Falling for You: Your perfect Autumn read to cosy up with this Fall, from the bestselling author of Walking on Sunshine

by Heidi Swain

Can love blossom amongst the leaves?

When Skylar Shawe moves to Nightingale Square in the heart of Norwich, she’s hoping for a fresh start and the chance to connect with the father she never knew. A break from the chaos of real life seems like the perfect way to catch her breath…until she meets Erik, the brooding but wildly handsome neighbour with a past he’s still trying to come to terms with.

Once a rugby hero, Erik Svensson now faces life on unfamiliar terrain after suffering a career-ending injury. Unsure of the man he’s become, he’s determined to live a peaceful life while he finds himself again. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself drawn to the new girl in Nightingale Square.

But sometimes, life – and love – has a way of sneaking up on you. As they navigate their new lives and their own troubles, they discover that healing isn’t just about moving on … it’s about letting someone in. And in each other, they might just find exactly what they didn’t know they were looking for...

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2026

About the author

Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.

A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.

Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.

Reviews

[Grace Power]

An beautiful book which gave me all the feels of Autumn.
Nightingale Square is a great community to live in and the residents are so friendly and welcoming.
I enjoyed revisiting the Winter Garden and the Grow-Well and hearing everything that was growing there.
Skylar and Erik were both in need of healing and the magic that surrounds Nightingale Square was just the place to nurture them both.
Community, families and friends filled this book with love which made me smile whilst reading this book.

[Marte Haga]

Very typical Heidi Swain book with the expected sense of community, new beginnings, personal journey of self discovery mixed together with a little love. This one also features a father-daughter relationship, as these two settle down in a new town and share a house. This house happens to be situated at the Nightingale Square, and so adds to the series, and also includes some characters from the Cherry Blossom Cafe.

Part of the Nightingale Square -series, but as the others, works well as a stand alone and you don't need to read these books in order.

Enjoyable, ish. But unfortunately, in spite of the cosy setting and good vibes, I got bored with this one. There's just to much "organizating community events" without any real stakes. The story dragged , at times it felt almost at a stand still. I don't mind a little predictability, but the whole relationship here felt so drawn out and full of issues that werent really even real problems. The book is way to long for such a "thin" plot. It felt very similar to the previous books as well. So, i am sad to say this was quite a snore.

[Roz]

This is a fabulous and almost unputdownable book which I was completely absorbed by. I have had the pleasure of reading many books by this author so picking this up I already knew I was in for a treat.

Skylar and her father Rafe have moved into the wonderful community that is Nightingale Square after huge life changes for them both. They meet the other residents the square including the gorgeous Erik, who Skylar decides will be her platonic friend. Obviously from the outset these two will become an item and the author cleverly shows them dance around each other as their relationship grows stronger.

Central to the book is a varied cast of characters who are all individually wonderful with their own stories to tell. The author goes back to one of her three main fictional places to weave her tales and in each we meet new and unique people and rediscover old friends.

The writing style is engaging and easy to follow with the only downside being so completely drawn in that you lose track of time reading just one more chapter!

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon Goodwin]

Opening a new Heidi Swain novel always feels like coming home to me, and Falling For You was over far too quickly!

I love returning to Nightingale Square, catching up with familiar characters and discovering how they’re getting on after their own stories have ended. And what a treat to spend a little time in Wynbridge too!

Each new character brings something different to the community, with their own challenges to overcome, friendships to discover and, of course, a little romance along the way.

Skylar and her dad, Rafe, are wonderful additions to Nightingale Square. While Rafe has no hesitation in getting out and about and becoming part of the community, Skylar is a little more reluctant.

Having spent so long working in isolation, she believes that becoming involved in such a busy community will be overwhelming. It takes her a while to realise that the transition isn’t quite the enormous leap she imagined.

I thought Skylar’s personality reflected someone who hasn’t had much social interaction on a personal level. She’s had plenty of communication through her job, but that’s an entirely different experience from building friendships and making decisions about your own life. When you haven’t had to do either for a long time, finding your confidence again takes time.

And, as with so many of Heidi Swain’s characters, Skylar gradually blossoms. Not simply because of her growing relationship with her father, the friendships she makes or the possibility of romance, but because she finally discovers somewhere she belongs.

That’s something I particularly enjoy about Heidi’s stories. It’s never just about the romance. Community, friendship, healing and finding your place in the world are every bit as important.

A special mention must go to George, Rafe’s father and Skylar’s grandfather. I loved the interactions between Skylar and George, and the time she spends volunteering at the care home is a lovely addition to the story.

And then there’s the autumn atmosphere!

When Heidi releases an autumn-themed novel, I know it’s time to have a rummage in the loft and dust off my own decorations. The events Skylar organises had me longing for sweater weather, cosy evenings and all those wonderful things that come with the changing season.

As always, I finished the book wishing I could spend just a little longer with the characters. There’s something so comforting about returning to Nightingale Square, where familiar faces are waiting and there’s always room for someone new.

I think you can pick up any of Heidi Swain’s books at any time of year and enjoy that warm, fuzzy feeling of being wrapped up in a hug, with everything feeling right with the world. And Falling For You is no exception.

If you love stories that leave you with a smile on your face and a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart, Falling For You is the perfect book to curl up with.

[Abi]

Falling for You by Heidi Swain was a lovely return to Nightingale Square, and it was especially nice to catch up with some of the familiar faces from previous books in the series. I always enjoy seeing what old favourites have been getting up to, and this book even included a bonus trip to Wynbridge that I wasn’t expecting, which was a really nice surprise.

There were some great new additions to the story too, particularly Rafe and Grandad George. I really enjoyed their dynamic, and they brought some fun and lighter moments to the book. Their interactions were probably some of my favourite parts.

Skylar was an okay protagonist for me, although I did find her tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill increasingly frustrating. Her insecurities and some of the decisions she made didn’t always feel particularly believable for a woman who is nearly thirty, and I struggled at times to fully connect with her because of this.

I did, however, enjoy the relationship between Skylar and Erik. Both characters are dealing with their own challenges and trying to work out what their lives look like now, and I liked the underlying theme of healing and learning to let people in. Erik in particular was an interesting character as he tried to come to terms with the changes in his life following his career-ending injury.

Overall, Falling for You was an enjoyable, easy-going read and I liked spending time back in the familiar world of Nightingale Square. While Skylar’s character and some of her choices didn't always work for me, the returning characters, the new additions and the feel-good elements made this a pleasant read. Not my favourite of Heidi Swain's books, but still a nice autumnal story to settle into for a few hours.

[Lana]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

There was so much to enjoy about Falling for You, especially if you're a fan of cozy community-centered romances.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the setting. Nightingale Square completely drew me in, and I loved the sense of community that surrounded the characters. It felt warm, welcoming, and like the kind of place you'd genuinely want to visit. The supporting cast added so much charm, making the world feel alive beyond just the central romance.

I also really enjoyed Skylar and Erik's story. Their relationship developed with tenderness and care, and I appreciated that both characters were carrying emotional baggage they had to work through before they could fully let someone else into their lives. Watching them slowly heal while finding comfort in each other made for a rewarding romance.

There were moments when both characters frustrated me, but they also felt human because of it. Their flaws made them believable, and I found myself wanting to see them find the happiness they deserved.

For me, the biggest challenge was the pacing. The story spent a lot of time on the characters' day-to-day lives and smaller details, which sometimes made it feel slower than I personally prefer. I found myself wishing the narrative moved a little more quickly in places, especially during the quieter sections.

Overall, while this wasn't quite the reading experience I had expected, I still enjoyed my time in Nightingale Square. If you enjoy character-driven romances with a strong sense of community, gentle healing journeys, and a cozy atmosphere, this is definitely one to check out.

[Abby | WriteWatchWork]

Heidi Swain is one of my favourite authors; her books always feel like a comfort blanket when I read them, and Falling For You was no exception.

I received a NetGalley ARC of Falling For You, and whilst it was a bit strange reading an autumn book in summer, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Falling For You is book six in the Nightingale Square series and is an interconnected standalone. It follows Skylar as she moves to Nightingale Square to live with her father – Rafe – after her previous employment ended. Whilst there, Skylar promises not to work and take time for herself, but what she didn’t expect is the close-knit community pulling her in and becoming a found family.

And one of those people in the community is Erik, a former rugby player who has come to Nightingale Square to figure out what his future looks like after a career-ending injury.

I always enjoy reading Heidi’s books because the theme of found family and community is so strong throughout them all, especially her Nightingale Square series. It was great to see all the other side characters from the previous books, and it was really good to visit Wynbridge and see characters from that series too.

I liked reading Skylar and Erik’s story because I enjoyed their development from friends to lovers, and the hesitation around potentially losing their friendship.

But the best thing about the book is the autumnal vibes and cosy seasonal aesthetic as Skylar and Erik get involved in community events. I do find that Heidi’s books are really good if you want a cosy book, especially those set in autumn.

There were some aspects of the book that I felt didn’t flow as smoothly as the rest, but overall, I did really enjoy it and love the cover!

[Tracey]

🍂 With thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC via Netgalley 🍂

Falling for You is part of the Nightingale Square series, set in Norwich, but you absolutely don’t need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one as a standalone. That said, I loved returning to Nightingale Square and Prosperous Place and catching up with some familiar faces from previous visits. It was also lovely to see the Winter Garden and Grow-Well make an appearance, with a little trip to Wynbridge thrown in as an added bonus.

The cosy found family element is always one of the things I love most about Heidi Swain’s books, and this one delivers that beautifully. There’s such a warm, comforting sense of community, friendship and belonging running throughout the story.

And then there’s the food! The descriptions of all the delicious meals and treats had me feeling hungry throughout. Although, for me, there was perhaps a little too much food, and the almost constant descriptions of meals did slow the pace down at times.

At the heart of the story is the romance between Skylar and Erik, both newcomers to the Square who find themselves facing big changes in their lives and careers. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and found their connection sweet, although at times it felt a little formulaic.

But perhaps that’s exactly what I love about Heidi Swain’s books. You know you’re going to get warmth, community, romance, plenty of cosy moments and, ultimately, the reassurance that everything will work out for the best.

So overall, Falling for You is the perfect autumnal read, with all the cosy seasonal vibes I’ve come to expect from Heidi Swain 🍁📚

[Karen]

Another lovely romance from Heidi Swain takes us back to Nightingale Square, where Skylar, a burnt-out events organiser has moved in with her father Rafe, an author, who has moved there to be nearer his father, George, in the nearby care home. Sklylar and Rafe quickly become immersed in life at the Square, helping out with the Growmore garden. As Skylar recharges her batteries, she takes up the reins of autumnal festivals and events. All would be going well, if it were not for her feelings for volunteer handyman Erik. But the two have agreed to be platonic plus-ones, and neither wants to risk spoiling their friendship with a failed romance.
This was a gentle and atmospheric read. The characters are all lovely, and there are plenty plot threads to keep the pace going - things going on at the care home, the autumn celebrations, Rafe's foray into his own romance, and so on.
I felt the conflict between Erik and Skylar was a little contrived - like their families and friends, the reader knows where this is going, but that in no way marred my enjoyment of the plot.
In fact, with its lovely autumnal descriptions Falling For You has prompted me to think about decorating at least one room in my home for autumn.
Do pop this in your shopping basket for a lovely transmission from summer to autumn.,

[Joanne]

Autumn is my very favourite season and Heidi Swain is one of my favourite authors so I eagerly jumped at the chance to read her latest book, Falling For You. Even better, it sees a return to Nightingale Square, the setting for several of her earlier books.

When Skylar arrives in Nightingale Square with her father Rafe, she sees this as a temporary move. Her previous job had come to an end and while she looks for something new, she is looking forward to getting to know Rafe better since he wasn’t in her life while she was growing up. Former rugby player Erik is also having to re-evaluate his life after an injury ended his career. Of course, they are attracted to each other but neither is really looking for a relationship at this point in their lives. They should have known that romance was on the cards though because, as head gardener Freya said, “Whenever someone moves into Nightingale Square, love soon follows!”.

The community of Nightingale Square is always a welcoming place and it is such a pleasure to revisit it and meet up with residents who have featured in previous novels. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t read any of them before though as each novel is entirely standalone. If you have read any Nightingale Square books though you’ll be pleased to spot familiar faces and visit familiar places such as the Grow-Well garden, the bakery or the local pub. I was particularly pleased that Skylar paid a visit to Wynbridge, another of Heidi Swain’s locations and the setting for All Wrapped Up, her Autumn novel from last year.

I particularly enjoyed reading about all the seasonal events which Skylar organised for the residents of the square. From equinox parties, to the Hallowe’en Spooktacular, to the WinterFest, they all sounded like my kind of celebrations. All the Autumnal decorations sounded just perfect too! Autumn vibes in general are strong throughout this book.

Falling For You is another lovely read from Heidi Swain and ideal for reading in Autumn. Grab yourself a mug of something warm, cosy up by the fire and close out the dark evenings while you enjoy this lovely romance taking place at one of the loveliest times of the year.

[cakecoffeeandbooks]

Oh Heidi Swain, you do write a lovely cosy autumnal story! Last years was one of my favourites (All Wrapped Up- highly recommend if you haven’t read it) but this year’s was also fabulous.

Falling for you is the story of Skylar, an events planner who moves to Nightingale Square and discovers far more than she ever expected- family (both blood and found), friends, community, and love. I haven’t read any of the previous Nightingale Square books but this made me want to go back and discover the stories of some of the side characters. I loved how it linked back to Wynbridge and their autumn festival too.

I warmed to Skylar immediately- she’s such a genuine, likeable character. I wasn’t sure at first how I felt about Erik but he soon won me over too, and they were a great match- born from friendship which grew into more. They were each exactly what the other needed, at just the right time to support each other.

The equinox, Halloween and autumn vibes were strong throughout the story, and it ended on a festive note too which was really nice. Definitely one to add to your September/ October TBR, though I think it could be enjoyed at any time of year!

Huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[BookwormSally]

Yet another delightful visit to Nightingale Square.

In this instalment it's the beginning of Autumn and we meet Skylar, her father Raef, and his two cats Socrates and Plato, who are the newest residents of Nightingale Square. Both Skylar and Raef are adapting to some significant life changes but, as you would expect, the wonderful locals welcome them with open arms and encourage them to get involved in community events. We also get to catch up with some established characters, including my personal favourite, Monty the best dressed Dachshund in Norwich.

This book is perfect for me being a lover of the 'ber' months and I'm reading it at the perfect time. The heatwave is finally over and the rain is making an overdue appearance. So, i'm snuggled up on my reading chair with my dog, a snuggly blanket and a constant supply of coffee and chocolate biscuits. Readers bliss.

I already have the audiobook on pre-order as I know Karen Cass will bring these characters to life perfectly, as always.

Thank you my favourite author Heidi Swain, NetGalley and the publisher Simon & Schuster UK for allowing me the honour of reading an advance reader copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Lynda]

This isn’t my normal read but I really enjoyed this lighthearted romance. The book is set in Nightingale Square in the centre of Norwich. I understand that the author has set a number of other books in Nightingale Square but this reads perfectly as a stand-alone. The writing is good and the plot is cosy and very autumnal.

Briefly, Skylar Shawe is jobless and homeless so when she receives an invitation from her father Rafe to stay with him in Nightingale Square she sees this as a temporary move which will allow her to get to know him better, as he wasn’t in her life when she was growing up. She soon finds herself relaxing and enjoying the slower pace of life. There is another newcomer to the square. Former rugby star Erik Svensson and there are definitely sparks flying, although initially not in the friendliest way!

It’s obvious from the start that there is going to be a relationship between Skylar and Erik but it’s fun watching the journey they take to get there. Skylar is a lovely character and I particularly enjoyed her relationship with her grandfather and other residents at his care home. For someone who doesn’t tend to read romance this was a bit of a revelation. An entertaining, easy read with a great sense of community and relationships.

[Ritu Bhathal]

Another beautiful read by Heidi Swain, revisiting Nightingale Square and watching a new family move in.
Skylar is at a loss for what to do with her life. She's without a job, home or partner, so, fortuitously for her, Rafe, her father, is moving to the UK and has bought a house. His invitation to stay with her is both lucky and tinged with a little worry, as she has spent very little time with her father.
Once there, her worries begin to dissipate, and she meets wonderful neighbours and community members, including Erik, a former rugby star who came here to try an alternative lifestyle after an injury put his career in jeopardy.
It starts with a bit of an enemies-to-friends dynamic, then moves to friends-to-lovers, slowly but steadily.
The characters were all intriguing, and I took a liking to Skylar, especially as she gives so much of herself to others. I loved her stints at the local residential home, and her relationship with her grandfather and some of the other residents, who added their own flavour to the story.

[Sarahlovesbooks76]

The latest feel good romance from Heidi Swain, an absolute must read author for me!

Skylar's life is changing dramatically all at once - she is without a job and is about to move into Nightingale Square with her father, who she barely knows after a nomadic childhood with her mother. She is determined to have a break and reset after working hard as an events manager for a number of years, and the beautiful Norfolk location is the perfect place. Erik is another newcomer to the square, having his rugby career cut short after injury, and he too needs to decide where his life goes in the future. Can Skylar and Erik help each other?

I loved the autumnal vibes in this book, the descriptions of the Halloween event were wonderful. I also really liked the tie in between Nightingale Square and another of the author's wonderful locations, Wynbridge, with lots of well-loved characters reappearing. Heidi writes wonderful romances with real life issues, and this is no exception. Easy to read, and sadly over far too quick - as I read it in one sitting!

[Claire Beall]

✨ NEW READ ALERT ✨
Throw on your oversized sweater, grab a ridiculously overpriced cinnamon latte, and let’s talk about Falling For You by Heidi Swain! 🍂☕️
Here’s the recipe for this pure autumnal serotonin boost:
Skylar: Moving to Norwich to escape her messy life, staying with her long-lost dad, and taking a zero-drama mental health break.
(Spoilers: The universe laughed at her plans.)
Erik: Brooding ex-rugby hero nursing a career-ending injury, a broken heart, and a world-class sulk.
🏡 Setting: Nightingale Square, where personal boundaries don't exist and your neighbours will meddle in your romantic life whether you asked them to or not.
The mutual denial between these two is NEXT LEVEL. Skylar really looked at a 6'2" wall of muscle next door and said, "Yes, my totally normal platonic buddy." Bitch, please! 😭 Watching Erik slowly unclench his jaw and let her into his world is pure cosy romance perfection.
Why it hits:
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine dynamics
✔️ Small-town meddling neighbours
✔️ Dad/Daughter emotional healing
✔️ Unmatched autumn aesthetic
Vibe Check: 🍂☕️🧣❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Katie Awdas]

This is the first book I have read from the author and it won't be the last! I have already looked up the other titles she has written and was delighted to see there is a whole series in Nightingale Square! The book was brilliantly written, the characters all very likeable and the area sounded tranquil. I usually stay away from books with characters who have been famous not enjoying all the stardom but Erik was very down to earth and it wasn't featured too much in the book. The comradery, friendship and warm welcome given by the residents is something I wished that featured more in towns, cities and villages; much of the togetherness that was formed during Covid seems to have diminished and we are back to living amongst strangers.

I'd highly recommend the book to others and look forward to reading more from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read a preview copy.

[Angela Owen]

It was great to be back on Nightingale Square and catch up with some of the characters from previous books. This book can be read as a standalone although I would recommend reading Heidi’s previous books to get to know the characters and setting and because they are so enjoyable.

Skylar and her father move into the square for a fresh start and she soon forms a friendship with Erik. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop although I did feel frustrated with the pair at times.

Heidi’s writing style is as engaging as always and I couldn’t put the book down It was nice that Skylar visited Wynbridge and we got to hear about some previous characters such as Jemma.

This book was a cosy romantic autumn read which you will not be able to put down and I would definitely recommend

Thanks to NetGalley, Heidi Swain and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Trish Hills]

Heidi Swain is one of those authors who never lets you down. The cosy, safe places she's created in her books, and the people we get to know genuinely feel like coming home every single time!

I love how they cross over and intertwine. In Falling For You we're back in Nightingale Square with Prosperous Place, the Grow Well, and Cavell Care home. We catch up with old friends like Beth, Kate, Freya and many others. We get to venture into Wynbridge for a day too!

This book follows Skylar and her father Rafe as they both embark on a new start in the Square. I absolutely loved the relationship they have! So fun, but full of love and mutual support. We meet their 2 cats, and of course, Grandad George. I adore they welcome they get in the Square and how they are invited into the fold immediately. Watching their stories unfold is an absolute joy!

Now, let's talk about Erik... I see him in my mind and I like what I see! He's guarded and hurting when we first meet him, but slowly becoming friends with Skylar helps him to eventually trust her and to open up. The way they support each other is just beautiful, even if I did want to bang their heads together at some points!

This book is like coming home! That's what all of Heidi's books feel like for me, and it's such a comfort. Absolutely deserving of a 5/5!

[Jo]

The next episode in the Nightingale square series. You don't need to have read previous books to appreciate this one but when you have it's like visiting friends you haven't seen for a while and lovely to catch up with them whilst discovering Skylar, Rafe and Erik. You even get a bonus trip to Wynbridge.

I loved the developing relationship between Skylar and Erik, and was charmed by her dynamic with her father and grandfather as she discovers her place in Norwich.

What I wasn't a huge fan of was the slow pacing, largely due to in depth description of every single meal they ate! I appreciate sometime a meal is an event which would constitute a story plot, but not every one. Without all this the book could have been at least a third shorter, but I guess if there is a target word count...

[Colin Bell]

Skylar and her father Rafe have moved in together into the square after she had to move out of her previous position as events planner for a historic house. She gradually gets drawn into the activities in the square, but is met with a rather unpleasant Erik who thinks she has broken into the garden. Will they overcome this initial meeting to find something that neither of them are really looking for?
It's great to be back in Nightingale Square and the community that I can only dream being part of. It's like being enveloped in a warm hug, with a wonderful cast of characters both old and new. Things don't go smoothly, of course, but there always the hope of a happy ending for all. Highly recommended to get you over the autumnal blues.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Hannah Symonds]

Heidi is one of my go to authors, I don't even need to read the blurb to know I will 100% enjoy this book and it did not disappoint at all. The main character is called Skylar and after finding her self jobless, moves in with her dad who lives in Nightingale Square. If you have read any of Heidi's other books you know Nightingale Square features in some of them too. So you may recognise previous characters pop up from time to time. Skylar needs a break from what she went though in her old life but she wants to make the most of her new life and try and fit in with the new community. When she meets grumpy Erik little does she know how he may just be the answer. It was a joy to read, it felt warm and enticing and brimming full of hope and love. You can never go wrong with a Heidi Swain book.

[Julie]

When Skylar moves to Nightingale Square with her father after losing her job, she's not quite sure what life has in store for her next. Erik feels the same - he had to give up his rugby career following an injury and is looking for his new path in life. Thrown together in the Nightingale Square social life, how will they navigate their feelings and their futures?

Heidi's books are always a perfect comfort read. Familiar settings and characters welcome you back and new characters weave their way into the fabric of the location. I particularly like how maim characters from other books pop up unexpectedly and, in this book, we also have a welcome visit to another of Heidi's familiar locations - Wynbridge.

If you're looking for a book to snuggle up with in the autumn evenings, this ticks all the boxes.

Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for this review copy.

[Rebecca]

Heidi Swain is one of my auto-read Authors so I really didn't need to read the blurb of this book to know that I had to read it. That being said, I was so excited to find out that I'd be returning to Nightingale Square, an absolutely Idyllic community with a beautiful manor house at it's heart.

This time we meet Skylar who is moving to the Square with her dad Rafe; their relationship has a very unique father-daughter dynamic which I absolutely loved. Skylar is burnt out after working for years as a very busy events planner and this move to Nightingale Square could be just the tonic she needs.

The community spirit in Heidi's books are always such a big draw for me, from the very first book of hers that I read it's always been my favourite aspect. I loved watching Skylar get to know the residents of the Square, and getting involved in the Grow-Well, the delightful community garden.

Obviously the Romance is also a huge part of this book, although first impressions of Erik weren't the best! However as Skylar gets to know him and he opens up about his past, that bad first impression is soon forgotten.

Even though it was still warm outside when I read this, it really got me in the mood for Autumn and was like a big warm hug in book form. I'm definitely ready for chilly evenings and crunchy leaves after this lovely book.

[mel_neverendingtbr]

This was the most perfect autumnal read, loved every minute of it and didn’t want it to end

Skylar moves to Nightingale Square, she’s hoping for a fresh start and for the chance to get know her father.

Everything goes according to plan until she meets Erik, the brooding handsome neighbour with a past that he’s trying to come to terms with.

Erik has to start a fresh after suffering a career-ending injury. He’s determined to live a peaceful life until he finds himself again. He doesn’t expect to be drawn to the new girl in nightingale square.

But as they work through their new lives and troubles they begin to realise that they can’t ignore the way they feel about each other and they should embrace how they feel about each other.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for a honest review

[Susanne Scott]

What a wonderful read! I loved being back in Nightingale Square again. Skylar and her dad Rafe are a great addition. I loved watching their relationship grow and flourish as they navigated the next steps in their lives and living together for the first time.

Eric was a great character too, his back story was interesting and I loved how Skylar supported him without trying to influence him and gave advice on how to best handle his dad. Their growing friendship and consequential relationship was lovely to watch. They had a solid friendship, both looking forwards with some major changes in their lives.

I loved all the autumn events and how the community all pulled together to enjoy what was on their doorstep.

A great read and I would totally recommend it.

[Ann Lovell]

Skylar & Rafe move to nightingale square as father and daughter. Living together for the first time and don’t have a traditional relationship.
Skylar is at a crossroads in her life after loosing her job which was all encompassing.


Erik has retired early from a professional rugby career.


We also see the return of many family nightingale square residents but you really don’t need to know about them to enjoy this book. They take a back role into the story but do add depth to it. I love the whole concept of the square the community feel and visuals it creates.

Both at a crossroads in their lives they’re not looking for love or commitment, will they navigate what the heart wants ? Will it only be the square they fall in love with.


This was beautifully written and the whole story had me engrossed from the first chapter. It’s a lovely light heartfelt book whih can be read standalone.


Thanks NetGalley for my ARC.

[Susanne Baker]

Oh my goodness I totally fell in love with this gorgeous book!
Nightingale Square is one of my all time favourite book settings and it was so wonderful to visit this special community in the autumn.
I really enjoyed the duel relationships that we witness forming. Skylar has moved into her dad’s new home in Norwich, building a new relationship with him as they spent much of her childhood apart. It was so heartwarming to see them growing closer together and enjoying each other’s company.
Another relationship appears on the cards, when Erik arrives abruptly into Skylar’s new life, sparks fly but is friendship a better idea with all the changes that they are facing? The gentle will they won’t they was very entertaining and delightful to follow.
It was an utter joy to reconnect with characters from the previous series, I love catching up with what is happening in their lives. Heidi really excels at making her characters feel like old friends, and I relished spending time with them all.
A cosy and engaging story, it’s the perfect book to curl up with this autumn.

[Michelle]

I'm so not ready for autumn yet. So, to be able to read this whilst sunbathing in Agadir helped to chase away those blues.
What a delight to be back in Nightingale Square and to catch up with the other residents that we have got to know.
Rafe has moved into the Square to be bearer his father, who is in the local care home. Skylar is his daughter, whose job has ended. She is moving in with Rafe, whom she has never lived with before, while she decides on her future.
It doesn't take Skylar long to immerse herself with the community and all it has to offer. Perhaps she can also offer something back?
Of course, there is some romance. This wouldn't be a Heidi book without a bit of love interest.
Absolutely loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Kate]

Skylar has been working almost non-stop for over a decade as a live in event planner. When the job comes to the end, she jumps at the chance to move in with her father in his new house in Nightingale Square.

This is a sequel to the other books set in Nightingale Square and is a very welcome to return; I'd like to move there! To a square where everyone gets on, there is free access to beautiful gardens, including a community garden, where all the residents grow food and have community events. I love the world that Heidi Swain creates in every novel she writes. She writes realistic, flawed characters who all have an emotional journey they need to travel on. There are bumps along the road, but you always know that everything will work out in the end. All done without the story feeling formulaic or contrived. In a difficult and confusing world it is great to visit a fictional world where everything works out in the end. This is a lovely story - and a great one for the Autumn months when we all need a bit of a pick me up as the nights draw in..