A Cottage in the Country: The new heartwarming romance from the beloved #1 Sunday Times bestselling author

by Katie Fforde

'An escapist, romantic story of love, friendship and gorgeous houses... Warm, wise and wonderful' Lucy Diamond

She's found her dream home but can she make her dreams a reality?

Hattie finds other people their dream homes for a living.

Surely she, of all people, has the connections and the knowledge to find her own forever home? Instead, she baffles those closest to her by choosing to pack up and move every few months from one housesitting job to the next.

Of course, that's because she knows where she wants to live. It's a beautiful house owned by a lovely old woman who'd simply love for Hattie to have it.

But nothing is ever that simple.

There's Clive who refuses to listen to his great-aunt's wishes about her house. There's Luke, Hattie's oldest friend, who just wants to see her happy. And there's Hattie herself. It might take a difficult client, an awkward teenager and a couple of dogs to help her see what really makes a house a home.

'Leaves you smiling long after the final page' Cathy Bramley

'A happy, warm, joyous place to be. I feel like I've made a whole new group of friends' Jo Thomas

Readers love Katie Fforde...
'Never fails to bring a smile to my face' *****
'Full of drama, fun and romance' *****
'Total delightful escapism' *****
'Transports you to a new place' *****

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 12, 2026

About the author

Catherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.

Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."

Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.

Reviews

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute, comforting read with a lovely heart at its centre. I enjoyed Hattie as a protagonist and the idea of someone who finds dream homes for others while struggling to claim one for herself felt relatable and well done.

There were moments where the story dragged slightly and could have been a bit tighter, but overall I really enjoyed the journey. The supporting characters (and dogs!) added a lot of charm, and the ending delivered a very satisfying, feel-good HEA that made it all worth it.

[Liz Fenwick]

Katie Fforde is the queen of feel-good fiction and this book delivers just that. I began it yesterday and finished it today with a smile. It’s a delightful read with characters you root for… I loved it.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

Hattie is a house-finder (nothing like an estate agent) in the Cotswolds, finding the perfect property for her clients. She also happens to have visions (inherited from her Irish grandmother) which show her romantic couples for good (or bad) and she does her best to honour those visions by either bringing the couples together, or helping them to split up. However, despite all her success for her clients, Hattie has been unable to find her own forever home and instead house-sits for various landlords on a temporary basis. The house she really loves belongs to an octogenarian friend of hers called Mary, a beautiful old Cotswolds cottage, but Hattie knows she could never afford it, even if Mary's nephew Clive has neglected basic maintenance for too long.

Her best friends are Rose who owns a local shop (who Hattie got together with her now-husband) and Luke, a restorer of old houses. Everyone thinks she and Luke should be more than friends, but Hattie has always shied away from that, what could be worse than losing a partner and a best friend in one?

When Hattie's bossy older sister gets a job in Switzerland she asks (demands) that Hattie look after her fifteen-year old son Xander who has been having some trouble at school and has been enrolled at a local school which specialises in helping troubled teens.

After Katie Fforde's recent books set in the 1960s this was a nice return to present day and I have to say for the first 75% of the book I was absolutely loving it, no shrinking virginal heroine, just a lovely friends to lovers (eventually) romance. Two things brought down what was a solid four star rating for me: Clive, and the 'secret'. Clive was too much of a pantomime villain, and the secret was totally unnecessary and I don't understand why it was a secret in the first place.

But other than those minor gripes (which is a bit like saying I wish Katie Fforde wasn't so Katie Fforde I know), this was a feel good, sweet romance - just what you would expect.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading A Cottage in the Country feels like slipping into a warm bath after a long day—soothing, familiar, and quietly joyful. Katie Fforde once again delivers a story brimming with charm, heart, and the kind of gentle wisdom that lingers like the scent of fresh scones.

