A nicely paced story that held my interest in the lives of its characters. Not only were there the potential romances/marriages for Doctor Frances Brakespeare and Reverend Gregory, Nurse Lucy and Devlin, an injured war veteran, but there was a murder to be solved, a divorce sought after and medical dramas. Not only did those dramas occur at the hospital, but also at Frances' home, where her birth mother is very ill, dying. These characters were all introduced in the books before this one, but you can follow the story easily enough without having to read those books before this one.

There was much focus on contraception of the time and how people felt about it, both the women and the men. Being very much a man's world, for the most part, women were interested in taking control of whether they got pregnant or not, but their husbands were set against it.

One of the main plots in the book looked into the way women were having to turn to backstreet abortions, and how, in many instances, having one done would end in tragedy. It is one woman's particular tragedy that is looked at in this book. I loved the way that she was connected to people in ways we couldn't have imagined.

An interesting story with enough going on to captivate the reader without overwhelming them with too many characters and back stories.

In this third installment of the Orchard Cottage Hospital series, author Lizzie Lane gives you a mix of emotions throughout the book. The book opens with a man carrying a dying woman to the hospital to try to save her, but it is too late. This unlocks a mystery about who she was and what killed her.(Trigger Warning). Meanwhile, love is in the air, but can nervous jitters derail it when an old flame comes to town? Dr. Frances Brakespeare is finally united with her mother, but only for a short time. This book was amazing, and if you're a fan of the series and author, you won't be disappointed. The characters continue to be fleshed out, and the dialogue and storyline keep your attention. I look forward to another installment in this series and other titles from this author.

This is the third book in the Orchard Cottage Hospital Series and I have become very invested with the lives of the inhabitants of Norton Dene, Somerset. It’s now 1932 and on a dark cold night a woman is left outside the hospital and she dies shortly afterwards. Doctor Frances Brakespeare is keen to identify the young woman and those responsible for her death. This could be read as a stand-alone but I really would recommend reading them all in order to understand the background to the characters.

Briefly, Frances has a lot on her mind. Her relationship with Reverend Gregory Sampson is progressing nicely but she has received an amazing job offer in London, does she go with her head or her heart. Her birth mother is living with her and Frances knows she is not long for this world. And the wedding of Devlin Compton-Dixon and Nurse Lucy Daniels is in planning and Lucy has some news for her fiancé but before that happens Devlin’s former girlfriend invites herself to stay at the Compton-Dixon’s home.

Lots of threads running through the book but all neatly intertwined making this a good easy read. As always this author doesn’t avoid unpleasant storylines and many issues women faced at this time are still high on the agenda, with unwelcome pregnancy the main concern. Such a good cast of characters but Ma Skittins is a favourite, she has a wise head on her shoulders and is such a caring soul. An emotional and entertaining read, my favourite so far, leading nicely into book 4.

nother in the series of Or hard Cottage Hospital and it was as every good as the previous ones and I do hope there will be more as I have unanswered questions. Dr Francis is still heading up the medical team but this book focuses on her relationships with her Mother and the Vicar. This time period was dreadful for women and particularly around maternity care and abortion issues addressed in this storyline. Please bring us more. Thanks to Lizzie and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

what a beautiful story and written beautifully to boot. this is another great addition to this series. i look forward to another snippet of Hospital lives ever time i see there is a new one to be published. and feel sad every time i think of them ending.
this book covers some really important themes. i found it sad how many of the problems woman faced around pregnancy and risk and pressure at the time are often too apt for today's woman. yes, different because of how society lives but the believes and pressures still weightily similar.
Frances has questions she needs to answer in this book. shes a loyal lass but does she needs to be more loyal to herself at times? she has got to juggle so much in this book. her mother is poorly but Ma to this equation is once again a wonderful addition and her character makes me smile each time she comes into it and im so glad she once again in this book.and her relationship is bringing more moments to ponder. its all piling in and she knows she needs to make her mind up now a job offer comes knocking.
i loved being back with Lucy and Devlin an seeing how they were getting on as well as the kind hearted Reverend.
this story always goes deeper for me it touches really important issues and themes but Lizzie does it in the kindest of way whilst never hiding from the seriousness of it.
another perfect read for me.

Another wonderfully written book by Lizzie Lane.
All types of folk here, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Great historical drama.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

When a woman is left on the steps of the hospital in the freezing temperatures Dr Frances feels it's her duty to solve the mystery. Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time but with everything happening in this story and the horrible weather I didn't feel the magic but I did still enjoy this beautiful book. The third book of the series and the characters now feel like family members and I look forward to catching up with them all. There are a few sub plots in this story and I felt each and everyone was needed. It has a emotional rollercoaster ride and I could feel myself going up and down. I enjoyed reading and looking forward to more.

Somerset, Norton Dene, 1932: On a cold winters night a woman is abandoned on the steps of the Orchard Cottage Hospital and a man is seen doing a runner, and the cause of death is obvious and Doctor Brakespeare needs solve the mystery of who the unknown victim is.

Frances is juggling many things, her birth mother Mary Devonshire is extremely unwell, she’s living with her and Ma Skittings is coming in daily to care of her. Reverend Gregory Sampson is patiently courting the doctor, and how long can she can’t keep the poor man dangling and she decides she will make up her mind about the job offer in London and their relationship after Christmas.

Nurse Lucy Daniels is engaged to Devlin Compton-Dixon, his mother Lady Araminta is busy sending out the invitations for the wedding and Lucy’s worried she’s not good enough to be his wife and what if she lets them all down and she has a feeling she already has?

As everyone prepares for the festive season in Norton Dene, rosters are being worked out at the hospital and the mine will be closed, decorations are being hung, plum puddings are made, the reverend is writing his sermon and anticipation is building and time is running out for Frances.

