Teaser | Catch-up
Lose Yourself in Little Scrumpington
Navigating Life in Hannah’s Village
Meet Hannah Wiggins, a twenty-something girl who chose to live in the city because she doesn’t have a close relationship with her family. But when she learns she’s inherited a country cottage from her Great Aunt Midge, she takes the step of relocating there, in a picturesque village, encouraged by memories of her Great Aunt’s beautiful garden.
Little Scrumpington, located just north of Leeds, boasts a seventeenth century church, bucolic views, a village shop and The Red Admiral pub, where the weekly pub quiz is hosted.
Hannah quickly meets some key players — Blue from the shop, Norma and Garth Richards, the local toffs with their adorable dachshund Fenella, and Fid the local activist. But here’s the rub, their village is under threat of complete annihilation. De Villiers, a civil engineering company, wants to destroy it and build a ring road that circumvents the city.
Daniel Leakey is portrayed as the villain of this piece, he’s spin doctor and wheeler dealer for De Villiers. He aims to get as many villagers as possible to sign away rights to their properties and move into bland ‘matchbox’ houses in the new town of Baston. A handsome face and sleek electric car are his only redeeming features, his agenda makes him the fellow we love to hate. Fenella isn’t subtle about it; she barks up a storm whenever she sees him.
Great Aunt Midge’s house wasn’t her only legacy. But I’ll warn you, the secret Midge hid for many years may induce incredulity. There are faeries at the bottom of her garden! That may be too glib, but it is true. Parsanovan is a fae creature indebted to Midge. In chapters 10 and 11 we learn how and why he’s there, keeping hidden and growing beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. He also cares for the bees, a vital role, but no spoilers, hey?
Hannah’s love of rock ballads and country music shape her as a romantic. So maybe there’s a love interest in the overarching plot of Beehives, Battles and Bunting. I can’t possibly comment, (but not because I haven’t finished writing yet). Suffice to say that Fenella makes an excellent wingman (plus that dog knows when to pull a crocheted blanket over her head). I liken Hannah to Elizabeth Bennet, rushing in, making snap decisions on people and how to handle situations, does she need a Mr Darcy?
Why not dive in and find out? The series is in a tidy list. Save it so you can read each episode at your leisure, plus you’ll be notified each time I add an episode (I aim to update weekly).
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