The Lost Garden: An absolutely heartbreaking historical novel

It hides a family secret that could change the course of the war.

Italy, 1930s. Tina lives in the crumbling castle of Montesecco with only her strict father and their maid, Allegra, for company. She’s never been allowed to ask questions about her mother, who died in childbirth. But the day Tina discovers a hidden, crumbling door, everything changes.

Inside is an overgrown garden. Ivy and roses adorn the stone walls. Fresh water springs from a fountain and the scent of wild herbs fills the air. How did she never know this beautiful place existed? Excitedly begging Allegra for answers, the elderly woman’s face turns pale. ‘You must never mention this to your father. It’s not safe. You’ve found your mamma’s garden.’

The Count believes Tina’s mother died because of the garden: but Allegra refuses to say more. Certain she can feel her mother watching over her, Tina secretly tends to the garden herself. And when war breaks out, Tina’s encounters with local resistance fighters mean the garden becomes a place of refuge, a place of hope – and a place of great danger when Tina must prove where her loyalties lie once and for all…

Will Tina ever discover the truth about her mother? Or was the garden, with all its secrets, never meant to be disturbed?

An absolutely breathtaking and stunning historical novel about the incredible risks people took in wartime, family secrets, loss and love. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Santa Montefiore.

Read what everyone’s saying about Angela Petch:

‘Absolutely stunning… takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions… Captivating… devastatingly heartbreaking… My heart was in my throat and I had tears running down my eyes… DO NOT PICK THIS UP UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!… I completely fell in love.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow… captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story… Stunning… Broke my heart… This deeply moving novel pierced my heart… I highly recommend.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Emotional, heart-wrenching and unforgettable… Beautifully written… Full of intrigue, emotion, drama and intensity… Touches the heart and will keep readers glued to its pages… Enthralling… Simply superb… Must-read.’ Bookish Jottings

‘Beautifully written… Gripping, absorbing and emotive… Have a box of tissues handy… Heart-wrenching emotion.’ Sunflowerpublishing.com, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely gripping and beautifully written… Really pulled at my heart-strings… I resented every occasion when I had to stop reading to do other things, as I was so keen to go on devouring the story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Unforgettable… I was swept away… Achingly beautiful, brimming with emotion… Simply stunning!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Captivating… I loved this story so much even when I was crying… Beautiful and emotional.’ Avonna Loves Genres, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2025 Hachette UK - Bookouture (Lydbog): 9781805502555

Release date

Lydbog: 11. september 2025