The Toast Maker – Part 1: A Rainy Thursday

The Toast Maker — Episode 1
By Eliza Hartley

Welcome to a very special evening, dear listeners. Tonight marks the beginning of something wonderfully gentle—our first episode of The Toast Maker by Eliza Hartley, a British writer who understands that the most profound stories often unfold over cups of tea and buttered toast.

We're traveling to Little Darlow, a village softened by October rain, where Iris Harland has just settled into Elder Cottage with her suspicious orange cat, Moss, and a collection of umbrellas left by the previous owner. It's a story about new beginnings in old places, about the careful kindness of neighbors, and the small rituals that help us find our footing in unfamiliar territory.

Tonight, you'll meet Mr. Pritchard from number twelve, who arrives at Iris's door with misdirected mail and stays for unexpected toast and marmalade. You'll discover recipe cards hidden in drawers, learn about fences that need mending, and understand why Thursday evenings at the King's Head might matter more than you'd think.

So settle in with your own cup of tea, perhaps a piece of toast if you're feeling inspired, and let's step through the rain-spotted door of Elder Cottage together. The kettle's just boiled, and there's always room for one more at the table.