The Strawberry House is a beautifully atmospheric historical novel that blends mystery, romance and family drama with real emotional depth. Told across two timelines, the story moves between the long summer of 1938 and post-war England in 1952, gradually revealing the truth behind a devastating fire at Montagu Manor and the disappearance of a celebrated artist and his unfinished portrait.
What I enjoyed most was the way Burton brought both the house and its inhabitants to life. Montagu Manor feels almost like a character in its own right, filled with memories, secrets and the lingering impact of the past. The vivid sense of place, combined with the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement and the looming shadow of war, creates a rich and immersive backdrop.
The dual timeline structure works exceptionally well, with each chapter adding another piece to the puzzle. I found myself completely invested in uncovering what really happened that fateful summer while also following Henry’s return to the manor years later. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, balancing intrigue with heartfelt character development.
Henry and Camilla were particularly compelling protagonists. Their romance is tender and bittersweet, shaped by family expectations, social pressures and the upheaval of war. I was especially drawn to Camilla’s frustration at the limitations placed on women of her era and Henry’s struggle to pursue the life he truly wanted.
Burton’s writing is elegant and engaging, capturing both the beauty and sadness of a changing England. With its memorable characters, compelling mystery and wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere, The Strawberry House is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, second-chance romance and stories where the setting is just as important as the people who inhabit it.
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Publisher: Boldwood Books
Format: Paperback 322 pages
ISBN: 978-1835338148
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Here’s the synopsis
1938: For Camilla Kerrigan, life at her family’s Oxford manor is a delicate balancing act – between duty to her family and a yearning for something more. When her brother Anthony returns for the summer, bringing with him a new friend, Camilla recognises a kindred spirit. Like her, Henry is thoughtful, restless and uncertain of his future.
But the arrival of four strangers – among them a gifted artist determined to paint Camilla’s sister Mabel – soon shatters the fragile peace of the manor. In the shimmering heat, desires are stirred and one impulsive act will set in motion a tragedy that echoes for decades.
1952: Haunted by war and the memory of that long-ago summer, the last thing Henry wants is to return to Montagu Manor. But when a photograph arrives, showing the painting he thought destroyed – the portrait that ruined so many lives – he is drawn back into the past.
Now, Henry and Camilla must face the secrets that shaped them, and the love that refuses to fade.
What Caz Read 