I loved reading the previous book by Kelly Bowen,  THE PARIS APARTMENT, and couldn't wait to read her newest historical fiction release.  THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS did not disappoint.  The story exists in dual timelines--the present day and the years leading up to and during World War II. The setting is predominantly at a chateau near Normandy, France with the characters in war years spending time in the Netherlands and Northern Africa.

Nickolas and Stasia fall in love as children then spend the war apart fighting the Nazis and trying to survive.  In the present day, contractor Isabelle renovates historic properties while caring for her aging parents.   She and her estranged sister, Emilie, a renowned architect who lives in Paris, decide to fulfill a childhood dream to purchase and restore the local Chateau.   

From page one, the reader is drawn into the beautiful and then wartorn settings with such wonderful descriptions.  Bowen clearly did extensive research since the details are seamlessly interwoven in the tale providing the historical realism of the events surrounding the French Naval actions in Africa and the Resistance activity in occupied Netherlands and France.  The sad fact is that these events did happen to real people and the author's skillful rendition with fictitious characters evoked strong emotions continuously as the story progressed.   Even though it involves disturbing issues, THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS finishes upbeat so you won't be left feeling depressed.