The Llama Farm on New Moon Lane - Laura Biggs

 

Young and quiet, Lucy Granger leads an introverted life in Reading, living in a flat and working in design at a graphics company—until it is upended when she both sells her idea for a mobile game and suffers an unexpected medical diagnosis shortly afterwards.

Facing a mandated medical rest period, she decides to use her windfall earnings to take a year's holiday, renting a farm on New Moon Lane in a country village in Yorkshire. As Lucy settles into her holiday home for some tranquility, she soon learns that she is not the only tenant, when a llama named Llarry strolls out of the farm's supposedly-derelict barn. He is shortly followed by others in a menagerie of abandoned animals left behind—from a sickly donkey who likes eating crisps to a flirtatious cockerel sleeping in the back garden.

To Lucy's consternation, no one is willing or able to take them on, leaving her with a strange mix of furry and feathered friends to find homes for. Reluctantly adapting to her circumstances in order to deal with this problem, Lucy will discover other surprises about the animals in her care, and the place she is temporarily calling home. About herself, as well.

Will her ordinary life ever be the same after her experience on New Moon Lane? More importantly, should she really want it to be?

Purchase Link -https://mybook.to/newmoonlane

My Review:

I was expecting something quirky and different, that’s what I read. Introverted Lucy, who I initially didn’t think I’d gel with, needs a change following the successful sale of an app and a serious medical diagnosis.

Settling into her new countryside, temporary, abode she is met with creatures – great and small. A poorly donkey, a noisy cockerel, some llama to the mice in the kitchen, she seems to be stuck with them and to give her credit she does what she can for them. Local postie is always around to provide advice or spread information, soon the vet is popping in to check on the donkey as well as the mother and son who seem to stop by and enjoy the animals whenever they get chance.

Lucys world seems to be busier then ever, but in all the best ways. As the donkeys gets better, we notice Lucy has a brand new lease of life. It looks like the move was possibly the best thing for her.

Her stay is only supposed to be temporary but as each day passes it looks unlikely Lucy could return to life as it was.

A very sweet read, I enjoyed Lucy discovering parts of herself she’d hidden and was blossoming thanks to this “new life.” I wanted to know more about her, see how her fledgling friendships develop and how life with the animals continues.

A short, but well written read. 

Author Bio:

Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller 'A Wedding in Cornwall'. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –

Author Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI

Author Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Giveaway – Win an e-copy of The Llama Farm on New Moon Lane (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Escape to the French Farmhouse - Victoria Brownlee

AVAILABLE HERE

About:

Ella moved to Paris on a whim - and found happily ever after.

But after six months of romantic bliss, living with her French boyfriend, cheesemonger Serge, Ella's new life is thrown off course. An unplanned pregnancy doesn't seem too bad, until Serge unexpectedly decides to move their growing family to a goat farm in the Loire Valley, without consulting Ella.

Can Ella and Serge's relationship survive their relocation to the depths of the French countryside?

My Review:

A first read by this author and what a delightful treat. I didn’t realise that had been a previous book in the series but honestly it didn’t really matter as this worked well as a standalone.

I enjoyed the storyline, it kept me interested and engaged throughout – I have never been to France (only through books) and it did give me a good sense of what life would be like. I also love cheese, so this book had me drooling with some lovely descriptions. Making me peckish! I think it is well written, a nice style and was descriptive.

 I must admit; I didn’t necessarily love the characters; I liked them, and they were nice enough but maybe I would feel more about them if I’d read the first book? It wasn’t but its more I found them slightly annoying at times.

It’s a story with a simple storyline but it’s fun, light-hearted and has enough drama to make it interesting. Their move to the countryside is really when the book gets going for me. I couldn’t imagine being in Ella’s position and would probably be the same… also Serge keeps so much from her and doesn’t discuss plans etc; how frustrating, I wouldn’t put up with it!

I think this is a lovely, enjoyable read – perfect for a summer day read. You can escape to France and be tempted by foods galore.

Thank you to the publishers for the chance to read and review this book honestly.

Rachel's Pudding Pantry - Caroline Roberts

Available here

Here's the blurb:

Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.

But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .

Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!

My Review:

YUM, YUM, YUMMY!

A delicious treat of a book from Caroline Roberts. Warning: you will scour every kitchen cupboard in sight for some kind of yummy goodness whilst reading this book.

From the start we are drawn into the lives of a clearly loving, warm, family unit – Rachel, Jill and of course, Maisy, I knew from the moment I started reading I only wanted good things to happen for them – I loved the special relationships between these characters, you really did get a sense of how much they loved each other.

The characters are down to earth, relatable and so easy to like – excellently written by Caroline. The community they are part of is very endearing, wonderful neighbours and friends who want to support and encourage, I'd love to be part of it myself. I was particularly keen on Tom, the farmer next door to Rachel and enjoyed how their relationship developed. It didn't feel rushed or forced at all. He was patient, kind and considerate, just what Rachel needs after everything they have been through.

I loved how descriptive this book is, whether about the tasty delights being created, the idyllic countryside setting or the increasing pressures of running a farm. Caroline's easy, flowing writing style made this a delight to read, it was a pleasure to sit and devour it in one sitting.

It's a wonderfully cosy book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy! A must read for romance or baking fans. Honestly, I was sad to finish this book – imagine my delight to discover we will be going back for another visit.

I cannot recommend Rachel's Pudding Pantry enough. Treat yourself!

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