#The last garden in England by Julia Kelly

[lauraelizabethmarazzi]

2022 Book List

The time has come! My favourite time of the year to reflect on a year of reading! Please enjoy the photo above as the cozy refuge that is Daunts Books in London shot on film.

A few thoughts on this year of reading. In summation, I fell quite short in my expectations of the quantity of what I wanted to read this year. Whether that be a challenging start to the year, or a very busy work season, I consumed less this year than I hope to. With all of that being said, I am quite a fan of most of the things I read this year. Please enjoy my highlights!

1: My Body by Emily Ratajkowski: An incredibly personal set of essays that explored her relationship with her body that was honest, flawed, and fascinating.

2: Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside by Nick Offerman: While long and full of words I had to look up, I thoroughly enjoyed the thoughts Nick Offerman shared about society and our relationship to the land we live on.

3: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan: A really engaging fantasy read by one of my favourite audiobook narrators. Loved the character development and the unique magical elements.

4: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: This one of the first books I read from Reese's bookclub and I have to say, she has never disappointed me yet! A great complicated mystery with a fascinating set of female friendships.

5: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jensen Reid: I read three books but this talented author this year! She has a knack for writing glamourous books about beautiful and haunted young women that I just find so easy to get lost in.

6: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Another TJR read that was worth the hype. I loved the unexpected story line in this.

7: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: I very much enjoyed this unique concept for a book. This book successfully subverts expectations and you can't help but viewing life a little differently after experiencing this novel.

8: Dreams of Joy by Lisa See: An absolutely heartbreaking novel full of nuance and interesting history. I adored the layered relationships sprinkled throughout.

9: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: By far one of the best books I read this year. I'm not normally one for WW2 stories, but this story was gripping in every way. Strong women will always be my favourite to read about.

10: The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: A reread that I will never tire of. There's something so fascinating about the dynamic between Watson and Holmes that I will never not want to contemplate.

11: Night Shift by Kiare Ladner: This was one of those books that was uncomfortable to read due to unlikable characters. The people in this story were unlikeable, complicated, and illogical which pushed me out of my normal story comfort zone.

12: The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly: Just a delightful easy read about 3 generations of women navigating the world in unconventional ways.

13: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: Having seen all the hype on Tik Tok over these novels, I took the plunge and have read the first three novels in this series. They have fast been devoured in my love for this world Sarah created. Perhaps why this series resonates well with me, is that it is fantasy actually written for women by women. There's so much to love in the depiction of romantic relationships actually being equal, women being just as fierce fighters as men, and the subversion of stereotypes. This was one of my reading highlights of the year!

Thanks for following along my reading journey.

You can follow along on Goodreads under the username: Laura Marazzi

Happy reading!

[rockislandadultreads]

Historical Fiction Recs: books to check out

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry. Fifteen-year-old Elisabeth, “Sisi,” Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. But shortly after her arrival at court, Sisi finds herself in an unexpected dilemma: she has inadvertently fallen for and won the heart of her sister’s groom. Franz Joseph reneges on his earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead. Thrust onto the throne of Europe’s most treacherous imperial court, Sisi upsets political and familial loyalties in her quest to win, and keep, the love of her emperor, her people, and of the world.

Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver

Willa Knox has always prided herself on being the embodiment of responsibility for her family. Which is why it’s so unnerving that she’s arrived at middle age with nothing to show for her hard work and dedication but a stack of unpaid bills and an inherited brick home in Vineland, New Jersey, that is literally falling apart. The dilapidated house is also home to her ailing and cantankerous Greek father-in-law and her two grown children: her free-spirited daughter Tig, and her dutiful, ivy educated son Zeke, who has arrived with his unplanned baby in the wake of a life-shattering development. In an act of desperation, Willa begins to investigate the history of her home, hoping that the historical preservation society might take an interest and provide funding for its direly needed repairs. Through her research into Vineland’s past, she discovers a kindred spirit from the 1880s, Thatcher Greenwood. A science teacher with a passion for honest investigation, Thatcher finds himself under siege in his community for telling the truth: his employer forbids him to speak of the new theory published by Charles Darwin. Thatcher’s friendships draw him into a vendetta with the town’s most powerful men. At home, his new wife and mother-in-law bristle at the risk of scandal, and dismiss his financial worries and the news that their elegant house is structurally unsound. Brilliantly executed and compulsively readable, Unsheltered is the story of two families, in two centuries, who live at the corner of Sixth and Plum, as they navigate the challenges of surviving a world in the throes of major cultural shifts.

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

Present day: Emma Lovett, who has dedicated her career to breathing new life into long-neglected gardens, has just been given the opportunity of a lifetime: to restore the gardens of the famed Highbury House estate, designed in 1907 by her hero Venetia Smith. But as Emma dives deeper into the gardens’ past, she begins to uncover secrets that have long lain hidden. 1907: A talented artist with a growing reputation for her ambitious work, Venetia Smith has carved out a niche for herself as a garden designer to industrialists, solicitors, and bankers looking to show off their wealth with sumptuous country houses. When she is hired to design the gardens of Highbury House, she is determined to make them a triumph, but the gardens—and the people she meets—promise to change her life forever. 1944: When land girl Beth Pedley arrives at a farm on the outskirts of the village of Highbury, all she wants is to find a place she can call home. Cook Stella Adderton, on the other hand, is desperate to leave Highbury House to pursue her own dreams. And widow Diana Symonds, the mistress of the grand house, is anxiously trying to cling to her pre-war life now that her home has been requisitioned and transformed into a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. But when war threatens Highbury House’s treasured gardens, these three very different women are drawn together by a secret that will last for decades.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own… Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.

