While down in Savannah, I mentioned that I was reading The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. It came highly recommended by many of you and boy were you ever right – it was enchanting and engaging and thoroughly enjoyable!! A perfect choice for those of us biding time until Downton Abbey comes back in January 2014, (ugh, could that be any farther away?!!?) I often found myself marveling at how similar many of the characters and events in the book were to that favorite television series.
Goodreads says: On the eve of a glittering society party, by the lake of a grand English country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters Hannah and Emmeline Hartford, will never speak to each other again. Winter 1999 – Grace Bradley, ninety-eight, one-time housemaid of Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a film about the poet’s suicide. Ghosts awaken and old memories – long consigned to the dark reaches of Grace’s mind – begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never could. Set as the war-shattered Edwardian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, The House at Riverton is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.
I have added a few of Morton’s other works to my list!! Let me know what’s on your bedside…
xoxo
I just finished reading this book, based on your recommendation. I should add that I read it before I by accident put my Kindle in the washing machine. (It was in my backpack which I washed after returning from a three-week trip to Burma). Anyway, the book was okay but I didn't love it like I love Downton. I felt the author didn't develop some of her themes thoroughly enough. That being said, I would read more of her books, and thank you so much for recommending good reads. I always do so much better following suggestions than picking out books for myself.
Right now I am reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It was recommended by several friends and it is a real page turner!
Currently reading An American Heiress. Haven't gotten too far yet, but also Downton like :) I need to pick up the pace tho, we are discussing it Tuesdsy night at book group!
Hey, Kate Morton ist also one of my favourite authors. I highly recommend her second novel "The forgotten garden".
I was also fasincated by the "The House at Tyneford" written by Natasha Solomons and "A gathering storm" by Rachel Hore; both I read recently.
Greetings from Germany :)
You will love Kate Morton's "Forgotten Garden" really a good read…I am looking for two of her other books too, Distant Hours and The Secret Keeper.
The House at Riverton reminded me so much of Downton Abbey…it did soothe the withdrawals I was experiencing while waiting for Downton 2014. Always enjoy your blog…thank you for sharing your life and your incredible sense of style!!! —Marti
I'll have to remember this one. I'm reading Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle (Big Mama Blog) right now. I'm also working on A Discovery of Witches AND my newest book club book is Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
you have to read all of kate morton's books…the forgotten garden, the distant hours and her newest the secret keeper. all so good! lately i've also read the american heiress and the house at tyneford–all within that same genre. love it!
I loved this book! One of my favorites for sure. I actually started reading it before I ever watched Downton Abbey and enjoyed their similarities. :)
Reading Dan Brown's Angels and Demons right now — page turner!
xo Heidi
Thanks for the book suggestion. I'm a huge fan of Downton Abbey, so The House at Riverton should be right up my alley.
I am currently reading The Vatican diaries and The secret
keeper. You will love the Forgotten garden. My vice is Englsh mysteries, authors like Peter Robinson, Peter
James, the late Reginald Hill, etc.
I just finished Snobs by Julian Fellowes who writes the
Downton Abbey series. It was a great read.
I have to agree…you'll love The Forgotten Garden, too,!