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Changing Plans

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Love is what happens when you’re making other plans...

Lydia Carlisle knows exactly what she a job at a fancy medical practice to go along with that shiny new doctor’s degree. That’s what all her plans have been leading to, after all. But while she waits for the perfect position, she’s working as a locum to pay the bills.

Cordelia Beckett is divorced, bitter, and absolutely certain about what she doesn’t anyone ever interfering in her life again. But her pregnant best friend has to pee every three seconds, and is a constant reminder of the life that Cordelia thought she’d one day have but now won’t.

When ambitious doctor meets cranky receptionist, they don’t exactly see eye to eye. But since Lydia is only temporarily in tiny Whitebridge, this really shouldn’t be a problem. Right?

Until Cordelia and Lydia are left, quite literally, holding the baby. Oh, and living together too, because this is all Lydia’s fault and Cordelia refuses to run a daycare single-handed.

Everybody makes plans, and in Whitebridge those plans are everybody’s business. Lydia’s starting to think small town doctoring isn’t so bad. And Cordelia is (very slowly) beginning to thaw. The town thinks they could be perfect together. Until Lydia’s offered her dream job, Whitebridge is cut off by a natural disaster, and a high stakes emergency threatens everything Cordelia holds dear. This isn’t what anyone planned. But then, plans can change, can’t they?

Changing Plans is a lesbian romance featuring a very happy ending from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and Teaching Hope. It is part of the Whitebridge series, but all novels can be read as stand-alones.

244 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2024

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83 people want to read

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Sienna Waters

64 books235 followers

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5 stars
185 (57%)
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104 (32%)
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30 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for cloverxheart.
239 reviews15 followers
November 5, 2024
2.75⭐
This is the kind of book where the author clearly tried to include the child but failed.
Obviously the child is part of the plot but they never really interacted with him.
"They put Toby to bed" "They changed his diaper"
Just tell but not show.
The book would have been pretty much the same without the kid.

The romance moved so fast that it was extremely unrealistic in my eyes.
I didn't see any chemistry and have no idea why they even liked each other.

The characters were fine but not properly developed in my opinion.
I honestly cared more about the side characters than their romance.

And Cordelias Problem with the word "should" got extremely annoying after a while.
Profile Image for Misha.
1,710 reviews69 followers
April 20, 2025
(rounded up from 3.5)

I had an enjoyable time reading this but I stumbled a bit because for me the MCs need to actually kind of like each other and I feel like this was somewhat attraction with a side of irritation all the time and that is never resolved. The two main characters are deeply different and they never really resolve those differences except just slightly in the epilogue. I just feel like they would get on each others' nerves and break up soon after and good for them.
Profile Image for Siddie.
578 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2024
Lydia is a recently qualified doctor looking for a job. Cordelia is a doctor’s receptionist in the small town of Whitebridge in England. The Whitebridge practice are suddenly and unexpectedly missing their only doctor, and a temporary locum has been appointed - Lydia.
It’s very good to be back in Whitebridge, where other stories by Sienna Waters have been set. It’s also good to rediscover several characters from those other books, and Max the local policeman plays a big part here.
This is a warm, happy story, and it was a pleasure to read it. Ms Waters is an excellent writer, and this story is just as good as her other stories.
Profile Image for Jo.
507 reviews12 followers
February 26, 2025
It was nice visiting Whitebridge again. Sadly, the romance this time felt less authentic than the previous novels, I couldn't feel/see the chemistry.
Profile Image for Nicole.
401 reviews55 followers
September 9, 2024
Changing plans is another win for Sienna Waters. I always love revisiting Whitebridge where we are surrounded by a wonderful, quirky cast of characters who are most often in everyone's business but have everyone's back when needed. This caring community welcomes a new "temporary" doctor who doesn't seem to hit it off well with the practice receptionist. But there seems to be a thin line between irritation and attraction with these two. Lydia has big plans but the abrasive on the outside, and squishy on the inside, Cordelia immediately throws a wrench in them. Add a sweet baby boy and forced proximity and let the fun begin. Sienna Waters is consistently a great choice for the low angst, feel-good, palate cleanser, and I love her for it. I will always choose to read her next available. Charming locales, fun cast, likable mains, happily-ever-afters, a little bit of spice, and chuckles throughout make her a go-to for me.
#oppositesattract #smalltown #doctor #receptionist #kid #lowangst #abitofspice #HEA #foundfamily #queernormative
I received this free ARC from the author through BookSprout. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Andrea (looseleftlesbian).
409 reviews19 followers
September 9, 2024
Pretty quick read. I have a background in social work so the whole,” watching a child that was abandoned and not notifying child protective services” was wild to me and unrealistic. It did feel like the romance was fast paced as well. But overall, it was a quick read about taking risks and learning to go with the flow rather than sticking with plans and not being flexible
Profile Image for Lori.
327 reviews11 followers
August 31, 2024
I enjoyed this sweet, slow-burn, small-town romance between two women, set in rural England. Lydia Carlisle is a young doctor, trying to find her first permanent position, feeling that she never fits in with practices where she interviews. Cordelia Beckett is a divorced receptionist/administrator who manages the practice for a small-town solo medical practice. When the practitioner, Dr. Morris, fails to appear one morning Lydia is called in as a short-term substitute. The two get off to a less-than-optimal start as they smack into one another on the street.