[pagebypagereviews]

New Historical Fiction Releases and Reviews The allure of historical fiction lies in its unique ability to transport readers back in time, offering a window into the lives, cultures, and events that have shaped our world. This genre, a blend of meticulous historical research and imaginative storytelling, continues to captivate audiences, providing both entertainment and education. In recent years, the genre has seen a surge in popularity, with authors exploring a wide range of periods and settings. This article delves into some of the most compelling new releases in historical fiction, offering insights and reviews to guide readers in their literary explorations. Exploring the Past Through Fiction Historical fiction serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing readers to experience the complexities of historical events and societal norms through the eyes of well-developed characters. This genre's appeal lies in its diversity, with stories ranging from ancient civilizations to more recent historical events. The recent releases in historical fiction reflect this variety, with authors tackling subjects as varied as medieval Europe, the tumultuous 20th century, and everything in between. Spotlight on New Releases The past year has been an exciting one for historical fiction, with several standout books capturing the attention of readers and critics alike. Below are some of the most notable releases: "The Night Ship" by Jess Kidd - Based on the true story of the shipwreck of the Batavia in 1629, Kidd's novel is a compelling tale of survival, betrayal, and adventure on the high seas, told through the eyes of a young girl in the 17th century and a boy in the 20th century. "The Last Garden in England" by Julia Kelly - This novel weaves together the stories of five women across three different timelines, all connected by a beautiful English garden. It's a testament to the enduring power of places and the people who inhabit them. "The Dictionary of Lost Words" by Pip Williams - Set during the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary, this novel explores the concept of language and the power of words through the story of a woman who seeks to include words related to women's experiences that are omitted from the dictionary. These titles are just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of historical fiction available to readers today. Each offers a unique perspective on the past, brought to life through meticulous research and vivid storytelling. Delving Deeper: Reviews and Insights To further guide readers in their selection, here are more detailed reviews and insights into the aforementioned titles: "The Night Ship" - Jess Kidd's novel has been praised for its dual narrative structure, which expertly intertwines the stories of its protagonists across centuries. Critics have lauded Kidd's ability to create a sense of place and atmosphere, making the historical settings of the novel come alive. The themes of survival and human resilience resonate deeply in today's context, making it a timely read. "The Last Garden in England" - Julia Kelly's novel is a celebration of the beauty and healing power of nature, as well as a poignant exploration of women's lives and struggles across different periods. Reviewers have highlighted the seamless integration of historical details into the narrative, enriching the reader's understanding of the social and cultural contexts of the times depicted. "The Dictionary of Lost Words" - Pip Williams' work is a fascinating look at the intersection of language, gender, and power. The novel's focus on the omissions and biases in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary offers a unique lens through which to view history. Critics have commended Williams for her original approach and the depth of her research, which shines through in the authenticity of the narrative. These reviews underscore the diversity and richness of historical fiction as a genre. Each of these novels

not only provides a captivating story but also offers insights into the periods and places they depict, highlighting the relevance of history to our present and future. Why Historical Fiction Matters Historical fiction does more than entertain; it educates and provokes thought. By immersing readers in the past, these novels encourage a deeper understanding of history, not as a series of dates and events, but as lived experiences. Through the personal stories of characters, readers gain insights into the social, cultural, and political contexts that have shaped human behavior and societal evolution. Moreover, historical fiction often sheds light on lesser-known aspects of history, giving voice to those who have been marginalized or forgotten. Conclusion: A Journey Through Time The latest releases in historical fiction offer a rich array of choices for readers looking to embark on a journey through time. From the high seas of the 17th century to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, these novels provide a window into the vast expanse of human history. Through detailed reviews and insights, we've explored the appeal of these new releases, highlighting their ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. As we look to the past through the lens of historical fiction, we not only entertain ourselves but also gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of human history. In doing so, we are reminded of the power of literature to connect us with our past, inform our present, and inspire our future.

[ladyherenya]

Another exhausting month, with a new puppy added into the mix.

Total: Five novels (including two audiobooks), one story collection, and one short story.

My favourite: Keraunani, because I enjoy the marriage-of-convenience trope, especially in the hands of a storyteller I trust.

I’d also recommend: Radar Girls and “If the Fates Allow”.

I probably wouldn’t recommend: Cinderella Must Die.

Cover thoughts: The Last Garden in England and Radar Girls both caught my eye when I was scrolling through the library catalogue. In both cases, it was the combination of the cover and the title.

Titles, authors, genres and ratings listed below, with links to my reviews on LibraryThing.

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly (narrated by Shiromi Arserio, Marisa Calin, Danielle Cohen, Katherine Littrell, Siobhan Waring). Historical fiction, set on an English estate in the early 1900s, the 1940s and the present day. 3½☆

Good Neighbors: The Full Collection by Stephanie Burgis. Two short stories and two novellas. Romantic fantasy. 3☆

Keraunani by Rachel Neumeier. Part of the Tuyo series, set concurrently to Tarashana. Romantic fantasy. 3½☆

Cinderella Must Die by W.R. Gingell. Fairytale retelling. 2½☆

Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman. Historical, set on Hawaii during WWII. 3½☆

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. Historical romance.

“If the Fates Allow” by Rainbow Rowell. Short story about a minor character from Fangirl, set at Christmas during the pandemic. 3½☆

[annegrove]

2021 New The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

2021 New The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

New for 2021 is The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly. The story weaves the lives of five women together seasonally as well as historically. The five women we grow to love are connected through an estate garden at Highbury House created by Venetia Smith in 1907. Emma, a gardener in present time is hired to restore this special garden back to it’s original beauty for new owners. The other…

[ohtobealady]

Catch Up Game!