I received a copy of Bleak Times at Orchard Cottage Hospital from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. The narrative highlights topics such as the challenges and plight of women at the time, too many and high risk pregnancies, miscarriage and childbirth, illegal abortion and terminal illness, and Frances loyalty to her patients, friends and the village of Norton Dene is tested.

I enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous books and especially, Reverend Gregory Sampson and he’s so kind, Lucy Daniels and Delvin Campton-Dixon, Ma Skittings is wise and makes me laugh out loud.

Another well written and thought provoking story by Lizzie Lane and the perfect choice for fans of English historical saga fiction and I can’t wait for the fourth instalment. The two previous books in the series are: A New Doctor at Orchard Cottage Hospital and Family Affairs at Orchard Cottage Hospital and I recommend.

No matter what stresses and distresses happen in a story, there are times when you need the happily-ever-after ending. This book did that for me.

I liked that author Lizzie Lane addressed women's issues that were very marked in the past, such as male domination. For example, when a woman got married, she belonged to the husband and had to be kept in kitchen and kinder (children), no outside career allowed. Yet there were some fiesty women who blasted through the staid traditions like Dr. Frances Brakespeare, Araminty and even Nurse Lucy Danels, beloved figures we meet again in this third book in the series.

Also of note, the way divorce was viewed; quack abortionists and those who sold illegal pills purported to make a woman miscarry and the desparate women who'd try them. All this created suspense, stress and distress, goading one on to read page after page. Sweet romance and revealed family relationships entwined the narrative helping to balance the tension and sadness levels.

Although this is a third book in the Orchard Cottage Hospital series, it can easily be a stand alone book. Nevertheless, if a reader wants to know fuller details in this historical chronicle, and enjoy the story from 'the beginning', he or she may wish to read those that go before, first. This is my opinion, at least.

One caution is for those potential readers who do not wish to read about initmate bedroom romps. Know that this story does have such descriptions. In my opinion, other than this, it was a good read.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

June 2025

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary reveiw copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Another brilliant book in the series, Lizzie never disappoints and this has you totally gripped.

Can’t wait to read the next in the series.

Another great visit to the Orchard Cottage Hospital. Dr Frances Brakespeare is keen to find out the identity of the woman dumped outside the hospital and of the person who caused her death. She is also nursing her dying mother when she gets an unexpected offer from a leading London hospital, she must decide where her heart lays.
Lucy Daniels and her fiancée Devlin are getting ready for their society wedding but things are not going to plan.
Looking forward to another visit soon to catch up with everyone.

Part of a series historical drama with some excellent characters. Who left the woman on the hospital steps? Lots of intrigue and mystery.

This is the third book of the series and a great addition. The series is getting better and better with each book. There is again, a whole lot going on in the story.
Frances has a big decision to make. It could change her life completely. She's well accepted at the Orchard Cottage Hospital and gets on well with Sister Harrison now and admires her commitment to the hospital and it's patients.
Women's problems and lives are top of the agenda again. There's a bad element in the town that needs to be weeded out but it's not an easy task.
The hospital are now in a position to take on another doctor and the applicant will be an interesting addition to the story I feel and is likely to cause some upset. Once again woman versus man comes into the equation.
There's a wedding, deaths and a lot of sorrow. This book is packed with emotion.
My favourite character is Ma Skittings. She's doing a lot to help Frances and I love her no nonsense ways.
I dropped a star because the end felt rushed. A few things were wound up rapidly and there's a surprise that came out of the blue and then it all ended abruptly. However, it's a great read and while you could read it as a standalone, I would recommend starting at the beginning for better enjoyment of the series.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.

Absolutely loved this book. Was so good to see what happened to Nurse Lucy and her marriage to Devlin Compton-Dixon, and seeing how Dr Brakespeare makes her mind up about her future. Loved to tead the story about the lady that was dumped at the hospital as well. Absolutely loved this book and read it in 2 days. Can not wait to see if there will be another one to decide Dr. Brakespeare's future as well with the Reverend.

Book three at the Orchard Cottage Hospital.
What an amazing story this is.
Winter cast a long shadow, but hopefully springs eternal.
1932 Somerset.
Doctor Frances Brakespeare and the mystery of a young woman abandoned.
With a job offer sitting waiting in London Frances is torn by those who love her the most.
In the bleak of December in the market town of Norton Dean, this story takes you on a journey filled with heartache and love.
It was beautiful.

I received a free copy of, Bleak Times at Orchard Cottage Hospital, by Lizzie Lane, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its winter in 1932 at Orchard Cottage Hospital, in the UK, and so much is going on, a mystery to solve, a new job offer, and much more. This was a nice read, the 1930's was a hard time for most people in the world.

Times in this installment aren’t so bleak, only difficult. It’s a great look at life in the early 1930s for a variety of people, all looking for happiness.

This was like visiting friends, familiar characters ( easy to pick up again).
When a woman is left at the door of the cottage hospital it sets off a whole sequence of events, not least the person who act left her. It soon becomes clear that someone is interfering with women’s health, which is keen to solve.
Dr Frances is undecided when she receives the offer of a job in the city, can she leave her ailing mother, or Gregory?
Meanwhile nurse Lucy has a dilemma, assistance comes from a most unlikely source!


I enjoyed the familiarity of the book, favourite character was Lucy. Least favourite was Gerald.
I look forward to more in this series, especially continuing Lucy’s story.

Book 3 of 3 - A heartwarming tale. I suggest reading all 3 books. Great story and well written characters.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

this is another installment in the Cottage Hospital series, but can be read as a standalone. very good series.