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 back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.