
Member Reviews

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.

Another fabulous feel good read from Heidi! A ray of reading sunshine!

This was the first time I was reading this author's writing and she managed to make me fall in love with it.
Kate is such a lovely character with her 'somewhat set ideas' but seriously, I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. The way Kate has to build her life again and how she meets the lovely people of Nightingale Square, every character was so wonderfully written! At times, I was so engrossed I almost felt as if I was there witnessing the whole thing. The community that the author managed to write is so wonderful, too! I was as invested in Lisa's and Heather's life as I was in Kate's life. Then there was that tense moment of Mark and Neil.
Simply put, this book is absolutely delightful. There were so many twists and yet, it never went over the top. that's what I loved about it. At the core, it stayed faithful to the tone throughout. That of light and lovely. I would absolutely recommend it to those who want to have some really good time with a lovely book in the summer. Get your coziest spot and your choice of drink and read this book!
This book has prompted me look up the author and read more of her work!

Worth far more than the five stars it's an amazing book so well written and just couldn't put it down. Has amazing characters and wonderful settling and plot to the story with many twists and turns. Full of starting over and making a new life with making wonderful friends and romance into the story as well. Couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end either just lived it so much and really reminded me of summer.
Kate is divorcing her husband and needs to leave London and start again so she buys a beautful little cottage on nightingale square in Norfolk and she is hoping for a quiet live to decide where to go next but she soon realises it's not going to be that way. Neighbours turn up on her doorstep trying to be friendly. She soon builds a close friendship with Lisa her bossy neighbour as she won't take no for an answer. The neighbours are wanting to a community garden and get Kate to campaign for this which she wasn't expecting. They also learn the big mansion house on the other side of the village is to be sold to developers and they aren't happy. But they think every chance of hope is lost with a community garden when they get invited to the house and meet a handsome stranger but can he turn things around and Kate find romance and be happy or when she thinks all hope is lost she goes back home but will she be found and be happy or not.
Such a highly recommended book to read as so loved it and want others to enjoy this to.

I have read every one of this author’s books (after discovering her via Netgalley) and I am pleased to say this one is another cracker. Heidi just seems to have a special something - combining a nice easy read with characters and a storyline that grip you from the start. I always find with her books that I want to be friends with the characters, and this happened with this book too. I’d love to live in Nightingale Square and be part of the community garden. A lovely read for a spring/ summer evening.