I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This beautiful romance follows Jade and Finn as they are happily settling into life together at the Duck Pond Cottage and looking after the animals in the rescue centre. Including a very rude parrot.

They are looking to the future, and possibly even setting a date for their wedding thanks to a friend.

With secrets previously uncovered, they still struggle to trust each other and when Finn seems distant, she wonders what he may be hiding from her.

Is Finn hiding anything? Will they continue their happy lives together?

This romance is a beautiful read, there wasn’t a moment I wanted to stop reading I just wanted to keep finding more out about the characters’ lives.

There are many humorous moments, mostly with the animals involved, but it lightens the mood.

I have loved this series so far and look forward to reading more about the future of Jade and Finn.

Overall, a beautiful romance where Jade and Finn try to work through the trust issues they have in their relationship, whilst looking after many animals in the rescue centre.

Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage 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

Can love conquer all?

Jade and Finn are idyllically happy in their little corner of rural Wiltshire. A rescue centre jampacked with animals keeps them super busy. With Finn’s art going from strength to strength, Jade can’t believe they’re living the dream until an arrogant property developer with questionable motives jeopardises their perfect lives and the future plans of the rescue centre.

Jade and Finn both have trust issues and they’ve promised there’ll be no more secrets. But keeping promises is harder than either of them imagined, especially where Finn’s past is concerned.

Living with Mr Spock the potty-mouthed parrot and Mickey the dog who barks at TV baddies there's never a dull moment at Duck Pond Rescue. But will the humans get their ‘happy-ever-after’ too?

Can they lay the ghosts of the past to rest and find a bright new future together?

My Opinion

It was lovely to be back at Duck Pond Cottage with Jade, Finn and all of their animals. Della Galton has once again written a delightful story. Whilst this would work as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading both books in the correct order. As the title suggests there are a lot of secrets within these pages. A heart-warming tale.

Rating 4/5

Jade is the owner at Duck Pond Sanctuary, a place where animals are hosted to be rehomed. At the beginning I thought this book was not my cup of tea, but then I've changed my mind! The topics of friendship and what family really means, together with all the animals and beautiful paradise of the sanctuary concur to build a very nice and ease book to read if you feel you just need to relax and receive good vibes.
I would say the target is young adult, mid-school, as descriptions are quite childish, but anyway, I've spent nice and sweet hours in company of the characters at Duck Pond.

Having met Jade and Finn in the first book, I was eager to see how their relationship had evolved and whether their pact not to keep secrets had coped with the stresses of the early days. Everything seemed to be perfect, and the harmony that they had discovered was definitely evident. It was lovely to catch up with some of the characters that book one introduced us to, along with some new ones who brought some serious twists to their idyllic lives.
Neither Finn nor Jade intended to keep secrets, but they both failed to be wholly honest with each other. There’s nothing sinister about their lack of candour; it’s more an issue with timing. Both are desperate to discuss their experiences with the other, but pressures from their lives are a major contributing factor to their choices to remain quiet.
Once again, there is entertainment in animal form, ranging from a foul-mouthed parrot named Mr Spock to a whole flock of geese. There’s even a litter of gorgeous puppies to find homes for. All in a day’s work for this delightful Wiltshire rescue centre.
Once again, Della Galton has imagined and introduced a glorious selection of characters who add wonderful depth to this delightful story. Each one is perfectly developed, and their traits are becoming more recognisable with each story. I particularly enjoyed the connection between Finn and his newly discovered son. They are a delight to witness, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
However, the main focus is on Jade and Finn, and I am thoroughly enjoying seeing their romance develop. Their relationship flourishes each visit, and I am very much looking forward to what is yet to come for the pair.
As we are only on book two, there’s plenty of time to catch up and enjoy this lovely series.

Jade and Finn enjoy their time together, although life is busy with the animal rescue centre and family. As they settle into life as a couple, new challenges and secrets rock their romantic idyll. Jade and Finn experience an emotional journey with career successes and family secrets. It's an immersive story, a mix of poignancy and uplifting moments with characters that you invest in. I like the contemporary relevance, the family drama, friendships and romance and, of course, the delightful animal characters, especially the cat and the parrot. If you follow this author, you will recognise some of the old friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This is one of those books that you should really read the first in the series before this latest one to fully appreciate it. Jade and Finn are happily settled at the Duck Pond Rescue Centre until the farm next door is put up for sale and Finn starts looking for his long absent mother.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage, and this one has added to it. A book set around an animal rescue centre will always pull at the heart strings. The "evil" developer of the farm next door might be a touch cartoonish, but the search for Finn's mother feels very real. There is the thread that family isn't just blood, but friendship that also rings true. Overall a warm, cozy story of the type that I enjoy and I was pleased to see that the stage has been set for the next book in the series and I'm looking forward to reading that.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

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

I enjoyed reading this book by Della Galton.

It’s the story of Jade and Finn who continue to work together looking after the animals and towards their happy ever after.

There’s some secrets that have been kept and a suspicious property developer who isn’t exactly being honest.

I loved everything about this book, especially Mr Spock with his language, which made me laugh.

The secrets also had their own surprises. I also loved that Phoebe was a part of the story, who was a main character from the previous series, working together to care for animals.

I highly recommend this book.

this is the second book in the series about Jade and Finn who are engaged and run an animal sanctuary. sweet quick read.

I really enjoy Della Galton’s books and this is no exception. The rescue centre and all its residents, human and animal, lives are disrupted when a very arrogant property developer buys the farm next door and proposes to build houses. Jade had originally agreed to purchase the land directly next to the rescue centre but it turns out that that will not be possible. What can they do to stop the development going ahead? This is full of heartwarming moments as well as secrets and challenges, including the trust between the two main characters Jade and Finn being tested. I must say that I do like how characters from her previous books are weaved into the story. As always some of the animals , like parrot Mr Spock and Mickey the dog, centre stage! Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage follows Jade and Finn as they continue to navigate their happy ever after but with family dramas and property developers sniffing around it isn't a easy ride. I enjoyed everything about this book especially the naughty but cute animals. Mr Spock is a stand out with his cussing language he had me in fits of laughter and I need Mr Spock in my life. Jade and Ben remind me a lot of myself as I would rescue and go beyond for animals too. The family drama plotted had a few surprises that I wasn't expecting at all. I enjoyed the brief appearance of Phoebe from a previous series and I love how the rescues work together. It's a heartwarming story filled with my favourite thing in the world ANIMALS!

This heartwarming novel follows Finn and Jade, an engaged couple juggling wedding planning, their bustling animal sanctuary, and their busy daily lives. Finn, an aspiring artist, gets a chance to make it big, while Jade hopes to acquire neighboring land to expand Duck Pond Cottage. However, both face unexpected challenges—personally and professionally—that could change everything.

This was a charming and quick read, perfect for a vacation or a relaxing afternoon. While the story was fairly low-key, it kept me engaged with just enough twists and turns to hold my interest. Finn and Jade’s relationship was lovely to follow, and I enjoyed seeing how they navigated their daily challenges together. Their interactions with others added warmth and depth, making the book even more enjoyable.

Overall, this is a cozy, feel-good read, perfect for those who enjoy light, low-stakes romance with an established couple working through life together. If you’re looking for an easygoing story with a touch of drama but no heavy tension, this book is a great choice.

This is the second book in this delightful series but could be read as a standalone. Perfect for fans of this authors puddle-duck farm series as this story incorporates some of the characters from there.

This instalment shines a light on the relationship between jade and Finn and compromises of their story.

A heartwarming and uplifting quick read which was perfect escapism and covered a lot of family issues along with .some funny animal antidotes.

Looking forward to seeing where this series takes the reader next

This was a great read following the family, friends and animals at Duck Pond Cottage, Great characters and the parrot was so very funny. Jade and Finn's story made for a great read showing the importance of family and friends. I look forward to reading another installment in this series.

Wonderful to be back at Duck Pond Cottage with Jade and Finn. This is the second instalment and what a delight it is. The characters are so true to believe and I felt fully immersed in the story so much so I felt I was living in Duck Pond cottage along with them all. I loved every page of this book and I cannot wait for the next instalment.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.

I received a free copy of, Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage, by Della Galton, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 of 2 in The Duck Pond Cottage Series. Jade an Finn are happily running their animal rescue, until an interloper wants to change everything, can they trust each other to get through this? This was an enjoyable read.

Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage is a lovely book. I didn't realize that it was the second in a series, but that did not diminish my enjoyment or understanding of the book. Galton did a wonderful job of bringing the delightful characters to life. However, the descriptions of the animal santuary’s residents antics are what really stole my heart. I want to be a part of this world and a character in this book. I can't wait to read the next installment! What a fun, cozy read!

This story is about Jade and Finn. They’re both busy with the rescue and Finn’s art career. There’s a lot going on in this book. There’s some secrets and other side plots that threaten their happiness. It’s nice to revisit the Duck Pond and everyone there.

Simply awesome! This is such a wonderful series, just like the Puddleduck series. More trials, tribulations and celebrations at Duck Pond Rescue. Secrets kept and revealed, found family, and a fun twist in the middle. Jade, Finn, Ben and the rest are great characters. And the ending ... now I'm dying to find out how that turns out!
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Della Galton for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

Great return to the Duck Pond Cottage. Jade and Finn are living in the idyllic countryside in a wonderful animal rescue sanctuary. Finns art is going places and has an exhibition coming up. Jade is over the moon that her neighbours have sold her some of their land. Than it all goes pear shaped.
Loving this series and looking forward to coming back to the cottage for future visits.

"Summer Secrets at Duck Pond Cottage" by Della Galton is the second instalment in the Duck Pond Cottage series. Although I haven’t read the first book, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this one.
The story revolves around Jade and Finn, an engaged couple running an animal rescue centre while planning their wedding. The plot is heartwarming and filled with the ups and downs of their daily lives at the centre. Despite the challenges they face, I loved how they tackled everything together without letting it affect their relationship.
This book is a quick, easy read that warmed my heart. The witty banter between the characters and the humorous moments added so much charm to the story. The parrot, in particular, had me laughing out loud!
I highly recommend this book to fans of cozy, small-town romances, animal lovers, and anyone looking for an uplifting and feel-good read.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.