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A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse
Among the emerald hills of the Lake District sits the village of Thimblebury and Wordsworth Cottage, its garden bursting with wildflowers. It is the perfect place for village nurse Ottilie to make her brave new start…
Ottilie Oakcroft never thought she’d live in a place like Wordsworth Cottage. Nestled close to the river, her new home in the tiny village of Thimblebury means all her patients are just a stone’s throw from her front door. As they drop in for cups of tea and cosy chats she ignores all the jobs on her to-do list and gets to know her new neighbours.
Yet maybe keeping busy is just what Ottilie needs, even if she’s barely had a minute to unpack her suitcase. Heartbroken after the death of her husband Josh, as she offers advice and hot soup from her kitchen to the villagers who clearly need a helping hand, she starts to feel part of a community again.
But disaster strikes when a terrible storm causes the river to burst its banks and flood Ottilie’s ramshackle cottage. She has sunk every penny she has into what she’d hoped would be her forever home, and now she’s faced with the prospect of losing it.
But the villagers have other ideas. They can’t bear to lose Ottilie and they make a plan to save her house. Leading the effort is handsome Heath, and as he rolls up his sleeves to get involved in the repairs, he and Ottilie start to open up to each other. Ottilie tells him about her loss, and he shares the pain of a marriage that ended in heartbreak for him.
Ottilie hasn’t talked to anyone like this since Josh’s death and while it scares her, a tiny grain of hope begins to grow. Could Heath be the man to make her feel life is worth living again – not just for her patients, but for herself?
A completely beautiful and romantic read about healing after heartbreak and learning that the darkest clouds have a silver lining. Fans of Shari Low, Jessica Redland and Jo Bartlett will lose their hearts to A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse.
Ottilie Oakcroft never thought she’d live in a place like Wordsworth Cottage. Nestled close to the river, her new home in the tiny village of Thimblebury means all her patients are just a stone’s throw from her front door. As they drop in for cups of tea and cosy chats she ignores all the jobs on her to-do list and gets to know her new neighbours.
Yet maybe keeping busy is just what Ottilie needs, even if she’s barely had a minute to unpack her suitcase. Heartbroken after the death of her husband Josh, as she offers advice and hot soup from her kitchen to the villagers who clearly need a helping hand, she starts to feel part of a community again.
But disaster strikes when a terrible storm causes the river to burst its banks and flood Ottilie’s ramshackle cottage. She has sunk every penny she has into what she’d hoped would be her forever home, and now she’s faced with the prospect of losing it.
But the villagers have other ideas. They can’t bear to lose Ottilie and they make a plan to save her house. Leading the effort is handsome Heath, and as he rolls up his sleeves to get involved in the repairs, he and Ottilie start to open up to each other. Ottilie tells him about her loss, and he shares the pain of a marriage that ended in heartbreak for him.
Ottilie hasn’t talked to anyone like this since Josh’s death and while it scares her, a tiny grain of hope begins to grow. Could Heath be the man to make her feel life is worth living again – not just for her patients, but for herself?
A completely beautiful and romantic read about healing after heartbreak and learning that the darkest clouds have a silver lining. Fans of Shari Low, Jessica Redland and Jo Bartlett will lose their hearts to A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
1107 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Tennant
48 books469 followersTilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.
Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.
Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 7, 2024
Ottilie Oakcraft is a new widow and is starting life over. She has taken a nursing job in new surroundings in the village of Thimblebury. She found the perfect home in Wordsworth Cottage and everything around her is quite idyllic. Hitting it off with her new neighbors and patients is really helping her to deal with her grief. The villagers are wonderful and Ottilie has one geriatric patient named Flo who she really finds a connection with.
Keeping busy might be enough to help Ottilie deal with her grief. Just as she is getting her bearings, she finds that she might be losing her home due to a natural disaster. The villagers are not about to let that happen and Flo’s grandson Heath is there for Ottilie in a huge way with helping her with repairs. While Ottilie reluctantly finds herself drawn to Heath, she feels she is tarnishing the memories of her husband, and feels keeping distance from him is a very good idea.
This touching story is so warm in so many ways. Ottilie, the villagers and the village itself are absolutely wonderful. As the story develops, there is a such a nice feel to it. There is a slow romance that grows between Ottilie and Heath, all while letting herself deal with her grief and be able to show herself grace, and allow permission to herself to be happy. I love that this book is the first book in a new series. I can’t wait to see the next story and characters that Tilly Tennant will be bringing to her readers.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Keeping busy might be enough to help Ottilie deal with her grief. Just as she is getting her bearings, she finds that she might be losing her home due to a natural disaster. The villagers are not about to let that happen and Flo’s grandson Heath is there for Ottilie in a huge way with helping her with repairs. While Ottilie reluctantly finds herself drawn to Heath, she feels she is tarnishing the memories of her husband, and feels keeping distance from him is a very good idea.
This touching story is so warm in so many ways. Ottilie, the villagers and the village itself are absolutely wonderful. As the story develops, there is a such a nice feel to it. There is a slow romance that grows between Ottilie and Heath, all while letting herself deal with her grief and be able to show herself grace, and allow permission to herself to be happy. I love that this book is the first book in a new series. I can’t wait to see the next story and characters that Tilly Tennant will be bringing to her readers.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 17, 2024
Cute little story set in a cute little village. A little bit of drama to get the story moving, but it’s nice to read a slower paced book from time to time and enjoy what daily life brings.
June 3, 2024
"A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse" by Tilly Tennant is women's fiction set in Thimbleberry, a small village in England.
After Ottilie has a personal tragedy, she moves from the city to a small village to start over. She is the village nurse, and over time, the villagers take her into their circle like family. At the same time, curmudgeonly Flo needs help, and Flo's adult grandson, Heath, is distrustful and harsh. Over time, he opens up to Ottilie, and then we have an enemies to lovers trope. It's a sweet romance with no spice.
This book is about starting over, dealing with grief, overcoming hardships, and the strength, support, and love of community. And there are alpacas!
For a relaxing kind of book and a good break from thrillers or horrors, try this one.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5 by Katy Sobey
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 34/8 = 4 2/8 rounded to 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, and Tilly Tennant for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
After Ottilie has a personal tragedy, she moves from the city to a small village to start over. She is the village nurse, and over time, the villagers take her into their circle like family. At the same time, curmudgeonly Flo needs help, and Flo's adult grandson, Heath, is distrustful and harsh. Over time, he opens up to Ottilie, and then we have an enemies to lovers trope. It's a sweet romance with no spice.
This book is about starting over, dealing with grief, overcoming hardships, and the strength, support, and love of community. And there are alpacas!
For a relaxing kind of book and a good break from thrillers or horrors, try this one.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5 by Katy Sobey
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 34/8 = 4 2/8 rounded to 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, and Tilly Tennant for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2024
I loved this. This was such a lovely story. This is definitely a low stakes, slow burn, cozy story. I really went into this blind and I wont lie, I was initially disappointed when I realized this was a romance, mostly because I thought "why! she just lost her husband, she doesn't need to move on, she can just focus on herself" but honestly the romance was done really well. I loved all the villagers, the characters were just so lovely and sweet. This book was exactly what I needed, and I'm so glad I picked it up.
