What do you think?
Rate this book
Diary of a Country Nurse #1
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse
Call the Midwife meets All Creatures Great and Small in this first of a heart-warming series about a country nurse and midwife. ‘Authentic... the mixture of nursing and farming life is both warming and true. I liked this a lot.’ Rosie Clarke
July, 1936
After an unexpected heartbreak and a nasty accident on a busy Liverpool street, Lara Flynn is desperate to start afresh and leave painful memories behind her. She takes on a new job as a district nurse and midwife at a country practice, in the remote Lancashire village of Ingleside.
But instead of the friendly rural idyll she pictures, Lara finds she must cycle vast distances to visit locals who harbour an innate suspicion of a newcomer from the city – as well as dealing with unpredictable livestock, an erratic senior doctor and often challenging medical cases. She also rubs up against handsome local vet, Leo, when she helps to deliver a calf!
With time, Lara learns that healing is a two-way just as she helps her patients recover from illness and injury, her new life in Ingleside starts to heal her own wounds. But will this tight-knit farming community ever truly take this city girl to its heart?
An absorbing story of compassion, resilience and the power of community, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Jean Fullerton.
Praise for Kate
'A warm and satisfying story' My Weekly
'A heartwarming and tear-inducing tale with wonderfully realistic characters' Woman
'Very well created characters that you identify with and want to do well.' 5-star Reader Review
'Well written and absorbing...couldn't put it down!' 5-star Reader Review
'Great story with many twists and turns. Love all the characters' 5-star Reader Review
July, 1936
After an unexpected heartbreak and a nasty accident on a busy Liverpool street, Lara Flynn is desperate to start afresh and leave painful memories behind her. She takes on a new job as a district nurse and midwife at a country practice, in the remote Lancashire village of Ingleside.
But instead of the friendly rural idyll she pictures, Lara finds she must cycle vast distances to visit locals who harbour an innate suspicion of a newcomer from the city – as well as dealing with unpredictable livestock, an erratic senior doctor and often challenging medical cases. She also rubs up against handsome local vet, Leo, when she helps to deliver a calf!
With time, Lara learns that healing is a two-way just as she helps her patients recover from illness and injury, her new life in Ingleside starts to heal her own wounds. But will this tight-knit farming community ever truly take this city girl to its heart?
An absorbing story of compassion, resilience and the power of community, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Jean Fullerton.
Praise for Kate
'A warm and satisfying story' My Weekly
'A heartwarming and tear-inducing tale with wonderfully realistic characters' Woman
'Very well created characters that you identify with and want to do well.' 5-star Reader Review
'Well written and absorbing...couldn't put it down!' 5-star Reader Review
'Great story with many twists and turns. Love all the characters' 5-star Reader Review
296 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2025
411 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 16, 2025
July, 1936: Lara Flynn has her heart broken and on the same day is involved in a terrible accident and once she recovers Lara decides to move away from Liverpool, a fresh start and she has no idea is will be a huge challenge. Lara's new job is as a district nurse and midwife at a country practice, in the remote Lancashire village of Ingleside.
Lara rides a bicycle to visit her patients and most live on the outskirts of town and on farms and they don’t like change or new people. Lara has to deal with unpredictable weather, cows, sheep have right of way on the roads, and she never knows what medical cases and emergencies she will encounter from one day to the next. Lara helps a farmer deliver a calf and vet Leo Sullivan likes to stir her up about it and what was she supposed to do just ignore the animal’s noises of distress and cycle past.
Mrs Hewitt the housekeeper and Marion a fellow district nurse are kind to Lara and make her feel welcome, and she becomes friendly with Grace who’s looking after her father and the family farm and an elderly patient Daniel Makepeace and he likes to reminisce about the past.
I received a copy of A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A delightful story about a nurse moving to the country, how she overcomes obstacles, prejudice, bullies and has come up with solutions to medical issues and problems faster than you can snap your fingers.
Lara's character is a kind and caring person and a skilled nurse and I look forward to the next book in the Diary of a Country Nurse series to catch up with Lara and everyone in Ingleside, you can tell the author has a nursing background and has lived in the English countryside by her descriptive writing and I feel like baked rice pudding.
If you enjoyed reading Call the Midwife, you would like this book, and it raises awareness to the struggles women and children faced at the time, including domestic violence, excessive alcohol consumption and poverty and four stars from me.
