The village newcomers - Rebecca Shaw

Ford and Mercedes Barclay have decided to spend their twilight years in the lovely village of Turnham Malpas - but will these two newcomers be made welcome? Ford, a former businessman who made his fortune in scrap metal, has ambitious plans for the village - including the funding of a youth club and the hosting of a mock Elizabethan ball, to which all the village is invited. But not everyone in Turnham Malpas welcomes the newcomers with open arms. Mr Fitch, the village benefactor, is less than impressed by Ford's generosity. It isn't long before the two come to blows, leaving Ford and Mercedes to wonder whether village life is really for them.

Meanwhile, a letter arrives at the village rectory that causes consternation. The rector's twin children, Alex and Beth, have never had contact with their birth mother. But now, finally, she wishes to build a relationship with them. After so many years of estrangement, should Alex and Beth get to know their real mother? And what of Caroline, the woman who has raised and loved them - will she be willing to let the twins forge their own path?

Sparkling with Rebecca Shaw's signature humour, this is another warm, witty and lively tale of village life.