After her estranged mother's death, Jade Foster opens Duck Pond Rescue, an animal sanctuary, while struggling with feelings of worthlessness. Finn, an artist posing as a handyman, arrives to help with renovations, while Aiden, the local vet, believes Finn isn't good enough for Jade. As they navigate a tangled story filled with sweet, fun moments, connections to Puddleduck Farm and a few challenges add humor and depth. The book offers a charming read, with engaging characters and anticipation for the next installment in the series.

Okay so i want to state firstly that "A new arrival at the Duck Pond Cottage" was incredibly cute and cozy with drama and tension between different characters. However this book was incredibly slow and tbh nothing would happen for multiple pages. The premises and space for events were there but i just felt like it could either have been shorter or events could have been added. I also felt like things were repeating themselves on some parts so it kinda brought my rating down. However this book for sure delivered a cute and cozy romance setting with a hint of drama and im all here for it!

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC!

This had a little bit of a slow start for me and then piqued my interest as the story progressed. Finn and Ben were by far my favorite characters. I loved how Jade worked so hard to rescue so many animals and made it her life's work.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Really strong start to a new series, I really enjoyed the premise of the book and was great to escape to the countryside to read, look forward to seeing the series and characters develop further

Jade has her animal rescue which is what she’s always wanted. She runs into Finn several times before he starts helping her at the rescue.
This book has a big secret that really affects several characters. It’s a fast moving book with some romance
Some characters from this author’s other books cross over a little bit. It added to the story.
It’s a perfect beach read.

This was a cute story. I love the small town feeling and am partial to books with more going on than just the romance and this story was exactly that. This book and its set of characters are perfect for the cozy vibes and I'm excited to see what's to come in this series!

I read this as an ARC on NetGalley. This was a wonderful book about Duck Pond animal Rescue and the owner Jade. This book has wonderful characters, a secret child, animals and romance. I cannot wait to read more in this series and more by this author!

Absolutely loved this uplifting story about love and friendships.

Such a heartwarming and easy read. Jade is devastated that she’s lost her mother and never really got close to her. She meets Finn who is also at a crossroads they begin to work together and develop a close bond.

I love that there’s lots of sub plots which are interspersed throughout the story.

Loved it!

This is the first book that I read by a “new to me author”. I found out that she has written many books, which I now need to add to my ever growing to-be-read list!

I enjoyed Della Galton’s creation of a wonderful plot full of great characters, which included many animals! I was immediately drawn into the story and cared about so many of the people I met through reading the pages. So much emotion was going through me as I read about new love forming, and also heartbreak that was surely to come from secrets kept.

As always, in a romance book, all will be well by the end, as was in this case. That is why I read this genre. I want happy endings.

I want to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

I received a free copy of, A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage, by Della Galton. from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jade Foster lost her mother and ended her relationship, and start over by opening an animal rescue, she has Finn and vet Aiden vying for her attention, but Jade is not ready for a relationship quite yet. This was an interesting read.

new-series, first-in-series, romance, rescue-animals, veterinarian, rural, The New Forest, England, family-by-choice, family-drama, family-dynamics, secrets, lies, rehabilitation, remorse, relationship-issues, relationships, relatives, jealousy, self-worth-issues, estranged, inheritance, entanglements, HEA*****

After her estranged mother's death Jade Foster sets up an animal sanctuary, Duck Pond Rescue. She believes in the cause but feels a need to avoid people because she feels worthless. Finn is a jack-of-all-trades (but is really an artist) who comes to stay and work rehabbing the buildings. Aiden is the local vet who thinks that Finn is not good enough for Jade. Very entangled story but well worth reading.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a lovely read, the characters were great as was the storyline. I would recommend.

after the death of her mother and a breakup with her boyfriend, Jade uses her inheritance to buy a small holding and set up and animal rescue. sweet story.

I'm going to keep it 100 - this book is super cute and has a great premise, but I think my ADHD had a big part in why I couldn't enjoy this book as much. The pacing with this book is SLOWWWW and felt like it was painfully dragging on. I found myself speed reading and skimming at some parts because NOTHING WAS HAPPENING. It was tough for me to get through, but I think that if this book lands in the right hands that it will be enjoyed and loved. I just don't think that I have the right attention span to give this book what it deserves, which is a bummer, because I really wanted to enjoy it.

I found myself most invested in the main character's best friend's son Ben -- the twist involved with him was really well done and I was SO FIRED UP about it. Sarah was a shitty person for the way she handled the situation with Ben's dad and I'm glad that Jade ended up betraying her trust to expose the truth!

I think that animal & romance lovers who can handle SLLLOOWWWWW books that lack dialogue will enjoy this book more than I did.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review - I am certain I have friends who would love this & that this book will be appreciated by a different audience. I would be willing to give other books from Della Galton a try in the future.

Ready for a new start, Jade Foster buys a smallholding and sets us an animal sanctuary, Duck Pond Rescue. Looking after the animals is Jade’s dream but when she realises she needs help with the maintenance she recruits Finn McTaggart as a handyman.
Although Jade and Finn get along well, Aiden the local Vet, is far from happy about Finn being at the rescue centre. Aiden has long held a torch for Jade, if only she felt the same.
As Jade and Finn begin to get closer it’s not only Aidens resentment getting in the way. Jade is hiding a secret, one that could blow apart any bonds they make.
If you like your romance sprinkled with animals and friendship this is the perfect book. I can’t wait to read more in this series.

ARC Book Review: *A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage* by Della Galton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 Stars)

*The New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage* by Della Galton is a beautifully written, heartwarming story that marks the beginning of an exciting new series filled with charm, romance, and emotional depth. With its idyllic setting, a strong sense of community, and relatable characters, this novel delivers a perfect blend of warmth, healing, and second chances. Fans of cozy, feel-good reads are sure to fall in love with Duck Pond Lane and the characters who call it home.

**Overview:**
After the sudden death of her mother and the end of a painful relationship, Jade Foster decides it’s time for a fresh start. Fueled by her love for animals and a desire to do something meaningful, she uses her inheritance to purchase a smallholding in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside. Here, she dreams of creating a sanctuary for animals in need—Duck Pond Lane Rescue. But as she quickly discovers, turning that dream into reality is no small feat.

To help her bring her vision to life, Jade hires Finn McTaggart, a man with a troubled past and plenty of secrets. At the same time, she forms a friendship with Aiden Southerland, the local vet who is drawn to Jade’s kindness and resilience. Though Jade insists she’s not ready for romance, both men can’t help but fall for her, leading to a rivalry that adds plenty of tension to the story.

However, beneath the charming countryside setting and budding relationships lies a dark secret from the past that threatens to unravel everything Jade has worked so hard to build. As the truth comes to light, all three characters must face their demons and learn that love and healing aren’t always straightforward.

**Review:**
Della Galton has crafted a lovely and uplifting story that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of community. Jade is a character you can’t help but root for—she’s kind-hearted, determined, and relatable in her struggle to move forward from the pain of her past. Her journey from heartbreak to healing is both inspiring and realistic, as she learns to open herself up to the possibility of new relationships and the idea that sometimes, love comes from unexpected places.

The supporting characters are equally well-drawn. Finn is a complex and brooding character with hidden depths, while Aiden is a sweet, steady presence who brings warmth to the story. The dynamics between the three of them are engaging and filled with subtle tension, as the novel balances the romantic triangle without leaning into clichés.

The setting is a standout feature of the novel. The picturesque Wiltshire countryside and the charming smallholding create an enchanting backdrop that adds to the comforting, cozy feel of the story. The vivid descriptions of the cottage, the animals, and the surrounding nature truly immerse you in the world of Duck Pond Lane, making it the perfect escape for readers who love stories set in quaint, rural locations.

**Microtropes:**
1. **Found Family**: Jade’s growing bond with Finn, Aiden, and the community embodies the idea of creating a family out of friends and neighbors.
2. **Second Chances**: All three main characters are given a chance at healing and finding happiness after past trauma.
3. **Brooding Love Interest**: Finn is the classic troubled, mysterious hero with a heart of gold beneath his rough exterior.
4. **Animal Sanctuary**: The central theme of rescuing animals adds warmth and depth to the story, making it even more charming for animal lovers.
5. **Love Triangle**: Though the romance is gentle and slow-burn, the rivalry between Finn and Aiden brings a subtle tension that keeps the reader invested.

**Why It Stands Out:**
*A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage* shines in its ability to balance heartfelt emotion with light, feel-good storytelling. Galton’s writing is engaging, with just the right mix of humor, heartache, and hope. The novel tackles serious topics like grief, regret, and finding a way to rebuild after life falls apart, but does so with a touch of optimism that leaves you with a smile by the end.

The pacing is smooth, allowing the relationships and plot to develop naturally without rushing the characters’ growth. The mystery of Finn’s past and the secret that threatens to disrupt everything adds a layer of intrigue, giving the book a little more depth than the average cozy romance.

**Final Thoughts:**
If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome read with endearing characters and a story that feels like a warm hug, *A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage* is a perfect choice. Della Galton has created a world that is easy to get lost in, with characters you’ll want to revisit in future books. This series is off to a strong start, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in Duck Pond Lane.

Highly recommended for fans of heartfelt contemporary fiction, uplifting romances, and stories where both people and animals find second chances at love and happiness.

A wonderful start to a new series that has family, friendships, secrets, new beginnings and of course romance. Jade Foster sets up Duck Pond Lane Rescue after the death of her mother and also after deciding that vet school isn’t for her. Determined to give animals a second chance she throws everything into her new venture but even though she has volunteers she could still do with some more permanent help. She employs Finn McTaggart and they get on really well but local vet Aiden isn’t too pleased as he would like a relationship with Jade and sees Finn as a threat. There is also a secret that Jade and best friend Sarah are keeping from Finn that could change everything. This is such a warm and cosy story with wonderful characters who are all very much individuals. I loved how there is a connection to Della’s previous series Puddleduck Farm. Can’t wait for the next one! Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

This is the story of Jade who has set up an animal rescue centre following the death of her mother.
This is a sweet story but I found it a bit predictable too early in the book.

Ich habe mich über das Buch sehr gefreut. Es ist nicht nur fließend zum lesen sondern auch sehr spannend.

After quitting vet school and the death of her mother, Jade buys a run down small holding where she starts to run a animal sancatuary. The different between this and Della's fabulous Puddleduck Farm series is that Jade finds herself trapped between a man she has no interest in and one who is the secret father of her best friend's son. Throw in a dog with an attutide problem, a cameo with Maggie and crew at Puddleduck and you've got Duck Pond Rescue.

Who will Jade chose? Will Aiden (who's creepy as anything) get the message she's not interested and will FInn find out then forgive Jade for keeping her best friend's secret from him?

Find out in this autumn's must read new book by Della.