Lara rides a bicycle to visit her patients and most live on the outskirts of town and on farms and they don’t like change or new people. Lara has to deal with unpredictable weather, cows, sheep have right of way on the roads, and she never knows what medical cases and emergencies she will encounter from one day to the next. Lara helps a farmer deliver a calf and vet Leo Sullivan likes to stir her up about it and what was she supposed to do just ignore the animal’s noises of distress and cycle past.
Mrs Hewitt the housekeeper and Marion a fellow district nurse are kind to Lara and make her feel welcome, and she becomes friendly with Grace who’s looking after her father and the family farm and an elderly patient Daniel Makepeace and he likes to reminisce about the past.
I received a copy of A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A delightful story about a nurse moving to the country, how she overcomes obstacles, prejudice, bullies and has come up with solutions to medical issues and problems faster than you can snap your fingers.
Lara's character is a kind and caring person and a skilled nurse and I look forward to the next book in the Diary of a Country Nurse series to catch up with Lara and everyone in Ingleside, you can tell the author has a nursing background and has lived in the English countryside by her descriptive writing and I feel like baked rice pudding.
If you enjoyed reading Call the Midwife, you would like this book, and it raises awareness to the struggles women and children faced at the time, including domestic violence, excessive alcohol consumption and poverty and four stars from me.
February 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm new to this author and am looking forward to reading more in this series. This is a well developed story with each of the characters being distinct and most of them likeable. If you enjoy UK countryside books that are humorous and yet have a dark part to them, this is the book for you.
I'm new to this author and am looking forward to reading more in this series. This is a well developed story with each of the characters being distinct and most of them likeable. If you enjoy UK countryside books that are humorous and yet have a dark part to them, this is the book for you.
March 7, 2025
This new novel is the first in a series and great for historical saga fans. I've not read this author before but I enjoyed the setting and would enjoy reading the next installment in the series.
Available to purchase now and is also on kindle unlimited.
Available to purchase now and is also on kindle unlimited.
December 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this story and think it's an excellent first instalment for the series. I can't wait to read more!
The main character is Lara, a nurse who has previously worked in Liverpool. Due to a relationship breakdown and an accident, she takes a new job in the rural village of Ingleside. The book follows her journey of working as a district nurse/midwife as she tries to fit in to village life.
I loved Lara as a character. She is kind and caring, but a bit naive about country life. I liked that she had to work hard to prove herself to the locals before they would accept her.
The other characters at the surgery and in the village were interesting. I enjoyed the drama - both medical, and personal. I liked the hint of a blossoming romance on the horizon for Lara.
The in depth descriptions meant I could really picture the village in my head.
I liked that the book includes topics such as domestic abuse, poverty and alcoholism which were portrayed realistically and addressed sensitively.
The main character is Lara, a nurse who has previously worked in Liverpool. Due to a relationship breakdown and an accident, she takes a new job in the rural village of Ingleside. The book follows her journey of working as a district nurse/midwife as she tries to fit in to village life.
I loved Lara as a character. She is kind and caring, but a bit naive about country life. I liked that she had to work hard to prove herself to the locals before they would accept her.
The other characters at the surgery and in the village were interesting. I enjoyed the drama - both medical, and personal. I liked the hint of a blossoming romance on the horizon for Lara.
The in depth descriptions meant I could really picture the village in my head.
I liked that the book includes topics such as domestic abuse, poverty and alcoholism which were portrayed realistically and addressed sensitively.
March 14, 2025
March 13, 2025
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham #Review
I am delighted to introduce a new series by Kate Eastham. A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse was published by Boldwood Books on 7th March.
Call the Midwife meets All Creatures Great and Small in this first of a heart-warming series about a country nurse and midwife.
July, 1936
After an unexpected heartbreak and a nasty accident on a busy Liverpool street, Lara Flynn is desperate to start afresh and leave painful memories behind her. She takes on a new job as a district nurse and midwife at a country practice, in the remote Lancashire village of Ingleside.
But instead of the friendly rural idyll she pictures, Lara finds she must cycle vast distances to visit locals who harbour an innate suspicion of a newcomer from the city – as well as dealing with unpredictable livestock, an erratic senior doctor and often challenging medical cases. She also rubs up against handsome local vet, Leo, when she helps to deliver a calf!
