I am super excited to be on the Blog tour for this fantastic book, The Strawberry House, by the amazing Rachel Burton!
The Blurb
1938: For Camilla Kerrigan, life at her family’s Oxford manor is a delicate balancing act – between duty to her family and a yearning for something more. When her brother Anthony returns for the summer, bringing with him a new friend, Camilla recognises a kindred spirit. Like her, Henry is thoughtful, restless and uncertain of his future.
But the arrival of four strangers – among them a gifted artist determined to paint Camilla’s sister Mabel – soon shatters the fragile peace of the manor. In the shimmering heat, desires are stirred and one impulsive act will set in motion a tragedy that echoes for decades.
1952: Haunted by war and the memory of that long-ago summer, the last thing Henry wants is to return to Montagu Manor. But when a photograph arrives, showing the painting he thought destroyed – the portrait that ruined so many lives – he is drawn back into the past.
Now, Henry and Camilla must face the secrets that shaped them, and the love that refuses to fade.
One unforgettable summer. One devastating secret. A love that time could not erase.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/StrawberryHouse
My Review
The Strawberry House by Rachel Burton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few of Rachel Burton’s more recent books, and this sounded so delicious, just from the title (plus the cover was pretty irresistible, too!) I just had to read it!
Set in both the pre-WW2 and post-WW2 years, The Strawberry House is a story focusing on a tragedy at Montagu Manor, or more enticingly called, The Strawberry House in 1938.
Two very different souls meet there and fall in love, but the war and the aforementioned tragedy push them apart for fifteen years, when a chance assignment for Henry brings him back to Camilla.
I loved the whimsy of having a group of artists turn up for an entire summer at the Manor, and the behaviour of one plays fully to the Diva nature that many assign to successful creative types.
There was also much angst described as Camilla is a woman born into a genteel family, with dreams of higher education, whereas her father has no interest in allowing his intelligent daughter that chance because that’s not what ladies do. And Henry is facing similar struggles but from a different point. His background is not like Camilla’s. In fact, his father runs a factory and wants Henry at the head of it, but Henry dreams of becoming a journalist, and his Oxford education is a stepping stone to him realising his dreams.
I was swept away with this book, turning each page eagerly, and loved the added mystery element to it with a lost treasure that needs finding.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
About The Author
LinRachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and romantic comedies. Rachel was born in Cambridge and studied Classics and English Literature before starting a career in law. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: @RachelBurton74
Twitter: @RachelBWriter
Instagram: @RachelBWriter
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RachelBurtonNews
Bookbub profile: @RachelBurton
But I Smile Anyway... 