Hattie, a professional dream-home finder who hasn’t quite found her own, is a delightfully endearing heroine. Her nomadic life of house-sitting is both whimsical and quietly poignant, especially as she sets her heart on a beautiful old home that may never truly be hers. With a cast of quirky characters—including a stubborn relative, a loyal friend, and a pair of scene-stealing dogs—this novel explores what it really means to belong.

Fforde’s prose is breezy yet thoughtful, with just the right balance of humour and heartache. There’s a comforting rhythm to the story, like the ticking of a country clock, and a gentle reminder that sometimes, home isn’t a place—it’s a feeling, a community, a choice.

Perfect for a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea and a woolly blanket, A Cottage in the Country is a tender, uplifting escape into a world where love blooms slowly, and every chapter feels like a hug.

With thanks to KAtie Fforde, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Melisa Broadbent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cottage in the Country is Katie Fforde at her absolute finest. This reminds me slightly of her earlier books so much that I am going to revisit some of her earlier work!

A Country in the Country has everything - a wonderful setting that I would willingly pack up and move to immediately and a lovely array of characters that you can't help but love, each with their own story that blends brilliantly and all linked to Hattie, our main character.

Hattie is a lovely main character, house finder and friend to many, she flits from house to house, never really wanting to put down roots but it all changes when her sister has to move to Switzerland for a job and her teenage son, Xander is starting college. Hattie steps in and settles into a routine with Xander and her friend Luke and his two lovely dogs. I really loved how the story flowed with the character and I really had a soft spot for Fiona, previously a house finding client and now friend and Mary, a 90 year old with a cottage that Hattie adores but a scrupulous nephew hanging around, both had interesting (and gripping) storylines that kept me turning the pages.

Very sad to have finished but I'm looking forward to what the author has in store for us next time!

[Susanne Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Katie Fford, so I was excited to delve into this book. I have to say, initially I wasn’t entirely struck by this book, it felt a little bit different to other Katie Fford books, and the visions Hattie got really threw me. However I carried on as the descriptions were beautiful and the characters were well rounded and easy to identify with.

I’m pleased I did as I really enjoyed the story, Hattie and Luke were great together, It was a bit annoying how they never seemed to communicate very well, when a simple honest conversation could of had them together sooner, especially when it later appears that Luke slowly tricks her into revealing her feelings by getting her to pretend to be his girlfriend.

I was fascinated by Mary and I loved all the scenes with her and Hattie, I really wanted her to tell Clive to get lost and cut off his inheritance and stick with Hattie. Hattie’s devotion to her is very touching.

A good read with some solid friendships, especially considering the age ranges with Xander thrown into the mix.

[Sarah Truckell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. 4.5 stars. I love a Katie Fforde feel good book and this did not disappoint. Hattie’s job is to find people their dream home. Her reality is to move from short let to short let, on cheaper rents until properties are sold. Her dream home is owned by an elderly lady who would love Hattie to own it and move into a care home. But nephew Clive won’t pay for the house to be made comfortable or the care home. Hattie’s close friend Luke wants her to be happy. Her nephew Xander comes to stay so he can attend the local college whilst his Mum is working in Switzerland. Friendships are made. Family connections are strengthened. Drama, fun and romance. Perfect combinations.

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another deliciously cosy read from Katie Fforde.

Hattie finds other people their dream houses, amongst their dreams other things. The story follows Hattie as she realises and achieves some of her own dreams too.

Fforde paces the story well - she's skillful at giving enough information to entice and interest a reader without it feeling overloaded or slowing the pace. The story isn't taxing but it's not super predictable and is enjoyable. Characters are well developed (Although, I would've liked Hattie to stand up to her parents a little more!) and there's a nice layer of real estate interest added too.

An enjoyable read for those who like a good rom com!

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite Katie Fforde book by far and I just enjoyed it so much and didn’t want it to end.

Hattie is a house finder and spends her days helping her clients find their dream home. She has a lovely group of friends and clients who have plenty of things going on in their lives to keep Hattie busy.

The setting is just perfect and the characters in the story are all so likeable (apart from one or two). My favourite being Fiona.

