The Changing Valley

The outside world is coming to the Welsh valleys

The small South Wales village of Hen Carw Parc is a haven of rural peace, a gentle backwater where the rhythms of life flow at a time-honoured pace. But times are changing and, although Nelly Luke and the older villagers stick resolutely to tradition, the younger ones have caught tantalising glimpses of a world beyond their quiet valley.

For ambitious Fay Cartwright the lure of a career strains her marriage to home-loving Johnny still further, while Amy, the happy-go-lucky shopkeeper, is saddened when her son is given Army leave but fails to return to his family home.

And there are other, more serious intrusions, not least a spate of robberies whose ruthless perpetrator looks likely to be one of their own. But despite the trauma of change, the life of the village continues, fuelled as ever by the humour, kindness and surprising wisdom of, the incomparable Nelly.

A vivid and warm-hearted portrait of a changing village community, The Changing Valley is the third of Grace Thompson's Valley sagas. A delightful, charming read, it evokes a lost way of life which many will recall with enduring affection.

1. A Welcome in the Valley
2. Valley Affairs
3. The Changing Valley
4. Valley in Bloom