The Best of Intentions
A 'fond and funny' story of friendship, community and staying true to yourself.
by Caroline Scott
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Pub Date 16 Sep 2025 | Archive Date Not set
Simon and Schuster UK | Simon & Schuster UK
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Description
'Perfect for fans of Dear Mrs Bird' Lorna Cook
'A fond and funny novel about the power of patience, love and kindness' Fiona Valpy
' I love how Caroline Scott writes . . . she has the ability to not only set the scene, but take you by the hand and make you feel right at home' LoveReading
1932: When gardener Robert Bardsley arrives at Anderby Hall, an Elizabethan manor house in the Gloucestershire countryside, it is home to ‘Greenfields’, a community of artists and idealists.
Robert has been employed to revive Anderby’s famous roses and restore the topiary garden, but he also soon befriends the other residents: from colourful neighbour Trudie, who makes a formidable cocktail and keeps her late-fiancé’s ashes on the mantelpiece, to composer Daniel, recovering from the horrors of the Great War. The only person he can’t win over is Anderby’s schoolteacher, Faye, who finds him . . . perfectly vexing.
But just as Robert starts to feel at home, the residents discover that the old orchard has been sold to a property developer who has plans for an estate of Tudorbethan bungalows. Can they find a way to keep their creative community alive or will the new housing development put an end to the spirit of Greenfields?
'An ode to kindness, authenticity and optimism - just what we need at the moment!' Caroline Bishop
'[A] warm and engaging story of community, friendship and resilience' Anita Frank
'How to live your best life is a topic of perennial fascination. Caroline Scott explores the challenges facing a utopian community of the interwar period in a beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric story. It's hard to put down’ Rachel Hore
'As clouds gather on the distant European horizon in the 1930s, the residents of Anderby Hall remind us of the importance of community, kindness and optimism' Flora Johnston
'[A] wonderful, atmospheric read that I really couldn't tear myself away from. It's so beautifully written, with gorgeous, evocative descriptions of orchards, gardens, the seasons and an English country house. I was transported!’ Tracy Rees
'A wonderful novel about the power of a creative community to heal and educate' Suzanne Goldring
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781398526310 |
| PRICE | £9.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 416 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Tracy S, Librarian
What a joy this is to read.
Set in 1932 and around 4 main characters, this story tells of their lives, friendships, chaos and love during the timescale of a year.
Robert is tasked with the upkeep of Anderby Halls gardens. The area is popular with creative people and when they discover that the orchard is being sold to a developer they join ranks gto stop it.
I loved this book. It is rather modern and is a story beautifully told.
The characters are brilliant and each one has something to add to the tale.
A heartwarming and joyous book and I adored it ..perfect for book club reads.
Reviewer 823951
Adored this book and recommended to all my friends and family. a sparkling story of friendship, community and staying true to yourself. A real pleasure to read! Top marks.
Vanessa R, Reviewer
Welcome to Anderby, between the wars.
It's not your typical manor house.
True, there is a lord and lady of the manor. But the estate is home to artists.
Newly arrived Robert is the gardener employed to revive the historic rose garden. It's also a convenient escape from his past...
But the community's security is threatened when the orchard is sold to a property developer to build bungalows...
Lovely characters
Kate T, Reviewer
the descriptive details in this book are just so wonderful. i felt like i could see them, smell them. i love gardens,plants and all things of the type we are given in such beauty in this book and so thoroughly enjoyed these parts.
the book mainly tells us the story of Robert but we get to know other characters too and these are my fav type of books. the plot is the characters and the characters are the plot. and getting the right balance isnt easy at all. so when its done well like in this one it truly does feel like a joy to read.
Robert has come to Anderby Hall to create a new life for himself. and being involved in restoring the gardens seems just the thing to do it. Anderby is currently a place for creatives, a little boho kind of feeling to it if you will. and we are given the story of Robert and a few others in the commune
but as Robert starts to feel settled news comes that the Orchard on the estate is being sold to build new homes. and lets just say things spiral somewhat as there certainly isnt praise for this new plan. not at all. its going to ruin everything they hold dear. isnt it?
i loved how even though this wasnt the place i love or live i truly felt what it was meaning for those who did live there. those who cherished this place they've found. how will they ever deal with such a change?
i really did love this book. it didn't need to scream to be heard.it didnt need to shock to grip you. it was just really very good.
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