The Lost Garden, Angela Petch
The Lost Garden, Angela Petch
List: $34.99 | Sale: $24.50
Club: $17.49

The Lost Garden
An absolutely heartbreaking historical novel

Author: Angela Petch

Narrator: Antonia Whillans

Unabridged: 11 hr 12 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/11/2025


Synopsis

It hides a family secret that could change the course of the war.Italy, 1930s. Tina lives in the crumbling castle of Montesecco with only her strict father and their maid, Allegra, for company. She’s never been allowed to ask questions about her mother, who died in childbirth. But the day Tina discovers a hidden, crumbling door, everything changes. Inside is an overgrown garden. Ivy and roses adorn the stone walls. Fresh water springs from a fountain and the scent of wild herbs fills the air. How did she never know this beautiful place existed? Excitedly begging Allegra for answers, the elderly woman’s face turns pale. ‘You must never mention this to your father. It’s not safe. You’ve found your mamma’s garden.’The Count believes Tina’s mother died because of the garden: but Allegra refuses to say more. Certain she can feel her mother watching over her, Tina secretly tends to the garden herself. And when war breaks out, Tina’s encounters with local resistance fighters mean the garden becomes a place of refuge, a place of hope – and a place of great danger when Tina must prove where her loyalties lie once and for all…Will Tina ever discover the truth about her mother? Or was the garden, with all its secrets, never meant to be disturbed?An absolutely breathtaking and stunning historical novel about the incredible risks people took in wartime, family secrets, loss and love. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Santa Montefiore.Read what everyone’s saying about Angela Petch:‘Absolutely stunning… takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions… Captivating… devastatingly heartbreaking… My heart was in my throat and I had tears running down my eyes… DO NOT PICK THIS UP UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!… I completely fell in love.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow… captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story… Stunning… Broke my heart… This deeply moving novel pierced my heart… I highly recommend.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Emotional, heart-wrenching and unforgettable… Beautifully written… Full of intrigue, emotion, drama and intensity… Touches the heart and will keep readers glued to its pages… Enthralling… Simply superb… Must-read.’ Bookish Jottings‘Beautifully written… Gripping, absorbing and emotive… Have a box of tissues handy… Heart-wrenching emotion.’ Sunflowerpublishing.com, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Absolutely gripping and beautifully written… Really pulled at my heart-strings… I resented every occasion when I had to stop reading to do other things, as I was so keen to go on devouring the story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Unforgettable… I was swept away… Achingly beautiful, brimming with emotion… Simply stunning!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Captivating… I loved this story so much even when I was crying… Beautiful and emotional.’ Avonna Loves Genres, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews

Goodreads review by Emma on August 28, 2025

I was swept up in Tina's story, I read half in one go and the pages flew by. A story set in 1930 Italy. I have Italian family so in that, this was relatable to me. Tina is born into wealth and her father is for Mussolini and the war which makes it hard for her as she has different views to him. I do......more

Goodreads review by Alayne on August 20, 2025

A lovely book about a secret garden. A quick and relaxing read. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.......more

Goodreads review by Emma on September 14, 2025

The Lost Garden, the latest book from Angela Petch has the most beautiful cover which draws you in and has you curious as to the origins of the lost garden of the title. Set in Italy, during World War Two, there is an incredible sense of time and place with rich and vivid descriptions throughout as......more

Goodreads review by Kimberly on August 27, 2025

Book review: Angela Petch, The Lost Garden Published by Bookouture — thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC. The Lost Garden is one of those rare historical novels that doesn’t just set a scene—it wraps you up in it. Angela Petch has written something quietly powerful and deeply at......more

Goodreads review by Annette on September 21, 2025

This is a historical novel set in wartime Italy with touches of magic and romance, a heady combination and one that kept me entertained until the final page. Ernestina is a young girl living with her strict father and her maid in the family castle. Her father is the local count and she has never know......more