Weyward by Emilia Hart is a fluffy bit of fiction that’s worthy of a place in your beach bag. It weaves the lives of three women over five centuries into one over-arching narrative about the grit of womanhood and the stirring power of Mother Nature​.

We start with Kate, who bolts for Weyward Cottage to escape her abusive husband. This cozy, crumbly Cumbrian place comes courtesy of her Great Aunt Violet, a lady she barely remembers​. Now, Violet is an interesting bird, more keen on bugs and climbing trees than being the dainty lady society wanted her to be​…