Life and Otter Miracles is such a light-hearted and easy to love book. Hazel Prior is such an imaginative author with her writing and I hope to read all of her other books.

I admit, it was hard to me to continue to read for a long period of time, in one setting. One thing from the beginning had never changed- Phoebe and Al Featherstone are easily likable characters. I loved how much depth is written into their lives. As I read along, in many instances, I felt like I was just strolling along the river or in the otter sanctuary with Phoebe given how much detail there was.

I never did like Rupert but from about mid-way when he offered to cut the fish for Phoebe, I grew an even higher hatred for him. I could never place what it was that made me loathe him. Whenever he would show up again, whether it was at the otter sanctuary or with Christina, it made me feel completely uncomfortable. I so wish Christina could have seen his true colours much earlier on as Phoebe did.

There were certain areas in the book where it had become a very serious topic. I really enjoyed seeing these incorporated and I was unable to put the book down. It just shows how quick life can change and how scary it can be.

Overall, the book was much loved and I plan on telling whoever will listen to me rave about it. Many many thanks to Hazel Prior and Netgally for allowing me this ARC.

#lifeandottermiracles #hazelprior #netgally #goodreads

Life and Otter Miracles - Hazel Prior

We follow dad Al and daughter Phoebe on a heart tugging and uplifting ride. I really enjoyed the dynamics between father and daughter, and thought Phoebe's personal story was particularly interesting. Alongside the lovely story line, there is also a little mystery thrown in, which I thought added something a little extra. Al is a parcel courier and I found this part of the book really interesting as it gave the reader a little insight into the lives of the locals, and how can I not mention little Coco (the Otter) just adorable. Thank you Netgalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin and Hazel Prior for this e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thank you to @netgalley and @RandomHouseUK for this ARC. Phoebe and her dad Al decide to move to a quieter town. While wandering their property, they come across an otter than has been orphaned. They deliver the otter to the local rescue shelter where Phoebe makes her life's purpose to care for her and to help take her mind off of her chronic pain. This small town becomes a family, everyone looking out for everyone until the rescue shelter is sabotaged on several occasions. Who among them is a traitor? #LifeandOtterMiracles #HazelPrior #Sept2023

A charming and amusing read from an excellent author. I felt that the first half of the book is written in a rather childish style, delivering lots of facts in an entertaining manner but not giving a lot of depth to the characters. This changes in the second half and the book becomes far more enjoyable. Everything is wrapped up very neatly by the end and I finished the book a whole lot more knowledgeable about otters, nature, wildlife and the countryside. Delightful.

After reading her previous books and loving them this one had a lot to live up to I was so excited to read it and I was definitely not disappointed what a lovely book loved the characters especially detective Phoebe can't wait for the next book definitely 5 stars and highly recommended

A life affirming and heart warming story about being brave, joining a community and listening to our gut feelings.
Phoebe is a great character who doen's let her illness stops her. I loved her as I loved the setting and the well plotted story.
I smiled, I rooted for the characters, and reflected.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

After falling in love with Hazel Prior’s previous two penguin adventures (Away with the Penguins and Call of the Penguins) I was looking forward to this next story, although a bit concerned that the absence of penguins might disappoint me slightly. How wrong I was !
Hazel’s ability to bring all her characters to life, both human and animal (in this case otters, if you hadn’t guessed) is nothing short of brilliant. The otters are so beautifully portrayed that you just can’t help rooting for them as their adventures take them to the highs and lows. Life and Otter Miracles is the kind of book which leaves you really missing all characters once you’ve finished the story, and wondering what they’re doing now.

The main human characters, Phoebe and her father Al, have just moved down to Devon and are just starting to adjust to a very different, much gentler, way of life to that which they’d been used to. If anyone picks up this book expecting a gentle pace of a book then I think they’d enjoy it mostly, but don’t expect it to be slow and boring.
The book spoke to me in a big way as it’s revealed (fairly early on, so I don’t think this is a spoiler) that Phoebe is suffering from chronic pain, leaving her home bound a lot and in great pain for a huge amount of time. Suffering from this myself, I felt the way her condition was written was sensitive, empathetic and incredibly accurate. Hazel Prior obviously writes with experience of a similar condition with the detail she goes into. In my own pain I could really relate to Phoebe’s plight and the support of those around her.

And alongside all of this there is a fantastic detective story unfolding which will keep you guessing until the end of the book.

I couldn’t recommend this enough - a solid 5/5.

This was my first time reading a book from the author but I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more books from the writer in the future!

This book is a blessing!! I am so grateful for the Netgalley and the publisher to get a review copy because this book felt like a well deserved break.
I mostly read scifi and fantasy and this book was the perfect palette cleanser.

We follow Phoebe who is suffering from chronic pain. She and her dad moved to a smal town where they bought a cottage. Her dad got a job as a delivery guy and Phoebe is just trying to survive her days. At the beginning of the book they go explore their new town and nature and find a baby otter. Everything goes from there...

This book references "the otter effect" and man this is real! I love to see the little critters, am even guilty of actively searching for them on my social feeds.

Reading about the otter sanctuary, how it makes Phoebe feel and how it empowers her to embrace life and one day become free herself was beautiful.

The small town mysteries are adorable and a little bit frightening in the end. Is Phoebe's condition making her delusional or is one of our characters really bad news?
Even though I saw the plot coming I honestly didnt care. This book just felt so GOOD. It made me smile and I need this feeling more often, so I am definitly going to pick up the others other cosy reads as well.

I had seen the previous book by the author on the blogosphere and was intrigued by all the glowing reviews. It did feature penguins, after all!
I went in with no prior knowledge of the author's writing style and was pleasantly surprised by the serious tone of the narration. The undercurrent if of an 'uplit', but the overall presentation is quite matter-of-fact and deals with a lot of personal ups and downs. I am still not sure why I did not expect that approach.
Phoebe and her father have moved to a remote location. Their house is a cottage with a river right next to it. Phoebe has had more than a few issues that have led her to become a recluse, and her father seems to be still stuck mourning the loss of his wife. We get to hear Al's side of things as well, rounding off the story in a way that we can see how important things are handled and how the situations develop.
Phoebe and Al find an abandoned otter and, not knowing what to do about it, contact the local otter sanctuary. The person who runs the sanctuary is not very happy with them interfering with nature but eventually caves enough to keep them in the loop. Phoebe is forced into the small local community solely and stays on the fringes as she starts to get more involved with the otters.
The introduction of Phoebe's issues and that of the plaguing the sanctuary are gradually revealed, adding depth to the plot. They are almost unexpected in the serene surroundings we are initially introduced to!
Al delivers packages to the local community, and Phoebe does some guesswork through the sender and recipient of each package. This is not something that should be universally encouraged, but I think it is human nature to want to connect the dots. In this case, she ends up helping a few people by the time the book comes to a close.
There are also some conversations regarding the more fraught relationships within the family, and they are resolved to a believable extent.
I recommend this book to fans of the genre and to people who like quirky lead protagonists who have their own versions of a happily-ever-after by the time the book is done.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful story, which had some lovely characters, like Al and his daughter Phoebe. They are both getting used to their new life in Devon.

Phoebe doesn’t do much in her life, and the reason why is made clear as you continue to read, she is thoughtful, caring and unafraid.

The characters in the otter sanctuary were lovely,

The story was lighthearted but with issues that will relate to readers.

I recommend this book.

Life and Otter Miracles is a light-hearted feel-good read you will quickly lose yourself in. This book is beautifully written and if you are anything like me, you can expect at least one tear to roll down your cheek while reading this one. While I generally reach for Crime and Thriller genres – I have been trying to lighten my reading by adding something a little different from time to time. Hazel Prior is proving to be a brilliant choice for a lighter touch.
The author creates wonderful characters who crawl into your heart as you turn the pages. In this book, Phoebe, an unusual nineteen-year-old, takes you through the story. Where the previous book I read by this author left me falling in love with penguins, this one shares the lives of otters and before long you find yourself wishing you could cuddle one of these little creatures. I cannot get enough of the animals in this author's books. They are beautifully described, and the author's love of animals clearly shines through in her writing.
When Phoebe’s dad convinces her to go for a walk in the country surrounding their new home in Devon, she finds a baby otter. Determined to ensure the baby is looked after, Phoebe and her dad takes the otter to a local otter sanctuary. Phoebe quickly bonds with the otter and volunteers to help with raising her. The sanctuary owner, Carol, is certain that this little otter can be released and sets very strong rules around handling the otter. While this is very difficult for Phoebe, she is determined to do what is right for little Coco – no matter how difficult it may be for her. When the sanctuary is threatened – Phoebe embarks on a hunt for the truth and is determined not to allow her capabilities to stand in the way of finding the truth.
This book is a light read, but at the same time, it is full of emotion. There is at least one part to the story that left a tear rolling down my cheek – although I am told I am just super sensitive. I loved this story and enjoyed Phoebe’s nosy nature.
There are some lovely characters in this book. Al is a widower who recently moved to a small town with his daughter. He is grieving the loss of his wife, even if she died a long time ago. Al loves his daughter and indulges her whims even when he knows he shouldn’t. Phoebe is just lovely. She is in pain which she tries to hide from everyone around her – even her dad. She does not want to be a burden to him with her problems, he has enough to worry about. The eccentric Christina adds a wonderful lighter touch to the story and she manages to make you smile as you flip the pages. While you think these characters are wonderful – Coco the otter sneaks into your heart and you find yourself falling in love with her right along with Phoebe. The author does a wonderful job describing this little creature and her antics – leaving you feeling as if you were part of her life.
No doubt this is a brilliant story which I am more than happy to add to my loved list for 2023. This is such a heartwarming story. The perfect break from all the thrillers I spend my time with.
If you are looking for a feel-good story, with unique characters and loads of emotion as well as some adorable little creatures, then you simply must add this title to your TBR. It’s a wonderful read you do not want to miss out on.

I heard so much about this author but this was a weird book for me. The writing was good but it felt as if written for a child. I wouldn't not read another book by this author but this one was just weird.

I loved this book. Upon reading it, I didn't guess Phoebe's illness and went down a total different track. I loved the positivity that being near animals and the outside can have on oneself. I also enjoyed learning a bit about otters, and liked the quirkiness that the animal chosen wasn't a normal domestic animal. The joy of Phoebe being an armchair detective really atuned with me and I did guess some of the outcomes. The parent/child relationship was lovely and the friendships that bloomed were real and honest. I look forward to reading more from Hazel Prior. Thank you Netgalley.

"The Otter's Tale" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that beautifully weaves together themes of family, community, and the healing power of nature. Through the eyes of the nineteen-year-old protagonist, Phoebe, readers are transported to a charming Devon cottage with a river in the backyard. The author paints a vivid picture of the setting, immersing readers in the tranquility of the natural world.

Phoebe, who is dealing with her own personal struggles, finds solace in watching detective dramas and observing her neighbors through her father's courier deliveries. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers an abandoned baby otter on the riverbank. This discovery becomes a catalyst for Phoebe to step out of her comfort zone and connect with her new community.

As Phoebe takes the otter to the local sanctuary and experiences the pure joy of the animals in their natural habitat, the story takes on a deeper significance. It explores the profound impact that nature can have on our well-being and the healing potential it holds. The author beautifully captures the transformative power of connecting with wildlife and the environment, offering a refreshing and uplifting perspective.

Amidst the heartwarming moments, Phoebe's sleuthing skills come into play as she uncovers unsettling secrets at the otter sanctuary. This adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the truth alongside Phoebe.

Overall, "The Otter's Tale" is a captivating and uplifting novel that showcases the author's skill in crafting endearing characters, vivid settings, and engaging storylines. It is a testament to the importance of embracing nature, fostering community, and finding hope in unexpected places. Fans of heartwarming stories and nature enthusiasts will undoubtedly find joy and comfort in this wonderful tale.

A delightful and heartwarming read, although I enjoyed away with the penguins slightly more, this one for me was a little slow going but nevertheless still enjoyable and would recommend

Just as beautifully written as Hazel’s previous titles. I adored every page. Heartwarming and life affirming. A gorgeous read.

This was my first venture into a Hazel Prior book - her previous novels had caught my attention but until now I hadn't gotten around to trying them yet, but I certainly will do now! This was a lovely adventure that I won't be forgetting any time soon.

The story centres around Phoebe and her father, Al, as they move from bustling Birmingham to the quiet village of Darleycombe. When they discover a baby otter that seems to have been left all alone and take it to an otter sanctuary nearby, Phoebe's life changes for the better.

As a zoology student, this book was an absolute dream for me, getting to experience Phoebe spending so much time caring for the otters was exciting and so heartfelt, and I truly hope I get to have a similar experience in the future. The characters were fantastic and very well fleshed out, which I loved! Not only do we get to know our main characters, we also get to know the other villagers of Darleycombe on a personal level. The relationship between Phoebe and her father was so lovely and I'm going to miss them dearly.

And the otters! They were adorable to read about, and I loved that every chapter was illustrated with a little otter to keep us company.

The author also tackled the troubles of chronic pain and various other sensitive issues throughout this novel and it was handled spectacularly! Having no previous knowledge of how intense chronic pain can be, it was a surprise as I read about a character's struggles and shared her agony.

Overall this was a delightful read! The pacing was very slow but despite that this book was an absolute treasure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Away with the penguins was a fantastic read that I adored so couldn’t wait to read this one!
This book centres around Al and his daughter Phoebe who have relocated to the country, we learn of Phoebe illness, the village characters as Al does his deliveries and the wonderful otter sanctuary.
The otter sanctuary provides Phoebe with a purpose and helps distract her from her illness particularly a little otter called coco who she cares for!
There is trouble and strife in the village and particularly the otter sanctuary, Phoebe puts on her detective head to try and solve the mystery but all dies not end well!
A lovely story but it just felt a little slow and drawn out for me.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

I have not read any Hazel Prior books before but I was attracted to the cover and premise of the story.

This was not a book that I rushed to finish, it wasn't a page turner, but it was an enjoyable easy read.

It was relatively slow paced which gave time for the characters to develop and did feature a 'who done it' line throughout to keep you guessing.

Overall a satisfying easy read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Hazel Prior and Random House UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.