Book Review - Christmas at Silver Dale by Lucy Daniels

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Christmas at Silver Dale

Author: Lucy Daniels

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 17th December 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Although Christmas should be the most wonderful time of year, Mandy Hope is struggling. Her relationship with Jimmy Marsh is on the rocks, while her best friend James has a gorgeous new son which only confirms how much Mandy wants children of her own.

Desperately in need of a friend, Mandy strikes up a close relationship with new Welford resident Geraldine Craven, who is only too happy to offer a shoulder to cry on. Geraldine looks to be a lifeline in these troubled times, until she reveals a devastating secret about Mandy's past.

With so much uncertainty, is there still hope for a happy Christmas?

Another wonderful addition to this series, I loved being back among the Hope family at both Animal Ark and Hope Meadows. 

More troubling is the state of Mandy and Jimmy's relationship and there were many scenes between them where my heart was actually breaking, and at no point was I completely convinced there would be much hope for a reconciliation. 

There is a new key character to this instalment, Geraldine and just from the hints in the blurb and a weird gut feeling I spent most of the first half of the book looking for clues to confirm my instincts, and I was in this instance spot on. It added a new dimension to the book, and made me see another side of Mandy. 

Actually I was on the verge and tears off and on throughout this book, in part due the wonderfulness of the writing, and how connected I am to these characters, that I was really feeling for them, and possibly in part due to fear this may be the end of the series, as at the time of writing this review, I can't see the next one up on pre-order which is usually the case by now, and that worries me, as I don't want the series to end. 

And the animals, some utter cuties in this one, and even some alpaca, which you don't tend to see every day.  Plus there is a great scene with an eagle too.  The dogs are wonderful as always, and there are some very cute sounding kittens too. 

I loved seeing how best friend James was adapting to being a father, and seeing glimpse of Taresh. Also how Mandy's relationships with twins Max and Abi was deepening and growing despite not being sure of her future with Jimmy. 

This could probably be read as a standalone, but why miss out on five other fabulous books to get to this point, and catching up with the other key characters is always great. 

I loved this book and the series too, I can't get enough of it.   I love all my time spend in the company of the animals and people at Animal Ark and the rescue centre.  

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley  for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Summer Days at Sunrise Farm by Lucy Daniels - #HolidayReading Madeira

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Summer Days at Sunrise Farm

Author: Lucy Daniels

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 30th May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Summer has arrived in Welford, but does a new season mean new beginnings?

Veterinary nurse Helen Steer adores her job at Animal Ark, and with the summer ahead things couldn't be better.

That is until her best friend goes travelling, leaving Helen unexpectedly jealous and questioning her own stable life with her boyfriend Seb. Charming new vet Toby Gordon, with his flirtatious wit and mysterious family background, suddenly seems a much more exciting prospect.

But just as Helen and Toby's friendship starts to become something more, Sunrise Farm, the beautiful fruit farm where Helen lives, is hit by crisis leaving its future in the balance. Along with her friends Mandy and James, who put aside their own problems to help, Helen throws everything she has into saving her home.

Though with so much at stake, is there time to think about a new relationship? Or will Helen be forced to let her second chance at love slip away?

Always great to be back in Welford amongst my friends at Animal Ark. 

This time the story focuses on Helen, and her relationship with Seb which has become a bit on the rocky side. 

We also get to fall in love with Isla, a new rescue dog that Helen can't resist helping. 

For fans of the series don't worry we see plenty of Mandy Hope and the rest of the hope clan, just from a different angle, and it is great catching up with them too. 

I loved all the animals as always, and also the real sense of community when something happens and everyone bands together to help. 

i adore this series and am already eager to start the next one, well once its out! 

Full of charm, plenty of enjoyable moments, cute animals and the course of true love not running smoothly, this is another fantastic addition to the series, and one I whole heartedly recommend.  

Thanks to Hodder and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Snowflakes Over Moon Cottage by Lucy Daniels

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Snowflakes Over Moon Cottage

Author: Lucy Daniels

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 18th October 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

It's Christmas-time in the little Yorkshire village of Welford, and the first snowflakes are just starting to fall.

As far as Susan Collins is concerned, this Christmas is all about quality time with her family, especially her son Jack. After a string of terrible dates she's given up on love, and Susan's certainly got plenty to keep her busy.

