I recently finished The Butterfly Garden by Rachel Burton, and it was an interesting read that left me reflecting on its slow, yet intriguing journey. If you enjoy split narrative stories, this one will definitely catch your attention.
The Blurb
1963: When Clara Samuels buys Butterfly Cottage, she knows the scandal she’ll cause. A single woman buying property is not the ‘done thing’, especially not in a village like Carybrook. But Clara has been in love with Butterfly Cottage, and its garden, since she used to play there before the War. And when she reconnects with her childhood friend James, her decision feels serendipitous. But the true scandal is yet to come, because within six months, Clara will leave England under mysterious circumstances, and Butterfly Cottage will stand empty for more than 50 years.
2018: No one is more surprised than Meredith when she’s bequeathed a cottage by a great aunt she’d never heard of. She hopes, briefly, that the inheritance could be the answer to her financial problems. But when she arrives in Suffolk, she is shocked to discover a man is already living there. A young gardener, who claims he was also bequeathed half of Butterfly Cottage.
As the pair try to unravel their complicated situation, they unearth a decades old mystery involving Clara, the garden, and a stack of letters left unread for over 50 years…
Rachel Burton is a bestselling author in the historical and romance genres. I have never read any of her books and came across this one by chance. So here is my:
Book Review of The Butterfly Garden by Rachel Burton
The story alternates between the present day and the 1960s, and I was particularly drawn to how well-researched the 1960s setting felt. Burton clearly put a lot of effort into ensuring the historical elements were accurate, and it really paid off. You can feel the authenticity in the dialogue, the descriptions, and the overall atmosphere. It’s the kind of book where you can picture the world as you read it, which is something I always appreciate.
I will admit that the pacing is slow at times, and you may find yourself wondering where it’s all going. But stick with it! The layers of mystery unfold gradually, and by the end, I found it a satisfying read. The characters are well-developed, with each one contributing to the overall sense of intrigue and tension. The way the past and present intertwine in the narrative keeps you invested, even during the slower moments.
What stood out to me was the emotional depth in the relationships between the characters, especially in the 1960s timeline. There’s a richness to those scenes that makes you feel connected to the past, and it helps to build a strong contrast with the present-day narrative.
The Butterfly Garden may not be a fast-paced thriller, but it’s an engaging and thought-provoking story with a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together nicely. If you’re a fan of books with split timelines and a bit of mystery, this one is definitely worth a read.
Do you have any book recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!
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