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Orchard Cottage Hospital #4
Echoes of the Past at Orchard Cottage Hospital
The BRAND-NEW instalment in bestselling author Lizzie Lane's Orchard Cottage Hospital series full of community, chaos and charm.✨ It's May Day and there are good and bad things happening in Norton Dene.
Somerset, 1934
The May Day celebrations are underway and offer some light relief from the daily hardships and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for the folk of Norton Dene.
Conscientious Sister Edith Harrison has her fortune told and a handsome, tall dark stranger is predicted to be on the horizon for her affections. Imagine her surprise when a mysterious stranger arrives in town with a hidden agenda that will upset those at Orchard Manor House. It seems like there are some ghosts from the past that need to be put to rest.
Drawn to Ben Tyler, Sister Edith makes it her mission to discover the reason for his arrival and protect him from those who mean him harm.
Meanwhile Doctor Frances Brakespeare has been handed an ultimatum by the Reverend Gregory Sampson and is torn between love and duty – or can she have both?
Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke, Fenella Miller and Patricia McBride.
If you love this, try Lizzie's Tobacco Girls and Coronation Close series
Somerset, 1934
The May Day celebrations are underway and offer some light relief from the daily hardships and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for the folk of Norton Dene.
Conscientious Sister Edith Harrison has her fortune told and a handsome, tall dark stranger is predicted to be on the horizon for her affections. Imagine her surprise when a mysterious stranger arrives in town with a hidden agenda that will upset those at Orchard Manor House. It seems like there are some ghosts from the past that need to be put to rest.
Drawn to Ben Tyler, Sister Edith makes it her mission to discover the reason for his arrival and protect him from those who mean him harm.
Meanwhile Doctor Frances Brakespeare has been handed an ultimatum by the Reverend Gregory Sampson and is torn between love and duty – or can she have both?
Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke, Fenella Miller and Patricia McBride.
If you love this, try Lizzie's Tobacco Girls and Coronation Close series
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 1, 2026
It was 1934 in Summerset and the May Day celebrations were underway. The crowd, mostly people coming for the free food and drink on offer, were exuberant, while the anger of the men from the mine, with their wages first stopped, then reduced, was creating a murmur of disapproval through the crowd. A stranger appeared; a man with a past of trauma and horror from the war. He'd been lost, in a place where he wanted no one near him. But now he was returning to Norton Dene and the people at Orchard Manor House. He had ghosts from his past, and needed to put them to rest. He also had revenge in his heart.
Sister Edith Harrison, Dr Frances Brakespeare's off-sider, was a strong, determined woman, but also a lonely one. Her work at the hospital kept her busy; deciding to take over some of the rounds was a decision to do with the stranger. Nine year old Tommy and his mother June, were being brutalised and beaten by a cruel man who thought he was superior. What would happen to these people of Norton Dene who were surrounded by both good and bad people?
Echoes of the Past at Orchard Cottage Hospital by Lizzie Lane is the 4th in the Orchard Cottage Hospital series and I've enjoyed them all; this one is no exception. Set in an area of poverty and deprivation, with the people of Orchard Manor House doing their best to help, plus the doctor & nurses of the hospital doing the same. Reverend Gregory Sampson (also Dr Brakespeare's beau) also did his utmost. A heartwarming read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Sister Edith Harrison, Dr Frances Brakespeare's off-sider, was a strong, determined woman, but also a lonely one. Her work at the hospital kept her busy; deciding to take over some of the rounds was a decision to do with the stranger. Nine year old Tommy and his mother June, were being brutalised and beaten by a cruel man who thought he was superior. What would happen to these people of Norton Dene who were surrounded by both good and bad people?
Echoes of the Past at Orchard Cottage Hospital by Lizzie Lane is the 4th in the Orchard Cottage Hospital series and I've enjoyed them all; this one is no exception. Set in an area of poverty and deprivation, with the people of Orchard Manor House doing their best to help, plus the doctor & nurses of the hospital doing the same. Reverend Gregory Sampson (also Dr Brakespeare's beau) also did his utmost. A heartwarming read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
May 7, 2026
Echoes of the Past at Orchard Lane Hospital by Lizzie Lane featurs Harry Hunter, a veteran of the Great War, come home to put the past to rest. His friend, Ben Tyler, had died by bad luck and he is using his name now. In a cookie tin, he carries some of Ben’s ashes, intending to pass the ashes off as those of Harry, who is the illegitimate son of local gentry, among other things. His father left him as piece of property which he plans to make into an animal sanctuary. He is living on a board, docked near his land. He had purchased this boat through his own labor and the last of the money he was given when he was demobbed. He kept to himself, although one person that noticed him was Sister Edith Harrison, the local public nurse. He liked her. She was taciturn, intelligent, and empathetic toward animals. Also featured prominently was Doctor Frances Brakespeare who is affianced to the local, vicar, Reverend Gregory Sampson.