I was tagged by the lovely @dreamsalones Thank you dear lady! And I’m sorry it’s taken me a week and a half to finish it!

Rules: tag 9 people you want to know better/catch up with

—

last song: “Début” by Melanie Laurent :)

last movie: Hmm. Gosh, this is a toughie! I honestly don’t recall. Oh, oh wait. I watched Llamageddon last. Yeah, it’s exactly how it sounds. Thanks a million, @thehiddenbaroness lol

currently reading: The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly only about a third finished

currently watching: Well, I just finished Haters Back Off on Netflix, which started as a background to cleaning, but it was alright for a silly show, and then I saw that Downton Abbey has made its Netflix début so ... I suppose I’m rewatching the entire series again! :D oh my gosh.

5. currently craving: Coffee. Hot, strong coffee. Tea, as well (always) but coffee. And lemon cake.

Tagging: ah! I’m sorry if you’ve already been tagged. @american-in-london @chelsie-carson @fantasy-fallacy-tumblingstone @good-now-kiss-me @thehiddenbaroness @jothenurse91 @in-a-storm-glass @modernamericangirl @randomabiling

[hiheyimhuy]

Movies/TV Shows

1 Roman Empire -Season 1 -Theme Funny -Golden Age

-Birthdays -Jayden Kouli Spring -Ian Spear Summer -Rex Woodbury Fall -Taylor Phillips Winter

-Jennie Mayer “Type 1” Insults -Arlene Williams “Type 2” Conversation -Tina Fey “Type 3” It’s Not Funny, But It Is Funny -Alison Kang “Type 4” Fighting

-Annie Bucher -Bayley Lichtenberg -Brenna Harrington -Briana Jackson -Carley Wood -Christine Baker -Ellie Hoekman -Emily Dugan -Emily Ross -Heather Bateman -Heather Stams -Jessie Torlai -Kailyn Pennock -Katie Fischbeck -Katie Theisen -Kirsten Brewer -Kristen Kemper -Kylie Barrett -Kyra Pennington -Lexi n Abby Klinkenberg -Meg Mullen -Meressa Mamon -Mia Torlai -Nicole Silver -Rebecca Nixon -Samantha Holler -Tahlia Carchedi 1/2 -Taylor Green 1/2 -Tessa Acay -Zoey Golden 1/2

-Austin From Gardenscapes -Kevin Hill

-Season 2 -Theme Suffering -50 Years After The Golden Age With New Complicated Rulers/King And Government Officials -Nice People -People Who Likes To Play Games -Hard Living -Ancient Technological Society -Consequences -Crimes -Passion of the Christ Roman Guards -Green River Teachers -Guys from Han Tinh Phan Kim Lien -Rating 100% -Jessica Clarke -Kelley Flanagan -Hannah Ann -Lindsey Allemeier -Julia Newell -Annika Brauer -Catherine Berner -Olivia Carlson -Louisa Dunwiddie -Emma Linde -Savannah Billedo -Danielle Brady -Jackie Robinson -Rachel Keyser -Angela Zhang -Megan Williams -Maia Lee -McKay Njos -Tylar Philpott -Vanessa Chukri -Dan Mitchell -Brett Goldstein -Brendan Welzien -Jackson Zariski -Adam Newton -Toro -Richard Ferguson -Jared -Royals Friends -Josh Brueckner -Katie Betzing -Matt Howard -Abby Howard -Charli D’amelio -Addison Rae -“Too Hot To Handle” IGTV video guys -Jacqueline Miller -Eileen Bruns -Johannes Huebl 2/3 -Matty Carrington -Franky Cammarata -Ben K Bowers -Colton Underwood -RJ King 2/3 -Graham Davis -Willem De Koch -Brian Pruett -Gigi Meyer  -Henry

-Hailey Napier -Blake Napier -Alex Knutson 2/3 -Elle Petschl -Sam Petschl -Anna Lynch -Ana Rae Miller -Brenna Hudson -Madeline Huletz -Claire Kennedy -Connell O’Brien -Max Tychsen -Dylan Inman -Austin Budke -Cameron Sackett -Elliot Knapp -John Mark Lambert -Colby Franklin -Season 3 -Theme Conquering -Depicts The Fall Of The Roman Empire -Combat Tactics -Strategies -In Places That Trigger Fear -“X Ambassadors - Renegades” Feel -Austin Olson -Chris Torlai -Kevin Hall -Matt Mead -Max Liebl -Nathan Lantz -Nathan Rodland -Oak Griffith -Sean Redmond -Stefan Andonian -Tanner Patnode -Travis McGuire -Wes Concepcion -Ben Affleck -Christian Bale -Tom Cruise -Cavill -Simon Pegg -Sam Quinby -Garrett Yrigoyen -Ben Higgins -Peter Weber -Jack Weber -Chris Harrison -Arie Luyendyk -Jason -Blake -Jared Haibon -Chris Soules -Jordan -David -Joe Sessa -Josh Canova -Graham Bennett -Kevin Park -Aaron Park -Julien Isnardon -Armie Hammer -Maurice Laab -Keegan Selby -Tyler Pichette -Season 4 -In Heaven With Henry And Malcolm

