Falling for You

by Heidi Swain

Can love blossom amongst the leaves?

When Skylar Shawe moves to Nightingale Square in the heart of Norwich, she’s hoping for a fresh start and the chance to connect with the father she never knew. A break from the chaos of real life seems like the perfect way to catch her breath…until she meets Erik, the brooding but wildly handsome neighbour with a past he’s still trying to come to terms with.

Once a rugby hero, Erik Svensson now faces life on unfamiliar terrain after suffering a career-ending injury. Unsure of the man he’s become, he’s determined to live a peaceful life while he finds himself again. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself drawn to the new girl in Nightingale Square.

But sometimes, life – and love – has a way of sneaking up on you. As they navigate their new lives and their own troubles, they discover that healing isn’t just about moving on … it’s about letting someone in. And in each other, they might just find exactly what they didn’t know they were looking for...

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2026

About the author

Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.

A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.

Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.

Reviews

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

An beautiful book which gave me all the feels of Autumn.
Nightingale Square is a great community to live in and the residents are so friendly and welcoming.
I enjoyed revisiting the Winter Garden and the Grow-Well and hearing everything that was growing there.
Skylar and Erik were both in need of healing and the magic that surrounds Nightingale Square was just the place to nurture them both.
Community, families and friends filled this book with love which made me smile whilst reading this book.

[Roz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous and almost unputdownable book which I was completely absorbed by. I have had the pleasure of reading many books by this author so picking this up I already knew I was in for a treat.

Skylar and her father Rafe have moved into the wonderful community that is Nightingale Square after huge life changes for them both. They meet the other residents the square including the gorgeous Erik, who Skylar decides will be her platonic friend. Obviously from the outset these two will become an item and the author cleverly shows them dance around each other as their relationship grows stronger.

Central to the book is a varied cast of characters who are all individually wonderful with their own stories to tell. The author goes back to one of her three main fictional places to weave her tales and in each we meet new and unique people and rediscover old friends.

The writing style is engaging and easy to follow with the only downside being so completely drawn in that you lose track of time reading just one more chapter!

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

There was so much to enjoy about Falling for You, especially if you're a fan of cozy community-centered romances.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the setting. Nightingale Square completely drew me in, and I loved the sense of community that surrounded the characters. It felt warm, welcoming, and like the kind of place you'd genuinely want to visit. The supporting cast added so much charm, making the world feel alive beyond just the central romance.

I also really enjoyed Skylar and Erik's story. Their relationship developed with tenderness and care, and I appreciated that both characters were carrying emotional baggage they had to work through before they could fully let someone else into their lives. Watching them slowly heal while finding comfort in each other made for a rewarding romance.

There were moments when both characters frustrated me, but they also felt human because of it. Their flaws made them believable, and I found myself wanting to see them find the happiness they deserved.

For me, the biggest challenge was the pacing. The story spent a lot of time on the characters' day-to-day lives and smaller details, which sometimes made it feel slower than I personally prefer. I found myself wishing the narrative moved a little more quickly in places, especially during the quieter sections.

Overall, while this wasn't quite the reading experience I had expected, I still enjoyed my time in Nightingale Square. If you enjoy character-driven romances with a strong sense of community, gentle healing journeys, and a cozy atmosphere, this is definitely one to check out.

[Abby | WriteWatchWork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heidi Swain is one of my favourite authors; her books always feel like a comfort blanket when I read them, and Falling For You was no exception.

I received a NetGalley ARC of Falling For You, and whilst it was a bit strange reading an autumn book in summer, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Falling For You is book six in the Nightingale Square series and is an interconnected standalone. It follows Skylar as she moves to Nightingale Square to live with her father – Rafe – after her previous employment ended. Whilst there, Skylar promises not to work and take time for herself, but what she didn’t expect is the close-knit community pulling her in and becoming a found family.

And one of those people in the community is Erik, a former rugby player who has come to Nightingale Square to figure out what his future looks like after a career-ending injury.

I always enjoy reading Heidi’s books because the theme of found family and community is so strong throughout them all, especially her Nightingale Square series. It was great to see all the other side characters from the previous books, and it was really good to visit Wynbridge and see characters from that series too.