I loved the narrator of this audiobook Katy Sobey, she did such an amazing job. I really enjoyed her voice and pacing. I tend to listen at around 1.5-1.75 speed and this was so perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an early copy of this audiobook.
I loved the narrator of this audiobook Katy Sobey, she did such an amazing job. I really enjoyed her voice and pacing. I tend to listen at around 1.5-1.75 speed and this was so perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an early copy of this audiobook.
August 16, 2025
Ik vond dit zoveel leuker dan verwacht! Helemaal geen populair boek en een schrijfster die ik nog niet kende, maar het las zo lekker weg (maar was ook realistisch en bevatte voldoende diepgang). Leefde erg mee met het hoofdpersonage en vond het heerlijk om te lezen over dit gezellige dorpje!💕
July 29, 2024
As usual another book but Tilly Tennant that is amazing. I love jumping into the worlds that Tilly creates and never want them to end, luckily for me the sequel came out today, so I will be starting that one after the book I'm reading now ❤️
Ottilie was working as a nurse in a hospital in Manchester, when she got the worst call of her life, explaining that her Policeman husband has been murdered whilst on a call, her life falls apart and she decides to leave her job and home in Manchester to relocate to a small village in the Lake District, where she has got a job as the village nurse.
Whilst trying to deal with her loss, she jumps right into village life by helping people before she officially starts work. She struggles with her new patients that are constantly reminding her how good her predecessor was and how Gwen did it differently, will she ever fit into this community. With her husband's murderer still not caught and her paranoia that they will come after her, and trying to navigate a small village, whose gossip is well and active, she tries to negotiate how her life will be from now on, including all the challenges thrown at her.
The characters in this book are well written and there are quite a few I would love to be friends with. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to immerse themselves into a small village life. Cannot wait to start the next book and see how Ottilie is getting on
Ottilie was working as a nurse in a hospital in Manchester, when she got the worst call of her life, explaining that her Policeman husband has been murdered whilst on a call, her life falls apart and she decides to leave her job and home in Manchester to relocate to a small village in the Lake District, where she has got a job as the village nurse.
Whilst trying to deal with her loss, she jumps right into village life by helping people before she officially starts work. She struggles with her new patients that are constantly reminding her how good her predecessor was and how Gwen did it differently, will she ever fit into this community. With her husband's murderer still not caught and her paranoia that they will come after her, and trying to navigate a small village, whose gossip is well and active, she tries to negotiate how her life will be from now on, including all the challenges thrown at her.
The characters in this book are well written and there are quite a few I would love to be friends with. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to immerse themselves into a small village life. Cannot wait to start the next book and see how Ottilie is getting on
March 17, 2024
Title: A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse By Tilly Tennant
Release Date: May, 24th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
"A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse" by Tilly Tennant is a heartwarming romance that transports readers to the charming village of Thimblebury..
Ottilie Oakcroft, the village nurse, finds solace in her new home at Wordsworth Cottage after the death of her husband. When a devastating storm threatens her beloved cottage, the villagers rally together to help her rebuild. Among them is Heath, whose own past struggles draw him closer to Ottilie.
As they bond over shared experiences of loss and heartbreak, a spark ignites between them, offering hope for a new beginning. This touching tale explores themes of healing, community, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a perfect escape for romance lovers.
The author's enchanting words paint a vivid picture of Thimblebury, whisking readers away to its delightful scenery.
With emphasis on love, friendship, and resilience, this story is a touching and uplifting read.
It's perfect for those seeking a heartfelt romance but without the spice.
Release Date: May, 24th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
"A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse" by Tilly Tennant is a heartwarming romance that transports readers to the charming village of Thimblebury..
Ottilie Oakcroft, the village nurse, finds solace in her new home at Wordsworth Cottage after the death of her husband. When a devastating storm threatens her beloved cottage, the villagers rally together to help her rebuild. Among them is Heath, whose own past struggles draw him closer to Ottilie.
As they bond over shared experiences of loss and heartbreak, a spark ignites between them, offering hope for a new beginning. This touching tale explores themes of healing, community, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a perfect escape for romance lovers.
The author's enchanting words paint a vivid picture of Thimblebury, whisking readers away to its delightful scenery.
With emphasis on love, friendship, and resilience, this story is a touching and uplifting read.
It's perfect for those seeking a heartfelt romance but without the spice.
May 14, 2024
Thank you to NetaGallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Set in the serene village of Thimblebury, "A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse", the book follows nurse Ottilie as she navigates grief after the loss of her husband, community, and new beginnings. The novel beautifully portrays Ottilie's journey to healing, her connections with neighbors, and a romance with Heath, intertwining themes of love, resilience, and hope throughout. The book serves as a reminder of the enduring strength found in love and optimism when faced with life's trials.
I do wish there was a pinch of spice and/or a little more character development as I wasn’t fully sold on the love-story between Ottillie and Heath. The FMC was written without absolutely any character flaws (which kind of drove me a little mad) but overall I did very much enjoy this feel-good book!
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse is available May 24th, 2024 & Happy Reading !
Set in the serene village of Thimblebury, "A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse", the book follows nurse Ottilie as she navigates grief after the loss of her husband, community, and new beginnings. The novel beautifully portrays Ottilie's journey to healing, her connections with neighbors, and a romance with Heath, intertwining themes of love, resilience, and hope throughout. The book serves as a reminder of the enduring strength found in love and optimism when faced with life's trials.
I do wish there was a pinch of spice and/or a little more character development as I wasn’t fully sold on the love-story between Ottillie and Heath. The FMC was written without absolutely any character flaws (which kind of drove me a little mad) but overall I did very much enjoy this feel-good book!
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse is available May 24th, 2024 & Happy Reading !
May 11, 2024
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC.
arrrrrghhhh noooo I really wanted to like this. I wanted to DNF but I pushed through to see the resolution of the story.
I loved the cozy vibes of the lakeside small town in England, and a lot of the side characters were fun and interesting. But the romance between the main characters felt really off and forced because it was all extremely hot and cold up until the last 10 or so pages - clearly, there is going to be a second book, but it made this one feel unfinished.
The writing was TOO cheesy and I REALLY struggled to get through it. The FMC was almost TOO perfect and never did anything wrong, so her POV only started to get really repetitive over the course of the book. Unfortunately, I probably wouldn't read others in this series.
arrrrrghhhh noooo I really wanted to like this. I wanted to DNF but I pushed through to see the resolution of the story.
I loved the cozy vibes of the lakeside small town in England, and a lot of the side characters were fun and interesting. But the romance between the main characters felt really off and forced because it was all extremely hot and cold up until the last 10 or so pages - clearly, there is going to be a second book, but it made this one feel unfinished.
The writing was TOO cheesy and I REALLY struggled to get through it. The FMC was almost TOO perfect and never did anything wrong, so her POV only started to get really repetitive over the course of the book. Unfortunately, I probably wouldn't read others in this series.
March 25, 2024
This was a sweet, light read! I loved that Ottilie, our FMC, was looking for a new start in a very small town. This set up my favorite aspect of the book; the community feel! The side characters were great and I loved how interconnected the characters and the community were to Ottilie’s development in learning to live with the grief of her husband’s passing. I wished I could join the film club and have friends like them! The community after tragedy trope was very well done in this book.
