Felicity Simons (Flick) left Heartcross, her hometown in Scotland eight years ago and headed to London to make something of herself leaving behind her friends and ex-boyfriend Fergus, as well as her mother and Grandmother.

When she receives the devastating news that her Grandmother has passed away, Flick is extremely upset that she hadn’t visited more often, including over the recent festive period.

Booking two weeks off work she flies to Scotland and heads home, but Heartcross is a small village with only one way in and out, over an old bridge. The snow is falling rapidly and her taxi can’t get her across the bridge so she has to walk the rest of the way.

Heartcross is a place where everyone knows everyone else and community spirit is high. There aren’t many places to hide and it doesn’t take long before Felicity and Fergus’s paths cross. He’s not happy to see her and even after she helps save his and his horse’s life, he still doesn’t want to know.

With the village rapidly becoming cut off from the rest of the world can the villagers pull together and can Fergus and Flick bury their differences and move on?

This is the first book in a new series from author Christie Barlow and what a series it is going to be in the first book is anything to go by. I may live in the North of England but I’ve never actually stepped foot across the border into Scotland, though Heartcross sounds like a delightful place, although a little too rural for me, but very picturesque with all the snow.

Flick is a wonderful character who is trying to make amends for the past and feeling guilty for not being there for her Mother and Grandmother in their time of need, especially as the family business suffered a setback and she knew nothing about it.

I was intrigued to know why she stayed away for so long and what happened between her and Fergus that even after eight years he’s less than impressed to see her.

Needing to know more and with a want to spend more time in the little villager and with the delightful people, I found myself reading the book in just one sitting.

This is a series not to be missed.

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Love Heart Lane. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.