With time, Lara learns that healing is a two-way street: just as she helps her patients recover from illness and injury, her new life in Ingleside starts to heal her own wounds. But will this tight-knit farming community ever truly take this city girl to its heart?
An absorbing story of compassion, resilience and the power of community, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Jean Fullerton.
My Thoughts
This is a promising introduction to a new series set in 1930’s Lancashire. These are the days before war broke out and there are few clues as to what will happen by the end of the decade. In Ingleside, you feel as though you are living in a little bubble, in a tight knit community where everyone knows your business and ‘in comers’ are treated with suspicion. Lara finds herself in this position, having to work hard to prove herself as a competent district nurse.
In the practice at Ingleside, she struggles to settle at first, hoping to find a surrogate family. The demands of the patients give them all a common motivation. Lara emerges as a determined and courageous character who puts on a professional facade and struggles to hide her insecurities and doubts. There is plenty of variety in the daily routine. Each family she visits has their own problems. There are some dark and threatening moments but also many lighter times, full of humour and touching reactions as people warm to Lara’s empathy and kindness.
This first book in the series is all about settling in and establishing relationships. There are plenty of directions further stories can proceed along. Romance is a faint glimmer in the background. Events from Lara’s life in Liverpool may appear within her new life. Most of all, you feel that there is more to learn about Lara and her colleagues and new friends.
In short: new beginnings and new friendships
Thanks to the publisher
March 9, 2025
It's July 1936 at Brock Farm, Ingleside Village in Lancashire, UK.
Lara Flynn is a district nurse, and this is her first community post in rural Lancashire, having trained in the city of Liverpool before.
At first people are very sceptical of her including the doctor at the surgery ( Dr Bingham) but the other staff at the practice are very friendly towards her, as too is the local vet, after she helps to deliver a calf. Soon she is travelling around the area on the back of fellow nurse Marian's motorbike, but when a young mum brings her daughter into the surgery with a bad scold to her face Lara does her best but is told not to go with them to the hospital but Marian will be going instead, so she has to deal with the very angry father. There are many situations that Lara has to deal with during her daily work, some good and some bad prejudices too as she is new to the area and job. Soon, friendships are made as the residents take to her and welcome her into their community. She is welcome to join in the fun at the village dance but is then called out to deal with a young woman patient who desperately needs her help. Then, in the days that follow, her friends certainly need her help more than ever, but will it be enough?
When a child desperately needs medical help, can Lara help, or will the parents blame her again? Through good times and bad Lara finds out that she has certainly got some good friends but unfortunately some enemies too.
It is a lovely story that draws you into the characters' lives and families in a great location.
Fans of Call the Midwife and All Creatures Great and Small will love this story which is set in a lovely rural community in the 1930s and full of community spirit as well as having village busy bodies who need to know everyone's business. I really enjoyed reading this book and was gripped from the beginning and couldn't put it down. It's one of those books where you have to read just one more page. A well-deserved five-star read from me.
#afreshstartforthecountrynurse
##Boldwoodbooks
##Netgalley
Lara Flynn is a district nurse, and this is her first community post in rural Lancashire, having trained in the city of Liverpool before.
At first people are very sceptical of her including the doctor at the surgery ( Dr Bingham) but the other staff at the practice are very friendly towards her, as too is the local vet, after she helps to deliver a calf. Soon she is travelling around the area on the back of fellow nurse Marian's motorbike, but when a young mum brings her daughter into the surgery with a bad scold to her face Lara does her best but is told not to go with them to the hospital but Marian will be going instead, so she has to deal with the very angry father. There are many situations that Lara has to deal with during her daily work, some good and some bad prejudices too as she is new to the area and job. Soon, friendships are made as the residents take to her and welcome her into their community. She is welcome to join in the fun at the village dance but is then called out to deal with a young woman patient who desperately needs her help. Then, in the days that follow, her friends certainly need her help more than ever, but will it be enough?
When a child desperately needs medical help, can Lara help, or will the parents blame her again? Through good times and bad Lara finds out that she has certainly got some good friends but unfortunately some enemies too.
It is a lovely story that draws you into the characters' lives and families in a great location.
Fans of Call the Midwife and All Creatures Great and Small will love this story which is set in a lovely rural community in the 1930s and full of community spirit as well as having village busy bodies who need to know everyone's business. I really enjoyed reading this book and was gripped from the beginning and couldn't put it down. It's one of those books where you have to read just one more page. A well-deserved five-star read from me.
