The Lavender Garden: A Novel

It started well, but after a while, probably because of the dual plots and time periods, it grew tedious and sort of predictable. I was glad when I finished, as I rarely just stop in the middle of a book, but I was tempted here.

Truly liked this book. Some parts made me uncomfortable & were disconcerting but that added to the intrigue. I love how the current "1999" intertwined with the WWII past. And loved some of the characters & twists.

A great story, but after reading the first few pages I realized that I had already read it. So I did some research and discovered that this story was published under a different title- The Lavender Garden.

Was an good learning experience of the times of that period and how people coped during the hard details in order to survive in the difficult day to day activities. I have always enjoyed reading of real life historical events.

Excellent. I usually don't read this type of book. I
Am so glAd I did, poor Em so starved for love,
Yet when she found it,so many questions,
Why did he leave her all alone so much.
This was a fabulous book. I would recommend it to all

I absolutely could not put this book down...and didn't!
A more well written/developed book, I haven't read in a long time. This author is very gifted, and I really look forward to another of her written creations.

The story weaves a story that keeps the reader spell bound. It is part WWII history but not the type usually found in novels. Emotions come through to the reader and there are many twists and turns in the book. The format of the story was enjoyable.

Definitely worth reading Maybe a little predictable but difficult to put it down I very much enjoy stories from WWII The added bonus was a book about France .... I have visited Paris Provence, Normandy and Caen

I could hardly wait to find out the many intriguing stories of each of the characters and their relationships. I loved the way she intertwined lives and revealed he past of each. It is sad to say goodby to this book. I wish there was a sequel!
Having been unfamiliar with Lucinda Riley's novels, I now intend to read them all!

I enjoyed the back and forth of time between WWII and the present...makes one appreciate again what people suffered to give us freedom today. There were certainly enough twists and turns to keep it interesting as well. I will seek out more of her books...

I absolutely loved this book! It has all the attributes of a great read - love, drama, naivete, mystery. Having a passion for family history, the intertwining of the main characters was so fascinating! I hated the book to end!

I loved the way past and present were braided together in this tale of WWII French resistance and Great Britain's SOE roles within the war era. Characters were nicely developed. Twists kept the story line interesting.
I'd recommend reading The Lavender Garden.

An easy page turner. If I have 1 reservation about this book, it is that is was fairly easy to guess what was going to happen at each step of the way. The writer put too many, not so subtle, hints in the way. Having said that, I'm a sucker for a good wartime drama. I will look up some more of the authors books.

This was my first Lucinda Riley novel and I really enjoyed it! The story draws you in moving from present time to flashbacks revealing just enough to keep you interested and the story moving. I love period fictions and this one did not disappoint!

Interesting look at two women in two eras who are enmeshed as they cope with circumstances in their lives. The transitions between the twp of them are awkward at times. It still is a good read. I didn't really like the contemporary woman or her ability to judge character well.

This book completely surprised me. Honestly I bought it because it was really cheap...I had not read this author before. But after this book I will definitely be looking up other books by her! I thought the characters were great, and the story that took place during the war was SO good; I had trouble putting it down. The only time I have to read is usually right before bedtime, but this had me wanting to read all day. Get it - you won't be disappointed!

This book completely surprised me. Honestly I bought it because it was really cheap...I had not read this author before. But after this book I will definitely be looking up other books by her! I thought the characters were great, and the story that took place during the war was SO good; I had trouble putting it down. The only time I have to read is usually right before bedtime, but this had me wanting to read all day. Get it - you won't be disappointed!

Another story of Lucinda Riley that I just loved, she is so interesting the way she takes you back in time and the ending I didnt expect but it was great. I have just started "Hothouse Flower" which I am sure will be as good. Keep them coming.!

Compelling fascinating read with well-drawn characters and unexpected twists and turns. Settings are modern day Gothic contrasted with French undererground in WWII. Intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing. I would definitely recommend.

The Lavender Garden is quite enjoyable,although Emilie is almost too naive and immature at the start of the book. She does become a strong character by the end of the book. WWll was a terrible period of history and the author makes the time come alive. This is a good book and I will read more of her work.

Lucinda Riley has truly mastered the art of story telling! She writes as if she knows the characters, and she makess you feel as though they are your friends by the end of the book! I NEVER want her books to end! Especially this one!

A beautifully written book, dealing with how the French and English aided one another during WWII and the affects of the bravery felt in subsequent generations. The author melds two stories together very well. I'm looking forward to reading more from Lucinda Riiley.

I LOVED this book. It was wonderful from the beginning to the end. There are not many books like that for me. I look forward to her next book. I would strongly recommend reading her books to anyone. WHAT A GREAT BOOK!!!!!!

I enjoyed reading about the French resistance, and the role England played during WWII. Of all the characters I liked Sophia, warm and sensitive. She was able to SEE past Frederic's ethnicity to love him. I was happy the way the bank ended. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes WWII romances.

Again The Light Behind the Window is the same story as The Lavendar Garden-just different titles. I've read The Lavendar Garden so was once again disappointed not to have been told that both books are one in the same. Peggy Shaw

A delightful read and wonderfully told. Ms Riley brought these characters to life. Sad to hear how Venetia had died. But if you read the Orchid House you knew that already. Love this writer's work and you will too