The Orchid House
By Lucinda Riley
- Release Date: 2012-02-14
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
Note to readers: In the UK, this book is published under the title Hothouse Flower.
From beloved New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley, a “sweeping, poignant saga that will enthrall fans of The House at Riverton, Rebecca, and Downton Abbey” (Shelf Awareness).
Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this sweeping novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
As a child, concert pianist Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the grand estate reminiscent of Downton Abbey where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to this tranquil place. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.
When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed the estate. Their search takes them back to the 1940s when Harry, a former heir to Wharton Park, married his young society bride, Olivia, on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt for generations to come.
This atmospheric story alternates between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant novel.
Reviews
The Orchid House
5By janeykempLoved the twists and turns. Good book for book clubThe Orchid House
2By Prof ConnieStarted out to be promising, but continued to go downhill with each chapter. Many holes in the story and at times preposterous. Story suffered -Needed to be condensed and edited for believability.Beautiful read
5By BerryBronteThis is a beautiful read, a well rounded, profoundly written novel of the resilience of the human spirit and the universal language of love and its power to span decades. My sister-in-law recommended this book to me while she was on her second read. I'm so glad she did. I fell in love with the main characters and couldn't wait to see what happened next. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.The Orchid House
5By Tacoma momThis is one of the best books I have read lately. The ending brought tears to my eyes. (In a good way!). I hated to see it end.Made me lose track of time
5By Mac-ChickGreat historical fiction! This is a book of twists and turns and mysteries within mysteries. I love the coming together of the stories from the past, merging with the present. The characters grow on you, especially Julia, who in the beginning of the book was not the most likable character. And at the end of the day, whether you liked or disliked a character, you nevertheless felt a connection with them - there sadness, pain and joy. There is a lot of love in this book: love between man and wife (or lack thereof) and embracing friendships.Great Read
5By PeachypitbullThis was a very good read. There was a lot of twist and turns. It has two story-lines that come together very nicely. I couldn't put this down, as I kept wanting to know what happened. I read this on vacation and was very happy this was the book I chose.The Orchid house
5By byusupplyI really enjoyed this book. Life is full of twist and turns as well as the unexpected. I'm thinking of writing a book about the Pan Am crash that took place at the then called Moisant Airport. Louie Armstrong Airport just out side of New Orleans. I was one of 6 survivors when that Boeing Jet Liner slammed into our home with us in it!Engaging
2By Nicole1964It is an engaging novel. I did not like Julia's character and that was the downside of the story.The Orchid House
5By Lucinda RileyI loved this book!! I didn't find it predictable and it took me to far away places filled with history and such depth in the characters. I didn't want it to end and knew I would read her other books and enjoy them as well.. I recommend this author!!Great read!
5By speed reader 71Very interesting story with great suspense and intrigue. If you like Downton Abbey, then this is just the book for you!