Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. A novel set across two historical periods always appeals to me and this was, overall, another good example of a dual timeline story. It started a bit slow for me, but once Veronica gets to Paris things seemed to speed up and I found that I was enjoying the book more. Alongside Veronica's story we have the modern day story of Romy, recovering from significant mental health concerns, who secures a place staying on the remote Welsh island, St Elfwy, lying about her reasons for wanting to stay there, something which causes her some trouble when she comes up against the island's 'caretaker'. There were elements of menace in Romy's story on the island - it is clear that at least one of the men who is supposed to be her friend is far from that, but which one is the threat is not obvious for some while. The unravelling of the threads between V and R's stories was done well in the last section of the book and overall this felt a satisfying if not an amazing read.

Set in the late 1940s, this haunting, romantic yet heartbreaking book follows Romy and Pen whos lives entwine with that of Veronica and Jack and so the story is written from two narratives spanning the past and present.
Beautifully written and completely captivating, my heart broke for Jack and the challenges he faced in that time and I loved the link between the past and present. Definitely was oozing emotion.

This story starts in the 1940's Veronica is 17 and the daughter of a comfortably off couple.
She is due to attend finishing school although war is looming but she finds friendship in Paris.
We also meet Romy now and she is keen to write and goes to stay on an island. The book goes between Romy and Veronica 's storylines.
This had some really nice settings and interesting characters.
The author keeps a bit of mystery you can definitely get into the story.
I enjoyed this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

This is my first book by this author. It did not captivate me the way the blurb led me to believe it would. I am not keen on the writing style, I found it all a bit too slow and ponderous. The dialogue comes across as stilted and unnatural to me. Just not my kind of book, I’m sorry to say, but it will undoubtedly be enjoyed by many other readers.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

I new I had to read this one. First because it Lulu Taylor and she is fabulous. And second because it's set in a location very special to me.
And boy did it hold true to all my hopes.
Lulu taylor has a great way of injecting so much heart into her books. They have just the right touch of romance, Intrigue, drama and historic and present storyline.
This was a dual timeliness book. Each part was written beautifully.
I cared for both our characters. And each in their own time had issues and emotionally fraught moments.
The gentle telling of secrets and plots were just right. And I was swept along with all of it.
The secrets were finally bought to the fore by both characters.
The scenery and way Lulu described some of my most cherished locations was perfection. She's definitely visited these places!
A high recommendation from me. And I can't wait now for my next Lulu book. Which is a good and bad thing about reading one of her books as I always want more and hate the waiting!

“The Last Song of Winter” is an utterly compelling dual timeline story of grief, longing, heartbreak, love and birds! Set in 1940’s Britain and Paris and present day Wales the backdrop to the stories held within are enticing. The star of the story is beautiful St Elfwy Island off the cost of Pembrokeshire, where we learn all about the bird life and the monks that used to live there in from the point of view of the present day Caretaker and the residents in 1940.

Romy, is recovering from a long term illness and applies to stay on the Island to research about the author of a film that is eerie, set on the island and it’s hidden imagery of loneliness and grief that have haunted her ever since watching it. To gain a short term stay on the Island as an artist, she decides to lie, saying her research is about the ancient monastery, as she is aware film fanatics aren’t popular with the trust.

In 1938 the story tells the coming of age of Vanessa, as she travels to Paris to be school with her famous father, rubs shoulders with her ultimate crush only ti have her dreams crushed. We meet the beautiful and mysterious Irene, who takes to Vanessa and treats her like the you g woman she is becoming. After the gaiety of Paris Vanessa begins to long for the peace of St Elfwy Island where her family usually spend Summer. We hear how over the next 10 years the Island (which is owned by her family) becomes very important to her and her close friends. How it helps to heal those who need time and space to be alone away from their thoughts, busy lives and heartaches. The secrets of Vanessa’s life and loves are slowly revealed to us as we read but the greatest secrets of all are hidden, potentially only to be revealed by Romy, as she too falls in love with the island.

Every Winter I chose to cosy up and indulge in a new Lulu Taylor book. The wintery themes and the promise of Summer at the end always tempt me. “The Last Song of Winter” did not disappoint. It ticked every box with strong female lead characters and plenty of secrets to be revealed. I loved reading this and look forward to next Winter, if not before, when I can enjoy cosying up and indulging myself in another Lulu Taylor book.

A captivating read. The dual storylines circle and swirl around each other meeting for a decisive ending. Really enjoyable read which keeps you guessing but doesn’t disappoint. The setting sounds glorious and the two storylines are distinct and definite parts of the book. One to lose yourself in.

Thank you Netgalley

I have not read any of Lulu Taylor’s books previously and it did take me a little while to get into this book as I’m not always a fan of dual storylines. Once I did though I loved this story, it’s full of passion and intrigue and it was lovely to be with Romy on her journey to recovery. I really loved all of the main characters. I look forward to reading more of Lulu Taylor’s books.

A dual timeline full of romance and heartbreak. Set in a beautiful part of Wales which I love. I enjoyed this one from Lulu she's back on form . My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

1940 . Veronica is part of a theatrical family and has fallen in love with Jack, a young film star who has eyes only for an older man.
The family own an island off the Welsh coast and after a summer in Paris she moves their to live.
However, war is never far away and it will even reach the island.

Present time. Romy is recovering from an illness and comes to the island to recuperate. She decides to investigate the life of Veronica and is drawn into the secrets from the past. Can she find peace for both of them.

A dual storyline gradually comes together in time and place as this gentle story melds into one. A light, easy read with rich ingredients not only of the darker side of life but also of love, intrigue and a final sense that all will be well.

Very enjoyable read about wartime passions and more recent intrigue. The dual storyline is linked by music and film and although quite different at first, they start to converge. Some good characters, very interesting settings and some lovely bird watching.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this review copy of Lulu Taylor’s latest book. A dual storyline, Veronica in the 1940’s wartime era, and Romy present day staying on a remote island off Pembrokeshire. This is an easy to read mystery story with some interesting warm characters. It’s a long book so you do feel very immersed in this story, and is a solid chunky read for the winter that is not too taxing. The sort of book that I would happily pick off the library shelf.

The Last Song of Winter by Lulu Taylor

1940s
Young and romantic, Veronica cannot help falling in love, even with unattainable men like handsome film star Jack Bannock. Her other passion is St Elfwy, the windswept jewel of an island off the coast of Pembrokeshire. It becomes her retreat, a refuge from war and a place to recover from lost love. But even peaceful St Elfwy cannot prevent tragedy and heartbreak. .
Present Day
When Romy arrives on St Elfwy, now a bird sanctuary and retreat, she only has the enigmatic warden for company. As she devotes herself to understanding the lure of this beautiful, haunting place, she is drawn into the past and the tale of Veronica Mindenhall. The island hides stories of betrayal and loss, as well as redemption - but it is a perilous path to discover its secrets.

Lulu Taylor has done it again x 100 ! A perfect story to warm your heart at this time of year. Great characters in Romy & Veronica in the dual timeline tale set in St Elfwy. . PERFECT .

Lulu is one of my favourite authors, and I love her winter themed novels. This was another great read for a cosy day. Full of inrigue and secrets, emotion and elation, I loved it! Perfect for cosy season!