The driver wound down his window. ‘Sorry, the air-con is broke,’ he mumbled his apology. They were both thankful for the fresh air and inhaled the country aroma of cow dung as they spotted the culprits loping across the lush fields. Ella noticed alpacas grazing, vintage caravans dotted in the distance, and a magnificent castle standing on the craggy hill. The cab whizzed past numerous cosy dwellings, white-washed terraces and cottages entwined with pink clematis and roses tumbling around the oak-framed porches. This place was like somewhere out of a novel. In the distance stood the beautiful mountain of Heartcross covered in purple heather with numerous ramblers dotted around, hiking the paths, enjoying the weather.

‘Look at this place,’ she murmured, still watching the views through the window.

The taxi continued to bump over the steep mountainous track, approximately half a mile long, and pulled up outside the village shop opposite the pub. After the driver was paid, they stepped on to the pavement. Ella slung her bag over her shoulder and held on to the handle of the suitcase. ‘So this is Heartcross,’ she muttered, casting a glance around. People were going about their business; kids ambling up the road, clutching their fishing nets; dog walkers sitting outside the pub enjoying a pint. It was a beautiful warm evening.

‘Welcome to Heartcross, your new home!’ exclaimed Callie, nodding towards the flat above the old village shop in front of them.

‘I feel like I’m on holiday,’ shared Ella.

‘That’s exactly how I felt when I turned up here too. Honestly Ella, you are going to love it here. I promise.’

Ella took in the sight. The lovely little shop in front of her was quaintly old fashioned, with postcards stacked outside in the spinning carousel. A metal ice-cream sign swung in the light breeze and fishing nets were lined up behind the fresh fruit laid out in wooden crates on a table.

‘What an adorable shop,’ she said, turning the carousel and taking a look at the postcards.

‘Welcome! Welcome!’

Ella spun round to see the shopkeeper standing in the doorway, holding a bottle of wine. ‘You must be Ella.’

Ella’s first impression was, What a lovely man. At a guess, he was in his mid-sixties. He had rosy cheeks and such a welcoming smile.

‘I am, I am,’ replied Ella, taking the bottle of wine that was being thrust towards her.

The man stretched out his hand. ‘Hamish, shopkeeper and your new landlord. Welcome to Heartcross!’

‘Thanks very much,’ replied Ella, shaking his hand.

‘I’ve been looking out for you both. How was the journey?’

‘Long,’ replied Callie with a smile, touching Hamish’s arm.

‘Very, very long,’ replied Ella, also with a smile. In fact, even though she’d been sitting on a train doing nothing for hours, she actually felt completely exhausted.

‘But you are here now. Wait there!’