These are all intriguing characters, all middle-aged or close to it, and all with problems of their own. People were surprising, especially his father’s wife. His mother had been dead for years and she deeply regretted how the woman had been treated. She was welcoming to Harry. This is a story about real life, and how messy it can be. There were ups and downs to this story, which keeps the read vigilant at all times. A terrific read.
I was invited to read Echoes of the Past at Orchard Lane Hospital by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #LizzieLane #EchoesOfThePastAt OrchardLaneHospital
These are all intriguing characters, all middle-aged or close to it, and all with problems of their own. People were surprising, especially his father’s wife. His mother had been dead for years and she deeply regretted how the woman had been treated. She was welcoming to Harry. This is a story about real life, and how messy it can be. There were ups and downs to this story, which keeps the read vigilant at all times. A terrific read.
I was invited to read Echoes of the Past at Orchard Lane Hospital by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #LizzieLane #EchoesOfThePastAt OrchardLaneHospital
May 2, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for an advance copy of this novel.
This is the fourth in Lizzie Lane’s historical saga about the little ‘cottage hospital’ in the poor mining town of Norton Dene, Somerset. The series began in 1930 with the arrival of London-based Dr Frances Breakespeare. The doctor had just lost her adoptive mother, a suffragist who raised her to believe in equality for all. Now homeless and still
mourning her fiancé’s death on the western front, she felt the need to start over where her medical skills were most needed. Offered a residency at Orchard Cottage Hospital, she finds both the village residents and the hospital staff initially wary of a female doctor. But they are so in need of a doctor that she settles in with relatively little conflict, once the suspicious mine families became aware of her compassion and ability.
This installment has enough past detail to stand on its own, but the series is structured with each book reading like a chapter in one continuous novel, so readers might prefer to read them in order. That said, all the usual cast of characters introduced on Frances’ arrival are back—her intrepid ‘wingman,’ Sister Edith Harrison; her new fiance, the tender-hearted and infinitely patient Rev. Gregory Sampson; her good friends and hospital benefactors, the Compton-Dixons of Orchard Manor House.
The story opens in 1934, amidst the bustle of the annual May Day festivities. Although the Depression is beginning to lift, many of the miners are still laid off, or suffering through reduced hours and pay cuts . The atmosphere, though merry as historic customs are followed, remains easily disrupted. Into this environment steps a stranger, a dark mysterious man named Ben Tyler, who also goes by the alias Harry Hunter.
Tyler/Hunter, a Great War vet struggling with personal trauma, arrives with his dog and immediately lights the fires of suspicion among the locals. But Sister Edith, intent on becoming more involved in the community, works to find out what he is looking for. She and the stranger become the main players in the story, an interesting switch from the usual lead couple, the doctor and the reverend.
This is a captivating story, with the usual warmth and tenderness and overcoming of adversity. Even a solid twenty years after the Great War began, we see its far-reaching impact and the tragic fate of so many war veterans having to deal alone with their trauma. The big question that runs through each volume—when will Frances consent to marry Gregory—is not resolved here. But he has issued an ultimatum, in very un-Gregory fashion, so the fifth book might well feature a lovely wedding!
This is the fourth in Lizzie Lane’s historical saga about the little ‘cottage hospital’ in the poor mining town of Norton Dene, Somerset. The series began in 1930 with the arrival of London-based Dr Frances Breakespeare. The doctor had just lost her adoptive mother, a suffragist who raised her to believe in equality for all. Now homeless and still
mourning her fiancé’s death on the western front, she felt the need to start over where her medical skills were most needed. Offered a residency at Orchard Cottage Hospital, she finds both the village residents and the hospital staff initially wary of a female doctor. But they are so in need of a doctor that she settles in with relatively little conflict, once the suspicious mine families became aware of her compassion and ability.
This installment has enough past detail to stand on its own, but the series is structured with each book reading like a chapter in one continuous novel, so readers might prefer to read them in order. That said, all the usual cast of characters introduced on Frances’ arrival are back—her intrepid ‘wingman,’ Sister Edith Harrison; her new fiance, the tender-hearted and infinitely patient Rev. Gregory Sampson; her good friends and hospital benefactors, the Compton-Dixons of Orchard Manor House.
