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Nightingale Square #1
Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square
Kate is on the run from her almost-divorced husband who is determined to have her back, and she has found the perfect place to hide... a little cottage on Nightingale Square in Norwich, far away from her old life in London. But the residents of Nightingale Square don't take no for an answer, and Kate soon finds herself pulled into a friendship with Lisa, her bossy but lovely new neighbour.
Within a matter of days Kate is landed with the job of campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, meanwhile all the residents of Nightingale Square are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion house on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. But when all hope is lost, the arrival of a handsome stranger is sure to turn things around!
Within a matter of days Kate is landed with the job of campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, meanwhile all the residents of Nightingale Square are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion house on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. But when all hope is lost, the arrival of a handsome stranger is sure to turn things around!
400 pages, ebook
First published May 31, 2018
163 people are currently reading
2433 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Swain
31 books1,211 followersAlthough 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
June 8, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Newly separated Kate has decided to move away from the home she shared with her husband David in London to a place where no-one will know her so she can have time to herself and be alone. She finds a lovely little house in Nightingale Square in Norwich. However, not long after moving in she is welcomed to the square by feisty mum of three, Lisa, who tells her all about the parties and gatherings that the locals have on the green in front of her home and how much they are looking forward to Kate joining their little community.
Kate agrees to attend one of the celebrations and soon finds herself given the task of trying to get the local council to grant them permission to use the green to grow veg – she doesn’t know how she is given the task but is determined to see it through.
There is also the on-going issue of the large house at the end of the square, Prosperous Place. The house had been empty for many years, but now a team of developers wants to turn it into flats. The residents are quite rightly upset at the idea of the historic building being ruined, but better than the idea of the building being demolished completely.
After an afternoon spent with her neighbour Harold, Kate and another neighbour, Carole decides to go and have a look at the gardens of Prosperous Place before they are destroyed. Unfortunately, someone is in the building and catches the pair red-handed. Who is this man and what has he got to do with the house?
I’ve read a few of Heidi Swain’s books, so when I heard that she had a new book out I jumped at the chance to read it. Kate is a lovely character who has had a rough few years. We get to learn that her husband was unfaithful from the start. We also are kept guessing as to what else she is hiding as she refuses to tell people anymore, hoping to keep the rest of marriage breakdown a secret, though she does blame herself.
There are a lot of wonderful secondary characters too, each with their own personalities which shone just as bright as Kates. Including nosy Carole and her husband Graham. New mum Heather who thought she was above others until she had her daughter and struggled to cope and her husband Glenn and lovable elderly Harold, amongst many more.
If I’m perfectly honest I would hate to live in Nightingale Square. I’m a very private person, and some people would probably call me unsociable too. Living where people want you to join in community projects and be your best friend the moment you move in is my idea of hell. I’ll keep living in the city where hardly anyone knows me!
The book is just divine to read. Yes, I had predicted some of the outcomes early on, but the joy was watching my predictions come to life and blossom. The words flowed and had an easy read feel to them. It was the perfect book to sit in the garden on a lazy sunny afternoon with – actually two lazy, sunny afternoons.
This is an uplifting story of one woman finding herself again and discovering a sense of community and friends when she least expected them. It is heart-warming and was a complete joy to read. This is a book that will weave its way into your heart and leave you eager to read more by Ms. Swain.
Newly separated Kate has decided to move away from the home she shared with her husband David in London to a place where no-one will know her so she can have time to herself and be alone. She finds a lovely little house in Nightingale Square in Norwich. However, not long after moving in she is welcomed to the square by feisty mum of three, Lisa, who tells her all about the parties and gatherings that the locals have on the green in front of her home and how much they are looking forward to Kate joining their little community.
Kate agrees to attend one of the celebrations and soon finds herself given the task of trying to get the local council to grant them permission to use the green to grow veg – she doesn’t know how she is given the task but is determined to see it through.
There is also the on-going issue of the large house at the end of the square, Prosperous Place. The house had been empty for many years, but now a team of developers wants to turn it into flats. The residents are quite rightly upset at the idea of the historic building being ruined, but better than the idea of the building being demolished completely.
After an afternoon spent with her neighbour Harold, Kate and another neighbour, Carole decides to go and have a look at the gardens of Prosperous Place before they are destroyed. Unfortunately, someone is in the building and catches the pair red-handed. Who is this man and what has he got to do with the house?
I’ve read a few of Heidi Swain’s books, so when I heard that she had a new book out I jumped at the chance to read it. Kate is a lovely character who has had a rough few years. We get to learn that her husband was unfaithful from the start. We also are kept guessing as to what else she is hiding as she refuses to tell people anymore, hoping to keep the rest of marriage breakdown a secret, though she does blame herself.
There are a lot of wonderful secondary characters too, each with their own personalities which shone just as bright as Kates. Including nosy Carole and her husband Graham. New mum Heather who thought she was above others until she had her daughter and struggled to cope and her husband Glenn and lovable elderly Harold, amongst many more.
If I’m perfectly honest I would hate to live in Nightingale Square. I’m a very private person, and some people would probably call me unsociable too. Living where people want you to join in community projects and be your best friend the moment you move in is my idea of hell. I’ll keep living in the city where hardly anyone knows me!
The book is just divine to read. Yes, I had predicted some of the outcomes early on, but the joy was watching my predictions come to life and blossom. The words flowed and had an easy read feel to them. It was the perfect book to sit in the garden on a lazy sunny afternoon with – actually two lazy, sunny afternoons.
This is an uplifting story of one woman finding herself again and discovering a sense of community and friends when she least expected them. It is heart-warming and was a complete joy to read. This is a book that will weave its way into your heart and leave you eager to read more by Ms. Swain.
January 2, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book.
Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square was my first venture into a Heidi Swain novel, and oh my god, seriously, where have I been hiding?!
I devoured this book in just 2 glorious sittings. I quickly became immersed with the characters and their lives and finding out more about the gorgeous Nightingale Square and the history behind Prosperous Place and the Wentworth legacy.
I really enjoyed how the residents of Nightingale Square came together to try and save their community as they know it.
This book really has the potential to become 2018’s book of summer, it really leaves you bursting with happiness and love for the characters, Nightingale Square and of course, Prosperous Place and it’s history.
A wonderful feel-good summery read that comes HIGHLY recommended.
Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square was my first venture into a Heidi Swain novel, and oh my god, seriously, where have I been hiding?!
I devoured this book in just 2 glorious sittings. I quickly became immersed with the characters and their lives and finding out more about the gorgeous Nightingale Square and the history behind Prosperous Place and the Wentworth legacy.
I really enjoyed how the residents of Nightingale Square came together to try and save their community as they know it.
This book really has the potential to become 2018’s book of summer, it really leaves you bursting with happiness and love for the characters, Nightingale Square and of course, Prosperous Place and it’s history.
A wonderful feel-good summery read that comes HIGHLY recommended.
May 24, 2018
With a Heidi Swain novel, you always know you are going to get a great cast of characters, a fabulously English setting and the very dramatic ups and downs, comings and goings that can occur in a small town community. And this novel is no exception. Fan of Wynnbridge will be pleased to know that, whilst this novel is not set in our favourite market town, Kate, our main character is originally from there and is the sister in law of Jemma from the Cherry Tree cafe-hurrah!