-Season 5 -Reunion Live “Maplestory - Ergoth’s Throne” “Maplestory - Orbis Tower” “Maplestory - Ludi PQ” -“Imagine Dragons - To Exist” 2 -“Imagine Dragons - Darkness Lies Above” 3 -“Imagine Dragons - Fear Is In Your Eyes” 3 -“Imagine Dragons - Only Way Across Is Cold Water” 3 -“Alesso - To Live Without Music” 1 -“Alesso - Watery Feels” 1/2 -“Bastille - What Keeps You Awake At Night” 2 -“Bastille - Every Time You Close Your Eyes” 2 -“Benny Blanco - The 4 Amigos” 1 -“The Chainsmokers - Wishing You Can Untouch” 2 -Might Change Title When I Have Time -“Charlie Puth - Day And Night Changes” 2 -“Coldplay - To Make You Wish You Don’t Have A Soul” 2 -“DNCE - The First To Arrive And Last To Leave” 1 -“Linkin Park - Rather Fall Than Surrender” 3 -“Kaskade - Your Voice Is All I Need” 1 -“Lana Del Rey - The “H” Word” 2 -“The Lumineers - A Cold Winter Morning” 2 -“Major Lazer - Gets You Off The Ground” 1 -“Major Lazer - Hard Bed, Soft Together” 1 -“OneRepublic - Rather Whisper Than Say” 1/2 -“Selena Gomez - Hope You Can Make It Back To Me” 3 -“Selena Gomez - I Need To Give You” 3 -“Shawn Mendes - If I Was Your First Lover” 1/2 -“Shawn Mendes - Fulfill Your Wishes” 1/2 -“Taylor Swift - February Missing You” 3 -“Taylor Swift - Waking Up And You’re Not Here” 3 -“Tove Lo - Roses In Water” 1 -“X Ambassadors - Repentance” 2/3 -“X Ambassadors - Remorses” 2/3 -“X Ambassadors - Regrets” 2/3 -“X Ambassadors - In The Woods” 3 -“X Ambassadors - No One To Be Found” 3 -“X Ambassadors - Only Nature Exists Now” 3 -“X Ambassadors - When You’re Lost” 3 -“2AM Club - I Still Remember You” 1

2 Killer -Henry Farm Childhood -Tom Cruise -Henry Cavill -Simon Pegg -Kelly Hu -Mila Kunis -Chiaki Kuriyama -Amy Johnston -Connell O’Brien -Yugioh Main Characters -Yugi -Joey -Bakura -Pegasus -Marik -Mai Valentine -Weevil -Rafael -Dartz -Charli D’amelio -Matt Howard -Alessandro Dellisola -Johannes Huebl -Sean O’Pry -Taylor Swift -Shawn Mendes -Girls Non-Killers -“Soft, Tender, Delicate” IGTV video -“Finger 11 - Paralyzer” IGTV video -Excluding Claire Miller -Abby Howard -Armie Hammer -Chace Crawford

3 Witches History on Earth -Malcolm in Heaven -Hocus Pocus -Vietnamese Girls -Trang Nguyen -Nguyen Ha My -Yen Nguyen -Written By Henry And Malcolm

4 Paris by Night in Modern Time -Presidents -Ben Affleck -Leonardo DiCaprio -1/4 Europeans -Brody Jenner -1/4 Asians -Japanese -Chiaki Kuriyama -Substitute -Cheyenne Stacey Powell -Administration -Nia Nguyen -Stephanie Che -The Bachelor Girls -The Bachelorette Girls -Clothes -Elementary And Middle School -Less Normal -High School -Fashion -College -Travel After College -Love

5 Ancient Forests -Josh Brueckner -Katie Betzing -“131 Tall Tree Guys” IGTV video -“Soft, Tender, Delicate” IGTV video -The Bachelor -The Bachelorette

6 Toys

7 Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) -Inventions -Movable Type Printing (1041-1048 AD) -Gunpowder (1000 AD) -Compass (1100 AD) -Paper Money (11th century) -Arts -Music -Literature -Philosophy -Theme Romance -Marco Polo -Born in Venice -Silk Road -Visited China (1275-1292 AD) -Father and Uncle -Lingchi Torture -TVB Actors/Actresses -Kenneth Lam -Kacie Lo -Chloe Tsang -Clarissa Chan -Jessica Yi -Danny Shin -Joyce Lin -Shin -Alex Landi

8 Ancient Egypt -Theme Revenge, Ruling, Warfare -Pharaoh -Pyramids -Sphinx -Nile River -Farming -Hieroglyphics -New Kingdom (1570-1069 BCE) -Kings Are Called Pharaohs -Golden Age -Wealth -Prosperity -Power -Wars -Burned alive -Thrown into river with crocodiles -Charli/Dixie D’amelio -Addison Rae -“Roosevelt High School” IGTV video -Andrew Mead -Austin Perlatti -Bret Johnson -Carter Rey Johnson -Casey Manso -Christopher Wilson -Clay Barton -Colby Foss -Connor Bennett -Dalton Bond -Derek Pedersen -Hayden Njos -Jake Zylstra -Jared McAboy -Jeff Seid -Jett DiPalma -Jordan Kirkland -Ken Williams -Kevin Brown -Kevin Hall -Kevin Kennedy -Kramer Fairclough -Leo Trotz -Marco Amalfitano -Max Liebl -Michael Leverenz -Mike Suguro -Mitchell Booth -Nathan Lantz -Nathan Rodland -Matt Fisher -Nick Fisher -Nick Watson -Oak Griffith -Ozamataz Buckshank -Pabi Dhaliwal -Pat McGuire -Pierre Groenewald -Roddy Hanson -Ryan Johnson -Scott Andrew -Seth Gunning -Seth Shields -Sheldon Stober -Stephen Bishopp -Tanner Patnode -Taylor Tinney -Wes Concepcion -Zane McCanless -“Soft, Tender, Delicate” IGTV video -“INNA - Amazing” IGTV video -Elizabeth Rodland -Armie Hammer -Chace Crawford -Franky Cammarata -Johannes Huebl -Sean O’Pry -Blake Horstmann -Jan -Joe Sessa and his friends -Matt/Abby Howard -Taylor Dean -Kelley Flanagan -Jessica Clarke -Madison Prewett -Lindsey Allemeier -Katie Betzing -Ben Higgins -Hannah Ann -Ian Spear -Laguna Beach -Lauren -Kristin -Stephen -Talan -Jessica -Taylor -Adam Newton -Sean Lowe -Catherine Giudici -Brianne Schmidt -Connell O’Brien -Tyler Pichette -Hannah Brown -Max Tychsen -Dylan Inman -Tyler Cameron -Taylor Phillips

