Coming Home to Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton
When your heart's broken, all roads lead home.
London City Vet, Phoebe Dashwood, finds her partner Hugh and their boss in a passionate clinch beneath the mistletoe at their work's Christmas party.
Heartbroken, she bolts to the New Forest, her childhood home. Deciding not to return to London, Phoebe hunts for work locally, hoping she can also help her fiercely independent gran, widower Maggie Crowther, owner of Puddleduck Farm and makeshift animal shelter New Forest Neddies.
Can Phoebe find happiness professionally and personally in the place she calls home, or does fate have other plans for Phoebe?
Della has written yet another wonderful story. This first instalment is a lovely start to this series, filled with charming, engaging characters and a delightful assemblage of animals.
I appreciated the descriptive terminology regarding the New Forest and surrounding Hamlets; it's a naturally stunning part of the country.
Family, friends and relationships are depicted well, especially that of Phoebe and her grandmother, thus giving depth and warmth to the story.
This book doesn't have a traditional happy-ever-after ending; it is left open and gives you the feeling that there is more to come.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

The story begins in December with Phoebe Dashwood, a 34-year-old vet, leaving London to get away from her partner Hugh, who she had found cheating after they’d been together six years. She heads home to her parents in the New Forest – Louella and James.
Her grandparents, Maggie and Pete, were dairy farmers at Puddleduck Farm for decades, but since Pete’s death twelve years before, Maggie has found solace in helping animals. Setting up an animal shelter known as New Forest Neddies, she looks after donkeys, dogs, geese, ducks and cats. But Maggie is 72 now and finding things difficult on her own – not that she would admit it to anyone!
Maggie’s nearest neighbouring dwelling is the impressive Beechwood House, owned by Lord Alfred Holt. His son and heir is Rufus Holt, who seems rather obnoxious, but maybe there’s more to him that needs to be revealed...
I had a soft spot for lovely Sam. He is Louella’s best friend Jan’s son, and the same age as Phoebe. Sam and Phoebe have been friends forever, but had drifted apart over the past few years.
This is the first in a new series of books and I am looking forward to reading more and finding out what is in store for all the characters. I especially love a good animal in a novel and there were loads here, I was spoilt for choice, and I loved all the different personalities of them all. The two Alexas were lots of fun as well!
A lovely, heart-warming, fun read.

Coming Home to Puddleduck Farm is my sixth Della Galton novel. As with all her books I’ve reviewed so far, it’s atmospheric from the start. I was rooting for Phoebe, who I immediately liked.

In her. Della Galton has created a determined character who faces whatever she has to. Puddleduck Farm is wonderfully imagined and there are lots of cute animals there. Dorset is a far cry from her old life in London and the boyfriend she left behind. She wants to build a new life without Hugh and the stresses of city life.

It’s a joy to be on her journey with her. The pace of life and the book are relaxing and Coming Home to Puddleduck Farm is thoroughly enjoyable and perfect escapism.

Thanks to Della Galton, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review

4,5 stars

After seeing her boyfriend kissing her boss, Phoebe packs up and leaves London for her home. There she finds that her grandmother is in need of help. She also rediscovers her love of the countryside. As she reacquaints herself with her best friend and a childhood friend, Phoebe searches for a new job and does what she can to help her grandmother.
Opinion
This is the first in a new series by Della Galton. It is a slow build novel written in British style.
I truly enjoyed this book. The slow build was a divergence from my typical style of books. I found that I got to know the neighbors and other minor characters much more than in one of my typical books. The book was left open. There are two potential love interests for Phoebe in the future. I am quite interested to see who she chooses as well as how her practicing medicine goes. It was easy to get invested in these characters.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Thank you #netgalley, #boldwoodbooks and #rachelsrandomresources for allowing me to read this ARC.
Absolutely gorgeous story. As expected there's a broken heart that needs healing, which means Phoebe escapes the delights of Greenwich and returns to the New Forest to be with her mum and dad just before Christmas 🎄. Hugh her ex made a big mistake in the shape of Vet Cruella.
Louella her mum and dad welcome her back into the fold. Now she can reconnect with her Maggie (grandma) who lives on Puddleduck Farm along with a number of donkeys and other 2 and 4 legged animals that she has taken in at her rehoming centre. At the age of 72, its not as easy as she professes it to be. We also meet old friends Sam and Tori.
You certainly will fall in love with the characters and Farm 🚜 animals.
Great read and easy to follow.

What a wonderful book this is and a promising one to start a new series. Set in a lovely area of the country, the New Forest in Hampshire. Love the quirky title too.

Coming Home to Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

London City Vet, Phoebe Dashwood, finds her partner Hugh and their boss in a passionate clinch beneath the mistletoe at their works Christmas party.

Heartbroken, she bolts to the New Forest, her childhood home to regroup and soul search.

Being home gives Phoebe the chance to reconnect with friends and family and especially with her fiercely independent gran, widower Maggie Crowther, owner of Puddleduck Farm, and makeshift animal shelter New Forest Neddies.

Deciding not to return to London, Phoebe hunts for work locally, hoping she can also help Maggie, who’s clearly swamped and not coping. But will Maggie accept Phoebe’s help?

Her quest is hampered by stubborn grandmothers, meddling mums, an attractive childhood friend, a real-life Lord, a remorseful ex, and a best friend who’s determined to play matchmaker.

My Opinion

This is the first book in a new series, so what better time to meet a new author. This will appeal to animal lovers, as it features an animal rescue. This book has a nice, relaxed pace and would make for a great holiday read. I found myself reading this book quicker than expected - I keep reading on to find out more about the characters and had reached the end much sooner than I would have liked.

With an easy and relaxed writing style, I will be back for more.

Rating: 4/5

At the office Christmas party, it isn't a treat,
To discover your partner is a liar and a cheat!
For vet Phoebe Dashwood, to make it a bigger loss
She finds out he's cheating with their boss.

Distraught she returns to her childhood home,
Re-connecting with friends and relations, she's not alone.
She's especially happy to visit Puddleduck Farm
Where her gran, Maggie, helps rescue animals, keeping them from harm.

New job, new home, fresh start and then
The chance to think things through and plan again.
Escaping donkeys, a dour lord with a delightful son,
Family secrets, PTSD, what's next to come?

A great read I thoroughly enjoyed and so
I highly recommend you give it a go!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Wow what a brilliant start to a new Woman's fiction/romance series. This book was so much fun to read and had a hint of romance. I just had to read it all in one sitting it was that good and it finished making me want to read the next book in the series. The characters were wonderful, life like and very relatable. I just loved each and every character so much. We'll maybe except for her ex lol. It's just a wonderful lighthearted story that you become so engrossed in within pages. I definitely recommend you read this book lighthearted progressive books. This is a brilliant book if you read and loved the book welcome to seabreeze farm by Jo BARTLETT as the storyline were similar in principle but so very different to read. I just love books about animal sanctuaries and especially those that involve vets and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. It's a fantastic page turning novel. I just can't wait to read the next book in the series. This author is definitely one to watch out for. 

Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such a fantastic heartwarming start to what's going to be a wonderful journey.

The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog today https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/coming-home-to-puddleduck-farm-by-della-galton-boldwood-books-5-stars either under my name or ladyreading365

This is a lovely easygoing start to a new series of books set in Puddleduck Farm in the New Forest.
There is a great cast of characters, both human and animal. Phoebe is a good protagonist, a Vet who moves home to her family in the New Forest after relationship break up.
This is an enjoyable and entertaining read, it wasn't immediately obvious to me what was going to happen. There were a few surprises and twists that I wasn't expecting. The story ends in such a way that you know that there is more to follow. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

A charming read, especially for animal and romance fans. It was great to read the first in a new series by Della Galton, and a new setting in the scenic New Forest. Puddleduck Farm is run by Phoebe’s Grandmother (Maggie) and is a rescue for a wide range of animals, who each have their own personalities and quirks. Phoebe notices a change in Maggie and starts to worry that things are not going well and that her grandmother may be overdoing things.
Phoebe is back after a heartbreak and I enjoyed getting to know her, understand her way of thinking and meet the people she has in her life, hopefully characters we will be in the future. We see the friendships she can rely on, the potential for romance – even in surprising places - and I thought it was interesting how the character wasn’t rushed into a new romance for the sake of it, much better to see how the character settles to such big life upheavals and that she wants to focus on herself.
There is a lot happening within this book, including many themes that are being carefully woven into one story but this is done well by the author. I enjoyed the animal antics and will look forward to hearing more about some of the characters. A must read for many, I highly recommend.

This is the first book in a new series (great news!). It sets up the characters and setting beautifully for future books. I love Phoebe and her gran, Maggie, in particular and the setting of Puddleduck Farm. The addition of the animals and their antics was funny to read, I love this type of setting including animals, always unpredictable! Phoebe is such a sweet character and I really wanted her to find a new life and happiness. There isn't the usual, neatly wrapped up ending which seems to leave future story lines open, I can't wait! A charming, warm start to what I think will be a fantastic series!

A really enjoyable story featuring believable, fully-formed characters in an idyllic setting.
I was immediately rooting for the main character, Phoebe, as she comes to terms with the end of her 6 year relationship that also meant she lost her home and job. This also means she returns home to her family & friends in the New Forest and she begins to rebuild her life.
I wasn’t sure about the ending though. Throughout the book I was unsure whether Phoebe was going to end up with the Lord of the manner, Rufus, & Sam’s girlfriend would return, or whether the two friends would get together, but then it seemed to have no solution by the end of the book - what are we meant to take from them smiling at each other given only a paragraph earlier Phoebe is thinking it might just be a matter of time for her feelings to change? and what about Rufus & Archie, they are featured and then they have no resolution at the end. I do hope there’s another book in the series that features these characters so we can learn what happens to them.
An enjoyable book but a frustrating ending.

I've read so many books that take place on a farm or rescue center where I hoped to have the activities be as much a part of the story as the romance, but it always seems to be way, way in the background.

Coming Home to Puddleduck Farm actually has occurrences on the rescue center playing a big role in the story and I loved it!

There is a possibility of romance, of several romances actually, but this story is more about Phoebe and her change in lifestyle after a breakup. Deciding where she wants to live, what she wants to do, etc. Coming back to family and friends and realizing what's important to her.

It's a sweet story with some fun escapades and an open ending, leaving so much space for additional stories to come.

What an opportunity! I love Della Galton’s books, and I am finding it hard to articulate just how thrilled I am; how privileged to have been given the opportunity to read Della Galton’s latest novel. An added bonus is that the book is set in my local area, the beautiful New Forest. Oh double, triple happy days! Although a relatively new publisher, Boldwood Books does seem to have a most superb array of authors under its wing, that never fail to please.
I immediately empathised with Phoebe, not just because she seemed to love my beloved New Forest, but because she seemed to be fleeing a relationship. I really did feel for her, compounded by the fact that she seemed to have left in haste and hadn’t thought about what things she may or may not need. ‘Woefully under-packed’ would be almost an understatement, and meant that she would need to go back to her city apartment at some point.

Phoebe wondered to herself whether or not she had made too impulsive a decision to just get up and leave, having found her Husband Hugh in a clinch with another woman – myself, I lauded Phoebe’s courageous decision to just leave, rather than give Hugh a chance to try and worm his way out of his bad behaviour.

Phoebe’s immediate family were wonderful – close warm and loving. I would even go as far as to say that her parents were perfect. As for her grandparents and Puddleduck Farm – I have but one word – ‘idyllic’.

Growing up in such a wonderful household, it must make it extra hard when Hugh, Phoebe’s Partner turns out to be an emotionally constipated guttersnipe, of the lowest order. Indeed, he caused the unfortunate triumvirate of Phoebe losing her home, her job and her Partner in one fail swoop!

Sam acts as a welcome addition to proceedings, and if nothing else, might add a touch of colour to Phoebe’s Christmas break – or was it really a break, now that she was officially homeless and jobless! Sam is a sensitive soul but I did wonder if he had been hurt via social media media, as he was vehemently anti.

Alexa, Phoebe’s Sister-in-Law adds some comedy to the proceedings, by virtue of her name, and I must confess that were she my relative, her name would get me chortling every time! At this difficult time for Phoebe, her wonderful family are just what she needs.

Maggie, Phoebe’s Grandmother is a real character and a force to be reckoned with. She is described in the book – as having an abundance of compassion, mixed in with a great sense of humour. It was mentioned what a priceless gift that was. It is perhaps a reflection of the author, Della Galton – she writes with compassion, interspersed with pockets of humour, and has the priceless gift of being able to entertain her readers, through her writing; just saying………

I immediately warmed to Phoebe’s long-time friend Tori; the wonderful kind of friend that knows you down to the core. The unconditional kind of friend of whom you need to ask no questions and who knows best when (or if), to any of you.. The kind of friend that you may not have seen for a while, but that you know you pick up exactly where you left off, be it 5 years ago or just 5 minutes. A true, loyal Friend.

Rufus Holt, Maggie’s aristocratic neighbour, initially seemed, quite frankly, an utter arse, with no redeeming features whatsoever – but is there more to him than meets the eye? You couldn’t deny that he seemed to care for his Son. Hidden depths? Could there be romance in the air for Phoebe with Sam, or even Rufus?

As you may be able to tell, I loved this book from start to finish, and I sincerely hope that this is not the end of Phoebe’s story – but just a mere introduction.

Coming home to puddleduck farm is such a wholesome cute read. Phoebe has the shock of her life when she finds her boyfriend of six years kissing another one, she the returns to the countryside where she grew up to have a fresh new start surrounded by old friends and family.  
 
I did enjoy the storyline however I felt it finished on a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm hoping there will be a second book come out and hopefully we can find out what happens to puddleduck farm in the end.

Phoebe returns to her childhood home early for Christmas after a traumatic breakup in this enjoyable family-orientated story set in the New Forest. Her family are vibrant characters, especially Maggie, her maternal grandmother, who has an animal sanctuary. Romance simmers in the background for Phoebe, who finally finds she doesn't need a man to define her happiness.

I love the family dynamic and the rekindled friendships in this story. The setting is animal orientated as Phoebe is a vet, which is appealing too. Heartwarming and sensitive, this is a lovely book that makes me want to read the next one in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This is very much the first book in a new series – establishing the characters and their relationships, starting a few storylines running, bringing the perfect setting of Puddleduck Farm in the New Forest to life. But it’s also a rather lovely and well-told story, as Phoebe – an immediately likeable and sympathetic character – runs away from her new life as a London vet and her cheating boyfriend Hugh, returning to the heart of her family, reconnecting with friends, repairing her broken heart, starting over, and slowly finding purpose again.

And the one thing that helps the most – once she’s found a new temporary home with friend Tori and done something about securing a new job – is helping out her grandmother Maggie with her animal shelter, full of waifs and strays of the four-legged variety (and the geese!). Maggie’s getting on a bit and finding things a struggle, money’s a bit short, it doesn’t help that she’s a technophobe and stubbornly independent, and there are always more animals she needs to help – and Phoebe steps up, offering the support she needs, helping make her life a little easier.

The animals get up to all sorts of shenanigans – the characterful donkeys are talented escapologists (and quite adorable!), and that doesn’t help relations with the adjacent local landowners. And when Phoebe has a real run-in with the lord of the manor, she decides that it’s going to be important to mend fences (in more ways than one) – but she finds she’s particularly intrigued by his gruff exterior and edge of sadness, and feels for his young son in the rather dubiously caring hands of his nanny. But the most obvious romantic interest to the story is the lovely Sam, a childhood friend who’s always been around, caring and supportive – he can see a future with Phoebe, which complicates life a little when she sees him as firmly in the friendship zone, and it’ll be interesting to see how things might develop along with the series.

I must admit I’ve read quite a few books set around animal sanctuaries of various kinds recently, and enjoyed every one – but this one really was a little different, with its accompanying focus on Phoebe’s personal journey and fresh start. The animal elements of the story are just wonderful – every one of them an individual, giving rise to a lot of very funny moments and a few particularly touching ones too (you’re going to love the aptly named Saddam…). And the book’s relationships are beautifully drawn too, especially Phoebe’s love and concern for her grandmother – along with the friendships, it gives the whole book a particular warmth and feel-good factor.

What the book doesn’t have though is a conventional happy-ever-after ending, or a neatly tied up romance – it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger either, just a feeling that there is a lot more to come. And that only makes me keener to read the next in the series, to see if my ideas about the future direction of the story come to pass. Beautifully done, and I really enjoyed it – a definite recommendation from me.

I was immediately drawn to Phoebe’s character and could imagine the devastation she would have felt at being so painfully humiliated. Of course, her natural reaction is to run back to her family home and recover amongst those who love her. Homeless, jobless, and single, Phoebe has to start from scratch.
Reconnecting with her childhood best friend, Tori she finds a place to temporarily call home. There’s also the presence of another friend from her childhood, Sam. Even though she’s not looking to enter into another relationship, Sam has clearly developed feelings for her, which complicate things.
The star of the show is Puddleduck Farm with Phoebe’s Gran and her menagerie of rescued animals. Named New Forest Neddies, in honour of the donkeys that she has taken under her wing, there are also dogs, cats, and geese. With her skills as a vet, it’s only natural that Phoebe gravitates toward the shelter.
I just loved the feel of this story and took to the characters easily. Della Galton creates wonderful stories which don’t always follow a predictable arc. I decided quite early on to not bother trying to guess what would happen in the end and was delighted with that decision.
There are the usual well-developed characters with settings to capture the imagination. Of course, I haven’t mentioned everyone as I like to leave some aspects for the reader to discover. This is the perfect opener for a new series, and I cannot wait to discover what happens next for Phoebe and Puddleduck Farm.
I adored escaping to the New Forest and highly recommend this fabulous new title.

COMING HOME TO PUDDLEDUCK FARM
BY
DELLA GALTON.

It was all going so well for Phoebe. A great job as a vet, a nice home and a lovely boyfriend… or so she thought.
When she spies her not so lovely boyfriend up to no good under the mistletoe, Phoebe doesn’t hang around. She packs a bag and heads home to the safety of her family in The New Forest.
Once there Phoebe is enveloped by her nearest and dearest, but she has to make some decisions about where her life will go next.

Maggie is Phoebe’s grandmother. Feisty Maggie refuses to be called granny and is simply Maggie to everyone. She is a tough old bird who loves her animals first and foremost.
The waifs and strays of the animal world all seem to find their way to Maggie.

Can Phoebe find her future alongside Maggie at Puddleduck Farm?

This is the first book in a brand new series from Della Galton. The story is tied up neatly at the end, but there are threads that I am sure will follow on and develop further during the rest of the series.

Coming Home To Puddleduck Farm, is a truly charming read.
There are some fiercely strong female characters, who know their own minds.
Some potential love interests appear along the way, and I know where I hope Phoebe’s heart will find it’s home when the time is right.

The New forest provides a wonderful setting. I am a sucker for a book set by the sea, but The New Forest and Puddleduck Farm charmed me from the start.

Della’s writing is, as always, smooth, engaging, poignant and effortless.

The story is touching and sweet. There is also some great humour. Keep your eyes peeled for Saddam the cat.
In all fairness, the fantastic collection of animals really do steal the show.

This is a warm hearted, feel good read that deserves nothing less than five shiny stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All formats published on 29/8/22

With thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood for a digital arc of this title.