I liked reading Skylar and Erik’s story because I enjoyed their development from friends to lovers, and the hesitation around potentially losing their friendship.

But the best thing about the book is the autumnal vibes and cosy seasonal aesthetic as Skylar and Erik get involved in community events. I do find that Heidi’s books are really good if you want a cosy book, especially those set in autumn.

There were some aspects of the book that I felt didn’t flow as smoothly as the rest, but overall, I did really enjoy it and love the cover!

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍂 With thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC via Netgalley 🍂

Falling for You is part of the Nightingale Square series, set in Norwich, but you absolutely don’t need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one as a standalone. That said, I loved returning to Nightingale Square and Prosperous Place and catching up with some familiar faces from previous visits. It was also lovely to see the Winter Garden and Grow-Well make an appearance, with a little trip to Wynbridge thrown in as an added bonus.

The cosy found family element is always one of the things I love most about Heidi Swain’s books, and this one delivers that beautifully. There’s such a warm, comforting sense of community, friendship and belonging running throughout the story.

And then there’s the food! The descriptions of all the delicious meals and treats had me feeling hungry throughout. Although, for me, there was perhaps a little too much food, and the almost constant descriptions of meals did slow the pace down at times.

At the heart of the story is the romance between Skylar and Erik, both newcomers to the Square who find themselves facing big changes in their lives and careers. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and found their connection sweet, although at times it felt a little formulaic.

But perhaps that’s exactly what I love about Heidi Swain’s books. You know you’re going to get warmth, community, romance, plenty of cosy moments and, ultimately, the reassurance that everything will work out for the best.

So overall, Falling for You is the perfect autumnal read, with all the cosy seasonal vibes I’ve come to expect from Heidi Swain 🍁📚

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely romance from Heidi Swain takes us back to Nightingale Square, where Skylar, a burnt-out events organiser has moved in with her father Rafe, an author, who has moved there to be nearer his father, George, in the nearby care home. Sklylar and Rafe quickly become immersed in life at the Square, helping out with the Growmore garden. As Skylar recharges her batteries, she takes up the reins of autumnal festivals and events. All would be going well, if it were not for her feelings for volunteer handyman Erik. But the two have agreed to be platonic plus-ones, and neither wants to risk spoiling their friendship with a failed romance.
This was a gentle and atmospheric read. The characters are all lovely, and there are plenty plot threads to keep the pace going - things going on at the care home, the autumn celebrations, Rafe's foray into his own romance, and so on.
I felt the conflict between Erik and Skylar was a little contrived - like their families and friends, the reader knows where this is going, but that in no way marred my enjoyment of the plot.
In fact, with its lovely autumnal descriptions Falling For You has prompted me to think about decorating at least one room in my home for autumn.
Do pop this in your shopping basket for a lovely transmission from summer to autumn.,

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Heidi Swain, you do write a lovely cosy autumnal story! Last years was one of my favourites (All Wrapped Up- highly recommend if you haven’t read it) but this year’s was also fabulous.

Falling for you is the story of Skylar, an events planner who moves to Nightingale Square and discovers far more than she ever expected- family (both blood and found), friends, community, and love. I haven’t read any of the previous Nightingale Square books but this made me want to go back and discover the stories of some of the side characters. I loved how it linked back to Wynbridge and their autumn festival too.

I warmed to Skylar immediately- she’s such a genuine, likeable character. I wasn’t sure at first how I felt about Erik but he soon won me over too, and they were a great match- born from friendship which grew into more. They were each exactly what the other needed, at just the right time to support each other.

The equinox, Halloween and autumn vibes were strong throughout the story, and it ended on a festive note too which was really nice. Definitely one to add to your September/ October TBR, though I think it could be enjoyed at any time of year!

Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[BookwormSally]

Yet another delightful visit to Nightingale Square.

In this instalment it's the beginning of Autumn and we meet Skylar, her father Raef, and his two cats Socrates and Plato, who are the newest residents of Nightingale Square. Both Skylar and Raef are adapting to some significant life changes but, as you would expect, the wonderful locals welcome them with open arms and encourage them to get involved in community events. We also get to catch up with some established characters, including my personal favourite, Monty the best dressed Dachshund in Norwich.

