Country Wives — Rebecca Shaw

Welcome back to Barleybridge, the picture-postcard English village where everybody knows their neighbors . . .

Kate Howard is still working as the receptionist at the Barleybridge Veterinary Hospital, but now she is determined to attend veterinary college. Things are running smoothly, both at work and in Kate's life, especially now that Scott Spencer, the handsome Australian vet who stole Kate's heart, has left town. But Scott's replacement, Daniel Brown, is quickly making enemies of the staff and clients alike with his abrupt style and unreasonable demands. When Dan causes the loss of an important client, the wives connected to the practice determine that something must be done to stop him.

For her part, Kate secretly appreciates Dan's no-nonsense approach, despite everyone else's ongoing annoyance. When Kate is faced with a devastating tragedy, Dan reveals a sad secret of his own and helps her through her crisis. But what will the rest of the town think of their newfound friendship?

Delightfully warm, engaging, and filled with the simple joys of small-town English life, Country Wives will inspire readers to return to Barleybridge again and again.