#afreshstartforthecountrynurse
##Boldwoodbooks
##Netgalley
February 15, 2025
I truly enjoyed every moment I spent reading this lovely new book by an author new to me, Kate Eastham. When I see the word "nurse" or "midwife" in the title of a book, I tend to want to give it a try - having worked 35+ years as an RN myself. Then I always wonder, will there really be nursing scenarios or birthings in the book, and if so, will they be realistic? I'm happy to say that the answer to both of these questions is YES!
We follow Lara, a nurse from Liverpool who has recently moved to the countryside for a bit of a new start. We meet her fellow nurse, Marion as well as the two doctors she practices with and their housekeeper, Mrs Hewitt. It reminded me a bit of the new series on TV, "All Creatures Great and Small" as the whole group lives in a big house that holds the Doctors' clinic as well as all their sleeping and eating quarters. Personally, I love that series, so this was a pleasing aspect of the book. Of course, some country folk are a bit wary of the "big city girl" - and we get to know many of the little village's inhabitants. I loved the descriptions of the countryside, feeling like I was almost right there!
The interpersonal relationships, medical issues, and even financial concerns seem really true to life - real people dealing with both good things and bad. The medical side of it definitely impressed me as it too was very realistic. I literally can't wait for the next book in this series!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing this book for my reading pleasure and honest review!
We follow Lara, a nurse from Liverpool who has recently moved to the countryside for a bit of a new start. We meet her fellow nurse, Marion as well as the two doctors she practices with and their housekeeper, Mrs Hewitt. It reminded me a bit of the new series on TV, "All Creatures Great and Small" as the whole group lives in a big house that holds the Doctors' clinic as well as all their sleeping and eating quarters. Personally, I love that series, so this was a pleasing aspect of the book. Of course, some country folk are a bit wary of the "big city girl" - and we get to know many of the little village's inhabitants. I loved the descriptions of the countryside, feeling like I was almost right there!
The interpersonal relationships, medical issues, and even financial concerns seem really true to life - real people dealing with both good things and bad. The medical side of it definitely impressed me as it too was very realistic. I literally can't wait for the next book in this series!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing this book for my reading pleasure and honest review!
September 21, 2025
1932 and Lara Flynn has taken a position as a country district nurse and midwife working with two doctors and one other nurse. She left her position in Liverpool after a relationship breakdown and an accident. She is still having nightmares about the day she was injured.
She is replacing a nurse who had been working in that position for years and was well respected. Everyone knows Lara is from the city and for them, she just doesn't fit in! On her first day, she ends up helping a local farmer with a difficult delivery of one of his cows. News spreads fast a out her actions and she meets the local vet who teases her about taking over his job.
The senior doctor seems gruff while the second younger doctor seems to spend most of his evenings in the pub infatuated with a local barmaid but his feelings are not reciprocated. He came from a wealthy family in Scotland as just like Lara, wasn't well received by the locals, however, he's been there several years now and the locals have become more accustomed to him.
Her coworker was born in the area and returned after she went away to training and a few years working elsewhere. Everyone knows Marion and loves her, she's one of them!
Mrs. Hewitt, the housekeeper assures Lara the locals will soon accept her, she just has to give them a bit of time.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series and look forward to reading the next in the series. It's a fascinating look into what that life would have been like.
She is replacing a nurse who had been working in that position for years and was well respected. Everyone knows Lara is from the city and for them, she just doesn't fit in! On her first day, she ends up helping a local farmer with a difficult delivery of one of his cows. News spreads fast a out her actions and she meets the local vet who teases her about taking over his job.
The senior doctor seems gruff while the second younger doctor seems to spend most of his evenings in the pub infatuated with a local barmaid but his feelings are not reciprocated. He came from a wealthy family in Scotland as just like Lara, wasn't well received by the locals, however, he's been there several years now and the locals have become more accustomed to him.
Her coworker was born in the area and returned after she went away to training and a few years working elsewhere. Everyone knows Marion and loves her, she's one of them!
Mrs. Hewitt, the housekeeper assures Lara the locals will soon accept her, she just has to give them a bit of time.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series and look forward to reading the next in the series. It's a fascinating look into what that life would have been like.
February 19, 2025
“Can this city girl find her place in the country?” Start a BRAND NEW heartwarming saga series from Kate Eastham!