The story opens in 1934, amidst the bustle of the annual May Day festivities. Although the Depression is beginning to lift, many of the miners are still laid off, or suffering through reduced hours and pay cuts . The atmosphere, though merry as historic customs are followed, remains easily disrupted. Into this environment steps a stranger, a dark mysterious man named Ben Tyler, who also goes by the alias Harry Hunter.
Tyler/Hunter, a Great War vet struggling with personal trauma, arrives with his dog and immediately lights the fires of suspicion among the locals. But Sister Edith, intent on becoming more involved in the community, works to find out what he is looking for. She and the stranger become the main players in the story, an interesting switch from the usual lead couple, the doctor and the reverend.
This is a captivating story, with the usual warmth and tenderness and overcoming of adversity. Even a solid twenty years after the Great War began, we see its far-reaching impact and the tragic fate of so many war veterans having to deal alone with their trauma. The big question that runs through each volume—when will Frances consent to marry Gregory—is not resolved here. But he has issued an ultimatum, in very un-Gregory fashion, so the fifth book might well feature a lovely wedding!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is book 4 in the Orchard Cottage Hospital series and arguably the best yet.
We meet characters old and new, Ma Skittings is still mixing her herbs, Sister Edith Harrison is still ruling the hospital with a rod of iron but hides a softer inner self who loves romance and a good romantic novel. Not forgetting Dr Frances Brakespeare and her fiancé the vicar Gregory Sampson.
There is also Lady Araminta at the Manor and her son Devlin - still healing with his inner turmoil over WW1.
And then a stranger Harry Hunter AKA Ben Tyler appears with his dog Talbot and his narrow boat also called Talbot - also dealing with inner turmoil from WW1. I actually found the dual names here a bit odd and not needed even though it did play a place within the story.
Harry had his own connection with The Manor and wants revenge then realises that this hurts no-one than himself. But along the way sister Harrison crosses his path and helps him scare off a nasty man who wants the land he has inherited.
There are descriptions of sick and ill treated animals and quite a lot of the book deals with domestic abuse which may be a trigger for some
As is the way with the series we leave on the will Frances/Gregory set a date and will Edith and Harry settle down
Well written and keeps one absorbed - a great read
We meet characters old and new, Ma Skittings is still mixing her herbs, Sister Edith Harrison is still ruling the hospital with a rod of iron but hides a softer inner self who loves romance and a good romantic novel. Not forgetting Dr Frances Brakespeare and her fiancé the vicar Gregory Sampson.
There is also Lady Araminta at the Manor and her son Devlin - still healing with his inner turmoil over WW1.
And then a stranger Harry Hunter AKA Ben Tyler appears with his dog Talbot and his narrow boat also called Talbot - also dealing with inner turmoil from WW1. I actually found the dual names here a bit odd and not needed even though it did play a place within the story.
Harry had his own connection with The Manor and wants revenge then realises that this hurts no-one than himself. But along the way sister Harrison crosses his path and helps him scare off a nasty man who wants the land he has inherited.
There are descriptions of sick and ill treated animals and quite a lot of the book deals with domestic abuse which may be a trigger for some
As is the way with the series we leave on the will Frances/Gregory set a date and will Edith and Harry settle down
Well written and keeps one absorbed - a great read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Orchard Cottage Hospital #4
Somerset, 1934: The May Day celebrations are underway and offer some light relief from the daily hardships and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for the folk of Norton Dene. Conscientious Sister Edith Harrison has her fortune told and a handsome dark stranger is predicted to be on the horizon for her affections. Imagine her surprise when a mysterious stranger arrives in town with a hidden agenda that will upset those at Orchard Manor House. It seems that there are some ghosts from her past that need to be put to rest. Drawn to Ben Tyler, Sister Edith makes it her mission to discover the reason for his arrival and protect him from those who mean him harm. Meanwhile Doctor Frances Brakespearehas been handed an ultimatum by the Reverend Gregory Sampson and is torn between love and duty - or can she have both?
I'm loving this series. The characters are well-developed and likeable. The pace is steady. There was some domestic abuse and poverty that the war mostly left behind. I liked the author's writing style in this well-written book.
Published 1st May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LizzieLane for my ARC of #EchoesOfThePastAtOrchardCottageHospital in exchange for an honest review.
Somerset, 1934: The May Day celebrations are underway and offer some light relief from the daily hardships and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for the folk of Norton Dene. Conscientious Sister Edith Harrison has her fortune told and a handsome dark stranger is predicted to be on the horizon for her affections. Imagine her surprise when a mysterious stranger arrives in town with a hidden agenda that will upset those at Orchard Manor House. It seems that there are some ghosts from her past that need to be put to rest. Drawn to Ben Tyler, Sister Edith makes it her mission to discover the reason for his arrival and protect him from those who mean him harm. Meanwhile Doctor Frances Brakespearehas been handed an ultimatum by the Reverend Gregory Sampson and is torn between love and duty - or can she have both?
