I loved this book! It has wonderful characters, a great setting and holds your attention from the first page until the last. It's a heartwarming read that you hate to see end.
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love it every time I get to return to Puddleduck Farm. It really feels like coming home to friends and family, if only I lived on a farm! You could read this book as a stand-alone, but you would get a lot more out of it if you read it as part of the series and read the books in order as the relationships and friendships that are formed develop and deepen in every book.

Maggie, the feisty full of life grandma is getting married and we see a different side to her. Phoebe and Sam's relationship is still going strong, but can they keep it that way with their busy lives?

I simply love all these characters that Della has created and the animals with their personalities and stories are just the cherry on top!

I have read a few books by @portiamacintoshauthor and loved them all and this was no different. Nicole is such a feisty, independent lead and I found her so easy to relate to and I was desperate for her to find her happy ever after. When she reconnected with Dylan I loved their chemistry so much and wanted them to have their second chance they genuinely deserve. This was such a wonderfully written contemporary romance that I fell love with and I really hope there are more books in this series so I can lost in this world again.

I have adored each and every one of the Puddleduck books and I'm a little sad that this is to be the last.

I've been on board with Phoebe's journey to becoming the Puddleduck vet right from the beginning, so I'll definitely be missing her and the community. They're such wonderful, likeable characters that it feels like I'm saying goodbye to some old friends.

All loose ends are tied up nicely and I finished the book with a warm heart, and a smile on my face.

Living the Dream is a heartwarming read that's enjoyable, entertaining (especially Bridezilla Maggie) and has community spirit at its heart.

I love Dalton's writing style and look forward to reading more from her in the future.

It was lovely to be back at Puddleduck Farm and Puddleduck Vets again with Phoebe and the gang.

Phoebe's has just started a relationship with her long-time friend Sam, but unfortunately, with their busy lives, they are struggling to find time together. Alongside this, Phoebe is helping with the preparations for Maggie's wedding. With an 80 year old bridezilla, there are definitely some fun moments. Sam, meanwhile, has concerns about his mum. When we find out what's going on with her, I felt this was done in a sensitive manner.

I loved being able to meet all the characters from the previous books to find out what's going on with them. I thought it was nice that Phoebe's ex, Rufus, had his storyline running alongside, and I loved the outcome for him.

This is such a heartwarming read where the author pulls you right in. It is full of fun and friendship and if you like animals that's a bonus and I would definitely recommend you read it.

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Living The Dream at 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

Life would be idyllic if everyone else was on the same page… Puddleduck Vets Practice is busier than ever. Phoebe Dashwood is juggling the usual crazy animal antics of her quirky clients, whilst organising the wedding of her bridezilla grandmother and thankfully dating her perfect man.

Phoebe loves every minute of being a New Forest vet, even if she hardly has time to catch her breath. If only she could find some quality time for her and the man of her dreams, life would be perfect.

When an ex’s heartbreak stirs up some emotions from the past, Phoebe realises she must deal with some unfinished business. It would seem a miracle is needed to pull off a happy ending for everyone – but is it within Phoebe's power to work miracles?

My Opinion

The first thing I have to say about this book is that there is a duck named Quackhead - if that isn't enough to make you read then I am not sure what will. This is the fourth book in the Puddleduck Farm series and I would highly recommend that you read this series in order just so you know the full back story. I love returning to Puddleduck Farm as you never know what animals you are going to meet.

This is such a delightful book to read and it was just what I needed when I was feeling down. If you are an animal lover then this is a series for you. Della Galton has such a beautiful writing style that you will be able to picture what Phoebe's life is like.

Rating 4/5

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm ' by Della Galton.

Read and reviewed for Della Galton, Boldwood Books, Bold Book Club, Book & Tonic, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.

Publication date 29th February 2024.

This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the fourth book in the 'Puddleduck Farm' series I have also read ''Love Blossoms At Puddleduck Farm' which is the third book in the 'Puddleduck Farm' series which I would also highly recommend. All books in this series can be read as standalones.

This novel consists of 35 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely gorgeous page turner!! An absolute must read!!!

OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this gorgeous page-turner and although I am devastated that this is the finale in this incredible series I am so pleased that I still have the first two books to read so it isn't quite over for me yet!! Any books that revolve around animals is a HUGE bonus for me!!! I am a MASSIVE animal lover and all my pets have been rescues to then volunteering in rescues, working in rescues and now running my own little cat rescue (Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice which you can look up on Facebook if you are interested) so this book was a huge must read for me immediately!!! I really did absolutely love this unique, stunning page turner from the first page to the very last and cannot wait to get my hands on the first two books in this stunning series!!! Della's amazing writing skills and evocative descriptions drops the reader straight into the middle of Phoebe's life and Puddleduck Farm and Vets leaving them smelling the fresh air, feeding the menagerie of animals, relaxing and having a gorgeous holiday in the stunning countryside!!! I absolutely adored the cozy rural town vibe and it felt like coming back to a well known and loved holiday destination when I picked this book up! I was absolutely hooked throughout and could not put this down. I told myself time and time again I would just finish the chapter and then go to bed but something happened each and every time meaning I just had to read just one more, and then another until before I knew it I had completely devoured the book in one sitting. I genuinely felt like I had returned on another holiday with Phoebe and was devastated to come to the end of my holiday, returning back to reality and having to 'unpack my suitcase'!! I have never read a series filled with so many different animals before which made it unique and just LUSH!!!!! It really is just amazing and I absolutely love it and I really cannot compliment this book and series enough!!! This book is just what the doctor ordered for my own stress and each page I read I could feel myself relaxing more and more!!! This is one of those books that are very easy to read and perfect for any reading situations whether you are laying on a beach or curled up in front of a fire. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for a gorgeous and relaxing read that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Della's fantastic evocative writing skills. I cannot wait to get hooked into more of Della's books so I hope she is busy writing her next one while I get stuck into the previous books in this stunning series!! This is definitely one of those books that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter. It is packed with fun, laughter, animals, romance, friendships, a huge breathe of fresh air and everything you could ask for in a fantastic feel good book. Grab your copy today and fall in love with Puddleduck Farm yourself!!

Well done Della on yet another absolutely stunning and perfect addition and finale to this absolutely gorgeous series!!!

Although this is the fourth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I absolutely loved meeting them again as I was completely invested in them all from the moment I met them in 'Love Blossoms At Puddleduck Farm'. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. I absolutely LOVED Phoebe who really resonated with me, especially with her love of animals and wanting to help them all!!! It was amazing watching her look after the animals at her veterinary practice as well as getting to see her personal life including her relationship with Sam, her bond with her Gran Maggie, her friendships with Sam, Anni, Tori and many other characters and so much more!!! I loved seeing how she interacted with the animals who all had their own cheeky little personalities along with some of her unique (shall we say) customers and behaviourists!!! Some of the other characters I loved getting to know and looking forward to meeting again include Sam, Archie, Rufus, Max, Tori, Anni, Maggie, Eddie, Natasha, Marcus, Jenna and Nick just to name a few!! I also loved meeting Snowball, Tiny, Ninja and Saddam among the many other animals Each of the characters and animals are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group that I wont be forgetting any time soon! I am completely devastated that this is the last book in the series as I have loved getting to know them all so much, watching relationships and personalities change and so much more!! They all have felt like family and friends to me and I had a tear in my eye saying Goodbye!! However, I then realised that I actually still have the first two books in this series that I can go back to which I am absolutely landed about as I get to see them all again from the start!!! Della's incredible writing skills shows that she has really cared about these characters as she has made them so in depth and ensured the readers can really feel and see everything they are going through from the moment you meet them. Although I am sad that this is the last book in this series Della could not have ended it any better than she did and I am looking forward to seeing what amazing characters she comes up with next!!

Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner!

Congratulations Della on yet another absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I cannot wait to read more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Della's 'Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff' which is the first book in Della's 'Bluebell Cliff Series' which promises to be just as gorgeous as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!

Overall another unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with animals, romance, fun, laughter, friendship and so much more!! A perfectly relaxing and stunning unique read!!!!

330 pages.

This book is just £2.99, to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £10.57 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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I enjoyed this chapter of life at Puddleduck farm, where Phoebe is realising all her dreams but is finding it difficult to give her relationship with Sam the time it needs. Sam has poignant family issues, and the couple must work hard to keep moving forward positively. The build-up to Maggie's wedding provides some lighter moments, and the animals are full of surprises. I enjoy the characters, the realistic setting and the story's heartwarming ethos.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I have been a fan of Della and her work for quite a while now. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each and every book that she has written to date. I must admit that I particularly enjoy the series which is set at 'Puddleduck Farm'. I read and thoroughly enjoyed reading the first three books in the series and I have been (im)patiently waiting for the fourth book in the series to be released. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the fourth book in the 'Puddleduck Farm' series is called 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' and it was released on 29th February 2024. It's another superb addition to what is proving to be a superb series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' but more about that in a bit.

The fact that I saw Della's name on the cover of a book that I knew I hadn't read yet was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. Then when I started reading the story itself, I quickly realised three things. Firstly that I was in for a treat, secondly that I was going to become addicted to the story and thirdly that I wasn't going to be putting the book down any time soon. I was spot on with all three predictions. I started reading the story and basically didn't stop for a good two hours. I was blown away by the story and by the characters. In some cases I felt as though I had reunited with old friends in the form of certain characters. This was one of those books that really got under my skin to the extent that if I wasn't reading the story then I was thinking about it. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm'. I found 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' to be a delight to read from start to finish with lots of love, laughs and fun.