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham has a charming cover. Readers will definitely want to open this book and see how life is for the pretty nurse on a bicycle that is featured. It is 1936, and nurse Lara has decided to leave her hospital position in Liverpool for a small medical practice in the country.
Other reviewers have mentioned that this book, the first in a series, reminds them of “Call the Midwife” and “All Creatures Great and Small”. Far from her previous position in the busy big city of Liverpool and a ex-boyfriend, Nurse Lara now gets to ride her bicycle on narrow country lanes to see patients, young and old, with a great variety of ailments. Some welcome her and others are critical, and even mean. Her colleagues, (they all live in a house together) are an interesting mix and they do care about Lara. Lara has left some problems behind, and so have some of her colleagues.
Readers will enjoy reading about the medical emergencies, Saturday night at the tavern, village fairs, and the quirks and delights of villagers and farmers. There are some mysteries and romantic possibilities waiting to be revealed in future books. Author Eastham writes with a friendly and gentle style and I highly recommend this story.
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham has a charming cover. Readers will definitely want to open this book and see how life is for the pretty nurse on a bicycle that is featured. It is 1936, and nurse Lara has decided to leave her hospital position in Liverpool for a small medical practice in the country.
Other reviewers have mentioned that this book, the first in a series, reminds them of “Call the Midwife” and “All Creatures Great and Small”. Far from her previous position in the busy big city of Liverpool and a ex-boyfriend, Nurse Lara now gets to ride her bicycle on narrow country lanes to see patients, young and old, with a great variety of ailments. Some welcome her and others are critical, and even mean. Her colleagues, (they all live in a house together) are an interesting mix and they do care about Lara. Lara has left some problems behind, and so have some of her colleagues.
Readers will enjoy reading about the medical emergencies, Saturday night at the tavern, village fairs, and the quirks and delights of villagers and farmers. There are some mysteries and romantic possibilities waiting to be revealed in future books. Author Eastham writes with a friendly and gentle style and I highly recommend this story.
February 26, 2025
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse is Lara Flynn's story. Lara needs to leave Liverpool and the bad memories of the place behind. She takes a job as a district nurse/midwife in a small country practice in the small town of Ingleside in Lancashire. It's a huge culture shock for her especially as on the day of her arrival, she finds herself helping to deliver a calf!
We learn more about Lara as she comes to terms with her new situation. She needs to prove herself to people who are very stuck in their ways and who don't like city girls. There is plenty of drama, medical and otherwise and I enjoyed reading as Lara formed new friendships and gained acceptance from the locals.
There isn't any romance, but there is somebody who could become a love interest for Lara perhaps in the next book of the series.
Although there isn't an actual cliffhanger, there seems to be a strong possibility that Lara's ex will play a bigger part in the story in the next book. Whether her ex and her possible new love interest will clash remains to be seen. I look forward to reading more about it.
For now, though, I am happy to say that this book was a good start to what promises to be a great series. Lara is a likeable character and you can't help but want the best for her.
We learn more about Lara as she comes to terms with her new situation. She needs to prove herself to people who are very stuck in their ways and who don't like city girls. There is plenty of drama, medical and otherwise and I enjoyed reading as Lara formed new friendships and gained acceptance from the locals.
There isn't any romance, but there is somebody who could become a love interest for Lara perhaps in the next book of the series.
Although there isn't an actual cliffhanger, there seems to be a strong possibility that Lara's ex will play a bigger part in the story in the next book. Whether her ex and her possible new love interest will clash remains to be seen. I look forward to reading more about it.
For now, though, I am happy to say that this book was a good start to what promises to be a great series. Lara is a likeable character and you can't help but want the best for her.
June 26, 2025
In the first book in a new historical fiction series, readers venture to 1936 where Lara Flynn is looking to restart her life after having her heart broken and being in an accident in Liverpool. Taking on a job as a district nurse and midwife in the rural village of Ingleside in Lancashire, Lara is not ready for biking all over the place, dealing with livestock, working with an erratic doctor, and feeling isolated from her patients, many of whom have challenging cases. As she learns that healing goes two ways, Lara’s new life seems to heal her wounds, and if the community can accept her, she might have found where she is meant to be. With a large and interesting cast of characters and a series of uniquely rural incidents, this novel is a fantastic start to this new historical fiction series that readers of similar series will love. The characters, particularly Lara, are capable, complex, and interesting, and the differences between Lara and her life with the Ingleside community set up some great character development and conflict which readers will appreciate. The historical details and setting are well done, and this does a fantastic job setting up the atmosphere of the novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
March 9, 2025
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
Set in 1936, the story follows Nurse Lara Flynn, who has moved to a quiet countryside village, hoping to start a new chapter in her life. She finds that some residents in the village are more welcoming than others.
