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.

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!

Pretty good on the whole. I think it's the first book I've read by Heidi Swain and the sense of place / community she creates is excellent. I'd like to live somewhere like Nightingale Square. I liked all the square's residents. My main issue was with Kate, the main character. I thought she was irrational at times, and she seemed to change her mind quickly at the end. I would have liked a bit more introspection from her. She wasn't very nice to Luke at times, whilst he was lovely. I didn't like the plot point towards the end surrounding Kate (I can't say what it is because it'd be a spoiler), and felt it was too convenient. But that aside, I did enjoy the book and I would recommend it. 

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest 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.

When Kate’s happy ever after marriage falls apart she ups sticks and buys a cottage far away from her ex, her work and her friends. Kate plans to live alone quietly, putting her efforts into renovating the old cottage and gardens. Hoping the move to a place where no one knows her gives her the solitude she craves. Little did she know the quaint Nightingale Square neighbourhood are determined to include their new neighbour. Wether she likes it or not.
All of the characters complicated lives are revealed and you find yourself hoping for Kate to find her real happy ever after.
full review 
http://theuncheshirewife.com/books/sunshine-and-sweet-peas-in-nightingale-square-book-review/

Another novel of Heidi's that I can't give no less than 5 stars to. I absolutely loved this novel and it is now possibly my favourite of Heidi's to date. I felt like the storyline was totally refreshing and was just so enjoyable that I couldn't put it down. The cover, as it always does with Heidi's novels, just drew me in completely and I love every part of it. I love the willow tree, I love the big stately home in the centre, and the green with the fountain, everything goes together so well and it really makes such a stunning cover.

The storyline itself is completely mesmerising and I really enjoyed reading about the mystery behind the hidden painting. I found myself really liking the relationship between Kate and Luke and absolutely adored the friendship which quickly blossomed between Kate, and new neighbours Lisa and Heather. Every time I read a novel by Heidi Swain, I always long to live in the place the story is set, just because the characters all seem so lovely and inviting!

I wondered how this book was going to go down seeing as it was set in a different location, but I still really loved it. I missed Wynbridge (although - it does make an appearance!) and I loved that the characters from past novels still appeared in this one! I just love the continuity that Heidi has in all of her books. It was nice that the community spirit was included in this novel as well, it just has such a feel-good vibe to it.

Overall, another fantastic novel by the lovely Heidi Swain that'll leave you smiling for hours after you've finished it. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

A delightful and entertaing book that moves you to tears and you cannot put down. It's a perfect summer reading.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster UK Fiction and Netgalley

I really enjoyed this book,.Heidi Swain never feels to let the reader down. I hope there is a follow up.

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.

After her marriage collapses, Kate feels the need to get away from London and finds herself a rundown cottage in Nightingale Square in Norwich. Her plan is to hide herself away where nobody knows her and lick her wounds. Although Kate wants a quiet life her neighbour Lisa takes it upon herself to get Kate involved within the community. 

Within days of Kate arriving in the Square, she is asked to help with the project of turning the village green into a community garden. She also becomes involved when an old mansion is put up for sale and is sold to developers. 

A lovely light hearted read incorporating some wonderful new characters plus we meet some old characters from earlier books. A thoroughly enjoyable book which is an easy read.

Reading a Heidi Swain novel is like sinking into a comfortable arm chair! A lovely book, with great characters, interesting plot and sufficient twists and turns to keep you on your toes.

Review: A story that is full of friendship, history and hope.

Heidi Swain is a fairly new author for me and on reading this I will defiantly be delving into more of her books.

In this story which is written with pure magic we meet Kate. Kate is leaving her husband and is looking for a new start somewhere quiet. Where she ends up is far from quiet but is a totally unique place and a good place to start fresh. Nightingale Square is lovely and scenic with the added historical element to it. 

I got totally absorbed into the community's live and really liked the friendship groups that formed. There are some really fantastic character's in this book and a very handsome one too.

Pure joy to read.

A lot of you will know I am a huge fan of Heidi Swain so I just can't begin to tell you how much I was delighted to hear about her latest release! Oh boy I was in for a treat! I believe this has got to be her best book yet!

From the moment we are introduced to Kate I instantly warmed to her, she needs to get away and make a fresh start away from her cheating husband David, somewhere he can't find her and Nightingale Square was just the right place for Kate to move to. I loved how the neighbours all welcomed her and how they got so close so quick you would think she had been living there years! Kate is a person you just really want things to work out for she deserves it she's been through a lot. 

Hearing about the little houses in Nightingale Square and the mansion just made me want to go there, and I loved exploring them with Kate.

There are plenty of surprise's and unexpected events that happen in the book, you just don't see them coming, and a lot of drama it was so exciting. I just didn't know how the book would end but when I reached the ending I bawled my eyes out, it was emotional!

If you are looking for book to read in the garden this summer this is the one you need! Absolutely Perfect! 

Ps. Do you know what I love with Heidi's books, the book covers, they just help you as a reader imagine the story and feel like your there.

Once happily married, now eight years on Kate and David are separating.



She meets Lisa, John and their brood of kids as well as Harold whom are her new neighbours. She also meets Robert, who tells her all about the green space project while Lisa and her set about helping new mum Heather Cole with baby Evie.



Whilst exploring Prosperous Place, they alert the owner Luke to their presence by accident but have a rather funny face to face encounter minus the serious tone too!



There's a Valentine's takeaway between friends where the friends all find out a shocking revelation about Luke and the Wentworth family legacy.



There's a shock pregnancy, surprise animal findings, new friendships and ex's turning up out of the blue as drama and tension builds between Luke and Kate.



This was a sweet read all about moving on and finding the best parts of life come together all at once, friendship and romance all in one place for Kate. Heidi writes another great romance once again.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will certainly be reading more.  The book is about a group of people who move into the houses in Nightingale Square and describes the relationships that develop among the community.  After finishing the book I discovered that this was one of a series written about some of the people who feature in this book. Never the less the book stands alone as I found for myself. I started to read it after rarely giving up  on reading a book that I did not like and was not one that was suitable for bedtime reading.
I read this late into the night and looked forward to going to bed to follow the community. I look forward to reading more books by this author and will certainly be going back to read the earlier books in this series.

Kate is moving out of her marital home having had a devastating blow that has disintegrated her marriage. She finds the perfect new place in Nightingale Square in Norwich; not too far from her family but far enough that no one will know her or her background.

Unlike her previous home in London, the residents of Nightingale Square quickly envelop her into their community and is roped into their campaign of petitioning the council to allow the residents to growing veggies on the community green. The ante rapidly ups when they find out the Victorian mansion across the square is being sold to developers. As a huge part of Nightingale Square’s history can they save their beloved heritage?

This book ticked all the boxes for me. A book full of heart? Check. A crisis? Check. Adorable characters that you care about? Double check!

I loved Kate’s friendship with Lisa and Heather. They challenged her rather old fashioned and set ideologies of how life and love should be. As all good friends should! Lisa is bossy and feisty yet fiercely loyal. I loved the dynamic of women really supporting each other. There was no nasty undertone in their friendship – frustration, yes, but ultimately they all really cared about each other. It made me become really invested in their stories. 

The secondary characters in this book really made it for me, and despite it being in a city setting, it very much felt homely and welcoming. If only all communities could work together like this. 

I adored this book. I’m already a firm fan of Swain, but reading one of her stories is like greeting an old friend you haven’t seen for a while; warm, comforting and just what you need. I want to pack up and live there!

A lovely 5 star read for me.

I would like to thank Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Following her divorce, Kate buys a house in Nightingale Square, thinking she can hide away for a while. But her neighbours have other ideas, and soons she is roped in to community life.
When she meets Luke, the other new resident on the Square, she is attracted to him but can't get past her divorce just yet - especially as her ex-husband is still trying to win her back.
A lovely story about friendship.

Another fabulous book by Heidi Swain, enjoyed every minute of it. It was nice to meet some new characters from a new village, but still keep in touch with characters from previous stories. Can’t wait for the next one!

Wonderful book!  Thoroughly enjoyed it, perfect for taking on holiday.     Made tears come to my eyes!  Would recommend it to anyone.

I adore this book, adore! I loved every single part as I lost myself in the fascinating world of Kate and Nightingale Square. What a wonderful and beautiful story that will leave you feeling  warm and contented, a perfect pick me up during these cold and dark days. 


Kate has had enough, her marriage has broken down and she’s on the run from her almost-divorced husband who is determined to have her back. She finds the perfect place to hide away from him, from her old life in London, to start fresh. Soon Kate is making friendships with her new neighbours especially her bossy but rather lovely neighbour Lisa. 

Within a matter of days Kate has been given the job of turning the green into a community garden when the Victorian Mansion house on the other side of the square has been brought by developers leaving a bad taste among the residents. Just when all hope is lost, a handsome stranger turns up and is about to turn things around. 


Nightingale Square holds plenty of surprises and secrets that will keep you guessing right to the very end. The story is full of happiness and love with an abundance of friendship that would turn even the greyest of skies to radiant blue. A joyous story that truly deserves excellent reviews and worthy of 5 of 5 and more.