"The Garden of Lost Secrets" by Kerry Barrett is an enthralling historical mystery novel that effortlessly weaves together two timelines to reveal the heartbreaking and heartwarming secrets of a Cotswolds house. As a reader, I was immediately drawn into the story of Gloria, a young woman navigating the challenges of WWII and falling in love with an American soldier, Jerome. The author did a fantastic job of bringing Gloria's character to life, highlighting her strength and courage in adversity.
In the present-day timeline, Philippa and Marco's struggles with infertility and their crumbling marriage add another layer of depth to the narrative. The discovery of a hidden memorial in the garden piqued Philippa's curiosity. It led her on a journey to uncover the secrets of the past, ultimately bringing healing and closure to their relationship.
I was completely captivated by the dual timelines in the story and how they intersected to reveal the hidden truths of the past. The author's vivid descriptions of the Cotswolds setting brought the story to life, making me feel like I was with the characters.
Overall, "The Garden of Lost Secrets" is a beautifully written and emotional read that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you hooked until the end. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of mystery and romance. Kerry Barrett has crafted a masterpiece that will stay with me long after I've turned the final page. And as an audiobook, it is even better. Narrators Catrin Walker-Booth and Mary Woodvine did an excellent job. I absolutely loved their voices and the actors' talents.

This book is set in two eras but is mainly about Phillipa and Marco who have moved into the house which we come across in the earlier part of the story. In other words, it is the house which links the two-time frames and eventually the characters in each. As is my usual way with reviews, I will not be repeating the precise of the story here as I believe that the professionals do a better job without giving too much away. At the beginning I found the story a bit slow but once you get to know the people, it warmed up and I was routing for them. It has a lovely conclusion where the two life histories meet but I won’t spoil it for you; just read/ listen to it yourself.

I really enjoy dual timeline historical fiction and felt very drawn to Gloria and her life in WWII.

I have read lots of books based during the war and what made this one stand out was the inclusion of the discrimination against the black US soldiers by their own army and the enforced segregation, which the local people refuse to accept.

In the present day, we meet Philippa and Marco. I didn’t relate to them and found their story slow and uninteresting, however when the two stories eventually came together, the ending was unexpectedly wonderful!

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Barrett and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This was an absolute gem. I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to listen to this story!

Set over a split timeline, with two main protagonists both occupying the same house. The timeline shifts very carefully between Phillipa who is the new owner of the house in the Cotswolds and is renovating it with her husband Marco, and Gloria who lives in the house with her mother during WWII. Gloria is 17 years old and having just left school and hasn’t quite decided what comes next for her, she finds herself somewhat alone as the village becomes occupied with American GI’s, and soon she’s spending time with Jerome who is kind and gentle and like her, loves books, but as a black American, he isn’t afforded the same rights as the white American soldiers. Gloria and the other villagers aren’t going to stand for that, but the military police make the rules for the soldiers.

The story is so very well crafted, it was quite unique in its telling of WWII. I loved Gloria, and it was with bated breath I approached the final chapters.

I equally enjoyed seeing Phillipa realise that she could open her heart to children after such loss and heartbreak.

Beautiful and uplifting an easy 5 stars 🌟

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.