On first impressions, Lara seemed like everything a nurse should be; a warm, kind-hearted person who enjoyed taking care of others. I warmed to her almost immediately, and I felt she deserved to be happy and succeed in her endeavours. As I got to know a little more about Lara and her background, I realised that she was also a strong-headed and courageous character. Aside from Lara, some of the other characters made me smile too, especially Marion.
I found the countryside setting quite comforting, and this was heartwarming to read, though it also tugged at my heartstrings in places. I also found it quite easy to read in one sitting, and if you like historical sagas, it would be a good choice if you're looking for a book to relax with.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
Set in 1936, the story follows Nurse Lara Flynn, who has moved to a quiet countryside village, hoping to start a new chapter in her life. She finds that some residents in the village are more welcoming than others.
On first impressions, Lara seemed like everything a nurse should be; a warm, kind-hearted person who enjoyed taking care of others. I warmed to her almost immediately, and I felt she deserved to be happy and succeed in her endeavours. As I got to know a little more about Lara and her background, I realised that she was also a strong-headed and courageous character. Aside from Lara, some of the other characters made me smile too, especially Marion.
I found the countryside setting quite comforting, and this was heartwarming to read, though it also tugged at my heartstrings in places. I also found it quite easy to read in one sitting, and if you like historical sagas, it would be a good choice if you're looking for a book to relax with.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
March 11, 2025
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham takes us back to 1936 when Lara Flynn transfers from Liverpool to Ingleside to be a district nurse and midwife at a country practice. Lara needs a change of pace after a terrible accident. I found the story to be easy to read. The characters are relatable, developed, and likeable. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Lancashire countryside. I found the story to be a cross between “All Creatures Great and Small” and “Call the Midwife” (without the nuns). The medical issues were realistic and explained in an easy-to-understand manner. The author really captured the attitudes of people in a small town as well as how they gossip. An incident could happen at an outlying farm, and everyone in town would know by the time Lara made her way back to the practice. There is a touch of romance as well. I like how the people who lived and worked at the practice became a family. I enjoyed the first installment in Diary of a Country Nurse, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse is a heartwarming tale with a new nurse, a reserved doctor, a hospitable housekeeper, rampant rumors, an alarming accident, an attractive vet, and a delightful future.
February 22, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse” is the beginning of a new series by Kate Eastham. This book focuses mainly on Lara, a nurse from Liverpool who is takes on a job being a district nurse/midwife in a small town. Lara has to deal with a number of things, including fitting into the community, which doesn’t really like strangers in their midsts. With a boss who seems to dislike her and some local gossip, Lara faces challenges - but learns to appreciate her fellow nurse, Marion, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Hewitt. I can understand why others have said this book reminds them of James Herriot’s books about his days as a veterinary student - the writing style and short chapters reminded me of that series too (especially the grumpy boss!). This was an enjoyable read - and the fact that the author was a nurse and midwife really shone through. A quick and engaging read.
“A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse” is the beginning of a new series by Kate Eastham. This book focuses mainly on Lara, a nurse from Liverpool who is takes on a job being a district nurse/midwife in a small town. Lara has to deal with a number of things, including fitting into the community, which doesn’t really like strangers in their midsts. With a boss who seems to dislike her and some local gossip, Lara faces challenges - but learns to appreciate her fellow nurse, Marion, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Hewitt. I can understand why others have said this book reminds them of James Herriot’s books about his days as a veterinary student - the writing style and short chapters reminded me of that series too (especially the grumpy boss!). This was an enjoyable read - and the fact that the author was a nurse and midwife really shone through. A quick and engaging read.
