I just finished this next book by Kate Eastham. Her characters really draw me in, especially the nurses. I like that most issues are settled, or at least discussed, back at the surgery around the kitchen table. Mrs. Hewitt, the housekeeper, holds them all together. If you haven't read this series, I suggest starting with the first book, A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse. Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy, the opinions are my own. Definitely recommend this series!

A wonderful story of a nurse/mid-wife trying to start over in a new town. Nostalgic, heartwarming. The characters are very believable. This is book 2 of 3.

this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but I would read the first book first. good story

Some tears and laughter, and good-hearted camaraderie characterize this story of village life along with Lara Flynn and Marion, the Country Nurses. I found the narrative quaint yet endearing. I like Mrs. Hewit's caring character and her keeping everyone in line. There was some mystery and a whisper of romance. I appreciated that it was also a clean read although some of the doctors and vets may have imbibed a bit too much.

Although this book is the second in the Diary of a Country Nurse series, I believe it can function well as a stand alone. However, I feel I have missed out on some connections, so potential readers may prefer to read the first in the series first (A Fresh Start for the Country Nurse), to get some of the backstory.

Overall, I found this narrative to be a satisfactory read.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

July 2025

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

I adored this sequel and being able to return to Ingleside Surgery - and to those characters I loved the first time around.

Changing Seasons for the Country Nurse, was like being wrapped in a giant familiar hug - the characters are all so well thought out, the storyline is charming, some sad bits, a lot of happiness and gorgeous old fashioned language. Lara is a fantastic character - kind, sweet but feisty when needed and it's a riot following along to her nursing duties all over the village.

Notable mention to Mrs Hewitt's food - it's such a treat reading about the food in historical fiction.

If you love Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey, this one is for you.

Can't wait for a third installment!

A heartwarming, but all too short installment for all Kate Eastham and Call the Midwife fans. It was over before I knew it and I want more!

NetGally gave me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was thrilled to revisit the characters of the Country Nurse series. I enjoyed the second book even more than the first. The characters felt more formed and familiar. It was a great comfort read. Great for fans of Call the Midwife or All Things Great or Small. I look forward to following Nurse Lara's adventures as the series continues.

It was fun catching up with and continuing the story of the nurses and doctors and townspeople. Lara continues to settle in to small town life and discovers more about Marion's past; the inclusion of treatment for various versions of post-partum depression, etc. was insightful and handled tastefully. The mystery of the mill fires and a couple of red herrings kept things interesting and likely leaves the story open to continuation. I look forward to Book #3!

What a welcome return to Ingleside Surgery! The formidable (but kindhearted) Mrs Hewitt who cares for doctors Bingham and Fitzwilliam, not forgetting nurses Lara Flynn and Marion Wright. The story centres mainly on Lara, although there is plenty mention of the others and their antics.
Lara finds acceptance in the local community isn’t a done deal, especially when the gossipmongers have been busy at work. Lara finds acceptance acceptance in the most unlikely places, relatives of people she has no love for, the elderly who weren’t keen on her to begin with and her peers who take to some of her outspoken ways. Believe me, it’s fun finding out who’s who.
When Lara makes a home postnatal visit to a woman with a young family it is the start of a close tie with the family.
Excitement is building in the surgery as the day of the ball at the Harrington’s, will all go to plan?

I really enjoyed this book, reading it in one sitting. My favourite character was Lara, for her kindness. Least favourite was Patrick.
I loved the camaraderie between characters round Mrs Hewitt’s table. I have to say I’d a soft spot for Michael who was so caring. The excitement when I got to the end and discovered there is to be a third, icing on the cake.

A fantastic 2nd installment. Such great likeable characters, a gentle storyline and a heartwarming read, really enjoying this series.

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
Until I started this book I didn't realise is was the second title in a series . It could be read as a stand alone but I did feel like I was missing a few references to the previous story but I caught up with it as I went along and really enjoyed finding out about Nurse Lara Flynn .
You could really relate to her in the era and the author has done an excellent job with putting her characters in it .

Another wonderful insight into the highs and lows of the nurses and doctors in the country practice. Life isn’t easy for many of the families within the community but when tragedy strikes the whole village is there to give love and support. A fantastic sequel, looking forward to the next in this series.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant read love following the day to day life of the characters
Definitely a brilliant family saga and would make a brilliant Tv series