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Diary of a Country Nurse #3
Courage for the Country Nurse: A BRAND NEW compelling tale of courage and duty from Kate Eastham for 2026
A BRAND NEW heartwarming instalment in Kate Eastham's wonderfully warm-hearted 1930s Diary of a Country Nurse series. perfect for fans of Call the Midwife and All Creatures Great and Small. 🏥 ‘Authentic... the mixture of nursing and farming life is both warming and true. I liked this a lot.’ Rosie Clarke, bestselling saga author. Courage. Community. And a nurse determined to protect her village.
1937 - When a diphtheria outbreak sweeps through the Lancashire countryside, district nurse Lara Flynn faces one of the hardest seasons of her career. She and the small team at Ingleside Surgery must work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in the village and surrounding its children. With young lives hanging in the balance and tensions rising, can Lara show courage, compassion and quiet strength like never before?
But illness is not the only threat to Ingleside. A shocking discovery at the mill pond sends fear rippling through the close-knit community. As the ensuing police investigation gathers pace, the bonds of the village are tested.
Caught between her duty as a nurse and her instinct to defend those she believes are innocent, Lara begins to realise just how much this place and its people – including handsome vet, Leo Sullivan – have come to mean to her…
A warm and gripping historical saga novel about community, resilience and the power of kindness.
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
1937 - When a diphtheria outbreak sweeps through the Lancashire countryside, district nurse Lara Flynn faces one of the hardest seasons of her career. She and the small team at Ingleside Surgery must work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in the village and surrounding its children. With young lives hanging in the balance and tensions rising, can Lara show courage, compassion and quiet strength like never before?
But illness is not the only threat to Ingleside. A shocking discovery at the mill pond sends fear rippling through the close-knit community. As the ensuing police investigation gathers pace, the bonds of the village are tested.
Caught between her duty as a nurse and her instinct to defend those she believes are innocent, Lara begins to realise just how much this place and its people – including handsome vet, Leo Sullivan – have come to mean to her…
A warm and gripping historical saga novel about community, resilience and the power of kindness.
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
- GenresHistorical Fiction
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 14, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. So far, I've enjoyed every new book in the country nurse series more than the last. They're cozy and nostalgic, perfect for fans of Call the Midwife or All Things Great and Small. The budding romance in the series gets sweeter with each read. I can't wait to read the next one!.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the 3rd book in the series and while it could be read as a stand-alone one gets much more context and will understand the characters better if the whole series is read.
And it is worthwhile reading them all.
Again we meet Lara and Marion - the district nurses, Drs Bingham and Angus Fitzwilliam the vet Leo and all the characters and families in the close knit village. We must not forget the redoubtable Mrs Hewitt always on hand with a cup of tea and freshly baked cake or scones. She does love ‘mothering’ her household. The book also highlights the effects that WW1 has even in the 1930’s.
The book deals in detail with a diphtheria outbreak which affects the children of the village and the surrounding farms. There is the demise of one character - if you’ve read the series then perhaps in some ways deserved. There is the gentle start of a relationship - if Phillipa doesn’t stick her oar in. What a self centred individual!
I did have a couple of disappointments - and maybe these will be settled in the next book which we know is coming. What happened to Vic Taylor and why and what was Patrick Kavanagh’s involvement? Did Jimmy Diamond play a role in- another thoroughly unlikeable character. I always think it’s a sign of a good writer if they can create characters that the reader just dislikes.
There was also one heart in the mouth experience for Lara - very late on in the book. This had been well researched and was very well written.
A thought provoking read in so many ways - ideal for those that love both historical fiction and medical life before the NHS - as always well written and well researched. I for one can’t wait for the next book. Hopefully we will find more about Angus and his back story and why he feels the need to go off the rails and behave so irresponsibly so often?
And it is worthwhile reading them all.
Again we meet Lara and Marion - the district nurses, Drs Bingham and Angus Fitzwilliam the vet Leo and all the characters and families in the close knit village. We must not forget the redoubtable Mrs Hewitt always on hand with a cup of tea and freshly baked cake or scones. She does love ‘mothering’ her household. The book also highlights the effects that WW1 has even in the 1930’s.
The book deals in detail with a diphtheria outbreak which affects the children of the village and the surrounding farms. There is the demise of one character - if you’ve read the series then perhaps in some ways deserved. There is the gentle start of a relationship - if Phillipa doesn’t stick her oar in. What a self centred individual!
I did have a couple of disappointments - and maybe these will be settled in the next book which we know is coming. What happened to Vic Taylor and why and what was Patrick Kavanagh’s involvement? Did Jimmy Diamond play a role in- another thoroughly unlikeable character. I always think it’s a sign of a good writer if they can create characters that the reader just dislikes.