I'm loving this series. The characters are well-developed and likeable. The pace is steady. There was some domestic abuse and poverty that the war mostly left behind. I liked the author's writing style in this well-written book.
Published 1st May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LizzieLane for my ARC of #EchoesOfThePastAtOrchardCottageHospital in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another captivating story in the Orchard Cottage Hospital series. We catch up with series regulars Doctor Frances, her beau, the Reverend Gregory, Sister Edith and the Compton-Dixon family. We also welcome newcomers, most notably BenTyler, aka Harry Hunter, an ex-war vet who has come to the area to claim some inherited land. He also wants to take revenge on someone who ruined his mother's life. The man started out as someone I thought I wouldn't like, but as the story continued, Harry became a most lovable character, and I enjoyed every moment of his story.
There was treachery afoot from unscrupulous characters, domestic abuse and injuries inflicted on an animal - tear-jerking moments! There was a lot of drama, but there were lovely, lighthearted moments and some romantic ones that balanced out the darker parts of the story. I enjoyed this story immensely and am looking forward to the next in the series!
There was treachery afoot from unscrupulous characters, domestic abuse and injuries inflicted on an animal - tear-jerking moments! There was a lot of drama, but there were lovely, lighthearted moments and some romantic ones that balanced out the darker parts of the story. I enjoyed this story immensely and am looking forward to the next in the series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This a wonderful series. Set in 1934, times are tough and the legacy of WW1 lingers. Harry Hunter returns to his home after years in the mental wilderness to claim the land he was left. Between scoundrels who want to take that land, a family that was different to what he imagined and some strong minded women, the world changes for him. There is a focus on Sister Edith Harrison, stern and intractable, or is she! I love the way that women achieve things in this series, Frances, Edith, Ma Skittings and Araminta are all amazing characters. This book also tackles domestic abuse and poverty head on. It was delightful to revisit these characters and Lizzie Lane’s touch in bringing them to life. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another book in this series. Doctor Frances Brakespeare and Sister Edith Harrison continue to lead the Orchard Hospital. The vicar also makes another appearance alongside newcomer Harry who wants to discover his family routes. Great writing and great characters. Thanks to Lizzie Lane and Boldwood publishers. Can’t wait for Book 5.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The fourth book in the series and it's a series that's getting better and better with each book.
The series starts with Doctor Frances Breakspeare taking up an appointment at a cottage hospital in a small village. This is unusual at the time and she's looked at suspiciously by most people. However, in time she becomes central to the village and is in a relationship with the Vicar Gregory Sampson.
In this book Frances and Gregory almost take a back seat. Frances is keeping Gregory hanging on a decision she has to make. Sister Harrison, who's Frances right hand woman, is the one getting most of the attention. She's quite a tough nut with a soft center that people are rarely allowed to see.
A stranger arrives in the village and he has secrets, one almighty big one especially. He throws lives into chaos.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. The new arrival really livens up the story and I was invested in him from the start. There's a lot in this book about animals and their welfare, also there's a domestic abuse case running through the whole story. Some people might find this tough going but the author deals with it well. I also like when bad guys get their comeuppance!
I'd highly recommend this book but do start at the beginning for the full enjoyment of the stories.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
The series starts with Doctor Frances Breakspeare taking up an appointment at a cottage hospital in a small village. This is unusual at the time and she's looked at suspiciously by most people. However, in time she becomes central to the village and is in a relationship with the Vicar Gregory Sampson.
In this book Frances and Gregory almost take a back seat. Frances is keeping Gregory hanging on a decision she has to make. Sister Harrison, who's Frances right hand woman, is the one getting most of the attention. She's quite a tough nut with a soft center that people are rarely allowed to see.
A stranger arrives in the village and he has secrets, one almighty big one especially. He throws lives into chaos.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. The new arrival really livens up the story and I was invested in him from the start. There's a lot in this book about animals and their welfare, also there's a domestic abuse case running through the whole story. Some people might find this tough going but the author deals with it well. I also like when bad guys get their comeuppance!
I'd highly recommend this book but do start at the beginning for the full enjoyment of the stories.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
May 6, 2026
I love a story that is well researched and makes me feel as if I am there. I want the author to write characters that make me feel like I am one of them. This story did all that. A well researched story can also teach us history. Loved this story!
May 15, 2026
I have loved this series can't wait for the next one
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews