Last year I was introduced to the author Elizabeth Cooke with the first in the series of Rutherford Park. A grand estate in England and all of the happenings between the Cavendish family and the staff. I loved the authors writing style and the story itself so I was happy to be able to review the next book in the series.
THE WILD DARK FLOWERS: A Novel of Rutherford Park by Elizabeth Cooke
ISBN-13: 9780425262597
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Publication date: 7/1/2014
Synopsis: When May came that year in Rutherford, it was more beautiful than anyone could ever remember. More beautiful, and more terrible.
From inside their sprawling estate of Rutherford Park, the Cavendish family had a privileged perspective of the world. On the first morning in May, 1915, with a splendid view that reached across the gardens to the Vale of York, nothing seemed lovelier or less threatening.
At the risk of undoing the Cavendish name with scandal, William and Octavia Cavendish have been living a lie, maintaining a marriage out of duty rather than passion. But when their son Harry joins the Royal Flying Corps in France, the Cavendish family are forced to face the unavoidable truths about themselves, the society in which they thrive, and the secrets they can no longer bear.
In the wake of a terrible war, the emotional shifts between a husband and a wife, a wife and her lover, and a mother and her children, will shake the very foundation of the Cavendish family, and change the uniquely vulnerable lives of all who reside at Rutherford Park.
My Thoughts: When I heard there would be a sequel to Rutherford Park, I was happy. I enjoyed the first novel and was looking forward to catching up with the family again. Starting where the last book left off is a big plus and I like that the author weaves in a recap of the first book so you are not at a loss.
This book is rich in the history of the first World War and the author has included an in depth look at the the tragedy of the fighting and the effects the war has on the residents of Rutherford Park. Some spots are very graphic and there is a lot of detail added about the war but it all comes back to how the war changed the family and their staff.
William and Octavia go through a lot of changes and yet they continue to work through the scandals and issues they have. But there are a few romances along the way to lighten the mood and add interest in the midst of the war. This book ends in another cliffhanger that comes completely from left field, setting up the next book in the series which I will be waiting for with great anticipation.
If you are looking for a story that includes a lot of history, British charm and all of the drama you can handle, then Elizabeth Cooke is the author you need to look for and this series of Rutherford Park.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
This sounds like a wonderful novel and reminds me of Masterpiece Theater productions, except in a novel you can go more into the characters and surroundings.