There was also one heart in the mouth experience for Lara - very late on in the book. This had been well researched and was very well written.
A thought provoking read in so many ways - ideal for those that love both historical fiction and medical life before the NHS - as always well written and well researched. I for one can’t wait for the next book. Hopefully we will find more about Angus and his back story and why he feels the need to go off the rails and behave so irresponsibly so often?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Diary of a Country Nurse #3
1937 - When a diphtheria outbreak sweeps through the Lancashire countryside, district nurse Lara Flynn faces one of the hardest seasons of her career. She and the small team at Ingleside Surgery must work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in the village and surrounding its children. with young lives hanging in the balance and tensions rising, can Lara show courage, compasson and a quiet strength like never before? But illness is not the only threat to Ingleside. A shocking discovery at the mill pond sends fear rippling through the close-knit community. An the ensuing police investigation gathers pace, the bonds of the village are tested.
I'm really enjoying this series. It tells how country life is not always as we suspect it to be. I like the main characters, especially Lara. If an outbreak of diphtheria isn't enough to contend with, there's also the drowning in the mill pond - was it an accident? Or something more sinister? I guess you'll have to read the book to find out.
Published 21st May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #KateEastham for my ARC of #CourageForTheCountryNurse in exchange for an honest review.
1937 - When a diphtheria outbreak sweeps through the Lancashire countryside, district nurse Lara Flynn faces one of the hardest seasons of her career. She and the small team at Ingleside Surgery must work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in the village and surrounding its children. with young lives hanging in the balance and tensions rising, can Lara show courage, compasson and a quiet strength like never before? But illness is not the only threat to Ingleside. A shocking discovery at the mill pond sends fear rippling through the close-knit community. An the ensuing police investigation gathers pace, the bonds of the village are tested.
I'm really enjoying this series. It tells how country life is not always as we suspect it to be. I like the main characters, especially Lara. If an outbreak of diphtheria isn't enough to contend with, there's also the drowning in the mill pond - was it an accident? Or something more sinister? I guess you'll have to read the book to find out.
Published 21st May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #KateEastham for my ARC of #CourageForTheCountryNurse in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: Courage for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham
This third book in the Diary of a Country Nurse series is a heartwarming and engaging read that truly touched my heart. Set in a 1930s English village, it offers a lovely glimpse into community life, centered around two dedicated nurses, two doctors, and a delightful housekeeper.
Lara, the main character, shines as she and her colleagues face a frightening diphtheria outbreak, working tirelessly to care for the village’s sick children. Their compassion and sense of duty are inspiring. Alongside this, a mysterious drowning in the mill pond adds an intriguing thread—was it simply an accident, or something more?
Despite the challenges, there are also lighter moments, with friendships nurtured in the local pub and a hint of romance—especially with Leo, the kind-hearted young veterinarian.
Having read the first two books, I can say this one may be my favorite so far. It’s a sweet, comforting, and satisfying story, and I’m very much looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
This third book in the Diary of a Country Nurse series is a heartwarming and engaging read that truly touched my heart. Set in a 1930s English village, it offers a lovely glimpse into community life, centered around two dedicated nurses, two doctors, and a delightful housekeeper.
Lara, the main character, shines as she and her colleagues face a frightening diphtheria outbreak, working tirelessly to care for the village’s sick children. Their compassion and sense of duty are inspiring. Alongside this, a mysterious drowning in the mill pond adds an intriguing thread—was it simply an accident, or something more?
Despite the challenges, there are also lighter moments, with friendships nurtured in the local pub and a hint of romance—especially with Leo, the kind-hearted young veterinarian.
Having read the first two books, I can say this one may be my favorite so far. It’s a sweet, comforting, and satisfying story, and I’m very much looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've followed this series from the beginning, so was pleased to dive straight back in to life at Ingleside.
The book opens with village vet, Leo Sullivan, accidentally hitting a dog with his car. As Nurse Lara Flynn helps him to save the dog, they can't hide their feelings for each other. I love that they have a will they?/won't they? romance. But things are not straightforward for them and soon an outbreak of diphtheria in the village pushes all romantic ideas aside.
The book follows Lara and her colleagues as they struggle to manage the caseload in the village. They show strength and courage as they battle to save the village children from diphtheria. Once the outbreak is over, more drama ensues after the return of an unsavoury character from the previous books.
I love the human feel of this book. Even when times are hard, the characters show grit and humour. I loved seeing how friendships grow and the villagers support each other through tough times. Most importantly, Mrs Hewitt is always on standby with tea and cake!
