Courage. Community. And a nurse determined to protect her village.

1937 - When a diphtheria outbreak sweeps through the Lancashire countryside, district nurse Lara Flynn faces one of the hardest seasons of her career. She and the small team at Ingleside Surgery must work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in the village and surrounding farms: its children. With young lives hanging in the balance and tensions rising, can Lara show courage, compassion and quiet strength like never before?

But illness is not the only threat to Ingleside. A shocking discovery at the mill pond sends fear rippling through the close-knit community. As the ensuing police investigation gathers pace, the bonds of the village are tested.

Caught between her duty as a nurse and her instinct to defend those she believes are innocent, Lara begins to realise just how much this place and its people – including handsome vet, Leo Sullivan – have come to mean to her…

A warm and gripping historical saga novel about community, resilience and the power of kindness.

Praise for Kate Eastham:

'A warm and satisfying story.' My Weekly

'A heartwarming and tear-inducing tale with wonderfully realistic characters.' Woman

'Very well created characters that you identify with and want to do well.' 5-star Reader Review

'Well written and absorbing...couldn't put it down!' 5-star Reader Review

'Great story with many twists and turns. Love all the characters.' 5-star Reader Review