That being said, I did feel that the relationship aspect felt rushed and didn’t have a lot of depth. I wanted to know a lot more about the love interest Heath and their interactions seemed surface level. Also, the end was a bit predictable for me in that there wasn’t really any surprise or struggle between the leads, it just sort of ended. I felt totally shocked when the book ended because it felt so rushed! There was so much more to be said to give this story a good wrap up. Though, I see this is a first in a new series so I hope there will be more information in book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
That being said, I did feel that the relationship aspect felt rushed and didn’t have a lot of depth. I wanted to know a lot more about the love interest Heath and their interactions seemed surface level. Also, the end was a bit predictable for me in that there wasn’t really any surprise or struggle between the leads, it just sort of ended. I felt totally shocked when the book ended because it felt so rushed! There was so much more to be said to give this story a good wrap up. Though, I see this is a first in a new series so I hope there will be more information in book 2.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 24, 2024
I am drawn to books about nurses, so this was a must read. I enjoyed this title…it was a cozy read. If you are a fan of found family vibes and the idea of trying to start your life over after tragedy, this book could be for you.
Cozy, Sweet, reiventing yourself after tragedy, finding a soft place to land-and heal, old-folks who say exactly what they want with little care for feelings…Read this.
I was happy when I Finished
Cozy, Sweet, reiventing yourself after tragedy, finding a soft place to land-and heal, old-folks who say exactly what they want with little care for feelings…Read this.
I was happy when I Finished
September 19, 2024
This was such a good read. I totally got lost in the village of Thimblebury. To the point where I was fantasising about moving to a village and opening up a village shop!!
How brave of Ottilie to up sticks and move to the country. I loved how everyone fell in love with her, especially her relationship with Flo.
I loved it so much I am already on the 2nd book in this series.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a light hearted, feel good read.
How brave of Ottilie to up sticks and move to the country. I loved how everyone fell in love with her, especially her relationship with Flo.
I loved it so much I am already on the 2nd book in this series.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a light hearted, feel good read.
May 28, 2024
Otillie moves to this village for a fresh start. New place, new people, new job. Ones where people do not know her husband was recently killed in the line of duty. As she struggles to make it work, and create connections, she keeps bumping into Heath. A man hurt badly by his ex-wife. Otillie and Heath find comfort in each other.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 17, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
May 24, 2024
This is one of my favourite authors and I was excited to see they had a new series out and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
This was a heartwarming and engaging read with great characters and set in the beautiful setting of the Lake District which is one of my favourite places so this added to my enjoyment.
I loved the community feel and how everyone pulled together to help each other. This was a lovely heartwarming read of making a fresh start and finding happiness and making
New friends.
Looking forward to the next instalment
This was a heartwarming and engaging read with great characters and set in the beautiful setting of the Lake District which is one of my favourite places so this added to my enjoyment.
I loved the community feel and how everyone pulled together to help each other. This was a lovely heartwarming read of making a fresh start and finding happiness and making
New friends.
Looking forward to the next instalment
May 2, 2024
dnf at 10%
i just can’t get into it, i’m sorry😭 it was too sappy for my liking
i just can’t get into it, i’m sorry😭 it was too sappy for my liking
May 24, 2024
This is my first book from Tilly Tennant. So I am coming in with no previous knowledge of her books. That said if you're a fan of Hallmark + Virgin River this book series is right up your alley! Tilly is incredible in delivering well developed characters, a steady plot line & some romance sprinkled in but not the focus. This book does cover topics of crime, murder, and grieving the loss of a significant other. This specific storyline is about love, loss and starting a new chapter in a new place. A coming to terms, healing journey that finds the main character (Ottilie Oakcraft) in a small beach town village surrounded by a community of people who were once strangers and by the end are family. It's a story that gets you in all the emotions. From laughter to a few tears you will get los in the journey along with her & fall in love with the characters in the village as much as she does!
As a Hallmark lover I would have loved more of the romance intertwined but it was sweet and wonderful without it! I hope the next one in the series gives us so much more of her healing journey and the stories of the characters in the village!!
Synopsis: Ottilie Oakcroft never thought she’d live in a place like Wordsworth Cottage. Nestled close to the river, her new home in the tiny village of Thimblebury means all her patients are just a stone’s throw from her front door. As they drop in for cups of tea and cosy chats she ignores all the jobs on her to-do list and gets to know her new neighbours.
Yet maybe keeping busy is just what Ottilie needs, even if she’s barely had a minute to unpack her suitcase. Heartbroken after the death of her husband Josh, as she offers advice and hot soup from her kitchen to the villagers who clearly need a helping hand, she starts to feel part of a community again.
But disaster strikes when a terrible storm causes the river to burst its banks and flood Ottilie’s ramshackle cottage. She has sunk every penny she has into what she’d hoped would be her forever home, and now she’s faced with the prospect of losing it.
But the villagers have other ideas. They can’t bear to lose Ottilie and they make a plan to save her house. Leading the effort is handsome Heath, and as he rolls up his sleeves to get involved in the repairs, he and Ottilie start to open up to each other. Ottilie tells him about her loss, and he shares the pain of a marriage that ended in heartbreak for him.
Ottilie hasn’t talked to anyone like this since Josh’s death and while it scares her, a tiny grain of hope begins to grow. Could Heath be the man to make her feel life is worth living again – not just for her patients, but for herself?
Shoutout to Netgalley + Bookouture for the eARC! I truly enjoyed it!!!
As a Hallmark lover I would have loved more of the romance intertwined but it was sweet and wonderful without it! I hope the next one in the series gives us so much more of her healing journey and the stories of the characters in the village!!
Synopsis: Ottilie Oakcroft never thought she’d live in a place like Wordsworth Cottage. Nestled close to the river, her new home in the tiny village of Thimblebury means all her patients are just a stone’s throw from her front door. As they drop in for cups of tea and cosy chats she ignores all the jobs on her to-do list and gets to know her new neighbours.
Yet maybe keeping busy is just what Ottilie needs, even if she’s barely had a minute to unpack her suitcase. Heartbroken after the death of her husband Josh, as she offers advice and hot soup from her kitchen to the villagers who clearly need a helping hand, she starts to feel part of a community again.
But disaster strikes when a terrible storm causes the river to burst its banks and flood Ottilie’s ramshackle cottage. She has sunk every penny she has into what she’d hoped would be her forever home, and now she’s faced with the prospect of losing it.
But the villagers have other ideas. They can’t bear to lose Ottilie and they make a plan to save her house. Leading the effort is handsome Heath, and as he rolls up his sleeves to get involved in the repairs, he and Ottilie start to open up to each other. Ottilie tells him about her loss, and he shares the pain of a marriage that ended in heartbreak for him.
Ottilie hasn’t talked to anyone like this since Josh’s death and while it scares her, a tiny grain of hope begins to grow. Could Heath be the man to make her feel life is worth living again – not just for her patients, but for herself?
Shoutout to Netgalley + Bookouture for the eARC! I truly enjoyed it!!!
