Book Review: Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

I’m pleased to be welcoming Della Galton back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm.

When life throws up the unexpected, can Phoebe hold strong?

In the idyllic setting of the New Forest, talented vet Phoebe Dashwood envisions a picturesque life alongside her beloved fiancé. However, the course of true love is fraught with unexpected hurdles.

Career wise, Phoebe encounters a goat who is seemingly experiencing a phantom pregnancy, and a highly-strung talking parrot who pushes her professionalism to the limits.

Things take an unexpected turn for the worse when Phoebe is confronted with a glamorous love rival, and a surprise Valentine’s Day ‘date’ to see a financial advisor! Can things get any worse?

When tragedy strikes Phoebe realises that nothing in life should be taken for granted and fears she will lose everything she holds dear.

Whilst her friends find their own happy endings, Phoebe is beset with doubts that she and Sam will ever find theirs. Is love enough to carry them into the future they deserve?

*****

Phoebe Dashwood is in love with Sam and runs a successful veterinary practice. However, when a new dog trainer makes her feel a little threatened in regards to her relationship she doesn’t quite know how to feel about it. Also the extra pressure to move out of Woodcutters Cottage isn’t helping.

Can Phoebe and Sam navigate the next part of their lives in one piece?

Having previously read the other novels in this series, I was so pleased to be back with Phoebe, Sam and Maggie at Puddleduck Farm. I know this is said a lot but it really was like dropping in on old friends you’ve not seen for a while but really missed.

Don’t worry if you’re new to the series. Although knowledge of the story threads so far would be beneficial, it’s not a deal breaker. Enough information is given so you can keep up. I do recommend the series as a whole though. It’s ace.

Phoebe is as endearing as ever. She’s a warm, loving person who just wants what’s best for the people around her. She loves Sam and I love them together.

It was wonderful to have the supporting cast back which include Maggie, Eddie, Tori, Harrison, Rufus and Archie. I couldn’t quite make my mind up about Destiny.

The plot develops well as I’ve come to expect from Della Galton’s novels. There’s an effortlessness with the writing style that makes this book easy to fall into. I am also familiar with the setting and love the fact that it features the beautiful New Forest. The descriptions given make it easy to picture.

There are some quite heavy themes in this book surrounding loss in particular but it’s handled with much empathy. I like how the author hasn’t shyed away from tackling tough subjects. It makes the story all the more realistic but she’s also managed to keep a warmth and humour to the overall feel of the book.

Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm is a beautiful story laced with love, friendship, warmth and humour. It’s a novel I really hope you add to your list if you’re looking for a book with likeable characters and lots of cute animals.

About Della Galton –

Della Galton is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies set around the Dorset beaches and the beautiful New Forest. Her stories feature strong female friendship, quirky characters and very often the animals she loves.

When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Say hello to Della via her website, Facebook, X, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm was released by Boldwood Books on 30th June. Click here to buy Amazon UK and Waterstones.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.