Nearly divorced and looking for a place to settle far away from the life she shared with her husband in London, Kate buys a little cottage on Nightingale Square in Norwich. Determined to take a year out and readjust to a new future, she believes this cosy nook will provide her with the anonymity she craves. But with a larger than life neighbour intent on introducing her to “village” life, Kate begins to wonder whether hiding away is really an option.
When the Victorian mansion house on the other side of the square is bought by developers, Kate soon finds herself championing the preservation of the square’s history along with the other residents. But with the arrival of a handsome stranger, all may not be as it seems.
I have to admit I was a little concerned to learn Swain was stepping away from the well-loved setting of Wynbridge with this book. Although, I needn’t have worried, as ever this author has managed to create a warm and comforting arena for her wonderful characters to flourish.
I loved the Nightingale Square residents, each one had their own unique personality and quirks. Carole, the most matriarchal of the community, often had me laughing out loud with her inappropriate remarks and comedic timing! I didn’t warm to Kate as quickly as I have with the other female protagonists in Swain’s titles, but I began to come around to her about halfway through. At first I thought her outlook on life was a little irrational, but as the story progressed I began to find the change in her was realistic and I found myself comparing myself to her in a lot of ways.
As I have said before about this author, it takes great skill to transport a reader to a fictional place, and once again she has managed to make me feel as though I was right alongside the characters planting seeds and smelling sweet peas. Heidi Swain offers so much more than your average rom-com, and no matter where it’s set I am thoroughly looking forward to the next book…as always.
** Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC **