This was a great story about friendship and love during the hardships of the Second World War. The historical references to the Suffragettes were really insightful and thought provoking.
I loved the use of flowers for the meanings in the letters between Jim and Ivy, and the letter garden was described beautifully.

This story is set in the early days of WW1 and focusses on the people who worked in the gardens at Kew. The women who were recruited to help when the majority of the men went to war, and a small handful of men who remained for various reasons. The women worked hard, and the gardens flourished (including the allotments planted for food) but they are constantly fighting to prove themselves and their value to the war effort.
The story primarily focusses on Ivy, a working class girl from the East End who has grown up around plants, her boyfriend Jim who is a trainee gardener at Kew, Louisa who is estranged from her violent husband and Bernie, a gentle former school teacher who is looking for meaningful employment in the hope that he will escape conscription. Later in the story we are joined by Winifred, Lady Russell who initially is seen as an aristocratic outsider but who soon becomes a friend to them all.
Bernie’s character is probably the most well developed but I also liked Ivy’s strength and her ability to stand up for herself rather than following the crowd. There are occasional moments of historical fact (eg the suffragette attack on the Tea Pavilion and Sylvia Pankhurst’s Toy Factory), and it also touches on the emotions/opinions/controversy surrounding conscientious objectors. However, all of these elements are fairly generic and lack the detail that would suggest in depth research.
Overall, it was not the best example of books set in this time period, but it’s a nice gentle summer read.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher & author for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.

This book was such an enjoyable read.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction ones, especially ones set during World War One. This one was so lovely. I really enjoyed it and loved all the characters.

Ivy and Louisa was both amazing, as was Win! I loved when she joined their gang. As a woman and a feminist I loved all of the scenes that focused on the suffragettes and their work during the war. I also loved Bernie and sympathised with him throughout.

Ivy and Jim were the most wholesome couple and I loved them so so much and was rooting for them throughout. I loved all the friendships in this book and friendship was such an important and beautiful theme in this story.

I recommend this book for any nature fans or historical fiction fans!

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really enjoyed this book, had a great storyline about friendships, different personalities. Would recommend.

A lovely book that flowed well, dipping and diving into all the different girls stories with ease and you got to know them well. Set in WW1 with a backstory of Suffragettes and Conscientious objectors, it told the story of people with a love of Kew Gardens. There were quite a few people to get to know, but this wasn't hard as their stories blended together seamlessly. Louise was the linchpin that held them all together. Even though it was a standalone story you could easily have a sequel as there was still a lot to learn from them.

I love this! Brilliantly written, engaging and interesting. Such a wonderful story, lovely characters and a thoroughly enjoyable read

This was a wonderful book to read three girls from different backgrounds work at Kew gardens while the men are away at war,it was such a delight to read this BRILLIANT story.5*

Omg this book was brilliant i had already bought it on Kindle as i didn't think i was going to get the opportunity to read this via Netgalley.. I read this in bed last night as it is my type of book. Family sage wartime 3 girls from different background. Just amazing

Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this Author and absolutely loved it what a fascinating story they all looked out for each other in the time of need when all the men were away fighting.
I can highly recommend this OUTSTANDING book