9 Mesopotamia -Daily Life -Learning To Be A Scribe -Ziggurat -One Of The Seven Wonders -Hanging Gardens -The Fertile Crescent -Invented The Plow -People Of The City-States -Nobles -Priests -Merchants -Scribes -Craftworkers -Free Farmers -Enslaved People -Farmers Who Did Not Own Their Land -Cut One Hand Off -Women’s Legal Status

10 Ancient Greece -Philosophers -Socrates -Plato -Aristotle -Mathematics/Science -Euclid -Archimedes -Eratosthenes -Hippocrates

11 Greek Gods/Goddesses -Athena, Goddess of Wisdom -Parthenon Temple

12 Alexander the Great

13 Medieval Europe (500-1500 AD) -Theme Suffering -Boiling -Baking -Burning -Brazen Bull -Cooking -Stretching Bones -Sleep Deprivation -Quartering -Children’s Crusades -Castles

14 Islam -Muhammad -Arabia -Persia -Pillars -Architecture -Learning -Astronomy -Algebra -Medicine -Mapmakers -1001 Nights Book

15 India In The Middle Centuries -Taj Mahal

16 Central/South America -Theme Coming of Age -Maya -Toltec -Aztec -Tenochtitlan -Teotihuacan -Olmec -Inca -Cotton -Maya Calendar -Maize Corn -Metal -Writing -Soccer -Rituals -Religious Ceremonies

17 Europe (1400-1750 AD) -Peasant Revolts -Wars -Renaissance -Coldplay -Exploration -North/South America -Slavery -Imperialism

18 Industrial Revolution (Late 1700s AD) -England

19 Nations in Conflict (1775-1921 AD) -Revolutions -Independence -Nationalism -Ending Ancient China

20 1900s Conflict -Hitler -Russia -Japan -Westernization -Communism -World War I -World War II -Cold War -Berlin Wall -Technology -Advancements -Independence -Space Race

21 1900s Fun -China -Shanghai -David Kangmeng -South Korea -Fashion -Music -Recreation -France -Coffee -Restaurants -Sex -Hugh Jackman -Germany -Hugh Jackman -Spain -Hugh Jackman -Great Britain -Hugh Jackman

22 United States 1970-1990 -Fraternity -Fun -Matt Damon

23 Adulthood in the United States -The Bachelor -The Bachelorette -City -Country -Jobs -Relationships -Financial Problems -Making It In Hollywood

24 Masculinity -Male To Male Friendships And Siblings -Domination -Dealing With Girls

25 Comedy PBN Part 2 “Spin Off” -Continues After “Paris By Night In Modern Time” -Age Around 30+ -Van Son Cast -Similar To “Adulthood in the United States” And “Virtues of Harmony II” But Different

26 Countryside “Que” In VN -Theme Suffering -Financial Problems -Hard Living -Making It As Singers -Dating Singers -Accidents -Human To Human Crimes -How To Get To The United States

27 Physical Buildings And Transportation -Thailand, Malaysia, And Singapore -Hotels -Motels -Apartments -Bars -Clubs -Supermalls -Supermarkets -Companies -Motorcycles -Taxis -Trains -Airports -Gambling

28 Companies And Corporations -India And The Middle East -Work Time -Play Time

29 Modeling -Brazil, Portugal, And Spain -Amazon Rainforest -Rio De Janeiro -Marcello Alvarez -Jobs -Pay Less -Require Effort -Tired -Time Consuming -High School Drop Out -Saving Money -Criminal Offenses -Competition

30 Hierarchy In Society -Mexico -Poor -Rich -Cartels -Illegal Immigration To The United States -MTV Reality And Game Shows -Cabo San Lucas -Travel To The Caribbean

31 Route To Antarctica -Theme Living With Air Pollution 1990s -Chile -Santiago -San Antonio -Argentina -Buenos Aires -Andes Mountains -Lake Titicaca -Atacama Desert -Tierra Del Fuego -Tip Of South America -Cape Horn -Herding Farm Animals -Biking

32 High School In Vietnam -Movie Length Duration -Fun During School -Hard Times Outside Of School

33 United States Road Trip -Washington -Oregon -California to East Coast -Variety Of Climates -Route 66

34 Girl Pornstars -Hot Girls -Hard Past -Family -Friendships -Relationships -School -Money -On The Street -Need Food -Need House -Need Home -Models -Real -Instagram -Victoria’s Secrets -Pornstars -Feelings -Resentful -Fearful -Anxious -Apprehensive -Insecure -Suspicious -Trust -Travel -Making It In The Porn Industry