May 23, 2024
Ottilie Oakcraft recently lost her husband Josh. She needs a new beginning and so she had taken a job as a nurse in the beautiful and quaint village of Thimblebury. She has found the perfect home with the perfect setting. Wordsworth Cottage that sits right next to a flowing river, Ottilie knows this is exactly where she wants to be. She loves the villagers and is especially drawn to an older lady named Flo. Flo and Ottilie love to meet and chat over a cup of tea. Flo helps Ottilie through her grief, and Ottilie feels as if she may just make it through this season of her life. But just as she feels like she is going to be ok, she is about to lose her new cottage due to a severe storm that causes the river to burst it’s banks. The water floods her cottage and she feels once again that she has lost everything. But, Flo’s grandson Heath refuses to let that happen. He spends day and night to help repair the cottage. The entire village steps in to help. As Ottilie opens up to Heath about the pain of losing her husband Josh, Heath opens up to Ottilie about the heartbreak he suffered from his marriage. Heath and the villagers provide a small ray of hope for Ottilie as she feels once again that this is exactly where she needs to be.
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse authored by Tilly Tennant is a lovely little story about love, loss and new beginnings. I absolutely loved the village of Thimblebury and my favorite part was the people. The tea time chats between Flo and Ottilie were so touching and made me feel like I was sitting with them. Tennant is great at pulling the reader into her stories. I loved everything about this phenomenal story from the first page to the last. It hit all the feels and the details of the village and the people made it extraordinary. I am so happy that this is the first book of a new series, I can’t wait to read the next installment. Thank you Tilly Tennant for such a sweet wonderful story that made my heart happy. I highly recommend this absolutely fabulous book.
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse authored by Tilly Tennant is a lovely little story about love, loss and new beginnings. I absolutely loved the village of Thimblebury and my favorite part was the people. The tea time chats between Flo and Ottilie were so touching and made me feel like I was sitting with them. Tennant is great at pulling the reader into her stories. I loved everything about this phenomenal story from the first page to the last. It hit all the feels and the details of the village and the people made it extraordinary. I am so happy that this is the first book of a new series, I can’t wait to read the next installment. Thank you Tilly Tennant for such a sweet wonderful story that made my heart happy. I highly recommend this absolutely fabulous book.
August 4, 2024
Tilly Tennant aims for the heart and does not miss with her wonderfully romantic new novel, A Helping Hand for the Village Midwife.
Ottilie Oakcroft has had a tough couple of years. After losing her beloved husband Josh, she had been devastated and had packed up her life and moved to Wordsworth Cottage in the village of Thimblebury among the verdant hills of the Lake District. Unlike the big city, Ottilie is right in the heart of the community and she soon finds herself dispensing advice from her own kitchen. Welcomed with open arms by her new neighbours, Ottilie begins to feel like she might have found somewhere she belongs – until tragedy strikes!
Having sunk every last penny she had in Wordsworth Cottage, when her home is flooded, Ottilie is naturally heartbroken. Just when she had begun to feel like she’d found somewhere she could be happy again, fate intervened and swept the rug out from under her feet. Her neighbours, however, are not about to let her throw in the towel just yet. As they all chip in and begin to help her restore her ramshackle cottage, Ottilie begins to feel hopeful that things could turn around for her – especially with her newfound friend Heath, whom she finds herself drawn to.
As they begin to open up to each other, could Ottilie and Heath find the happy ending they had long given up on? Or have they been too hurt in the past to ever consider taking another chance on love?
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse is pure romantic enchantment from beginning to end. A gorgeous tale perfect for snuggling up with, A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse is a wonderful story about new beginnings, healing from old wounds and finding love again that will make readers laugh, cry and fall head over heels in love with Ottilie, Heath and the village of Thimblebury.
Tilly Tennant has knocked it out of the park with A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse and I am counting down the days until my next visit to Thimblebury!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ottilie Oakcroft has had a tough couple of years. After losing her beloved husband Josh, she had been devastated and had packed up her life and moved to Wordsworth Cottage in the village of Thimblebury among the verdant hills of the Lake District. Unlike the big city, Ottilie is right in the heart of the community and she soon finds herself dispensing advice from her own kitchen. Welcomed with open arms by her new neighbours, Ottilie begins to feel like she might have found somewhere she belongs – until tragedy strikes!
Having sunk every last penny she had in Wordsworth Cottage, when her home is flooded, Ottilie is naturally heartbroken. Just when she had begun to feel like she’d found somewhere she could be happy again, fate intervened and swept the rug out from under her feet. Her neighbours, however, are not about to let her throw in the towel just yet. As they all chip in and begin to help her restore her ramshackle cottage, Ottilie begins to feel hopeful that things could turn around for her – especially with her newfound friend Heath, whom she finds herself drawn to.
As they begin to open up to each other, could Ottilie and Heath find the happy ending they had long given up on? Or have they been too hurt in the past to ever consider taking another chance on love?
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse is pure romantic enchantment from beginning to end. A gorgeous tale perfect for snuggling up with, A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse is a wonderful story about new beginnings, healing from old wounds and finding love again that will make readers laugh, cry and fall head over heels in love with Ottilie, Heath and the village of Thimblebury.
Tilly Tennant has knocked it out of the park with A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse and I am counting down the days until my next visit to Thimblebury!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 31, 2024
I really hope that A Helping Hand from the Village Nurse is the first in a new series from Tilly Tennant because I adored this warm, engaging read from the first word to the last. I didn’t want to leave the characters or setting behind once I had reached the final page so that’s why I am desperately hoping that there will be much more to come from them in the future. Tilly Tennant is a machine when it comes to writing I feel like it was only the other day that her Lifeboat Sisters trilogy was published and now here she is with a new book. Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining. In fact it’s all welcome as I really enjoy her books. Sometimes publishing books so close together or several books a year the quality of the writing may suffer but that’s not the case here at all and dare I say it as much as I loved the Lifeboat Sisters series I think these new characters and setting edge it out for me ever so slightly. This was a fabulous read and just the genre and story I needed as a break in between reading lots of historical fiction. I devoured it in two sittings but really wish it could have gone on for much longer.
The story introduces us to Ottilie Oakcroft who is a nurse and married to a police officer named Josh. From the tone of the first few pages I could tell what was to come and to be honest I was ever so slightly reluctant to read on as I didn’t want the inevitable to happen. But of course it did and my heart broke for Ottilie. Josh is brought into the A&E of the hospital where Ottilie works. He has been injured in what turns out to be more than a scuffle with someone he was investigating. Ottilie had been looking forward to celebrating their ten year anniversary and had a very exciting present in store for Josh. But all her hopes, dreams and aspirations are shattered as Josh passes away. Even from the very first chapter you could tell the depth of love that Ottilie had for Josh and vice versa and it was truly heart-breaking for her. I just wanted to reach in and embrace her in a hug and tell her that everything would be ok but that it would take time. Bereavement, grief and desolation become big themes throughout the book, but it never ventured into dark and brooding territory. Instead, it was dealt with in an expert and sensitive way that allowed light and shade to be found throughout the book at the most opportune of times.
Six months after the loss of Josh and Ottilie still hasn’t gotten used to her new status as a widow. But now she is leaving her old life behind and searching for hope and clinging onto any shard that she can. Ottilie is emotionally vulnerable but being brave in taking a new step and starting a new job as the community nurse in the Lake District village of Thimblebury. ‘She couldn’t have known how it would tear open a wound in her soul that felt as if it would never heal, how it would force a chasm between a new reality and a past she wasn’t willing to let go of that might never be bridged’. That’s exactly what holds Ottilie back throughout the book. On a professional front she does very well. It was a joy to see her immerse herself in village life, getting to know her patients and the villagers but on a personal level she was stuck in the past and couldn’t move forward. There was something preventing her from doing so and until it could be resolved she was still terrified that something could happen. ‘She tried to move forward a little every day, and she often convinced herself that she had, but the grief was always there filling the dark spaces, showing itself whenever she dared look?’
