When midwife Zoe Padbury moves into Kestrel Cottage, high on a misty hill above the village of Thimblebury, everyone rallies round to make sure she doesn’t feel lonely. And as she begins her job at the doctor’s surgery, dealing with expectant mums and helping to bring newborns into the world, warmth begins to flood back into her battered and broken heart.
But the evenings are long and as Zoe sits on her cornflower-blue sofa, looking at the golden peaks crowned by clouds, she can’t help but wish she had someone to share her new life with. Her ex-husband treated her badly, but it’s still hard to resist his warm and loving messages begging for a second chance.
Distraction arrives when she meets Alex out walking his shaggy grey dog, and discovers that he will be moving in next door. As she chats to Alex, Zoe finds it hard to ignore his thick dark hair and eyes the colour of chocolate, and her heart clenches at the worried frown that creases his brow.
She soon learns why Alex is anxious when she pays his pregnant daughter a home visit and learns of the tragedy that has brought them to Thimblebury. Zoe is no stranger to sadness, and as she and Alex lean on each other, a tentative spark begins to flicker.
But when Alex gets the wrong idea and thinks Zoe has betrayed his trust, followed by Zoe’s ex appearing on her doorstep, swearing he’s a changed man, will that spark be snuffed out? Coming to the Lake District was meant to be a fresh start for Zoe. But what if the pull of her old life is too overwhelming to resist?
About The Author
My Review
This heartfelt novel follows Zoe Padbury, a midwife who moves to the Lake District seeking a fresh start after the heartbreaking loss of her baby and the breakdown of her marriage. Determined to rebuild her life, Zoe continues her work delivering babies—a bittersweet act that both soothes and tests her as she grieves privately. In Thimblebury, she reconnects with her old friend Ottilie Oakcroft (from New Dreams for the Village Nurse) and finds solace in the kindness and warmth of the local community.
As Zoe settles into her new surroundings, she meets Alex, the devoted father of one of her patients. Their connection grows slowly, filled with tenderness and emotional honesty, offering a glimpse of love and hope after sorrow.
Beautifully written and deeply moving, this story explores loss, healing, and renewal with authenticity and grace. It’s a poignant reminder that even after the hardest heartbreaks, it’s possible to find comfort, community, and joy in unexpected places.
My Rating
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