This book is perfect for me being a lover of the 'ber' months and I'm reading it at the perfect time. The heatwave is finally over and the rain is making an overdue appearance. So, i'm snuggled up on my reading chair with my dog, a snuggly blanket and a constant supply of coffee and chocolate biscuits. Readers bliss.

I already have the audiobook on pre-order as I know Karen Cass will bring these characters to life perfectly, as always.

Thank you my favourite author Heidi Swain, NetGalley and the publisher Simon & Schuster UK for allowing me the honour of reading an advance reader copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful read by Heidi Swain, revisiting Nightingale Square and watching a new family move in.
Skylar is at a loss for what to do with her life. She's without a job, home or partner, so, fortuitously for her, Rafe, her father, is moving to the UK and has bought a house. His invitation to stay with her is both lucky and tinged with a little worry, as she has spent very little time with her father.
Once there, her worries begin to dissipate, and she meets wonderful neighbours and community members, including Erik, a former rugby star who came here to try an alternative lifestyle after an injury put his career in jeopardy.
It starts with a bit of an enemies-to-friends dynamic, then moves to friends-to-lovers, slowly but steadily.
The characters were all intriguing, and I took a liking to Skylar, especially as she gives so much of herself to others. I loved her stints at the local residential home, and her relationship with her grandfather and some of the other residents, who added their own flavour to the story.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest feel good romance from Heidi Swain, an absolute must read author for me!

Skylar's life is changing dramatically all at once - she is without a job and is about to move into Nightingale Square with her father, who she barely knows after a nomadic childhood with her mother. She is determined to have a break and reset after working hard as an events manager for a number of years, and the beautiful Norfolk location is the perfect place. Erik is another newcomer to the square, having his rugby career cut short after injury, and he too needs to decide where his life goes in the future. Can Skylar and Erik help each other?

I loved the autumnal vibes in this book, the descriptions of the Halloween event were wonderful. I also really liked the tie in between Nightingale Square and another of the author's wonderful locations, Wynbridge, with lots of well-loved characters reappearing. Heidi writes wonderful romances with real life issues, and this is no exception. Easy to read, and sadly over far too quick - as I read it in one sitting!

[Katie Awdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from the author and it won't be the last! I have already looked up the other titles she has written and was delighted to see there is a whole series in Nightingale Square! The book was brilliantly written, the characters all very likeable and the area sounded tranquil. I usually stay away from books with characters who have been famous not enjoying all the stardom but Erik was very down to earth and it wasn't featured too much in the book. The comradery, friendship and warm welcome given by the residents is something I wished that featured more in towns, cities and villages; much of the togetherness that was formed during Covid seems to have diminished and we are back to living amongst strangers.

I'd highly recommend the book to others and look forward to reading more from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read a preview copy.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to be back on Nightingale Square and catch up with some of the characters from previous books. This book can be read as a standalone although I would recommend reading Heidi’s previous books to get to know the characters and setting and because they are so enjoyable.

Skylar and her father move into the square for a fresh start and she soon forms a friendship with Erik. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop although I did feel frustrated with the pair at times.

Heidi’s writing style is as engaging as always and I couldn’t put the book down It was nice that Skylar visited Wynbridge and we got to hear about some previous characters such as Jemma.

This book was a cosy romantic autumn read which you will not be able to put down and I would definitely recommend

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

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The next episode in the Nightingale square series. You don't need to have read previous books to appreciate this one but when you have it's like visiting friends you haven't seen for a while and lovely to catch up with them whilst discovering Skylar, Rafe and Erik. You even get a bonus trip to Wynbridge.

I loved the developing relationship between Skylar and Erik, and was charmed by her dynamic with her father and grandfather as she discovers her place in Norwich.

What I wasn't a huge fan of was the slow pacing, largely due to in depth description of every single meal they ate! I appreciate sometime a meal is an event which would constitute a story plot, but not every one. Without all this the book could have been at least a third shorter, but I guess if there is a target word count...

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar and her father Rafe have moved in together into the square after she had to move out of her previous position as events planner for a historic house. She gradually gets drawn into the activities in the square, but is met with a rather unpleasant Erik who thinks she has broken into the garden. Will they overcome this initial meeting to find something that neither of them are really looking for?
It's great to be back in Nightingale Square and the community that I can only dream being part of. It's like being enveloped in a warm hug, with a wonderful cast of characters both old and new. Things don't go smoothly, of course, but there always the hope of a happy ending for all. Highly recommended to get you over the autumnal blues.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi is one of my go to authors, I don't even need to read the blurb to know I will 100% enjoy this book and it did not disappoint at all. The main character is called Skylar and after finding her self jobless, moves in with her dad who lives in Nightingale Square. If you have read any of Heidi's other books you know Nightingale Square features in some of them too. So you may recognise previous characters pop up from time to time. Skylar needs a break from what she went though in her old life but she wants to make the most of her new life and try and fit in with the new community. When she meets grumpy Erik little does she know how he may just be the answer. It was a joy to read, it felt warm and enticing and brimming full of hope and love. You can never go wrong with a Heidi Swain book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Skylar moves to Nightingale Square with her father after losing her job, she's not quite sure what life has in store for her next. Erik feels the same - he had to give up his rugby career following an injury and is looking for his new path in life. Thrown together in the Nightingale Square social life, how will they navigate their feelings and their futures?

Heidi's books are always a perfect comfort read. Familiar settings and characters welcome you back and new characters weave their way into the fabric of the location. I particularly like how maim characters from other books pop up unexpectedly and, in this book, we also have a welcome visit to another of Heidi's familiar locations - Wynbridge.

If you're looking for a book to snuggle up with in the autumn evenings, this ticks all the boxes.

Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for this review copy.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! I loved being back in Nightingale Square again. Skylar and her dad Rafe are a great addition. I loved watching their relationship grow and flourish as they navigated the next steps in their lives and living together for the first time.

Eric was a great character too, his back story was interesting and I loved how Skylar supported him without trying to influence him and gave advice on how to best handle his dad. Their growing friendship and consequential relationship was lovely to watch. They had a solid friendship, both looking forwards with some major changes in their lives.

I loved all the autumn events and how the community all pulled together to enjoy what was on their doorstep.

A great read and I would totally recommend it.

[Ann Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar & Rafe move to nightingale square as father and daughter. Living together for the first time and don’t have a traditional relationship.
Skylar is at a crossroads in her life after loosing her job which was all encompassing.


Erik has retired early from a professional rugby career.


We also see the return of many family nightingale square residents but you really don’t need to know about them to enjoy this book. They take a back role into the story but do add depth to it. I love the whole concept of the square the community feel and visuals it creates.

Both at a crossroads in their lives they’re not looking for love or commitment, will they navigate what the heart wants ? Will it only be the square they fall in love with.


This was beautifully written and the whole story had me engrossed from the first chapter. It’s a lovely light heartfelt book whih can be read standalone.


Thanks NetGalley for my ARC.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I totally fell in love with this gorgeous book!
Nightingale Square is one of my all time favourite book settings and it was so wonderful to visit this special community in the autumn.
I really enjoyed the duel relationships that we witness forming. Skylar has moved into her dad’s new home in Norwich, building a new relationship with him as they spent much of her childhood apart. It was so heartwarming to see them growing closer together and enjoying each other’s company.
Another relationship appears on the cards, when Erik arrives abruptly into Skylar’s new life, sparks fly but is friendship a better idea with all the changes that they are facing? The gentle will they won’t they was very entertaining and delightful to follow.
It was an utter joy to reconnect with characters from the previous series, I love catching up with what is happening in their lives. Heidi really excels at making her characters feel like old friends, and I relished spending time with them all.
A cosy and engaging story, it’s the perfect book to curl up with this autumn.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so not ready for autumn yet. So, to be able to read this whilst sunbathing in Agadir helped to chase away those blues.
What a delight to be back in Nightingale Square and to catch up with the other residents that we have got to know.
Rafe has moved into the Square to be bearer his father, who is in the local care home. Skylar is his daughter, whose job has ended. She is moving in with Rafe, whom she has never lived with before, while she decides on her future.
It doesn't take Skylar long to immerse herself with the community and all it has to offer. Perhaps she can also offer something back?
Of course, there is some romance. This wouldn't be a Heidi book without a bit of love interest.
Absolutely loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar has been working almost non-stop for over a decade as a live in event planner. When the job comes to the end, she jumps at the chance to move in with her father in his new house in Nightingale Square.