The descriptions of the village and surrounding areas were incredible and instantly made me wish that Thimblebury was real. There was a real cosy feeling about it and that everyone would come together and be there for each other in times of trouble or strife. I loved how Ottilie threw herself into her work and made many new friends including Victor and Corinne, Geoff and Magnus, Chloe and Stacey and of course Lavender and Fliss at the surgery. They all had their own little stories which only added to my overall enjoyment of the book. But I think the friendship that Ottilie formed with Flo was very special. She was quick witted and sharp and lived in the village all her life but old age was starting to creep in on her. This friendship lead to Ottilie meeting her grandson Heath. Heath was a bit standoffish and had a big chip on his shoulder as past hurts in relation to his marriage were eating him up but still that was no excuse to be rude to Ottilie as he sometimes was.
I desperately wanted her to find happiness but I questioned could anything happen with Heath given his brusque personality. To be honest I don’t think Ottilie was really ready to move on and nor should she have been put under pressure to do so given the deep love she had with Josh. I think she was torn between a rock and a hard place. Loyalty to Josh and not forgetting his memory but also she knew how young she was and that she had plenty of life left in her and could easily get back in the game. All that it would take was time, patience and courage. ‘It was liked a locked door. I can see the rest of my life on the other side, but the key’s missing and I can’t get through. So I’m stuck here, watching it drift away from me, further and further the longer I stall’. When the time was right she would know and find that person and place that would be the best fit for her. But when a storm hits the village and her beautiful cottage is destroyed she questions whether Thimblebury and the friends she has made are right for her.
Ottilie was a people pleaser. Often doing what she thought others wanted of her rather than what she felt was right for her. Yes, she was practical, staid, reliant and sensible but she was also cautious and I think she needed to throw this feeling to the wind and embrace the changes that were coming her way. Not to be afraid of them and yes if she did have some small feelings for Heath that act on them. Break down his barriers. Get to know him. Discover what makes him tick and see could she find the true Heath that was surely lurking somewhere. But is Ottilie brave enough to take the risk? There are certainly many troubled waters to navigate and missed opportunities and crossed wires to overcome before Ottilie can attempt to find the happiness that had been snatched from her.
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse was an absolute delight of a read and should come with a warning that you will not get any work done once you start reading it. I certainly didn’t. A glorious setting, brilliant characters, lots of little problems interspersed with moments of joy and magic and a romance that gently simmers. This had everything I love in a book in this genre and I know it will please both old fans of and new readers to Tilly’s wonderful writing.
The story introduces us to Ottilie Oakcroft who is a nurse and married to a police officer named Josh. From the tone of the first few pages I could tell what was to come and to be honest I was ever so slightly reluctant to read on as I didn’t want the inevitable to happen. But of course it did and my heart broke for Ottilie. Josh is brought into the A&E of the hospital where Ottilie works. He has been injured in what turns out to be more than a scuffle with someone he was investigating. Ottilie had been looking forward to celebrating their ten year anniversary and had a very exciting present in store for Josh. But all her hopes, dreams and aspirations are shattered as Josh passes away. Even from the very first chapter you could tell the depth of love that Ottilie had for Josh and vice versa and it was truly heart-breaking for her. I just wanted to reach in and embrace her in a hug and tell her that everything would be ok but that it would take time. Bereavement, grief and desolation become big themes throughout the book, but it never ventured into dark and brooding territory. Instead, it was dealt with in an expert and sensitive way that allowed light and shade to be found throughout the book at the most opportune of times.
Six months after the loss of Josh and Ottilie still hasn’t gotten used to her new status as a widow. But now she is leaving her old life behind and searching for hope and clinging onto any shard that she can. Ottilie is emotionally vulnerable but being brave in taking a new step and starting a new job as the community nurse in the Lake District village of Thimblebury. ‘She couldn’t have known how it would tear open a wound in her soul that felt as if it would never heal, how it would force a chasm between a new reality and a past she wasn’t willing to let go of that might never be bridged’. That’s exactly what holds Ottilie back throughout the book. On a professional front she does very well. It was a joy to see her immerse herself in village life, getting to know her patients and the villagers but on a personal level she was stuck in the past and couldn’t move forward. There was something preventing her from doing so and until it could be resolved she was still terrified that something could happen. ‘She tried to move forward a little every day, and she often convinced herself that she had, but the grief was always there filling the dark spaces, showing itself whenever she dared look?’
The descriptions of the village and surrounding areas were incredible and instantly made me wish that Thimblebury was real. There was a real cosy feeling about it and that everyone would come together and be there for each other in times of trouble or strife. I loved how Ottilie threw herself into her work and made many new friends including Victor and Corinne, Geoff and Magnus, Chloe and Stacey and of course Lavender and Fliss at the surgery. They all had their own little stories which only added to my overall enjoyment of the book. But I think the friendship that Ottilie formed with Flo was very special. She was quick witted and sharp and lived in the village all her life but old age was starting to creep in on her. This friendship lead to Ottilie meeting her grandson Heath. Heath was a bit standoffish and had a big chip on his shoulder as past hurts in relation to his marriage were eating him up but still that was no excuse to be rude to Ottilie as he sometimes was.
I desperately wanted her to find happiness but I questioned could anything happen with Heath given his brusque personality. To be honest I don’t think Ottilie was really ready to move on and nor should she have been put under pressure to do so given the deep love she had with Josh. I think she was torn between a rock and a hard place. Loyalty to Josh and not forgetting his memory but also she knew how young she was and that she had plenty of life left in her and could easily get back in the game. All that it would take was time, patience and courage. ‘It was liked a locked door. I can see the rest of my life on the other side, but the key’s missing and I can’t get through. So I’m stuck here, watching it drift away from me, further and further the longer I stall’. When the time was right she would know and find that person and place that would be the best fit for her. But when a storm hits the village and her beautiful cottage is destroyed she questions whether Thimblebury and the friends she has made are right for her.
Ottilie was a people pleaser. Often doing what she thought others wanted of her rather than what she felt was right for her. Yes, she was practical, staid, reliant and sensible but she was also cautious and I think she needed to throw this feeling to the wind and embrace the changes that were coming her way. Not to be afraid of them and yes if she did have some small feelings for Heath that act on them. Break down his barriers. Get to know him. Discover what makes him tick and see could she find the true Heath that was surely lurking somewhere. But is Ottilie brave enough to take the risk? There are certainly many troubled waters to navigate and missed opportunities and crossed wires to overcome before Ottilie can attempt to find the happiness that had been snatched from her.
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse was an absolute delight of a read and should come with a warning that you will not get any work done once you start reading it. I certainly didn’t. A glorious setting, brilliant characters, lots of little problems interspersed with moments of joy and magic and a romance that gently simmers. This had everything I love in a book in this genre and I know it will please both old fans of and new readers to Tilly’s wonderful writing.
May 16, 2024
After the tragic death of her husband Ottilie Oakcroft leaves Manchester for a new start and moves in to Wordsworth Cottage, a rural retreat in the heart of the Lake District. Reeling from Josh's untimely death and the fact that it may have been international, as he was a police officer and dealing with a dangerous crime family she feels the need to start over and go somewhere off the beaten track.
The village of Thimblebury has a very close knit community and Ottilie soon finds herself in the heart of it, even before she has officially taken over as the new village nurse. She makes friends quickly and when disaster strikes in the form of a flood in the village, she realises that she might have just made friends for life as all the villagers rally round to help her fix Wordsworth Cottage.
There were some great characters in this books like Flo, Magnus and Geoff who seem like real characters. I love the book club and cinema club, it sounds like an excellent place to live.
She then meets Heath who is the nephew of Flo, but he lives in Manchester. The pair have a connection but it is a very slow one. But Ottilie is feeling guilty about having these kinds of feelings again and Heath has just been through a bad breakup, so I guess it is understandable, I personally would just have liked a little more burn. But I am guessing we will have more books to come in this story and their journey has only just begun.
I also love the fact it was set in Manchester briefly and the Lake District. I live in the North West of England, so have a close connection to both places and visit Windermere often. So know the beauty and pull it holds. Like most people once they visit I wish I could up stick and move to the idyllic landscape.
Thank you to NetGalley and Books On Tours for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
The village of Thimblebury has a very close knit community and Ottilie soon finds herself in the heart of it, even before she has officially taken over as the new village nurse. She makes friends quickly and when disaster strikes in the form of a flood in the village, she realises that she might have just made friends for life as all the villagers rally round to help her fix Wordsworth Cottage.
There were some great characters in this books like Flo, Magnus and Geoff who seem like real characters. I love the book club and cinema club, it sounds like an excellent place to live.
She then meets Heath who is the nephew of Flo, but he lives in Manchester. The pair have a connection but it is a very slow one. But Ottilie is feeling guilty about having these kinds of feelings again and Heath has just been through a bad breakup, so I guess it is understandable, I personally would just have liked a little more burn. But I am guessing we will have more books to come in this story and their journey has only just begun.
I also love the fact it was set in Manchester briefly and the Lake District. I live in the North West of England, so have a close connection to both places and visit Windermere often. So know the beauty and pull it holds. Like most people once they visit I wish I could up stick and move to the idyllic landscape.
Thank you to NetGalley and Books On Tours for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
May 30, 2024
First and foremost, this is not a romance story, but rather a story of self-discovery and acceptance of one's emotions following a trauma with a romance sprinkled in.
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse by Tilly Tennant follows Ottilie Oakcroft as she transitions to a new life as the village nurse following the traumatic loss of her husband. As Ottilie moves into her new cottage (Wordsworth Cottage) in Thimblebury from Manchester, she crosses paths with countless characters who support her as she recovers and settles into her new position in life, both personally and professionally. She quickly earns the support and familial affection of her neighbors and patients, and when disaster strikes Wordsworth Cottage, they are quick to help her rebuild.
During this time, Ottilie meets Heath, the grandson of one of her patients, who is processing his own trauma. Throughout the story, Heath provides Ottilie with support, friendship, and a safe space for her to process and overcome her loss. Overtime, their acquaintance grows into friendship and eventually something more.
Tilly Tennant did a wonderful job creating a space for her characters to grieve and grow. Each member of Thimblebury is going through their own obstacles, and the small-town relationships reflect the unconditional love of a found family. I also really enjoyed the fact that while Ottilie and Heath came together in the end (and I mean the very end), the storyline did not focus on the development of their relationship. Instead, story focused on Ottilie and her processing her husband's death and how her newfound family supported and uplifted her, and how she in turn supported and uplifted the other residents of Thimblebury during their times of need.
I would like to thank the NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this ARC edition in exchange for my honest review.
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse by Tilly Tennant follows Ottilie Oakcroft as she transitions to a new life as the village nurse following the traumatic loss of her husband. As Ottilie moves into her new cottage (Wordsworth Cottage) in Thimblebury from Manchester, she crosses paths with countless characters who support her as she recovers and settles into her new position in life, both personally and professionally. She quickly earns the support and familial affection of her neighbors and patients, and when disaster strikes Wordsworth Cottage, they are quick to help her rebuild.
During this time, Ottilie meets Heath, the grandson of one of her patients, who is processing his own trauma. Throughout the story, Heath provides Ottilie with support, friendship, and a safe space for her to process and overcome her loss. Overtime, their acquaintance grows into friendship and eventually something more.
Tilly Tennant did a wonderful job creating a space for her characters to grieve and grow. Each member of Thimblebury is going through their own obstacles, and the small-town relationships reflect the unconditional love of a found family. I also really enjoyed the fact that while Ottilie and Heath came together in the end (and I mean the very end), the storyline did not focus on the development of their relationship. Instead, story focused on Ottilie and her processing her husband's death and how her newfound family supported and uplifted her, and how she in turn supported and uplifted the other residents of Thimblebury during their times of need.
I would like to thank the NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this ARC edition in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2024
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse by Tilly Tennant and narrated by Katy Sobey is a wonderful audiobook and a lovely listen
Katey Sobey has a gentle timbre which is skilled and versatile, adapting to each character and emoting on point
Ottilie Oakcroft is a nurse, a nurse who has just been widowed, her police officer husband receiveing fatal injuries in an unprecendented attack
Ottilie needs to start over, to get away from Manchester, so she ups sticks and buys a Wordsworth cottage in a little village in the Lake District, Thimblebury. The little cottage is in a dip next to the river and Ottilie needs directions so stops to talk to a local, Victor, her first friend on the road to her new life.
However, things are not all flowers around the door, and settling in may be easy with the villagers, (easier with some than others) but with terrible flooding, and fear of recriminations from her husbands killer, Otilie is not sure she is safe in Thimblebury, her anxiety going off like a fire alarm at every turn
Tilly Tennant creates the most delightful, likable, authentic characters. The love and care between Victor and Corrinne, The steadfast fortitude and stubbornness of Flo, her grandson Heath who puts his foot in his mouth every time he opens it, Magnus and Jeff, the couple who run the cinema club and local shop, and sweet Stacey and her pregnant teenage daugher Chloe who never looks up from her phone. I enjoyed each and every one of these characters and their interactions with each other and Ottilie, not forgetting the surgery staff! Oh Lavendar you chatty thing you!
(I am SO excited that there is another book in this series on the way!!)
A cosy read that is full of wholesome activity as well as drama, with the whole village coming together, in happiness, in tragedy and as a little community. I absolutely loved this audiobook
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, Tilly Tennant and the narrator Katy Sobey for this wonderful ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Katey Sobey has a gentle timbre which is skilled and versatile, adapting to each character and emoting on point
Ottilie Oakcroft is a nurse, a nurse who has just been widowed, her police officer husband receiveing fatal injuries in an unprecendented attack
Ottilie needs to start over, to get away from Manchester, so she ups sticks and buys a Wordsworth cottage in a little village in the Lake District, Thimblebury. The little cottage is in a dip next to the river and Ottilie needs directions so stops to talk to a local, Victor, her first friend on the road to her new life.
