Ruth Durling and her husband, John, had always dreamed of retiring to a little cottage in the Cotswolds. However John had died before they had ever realised that dream. Now, eight months after his death and with her children all grown up and raising families of their own, Ruth has taken the decision to move to the country by herself and try to move on. Apple Tree Cottage, in the village of Little Astons, seems perfect for her needs. Ruth falls in love with the house the moment she sets eyes on it. But village life is far different to living in Cheltenham and Ruth is still finding it hard adjusting to life without her beloved husband. However as Ruth begins to settle in to her new home, slowly she begins to make friends and find a new purpose in her life...