A great return to Doctor Frances Brakespeare, who continues her good work within Norton Dene as doctor to all and running the mother child clinic which the villagers appear to more accepting of, will they be ready for the good doctor’s next step! A few raised eyebrows maybe! In her free time Frances continues to see local reverend George who is always her voice of reason which she needs a lot more of this time round as her adoptive mother Izzy’s sister Beatrice has an axe to grind (jealousy is a dangerous thing)!
We also follow nurse Lucy Daniel’s treatment of Devlin Compton-Dixon who was injured in the war and is now blind. Someone has plans for them.

I really enjoyed that there was so much going on in this story, the build up to the Beatrice story, proving that you should be careful what you wish for.
Introducing Mary Devonshire and the unfolding of her life. Minty controlling Devlin's life if only he knew it, while helping along with his independence at the same time. The boy’s story introducing the evil Greville (getting his comeuppance from and unlikely source).
Lucy’s tale brought the love element, not forgetting Polly ( the baby story brought tears to the eyes)
Favourite character was Frances, least was Beatrice.
I do hope there will be a third book?

Another visit with Dr France’s Brakespeare and the Orchard Cottage Hospital. She is settling in well and after puttting together a mother and baby clinic she now wants to expand to a family planning session with the ladies whom she sees as worn out by baby after baby who are often sickly and underfed. She faces strong opposition from certain members of the community.
She is still getting pressure from her adoptive mothers sister who at every turn is trying to bring her down, but 5en an unexpected visitor brings so much to light Frances feels that she’s now on an even footing with the Brakespeare family. Secrets that are dark and hard to comprehend.
Brilliant book loving this series and hoping for further visits.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant book in this series by a brilliant author

Family saga wartime what more could you want

Can’t wait to read more