However, things are not all flowers around the door, and settling in may be easy with the villagers, (easier with some than others) but with terrible flooding, and fear of recriminations from her husbands killer, Otilie is not sure she is safe in Thimblebury, her anxiety going off like a fire alarm at every turn
Tilly Tennant creates the most delightful, likable, authentic characters. The love and care between Victor and Corrinne, The steadfast fortitude and stubbornness of Flo, her grandson Heath who puts his foot in his mouth every time he opens it, Magnus and Jeff, the couple who run the cinema club and local shop, and sweet Stacey and her pregnant teenage daugher Chloe who never looks up from her phone. I enjoyed each and every one of these characters and their interactions with each other and Ottilie, not forgetting the surgery staff! Oh Lavendar you chatty thing you!
(I am SO excited that there is another book in this series on the way!!)
A cosy read that is full of wholesome activity as well as drama, with the whole village coming together, in happiness, in tragedy and as a little community. I absolutely loved this audiobook
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, Tilly Tennant and the narrator Katy Sobey for this wonderful ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
May 20, 2024
3.5
This story is very much in the vein of all those books taking place in small towns across Cornwall, Scotland, or in this case, the Lake District. They blend a little romance with small village drama and past trauma.
The story starts out on a tragic note, and it can be a little difficult to want to go along for what starts as such an absolutely heartbreaking journey. Fortunately, when you’re in a tiny village and you buy a house with its own name, chances are things will soon be pretty idyllic. Ottilie loved her husband immensely and, assuming you knew this was a romance on some level, you wonder how you could ever be rooting for her to end up with another guy especially the one single man they have introduced. Oh, this must jump ahead a couple of years or something. No.
Again, this is very much in its that niche of the Colgan-esque modern British novel. If you like books of this ilk, you will probably find this charming, though not on par with the mainstays. Though it has an unfortunately long title, what seems would be major challenges for the story line and characters end up not lasting long at all. That is where the book loses points.
The narrator, Katy Sobey, is great, but in an unassuming way. Ottilie’s voice has such a strong local accent, but each character is distinct. You forget that what seems could just be the narrator’s regular dialect is also a convincing middle-aged male with trace of unidentified Scandinavian accent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a free advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review.
This story is very much in the vein of all those books taking place in small towns across Cornwall, Scotland, or in this case, the Lake District. They blend a little romance with small village drama and past trauma.
The story starts out on a tragic note, and it can be a little difficult to want to go along for what starts as such an absolutely heartbreaking journey. Fortunately, when you’re in a tiny village and you buy a house with its own name, chances are things will soon be pretty idyllic. Ottilie loved her husband immensely and, assuming you knew this was a romance on some level, you wonder how you could ever be rooting for her to end up with another guy especially the one single man they have introduced. Oh, this must jump ahead a couple of years or something. No.
Again, this is very much in its that niche of the Colgan-esque modern British novel. If you like books of this ilk, you will probably find this charming, though not on par with the mainstays. Though it has an unfortunately long title, what seems would be major challenges for the story line and characters end up not lasting long at all. That is where the book loses points.
The narrator, Katy Sobey, is great, but in an unassuming way. Ottilie’s voice has such a strong local accent, but each character is distinct. You forget that what seems could just be the narrator’s regular dialect is also a convincing middle-aged male with trace of unidentified Scandinavian accent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a free advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review.
May 23, 2024
Ottilie moves to a ramshackle cottage in a small village named Thimblebury to start new life after her husband's death and after leaving behind the city. She is a nurse and soon she gets surrounded by the villagers themselves, inviting her to many things and Ottilie even does favors to others. But one day a storm comes in a flood her small cottage. Ottilie contemplates on leaving behind the village and move back to the city but the villagers wouldn't even hear of it and soon, she meets a handsome man named Heath through one of the patients, Flo.
Good points- I actually like the setting of the story. The warm scenic places away from the bustling city, the community overall trying to help you with the life in the village, I really like that setting. Also, I think I also liked the plot of the story as well.
Bad points - I felt the story as a whole was too long--this could have been a shorter novel. The flooding started somewhere towards the middle of the book and I actually got bored at some parts of the story. There were too much repetitions as a result which made the whole story sounded slightly boring in my opinion.
Overall verdict-- if this was a shorter novel, then I would have enjoyed the book as a whole. But the story was slightly too long, which made me bored reading and which lowered the rating of this book. However, I like the setting of the book, the cozy atmosphere, the community helping and above all, the book cover is very appealing. I may not read the series but then I mgiht give it a try. Worth 3 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Good points- I actually like the setting of the story. The warm scenic places away from the bustling city, the community overall trying to help you with the life in the village, I really like that setting. Also, I think I also liked the plot of the story as well.
Bad points - I felt the story as a whole was too long--this could have been a shorter novel. The flooding started somewhere towards the middle of the book and I actually got bored at some parts of the story. There were too much repetitions as a result which made the whole story sounded slightly boring in my opinion.
Overall verdict-- if this was a shorter novel, then I would have enjoyed the book as a whole. But the story was slightly too long, which made me bored reading and which lowered the rating of this book. However, I like the setting of the book, the cozy atmosphere, the community helping and above all, the book cover is very appealing. I may not read the series but then I mgiht give it a try. Worth 3 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
October 20, 2024
A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse by Tilly Tennant
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Ottilie Oakcroft never thought she’d live in a place like Wordsworth Cottage. Nestled close to the river, her new home in the tiny village of Thimblebury means all her patients are just a stone’s throw from her front door. As they drop in for cups of tea and cosy chats she ignores all the jobs on her to-do list and gets to know her new neighbours.
Yet maybe keeping busy is just what Ottilie needs, even if she’s barely had a minute to unpack her suitcase. Heartbroken after the death of her husband Josh, as she offers advice and hot soup from her kitchen to the villagers who clearly need a helping hand, she starts to feel part of a community again.
But disaster strikes when a terrible storm causes the river to burst its banks and flood Ottilie’s ramshackle cottage. She has sunk every penny she has into what she’d hoped would be her forever home, and now she’s faced with the prospect of losing it.
My Opinion
Ottilie is trying to start over again following the death of her husband. She moves to Thimblebury where she is surrounded by a lot of friendly, welcoming characters. With the way that the residents come together when they are needed, this was a heart-warming read. This is the first book in the series so I am looking forward to getting to know these characters through the series.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Ottilie Oakcroft never thought she’d live in a place like Wordsworth Cottage. Nestled close to the river, her new home in the tiny village of Thimblebury means all her patients are just a stone’s throw from her front door. As they drop in for cups of tea and cosy chats she ignores all the jobs on her to-do list and gets to know her new neighbours.
Yet maybe keeping busy is just what Ottilie needs, even if she’s barely had a minute to unpack her suitcase. Heartbroken after the death of her husband Josh, as she offers advice and hot soup from her kitchen to the villagers who clearly need a helping hand, she starts to feel part of a community again.
But disaster strikes when a terrible storm causes the river to burst its banks and flood Ottilie’s ramshackle cottage. She has sunk every penny she has into what she’d hoped would be her forever home, and now she’s faced with the prospect of losing it.
My Opinion
Ottilie is trying to start over again following the death of her husband. She moves to Thimblebury where she is surrounded by a lot of friendly, welcoming characters. With the way that the residents come together when they are needed, this was a heart-warming read. This is the first book in the series so I am looking forward to getting to know these characters through the series.
