The Last Summer - Softcover

Kinghorn, Judith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0451416635 ISBN 13: 9780451416636

Publisher: Berkley, 2012

Synopsis

I was almost seventeen when the spell of my childhood was broken...It was the beginning of summer and, unbeknown to any of us then, the end of a belle epoque...

In July of 1914, innocent, lovely Clarissa Granville lives with her parents and three brothers in the idyllic isolation of Deyning Park, a grand English country house, where she whiles away her days enjoying house parties, country walks and tennis matches. Clarissa is drawn to Tom Cuthbert, the housekeeper's handsome son. Though her parents disapprove of their upstairs-downstairs friendship, the two are determined to see each other, and they meet in secret to share what becomes a deep and tender romance. But soon the winds of war come to Deyning, as they come to all of Europe. As Tom prepares to join the front lines, neither he nor Clarissa can envision what lies ahead of them in the dark days and years to come. Nor can they imagine how their love will be tested, or how they will treasure the memory of this last, perfect summer.

About this title

About the Author:

Judith Kinghorn was born in Northumberland, educated in the Lake District, and is a graduate in English and History of Art. She lives in England with her husband and two children.

Review:

“An enchanting story of love and war, and the years beyond.”—Penny Vincenzi, bestselling author of Wicked Pleasures

"A sumptuous, absorbing tale of love in time of war."—Rachel Hore, Sunday Times of London bestselling author of A Place of Secrets

"Irresistible...sensuous prose, elegant settings and fascinating characters."—Margaret Wurtele, author of The Golden Hour 

 “Well drawn characters combined with flawless writing make Kinghorn’s debut a triumph. This story kept me up for many nights in a row, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Un-put-downable and relentlessly intriguing, this is a tale for the ages. I expect it’s not the last we’ll hear from this talented story teller; at least, I hope not!”—Dish Magazine

"A dense and luscious read that is emotionally gripping and at times unsettling, but is a powerful tale of love, regret, and both the loss of Clarissa's innocence and that of England's.”—Heroes and Heartbreakers

"A wonderful and heartbreaking love story...Highly recommended!"—One More Page

"An atmospheric and haunting read. It takes the reader from languorous summer days by the lake on a country estate to the horror of the trenches with equal aplomb...Judith Kinghorn skillfully navigates our journey through love and loss...This is the perfect balance of romance and grit by a great new writer. Don't miss it!"—The Riddle of Writing

"Don't miss The Last Summer by Judith Kinghorn. [An] epic and enthralling love story set against the backdrop of the Great War."—F anny Blake, Woman and Home
 

“An enchanting read of Rachel Hore/Downton Abbey ilk, big storytelling stuff of social and political change spanning the First World War and beyond. It's a glorious read, highly recommended.”—Sarah Broadhurst, The Bookseller
 

“The year is 1914 and love and war are about to transform privileged 16 year-old Clarissa's charmed existence forever. This sumptuous romance is made for fans of Downton.”—The Lady Magazine

About this edition

• Publisher: Berkley
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0451416635
• ISBN 13: 9780451416636
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 464