I still can’t believe this actually happened, but we had the most amazing time on Saturday morning!! (Me, Steve, and Bella.)

From Friday 20th January until Saturday 11th February I enjoyed a lovely, relaxing stay at Peartree Cottage, in Aston-sub-Edge, Gloucestershire. Steve had to work nearby at Long Marston for three weeks, so this time me and Bella went with him. Why not, eh?

Whilst there the lovely owner, Sally, introduced me to Burnt Norton, a book written by Caroline Sandon (Montague) which is based on true events that happened at the real Burnt Norton, also located in Aston-sub-Edge.

You may remember my review from a couple of weeks ago. If not, there was a hardcover copy of the book at the cottage for me to borrow and I was very intrigued so I took advantage of the opportunity to read it. I am SO glad I did.

My published review resulted in conversation with Caroline via social media. Such a lovely lady! As we book bloggers do, I had researched Caroline’s other books and added them to my list. Chuffed to have discovered a new author and to have other books already to look forward to.

During my research I had discovered that Caroline owns and resides at Burnt Norton as the 8th Countess of Harrowby with her husband, the 8th Earl of Harrowby.

What I hadn’t realised was that Caroline is good friends with Sally and they regularly walk together. They were out walking on Friday and Sally mentioned that the lady staying in her cottage (me) had read her book and had really enjoyed it. When Sally mentioned that my name was Kerry, Caroline said she had been chatting with a book blogger called Kerry via social media since a new book review for Burnt Norton had been published.

They soon realised that I was the same Kerry.

Small world or what!?

Caroline, very kindly, invited us to go see her at Burnt Norton on Saturday morning before we headed home. How amazing is that!! Of course, we weren’t going to say no. Caroline called me on Friday night to make arrangements and once we’d checked out of the cottage on Saturday morning we made our way round to Burnt Norton where we were greeted by the very lovely Caroline, and her dogs. She showed us around the grounds, explaining the history of the Keyt family and showing us where the elaborate house he built to the side of the beautiful original house would have been. I don’t want to say too much about that as you really need to read the book for yourself. We also saw the two pools which inspired a famous poem by T.S. Eliot and extensive grounds with trees around 270 years old which were planted by William Keyt. It was fascinating listening to her talk about the history of the property and for me (as Steve hasn’t read the book yet) to be able to visualise where the story took place. The true story of the Keyt family that happened there in the early 1700s. Also, how they came to live there and how the Keyt’s story inspired her to write her first book.

I was blown away! It was truly a privilege.

Once back inside, Caroline welcomed us into her kitchen, made us a coffee, and we chatted about all sorts. When we told her we were from Newcastle-under-Lyme we learned that they also own Sandon Hall in Staffordshire. A beautiful place. If you’re looking for a wedding venue, look it up. There will be a literary festival there later in the year, so watch this space!

I could not believe it when she told us what the book she is currently writing is about. I don’t think I’m allowed to share those details yet, but needless to say I can’t wait to read it!

We were there for a couple of hours and we are so thankful to Caroline for her time and hospitality.

She gifted me a copy of Shadows Over The Spanish Sun….