February 28, 2025
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse is about a city girl called Lara who is starting a new nursing position in the Country. Lara is looking for a fresh start but right from the beginning Country small town community life throws it at her but Lara is not worried or at least she is strong enough to not show that she is terrified. This is the first book of what I know is set to be my newest favourite series. The characters are well developed and likeable and I am looking forward to knowing more about their experiences in the future. The plot gives you a insight to the medical field as well as what it is like in a small town where everyone knows everyone and their business. I enjoyed the drama filled story and the animals. It has lot of potential to open up more in future books and I am hoping there is a blossoming romance between Lara and local vet Leo. The book is everything I love and is brilliantly written so there is nothing that I can fault.
March 7, 2025
Quite a heartwarming tale of Lara's new life in the country. She's definitely an old-soul and fits in well with most of the community. It's sad that she has a few hiccups along the way but given the time in which it's set it's not really surprising. The story gives a glimpse into the lives of the villagers and there relationships while Lara finds her feet as the community nurse.
Lara's colleagues all sound really supportive and I like how they get on and take care of each other. It's a tough job and they work hard to serve the villagers.
I thought it was a fun read with some interesting events to liven up Lara's experience of country living. There were some tense moments but the community spirit shows that she'd been accepted and wasn't going to be run out by one idiot. Her relationship with Mr Makepeace was particularly moving and reminded me of the relationship I had with my gran.
Lara's colleagues all sound really supportive and I like how they get on and take care of each other. It's a tough job and they work hard to serve the villagers.
I thought it was a fun read with some interesting events to liven up Lara's experience of country living. There were some tense moments but the community spirit shows that she'd been accepted and wasn't going to be run out by one idiot. Her relationship with Mr Makepeace was particularly moving and reminded me of the relationship I had with my gran.
March 11, 2025
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse is the first book in a brand new series by Kate Eastham. I do love starting a new series and it didn’t take me long to get stuck into this one. Lara Flynn is the new District Nurse in the small village of Ingleside in Lancashire. Previous to that she had worked in Liverpool and due to personal circumstances she decides she wants to get away and start afresh .
Things don’t turn out exactly as she is expecting and it seems it’s going to take her a while to settle into village life.
This was a wonderful read with a great cast of characters. It didn’t take me long to get to know all the characters and I look forward to meeting them all again in the next book. Although there were sad and emotional parts to this book there were also some lighthearted moments that had me laughing out loud at times. A perfect start to what I know will be a great series.
Things don’t turn out exactly as she is expecting and it seems it’s going to take her a while to settle into village life.
This was a wonderful read with a great cast of characters. It didn’t take me long to get to know all the characters and I look forward to meeting them all again in the next book. Although there were sad and emotional parts to this book there were also some lighthearted moments that had me laughing out loud at times. A perfect start to what I know will be a great series.
February 9, 2025
I always enjoy Kate Eastham's nursing books and this one was no exception! Easy to read and enjoyable throughout. Perhaps a little bit far fetched at times but it did not deter from my desire to read more and follow the village story. I also felt it would have benefitted with some more explanation as to what happened in Liverpool and as to why Lara had spent time in hospital. I felt it was somewhat glossed over.
I hope that this is the start of a new series as the book left lots of unanswered questions leaving the reader wanting more!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
I hope that this is the start of a new series as the book left lots of unanswered questions leaving the reader wanting more!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
March 11, 2025
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse by awesome Kate Eastham is a fabulous start to a new series.
Introducing Lara, who has taken up a role as Practise Nurse in the stunning countryside of Ingleside following a broken romance and a nasty accident. She expected an idyllic life in the country, but she encountered long cycle rides to get patients and the whispers of many residents about “she's not one of us, she doesn't know”. But can she overcome these pressures and settle in the village?
I loved this novel and was enraptured from the beginning! I loved how Mrs Hewitt took Lara under her wing and look forward to seeing if there is a spark between Leo and Lara in the stories to come!
Introducing Lara, who has taken up a role as Practise Nurse in the stunning countryside of Ingleside following a broken romance and a nasty accident. She expected an idyllic life in the country, but she encountered long cycle rides to get patients and the whispers of many residents about “she's not one of us, she doesn't know”. But can she overcome these pressures and settle in the village?
I loved this novel and was enraptured from the beginning! I loved how Mrs Hewitt took Lara under her wing and look forward to seeing if there is a spark between Leo and Lara in the stories to come!
