''Poignant and warm-hearted . . . a tonic for our times.'' - Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You

At nearly ninety, retired nature writer Hattie Bloom prefers the company of birds to people, but when a fall lands her in a nursing home she struggles to cope with the loss of independence and privacy. From the confines of her ''room with a view'' - of the car park! - she dreams of escape.

Fellow ''inmate'', the gregarious, would-be comedian Walter Clements also plans on returning home as soon as he is fit and able to take charge of his mobility scooter.

When Hattie and Walter officially meet at The Night Owls, a clandestine club run by Sister Bronwyn and her dog, Queenie, they seem at odds. But when Sister Bronwyn is dismissed over her unconventional approach to aged care, they must join forces - and very slowly, an unlikely, unexpected friendship begins to grow.

Full of wisdom and warmth, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home is a gorgeously poignant, hilarious story showing that it is never too late to laugh - or to love.

Praise for Joanna Nell:

''Hugely entertaining . . . funny and heart-warming'' Woman & Home

''A gentle, warm-hearted book that had me rooting for all the characters and laughing out loud at points'' LIBBY PAGE, author of The Lido

''A warm and touching story with a cast of characters who became my friends'' - Katie Marsh, author of THE REST OF ME

''The perfect blend of funny and moving'' - Natasha Lester, author of THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS

''A funny and poignant exploration of growing old disgracefully and enjoying your twilight years'' - Culturefly