I loved this new setting for Heidi's novels because it meant that we got to meet a whole new set of characters, and because this is a small community, despite being part of a larger city, they all come and go from each others houses and obviously spend a great deal of time socialising in Nightingale Square. So if you are a fan of gossip and salacious stories, this is definitely going to keep you entertained from start to finish!
Kate is a great character to get to know and I really hope we get to hear more from her in the future. She is someone who is being forced to start again and she knows exactly how her life is going to look. We have all fallen into this trap of thinking our lives have to start and end a certain way and we all know that Kate is in for a bit of a shock if she thinks everything is going to go the way she planned. Kate is also someone who has quite a few struggles in her life, from her personal and professional life, to her family life and her own self-esteem. I loved her flaws and I loved watching the journey she went on over the course of this novel.
As I mentioned there are a whole host of other characters in the square. I sometimes had a little trouble keeping track of who was who, but that is really my only issue I had with this novel. One of the things that these characters brings to light is the importance of not just community, but of female friendship as well. There are some strong women in this community but they are even stronger when they support each other and back each other up. I loved that particular strand of the storyline.
Of course there is some romance in this novel, it wouldn't be a Heidi Swain novel if there wasn't and Heidi really does keep us all on our toes right the way to the end, so if you're looking for insta-love, you're in the wrong place. But if you're a fan of the slow burn, aren't we all, then you're going to love some of the romantic aspects of this book.
This really is a great book to have lined up for a sunny day in the garden, or more realistically a rainy day inside looking out at the plants growing. Its a great read and whether this is your first Heidi Swain novel or not, you're in for a treat!
I loved this new setting for Heidi's novels because it meant that we got to meet a whole new set of characters, and because this is a small community, despite being part of a larger city, they all come and go from each others houses and obviously spend a great deal of time socialising in Nightingale Square. So if you are a fan of gossip and salacious stories, this is definitely going to keep you entertained from start to finish!
Kate is a great character to get to know and I really hope we get to hear more from her in the future. She is someone who is being forced to start again and she knows exactly how her life is going to look. We have all fallen into this trap of thinking our lives have to start and end a certain way and we all know that Kate is in for a bit of a shock if she thinks everything is going to go the way she planned. Kate is also someone who has quite a few struggles in her life, from her personal and professional life, to her family life and her own self-esteem. I loved her flaws and I loved watching the journey she went on over the course of this novel.
As I mentioned there are a whole host of other characters in the square. I sometimes had a little trouble keeping track of who was who, but that is really my only issue I had with this novel. One of the things that these characters brings to light is the importance of not just community, but of female friendship as well. There are some strong women in this community but they are even stronger when they support each other and back each other up. I loved that particular strand of the storyline.
Of course there is some romance in this novel, it wouldn't be a Heidi Swain novel if there wasn't and Heidi really does keep us all on our toes right the way to the end, so if you're looking for insta-love, you're in the wrong place. But if you're a fan of the slow burn, aren't we all, then you're going to love some of the romantic aspects of this book.
This really is a great book to have lined up for a sunny day in the garden, or more realistically a rainy day inside looking out at the plants growing. Its a great read and whether this is your first Heidi Swain novel or not, you're in for a treat!
July 6, 2018
Kate moves to Nightingale Square to escape her ex husband and the life she knew in London only to find the close knit community a little different to what she expected. She ends up pulled into their ongoing interest with Prosperous Place, the large house on the square that seems to be in danger of being bought and demolished.
Honestly, this was very simplistic and very cheesy. Kate as herself wasn't likeable and any hidden revelations about her past just weren't interesting, the characters who were probably supposed to be charming just came across nosy and irritating and everyone seemed to fall into comfortable relationships with each other too quickly.
Also the dialogue was cheesy and the way love and the concepts around it were discussed just didn't seem like adult discussions. They sounded like teen girls deciding what love was completely devoid of any real life (or indeed London or modern) style thinking.
Honestly, this was very simplistic and very cheesy. Kate as herself wasn't likeable and any hidden revelations about her past just weren't interesting, the characters who were probably supposed to be charming just came across nosy and irritating and everyone seemed to fall into comfortable relationships with each other too quickly.
Also the dialogue was cheesy and the way love and the concepts around it were discussed just didn't seem like adult discussions. They sounded like teen girls deciding what love was completely devoid of any real life (or indeed London or modern) style thinking.
February 19, 2019
A great cast of characters (some familiar from previous novels) help to make this a heart-warming and enjoyable read. I really want to live in Nightingale Square!
October 29, 2020
First things first, that is one gorgeous book cover. I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but sometimes, I can't help it. Also, being in isolation and lockdown for the most part this year, I can only dream of going to the countryside and escape but alas I am here reading these books with picturesque settings and beautiful covers.
Kate has separated from her husband of eight years, David and is moving away from London where they lived together to a place which she doesn't share with David. Her brother, Tom helps her with the move and then she starts to get settled in a gorgeous but dilapidated mansion, Nightingale square. She is welcomed by her neighbor, Lisa and they soon become good friends.
The town, Norwich has a tight knit community and everyone welcomes Kate with open arms and open hearts. Then they find out that Prosperous Place, another mansion with rich history is being torn down by the developers and rumor has it that there are going to be units built up there. Kate and the town folk don't like it as they don't want to lose the original mansion.
Then a handsome stranger rocks up and first the town folk think that he is one of the developers but they find out that he is actually a descendant of Charles Wentworth whom the original Prosperous Place belonged to and the handsome stranger is here to restore his legacy. And of course, that handsome stranger is also interested in a little more than the place itself (Kate).
Kate was harboring a secret and when it is revealed what it was, I couldn't believe how stupid it was because there was a lot of buildup about that secret in the story. I also could not bring myself to care about Kate. There was nothing remarkable about her character. Then there was Lisa, Kate's neighbor and friend who was so annoying that I wanted to slap her more than once and I am not even a violent person. This is my second read from Heidi Swain and I get that she writes this tight knit community, building together and staying together kinda stuff but Lisa was way too nosy and she got on my last nerve. She kept on saying these things about how Kate should find someone as there is more than 'the one' person for everyone and all. I understand her message because I am not getting into the whole, 'why do you need someone to be happy? thing' but there were other ways to go about that than the way Lisa went about. I really really hated her character. Heather was no better.
That handsome stranger, Luke wasn't there all that much for me to form an opinion of him. The only character that I actually liked was John who was married to Lisa. He was such a sweetheart. Everyone else was just okay or I didn't really care about them at all.
Romance wasn't all that much in the book and I didn't even mind that but I was wondering throughout that how did Kate get by all these months without a regular income. Sure she got money in the divorce but she bought this place in cash with some of that money and yes, she has some money in the bank but renovations, bills, groceries and other daily expenses are going to pile up. Aren't they?
