Up with the larks

What's it really like to give it all up and follow your dream? The heartwarming, laugh-out-loud true story of Tessa, who moved from the London rat-race to become a postie in rural Cornwall.

Tessa Hainsworth had no idea how hard it would be to live her dream.

Full of optimism, she and her young family moved from hectic London life to Cornwall. Within months, they were almost ready to call it quits and go back, tails between their legs. Work is hard to come by, the house is cold and damp, and money is short - until a chance encounter in the local post office leads her to accept the unlikeliest of job offers.

Up with the Larks charts Tessa's turbulent first year with the Royal Mail, and her transformation from outsider to 'Posh Postie', adopted Cornishwoman and much-loved member of her new community. From the Christmas rush to the van with a mind of its own, from the chaotic postal routes to the wonderfully colourful locals, Cornwall soon seems to feel like home after all.