The Kew Gardens Girls at War
by Posy Lovell
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Inspired by real events, a touching novel about a new class of courageous women who worked at London’s historic Kew Gardens during World War II.In the face of war, gardening is their duty…When Daisy Cooper’s new husband joins the RAF to fight the Battle of Britain, she’s terrified she’s going to lose him. So when her mother Ivy suggests she join the gardeners at Kew to keep busy, Daisy’s intrigued. After all, Ivy worked at Kew during the last great war and made lifelong friends show more along the way. Louisa Armitage, not ready to hang up her gardening gloves just yet, and Beth Sanderson, an aspiring doctor looking to make a difference, decide to enlist as well. When tragedy strikes, the women are forced to come together to support one other during their darkest hours. But can the Kew Gardens Girls survive the horrors of war-torn London this time? show less
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The Kew Gardens Girls at War is Posy Lovell's new novel. I can't seem to get enough of WWII historical reads.
Settling in, I thought that Lovell might have already written a book set in Kew Gardens. I did a quick check and saw that yes, she has written one set in the WWI years at the Gardens. (I've added it to my teetering TBR pile.) But there's no need to have read that book before reading The Kew Gardens Girls at War.
I liked the premise - which is based on historical fact. ("Kew Gardens is now officially home to the largest living plant collection on earth.") In the war years, a showpiece Victory Garden was grown, showing how even a small patch could feed a family year round. But, I didn't know about the County Herb Committees which show more were nationwide medicinal plant collecting committees. I really liked the descriptions of the gardens and the veggie plots. A great setting. Lovell's descriptions of war torn London also brought the setting to life.
But, the best bit of all is the characters. Daisy and Beth are our leading characters. They're both from very different backgrounds, with different goals and are at different stages of life. But they hit it off and become fast friends. The supporting cast brings in a number of strong personalities, who change the narrative with their actions as well.
Lovell captures the Keep Calm and Soldier On attitude of the Brits in wartimes. Needs must and you just have to get on with things. But there are wounds don't show as well. Lovell brings some serious issues into her story, including shell shock and racism.
The Kew Gardens Girls at War is a warm, caring, comfortable read that celebrates family, fortitude, friends and yes, romance. show less
Settling in, I thought that Lovell might have already written a book set in Kew Gardens. I did a quick check and saw that yes, she has written one set in the WWI years at the Gardens. (I've added it to my teetering TBR pile.) But there's no need to have read that book before reading The Kew Gardens Girls at War.
I liked the premise - which is based on historical fact. ("Kew Gardens is now officially home to the largest living plant collection on earth.") In the war years, a showpiece Victory Garden was grown, showing how even a small patch could feed a family year round. But, I didn't know about the County Herb Committees which show more were nationwide medicinal plant collecting committees. I really liked the descriptions of the gardens and the veggie plots. A great setting. Lovell's descriptions of war torn London also brought the setting to life.
But, the best bit of all is the characters. Daisy and Beth are our leading characters. They're both from very different backgrounds, with different goals and are at different stages of life. But they hit it off and become fast friends. The supporting cast brings in a number of strong personalities, who change the narrative with their actions as well.
Lovell captures the Keep Calm and Soldier On attitude of the Brits in wartimes. Needs must and you just have to get on with things. But there are wounds don't show as well. Lovell brings some serious issues into her story, including shell shock and racism.
The Kew Gardens Girls at War is a warm, caring, comfortable read that celebrates family, fortitude, friends and yes, romance. show less
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