The Restoration Garden

A Novel

By: Sara Blaydes

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Mia Hutchinson-Shaw

A landscape architect unearths the tangled history of a once-celebrated English garden—and all its mysteries—in a captivating novel by the author of The Last Secret of Lily Adams.

Julia Esdaile is hired to restore the historic gardens at Havenworth Manor—the grounds of which are now an abandoned snarl of bramble and weeds—to their original splendor. For the enigmatic lady of the manor, ninety-two-year-old Margaret Clarke, the reason for the restoration is the deeply private story of a promise made a lifetime ago, and a vow to keep it before she dies.

It’s 1940, and Margaret’s older half sister, Irene, an aspiring artist, dreams of an exciting world beyond Havenworth. Her only escapes are James Atherton, a handsome officer in the RAF, and her sketchbook of flower drawings. Bonding over their disdain for war, Irene follows James to London, where, irrevocably in love, she is forced to make a choice she never imagined. With that, Irene vanishes from Margaret’s life forever.

Now, with the help of Margaret’s godson, Andrew, Julia is determined to uncover both the long-buried secrets of the past and the truth behind a heartbreaking mystery that only restoring the gardens of Havenworth can solve.

©2025 by Sara O’Shaughnessy. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Blaydes uses the language of flowers for more intimate conversations, but doesn’t shy away from bigger ideas like the varied ways in which war impacts people of different economic statuses, offering plenty of opportunity for discussion. A good choice for readers of Kate Morton, Beatriz Williams, or Lisa Wingate.”—Booklist (starred review)

“The author cleverly ties her protagonists together. This is an easy novel to get lost in. It tickled my personal love of gardens, and stoked memories of the stunning Lost (and recovered) Gardens of Heligan.”—Historical Novels Review

Unexpected ending

Excellent story plot! Takes the reader on a historic and suspenseful journey through realities of WW11 and the language of flowers.

Heart breaking but good

my heart broke for Irene. I know she was described as being blonde but this gave a new meaning to red headed step child. t

all of them

well written. keeps you enthusiastic to hear what is next. each character will keep you interested

the story telling

nothing it was a good listening well told I liked the way it went from the old days how it started to how things was now

An absolute brilliant read!

I’ve been reading romantasy lately but needed to switch things up. This book was a dream to listen to and would recommend it to anyone who wants a touching story with heart wrenching truths unveiled and an ending with a sweetness that brought tears to my eyes.