The Best of Intentions
A warm-hearted 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
'Turbulence and tribulation in paradise . . . A fond and funny novel about the power of patience, love and kindness' Fiona Valpy
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?
Praise for The Best of Intentions:
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
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