Changing Seasons for the Country Nurse by Kate Eastham #Review

 

I am thrilled to review the next in the latest series by Kate Eastham. Changing Seasons for the Country Nurse was published by Boldwood Books on August 22nd.

 
In the quiet Lancashire countryside of 1936, city-trained nurse Lara Flynn must contend with far more than muddy lanes and boisterous farm dogs. Still recovering from a past trauma and an ill-fated love affair, she’s determined to prove herself as a capable district nurse and midwife to a community that doesn’t easily welcome outsiders.

As autumn sets in, Lara becomes a trusted presence at Ingleside Surgery - soothing frightened patients, forming a close bond with her spirited colleague Marion and earning the grudging respect of the erratic but brilliant senior doctor. But behind the laughter and team spirit, shadows loom. There’s loss, secrets buried deep in the hearts of her new friends and a face from her past that threatens everything Lara's tried to leave behind.

When tragedy strikes a patient - a younger mother with four small children - Lara’s personal strength is tested like never before. Can she dig deep to find hope and healing, not just for those she cares for, but also for herself?

Changing Seasons for the Country Nurse describes the quiet heroism of a woman making a difference, one visit at a time. It's the perfect read for fans of Call the Midwife and All Creatures Great and Small as well as Donna Douglas and Jean Fullerton.

 My Thoughts

It is now 1936 in Ingleside in Lancashire and the community seems as tightly knit as ever.  Lara seems to have settled into life in the practice and although some still see her as a newcomer, many are responding to her quiet professionalism. Life in the practice is hectic at times, but she is well supported by her colleagues who have become close friends.

    Lara has some difficult cases to oversee and realises that her gut feelings are well founded. She needs to be determined in delivering her care to her patients some of whom are vulnerable. Secrets from the past have a habit of rearing their head and Lara finds that her past comes back with a vengeance. Also, she has to offer a comforting shoulder to a close friend who has a devastating secret in her past.

With a gentle hint of a romance and a wide range of lively characters, the series continues at a good pace. Changing are coming for everyone but Lara feels a sense of home at last. 

In short: period detail and well drawn characters.

 

About the Author

Kate Eastham is the author of heartbreaking wartime historical fiction. Before this, she was a trained nurse and midwife, and spent 20 years working in palliative care. During this time she had the privilege of listening to stories from patients of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom were veterans of the world wars.

 

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Book links 

Thanks to Kate Eastham, Boldwood Books and Rachel of  Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Check out the rest of the tour!