Beth hates her house-share with her dirty and disrespectful housemates, but she absolutely loves her job looking after the residents of the local care home. When one of her charges asks Beth to accompany him to Nightingale Square’s Gro-well she is surprised to find this bountiful oasis in the middle of the city. So, when the opportunity to take up residence on the Square arises, Beth jumps at the chance.
Welcomed with open arms by her new neighbours, especially new house mate Eli. But being embraced by this close-knit community soon seems to have its downfalls. Ones that open old wounds for Beth that she never thought she’d revisit.
By helping her friends and neighbours can Beth also begin to heal herself.
Oh, it’s so good to be back in one of Heidi’s enchanting Norfolk destinations! As enjoyable as it is for a reader to discover new people and locations in novels, I find it somewhat comforting to revisit familiar faces and places.
This story follows newcomer Beth, who can’t believe her luck as she is enveloped by this special community. I found Beth, and Eli, to be my least favourite protagonists of Swain’s. I think this was due in part to the predominance this book and particularly these characters placed on their love of music. A passion that I do not share and therefore found it hard to relate to.
This aside, the story itself was exactly what I have come to expect and thoroughly enjoy from Swain. Her writing style is as warm and endearing as the characters she creates and I always look forward to anything new. I would happily read her shopping list, I’m sure!
Highly recommend for fans and newcomers alike.
* Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC *