Bleak Times at Orchard Cottage Hospital
- Author Lizzie Lane
- Narrator Penelope Freeman
- Publisher Boldwood Books
- Publish Date 4 July 2025
- Run Time 9 hours and 55 minutes
- Format x-book®
- Genre Family life fiction, Fiction: general and literary, Fiction: mashup, Generational sagas, Historical fiction, Historical romance, Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss, Narrative theme: health and illness, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Narrative theme: Interior life, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Sense of place.
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Listen to a sample
What to expect
A BRAND NEW heart-wrenching and uplifting tale of love, secrets and second chances! Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin, Dilly Court and Katie Flynn ❄️
Winter casts a long shadow, but hope springs eternal.
Somerset, 1932
In the dead of night, a young woman is abandoned on the steps of Orchard Cottage Hospital and a man is seen fleeing. Nobody knows their identities.
When the young woman dies, Doctor Frances Brakespeare is keen to solve the mystery of her identity and find those responsible for her fatal injuries.
With her mother’s failing health and a very patient admirer, the last thing Frances needs is a dream job offer from a top London hospital. Torn, Frances must decide what matters more to her; her career or remaining in a small town she’s become attached to surrounded by those who need and love her…
With the society wedding of the year fast approaching will Nurse Lucy Daniels be able to unburden her shattering news and will Devlin Compton-Dixon be honest with his feelings and anxieties?
As Christmas blossoms into Spring there are huge decisions to be made, honest truths to be told and long kept secrets to be revealed – let’s hope happiness doth prevail.
If you love this, try Lizzie's Tobacco Girls and Coronation Close series
Praise for Lizzie Lane:
'An absorbing and fascinating read that kept me turning the pages until the early hours. Simply wonderful.' - Tracy Baines
'What a fantastic, unforgettable new series by the fabulous Lizzie Lane. I loved it!' - AnneMarie Brear
'Lizzie Lane has done it again! Fantastic writing, beautifully drawn characters and wonderful plotlines! What's not to love?' - Rachel Brimble
'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' - Rosie Goodwin
'A heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans' - Jean Fullerton
'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane' - *Fenella J Miller *
'I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A New Doctor At Orchard Cottage Hospital' and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lizzie's work in the future' - Ginger Book Geek
'Such a delight to read and by the end I felt invested in every character. Strong women and gorgeous men, combined with some brilliantly written baddies made it a perfect read. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next instalment' - Reader Review
'This is a heartwarming read, with some endearing characters (and some not so!) and in such an idyllic setting, I could completely visualise the setting' - Reader Review
'😄 i didn't want it to end I'm hoping there would be a follow on as I'd like to find out more' - Reader Review
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