Summer at Hope Meadows by Lucy Daniels is the first in the Hope Meadows series. It has a beautiful cover that really sums up the subject matter of the book and as the tagline suggests it really is time for a new beginning for our main female protagonist Mandy Hope. She's reached the point where it is right for her to go back to basics, to return to what she loves, to go back to the village where she was brought up and indulge her passion for all animals be they big or small. No matter what way the animals may arrive Mandy will always care for them and shower them with love and attention.

I assumed this book would be the regular women's fiction books I enjoy with a dash of romance thrown in, I didn't bargain that animals would play such a dominant role. For some readers I think this would be off putting especially if you are not an animal lover but for others this will be heaven. I think I fall firmly in the middle with regard to the amount of focus placed on animals and their care throughout the book. Once I knew the sort of read I was in for I settled in to the story and just went with the flow and the overall feeling of helping others both human and animal and always keeping going and fighting for what you want in life.

Mandy is returning to the place where she feels she belongs the most, the village of Welford where her parents run the Animal Ark clinic and have done so ever since Mandy was just a small child. Her parents Adam and Emily are struggling to find someone new who will take on some locum work in their busy practice. Emily is growing ever tired – this was something which was alluded to at various points throughout the novel but it never got the focus I felt it deserved. I think there could be more going on there than meets the eye and I wanted Mandy to come right out and question her mother as to whether everything was OK. Knowing there are more books to come in the series maybe this will be explored in more detail in the future. Mandy comes back from the practice she had been working in in Leeds to help her parents out. This is not a long term fix but she wants to return the support and favours her parents did for her over all the years. She leaves behind boyfriend and fellow vet Simon. I knew from the start that Simon and Mandy weren't the right match for each other. They didn't appear destined for each other in the long term. Yes they shared the same goal of opening up in their own clinic and specialising in a particular veterinary field that they have a keen interest in. But Simon seemed more gung ho than Mandy. He was full of ambition and yes he had an interest in animals but I felt behind it all money was more of a requirement for him than it was for Mandy. Overall, I really didn't like Simon, I felt he put Mandy down and never took her wishes into consideration. Time away from him where she could take stock and evaluate what she really wanted to do with her life was perhaps the best thing for her.

In some ways Welford and the clinic have changed for Mandy and in many others they remain the same. Initially I thought there were mentions of so many characters that I felt I should know them already. I was desperately trying to keep track of who was who. Also there were many references to past events with animals particularly as Mandy was growing up with best friend James. Then eventually it clicked with me that the author was referring to the children’s series Animal Ark on which Summer at Hope Meadows is based. That in fact that series followed Mandy and James as they were growing up. I knew from the blurb that a collective group of authors wrote that series and will write this one too but I thought Mandy, James and co were brand new characters. The Animal Ark series passed me by as I clearly had moved on to more adult books when this series was being published some years ago. So I would think long term fans of Mandy and co will enjoy this series and for new readers like me it gives a whole new insight into a grown up, more mature Mandy. At the same time, I feel she still holds the same beliefs and views firmly in her heart and mind. James featured every now and again with his husband Paul and without doubt their storyline was dealt with such sensitivity and tact and handled to perfection. It will bring a tear to your eye and in a way is comparable to some of the suffering Mandy sees especially when a case of animal cruelty comes to light.

Really this book is a time of adjusting and decision making for Mandy and it was enjoyable to read of how she is changing. She still always takes her parents wishes into account but at the same time the reader can sense she is at that point where she is ready to strike out on her own. Similarly I think she knew deep down herself that the same applies to her relationship with Simon. She was either going to have to commit to him relationship wise and their business plan or else break the connection and be honest about things. In some ways Mandy grew up quickly as with regard to her veterinary experience and the care and attention she gave the animals. Sky the collie was a perfect example of this and such a beautiful addition to the overall story. Yet in other ways I wanted to give her a good shake and say come on, you are an adult capable of decision making, get your act together and get the truth out there say what's bothering you so it can be put aside and you can get on with what you really want to do in life.

There is no doubt Mandy's passion for animals and the love of her job shone throughout the book and also the element of community spirit and working together to achieve a common goal was ever present. There were plenty of battles to overcome both professionally and privately and the reader is left questioning and eager to see whether Mandy can achieve this. Mandy was a good character, clearly not without her faults, yet when you needed her she would drop everything and be there for you even though at times she felt helpless like she could do nothing. I enjoyed the inclusion of the character of Jimmy Marsh who is in Welford to open an Outward Bound Centre. He seemed to have a bit of a background story I was keen to discover. He didn't feature all that much but when he did he played a crucial role in the story. I enjoyed how Mandy and himself seemed to spar off each other but wondered was there something more to it?

Summer at Hope Meadows was a lovely, enjoyable read that I believe has set us up perfectly for however many books may follow. I am glad at the beginning it is acknowledged that a collective group of authors will write this series under the name Lucy Daniels and that the person who wrote this book got her own mention. I don't think it's fair to write as a collective and not give due credit to who ever wrote the book or fool the readers into thinking Lucy Daniels is one person. So I am glad this was gotten out the way straight away in book one.

The only fault I found with the book was that perhaps there was too much detail regarding veterinary procedures and equipment. I know the author is a vet and can see why she did this but to readers looking for an animal story with some romance thrown in it might have been just that bit too much and not necessarily needed in this kind of book. Mandy has been through a journey in Summer at Hope Meadows and obviously there is a lot more to come for her. I was delighted when one of her big wishes appeared to be coming true and I am keen to see what happens next. I may have waited several months to read this book but that only means I can now dive straight into book two Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage.

A simple story set in Yorkshire with a vet family as the background. Both parents being vets, Mandy herself is one and her boyfriend is also one. Its very much the same interests amongst all. However whilst Mandy thinks and works on more compassionate lines, Simon is more money conscious and you know very early on that this is going to cause friction and differences later on.

Unable to decide whether to expand where Simon wishes to set up a modern surgical practice or move back home and expand her parents existing practice into a practice cum refuge is the problem Mandy faces. The work of a vet in a rural practice seems different from an urban one and this was good reading, especially for any lover of animals.

A coming of age for Mandy with animals very much in the forefront of the story made this a very comforting read.
Goodreads and Amazon review up on 27/8/2017. Review on my blog on 20/9/2017. Also linked to my FB page

A nice light read. Perfect for a beach day. However, it was a little bit too twee for my taste. Enjoyed reading about the vet parts. A pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to review this book.

I really enjoyed Summer at Hope Meadows. Its a real warm and cosy book. I loved the little village in the book and the characters were fantastic, ones that you connected with straight away. I thought Mandy is a really kind and caring person who is really brave after a big change in her life. Its lovely to see how much she progresses and how confident she becomes.

I was very happy to see Lucy Daniels had written more! I loved this book. It is THE PERFECT summer read! Please write some more as i most def want to read some more.

Review: When I saw this on NetGalley I was so happy they had brought back characters from the Animal Ark series which I read as a child.

I did not no what to expect as I have mentioned before on a book I have read where they bring back well loved characters and put them into new stories. It is always a risk. Old fans need to be pleased but also new fans need to be found.

I enjoyed this book. It was we written in a more grown up style than before. Which of course is very befitting the book as the characters have all grown up. Our main star of the Animal Ark series Mandy Hope is back and has grown up into a lovely women and has become a vet herself.

I cannot wait for me in this series.

The first thing I will say about this book, is that I'm completely new to the Animal Ark, as never read the previous series of books that this book is based on.

Having said that, I absolutely enjoyed and loved this book, it didn't take long to fall in love with all of the animals, I just wanted to take them home with me, mainly the cats and kittens though.

The storyline was wonderfully done, there was joyful moments as well as a couple of sad moments thrown in. I found it to be a fast paced story and a real page turner.

I loved the main character of Mandy, getting to know her was great, seeing how she progressed with things and the decisions she had to make and how she was there to help her friends at a drop of a hat. I also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her best friend James and her other friend Paul, two very delightful characters.

I loved the sound of Hope Meadows, sounds like a lovely place to visit and enjoy. I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out, as looking forward to it already.

Such an easy read, set in a beautiful setting with great characters and so many cute animals! Looking forward to the next book.

4☆ Full of Charm, Perfect feel good summer read.

Summer at hope Meadow is a feel good book that warms you up. A great sense of village community, adorable animals, romance, and changes.

This is the first book in the series and I am allready looking forward to the next book.

Mandy returns home to Welford to help out in her families vet practise.
It's a far cry from the busy, exciting Leeds where she lives with her boyfriend.
But it's home and her family need her.

This story is jam packed with adorable animals of all shapes and sizes.
My sister works as a vet nurse so I loved reading this book and can't wait for her to read it too.
Perfect book for animal lovers.

Mandy's boyfriend isn't really keen on Mandy returning home as they have big plans on opening their own practise.
But with Mandy spending more time at home her heart is being tested. So is her relationship.

Especially when James comes back into Mandy's life.
They are childhood best friends but they have so much in common there is definetly a chemistry bubbling.
Will Mandy and Simon be able to last the distance?

Sometimes first books have a tendency to lack substance.
But not with Summer at Hope Meadows.
It's full of Charm and character.
I really love how much thought and work Lucy has put in to getting each character just right.
The story line sets the scene beautifully, ready for the next instalment.

It has the perfect mix of emotion and humour, it's enchanting and you will find yourself falling in love with Mandy, Animal Ark, Welford and the community.

Mandy oozes passion and sensitivity for her job, the animals and their owners.
She shows compassion which is what every owner of a sick furr baby needs.

I'm excited about this new series and definitely think it has HUGE potential.

Perfect feel good summer read.
I think this is the perfect book for Animal Lovers, YA, Summer Reads, general fiction.

Mandy Hope is working as a vet in Leeds when she decides to go back home to Yorkshire to help out her parents who have a vets practice, the Animal Ark, and have been left in the lurch by a vet leaving suddenly. It is only supposed to be a temporary arrangement and the plan is to come back to Leeds and open up her own practice with her boyfriend Simon.

Once back in Welford though it is as though she has never been away - her best friend from her childhood James has just married his boyfriend Paul who is dying from cancer and he really needs her support. Simon is trying to push her to start up their practice as soon as possible but isn't listening to what she wants - her dream is to run a rescue centre as part of the practice.....but Simon obviously has other ideas! Throw the grumpy Jimmy Marsh who is starting up and outward bounds scheme into the mix and there will be fun ahead!

A great book for animal lovers, Mandy is a lovely character and I loved her plans for the rescue animals and the way she looked after the collie Sky definitely looking forward to the next ones in the series!

I bought the Animal Ark stories for my daughters as I thought they were such a lovely series full of animal mad children. I requested this book through Net Galley without realising that this book ( and I imagine- the first in a new series) features Mandy Hope as a grown up newly qualifed vet coming back to help her parents. I also hadn't realised that the original books were written by a team of writers and this new one is written by a vet.
It was such an adorable read, the characters were already so familiar to me, although the new characters were also wonderful. You get a real sense of village community and the feeling that you have moved into the pages of the book.
I've recently been accompanying my daughter to a daycare farm and I was surprised how much we've learnt about animals since we've been spending one day a week in a dream come true. This book felt very similar- you are so absorbed with the story that you could easily read this in one sitting.
It covers the concept of making dreams a reality, family, relationships and overcoming the fear of the 'new vet' status and lovely animal patients.
I'll be first in the queue to read another book in this series.

4.5 - "It feels as if I've never been away." Stars!

The first book in the Hope Meadows series, offers up a small village setting, lots of places and people to get to know, with the focal point being the Veterinary Surgery; Animal Ark.

IMAGE.

This is one of those books you pick up, and basically step into the story. The small village of Welford and its residents offered up a well-balanced and beautifully written story. Mandy Hope has returned home after qualifying as a Vet, and working in Leeds for the past year. Her parents are getting on in years, and the 24/7 nature of the business is starting to take its toll.

"So many big memories… for such a pocket-sized village."

What initially starts as a few months cover for Mandy, to help out until her parents can find a suitable new staff-member, turns into something else, when she starts to realize, that all of her hopes and dreams may actually be realized better by staying in the village rather than moving back to the big city.

Animal Ark has always been where my heart is.

You get glimpses of a lot of other village members in the setting up of Mandy’s story, which makes me happy because you know that as the series develops all of them are going to have parts to play in each new release. I am a huge fan of books of this sort, the romance aspect was light, apart from the idiot boyfriend Simon, although I am glad he didn’t play a massive part in the tale as a whole, but new arrival Jimmy Marsh has potential as well as a few others in the love-stakes in further books in the series.

The next book in the series A Hope Meadows Christmas is due for release later on this year, and I am looking forward to getting my seasonal spirit soaring with the animals and residents of Welford.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

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.

My daughter's first independent reading was Animal Ark so she is over the moon to be able to carry on reading these stories now that her tastes in reading has matured.

Anyone who was a fan of Animal Ark would love these and are suitable for young and older readers. These do have a more group up feel Lucy Daniels fans will love the new author's style in writing. The first in the series was written by Sarah McGurk and she had tears in my eyes in the first chapter as she captured the characters from the first line.
This story can be read as a stand alone read as even though it continues on the story was rounded up smoothly and no nasty cliffhanger that I know drive me nuts with series. I will be happy to buy more from this series.

This copy was provided free for review by the publisher through NetGalley for an unbiased review.