When I read Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage by this author, I didn't like the MC in that but other than that I actually enjoyed that book but this felt dull in comparison. Nothing other than the nosy neighbors happens for the most part and things only moved in the last 100 pages or so. I didn't mind the writing and I like when people get their HEA but in this I honestly couldn't care less. I already have the next book in the series but one good thing about this series is or at least that's what I think is that Heidi Swain's series are all about different characters and their stories so I will be reading the next.
2 stars
Kate has separated from her husband of eight years, David and is moving away from London where they lived together to a place which she doesn't share with David. Her brother, Tom helps her with the move and then she starts to get settled in a gorgeous but dilapidated mansion, Nightingale square. She is welcomed by her neighbor, Lisa and they soon become good friends.
The town, Norwich has a tight knit community and everyone welcomes Kate with open arms and open hearts. Then they find out that Prosperous Place, another mansion with rich history is being torn down by the developers and rumor has it that there are going to be units built up there. Kate and the town folk don't like it as they don't want to lose the original mansion.
Then a handsome stranger rocks up and first the town folk think that he is one of the developers but they find out that he is actually a descendant of Charles Wentworth whom the original Prosperous Place belonged to and the handsome stranger is here to restore his legacy. And of course, that handsome stranger is also interested in a little more than the place itself (Kate).
Kate was harboring a secret and when it is revealed what it was, I couldn't believe how stupid it was because there was a lot of buildup about that secret in the story. I also could not bring myself to care about Kate. There was nothing remarkable about her character. Then there was Lisa, Kate's neighbor and friend who was so annoying that I wanted to slap her more than once and I am not even a violent person. This is my second read from Heidi Swain and I get that she writes this tight knit community, building together and staying together kinda stuff but Lisa was way too nosy and she got on my last nerve. She kept on saying these things about how Kate should find someone as there is more than 'the one' person for everyone and all. I understand her message because I am not getting into the whole, 'why do you need someone to be happy? thing' but there were other ways to go about that than the way Lisa went about. I really really hated her character. Heather was no better.
That handsome stranger, Luke wasn't there all that much for me to form an opinion of him. The only character that I actually liked was John who was married to Lisa. He was such a sweetheart. Everyone else was just okay or I didn't really care about them at all.
Romance wasn't all that much in the book and I didn't even mind that but I was wondering throughout that how did Kate get by all these months without a regular income. Sure she got money in the divorce but she bought this place in cash with some of that money and yes, she has some money in the bank but renovations, bills, groceries and other daily expenses are going to pile up. Aren't they?
When I read Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage by this author, I didn't like the MC in that but other than that I actually enjoyed that book but this felt dull in comparison. Nothing other than the nosy neighbors happens for the most part and things only moved in the last 100 pages or so. I didn't mind the writing and I like when people get their HEA but in this I honestly couldn't care less. I already have the next book in the series but one good thing about this series is or at least that's what I think is that Heidi Swain's series are all about different characters and their stories so I will be reading the next.
2 stars
March 9, 2019
Another stunning read from Heidi! She has not let me down yet. I have been fortunate to be given an advanced reading copy of her next novel (Poppy's Recipe for Life) and understood it was going to be set in Nightingale Square so felt it was high time I read this one too.
Kate and Luke were the main characters, working together to bring the old manor house, Prosperous Place, back to its former glory - I was engrossed in the historical aspect of this novel. Though it never goes into great detail, I really enjoyed reading bits about the history of the property and it's previous owners. The grandeur sounded breath-taking and I simply loved the communal garden that was started.
Although Heidi has moved away from Wynbridge and it's rural location there was still a real community spirit and sense of companionship amongst the tight-knit neighbours in this suburb of Norwich. We were also treated to a few visits to the legendary Wynbridge and some of the previous characters for which I'm ever so grateful! I love to check-in on them and so looking forward to reading the next novel and find out what treats lie in store next!
Kate and Luke were the main characters, working together to bring the old manor house, Prosperous Place, back to its former glory - I was engrossed in the historical aspect of this novel. Though it never goes into great detail, I really enjoyed reading bits about the history of the property and it's previous owners. The grandeur sounded breath-taking and I simply loved the communal garden that was started.
Although Heidi has moved away from Wynbridge and it's rural location there was still a real community spirit and sense of companionship amongst the tight-knit neighbours in this suburb of Norwich. We were also treated to a few visits to the legendary Wynbridge and some of the previous characters for which I'm ever so grateful! I love to check-in on them and so looking forward to reading the next novel and find out what treats lie in store next!
July 29, 2024
*Down with Love*
This is the first instalment of The Nightingale Square Series. It is a series of 5 books. They can be read as standalone’s but there may be spoilers.
When you read a Heidi Swain book you know what you are going to get. Some colourful characters, busy bodies and trouble just waiting around the corner. Most of the ones I have read have a predictable element to them but I usually enjoy the journey.
Kate thought she had it all. She had the man of her dreams, a good life but one thing was missing. Her Mother warned her that the marriage would not last...
Can you tame a lothario? When he messes up Kate leaves and finds a place called Nightingale Square in Norwich that feels just right. Kate quickly discovers that the little community of people in the square are forceful but have good hearts.
This is a fresh start for Kate and as her marriage has not worked out she feels that that’s it for her. She thinks you only ever love once so all her dreams of marriage and children are over.
Will her soon to be ex husband go quietly? Has Kate really shut the door on love? Will she ever get the fresh start she craves?…..
This is a great book to escape into and watch how the pieces slot together
This is the first instalment of The Nightingale Square Series. It is a series of 5 books. They can be read as standalone’s but there may be spoilers.
When you read a Heidi Swain book you know what you are going to get. Some colourful characters, busy bodies and trouble just waiting around the corner. Most of the ones I have read have a predictable element to them but I usually enjoy the journey.
Kate thought she had it all. She had the man of her dreams, a good life but one thing was missing. Her Mother warned her that the marriage would not last...
Can you tame a lothario? When he messes up Kate leaves and finds a place called Nightingale Square in Norwich that feels just right. Kate quickly discovers that the little community of people in the square are forceful but have good hearts.
This is a fresh start for Kate and as her marriage has not worked out she feels that that’s it for her. She thinks you only ever love once so all her dreams of marriage and children are over.
Will her soon to be ex husband go quietly? Has Kate really shut the door on love? Will she ever get the fresh start she craves?…..
This is a great book to escape into and watch how the pieces slot together
July 26, 2018
Well I had been expecting a return to Wynbridge before I started this, as its the normal location used by the author and although it does make a cameo, the heart of the book is set around Nightingale Square in Norwich.
We are introduced to all the residents of the houses on the square, and get to know a good deal about all of them.
Though the main characters are Kate and Luke abd with them we get a fabulous story centering about their houses and a communal gardening space.
I found the first half of the book didn't engage me as much as I would have liked, but that may just be in part to having to get used to so many characters and sub plots in a short space of time. By the second half of the story, I was completely entranced!
A thoroughly enjoyable story, with a mystery at its heart, as well as a great sense of community and well being. I loved all the aspects of it, once I got to grips with who's who, and I do hope this isn't the last we see of the residents of Nightingale Square.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
We are introduced to all the residents of the houses on the square, and get to know a good deal about all of them.
Though the main characters are Kate and Luke abd with them we get a fabulous story centering about their houses and a communal gardening space.
I found the first half of the book didn't engage me as much as I would have liked, but that may just be in part to having to get used to so many characters and sub plots in a short space of time. By the second half of the story, I was completely entranced!
A thoroughly enjoyable story, with a mystery at its heart, as well as a great sense of community and well being. I loved all the aspects of it, once I got to grips with who's who, and I do hope this isn't the last we see of the residents of Nightingale Square.
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 21, 2020
Oh my goodness, I NEEDED this book.
I have been swept away with the sheer charm and delight of the writing, the characters and the story.
This is my first Heidi Swain book, but I have been totally captivated by her wonderful writing. I loved the setting of Nightingale Square in Norwich, a city I know a little.
I feel like I am late to an established party, but I am hoping to stake my claim to fandom.
Loved it.
I have been swept away with the sheer charm and delight of the writing, the characters and the story.
This is my first Heidi Swain book, but I have been totally captivated by her wonderful writing. I loved the setting of Nightingale Square in Norwich, a city I know a little.
I feel like I am late to an established party, but I am hoping to stake my claim to fandom.
Loved it.
April 10, 2020
Really enjoyed this story. Kate leaves her London home to get away from her cheating husband and what a twisted mess. In her attempt to move into a place where she can start fresh and no one knows her. She finds something she never expected and is what she needed. The other characters, her new neighbors, are a fun bunch and quirky in their own way but they become the people she needed. Kate does get what more than she expected and I'm happy with the ending.
March 23, 2018
Worth far more than the five stars it's an amazing book so well written and just couldn't put it down. Has amazing characters and wonderful settling and plot to the story with many twists and turns. Full of starting over and making a new life with making wonderful friends and romance into the story as well. Couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end either just lived it so much and really reminded me of summer.
Kate is divorcing her husband and needs to leave London and start again so she buys a beautful little cottage on nightingale square in Norfolk and she is hoping for a quiet live to decide where to go next but she soon realises it's not going to be that way. Neighbours turn up on her doorstep trying to be friendly. She soon builds a close friendship with Lisa her bossy neighbour as she won't take no for an answer. The neighbours are wanting to a community garden and get Kate to campaign for this which she wasn't expecting. They also learn the big mansion house on the other side of the village is to be sold to developers and they aren't happy. But they think every chance of hope is lost with a community garden when they get invited to the house and meet a handsome stranger but can he turn things around and Kate find romance and be happy or when she thinks all hope is lost she goes back home but will she be found and be happy or not.
Such a highly recommended book to read as so loved it and want others to enjoy this to.
Kate is divorcing her husband and needs to leave London and start again so she buys a beautful little cottage on nightingale square in Norfolk and she is hoping for a quiet live to decide where to go next but she soon realises it's not going to be that way. Neighbours turn up on her doorstep trying to be friendly. She soon builds a close friendship with Lisa her bossy neighbour as she won't take no for an answer. The neighbours are wanting to a community garden and get Kate to campaign for this which she wasn't expecting. They also learn the big mansion house on the other side of the village is to be sold to developers and they aren't happy. But they think every chance of hope is lost with a community garden when they get invited to the house and meet a handsome stranger but can he turn things around and Kate find romance and be happy or when she thinks all hope is lost she goes back home but will she be found and be happy or not.
Such a highly recommended book to read as so loved it and want others to enjoy this to.
June 2, 2018
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
Once again Heidi jo has delivered an outstanding book full of warm caring and some very inquisitive characters.
Kate making way in her new life as a singelton,buying a new house and new life is always a bit daunting her new neighbours the fabulous Heather and the rather nosey Lisa made for page turning reading was great to dip in and out of wynbridge and hear that cherry tree cafe is doing so well, where it all started really. David was a law unto himself and the charismatic luke well what can one say!!.
I loved every single page of this book it was Truely a very magical place at nightingale square definitely 5***** plus.
Once again Heidi jo has delivered an outstanding book full of warm caring and some very inquisitive characters.
Kate making way in her new life as a singelton,buying a new house and new life is always a bit daunting her new neighbours the fabulous Heather and the rather nosey Lisa made for page turning reading was great to dip in and out of wynbridge and hear that cherry tree cafe is doing so well, where it all started really. David was a law unto himself and the charismatic luke well what can one say!!.
I loved every single page of this book it was Truely a very magical place at nightingale square definitely 5***** plus.
April 8, 2021
Enjoyed this nice easy read set in Norwich.
January 15, 2025
Audiolibro
Un libro entretenido que cuenta la historia de Kate, que tras divorciarse, se va a vivir a un pueblo en una casita que está situada en una plaza con mucha historia.
En esa plaza Kate construye una nueva vida, conoce a sus vecinos que la incluyen en su pequeña comunidad. Ahí también descubre que cuando menos te lo esperas encuentras un nuevo amor.
Yo lo he escuchado en Storytel que me ha gustado mucho la narradora
Un libro entretenido que cuenta la historia de Kate, que tras divorciarse, se va a vivir a un pueblo en una casita que está situada en una plaza con mucha historia.
En esa plaza Kate construye una nueva vida, conoce a sus vecinos que la incluyen en su pequeña comunidad. Ahí también descubre que cuando menos te lo esperas encuentras un nuevo amor.
Yo lo he escuchado en Storytel que me ha gustado mucho la narradora
September 30, 2021
When Kate decides to separate from her cheating husband, she's determined to make a new start. Which is how she ends up in Nightingale Square, Norwich, a town and community that are close-knitted and full of history and adventure. As Kate becomes part of the neighborhood, she helps with the cause of opening a community garden on the green which brings her closer to the new owner of the grand house, Prosperous Place.
On paper, this is all really cute and fun and if you're looking for something not too serious, and a story that will perfectly match a cosy evening with a book and a blanket, this is perfect. The story is well paced for the most part, and we experience different seasons with Nightingale Square, there is a great core group of female friends who support each other through all their ups and downs and then there is the eccentricities of other people that deliver some laughs along the way.
However, despite all of that, I just didn't really enjoy this book and I'll put my hands up and say maybe I was just being grumpy. I found Kate hard to warm up to be honest - I felt the way she skirted around explaining her living situation to people who were her friends just a bit silly and ridiculous, and the way she also kept saying her husband cheating was her fault annoyed me because obviously that is not true. Kate is also only 30 years old in this story, and the way she acts you'd swear she was a withered old crone never to see love again. She was just very cynical and cold at times, and I didn't like it and there was some times she rubbed me up the wrong way with how she reacted to people like when she found out Luke was a model, and made some silly statement about thinking all models were shallow. Can we not.
I would also HATE to live in this place - there's a difference between nice neighbours, and neighbours who just stick their nose in. If I was Kate and Lisa had shown up within hours of me moving in with a condescending 'oh because you'll forget about Halloween' bag of sweets for the kids...like ffffff-offff! Not to mention Carole and her constant nose twitching. It felt like you wouldn't be able to fart without it being in the local newsletter.
So yeah, this was not one for me and nothing to do with the writing per se just the characters themselves and the shudder, way too close neighborhood. I'll read the next book in the series before I decide if it's anything to do with the writing.
On paper, this is all really cute and fun and if you're looking for something not too serious, and a story that will perfectly match a cosy evening with a book and a blanket, this is perfect. The story is well paced for the most part, and we experience different seasons with Nightingale Square, there is a great core group of female friends who support each other through all their ups and downs and then there is the eccentricities of other people that deliver some laughs along the way.
However, despite all of that, I just didn't really enjoy this book and I'll put my hands up and say maybe I was just being grumpy. I found Kate hard to warm up to be honest - I felt the way she skirted around explaining her living situation to people who were her friends just a bit silly and ridiculous, and the way she also kept saying her husband cheating was her fault annoyed me because obviously that is not true. Kate is also only 30 years old in this story, and the way she acts you'd swear she was a withered old crone never to see love again. She was just very cynical and cold at times, and I didn't like it and there was some times she rubbed me up the wrong way with how she reacted to people like when she found out Luke was a model, and made some silly statement about thinking all models were shallow. Can we not.
I would also HATE to live in this place - there's a difference between nice neighbours, and neighbours who just stick their nose in. If I was Kate and Lisa had shown up within hours of me moving in with a condescending 'oh because you'll forget about Halloween' bag of sweets for the kids...like ffffff-offff! Not to mention Carole and her constant nose twitching. It felt like you wouldn't be able to fart without it being in the local newsletter.
So yeah, this was not one for me and nothing to do with the writing per se just the characters themselves and the shudder, way too close neighborhood. I'll read the next book in the series before I decide if it's anything to do with the writing.
May 31, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Someone please get me the bus times for a trip to Wynbridge and Nightingale Square, please!!
Whilst this book isn’t set in Wynbridge like many of the other books in the series, several characters you may recognise, do pop up now and again as the story progresses. If you’re anything like me, you may find that you end up squealing with ‘OMG I KNOW THEM!!!!’. Obviously, you don’t KNOW them as such, but due to the fact that Heidi Swain allows her readers to feel as though they’re catching up with a bunch of good friends every time, it is quite difficult to not get excited when places like ‘The Cherry Tree Cafe’ or ‘Skylark Farm’ pop up with your newfound besties in tow.
Kate, oh Kate – she hasn’t had the nicest of times recently. She doesn’t even share the truth with us into later on in the book! Poor Kate’s marriage has taken a nosedive and, despite the fact that the break up wasn’t actually her fault, Kate can’t help but feel guilty for wanting something in her life that her husband didn’t. With a new home to settle into, Kate is determined to make a new life for herself away from the drama of her past. However, moving to such a small village has it’s downsides – everyone wants to know your business and if you tell one person, the rest of the residents will find out by the time you’ve closed your front door.
I couldn’t help but laugh when Kate’s new neighbour, Lisa, waltzed into her new home as though she had known Kate for years. Her intentions were good then, but I have to say Lisa’s character ended up getting on my wick as the story progressed. She seemed to go from being a genuinely nice neighbour, to someone who couldn’t see further than her own nose and believed that she was right about everything. Lisa may have meant well, but in my eyes her interfering became stagnant very, very quickly.
I absolutely ADORED the historical feel to #SunshineandSweetpeas! What a brilliant idea to focus on something so grand, bringing all of the residents in the village together to see if they could get to the bottom of the unsolved mystery involving a certain house. I was probably hooked on the book way before the history parts of the storyline, but I have to say that those parts cemented my love for the entire storyline right there and then.
Just like any other Heidi Swain novel, this book contains a character who catches everyone’s eye as well as their intrigue. Who is this man? Why is he here? What is his story? As an honorary resident of Nightingale Square, I couldn’t help but feel protective towards the other characters and the history which surrounds the square, so when the new character appeared my barriers went up as I didn’t want Kate to come to more harm. Daft I know, but true.
What I love most about Heidi Swain’s novels is the way she brings her characters to life, tying them all together with relatable situations her readers would no doubt find themselves relating to in various different ways. Every visit to Wynbridge and the surrounding areas, in my eyes, is like going back home to a place where you feel safest, content, loved and energised. A place where more people are your friends, and fewer people are your enemies. I have everything crossed that Heidi Swain continues to write books which branch off from Wynbridge as I would be incredibly devastated to see this series come to an end.
I cannot fault #SunshineandSweetpeas at all. From the very first moment I started reading, I knew I was going to fall in love with the characters and Nightingale Square – and I was right, I did. I love this book (and the series) so much, it actually makes me emotional and I have no idea why. This book is utter perfection, beautifully written, thought-provoking, endearing, and beyond loveable.
Heidi Swain is a truly, truly outstanding author who delivers her stories with such magnetism, grace, and bucketfuls of hugs, never failing to deliver. Absolutely outstanding – I want to read it all over again.
Someone please get me the bus times for a trip to Wynbridge and Nightingale Square, please!!
Whilst this book isn’t set in Wynbridge like many of the other books in the series, several characters you may recognise, do pop up now and again as the story progresses. If you’re anything like me, you may find that you end up squealing with ‘OMG I KNOW THEM!!!!’. Obviously, you don’t KNOW them as such, but due to the fact that Heidi Swain allows her readers to feel as though they’re catching up with a bunch of good friends every time, it is quite difficult to not get excited when places like ‘The Cherry Tree Cafe’ or ‘Skylark Farm’ pop up with your newfound besties in tow.
Kate, oh Kate – she hasn’t had the nicest of times recently. She doesn’t even share the truth with us into later on in the book! Poor Kate’s marriage has taken a nosedive and, despite the fact that the break up wasn’t actually her fault, Kate can’t help but feel guilty for wanting something in her life that her husband didn’t. With a new home to settle into, Kate is determined to make a new life for herself away from the drama of her past. However, moving to such a small village has it’s downsides – everyone wants to know your business and if you tell one person, the rest of the residents will find out by the time you’ve closed your front door.
I couldn’t help but laugh when Kate’s new neighbour, Lisa, waltzed into her new home as though she had known Kate for years. Her intentions were good then, but I have to say Lisa’s character ended up getting on my wick as the story progressed. She seemed to go from being a genuinely nice neighbour, to someone who couldn’t see further than her own nose and believed that she was right about everything. Lisa may have meant well, but in my eyes her interfering became stagnant very, very quickly.
I absolutely ADORED the historical feel to #SunshineandSweetpeas! What a brilliant idea to focus on something so grand, bringing all of the residents in the village together to see if they could get to the bottom of the unsolved mystery involving a certain house. I was probably hooked on the book way before the history parts of the storyline, but I have to say that those parts cemented my love for the entire storyline right there and then.
Just like any other Heidi Swain novel, this book contains a character who catches everyone’s eye as well as their intrigue. Who is this man? Why is he here? What is his story? As an honorary resident of Nightingale Square, I couldn’t help but feel protective towards the other characters and the history which surrounds the square, so when the new character appeared my barriers went up as I didn’t want Kate to come to more harm. Daft I know, but true.
What I love most about Heidi Swain’s novels is the way she brings her characters to life, tying them all together with relatable situations her readers would no doubt find themselves relating to in various different ways. Every visit to Wynbridge and the surrounding areas, in my eyes, is like going back home to a place where you feel safest, content, loved and energised. A place where more people are your friends, and fewer people are your enemies. I have everything crossed that Heidi Swain continues to write books which branch off from Wynbridge as I would be incredibly devastated to see this series come to an end.
I cannot fault #SunshineandSweetpeas at all. From the very first moment I started reading, I knew I was going to fall in love with the characters and Nightingale Square – and I was right, I did. I love this book (and the series) so much, it actually makes me emotional and I have no idea why. This book is utter perfection, beautifully written, thought-provoking, endearing, and beyond loveable.
Heidi Swain is a truly, truly outstanding author who delivers her stories with such magnetism, grace, and bucketfuls of hugs, never failing to deliver. Absolutely outstanding – I want to read it all over again.
March 18, 2022
Very (very) sweet but I happen to love that. I wish I could live in Nightingale Square.
In addition, I really enjoyed the element of history and the small dramas along the way. Low stakes for a rainy day!
In addition, I really enjoyed the element of history and the small dramas along the way. Low stakes for a rainy day!
August 15, 2022
Veeeeeeeeery light romance. A bit boring.
May 14, 2020
What a beautiful story of love and friendship. Really easy to read and I loved how the characters formed their friendships. Highly recommend.
March 24, 2024
Una historia de amistades, de familia, de hacer lo que esta bien por los seres que amamos, de historias que no deberian desecharse, de preservar lo que tuvimos y saber que somos parte de un pasado. En el fondo una historia de amor y no solo el amor romantico sino el amor en si mismo.
A story of friendships, of family, of doing what is right for the ones we love, of history that should not be thrown away, of preserving what we had and knowing that we are part of a past. Ultimately a love story and not only romantic love but love itself.
A story of friendships, of family, of doing what is right for the ones we love, of history that should not be thrown away, of preserving what we had and knowing that we are part of a past. Ultimately a love story and not only romantic love but love itself.
June 26, 2018
I read Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square by Heidi Swain on holiday last week. I finished it just over a day. I could not put it down. Well written, with a good story, likeable interesting characters, it is a great read for the summer. If you haven't read any of Heidi's books yet I would certainly recommend them. There was only one problem with this book, I read it too quickly and now have to wait for her next one to be released.
June 18, 2018
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
We are always in for a treat with Heidi Swain. This time she takes us to a new setting, which also means getting to know new characters, yay!!!
We follow Kate, who is on the run from her almost ex-husband. He wants her back and she just wants to get away from him. In Nightingale Square she has found a great hiding spot. It’s a fab place, everyone meets there and a lot of gossiping and socializing is happening.
When developers buy the big mansion on the other side of the square all hope is lost.
The sense of community is wonderful in this story and so are the friendships, which are portrayed. Kate is a very authentic and real characters, who went through a lot in her life, but fights for what she wants.
This book has it all! A wonderful set of characters, a fab setting, plenty of surprises, a bit of mystery and love.
The book is full of twists and turns, the storyline flows beautifully and Heidi Swain's style is just wonderful.
It's a cosy romance, perfect for a sunny day in the garden.
We are always in for a treat with Heidi Swain. This time she takes us to a new setting, which also means getting to know new characters, yay!!!
We follow Kate, who is on the run from her almost ex-husband. He wants her back and she just wants to get away from him. In Nightingale Square she has found a great hiding spot. It’s a fab place, everyone meets there and a lot of gossiping and socializing is happening.
When developers buy the big mansion on the other side of the square all hope is lost.
The sense of community is wonderful in this story and so are the friendships, which are portrayed. Kate is a very authentic and real characters, who went through a lot in her life, but fights for what she wants.
This book has it all! A wonderful set of characters, a fab setting, plenty of surprises, a bit of mystery and love.
The book is full of twists and turns, the storyline flows beautifully and Heidi Swain's style is just wonderful.
It's a cosy romance, perfect for a sunny day in the garden.
May 7, 2018
Heidi has done it again, another truly amazing delightful and heart-warming story that I just fell in love with and completely got lost in. She has such a way with words that her style of writing is truly perfect is every way.
I loved the location of Nightingale Square, it sounded truly idyllic and picturesque and I completely fell in love with all of the residents and loved how they all come together as a community and support each other and how welcoming everyone is. I think I'd quite like to live there myself.
As for the Victorian mansion and the story surrounding it, I completely loved the mystery element that was intricately woven into the story as a whole and couldn't turn the pages fast enough so as to discover the outcome of it all.
It was also highly entertaining with plenty of surprises thrown in along the way, but I won't say any more than that as wouldn't want to give anything away.
Last words, I always look forward to Heidi's books as I know when I read one, I'm always in for a treat. So if you haven't had the pleasure of reading her books yet, then don't delay anymore.
I loved the location of Nightingale Square, it sounded truly idyllic and picturesque and I completely fell in love with all of the residents and loved how they all come together as a community and support each other and how welcoming everyone is. I think I'd quite like to live there myself.
As for the Victorian mansion and the story surrounding it, I completely loved the mystery element that was intricately woven into the story as a whole and couldn't turn the pages fast enough so as to discover the outcome of it all.
It was also highly entertaining with plenty of surprises thrown in along the way, but I won't say any more than that as wouldn't want to give anything away.
Last words, I always look forward to Heidi's books as I know when I read one, I'm always in for a treat. So if you haven't had the pleasure of reading her books yet, then don't delay anymore.
June 20, 2019
Heidi has yet again won my heart with her gorgeous book! I loved the community feel created in this book, despite the setting being in a city this time. She has managed to create a village within a busy area. I enjoyed meeting all the new characters, especially Kate, who despite a difficult start blossoms beautifully as the story progresses , much like the communal garden she helps to create!
Heidi is fabulous at having surprises in her books, and this one was no exception. Totally unexpected but absolutely finishes the story perfectly.
I am never disappointed with Heidi’s books, they give me such pleasure to read and a desire to be in the story myself, as the characters become friends and I adore the close knit communities that she creates. ❤️
Heidi is fabulous at having surprises in her books, and this one was no exception. Totally unexpected but absolutely finishes the story perfectly.
I am never disappointed with Heidi’s books, they give me such pleasure to read and a desire to be in the story myself, as the characters become friends and I adore the close knit communities that she creates. ❤️
October 21, 2018
A sweet and bright tale that moves quickly and draws you in with its wonderfully beautiful characters.
If you can read this heart-warming story of a lady running from her past, with the intention of not getting too close to people, but eventually making some lovely friendships, without getting the urge to go out in the sunshine, start a garden and make new friends, are we even reading the same book?
I like a book to build the characters up, and explore them so we grow to love them and want them to get their happily ever after. Which means, normally I like a slower paced book. This book was much more fast paced, I felt like something exciting was always happening, from ex-husbands, to new men, babies and gardening. But even with this fast paced excitement, I didn't feel the character development lacked, in fact I think i was brought into the excitement even more, so I really wanted everything to be ok for Kate in then end.
Kate's bizarre view on love, happiness and happy ever after's was a little crazy but I can quite see why people may think this. As much as I was definitely more on board with Lisa's way of thinking, I could quite see how Kate who was blissfully in love with a man she thought was her soul mate, might believe that was her happy ending gone forever.
This book had a complete different feel to the usual chick lit story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was really invested in the small patch of garden the residents wanted, and I really wanted Heather, the new mum to realise that what we think of motherhood before children is very different to the reality. I don't know how I would feel if I lived in Nightingale Square, but the idea of a quaint village where everyone knows and supports each other, sounds blissful but I fear reality would be a lot of nosiness and not a lot of privacy, but reading about this cute little square where everyone is friends was divine.
I loved the colourful array of characters and how they all came together. I wasn't a huge fan of the exe's storyline, how the two exes came together. I feel that was a little unrealistic but I can see it made better story telling.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I half read and half listened on Audible, and it was absolutely fine to do either. I find some books I can happily listen to and just immerse myself in the story, other times I really need to read along and listen and take the story in. This book was fine either way! Which makes it a very enjoyable book to read a long or listen to in the car.
★⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars. A cute read which makes you pine for village life and new friendships. I didn't like the ex running away storyline but the rest was perfect.
If you can read this heart-warming story of a lady running from her past, with the intention of not getting too close to people, but eventually making some lovely friendships, without getting the urge to go out in the sunshine, start a garden and make new friends, are we even reading the same book?
I like a book to build the characters up, and explore them so we grow to love them and want them to get their happily ever after. Which means, normally I like a slower paced book. This book was much more fast paced, I felt like something exciting was always happening, from ex-husbands, to new men, babies and gardening. But even with this fast paced excitement, I didn't feel the character development lacked, in fact I think i was brought into the excitement even more, so I really wanted everything to be ok for Kate in then end.
Kate's bizarre view on love, happiness and happy ever after's was a little crazy but I can quite see why people may think this. As much as I was definitely more on board with Lisa's way of thinking, I could quite see how Kate who was blissfully in love with a man she thought was her soul mate, might believe that was her happy ending gone forever.
This book had a complete different feel to the usual chick lit story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was really invested in the small patch of garden the residents wanted, and I really wanted Heather, the new mum to realise that what we think of motherhood before children is very different to the reality. I don't know how I would feel if I lived in Nightingale Square, but the idea of a quaint village where everyone knows and supports each other, sounds blissful but I fear reality would be a lot of nosiness and not a lot of privacy, but reading about this cute little square where everyone is friends was divine.
I loved the colourful array of characters and how they all came together. I wasn't a huge fan of the exe's storyline, how the two exes came together. I feel that was a little unrealistic but I can see it made better story telling.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I half read and half listened on Audible, and it was absolutely fine to do either. I find some books I can happily listen to and just immerse myself in the story, other times I really need to read along and listen and take the story in. This book was fine either way! Which makes it a very enjoyable book to read a long or listen to in the car.
★⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars. A cute read which makes you pine for village life and new friendships. I didn't like the ex running away storyline but the rest was perfect.
May 25, 2018
This is a lovely warm bath of a novel: something you can sink into and forget about the world for a bit in. I always feel that it can be a delicate balance writing romance, but Sweet Peas and Sunshine hit the perfect note, and the end result was something charming, light-hearted and very easy to read.
Following on from her Cherry Tree Cafe series, Heidi Swain’s new heroine is Kate, recently divorced from her philandering husband David, and nursing a broken heart that sees her impulsively buy a house in Norwich- Nightingale Square, to be exact, which is hiding some secrets of its own.
Though Kate wants to hide from the world, it’s not quite as simple as that- of course- and we soon find her embroiled in the lives of the square’s inhabitants: people that I, quite frankly, want as my neighbours. From the motherly Lisa, who forms a fast friendship with Kate, to the nosy Carole, and the elderly Harold, whose history is tied up with that of the square’s, we get to know and care about them as they bring Kate out of her shell.
The lovely thing is that Swain spends as much time and care on these characters as she does the main character, with the result that you feel like you’re reading about a big, happy family. Not quite what you think you’re going to get in the middle of a city- this feels more like a small village (their meddling in Kate’s love life makes for some of the most hilarious reading in the entire book, and feels all to familiar to me as a small-town person myself!)- but the end result is that you feel like you care about them almost as much as she does. It’s actually hard to pick my favourite character, but I have to say that watching Kate find her feet and grow in confidence- the story’s main plotline, alongside a handful of smaller plots from life in the square- is really great. She’s a great heroine: independent, strong, friendly, and (despite a sometimes irritating insistence that her breakup spells the end of all happiness for her, for ever) soon busy digging into the square’s history.
The square’s history is the other main plot thread, where we find our love interest, Luke, who is connected to the large mansion abutting the square (the both were built by a Victorian benefactor whose family line and heirlooms have mysteriously disappeared). And the romance between him and Kate is just as good as you’d hope: it feels real, natural and very endearing- but I also enjoyed the revelation that he’s hiding a secret past as an underwear model. Whatever pays the bills!
Sweet, comforting and warm as a mug of hot chocolate (with perhaps a dash of spice), Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square is the perfect summer read, perfectly balancing plot and intrigue with romance and genuine, warm friendships.
Following on from her Cherry Tree Cafe series, Heidi Swain’s new heroine is Kate, recently divorced from her philandering husband David, and nursing a broken heart that sees her impulsively buy a house in Norwich- Nightingale Square, to be exact, which is hiding some secrets of its own.
Though Kate wants to hide from the world, it’s not quite as simple as that- of course- and we soon find her embroiled in the lives of the square’s inhabitants: people that I, quite frankly, want as my neighbours. From the motherly Lisa, who forms a fast friendship with Kate, to the nosy Carole, and the elderly Harold, whose history is tied up with that of the square’s, we get to know and care about them as they bring Kate out of her shell.
The lovely thing is that Swain spends as much time and care on these characters as she does the main character, with the result that you feel like you’re reading about a big, happy family. Not quite what you think you’re going to get in the middle of a city- this feels more like a small village (their meddling in Kate’s love life makes for some of the most hilarious reading in the entire book, and feels all to familiar to me as a small-town person myself!)- but the end result is that you feel like you care about them almost as much as she does. It’s actually hard to pick my favourite character, but I have to say that watching Kate find her feet and grow in confidence- the story’s main plotline, alongside a handful of smaller plots from life in the square- is really great. She’s a great heroine: independent, strong, friendly, and (despite a sometimes irritating insistence that her breakup spells the end of all happiness for her, for ever) soon busy digging into the square’s history.
The square’s history is the other main plot thread, where we find our love interest, Luke, who is connected to the large mansion abutting the square (the both were built by a Victorian benefactor whose family line and heirlooms have mysteriously disappeared). And the romance between him and Kate is just as good as you’d hope: it feels real, natural and very endearing- but I also enjoyed the revelation that he’s hiding a secret past as an underwear model. Whatever pays the bills!
Sweet, comforting and warm as a mug of hot chocolate (with perhaps a dash of spice), Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square is the perfect summer read, perfectly balancing plot and intrigue with romance and genuine, warm friendships.