35 Guy Pornstars -Straight Guys -Gay/Bi Guys -Henry Pheet -Malcolm -Random Grindr Hookups -Travel -Making It In The Porn Industry Leonardo DiCaprio Robert De Nero John Travolta Tom Cruise Henry Cavill Simon Pegg Christian Bale Hugh Jackman Keanu Reeves Edward Norton Sean Connery Matt Damon Mel Gibson George Clooney Tom Hardy Orlando Bloom Guy Pearce Heath Ledger Robert Redford Paul Newman Scarlett Johansson Rachel McAdams Amanda Bynes Japan -1900s WWI/II -Westernization South Korea -1990s K-POP China -Song Dynasty -Ending Ancient China -1900s Beijing Vietnam -School In United States -Travel -Love -Comedy -Countryside “Que” Thailand, Malaysia, And Singapore -Physical Buildings And Transportation Drama India -The Middle Centuries Taj Mahal -Companies And Corporations The Middle East -Companies And Corporations Europe -Medieval -Renaissance -Exploration -Imperialism Italy -Roman Empire France -1900s Great Britain -Industrial Revolution Mexico -“Hierarchy In Society” Brazil -Modeling Portugal -Modeling Spain -Modeling

[beforeiread-studies]

31-34/100 dop

23.06.2022 || I’ve been away from my computer the last couple of days so I couldn’t update. I went on a brief trip outside the city and ate lots of delicious food. Also attended a proper concert.

While I was there I received a call and tomorrow I have my very first job interview! It’s at an ice cream place nearby. I sent my application on a whim + I have absolutely 0 experience with ice cream other than eating plenty of it so I was very surprised when I got the call.

I’ll spend tomorrow morning researching how to behave during an interview, we’ll see how it goes. Send good luck and tips if you can!

📚 the last garden in england - julia kelly

📚 come fly the world - julia cooke

[cic2019]

One of the best ways I relax after shoveling snow is by snuggling into one of my favorite sweatshirts, cracking open a Christmas gift from a dear friend, The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly and daydreaming. Its a distraction from not being able to move after making it to the couch, feeling your body speaking to you, and knowing that the morning might be interesting. Snow isn't what it used to be...LOL! Yet it gives us a reason to appreciate the nesting season. I wouldn't trade this moment for anything. Do you appreciate the pause this time of year gives us? #nestingseason #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #winter #dreamingoftravel #atpeace #snowday (at Prince George's County, Maryland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYS5UGUtGN-/?utm_medium=tumblr

[fictionophile]

"The Last Garden in England" by Julia Kelly - Book Review #TheLastGardenInEngland @The_Julia_Kelly @GalleryBooks @SimonSchusterCA #BookReview #NetGalley

“The Last Garden in England” by Julia Kelly – Book Review #TheLastGardenInEngland @The_Julia_Kelly @GalleryBooks @SimonSchusterCA #BookReview #NetGalley

1907 – Venetia Smith is a single woman in her thirties. Despite the social mores of her time, she has gained a respected reputation as a garden designer. When she is hired to design the garden at Highbury House in Wiltshire, the task will change her life in ways she could never have anticipated. 1944 – As WWII rages on, Beth Pedley, a ‘land girl‘, is sent to work at a farm near the village of…

[gaeleatiamindeed]

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly @GalleryBooks #Historic #MultipleTimelines #BritishBooks #Favorite @The_Julia_Kelly

Julia Kelly returns to the blog with a story that covers 3 eras, 3 generations and one special garden with The Last Garden in England Three timelines and women’s perspectives weave together to bring this story centering around a garden to life. In 1907, Venetia is hired to design a garden for a manor house: multiple ‘garden rooms’, perspective and some input from clients allow us to see the…

[lovelyloveday]

A poignant and unforgettable tale of five women living across three different times whose lives are all connected by one very special place. - The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly http://bit.ly/3nvZed2 @GalleryBooks  #GalleryBooks @The_Julia_Kelly

[ladyherenya]

COVID comfort reading, plus whatever I had out from the library.

Also read: Savage Courtship and Reckless Conduct by Susan Napier.

Total: Eight novels (including two audiobooks) and one novella.

Did not finish: The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow.

Still reading: The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly.

My favourite: In the Serpent’s Wake, a compelling adventure and a pointed  portrayal of the injustices of colonialism.

I’d also recommend: Where the Rhythm Takes You, a deft and engaging YA Persuasion retelling.

I probably wouldn’t recommend: Susan Napier’s romances.

Cover thoughts: I like XOXO‘s.

Titles, authors, genres and ratings listed below, with links to my reviews on LibraryThing.

Razor's Edge: Empire and Rebellion by Martha Wells (narrated by January LaVoy). Star Wars science-fiction, set after A New Hope. 3☆

Savage Courtship by Susan Napier. 90s romance, set in New Zealand. Single POV.

Reckless Conduct by Susan Napier. 90s romance, set in New Zealand. Single POV.

The Heirs of Locksley by Carrie Vaughn. Sequel to The Ghosts of Sherwood. Historical novella about Robin and Marian's adolescent offspring. 3½☆

So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park. Chick-lit, set in the US. 2½☆

Where the Rhythm Takes You by Sarah Dass. Young adult Persuasion retelling, set in the Caribbean. 3½☆

Any Way The Wind Blows by Rowell Rainbow. Sequel to Carry On and Wayward Son. Young adult fantasy. 3½☆

XOXO by Axie Oh. Young adult, set in a Korean performing arts boarding school. 3½☆

The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow. Young adult science-fiction. DNF.