Cordelia ends up offering Lydia her spare room, and over the course of a few weeks they slowly become accustomed to one another. Cordelia even volunteers to act as Lydia’s girlfriend for the mixer part of another job interview, after which they have a brief romantic moment. Of course there are complications. Lydia is still looking for a position in a larger practice. Cordelia’s ex-husband is still trying to nudge his way back into her life. And nobody seems to know where Dr. Morris is – and if he ever plans to return to the practice.

It's a slow-moving story, and that’s okay. There’s a lesson here about finding one’s place in a community, and learning that life has a way of making you modify your plans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for This.
284 reviews9 followers
September 3, 2024
Another trip to the familiar Whitebridge community. This is the 4th story set here -read the others for an immersive experience. But this will make complete sense as a standalone too.
This story is based around Lydia, a GP looking for a job and Cordelia, a recently divorced doctor's receptionist. Lydia likes to tell people what they 'should' do and Cordelia is very disorganised and always loses things - like keys. It incorporates a fake dating scenario when Lydia feels that she needs a girlfriend for interviewees to take her seriously.

As ever there is much to amuse the reader. I particularly liked the idea that switching from a relationship with a man to one with a woman couldn't be more difficult than from an iPhone to android. As a long time iPhone lover I would suggest that the iPhone would be the woman in this situation. And who would swap one for an android?!

There is a lot happening in this story and a lot to like about it.

The epilogue shows life having moved on from the a little from the main story. But Cordelia is still losing keys!

If all around you is feeling a little bit like too much, then this book will lighten your mood.
Profile Image for Milena.
429 reviews
September 6, 2024
So I was reading Changing Plans and voila, I was chuckling while devouring the different scenes and got a huge kick out of it! I loved Lydia and Cordelia’s characters along with the other's. I love the way Sienna uses British English to get her characters' points across. I absolutely adore the different and charming way she has her main characters meet for the first time. I have to share this: Cordelia’s speaking and says, “No, that would belong to Her Royal Highness.” I almost fell off my seat laughing when I read that part! Cordelia is one of those characters that has a prickly exterior and Lydia is of the strong practical type. It’s quite lovely how Sienna has written captivating novel that has so many nuances to it. It seemed like I was being taken along in a big mystery whodunit, yet at its core is a delightfully simple contemporary romance. There’s little things that our mc’s discover about each other that makes them realize why they want to be together, and what it means to have shifting life plans. Whether or not Cordelia loses her keys becomes quite the quandary they have to solve. Read Changing Plans to find out!
Profile Image for Lotte.
87 reviews
July 25, 2025
This was a lighthearted romance story about Cordelia and Lydia who are a secretary at a doctor’s office and a general practitioner. It was an easy read. I liked the plotline and the ideas behind it. The little community of Whitebridge was lovely and pretty gay (there are apparently more books in this ‘series’ but you can definitely read it as a standalone)
There is quite some growth in the character of Lydia and some with Cordelia which made it nice to read. Especially since the author did manage to keep true to their characters as well, it’s not like they were all of a sudden a different person.
Some parts felt a little bit far-fetched (the amount of serious accidents that happened for example in just a few weeks), but it is of course a work of fiction, so I didn’t mind that much.
The thing that did bother me a little whilst reading it, was that while there was definitely attraction between the two characters, I didn’t really see that much actual chemistry between Cordelia and Lydia.
I can recommend this story and I will go and I am intrigued by the other books that are written in the community of Whitebridge so I will look them up.
112 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2024
The fourth entry in the Whitebridge series is a romance between a traveling doctor following her plan to land a position in the ideal practice and a small practice receptionist who is figuring things out after a divorce. Lydia, landing in another temporary position for a small town's awol doctor, hasn't had the path she planned. Cordelia, learning how to enjoy life and find herself, has a wall up for all but those closest and an extreme aversion to "should". These two are characters are fun, real, and a great combination. Change is hard and especially so when you've made plans to meet your goals. Learning to accept change and that sometimes the best laid out plans aren't best for you is a valuable lesson. Finding love in the most unexpected of places may make it harder at first but the pay off in the long run is worth it. Join these two MCs as they traverse working together, caring for child unexpectedly, and eventually love.
26 reviews
September 5, 2024
Lydia planned her life course of becoming a doctor when she was a little kid, getting grades needed, medical school and training but the last step of getting a job in the perfect place isn't happening according to plan. Lydia accepts a temporary position (first job as a doctor) in a small town one doctor office. Unknowingly she starts on the wrong foot on the first day with the office secretary Cordelia. Still smarting from her divorce of her controlling husband, Cordelia does not like to be told what she should do. Not knowing why the town doctor left and her run in with the new doctor makes absent-minded Cordelia very grumpy. I like stories in small villages and It was nice to see characters from her other Whitebridge books and new quirky characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
225 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2024
Best laid plans

Whelp, it's 6:00 am and just got off work. I should be sleeping instead I've lost precious hours reading a story about how life doesn't always go as planned. This author never fails to pull me and I've lost tons of sleep because I just have see what happens next. She creates such interesting characters that are so dynamic and the snarky dialogue is just icing on the cake. This romance introduces Cordelia a jaded divorcee and Lydia a uptight physician. The two are forced to work together and discover they have one common theme. They are both living their lives based on fear of change. The author masterfully waves a sweet romance from different sides of the same coin. If you are a fan of quirky, well written romances.... This is the book for you. Be warned you will probable lose sleep.
142 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2024
Sienna has done it again with another great book. I loved this book, it's a funny, sweet, love story with a little heat. It is the fourth book in the Whitebridge series and is now my favorite. A perfect example of the saying “life is what happens when you make plans”. Lydia is a doctor who has her whole life planned out and is on the path to make it happen when she runs into Cordelia, literally. All my favorite tropes in one book; age gap, toaster oven, forced proximity, and opposites attract. Getting visits from characters from the other books is always a bonus. You don’t have to read the other books in the series, but you won't be mad you did. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
404 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2024
Lydia is a newly fully qualified, allowed to see the general public on her own, Doctor. Acting as a locum she arrives in Whitebridge where the usual cast in previous books make up her patients among others.
Cordelia is a typical doctors receptionist except unlike most she actually does have a heart.
Temporarily having a kind of abandoned baby to look after means that Lydia at least gets a roof over her head as they’re tasked with looking after him till his mum comes back.
I love the Whitebridge books. They’re full of humour and the feel of a proper community albeit a slightly nutty one. This is another great addition.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,131 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2025
Changing Plans is another entertaining entry in the Whitebridge series. This tale brings locum doctor Lydia together with receptionist Cordelia. Their relationship develops sporadically, and on several occasions takes a back seat to medical emergencies including an abandoned toddler, strokes, broken hips and early labor. The intensity of these events has the women working more closely together than might be expected early in a relationship. At the same time, they skip over some of the normal getting-to-know-you conversations that typically occur as a new couple get better acquainted. Their growing attraction is nudged along at key moments by a good supporting cast, several of whom will be familiar to readers of the series. This is an enjoyable read with a satisfying conclusion.
69 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2024
This story takes place in the Whitebridge community and is the 4th book in the series. This can be read as a stand alone but I recommend the other 3 as well since they also take place in the same small town, quaint community.

I really liked the main characters, they complement each other beautifully, and the way their connection unfolds is well done. Throw in a great supporting cast and it is a home run.

Sienna Waters has done it again with another great book. I loved this book, it's a funny, sweet, love story with a little heat and of course HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cara Ramsey.
Author 2 books5 followers
September 7, 2024
A Cute Adorable Love Story!

Sometimes a Sapphic novel isn’t full of huge barriers that must be overcome for the main characters to find one another. And this is one of those stories. It’s a story about Lydia, who’s planned her life out to a T. It’s story about Cordelia, whose husband left her and broke her heart, leaving her withdrawn, grumpy, and hiding behind her own walls. It’s a story where Lydia learns that outcomes are more important than plans. It’s a story where Cordelia learns to take a chance again.