That is, until she meets handsome children's author Douglas Macleod. Dishevelled in appearance with bright red hair he is the opposite of Susan's usual type, but an undeniable spark soon lights up between them. But then Michael Chalk, Jack's father, turns up on the scene wanting to be a family again - and Susan finds herself torn.

With snow settling on the ground and the big day fast approaching, who will Susan and Jack be choosing to spend Christmas at Moon Cottage with this year?

I don't think the smile left me face at all while I was reading this latest book in this fabulous series.  It was so ridiculously enjoyable that the pages were flying past, and I never wanted to put it down.  This is possibly the most absorbed I've been in a book for a while, so for that I can only commend the author. 

Initially I was a bit surprised that Mandy Hope wasn't the main character this time, but instead its her best friend Susan, with her four year old Jack.  We have met them a lot over the past three books, so good to really get know them a lot better better in this installment. 

Just because our favourite vet isn't the focus of the book doesn't mean there aren't plenty of animals. We ge to see a lot of Hope Meadows, as Jack loves spending time there, and also Susan too the nursery children on some trips there to see the animals. 

There is one rather special animal, that I became utterly besotted with, and there were a couple that I did guess slightly ahead of the book where there forever homes would be.  The animals literally stole my heart yet again, and there were references to the previous books in the series. Although I would reasonably safely say this one could easily be read as a standalone as we didn't know anywhere near as much about Susan before. 

Throughout the book there are many moments that will either have you gasping, or "awwwwwing" as they occur, or generally just have you grinning.  

Of the two men in this book who are both interested in Susan, there was one that I warmed to instantly and I spent most of the book hoping that they would get together.  He is a wonderful man, and knows how to talk to children and generally had a fab personality.  

I adored every single second I spent reading this wonderful book, and can't wait until May for the next book in this fabulous, feel good series. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Springtime at Wildacre by Lucy Daniels - #HolidayReading Book 17

Book 17 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Springtime at Wildacre

Author: Lucy Daniels

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Publication Date: 28th April 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Love is in the air in the little village of Welford . . .

Mandy Hope is on cloud nine. Hope Meadows, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre she founded, is going really well. And she's growing ever closer to handsome villager Jimmy Marsh. What's more, James Hunter, her best friend, is slowly learning to re-embrace life after facing tragedy.

But when an unexpected crisis causes Mandy to lose confidence in her veterinary skills, it's a huge blow. If she can't learn to forgive herself, then her relationship with Jimmy, and the future of Hope Meadows, may be in danger. It'll take friendship, love, community spirit - and one elephant with very bad teeth - to remind Mandy and her fellow villagers that springtime in Yorkshire really is the most glorious time of the year.

Such a joy to be back amongst friends in this new book in the Hope Meadows series. 

I absolutely lover the direction this book has taken the story in, and meeting a new array of animals, from squirrels to well lets just say something just a tad larger than a squirrel towards the end!

Since this is the third book in a series there are plenty of story line continuing from the previous books, which is always good to see.  

One of the main new plots was seeing how Mandy would get on meeting Jimmy's twins as they do need to get along if there is any hope of their relationship continuing. 

In fact between Jimmy and best friend of Mandy's James, most of the major story threads seemed to involve them. Good thing I enjoy both of their characters. 

There were definitely some emotional moments in this, but also some cute and funny ones too.  I love this author and her writing, and I love Hope Meadows and Animal Ark and am already eagerly awaiting the next installment. 

Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage by Lucy Daniels - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title: Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage

Author: Lucy Daniels

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 26th October 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas has arrived in the little village of Welford. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground.

This year, vet Mandy Hope is looking forward to the holidays. Her animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows, is up and running - and she's finally going on a date with Jimmy Marsh, owner of the local outward bound centre.

The advent of winter sees all sorts of animals cross Mandy's path, from goats named Rudolph to baby donkeys - and even a pair of reindeer! But when a mysterious local starts causing trouble, Mandy's plans for the centre come under threat. She must call on Jimmy and her fellow villagers to put a stop to the stranger's antics and ensure that Hope Meadows' first Christmas is one to remember.

One thing's for certain: this Christmas, there'll be animal escapades, kisses under the mistletoe...and plenty of festive cheer for all.

Hope Meadows is based on the globally bestselling Animal Ark series. Perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Holly Martin and Cathy Bramley.

Combining Christmas with cute animals is always a winning combination for me and Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage contained both those things and so much more. 

Firstly the finale was memorable, never had scenes like that before and I was enchanted by what was happening. I won't give you any clues but just hope if you read it, like me your eyes will be popping out at the scene. 

In fact for a book that has a rather cute cover, has a little robin at the start of each chapter, its not just a warm and cosy story. There are times where I felt truly emotional, especially when referencing something from the first book in the series, some absolutely great action, plenty of moments that will have you saying awww, especially with Holly and Robin amongst some of the amazing animals, there are a hint of romance, and the mystery as to who seems to have it in for Hope Meadows. 

I'm glad to say that the person I thought was causing most of the trouble throughout, really wasn't, and I hadn't really predicted who it was either, nor the reasoning although it did all make perfect sense once revealed. 

This can easily be read as a standalone book, but is almost certainly more pleasurable to be read as the second book in the series. From the first few pages, I felt completely at home again at Animal Ark and Hope Meadows, and loved reading about the various animals in the rescue centre. 

It may not be a book that screams Christmas at you from every single page, but what it is is a wonderful story, that is well written, had be reluctant to tear myself away from at any point, and generally one that I completely loved.  I'm already looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of book 3 in this series, and at the same time wonder why on earth I never read Animal Ark as a child. 

There was nothing predictable about this book, it kept me guessing and thinking, with plenty of action and its many assorted storylines. 

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Summer at Hope Meadows by Lucy Daniels - Chances Fortnight

The chance I took in reading this book was that I had never read any of the children's Animal Ark books, so had no idea if the author was really able to write for adults, or what this would be like. 

Amazon UK

Title:  Summer at Hope Meadows

Author: Lucy Daniels

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton 

Publication Date: 1st June 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Newly-qualified vet Mandy Hope is leaving Leeds - and her boyfriend Simon - to return to the Yorkshire village she grew up in. There, she will help out in her parents' surgery whilst they're short-staffed. Mandy's life has always revolved around her work with rescued animals, and Welford offers an opportunity to work with creatures of all sizes, from hedgehogs and puppies to farm stock and even wild deer.

But rural Yorkshire is very different to the hustle and bustle of a big city. Mandy must work hard to be accepted by the close-knit village community, and convince them of her abilities as a vet - especially Jimmy Marsh, the gruff owner of the local Outward Bound business, with whom she just can't seem to get along. 

When some long-neglected animals are discovered in a critical state on a nearby farm, Mandy is determined to prove herself as a confident and fearless vet. When it comes to protecting animals in need, she's prepared to do whatever it takes...

I have a confession to make... 

.. I have never read any of the Animal Ark books. I was aware of them when I was younger, but I think they started coming out once I was already moving onto books for slightly older children. As a result I had absolutely no proper idea what to expect when I started reading Summer at Hope Meadows, and I am just so happy that I loved the book as much as I did. 

It took a whole 5 mins of reading before I relaxed, sat back and let this incredibly lovely story take over my life for the rest of the day! At this point let me just say how refreshing it was to read about a female vet. I have recently read books featuring hunky male vets as the main attraction, but this one, the heroine of the book, is animal mad, and is wonderful with animals. 

If you don't like cute and fluffy animals, or some of the larger farm livestock that you get in rural areas, then this won't be the book for you, as it is teeming at the seams with adorableness. But with it there is also a rather more serious message running through the book about treating animals well, animal welfare and there are some incredibly distressing scenes when you Mandy comes across mal-treated animals. 

Mandy is a wonderful character, she seems to put animals first ahead of everything, with the exception of her best friend James who also loves animals. James is involved in a huge storyline that I don't want to say anything more about, but just keep an eye on him. The other main man in Mandy's life is her boyfriend of a year Simon. 

Simon and Mandy seem to have differing views on a lot of things, and he isn't too pleased at her decision to return home to Welford, while he is still working in Leeds. He also wants to set up a different sort of clinic to where Molly's heart lies, and he is a character that I took an almost instant dislike to. 

While I was reading, I did do a quick google about the original Animal Ark series, and from the little I saw, I  believe I am safe in saying that if you grew up with the series or enjoyed it at all as a child, then you will love this new series for adults, featuring an adult Mandy and James. 

It is very clear how compassionate both Mandy and the author is towards animals, and Hope Meadows has the potential to be incredibly special. I am already incredibly eager to read book 2 of this series, as if the writing flows as well as it did in this first book, I'll be impressed. This was a very easy to read book and it really captured my imagination. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.