Rating 4/5
May 14, 2024
The comfort read of all comfort reads. This little gem was exactly what my soul ordered. It’s lovely when a book comes along when you need it. You know the big hug from the telly you get from Call The Midwife? Think of that and treble it. In fact Otillie sounded very much like Trixie to my ear.
Having lost her husband in the line of duty, nurse Otillie leaves Manchester behind for a fresh start as nurse at the GP practice in the little village of Thimblebury set remotely in The Lake District.
Otillie starts work immediately she arrives in Wordsworth Cottage (I KNOW, Right? 😍) getting acquainted with the locals, all of whom make it quite clear that she’ll need to fit in and work hard to replace the recently retired Gwen. Our girl Otillie wastes no time, winning the hearts of even the most stubborn of villagers, and is quickly embraced by the community, more so when disaster strikes and her beloved cottage is flooded, and it looks like the dream is over. Not in this village, not in their watch!
Katy Sobey has done a lovely job of the narration, her voice gave the perfect feel good sound to this lovely story.
Beam me up and transport me to this fictional village where everyone is good and kind and wholesome!
All the stars 🌟 for all the feels 😍
I adored this one.
#Jorecommends
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in advance of publication. All views are my own.
Having lost her husband in the line of duty, nurse Otillie leaves Manchester behind for a fresh start as nurse at the GP practice in the little village of Thimblebury set remotely in The Lake District.
Otillie starts work immediately she arrives in Wordsworth Cottage (I KNOW, Right? 😍) getting acquainted with the locals, all of whom make it quite clear that she’ll need to fit in and work hard to replace the recently retired Gwen. Our girl Otillie wastes no time, winning the hearts of even the most stubborn of villagers, and is quickly embraced by the community, more so when disaster strikes and her beloved cottage is flooded, and it looks like the dream is over. Not in this village, not in their watch!
Katy Sobey has done a lovely job of the narration, her voice gave the perfect feel good sound to this lovely story.
Beam me up and transport me to this fictional village where everyone is good and kind and wholesome!
All the stars 🌟 for all the feels 😍
I adored this one.
#Jorecommends
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in advance of publication. All views are my own.
May 25, 2024
After a horrific tragedy, Ottilie Oakcroft moves from busy Manchester to Thimblebury, a village nestled in the Lake District of England. Looking for a change of scenery, Ottillie begins her job as the village nurse and finds that living amongst the community she cares for means that there is always someone who needs a helping hand.
When disaster strikes, Ottillie almost gives up her dream of living in the idyllic English countryside. However, the community she lives in refuses to let her go and several of the village’s residents take it upon themselves to help Ottillie in her most desperate time. Amongst the village residents, Heath, the grandson of one of the elderly villagers, makes it point to lead the repair efforts. As Otillie and Heath open up to each other, Otillie finds new hope for something more.
Listening to the audiobook helps paint a storybook picture of Thimbleburry and I felt that the narration truly enveloped me into the English countryside.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️s - Enjoyable and fluffy read. I loved the relationships Otillie built and her community. Visiting Thimbleburry and the Lake District of England makes me wish my own lakeside vacation was coming sooner. I admire Otillie and her resilience and caring nature despite the heart wrenching tragedy she faces early in the book.
Thank you Tilly Tennant, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC audiobook! I enjoyed listening to this enchanting and heartwarming story.
When disaster strikes, Ottillie almost gives up her dream of living in the idyllic English countryside. However, the community she lives in refuses to let her go and several of the village’s residents take it upon themselves to help Ottillie in her most desperate time. Amongst the village residents, Heath, the grandson of one of the elderly villagers, makes it point to lead the repair efforts. As Otillie and Heath open up to each other, Otillie finds new hope for something more.
Listening to the audiobook helps paint a storybook picture of Thimbleburry and I felt that the narration truly enveloped me into the English countryside.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️s - Enjoyable and fluffy read. I loved the relationships Otillie built and her community. Visiting Thimbleburry and the Lake District of England makes me wish my own lakeside vacation was coming sooner. I admire Otillie and her resilience and caring nature despite the heart wrenching tragedy she faces early in the book.
Thank you Tilly Tennant, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC audiobook! I enjoyed listening to this enchanting and heartwarming story.
May 27, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook.
This has been an absolute delight of a story, highly enjoyable with lots going on. There were a few emotional scenes but also heartfelt ones and funny laugh out loud moments too. This story really this have a bit of everything.
I really liked the main character of Ottilie, she certainly hasn’t had it easy but I applaud her for her new start in star and throwing herself into her new job as nurse in the village. You can see straight away just how dedicated she is and how much she cares. When disaster struck, I can’t say as I blame Ottilie for almost running away / taking the easy way out, think I’d have done the same. But yay to the neighbours / community coming together to help. Just lovely to see.
The whole story was very well written and I love how other characters in the story have their own little stories that play out within the main story too. You really do get a feel for other characters, not just the main ones of Ottilie and Heath.
I believe there is going to be a second book that follows on from this one and so I truly can’t wait to read the next instalment.
The narrator Katy Sobey was a new one to me, but she did a smashing job of telling the story, she gave each character their own unique voice and it made the story flow very nicely indeed.
This has been an absolute delight of a story, highly enjoyable with lots going on. There were a few emotional scenes but also heartfelt ones and funny laugh out loud moments too. This story really this have a bit of everything.
I really liked the main character of Ottilie, she certainly hasn’t had it easy but I applaud her for her new start in star and throwing herself into her new job as nurse in the village. You can see straight away just how dedicated she is and how much she cares. When disaster struck, I can’t say as I blame Ottilie for almost running away / taking the easy way out, think I’d have done the same. But yay to the neighbours / community coming together to help. Just lovely to see.
The whole story was very well written and I love how other characters in the story have their own little stories that play out within the main story too. You really do get a feel for other characters, not just the main ones of Ottilie and Heath.
I believe there is going to be a second book that follows on from this one and so I truly can’t wait to read the next instalment.
The narrator Katy Sobey was a new one to me, but she did a smashing job of telling the story, she gave each character their own unique voice and it made the story flow very nicely indeed.
March 26, 2024
Ottilie has packed her bags and moved from Manchester to the small village of Thimbleberry. Taking up the recently vacated nurse position she is ready for a fresh start. The death of her husband in the hospital she worked at left her unable to stay at her former job. After a few weeks she has settled into her new life but when a freak rain storm leaves her cottage flooded and the repairs are more then she can manage she has to consider leaving it all behind. Her new town might have something to say about that though.
This was a cute quick book. I did feel as if there were maybe one too many plot lines thrown into such a short book. I would have loved a little more character development focus. I enjoyed all the of villagers and the beautiful scenic town. I live in a town that floods almost every year, and I love the depiction of the town coming together in the aftermath of the flood, as that’s definitely something I have got to witness. Sometimes as bad as an act of nature can be it brings out the kindness of people.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgally for letting me read this one early. Look for it May 24, 2024
This was a cute quick book. I did feel as if there were maybe one too many plot lines thrown into such a short book. I would have loved a little more character development focus. I enjoyed all the of villagers and the beautiful scenic town. I live in a town that floods almost every year, and I love the depiction of the town coming together in the aftermath of the flood, as that’s definitely something I have got to witness. Sometimes as bad as an act of nature can be it brings out the kindness of people.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgally for letting me read this one early. Look for it May 24, 2024
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