This was a fantastic book which I would definitely recommend and would love a sequel to catch up with all the characters.


Thanks to NetGalley, Katie Fforde and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Gem ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Katie Fforde's style of writing wonderful stories that bring to life ordinary lives with touching stories, a little drama and always tons of heart and soul. Hattie was a wonderful character to get to know and I especially loved her "gift" and how her relationships with those she cared about were influenced by situations. The plotline with Hattie's nephew Xander was a really lovely touch . I felt like I could really escape into the gardens and houses in this book and found it a relaxing and comforting read. Of course there's the ending that you'd expect but that's all part of the charm.

[mel_neverendingtbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fantastic Read by Katie Fforde filled with romance, family, elements of fantasy

Hattie helps other people find their dream homes for a living.

When she finds her dream home, which is owned by a friend of hers who would love for her to have it but will everything go according to plan when the relative of who owns it refuses to listen to his aunts wishes.

Then there is Luke who Hattie has known forever, will they ever become more than friends?

Also add in Hattie looking after her nephew when his mum has to work away and Hattie having to work with a difficult client

Thank you to Netgally and Bloomsbury Publishing for letting me read this, I’ve always loved Katie’s books

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed Katie’s novels and this one didn’t disappoint. Despite predicting the ending, it was an enjoyable book with some lovely characters, a good storyline and an easy reading romance. Hattie, a professional house hunter,who possessed the powers of vision into intricate relationships, and her friends, carries the reader along on its telling. No surprises, but a compulsive page-turned nevertheless.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Bloomsbury for this ARC in return for my review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to review this book by NetGalley.

I always love Katie's writing as her stories are based in the Cotswold not far from where I live so always a comforting cosy read.

Hattie job is to find other people their forever houses and dreams too. The story was predictable but that I did not mind as I was happy to immerse myself in this world and to find Hattie achieves some of her dreams too,

Due for publication February 12 2026.

[Heather Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming tale.

Hattie finds dream homes for other people as her living but has nowhere of her own. Instead she housesits for other people.

She has found her ideal home owned by her friend, Mary but knows she cannot afford to buy it - even without Clive’s interference - Mary great-nephew.

Hattie also sees visions which she feels she has to act upon.

She is also asked to provide a home for Xander - her older sister’s boy.

Add to this her friend, Luke - a friendship she does not want to lose by becoming romantically involved and Rose, her best friend - you have a cast of characters to provide an enjoyable read.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Katie Fforde fan for over 20 years. This latest novel doesn’t disappoint.

Professional house hunter, Hattie regularly flits from house to house. I love her relationship with her nephew and subsequently with her sister. Some really great characters in this book actually.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy to review.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy Katie's books and have read a few over the years. This one I just sunk into right away and enjoyed every page. One or two of the characters were very nasty but, the nice ones won the day. A lovely ending which left me satisfied. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Emily West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed; cosy and comforting with a dash of classic Katie Fforde. I adored the characters and the locations were described brilliantly. If you want to escape into the English countryside then this is the book for you. Yes there is romance, but it’s not overly shy, it’s more about friendships and family.

[Alison Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ACottageintheCountry #NetGalley A cosy, romantic, easy to read book that was a welcome relief to my usual crime and thriller genre. I warmed to the character of Hattie and although the ending was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed it nevertheless. A solid 4 stars.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I do enjoy a Katie Fforde book and this one is no exception. Hattie finds homes for people but actually has no home of her own!

Great story and one which I found hard to put down.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Katie Fforde, I found this to be a gently romantic story that was quite a nice read. It had a good cast of characters, all of which were well rounded and engaging. I did find the fact that Hattie has visions about people that help her to help them find their real true loves a plot device that didn’t entirely work for me, but it moves the story along nicely and I suspect the fans will be happy with it. I did enjoy the way the different storylines worked within the overall plot, and I genuinely got a real feel for the settings and events. While I found the story somewhat predictable, it was a nice journey and perfect for a cosy evening read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review