In the Serpent's Wake by Rachel Hartman (narrated by Katharine Lee McEwan). Sequel to Tess of the Road. Fantasy. 4☆

[notadragonrider]

“The Last Garden in England” by Julia Kelly: Marketing Analysis

The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly follows the lives of five women working in Highbury House: Venetia Smith, the gardener extraordinaire in 1907; Emma Lovett, a twenty-first century Smith devotee attempting to restore Smith’s original designs; Beth Pedley, a land girl laboring on the Highbury estate in 1944; Cook Stella Adderton, a woman attempting to leave Highbury house in the past; and Diana Symonds, a World War II widow desperately trying to keep Highbury House alive in her memory as it is turned into a field hospital. The Last Garden in England was marketed and published by Simon and Shuster.

Most of the marketing for The Last Garden in England was done online; several reviewers on GoogleBooks and GoodReads mentioned that they were gifted Advanced Reader Copies for the purposes of reviewing. Aside from that, due to the COVID-19 restrictions facing the publishing world in January 2021, most of the online marketing focused on Kelly’s previously published works to help elevate The Last Garden into the public spotlight. Kelly is known for her other works (most notably The Light Over London, The Whispers of War, and several other works of women’s fiction and romance), and many of the tweets, summaries, and reviews highlight and compare The Last Garden to Kelly’s other works. But aside from these small asides, the overall marketing campaign for The Last Garden seems to have been short-lived and non-expansive—Kelly did complete a small virtual book tour for The Last Garden by completing readings on Instagram Live, an interview with Warwick’s Couch Surfing Book Tour, and several other smaller virtual installments through regularly Facebook interviews (which are still ongoing at the time). The Last Garden has also seen success through its features on Twitter through its mention on CNN’s most anticipated books of January list and, while not an American source, its mention in the Toronto Star. Kelly also had the opportunity to share thoughts with other sources, notably Writer’s Digest and BookBub, which enabled The Last Garden to continue to reach reviewers and prospective readers alike.

Overall, the book has received positive praise from readers on GoodReads and GoogleBooks, with GoodReads giving The Last Garden a 4/5, praising the strong characters and plotlines in the novel. Many reviewers echoed the same curiosity I had while reading, discussing the locked garden in Highbury Estate that for much of the novel serves as an enigma for the reader to piece together as all five women interact with Highbury House’s garden, lending new perspectives to each storyline as the novel progresses. As a reader with an interest in temporal manipulation (and multiple storylines) in novels, I concur with many of the reviewers’ discussions on Kelly’s expert handling of all five point of view characters. However, while this book does contain some of Kelly’s trademarks, such as an underlying romance plot as well as the primary female protagonists, some readers felt alienated by The Last Garden by its execution. With its heavy emphasis on gardening and the temporal jumps, a reader could easily find themselves lost, even in the middle of Kelly’s great (if sometimes overly flowery, pun intended) descriptions of the various gardens at Highbury House. Several reviewers on GoodReads mentioned this as a detracting point in Kelly’s work, which goes to show that even with the marketing strategies employed by Kelly to push this book forward, even the intended audience struggled at times to connect to the various situations presented in The Last Garden. I myself felt some of the same disconnect for the first quarter of the novel; while I was thoroughly engrossed by the mystery of the Winter Garden at Highbury, it took until just after the quarter mark for the connections between the characters to fully solidify in my reader’s mind and to fully understand where the novel was leading readers.

Kelly’s original premise and the marketing surrounding The Last Garden seem to have been an overall success, based on reviews given for this particular book. The niche audience for this book—both readers of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and those with particular interest in both nature and gardening would have been the ideal target audience—seems to have been a particular boon for this novel’s success. Nearly all the reviewers rave about the premise, especially one so heavily focused on a garden’s history—in place of say a house, a town, or other historical landmark—being so original, and that due to the novel’s originality it’s a worthwhile read for those outside the intended target audience. I think part of this is true, but the novel and Kelly herself really capitalize on the use of online marketing; a quick glance through the author’s website and her event page shows that she nearly always has some kind of interview lined up, giving readers the opportunity to not only connect with her but also to ask questions, an excellent marketing strategy.  

[londontheatre]

Sonia Friedman Productions, Scott M. Delman and Tulchin Bartner Productions present: The National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre production of OUR LADIES OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR – Adapted by Lee Hall from the novel THE SOPRANOS by Alan Warner.

Directed by Vicky Featherstone; Music Sourced, Arranged and Supervised by Martin Lowe. Designed by Chloe Lamford; Choreographed by Imogen Knight; Lighting by Lizzie Powell. Sound by Mike Walker. Featuring the songs of ELO.

Following a critically-acclaimed opening at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, subsequent UK tour and sell-out run last summer at the National Theatre, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour opens in the West End in May 2017 at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Vicky Featherstone’s smash-hit production of Lee Hall’s musical adaptation of Alan Warner’s The Sopranos reunites original cast members, opening on 15th May, with previews from 9th May. With tickets from just £10 and all previews priced at £30 and under, over 30,000 tickets will be priced at £30 and under throughout the run. Tickets go on sale to the public from 31st January, with priority booking from 27th January.

From the creator of Billy Elliot (Lee Hall) comes the uplifting and moving story of six Catholic school girls from Oban, let loose in Edinburgh for the day. Funny, raucous and heart-breaking, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour is adapted from Alan Warner’s brilliant novel about six young friends on the cusp of change.

Featuring, amongst others, the songs of ELO, Our Ladies is a glorious anthem to friendship, youth and growing up disgracefully. Prepare thyself for 24 hours of holy chaos. Contains singing, hilarity, sambuca and strong language.

Winner of a Scotsman Fringe First Award, a Herald Angel Award, a Little Devil Herald Award and a Stage Ensemble Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015. Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour is a co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre, and presented in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions, Scott M. Delman and Tulchin Bartner Productions.

Original cast for Our Ladies. Photo by Manuel Harlan

Lee Hall has been writer-in-residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne. His theatre work includes The Pitmen Painters (Live Theatre/National Theatre of Great Britain/Broadway/ West End/UK tour, Evening Standard Best Play Award and TMA Best New Play Award), Billy Elliot – The Musical (West End/Australia/Broadway/Chicago, Olivier Award – Best Musical and nine Tony Awards including Best Book) and Cooking with Elvis (Live Theatre/ West End). His adaptations include Shakespeare In Love (Noel Coward Theatre), The Barber of Seville (Bristol Old Vic), The Good Hope (National Theatre of Great Britain), Mother Courage (Shared Experience/Ambassadors Theatre), The Adventures of Pinocchio (Lyric, Hammersmith), A Servant to Two Masters (Royal Shakespeare Company/Young Vic), Mr Puntila and his Man Matti (Almeida) and Leonce and Lena (Gate Theatre). For opera, his work includes an English adaptation of I Pagliacci (English National Opera). Film work includes War Horse and Billy Elliot (Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay). Television work includes Toast, The Wind in the Willows, A Prince of Hearts and Spoonface Steinberg. Radio work includes I Luv You Jimmy Spud (Writers’ Guild Award Best New Play/ Gold Sony Award Best New Play/Alfred Bradley Award/Society of Authors Award), Spoonface Steinberg, I Love You, Ragie Patel, The Sorrows of Sandra Saint, Blood Sugar, Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, Gristle, Child of the Snow and Child of the Rain, all for the BBC.

Artistic Director of the Royal Court Vicky Featherstone directs – she joined the Royal Court in January 2013. At the Court she has recently directed Cyprus Avenue by David Ireland in the Theatre Upstairs and the Abbey Theatre Dublin, and X by Alistair McDowall in the Theatre Downstairs. Previous directing at the Royal Court includes Zinnie Harris’s How to Hold Your Breath; Molly Davies’s award-winning God Bless the Child; Maidan: Voices from the Uprising; Abi Morgan’s The Mistress Contract; Dennis Kelly’s The Ritual Slaughter of George Mastromas; Ali McDowell’s Talk Show; Nicole Beckwith’s Untitled Matriach Play and The President Has Come to See You by Georgian playwright Lasha Bugadze. Her other work includes Enquirer, An Appointment with the Wicker Man; 27; The Wheel; Somersaults (National Theatre of Scotland); The Small Things; Pyrenees; On Blindness; Tiny Dynamite; Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco; Splendour; and Crave (Paines Plough). She was Artistic Director of Paines Plough 1997-2005 and was the founding Artistic Director of The National Theatre of Scotland 2005-2012. She began her career at West Yorkshire Playhouse and in television.

Live Theatre is recognised as one of the great new writing theatres on the international stage. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne it is deeply rooted in its local community and produces work as varied and diverse as the audiences it engages with.

As well as championing the art of writing for stage by producing and presenting new plays, Live Theatre finds, nurtures and trains creative talent and uses theatre to unlock the potential of young people.

The theatre is a beautifully restored and refurbished complex of five Grade II listed buildings with state-of-the-art facilities in a unique historical setting including both cabaret style theatre and studio theatres. In 2016, Live Garden, an outdoor performance space, and Live Tales, a centre for children and young people’s creative story writing, were added.

Founded in 1973, Live Theatre is a national leader in developing new strategies for increasing income and assets for the charity. To sustain and extend its artistic programme it has diversified its income streams to include Live Works, the purchase and development of commercial property for rental income; an award winning gastro pub The Broad Chare; The Schoolhouse a hub for creative businesses, and on-line interactive playwriting course http://ift.tt/1PlLxoE.

Live Theatre is grateful for the support of Arts Council England and the Newcastle Culture Investment Fund through the Community Foundation, and its many other friends and supporters. For more information visit www.live.org.uk.

The National Theatre of Scotland is dedicated to playing the great stages, arts centres, village halls, schools and site-specific locations of Scotland, the UK and internationally. As well as creating ground-breaking productions and working with the most talented theatre-makers, the National Theatre of Scotland produces significant community engagement projects, innovates digitally and works constantly to develop new talent. Central to this is finding pioneering ways to reach current and new audiences and to encourage people’s full participation in the Company’s work. With no performance building of its own, the Company works with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. Founded in 2006, the Company, in its short life, has become a globally-significant theatrical player, with an extensive repertoire of award-winning work. The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. http://ift.tt/UdKoq2

Listings Sonia Friedman Productions, Scott M. Delman and Tulchin Bartner Productions present The National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre production of: OUR LADIES OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR Adapted by Lee Hall From the novel THE SOPRANOS by Alan Warner Directed by Vicky Featherstone; Music Sourced, Arranged and Supervised by Martin Lowe Designed by Chloe Lamford; Choreographed by Imogen Knight; Lighting by Lizzie Powell Sound by Mike Walker Featuring the songs of ELO

Duke of York’s Theatre St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2B 4BG 9 May 2017 – 2 September Press Night 15 May at 7pm Box Office: 0844 871 7623 Online: http://ift.tt/2jitrLg

Age 16+ Contains strong language and adult themes

Monday to Saturday 7.30pm, Wednesday, and Saturday matinee 2.30pm Reduced price tickets for preview performances – £10 – £30 Post-Opening: Tickets from £10 30,000 tickets at £30 or under across the run Premium tickets are available

Facebook @OurLadiesLDN Twitter @OurLadiesLDN Instagram @OurLadiesLDN #OurLadiesLDN

http://ift.tt/2kwv4u8 LondonTheatre1.com