It is going to take all their strength to withstand the crises ahead...

The Courtyard is a sensitive and compassionate story of an invaluable friendship that helps see two women through a time of crisis. The perfect read for fans of Hilary Boyd and Erica James.

''She may not be as famous as Binchy or Pilcher but British writer Willett is just as gifted'' - Booklist

Nell Woodward and Gussie Merton make unlikely friends - one a young married woman and the other a lonely elderly lady. Nell's husband, John, is an estate agent fresh from the Navy, but he is ignorant of the outside world and, as others abandon the collapsing property market, he gets in deeper...

It is at Nethercombe, the home of Gussie's nephew, Henry, that a refuge is found. Henry has developed and sold a cluster of cottages, known as The Courtyard, and the people who buy them form a bond of friendship that embraces Nell and Gussie. But it is going to take all their strength to withstand the crises ahead...

What readers are saying about The Courtyard:

''Her [Marcia Willett's] writing is crisp, fresh and very vivid and her characters are so ALIVE''

''Enjoyable and believable characters, simple storyline and wonderful description of the Devonshire countryside and surrounds''

''Engrossing''