This is a sequel to the other books set in Nightingale Square and is a very welcome to return; I'd like to move there! To a square where everyone gets on, there is free access to beautiful gardens, including a community garden, where all the residents grow food and have community events. I love the world that Heidi Swain creates in every novel she writes. She writes realistic, flawed characters who all have an emotional journey they need to travel on. There are bumps along the road, but you always know that everything will work out in the end. All done without the story feeling formulaic or contrived. In a difficult and confusing world it is great to visit a fictional world where everything works out in the end. This is a lovely story - and a great one for the Autumn months when we all need a bit of a pick me up as the nights draw in..

[Julie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another success novel from Heidi swain. She certainly has a way with bringing the seasons to life in her stories.
Circumstances for both Erik and Skylar bring them to Norfolk at the end of Summer and both have to adapt to their new roles.
A lovely slow romance blossoms between them as they come to terms with the unknown future ahead.
Full on community spirit in Nightingale Square with likeable friendly characters old and new.
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest visit to Norfolk this time in Autumn.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely heartwarming autumn read. I loved watching the relationship between Skylar and her father evolve when they both moved to Nightingale Square. She is struggling to figure out her next step in life now she’s lost her job, as is ex rugby player Erik so after a rocky start they fast become friends, but is that what they both want? It was good to see some of the familiar characters from Wynbridge, although the book can be read as a standalone. Great for reading cosied up by the fire with a mug of drinking chocolate.

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lost her job, Skylar Shawe moves to Nightingale Square to live with her father who has recently moved back to England, just for her. She's in a state of chaos as everything she knew about her life suddenly doesn't seem so sure, and when she meets her brooding neighbour Erik, things get even more unclear.

This is an easy read from Swain; it's a typical chick-lit read.... the characters are welcoming, feel well developed and the setting sounds pretty idyllic. The story meanders through their daily lives with hints of glamour that help the reader with a little escapism! I didn't realise that Swain's novels all interlink in some way until I read the blurb and I don't think it matters if you've not read the other's stories. There's a very satisfying ending to this book, some twists and turns along the way that keep it interesting and it's a great one for the Autumn!

[Emily West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Swain is the master at making you experience the season she is writing about; whether it’s autumn, winter or summer you feel as if you are there experiencing a magical time. This is a wonderful autumn read that will put you in the mood for cosy log fires and walking through woodland with falling leaves. I love the setting of Nightingale Square and it has me wishing I had a small town like Wynbridge near me that I could go to and experience an autumn festival. I loved it!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a cosy autumnal read, this is the one for you. There is a lovely setting and wonderful characters, plus you get to revisit Wynbridge.

As ever with this author, everything is so well described, you feel like you are there. The characters are all delightful and again, you will want to make friends with them all.

So all in all, beautifully written and it will certainly get you in the mood for the (hopefully!) cooler months that are coming.

[George (Fueltheblog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note. Recieved arc on Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Really enjoyed getting back to nightingale square and even Wynbridge!! I love the ease of the series and am constantly amazed new recruits can be added to such a ight knit community.

It follows the normal Heidi swain pattern and even had me missing Norwich a bit! Not the ring road naturally!

[Karen Ruedisueli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really want to move to the square now. What fun this group of neighbors have in their neighborhood. I love Skylar and all the characters!!
I have visited Norwich and loved my time in the market square and castle. It was a trip to our friends in Diss, Norfolk who managed our visit to Norwich. Great time!!?

[Judith Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi has done it again with this wonderful, autumnal book. Set in the beautiful county of Norfolk, we have another to visit to Nightingale Square catching up with old friends and new, this is a truly stunning read.

[Lee BookishThistle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - only 8% into the audiobook but unfortunately I really couldnt listen to the narrators performance of the dads character. Im really sorry if the narrator sees this. Normally I really enjoy your readings, this time it just seemed to not sit well with me.