Hester Christie has spent a blissful 18 months living in Kenya where husband Tim is posted. But now it's back to England to be with her two nearly-grown children. She rents a house near the village of Old Quinings in England's North Country, and plans a quiet summer with the children near the inn owned by her beloved former maid Annie and her husband. But things are never quiet for long with Mrs Tim, and she must navigate curious neighbours, a dishonest landlady, and a troublesome travel companion who makes an unwelcome appearance in Old Quinings, not to mention some intrigue and a bit of matchmaking for young lovers.