Sienna Waters takes us on another of her journeys where love finds a way. I greatly enjoyed this book!
117 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2024
Another very enjoyable read. It’s no 4 of the Whitebridge books and although there is some cross reference they can be read as a standalone or in any order and everything will still all make sense.

Great characters with believable feelings and actions. Good pacing with a bit of jeopardy but not dragged out. Characters that talk to each other! All wrapped up neatly with a HEA ending. What’s not to like?
Totally recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Author 1 book18 followers
September 3, 2024
Lydia, a recent med school graduate, is struggling to find a job despite being well qualified. Then she got a call for a temp position in Whitebridge.

Cordelia is working as a receptionist in the clinic that takes Lydia, and has her own problems. A ex, a missing doctor and having to house Lydia temporarily.

Then a patient leaves a child at the practice and the two women find themselves temporary moms.

Really good, fun book. I liked both heroines, and the romance develops slow but steady.
Profile Image for Betsy.
180 reviews
September 4, 2024
"Changing Plans" is a quick-read toaster oven romance. Lydia is a new doctor who is having trouble finding a practice. In the meantime, she is filling in for other doctors and gets sent to a small village where she meets Claudia, the receptionist at the practice. They have conflicting personalities, but life keeps throwing them together. I liked the book; it was an easy read with very little angst. I would recommend it. I just wish that there had been more of Claudia and Lydia's relationship.


I received an arc
193 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2024
Heartwarming Journey to Love

Emily gets a temporary position as a doctor in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business. The receptionist at the office (Cordelia) gets perturbed at almost everything Emily says and does. This is not a good beginning for their working relationship. Due to illness, Emily’s temporary lodging falls through and nothing else is available in the small town. Reluctantly, Cordelia offers Emily a room in her home. What happens next is a wonderful chain of events that brings the two women closer than they anticipated. Great story.
181 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2024
This book had me smiling often and left me with a warm cosy feeling. In other words, this is your typical Sienna Waters romance. I really liked the characters and the now-familiar-to-me setting of Whitebridge (but don't worry, this is a standalone story). Lydia and Cordelia complement each other beautifully, and the way their connection unfurls is just so nicely executed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,132 reviews33 followers
September 6, 2024
Being open to change

A wonderfully entertaining small town romance. Lydia and Cordelia clash at first and over time they see a different side each other. They manage to handle all the issues that get thrust upon them. I enjoy connecting with the other characters in town as well. I recommend all the books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
148 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2024
Ms Prickly meets Dr Should, what could go wrong?

Not a lot really, just a bit of miscommunication, some ruffled feathers, a surprise toddler, a fake girlfriend date and a pushy ex who kind of makes good at the end. Throw in some familiar faces and personal realisations, this is just what the Dr ordered on a lazy Sunday with your favourite beverage.
Profile Image for Martez HB.
85 reviews
August 26, 2024
'Changing plans' is sweet romance by Sienna Waters.

Both the main characters, Lydia and Cordelia are well developed, funny and relatable. Even the peripheral characters are wonderfully written. I feel as if I know then well.

The story was enjoyable and occasionally quite touching.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,521 reviews12 followers
September 1, 2024
Cordelia is ready for the next chapter of her life after her divorce. When things at work get a little chaotic and she is forced to spend more time with Lydia she feels more changing in her life. Liked the fact that this book read like a real life experience with some embellishments. The storyline did keep me sucked in wanting to see how Cordelia and Lydia's relationship is going to go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
171 reviews
September 5, 2024
Great plan

Another great instalment of the Whitebridge saga.
Lydia needs a job, Whitebridge needs a Dr, it might not be the perfect fit, but she'll take it temporarily.
Grumpy Cordelia does not need a bossy new Dr constantly telling her what she should be doing. And she definitely does not need a lodger, absolutely no way.
A lovely, "your really annoying - BUT" story.
Profile Image for Maz Tucker.
299 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2024
Another great book in the series of Whitebridge.
You slowly get to know the characters. By the end of the book they feel like best friends along with the other inhabitants of Whitebridge.
This is an enemy to lovers story, that you won’t be able to put down. Your be cheering them on from start to finish.
29 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2024
Great story! Really great characters!!!

Very believable! I wish that people could put their feelings out there in plain words. And, I do mean their feelings, not just what they think that their audience wants to hear.

Myself included! We all find it easier to get along that way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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