'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Della Galton. Della has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Della's books often feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Della's love for her characters shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I . As I mention earlier in this review certain characters felt more like friends rather than characters in a book. I love the way in which Della makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. This was one of those stories that left me feeling as though I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate - in other words I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Della's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is the fourth book in the Puddleduck Farm series. Phoebe and Sam are happy, but life is not without challenges. They both are so busy that finding enough time to spend together is tough. Phoebe's grandmother is also getting married, adding another thing to her plate. Sam also has some family issues to take care of that cause a little bit of friction. On top of that, Rufus re-enters the picture and her past walks right back into her present.

Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is another great book in a wonderful series by Della Galton. The author did a great job creating this world, setting it up, and developing the characters. I had fun reading about strong grandmas, supportive parents, and silly animals. There are realistically written stressful situations and hard decisions, but also ones filled with love, support, and fun. I loved being back on Puddleduck Farm.

Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is Della Galton’s latest story in the Puddleduck series and it’s wonderful.

The main focus of the story is Maggie and Eddie’s wedding and her constant changes of mind! From the date to her outfit, she can’t decide! Also, featuring a horse coming into the rescue - can her owners be found? Sadly, there are some personal issues going on for Sam’s family. Can everything come together for Christmas?

A lovely holiday read that you’ll devour quickly.

This is the fourth and final book in the Puddleduck Farm series by Della Galton. We catch up with Phoebe Dashwood and her vets practice, set in the New Forest. Pheobe's grandmother Maggie is getting married and turning into a bridezilla. Phoebe and Sam are trying to balance their relationship with a hefty workload. There is an entertaining cast of animals. All in all this is a lovely end to the series with all the loose ends from the previous books all neatly tied up. This is a treat to read. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood publishers for the ARC.

This was my first trip to Puddleduck Farm and it wasn't until the end that I realised it was the fourth in the series, so now I need to go back and read the others!

This was a delightful book to immerse myself in for a couple of days and I really enjoyed it. Full of kindness and love, hilarity and fun, Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm was a joy to read.

I don't think there was a character I didn't like and it was a pleasure to join them in their lives for just a while. In my head I was helping Phoebe in her vet's practice, riding alongside Sam as he took his horse Ninja out and helping Maggie with her wedding preparations. The animals are all incredibly entertaining and each and every one had their own part to play in the story.

If you're an animal lover and enjoy romance and fun in your stories, then I would definitely recommend you read Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm. I'm off to grab a cup of tea, one of Maggie's wonky mince pies and settle down with my next read for a few hours.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton.

Title: Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm By Della Galton


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

This review ended up being fashionably late because, surprise! I realised I was diving into the fourth book of the series just a few pages in. Not exactly a solo read, folks! So, I hit reverse and binged on all the earlier books like a bookish detective on a mission.

At Puddleduck Vets Practice, Phoebe Dashwood navigates through a whirlwind of quirky clients and animal shenanigans, all while juggling her grandmother's diva wedding and swooning over her Mr. Perfect. In the midst of this chaos, Phoebe adores her gig as a New Forest vet and yearns for some cozy moments with her hunk. But when old heartaches come knocking, Phoebe knows she's gotta face the music to pave the way for a happily-ever-after. With emotions on overdrive, Phoebe ponders if she's got what it takes to sprinkle some magic dust and conjure up the perfect finale for everyone involved.

"Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm" is like a cozy hug for the soul, filled with lovable characters, a captivating storyline, and heartwarming doses of love, friendship, and family vibes.

Whether you're a fan of romance, friendship, or heartwarming stories in general, this book has something for everyone. With its cute romance, dabs of friendship, and heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is sure to leave readers smiling and satisfied. Don't miss out on this enchanting journey of love and growth!

Life’s still very busy at Phoebe’s veterinary practice – and her demanding schedule is making it really difficult to find time to spend with Sam, however much she might want to. He’s rather under the cosh too – as well as his commitments at the stables and working at the village shop, he has good cause to be rather concerned about his mum’s recent behaviour, convinced that there’s something badly wrong that she’s unwilling to share. Meanwhile Maggie, Phoebe’s grandmother, is busy planning every small detail of her forthcoming wedding to the lovely Eddie – with plenty of laughs along the way but some moments of frustration too for everyone around her, and yet another call on Phoebe’s precious spare time. And how are things with Rufus, up at Beechbrook House? With his relationship with Phoebe having foundered and son Archie heading away to school, he needs a new focus in his life – only to find change rather forced on him by family circumstances.

While the approach of Maggie’s wedding and Sam and Phoebe’s attempts to move their relationship to the next level driving the narrative, along with the slow unfolding of the situation with Sam’s mother – very real, and so sensitively handled – and the possibility of Rufus finding some happiness of his own, there’s also all the business as usual in the animal world. There’s a litter of abandoned dalmatian puppies who are yet to gain their spots (and the one they really didn’t want to part with…), a rearing horse with a bit of a mystery attached whose owners need to be found, and an emergency involving an inquisitive duck called Quackhead – and, of course, the ongoing stories of the longstanding residents at the rescue centre, including barn cat Saddam who might just be beginning to respond to Marcus’ attempts at behavioural therapy instead of terrorising anyone within spitting distance.

This really was the loveliest read – with individuals I’ve really grown to care about over the course of their developing stories. But if you’re late to the series, don’t be put off – you could very comfortably read it as a standalone, be equally engaged, and enjoy the author’s excellent storytelling as much as I did. And I really did like the way she brought all the threads to a close – tying up all the loose ends – with such a perfectly uplifting ending. In fact, this book rather felt like it might be the last one in the series – I might be wrong about that though, and I’d certainly be more than happy to return to Puddleduck Farm and the beautiful New Forest setting if the author has more stories to tell. I thoroughly enjoyed it – and it’s a book I’d very much recommend to others.

well i devoured this book!
i have been lucky enough to read this entire series so i was already invested in the characters and the story but you could read this as a standalone book too.
it really is a well written warm fun story

The third book of this series, the grand finale some my say. I’d recommend reading the previous books before this one as it ties up loose ends and clears up situations from the previous book.
I must admit I wasn’t keen on the romantic developments in the last book, I didn’t really see the connection other than being best friends. It was obvious Sam adored Phoebe, but she wasn’t overly sure, and it took some time. Personally, I thought she was settling for someone she knew loved her rather than actually feeling it herself. I’m not actually fully convinced even after this book, but I do like all the characters and it’s nice to read stories that have positive endings.
We catch up with everyone throughout the book and see how their story plays out. We even see Rufus going through some emotional ups and downs and discovering support in the most unexpected place, he finally finds what he needs and it definitely comes with a bigger surprise than any of us expected.
I enjoy Dellas storytelling, it is well paced and keeps you entertained from start to finish. I have always enjoyed the inclusion of animals and their antics, and this time was no different.
A lovely way to end the series!

I love Puddleduck Farm and getting to go back with each story! All of them are heartwarming and uplifting tales that charm, uplift, and thoroughly entertain readers. Della Galton's latest novel, "Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm", immerses readers in the charming world of the Puddleduck Vets Practice. Taking readers back to the New Forest, this book is the fourth installment in the delightful Puddleduck Farm series.

Meet Phoebe Dashwood. She is a spirited veterinarian juggling the delightful chaos of quirky animal clients. The clinic keeps her on her toes. She's also busy organizing her grandmother's wedding. This task is proving to be as challenging as diagnosing a mysterious ailment in a rare mammal. She is in a relationship with the man of her dreams yet an ex-lover resurfaces, stirring up emotions from the past. Will she confront unfinished business as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and forgiveness?

Galton's writing is one I love. It’s as warm and comforting as a cup of cocoa or tea on a chilly evening, leaving you wrapped in a warm sherpa blanket. She tells tales of friendship, self-acceptance, and the healing power of community. The animals she pens add an extra layer of charm and become a part of your extended book family.

The New Forest setting is one I love revisiting, as it comes alive through Galton's vivid descriptions. As always, the Puddleduck book is more than a romance. In the whole, it’s a celebration of life's messy and imperfect beauty. Sometimes, the most extraordinary moments occur in the ordinary.

Let Galton take you away to Puddleduck Farm. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll fall in love. It’s now available in bookstores today, Happy Leap Day!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It was so brilliant to be back at Puddleduck Farm again! I love the wonderful characters from this lovely series, and I was thrilled to see Phoebe and Sam progress with their new found romance.
I work at a veterinary practice, so these books really interest me, and I can honestly say they are very well written, and I especially liked the behavioural side of the story.
It was great to catch up with Rufus too and to see his progression with his life after Phoebe.
I enjoyed the mystery regarding the found horse, and the other rescued animals too.
Such a fantastic community that Della creates. The inclusion of various mental health issues is done incredibly sensitively and adds an additional layer to the storytelling.
Such an uplifting and engaging story, I love spending time at Puddleduck Farm.

Yet another wonderful book by Della Galton. With loveable characters and beautiful narratives making it a heart warming winter read.