May 13, 2025
This is billed as a Diary and that is really what it is. It follows Lara in 1936 as she transitions from a nursing job in Liverpool to one in the country. It catalogues her struggles, her triumphs and her difficulties. There are some OK characters in Lara, a young woman running from heartbreak but wanting to be the best she can be. Her female nursing colleague is very accomplished and much more adventurous. There is the good-hearted housekeeper, the grumpy older physician and the younger, misguided doctor. There really wasn't much of a plot, just descriptions of her day-to-day activities. Nothing much offensive other than overindulgence in alcohol.
March 13, 2025
July 1936- Lara Flynn takes a job as a country nurse after a heartbreak and an accident on a busy Liverpool street make her desperate for a fresh start. I enjoyed this story. It's the first in a series, and I'm looking forward to the next one. I loved Lara! She was a hard worker and was determined to give her patients her best despite the town gossip and harassment from some. She lived with a housekeeper, another nurse, and two doctors. I loved all of the characters, and I'm looking forward to learning more about them since this is the first in a series. It kind of reminded me of Call the Midwife, except it was set out in the countryside.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
January 29, 2025
I just finished this book and really enjoyed it. It did have similarities to All Creature Great and Small, but enough was different that I still liked it. I liked Lara, and how she kept on going through her .adversities. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series. Finding out that the author had been a nurse and midwife, convinced me she knows of what she writes. Definitely. recommend!
March 7, 2025
Okay. Raise your hand if you love Call The Midwife or All Creatures Great and Small on PBS! I love both these shows. This book is based in a small village about a nurse who happens also to be a midwife. She recently moved to the country after an unfortunate accident.
Right off, Lara Flynn delivers a baby. A baby cow!
Lara does have her ups and downs while trying to find her place in this new village.
I enjoyed the story and hope to find out more about Lara in the future.
Right off, Lara Flynn delivers a baby. A baby cow!
Lara does have her ups and downs while trying to find her place in this new village.
I enjoyed the story and hope to find out more about Lara in the future.
November 27, 2025
Not much of a story to hold my attention. A nurse moved from the city to a country practice, that could have had promise but no, just day to day "stuff". Add a grumpy old doctor, a drunken younger doctor who burst into tears because a bar maid didnt give him the attention he wanted, agghhh like grow up. Another nurse who was okay but had some problems. It was like reading a diary, I kept turning pages hoping for some real interest, there wasn't any. Two stars for trying.
February 6, 2025
A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse introduces us to Lara, a district nurse from Liverpool who requested transfer to the country after a traumatic event.
Lara struggles to deal with starting off on the wrong foot in a tight-knit community, all while overcoming her a bad relationship and a crash that left her with both physical and emotional scars.
This book features delightful world-building, and Kate Eastham brings a remarkable level of real-life experience to the medical happenings and struggles of each character.
This is a delightful world, and I would love to get to know it better in future books.
Lara struggles to deal with starting off on the wrong foot in a tight-knit community, all while overcoming her a bad relationship and a crash that left her with both physical and emotional scars.
This book features delightful world-building, and Kate Eastham brings a remarkable level of real-life experience to the medical happenings and struggles of each character.
This is a delightful world, and I would love to get to know it better in future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
I couldn’t resist starting Eastham’s new series when I read that it was a cross between Call the Midwife and All Creatures. A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse more than lives up to the description. The characters are engaging. I can’t wait to follow their stories in future books. A great, lighthearted read.
February 19, 2025
A great filler while you wait for the next season of Call the Midwife - or aren’t ready for the heartwarming action to end. And when this story is done, you’ll want more of that!
I got this book from NetGalley.
I got this book from NetGalley.
March 13, 2025
Great!!!
Wonderful new series of a Liverpool nurse moving to a small village to become a district nurse! Her new boss is a bit unsure of her, her workmates develop in a new experience as well as patients and villagers wondering if she is good enough! Wonderful book!!!
Wonderful new series of a Liverpool nurse moving to a small village to become a district nurse! Her new boss is a bit unsure of her, her workmates develop in a new experience as well as patients and villagers wondering if she is good enough! Wonderful book!!!
August 2, 2025
I really enjoyed how the author portrayed both the good and bad of country life. Most books in this genre made everything seem idyllic, which is far from reality. The characters are endearing and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. Four and a half stars!
August 17, 2025
This was a stellar read. As a fan of Call The Midwife, I liked that it was about a nurse’s life but with the change of local from a busy inner city neighborhood to the English countryside. I like books about new beginnings and starting fresh. This was a charming, relaxing read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews