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Nightingale Square #4
The Summer Fair
Beth loves her job working in a care home, looking after its elderly residents, but she doesn’t love the cramped and dirty house-share she currently lives in. So, when she gets the opportunity to move to Nightingale Square, sharing a house with the lovely Eli, she jumps at the chance.
The community at Nightingale Square welcomes Beth with open arms, and when she needs help to organise a fundraiser for the care home they rally round. Then she discovers The Arches, a local creative arts centre, has closed and the venture to replace it needs their help too – but this opens old wounds and past secrets for Beth.
Music was always an important part of her life, but now she has closed the door on all that. Will her friends at the care home and the people of Nightingale Square help her find a way to learn to love it once more.?
The community at Nightingale Square welcomes Beth with open arms, and when she needs help to organise a fundraiser for the care home they rally round. Then she discovers The Arches, a local creative arts centre, has closed and the venture to replace it needs their help too – but this opens old wounds and past secrets for Beth.
Music was always an important part of her life, but now she has closed the door on all that. Will her friends at the care home and the people of Nightingale Square help her find a way to learn to love it once more.?
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2022
45 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Swain
31 books1,212 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 190 reviews
August 19, 2024
*Summer Revelations*
This is book 5 of 6 books all featuring the residents of Nightingale Square based in Norwich.
This instalment is about Beth. She works in a care home dealing with some feisty characters. They are mischievous and Beth loves every moment working with them. The one thing she detests is the house she is currently sharing with a group of lazy and filthy housemates. They even expect her to clear up after them. She desperately needs a change of living arrangements. Suddenly she has an opportunity to live in ‘Nightingale Square’. Sadly it is almost a no go for her due to the price of the rent but, things happen and it becomes a reality.
She will be sharing with a guy called Eli. She does not meet him until the day after she moves in. There is a secret she is keeping and he brings back terrible memories by playing music.
Something happened in her life that made her swear she would never revisit the time when she had a dream. As Eli and Beth get to know each other she wants to keep music completely out of her life.
Eli has a reason that he only keeps music in the background. He was in a band with his now ex girlfriend and his best friend. That girlfriend made him choose between his friend and her. Sadly he chose the now ex girlfriend which meant losing his friend, his biggest regret.
The residents in the Square want to host a Summer Fair and they want some sort musical entertainment for the evening. Beth keeps her mouth shut and Eli even backs her up saying how much she hates music etc. He is unaware of her secret.
One day she finds herself humming in the house to his music. This leads to a showdown with Eli as he is pleased she is starting to appreciate music. She takes it personally and attacks him with her cutting words.
Now how does the author Heidi Swain tackle this? It was another great and easy read
This is book 5 of 6 books all featuring the residents of Nightingale Square based in Norwich.
This instalment is about Beth. She works in a care home dealing with some feisty characters. They are mischievous and Beth loves every moment working with them. The one thing she detests is the house she is currently sharing with a group of lazy and filthy housemates. They even expect her to clear up after them. She desperately needs a change of living arrangements. Suddenly she has an opportunity to live in ‘Nightingale Square’. Sadly it is almost a no go for her due to the price of the rent but, things happen and it becomes a reality.
She will be sharing with a guy called Eli. She does not meet him until the day after she moves in. There is a secret she is keeping and he brings back terrible memories by playing music.
Something happened in her life that made her swear she would never revisit the time when she had a dream. As Eli and Beth get to know each other she wants to keep music completely out of her life.
Eli has a reason that he only keeps music in the background. He was in a band with his now ex girlfriend and his best friend. That girlfriend made him choose between his friend and her. Sadly he chose the now ex girlfriend which meant losing his friend, his biggest regret.
The residents in the Square want to host a Summer Fair and they want some sort musical entertainment for the evening. Beth keeps her mouth shut and Eli even backs her up saying how much she hates music etc. He is unaware of her secret.
One day she finds herself humming in the house to his music. This leads to a showdown with Eli as he is pleased she is starting to appreciate music. She takes it personally and attacks him with her cutting words.
Now how does the author Heidi Swain tackle this? It was another great and easy read
January 10, 2024
So brilliant to be back at Nightingale Square!
I so enjoy visiting this wonderful community and it was fantastic to meet some new fabulous characters too!
Beth has her issues, banning music from her life because it’s too painful to allow it in. You really feel her emotions and are desperate for things to improve for her. So when she has the opportunity to not only to improve her career, the chance to move away from her despicable housemates into a shared house on Nightingale Square suddenly arrives.
Only problem is that music and interacting in a close community also comes with the move, so will Beth regret her new life choices?
I loved the quirky, fun characters that we meet in the care home where Beth works, they add a sense of fun and it was marvellous to see how Beth grew a special community within the home.
Eli has his own issues, however he brings back music to Beth and slowly makes her start believing in herself and so she starts to allow it back into her life.
For me the themes of music and it’s importance for your mental health and as a way to express yourself was really important and something I completely could relate with.
Heartwarming and uplifting, I enjoyed every page, character and setting in this beautiful book.
I so enjoy visiting this wonderful community and it was fantastic to meet some new fabulous characters too!
Beth has her issues, banning music from her life because it’s too painful to allow it in. You really feel her emotions and are desperate for things to improve for her. So when she has the opportunity to not only to improve her career, the chance to move away from her despicable housemates into a shared house on Nightingale Square suddenly arrives.
Only problem is that music and interacting in a close community also comes with the move, so will Beth regret her new life choices?
I loved the quirky, fun characters that we meet in the care home where Beth works, they add a sense of fun and it was marvellous to see how Beth grew a special community within the home.
Eli has his own issues, however he brings back music to Beth and slowly makes her start believing in herself and so she starts to allow it back into her life.
For me the themes of music and it’s importance for your mental health and as a way to express yourself was really important and something I completely could relate with.
Heartwarming and uplifting, I enjoyed every page, character and setting in this beautiful book.
April 17, 2022
I read this over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend when the sun was shining and it really helped transport me to Nightingale Square.
As this is book 4 (but could easily be read as a standalone), it was so nice to be reunited with some of the previous characters. I'm sure I have said it before but the Square and the Grow Well garden really does sound idyllic with all the wonderful residents and a proper sense of community.
This book was heavily influenced by love of music and I have to confess, listening to music is actually not one of my favourite pastimes, however I loved how it brought Beth and Eli closer and helped them battle demons. The lost friendship between Eli and Pete was a really clever aspect, not usual to have a male friendship as such a focus.
The residents of the care home were very entertaining and Greta in particular raised a few smiles. I can only hope when I'm so old I am taken care of at a place like that! Beth's activity ideas were brilliant.
Overall just a lovely summery read, perfect to while away the hours and get lost in on a warm day in the garden.
My many thanks to Simon and Schuster via Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.
As this is book 4 (but could easily be read as a standalone), it was so nice to be reunited with some of the previous characters. I'm sure I have said it before but the Square and the Grow Well garden really does sound idyllic with all the wonderful residents and a proper sense of community.
This book was heavily influenced by love of music and I have to confess, listening to music is actually not one of my favourite pastimes, however I loved how it brought Beth and Eli closer and helped them battle demons. The lost friendship between Eli and Pete was a really clever aspect, not usual to have a male friendship as such a focus.
The residents of the care home were very entertaining and Greta in particular raised a few smiles. I can only hope when I'm so old I am taken care of at a place like that! Beth's activity ideas were brilliant.
Overall just a lovely summery read, perfect to while away the hours and get lost in on a warm day in the garden.
My many thanks to Simon and Schuster via Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.
February 27, 2022
Beth is a Carer at the Edith Cavel Care home. She loves her job and all the residents in it. But only thing in her life that is a thorn in her side is the shared home she lives in. Her housemates are the untidiest housemates and treats Beth as their cleaner. So, when she hears from one of the residents at the care home that there is a shared house in Nightingale Square, she can’t wait to check it out and when she is offered a place she jumps at the chance. Not only for the lovely community that she has been introduced too but Eli her new housemate is a neat freak, and he is not bad looking too.
When she moves in, she starts getting involved in the community and a friendship with Eli. Things are looking good in her life when also she becomes the Activities manager at the care home. Life is sweet. But when things from her past come to light, life seems to get complicated.
The Summer fair by Heidi Swain is another heart-warming story set in Nightingale square. This is part of a series but can easily read as a standalone. I love this series of eclectic characters set in Nightingale square. This is a life affirming story of a sense of community and people helping each other and doing what you love in life. This is a great read. 5 stars from me.
When she moves in, she starts getting involved in the community and a friendship with Eli. Things are looking good in her life when also she becomes the Activities manager at the care home. Life is sweet. But when things from her past come to light, life seems to get complicated.
The Summer fair by Heidi Swain is another heart-warming story set in Nightingale square. This is part of a series but can easily read as a standalone. I love this series of eclectic characters set in Nightingale square. This is a life affirming story of a sense of community and people helping each other and doing what you love in life. This is a great read. 5 stars from me.
June 28, 2022
And she does it again! Heidi always writes a fabulous novel set in lovely locations and this one is a return to Nightingale Square.
Beth's character was very likeable and I wanted her to get her happy ending. The care home resident antics did make me chuckle and I'd love a friend like Pete.
I wonder where we'll be next time?!
Beth's character was very likeable and I wanted her to get her happy ending. The care home resident antics did make me chuckle and I'd love a friend like Pete.
I wonder where we'll be next time?!
May 21, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable return to Nightingale Square. Beth's journey of rediscovering her musical passions was emotional and heartwarming.
September 17, 2023
Again another fantastic read and loved being back in Nightingale Square ❤️
August 27, 2022
Audible audiobook Narration was well done. Story was alright except for her inability to be around music. Believability zero. Loved the people in the old folks home and Beth’s friendship with them. Pete was great, a neat character. Everyone at Nightingale was brilliant. Unfortunately there was one person I hated. Eli. Talk about a wussy hypocritical melodramatic git. He was awful. I imagined Godzilla stepping on this guy and nobody noticing. The story did have a great ending even without Godzilla. The overdramatic anxiety over nothing is why it lacked a couple stars for me. Others may disagree.
June 14, 2022
Idk what it was about this book but after about the 10th chapter all I could do is skim... The writing style of this book made it really monotone and not at all engaging... Eli and Beths story while it was interesting was really slow going... I'm usually a fan of chic-lit, especially UK chic lit, so I don't know why this couldn't keep my attention...
November 25, 2022
Heidi’s books are always pure comfort reads to me, I love that I know what I’ll be getting (roughly) and that I get to spend time with some familiar characters in a well known and loved location. Nightingale square is definitely the place to be in the summer and the fair that this is focused on sounds absolutely incredible, a proper country fair but even bigger and better!
Music was a massive focus for this book, showing the different holds that it can have on people - both positively and negatively, but I think we can all agree that it definitely provokes memories and brings feelings right to the surface. Music really can be a complete mood changer can’t it and both Beth and Eli see this throughout the book.
I have to add that I’m loving learning little snippets about Lisa’s life after her talent being first realised back in the first Nightingale Square book - I wonder if she’ll get her own book at some point maybe..?
One of my favourite parts about Heidi’s books are that you get to catch up with the other residents and characters and I do get that special feeling whenever Jemma or Lizzie are mentioned as they were the characters who kicked off this amazing journey.
Another amazing book that has you captured, it’s the perfect escapism read as you can just pour a big pot of tea, settle down with this for a couple of hours and I can guarantee you’ll feel a million times better! I’m now just gutted I’ve only got Christmas Celebration left until her next book is out!!!
Music was a massive focus for this book, showing the different holds that it can have on people - both positively and negatively, but I think we can all agree that it definitely provokes memories and brings feelings right to the surface. Music really can be a complete mood changer can’t it and both Beth and Eli see this throughout the book.
I have to add that I’m loving learning little snippets about Lisa’s life after her talent being first realised back in the first Nightingale Square book - I wonder if she’ll get her own book at some point maybe..?
One of my favourite parts about Heidi’s books are that you get to catch up with the other residents and characters and I do get that special feeling whenever Jemma or Lizzie are mentioned as they were the characters who kicked off this amazing journey.
Another amazing book that has you captured, it’s the perfect escapism read as you can just pour a big pot of tea, settle down with this for a couple of hours and I can guarantee you’ll feel a million times better! I’m now just gutted I’ve only got Christmas Celebration left until her next book is out!!!
August 7, 2022
Surprisingly this is the first book I’ve read by this author!! The cover looked so enticing that I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist it! It is book #4 of the Nightingale Square series but can easily be read as a standalone book. We meet Beth who works in a care home looking after its elderly residents. Following her mum’s death, Beth finds herself in the most awful house share! Thankfully, she gets a new job as an activity organiser within the Care Home, which means she can afford to move into a house share in beautiful Nightingale Square. It sounds such a lovely place that I wanted to move there myself, especially when it seems her new housemate, Eli is the perfect person to share it with.
I really enjoyed this book, and despite not having read any of the other books of the series, settled into it quite easily. Beth is a lovely character who has gone through a tough time. It’s lovely to see her working in the care home (I used to work in one many years ago!) and I loved her interaction with the residents. Due to things which had happened in her past, Beth doesn’t like listening to music but the storyline works on this for her and it was fun to have a musical theme running through the book. The other characters in the story were all likeable and played their part in Beth’s story well. I liked Beth’s flatmate, Eli although he obviously has some issues from his past which he needs to work through, and this did make my feelings for him swap and change throughout the book!
The storyline flowed along nicely, with a beautiful setting of Nightingale Square and the Grow Well Garden, and the summer feel of the story warmed my heart (and body!!) as I read! Filled with not just lots of love and romance, it had friendships, community spirit and laughter in abundance! This was a light-hearted, heart-warming story which will brighten up your day and put a smile on your face as you read! Would recommend!
I really enjoyed this book, and despite not having read any of the other books of the series, settled into it quite easily. Beth is a lovely character who has gone through a tough time. It’s lovely to see her working in the care home (I used to work in one many years ago!) and I loved her interaction with the residents. Due to things which had happened in her past, Beth doesn’t like listening to music but the storyline works on this for her and it was fun to have a musical theme running through the book. The other characters in the story were all likeable and played their part in Beth’s story well. I liked Beth’s flatmate, Eli although he obviously has some issues from his past which he needs to work through, and this did make my feelings for him swap and change throughout the book!
The storyline flowed along nicely, with a beautiful setting of Nightingale Square and the Grow Well Garden, and the summer feel of the story warmed my heart (and body!!) as I read! Filled with not just lots of love and romance, it had friendships, community spirit and laughter in abundance! This was a light-hearted, heart-warming story which will brighten up your day and put a smile on your face as you read! Would recommend!
April 26, 2022
I have no words that can do this book justice!!! It is absolutely beautiful!! I don’t like to have favourites, but I think The Summer Fair is it!
I know, I’m biased…….Heidi is my favourite author, but this book is just exquisite.
Beth has been through so much and has pushed her passion for music aside, but once she meets the lovely people of Nightingale Square, it becomes quite apparent that her past and present are going to collide.
Eli is the perfect leading man and he is so sooooo lovely (I picture Tom Holland when I read about him 😍) and I fell in love with him instantly.
Once again, heading back to Nightingale Square and visiting old friends felt like going home. I will forever love the feeling of community in Heidi’s books and I feel as though I know these characters like I would a close friend.
Another truly magnificent masterpiece by this wonderful lady…..I laughed, I cried and my body was covered with goosebumps by the last chapter!!! Heidi you’ve only gone and done it again!!!
May 12, 2022
I loved returning to Nightingale Square in this story, I loved catching up with all the characters and meeting new ones. Heidi has a way of writing that is so comforting, and it is a perfect read to snuggle up with. It made me wish for better weather and to feel the sun on my face. I didn't want to put this book down and I was sad when it finished so I re-read it again. The story is about Beth who after having a bit of a rough deal she moves to Nightingale Square, I loved how we get to know Beth more and how the community all rally round to make her feel welcome, if I ever moved that is where I would love to live. It sounds wonderful. It is not just what the community do for her but what she also does for them. It is such a heart warming story and I just loved it.
July 6, 2022
This was my first book in the Nightingale Square series: it can easily be read as a stand-alone, but it left me with the desire to go back to the previous instalments and know more about this delightful and eclectic comunity.
I loved Heidi Swain's writing style, it's easy to read and engaging, fun and heart-warming. The characters are fantastic especially the residents of the nursing home, soooo lovely!! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs to unplug from everyday routine and relax.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Heidi Swain's writing style, it's easy to read and engaging, fun and heart-warming. The characters are fantastic especially the residents of the nursing home, soooo lovely!! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs to unplug from everyday routine and relax.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2022
I absolutely loved this book.
It was fab being back in Nightingale Square and catching up with everyone. Every time I read one of Heidi’s books, it just makes me want to be part of a community like theirs.
This is Beth’s story who works as a carer in a care home. There really are some wonderful characters living there and Greta is an absolute hoot and my favourite one! Her antics made me laugh out loud.
I couldn’t put this book down. I love Heidi’s books so much. They are such wonderful, easy reads.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
It was fab being back in Nightingale Square and catching up with everyone. Every time I read one of Heidi’s books, it just makes me want to be part of a community like theirs.
This is Beth’s story who works as a carer in a care home. There really are some wonderful characters living there and Greta is an absolute hoot and my favourite one! Her antics made me laugh out loud.
I couldn’t put this book down. I love Heidi’s books so much. They are such wonderful, easy reads.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
June 5, 2022
Returning to nightingale Square always feels like meeting up with friends. It's always good to see how the characters are doing and meeting new residents. I really hope we get to hear more about how the project progresses and see how Beth and Eli progress!
September 4, 2022
These books are such a comfort to me!
I actually read along in a physical copy, while listening to the audiobook narrated by the wonderful Karen Cass and I ADORED it! I think this is how I will read any of Heidi's future works!
I actually read along in a physical copy, while listening to the audiobook narrated by the wonderful Karen Cass and I ADORED it! I think this is how I will read any of Heidi's future works!
July 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Beth is very identifiable, she has had her heart broken and doesn’t know how to fix it until Eli arrives in her life.
I have to say I really enjoyed the visits to the care home and Greta, all the residents really helped Beth discover herself again.
Seeing everyone in Nightingale square again was nice, they are a lovely community.
I have to say I really enjoyed the visits to the care home and Greta, all the residents really helped Beth discover herself again.
Seeing everyone in Nightingale square again was nice, they are a lovely community.
July 14, 2025
Another lovely installment in this series and a lot more of Harald who is still my favourite character. I did really enjoy the main characters in this one, some of the others have been less likable. I also loved how Eli and Pete became friends again that was a nice moment and Beth falling in love with music again was beautiful
May 19, 2022
A lovely read about an idyllic community. I wanted to savour every page, but couldn’t help myself and raced through it.
April 11, 2023
A wholesome, heartwarming, uplifting story that centres around community spirit and friendship.
I read this book in just one day as it was so easy to just keep reading and reading until before I knew it, 100 pages had flew by! We venture back the Nightingale Square and all of its lovely inhabitants in this book. This is actually the 4th book set in Nightingale Square, although I’ve only read Poppy’s Recipe For Life so far and have read everything in the wrong order 🤣 but it worked just as well as a stand alone!
The book centres around Beth, who works at a care home for the elderly and is currently living in a squalid houseshare that she is desperate to get out of. Luckily for her, the opportunity to move to Nightingale Square comes up, and of course she jumps at the chance. It’s there that she meets Eli, her new housemate, and his love of music sets Beth on a path that she never thought she’d walk again. Beth used to love music and singing was her dream. But following the death of her Mum, she stopped singing and cut out music completely from her life.
It was so lovely to see Beth rediscover her love for music and truly realise how much it meant to her. Music means so much to so many of us, it’s a universal language, and it was really nice to read a book that really showcased the importance of music.
As always with Heidi’s writing, there’s that immediate sense of cosiness and that wave of calmness just washes over me as I read. The characters are just the most loveliest bunch of people ever and I want to live with them too!! I really liked the focus of a male friendship, I thought it was refreshing to see. I LOVED the residents of the care home! I could read a book just about them alone (sorry Beth - I did love you too!). A great read overall, I just wish I’d had the sunshine to go with it! 🌧
I read this book in just one day as it was so easy to just keep reading and reading until before I knew it, 100 pages had flew by! We venture back the Nightingale Square and all of its lovely inhabitants in this book. This is actually the 4th book set in Nightingale Square, although I’ve only read Poppy’s Recipe For Life so far and have read everything in the wrong order 🤣 but it worked just as well as a stand alone!
The book centres around Beth, who works at a care home for the elderly and is currently living in a squalid houseshare that she is desperate to get out of. Luckily for her, the opportunity to move to Nightingale Square comes up, and of course she jumps at the chance. It’s there that she meets Eli, her new housemate, and his love of music sets Beth on a path that she never thought she’d walk again. Beth used to love music and singing was her dream. But following the death of her Mum, she stopped singing and cut out music completely from her life.
It was so lovely to see Beth rediscover her love for music and truly realise how much it meant to her. Music means so much to so many of us, it’s a universal language, and it was really nice to read a book that really showcased the importance of music.
As always with Heidi’s writing, there’s that immediate sense of cosiness and that wave of calmness just washes over me as I read. The characters are just the most loveliest bunch of people ever and I want to live with them too!! I really liked the focus of a male friendship, I thought it was refreshing to see. I LOVED the residents of the care home! I could read a book just about them alone (sorry Beth - I did love you too!). A great read overall, I just wish I’d had the sunshine to go with it! 🌧
July 18, 2022
Nightingale Square is back working its magic, not only for Beth and Eli but for me too 🙂
I love this community.
Beth’s living conditions leave a lot to be desired. As I see it, the first turning point for being ready to engage with life is when she shocks Adam and her house-share mates (I use that term loosely!!!). I think she was starting to want to take care of herself (even if she doesn’t realise it).
Giving up her own time to take Harold to Grow Well at Prosperous Place opens up an opportunity for her to move to Nightingale Square. Thinking fortune is on the up for her, Beth quickly realises the two things she’s blocked from her life are BIG things in the community. And maybe she’s made a mistake …
Nightingale Square provides plenty of opportunities for Beth to step out of her comfort zone. One of the reasons I love this community is their willingness to nurture and care without even knowing what the issues are. It’s so non-judgemental. Beth holds her secrets close but in this environment, her conscience won’t let her for long.
Another community we get to know well are the residents at the care home where Beth works. Oh, there are some fabulous characters, all adding their charm and wit to this story. I loved seeing how Harold was getting on!
The romance naturally weaves around everyday life. Not the sole focus but still important. I love this in Heidi Swain’s books.
If you haven’t read any of the stories in this setting you will still enjoy The Summer Fair. I highly recommend you do though as you will get added depth from the actions of the characters on the periphery.
My take-away from The Summer Fair is to not give up on dreams or ambitions when one path is blocked. There are other ways that are actually better, that allow full expression. We’re always where we’re meant to be 🙂
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
I love this community.
Beth’s living conditions leave a lot to be desired. As I see it, the first turning point for being ready to engage with life is when she shocks Adam and her house-share mates (I use that term loosely!!!). I think she was starting to want to take care of herself (even if she doesn’t realise it).
Giving up her own time to take Harold to Grow Well at Prosperous Place opens up an opportunity for her to move to Nightingale Square. Thinking fortune is on the up for her, Beth quickly realises the two things she’s blocked from her life are BIG things in the community. And maybe she’s made a mistake …
Nightingale Square provides plenty of opportunities for Beth to step out of her comfort zone. One of the reasons I love this community is their willingness to nurture and care without even knowing what the issues are. It’s so non-judgemental. Beth holds her secrets close but in this environment, her conscience won’t let her for long.
Another community we get to know well are the residents at the care home where Beth works. Oh, there are some fabulous characters, all adding their charm and wit to this story. I loved seeing how Harold was getting on!
The romance naturally weaves around everyday life. Not the sole focus but still important. I love this in Heidi Swain’s books.
If you haven’t read any of the stories in this setting you will still enjoy The Summer Fair. I highly recommend you do though as you will get added depth from the actions of the characters on the periphery.
My take-away from The Summer Fair is to not give up on dreams or ambitions when one path is blocked. There are other ways that are actually better, that allow full expression. We’re always where we’re meant to be 🙂
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
May 5, 2022
THE SUMMER FAIR by HEIDI SWAIN.
Settle in for another trip to Nightingale Square, full of love and sunshine that will warm your heart.
Beth loves her job at a local care home for the elderly. She isn’t so keen on her living arrangements, so when a house share on Nightingale Square becomes available Beth jumps at the chance.
Sharing with neat freak Eli isn’t all plain sailing, but as their friendship grows they may just be exactly what the other needs to put ghosts to rest and move forward with life.
As in all Heidi Swain’s books that are set in Nightingale Square, the sense of community positively radiates from the pages.
It was lovely to catch up with existing characters and a real treat to meet some fabulous new ones.
I love the musical theme that is woven into this book. It really adds to the depth and feel of the story.
Heidi Swain has written another reliably feel good, heartwarming and utterly charming story.
A delight from start to finish.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This title will be published in paperback, audio and ebook on 12/5/22.
With thanks to @Netgalley and @SimonAndShusterUk for a digital arc of this lovely book.
May 18, 2022
5 stars
We return to nightingale square for the summer and meet the lovely Beth. At the start Beth is working at a care home looking after elderly residents but she is unhappy living in a cramped and dirty house share. So when given the opportunity to move to nightingale square to share with the lovely Eli she jumps at the chance. It’s no surprise that the community welcomes in Beth and help her organise a funfair for the care home. When she discovers that The Arches which is a local creative arts centre has had to close the venture to re open it opens old wounds and past secrets for Beth.
For me this is the best book in the series and I found myself relating to Beth in so many ways. She is tackling grief in such a a raw but understandable way in running away from things that trigger her and hiding away from her past. Love seeing the nightingale square residents and watching them help Beth. Eli is so amazing and love the way is is with Beth. If you love the series then pick it up but I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.
We return to nightingale square for the summer and meet the lovely Beth. At the start Beth is working at a care home looking after elderly residents but she is unhappy living in a cramped and dirty house share. So when given the opportunity to move to nightingale square to share with the lovely Eli she jumps at the chance. It’s no surprise that the community welcomes in Beth and help her organise a funfair for the care home. When she discovers that The Arches which is a local creative arts centre has had to close the venture to re open it opens old wounds and past secrets for Beth.
For me this is the best book in the series and I found myself relating to Beth in so many ways. She is tackling grief in such a a raw but understandable way in running away from things that trigger her and hiding away from her past. Love seeing the nightingale square residents and watching them help Beth. Eli is so amazing and love the way is is with Beth. If you love the series then pick it up but I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.
July 10, 2022
I've always loved Heidi books and she certainly didn't disappoint me at all I loved every second of it full of letting go of the past and moving forward and being happy with plenty of romance and friendships it's a heartwarming read and worth far more than five stars.
Beth has a job at a care home she loves and she hates where she is living so she's given the opportunity to move to nightingale Square to share with Eli but can she afford it. She's given a new job at the home and with that she can afford to move so takes on her new role and settles into her new home. Nightingale square rally round when Beth has a fundraising event at the home and Eli really supports her. Problem is she sees an old friend which starts to open up old wounds as she doesn't like music for a reason and when Eli is also hiding a past can they work together to get through it in time for the summer fair and will romance start for Beth and will everyone be happy.
Beth has a job at a care home she loves and she hates where she is living so she's given the opportunity to move to nightingale Square to share with Eli but can she afford it. She's given a new job at the home and with that she can afford to move so takes on her new role and settles into her new home. Nightingale square rally round when Beth has a fundraising event at the home and Eli really supports her. Problem is she sees an old friend which starts to open up old wounds as she doesn't like music for a reason and when Eli is also hiding a past can they work together to get through it in time for the summer fair and will romance start for Beth and will everyone be happy.
August 25, 2022
Disclaimer: received an arc copy from Netgalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was so nice to be back in Nightingale Square and revisit the joyous town. Whilst I enjoyed reading this book and being back in the square, I haven given it three stars because of all the secrets kept between people - unnecessary secrets in my opinion and I l just wanted them to talk to each other! But that’s a sign of a good book isn’t it, invested in the characters!
In good Heidi fashion, all the characters were loveable and I love that everyone in the square helps each other out! I love that about Heidi‘s books people are so generous and kind and it makes you see good in people - three stars from me. Looking forward to reading the next one!
It was so nice to be back in Nightingale Square and revisit the joyous town. Whilst I enjoyed reading this book and being back in the square, I haven given it three stars because of all the secrets kept between people - unnecessary secrets in my opinion and I l just wanted them to talk to each other! But that’s a sign of a good book isn’t it, invested in the characters!
In good Heidi fashion, all the characters were loveable and I love that everyone in the square helps each other out! I love that about Heidi‘s books people are so generous and kind and it makes you see good in people - three stars from me. Looking forward to reading the next one!
June 5, 2022
Heidi never let's me down.
Her books always light up my reading.
I'm never even slightly disappointed with any book by Heidi and this one definitely hits the top spot. Loved it. Flowed so brilliantly and I loved all the characters from Eli to Harold.
Brilliant read, highly recommended
Her books always light up my reading.
I'm never even slightly disappointed with any book by Heidi and this one definitely hits the top spot. Loved it. Flowed so brilliantly and I loved all the characters from Eli to Harold.
Brilliant read, highly recommended
May 13, 2022
4.5 rtc
May 15, 2022
15* absolutely devoured this didn’t want to stop reading loved Beth and Eli and the care home residents. Wish every home has such a delightful innovative activities coordinatior
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