. Definitely an engaging and well-researched book.
Rating: 4This story surprised me! I really didn't expect this story to grab me the way it did. The story starts out with a grieving widow and mother who just can't seem to find the will to move on with her life. Julia is a pianist who has lost her husband and son in a horrible accident.When Julia attends an estate sale at the home her grandparents lived and worked at, she is given a diary that the new owner believes belongs to her grandfather. Kit, the new owner of Wharton Park, and Julia are not exactly strangers. Julia spent much time at the estate where her grandfather grew orchids. Julia returns the diary to her grandmother, Elsie who was a house maid at Wharton Park. Elsie and Julia take a trip back in time through Elsie's memories. Elsie's story takes Julia back in time to World War II where family secrets begin. The story goes back and forth from WWII to the present.There are many layers to this story and many important characters in this book. I did not have any trouble following along with the story or the characters. I attribute this to the author's wonderful writing! The characters are well defined and I felt as though I knew them well. Sometimes when books have too many characters and go back and forth in time, it can be a bit confusing. Not this book! It was very well written.There are many twists, turns and secrets in this book to keep the reader fully engaged. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going to go, something unexpected would happen. It kept me on my toes! It's definitely a page turner!This book reminds me a bit of Downton Abbey as the estate, Wharton Park is much like a character in the story. The estate plays a huge role in the future of all of the characters, both past and present.I look forward to reading more from Lucinda Riley. This book was originally published in Europe under the title Hothouse Flower.
Rating: 5Loved many of the descriptions in this novel, Wharton Park in England and Thailand, their people and culture nearer to the end of the book. This is a sprawling generational novel, full of secrets and layers, but I f,felt the author maybe took on a little too much in trying to tell everyone's story. This made the pacing extremely uneven and some of the characters really never came alive for me. Did like much of the history, the impact of the war on the wealthy, the land girls, and the emotional impact. Think it could have benefited from tighter editing.ARC by Net Galley.
Rating: 3This is a wonderful, refreshing antidote to some of the heavier/more harrowing books i've read recently - it's a really good, meaty, old-fashioned page-turner, in the classic family saga mold that sadly seems to have been out of vogue in recent years....written with great style and descriptive prowess. Smashing characters, glamorous locations, family secrets and interconnnected love stories spanning three generations. Well plotted, plenty of twists and turns, (one or two of them a tad predictable, but I didn't mind that!). Overall a great read that's relatively undemanding but still involving, well-crafted, thought-provoking, emotional and entertaining. Loved it!
Rating: 5