Wild Strawberries

Set against the rugged Cornish coastline during World War II, this compelling drama follows Maizie, who finds herself managing the family hotel alone after her husband enlists. When London evacuees arrive seeking shelter, Maizie discovers an unexpected maternal instinct she never knew she possessed. Her carefully rebuilt world shifts again with the arrival of a wounded French soldier recovering from Dunkirk, whose presence awakens feelings that challenge everything she believes about duty, love, and sacrifice. As wartime tensions escalate and personal relationships grow increasingly complex, Maizie must navigate between societal expectations and her own desires while protecting those who depend on her.

Steven Pacey delivers a masterful performance that captures both the intimate emotional landscape and the sweeping wartime backdrop with remarkable sensitivity. His nuanced portrayal brings distinct voices to each character while maintaining the story's authentic Cornish atmosphere through subtle vocal textures. Pacey's pacing allows the romantic tension to build naturally alongside the wartime drama, never rushing the quieter character moments that give this story its emotional weight. His warm, engaging delivery transforms Blair's vivid descriptions of coastal Cornwall into an immersive listening experience that makes the hotel setting feel like a character itself.