May 23, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book. I was so excited when I was asked to take part in this tour. I've read a few of Heidi's books and I just adore her writing style!
In this book we follow Kate as she is about to move to Norwich following the break up of her marriage. I was very excited about the book being set in Norwich as I live close(ish) by in Ipswich. Kate moves in to Nightingale Square after learning the history of the place. I actually looked this up to see if it was true but sadly I could find no evidence so I have to assume Heidi made this all up in that wonderful head of hers.
When I saw the book was set in Norwich I worried we might loose that community spirit feel that Heidi's other books have but fear not Nightingale Square is a small community in a big city. These residents pull together and help each other in a way you wouldn't expect for those living in a city.
My favourite character is Lisa. She might be a bit gobby but she has a heart of gold. She would do anything for her friends, while running around after three children, well 4 if you include her husband. I was so so happy with the ending of Lisa's story. Honestly, I had happy tears in my eyes. It was perfect.
This book had everything you need for a perfect afternoon in the sun. There's the heart warming characters that you just can't help but fall in love with, a mystery or two to unravel and a big fat happy ever after that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
If you haven't read Heidi's books before now (have you been under a rock?) then I would HIGHLY recommend you start.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book. I was so excited when I was asked to take part in this tour. I've read a few of Heidi's books and I just adore her writing style!
In this book we follow Kate as she is about to move to Norwich following the break up of her marriage. I was very excited about the book being set in Norwich as I live close(ish) by in Ipswich. Kate moves in to Nightingale Square after learning the history of the place. I actually looked this up to see if it was true but sadly I could find no evidence so I have to assume Heidi made this all up in that wonderful head of hers.
When I saw the book was set in Norwich I worried we might loose that community spirit feel that Heidi's other books have but fear not Nightingale Square is a small community in a big city. These residents pull together and help each other in a way you wouldn't expect for those living in a city.
My favourite character is Lisa. She might be a bit gobby but she has a heart of gold. She would do anything for her friends, while running around after three children, well 4 if you include her husband. I was so so happy with the ending of Lisa's story. Honestly, I had happy tears in my eyes. It was perfect.
This book had everything you need for a perfect afternoon in the sun. There's the heart warming characters that you just can't help but fall in love with, a mystery or two to unravel and a big fat happy ever after that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
If you haven't read Heidi's books before now (have you been under a rock?) then I would HIGHLY recommend you start.
December 21, 2021
Despite it being the middle of December - the week before Christmas and this being the first non Christmassy book I’ve read in a few months now I really enjoyed this. I think it gave me that big of sunshine and spring feeling that you start to look forward to after Christmas.
I was a bit cautious of how I’d feel with this book being the first one set outside of Wynbridge but it still had that same homely feeling as all of the other books by Heidi and she still had lots of links and time spent in Wynbridge. I loved the fact that Kate is Tom’s sister (Tom aka Jemma’s husband) as I’ve been wanting to know more about their family dynamic for a while - and also how much have Evie and Noah grown!!! Evie was just a little toddler when we first meet her in The Cherry Tree Cafe and she’s grown up quite a lot now.
Honestly these books are so immersive and you really do get lost in them, these characters feel like actual real life people that I would happily bump into and feel like I could pass them on the street if I went to visit Wynbridge. Heidi has created such a wonderful world that I would love to be a part of!
I was hooked on the story of Kate and Luke and when the bombshells came it properly shook me - I wasn’t expecting that at all and honestly felt that time was running out for Kate. There didn’t seem to be the opportunity for her to say what she needed to say and I had an awful feeling that it wasn’t going to turn out well for her.
The idea of a community garden is such a good idea and I’d love to have something like that near me - I don’t think I have the skills to have my own vegetable garden but I’d love to be involved in a similar project and home grown food really does taste so much nicer….
There are a few different layers in this book but I think my favourite part was getting to meet so many new lovely characters - not only do we have one or two new faces but we have a whole village full! I just know that I’m going to love my return to Nightingale Square just as much as I love returning to Wynbridge!
I was a bit cautious of how I’d feel with this book being the first one set outside of Wynbridge but it still had that same homely feeling as all of the other books by Heidi and she still had lots of links and time spent in Wynbridge. I loved the fact that Kate is Tom’s sister (Tom aka Jemma’s husband) as I’ve been wanting to know more about their family dynamic for a while - and also how much have Evie and Noah grown!!! Evie was just a little toddler when we first meet her in The Cherry Tree Cafe and she’s grown up quite a lot now.
Honestly these books are so immersive and you really do get lost in them, these characters feel like actual real life people that I would happily bump into and feel like I could pass them on the street if I went to visit Wynbridge. Heidi has created such a wonderful world that I would love to be a part of!
I was hooked on the story of Kate and Luke and when the bombshells came it properly shook me - I wasn’t expecting that at all and honestly felt that time was running out for Kate. There didn’t seem to be the opportunity for her to say what she needed to say and I had an awful feeling that it wasn’t going to turn out well for her.
The idea of a community garden is such a good idea and I’d love to have something like that near me - I don’t think I have the skills to have my own vegetable garden but I’d love to be involved in a similar project and home grown food really does taste so much nicer….
There are a few different layers in this book but I think my favourite part was getting to meet so many new lovely characters - not only do we have one or two new faces but we have a whole village full! I just know that I’m going to love my return to Nightingale Square just as much as I love returning to Wynbridge!
May 27, 2019
This series is amazing it just gets better and better. This book is slightly different and isn't based in wynbridge but Norfolk in a small town where there are a group of houses all built into a square called nightingale square by a very large house that is up for sale.
Kate has just come out of a bad marriage where her husband cheated and something else happened that she won't tell anybody about. She loves away from London for a few start and her family come from wynbridge but she finds a lovely house in nightingale square and can't wait to start a very quiet hidden away life.
Unfortunately what she didn't bank on was the fact that this small area has a real community feel. They hold a lot of parties on the green and start working together to halt the builders moving in to demolish the large house.
Kate makes some very good friends Lisa and Heather who come together to try to help her realise that life does not mean you only get one love of your life and if you lose it that's it you don't get another try.
In comes luke who buys the large house and saves it from the builders and decides to let the square residents have a community garden in the grounds of the house. He has fallen in love with the house in a big way as he has family connections to it and to someone else.
It was such a fantastic easy read. I have read all the series and can not wait to read the new book.
Kate has just come out of a bad marriage where her husband cheated and something else happened that she won't tell anybody about. She loves away from London for a few start and her family come from wynbridge but she finds a lovely house in nightingale square and can't wait to start a very quiet hidden away life.
Unfortunately what she didn't bank on was the fact that this small area has a real community feel. They hold a lot of parties on the green and start working together to halt the builders moving in to demolish the large house.
Kate makes some very good friends Lisa and Heather who come together to try to help her realise that life does not mean you only get one love of your life and if you lose it that's it you don't get another try.
In comes luke who buys the large house and saves it from the builders and decides to let the square residents have a community garden in the grounds of the house. He has fallen in love with the house in a big way as he has family connections to it and to someone else.
It was such a fantastic easy read. I have read all the series and can not wait to read the new book.
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