The Forgotten Garden: A Moving Saga of Belonging and Forgotten Identity from the Multi-Million-Copy Bestselling Author

Kate Morton

Sept 2008 · Pan Macmillan

About this eBook

A moving and powerful mystery, The Forgotten Garden is the bestselling second novel from Kate Morton.

1913. On the eve of the First World War, a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls the Authoress had promised to look after her. But the Authoress has vanished without a trace.

1975. Now an old lady, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor, which had been owned by the Mountrachet family. What has prompted Nell’s journey after all these years?

2005. On Nell’s death, her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds – secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is at long-abandoned Cliff Cottage, and in its forgotten garden, that Cassandra will uncover the truth about the Mountrachets – and why the young Nell was abandoned all those decades before . . .

Ratings and reviews

Exciting, well-written with engaging characters. My favourite Kate Morton so far! There did seem to be a couple of questions left unanswered but I suppose it's nice to have something to continue thinking about once you've finished a book!

Best of Kate Morton's novels. Ended powerfully. You might be sad of its end. Yes, sad, but so beautiful. All characters will be still in your mind after the last page, and, of course, forever.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. The story is amazing. Roller-coaster ride of emotions and filled with twists and turns that will leave you dizzy and in tears. I had 2 books by this author sitting for ages before I read them and I'm so glad I did. Halfway through the first book I read I was scouring the Internet to find more of her books. I highly recommend giving her a shot, especially if you are a fan of Lucinda Riley. Like Lucinda Riley, Kate Mortons books jump from the present day to the past and combines them both beautifully. My favourite ones of Kate Mortons are The Forgotten Garden, The Secret Keeper and The Clockmakers Daughter. Very emotional, prepare for tears while reading them. I love all her books, they are all fantastic stories but those 3 in particular really struck me. Give any of her books a try, I promise you won't be disappointed.

About the author

Kate Morton grew up in the mountains of south-east Queensland and now lives with her family in Australia. She has degrees in dramatic art and English literature, specializing in nineteenth-century tragedy and contemporary gothic novels. Kate has sold over ten million copies of her novels in thirty-two languages, across thirty-nine countries. The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden, The Distant Hours, The Secret Keeper and The Lake House have all been number one bestsellers around the world.