Walking on Sunshine

Heidi Swain

WHEN not just one, but several, doors close, Tilly hopes she is opening up a bright new future for herself in the small Suffolk village which was a warm and welcoming ray of sunshine in a childhood marred by tragedy.

But her business plans for a much-loved patch of local woodland threaten to derail her course of true love with the man who has walked into her life, stolen her heart, and finally made her believe that this idyllic corner of the world might just be the home she is longing for.

Grab a glass of your favourite tipple and escape into the wonder of summer with the queen of feel-good Heidi Swain (pictured below) in a sizzling novel which explores the emotional turmoil when a young woman at a crossroads in her life, and in need of comfort and healing, finds herself on a collision course with the man she had hoped would be her happy ever after. Swain, who lives with her family in picturesque west Norfolk, has won thousands of adoring readers with her enchanting and heartwarming stories set in different fictional locations in her home county, but her new summer stunner, Walking on Sunshine, border hops into the equally alluring neighbouring county of Suffolk.

But wherever and whatever the setting, Swain’s stories always have a strong sense of community, family and friendship and this sparkling standalone – her remarkable twenty-second novel – sweeps us into the ups and downs of the lovable, kindly and resourceful Tilly.

When Tilly heads to the lush riverside at Willowell to scatter her dad’s ashes, she’s in need of some rest, relaxation and renewal. Her father meant the world to her after her mother died when she only ten and his recent passing and the sale of the family home has made Tilly take stock of her life.

Disillusioned with her thankless job as an HR manager, the end of a relationship that she knew in her heart was not right, and reaching her landmark 30^th birthday has made Tilly want to make all-round changes in her life.

The beauty of Willowell’s magnificent woods inspired a love of horticulture in both Tilly and her brother on their many family summer holidays in the area, and it was there that Tilly first set eyes on a picture perfect riverside Georgian house called Fernside which immediately took hold as her ‘dream home.’

Meanwhile, Constance Clarke, who is in her mid-eighties, has lived at Fernside forever and is feeling low about the thought of one day leaving the only home she knows. Constance also owns beautiful Willowell Woods… but she can’t manage them alone, and they’re now up for sale. Her nephew James used to love Fernside but ever since his mum died when he was eighteen he has struggled to feel happy there and has often been absent, but he has always loved, and still loves, Willowell Woods, and he doesn’t want anyone taking them over.

So when Tilly asks to buy them, with an exciting business idea for the land, sparks begin to fly… but the problem is that James and Tilly, who do not yet know of their mutual connection to Fernside and its woodlands, have already met several times and are already falling in love. Can Tilly and James find a way to turn sparks into fireworks, and will Constance finally accept that letting in the new doesn’t have to mean getting rid of the old?

Swain has a well-earned reputation for insightful and entertaining stories which showcase her talent for blending escapist romance, captivating locations, and a perfectly imagined cast of characters facing some real-life challenges… and Walking on Sunshine proves to be a summertime journey of pure, heart-melting delight. Readers will adore following Tilly’s chequered path from a homeless, jobless soul to a young woman discovering the joys and rewards of following her dreams and ambitions as she finds her feet, a new life and a new purpose in the place which helped to heal her family after the premature death of her mother.

Set against the seductive rural charms of the glorious Suffolk countryside, an enticing and turbulent love affair, and a village full of memorable characters, this delicious slice of escapism is also a moving celebration of the powerful bonds of home, family and friendship. So whether you’re in need of a cosy book hug, a breath of country air, or something special to pack in your holiday suitcase, look no further than this beautifully woven, feel-good tale... the perfect sunshine read!
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £9.99)