Content warnings: injured dog, sick children, death, drinking
The book opens with village vet, Leo Sullivan, accidentally hitting a dog with his car. As Nurse Lara Flynn helps him to save the dog, they can't hide their feelings for each other. I love that they have a will they?/won't they? romance. But things are not straightforward for them and soon an outbreak of diphtheria in the village pushes all romantic ideas aside.
The book follows Lara and her colleagues as they struggle to manage the caseload in the village. They show strength and courage as they battle to save the village children from diphtheria. Once the outbreak is over, more drama ensues after the return of an unsavoury character from the previous books.
I love the human feel of this book. Even when times are hard, the characters show grit and humour. I loved seeing how friendships grow and the villagers support each other through tough times. Most importantly, Mrs Hewitt is always on standby with tea and cake!
Content warnings: injured dog, sick children, death, drinking
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having read the whole series this to me is the best so far. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and feel I got to know the characters more with every page.
The Diphtheria storyline was strong and made me appreciate how lucky we are today that such illnesses do not kill innocent children like they once did. The blossoming relationships for several of the key characters give the storyline some happy moments.
The death in the second half of the book made me think the local police are pretty useless as this is the second crime in the series that they have so far failed to resolve! I very much hope this will be a continuing story to find out who did commit the crime for the next title in the series.
I would recommend the whole series as I have enjoyed them all.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
The Diphtheria storyline was strong and made me appreciate how lucky we are today that such illnesses do not kill innocent children like they once did. The blossoming relationships for several of the key characters give the storyline some happy moments.
The death in the second half of the book made me think the local police are pretty useless as this is the second crime in the series that they have so far failed to resolve! I very much hope this will be a continuing story to find out who did commit the crime for the next title in the series.
I would recommend the whole series as I have enjoyed them all.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although this is the third book in a series, it still works as a standalone. Diphtheria has struck the village, especially the little children. Lara and her coworkers have a lot to cope with, as well as a murder and the unwanted attentions of Jimmy Diamond and his desire to get his dog back. The interactions between the characters are what bring this book to life. The burgeoning romance between Lara and Leo is lovely, but Lara worries about what happens to her nursing career if she were to marry. Suffice to say, this made me seek out the first two books so that I can get the background and enjoy the experience of life in 1937 England through Lara’s eyes. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for bringing this author to my attention.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the 3rd installment of Diary of a Country Nurse. It can be read as a standalone, but the whole series is wonderful. I would recommend that you read all the books in order, as they have a running storyline throughout.
This was a particularly moving story, not least because of a breakout of a life-threatening disease. I will admit to shedding a tear or two!
There is also drama in the form of bullying, a possible murder, and horrendous weather, causing possible fatalities. To lighten the mood, there are some fun moments among the medical team and a couple of romantic moments, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it left some unanswered questions, so I hope the next book comes out very soon!
This was a particularly moving story, not least because of a breakout of a life-threatening disease. I will admit to shedding a tear or two!
There is also drama in the form of bullying, a possible murder, and horrendous weather, causing possible fatalities. To lighten the mood, there are some fun moments among the medical team and a couple of romantic moments, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it left some unanswered questions, so I hope the next book comes out very soon!
April 23, 2026
This was another good book in the series by Kate Eastham. This time the Drs. and nursing staff are dealing with a diphtheria outbreak. There's possible a romance or two in the works, along with some upsetting happenings in the village. Nurse Lara and Marion never slow down, always keeping their patients looked after. I love the little 'family' they have formed in the surgery. All is held together by Mrs. Hewitt, their housekeeper, cook, receptionist and general carer of them all. I want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. I am glad to see she is already working on the next book. I definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A lovely storyline with lovely characters one can relate to! This novel is definitely heartwarming! However, it is also a very light read and I have not found it really interesting. For me, the characters (though very nice!) lack depth, and the plot rather flat. But still, for readers who enjoy a light and quick read, this novdl will appeal to them.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Courage For the Country Nurse, book 3 in a series set in 1937 rural England is a good easy story. I am really enjoying this series. The slow pace of life as Lara cycles the countryside as a district nurse dealing with often life threatening medical problems in the time before antibiotics and wide spread vaccines is interesting. These books have the feel of the All Creatures Great and Small to me. If you are looking to escape the every day world I recommend this whole series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third book in the country nurse series. It’s an easy and cosy read that would be perfect for fans of ‘Call the Midwife’. Although it’s part of a series it can be read as a stand alone story.
April 14, 2026
A heartwarming story of a nurse who has to deal with the challenges of what might be her most difficult time in her life. So many twist and turns and compelling obstacles in her way.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews