Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary.
She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest.
So why isn’t she blissfully happy?
Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list.
Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage.
Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm?
Della Galton (aka Della Parker) writes novels set in Dorset, featuring quirky characters and very often a dog or two. She's had more than 2000 short stories published and she's run out of fingers to count her books on.
She is a popular speaker at writing conventions and the agony aunt for Writers' Forum Magazine.
When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside and beaches.
This is book 3 of 5 in the Puddleduck Farm series. This instalment sees her vet practice doing well. Finally after breaking up with her cheating ex she is finally ready to dip her toe into dating again.
She decides that the rather offish series Rufus Holt (aka the Lord of the manor) is for her. After all the chemistry between them is off the chart.
The only snag is he is not over his late wife and the circumstances of her passing has left him with PTSD. But for a couple who should be in the early days of a relationship work commitments meant they have barely seen it each other. When they do meet conversations often feel awkward, should it be this difficult?
How will it ever progress, her ex was all buttoned up re his feelings, now here she goes again.
Later on in the book Phoebe comes to the realisation that there is someone on the horizon that has been staring her in the face and in plain sight, what will she do?
Returning to Puddleduck Farm was something to look forward to. I can’t say that I enjoyed it as much as the first book, but it was definitely nice to revisit the characters and of course all the lovely animals. Phoebe is extremely busy with her vet practice and is working on her relationship with Rufus, which seems to be faltering, while her grandmother Maggie’s romance seems to be blossoming. While Phoebe tries to sort out her romance with Rufus, she tends to lots of the local animals, including a herd of sick alpacas. Sweet story that is part of a series but could totally be read as a stand-alone. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Another great story from Galton, I am really enjoying reading this series. Once more, I found myself slipping into this joyful book with lovely references to the beautiful New Forest, as readers see what happens next to Phoebe and Puddleduck Farm.
To be honest, the Farm does not feature as much in this story as Galton moves to focus on Phoebe’s new veterinary surgery. Recognisable animals from the previous books do make an appearance, including the donkeys and Saddam, but it is also the quirky and unpredictable pets that visit Phoebe’s surgery that add to the entertainment. From animal behaviourists to a herd of guinea pigs, not to mention poorly alpacas and an injured cat, this story has something for everyone.
Once again there is a blend of good humoured stories and the more realistic ones. When Sam has to bring his cat to Phoebe for help, I couldn’t help but well up about the situation. It came as a surprise for me, considering that this scene does occur quite early on in the book, but this just added to the plot development as a whole.
Yet, it is not just about the animals. In this book, Phoebe’s relationship with Rufus has taken another step forwards and she is hopeful that they are now going to be progressing on a more romantic level. However, both Rufus and Phoebe are literally here, there and everywhere thanks to their work commitments. Whilst Phoebe juggles an increasingly busy surgery and being on call, Rufus struggles to keep on top of the demands of running the estate when his father cannot handle so much as he used to. You can see the deterioration in Phoebe and Rufus’s relationship, but Galton does not make it clear whether this is a hurdle the couple can overcome for the better. How can they prioritise one another when their free time is so limited?
A lovely return to Phoebe and life in the New Forest. This is a series that just keeps on giving. I can’t quite decide if it is the location, the characters or the animals that make this the most enjoyable but, it’s definitely a great recipe for a heart-warming series.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series by Della Galton. This is the 3rd book and finally Phoebe and Rufus have got together. But life is getting in the way and they find that there is always something else that gets in the way of their relationship. There are also funny moments especially when Saddam the cat is around. It was also lovely to have a crossover from Della's Bluebell Cliff series when the eccentric chef Mr B makes a cameo appearance The books are pure escapism, easy reads and ideal holiday books
Review for 'Love Blossoms At Puddleduck Farm ' by Della Galton.
Read and reviewed for Della Galton, Boldwood Books, Book & Tonic, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 26th August 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Puddleduck Farm' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 38 chapters. 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.
Where the heck have you been hiding all my life Della!!! Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely gorgeous page turner!! An absolute must read!!!
OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this gorgeous pageturner and I cannot WAIT for the next book in this series to come out along with getting stuck in to all the previous books!! It is just guaranteed to be stunning!! I could have absolutely sworn I had read at least one book in this amazing series before I started reading this and even when reading it I felt like I already knew the characters. However I searched in Goodreads and it turns out this is the first book I have read by this fantastic author which just goes to show how amazing her fantastic evocative writing skills are when you start a series third book in and already feel like you are coming back to good friends. This has never actually happened to me before so an absolutely HUMONGOUS WELL DONE to Della!!! 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 next book in this stunning series the second it is available!!! Della's excellent 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 I'm looking forward to my next holiday to Puddleduck Farm and Vets !! 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 gone on 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 book 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 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 an absolutely stunning and perfect start to what promises to be a gorgeous series!!!
This may be the first book I have read by Della but I cannot wait to get hold of more books by this extremely talented author!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.
Although this is the third 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 was completely invested in them all. 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 struggles with Rufus, 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, Seth, Eddie, Natasha, Knickerbocker Gloria 😂, Marcus, Jenna and Nick just to name a few!! I also loved meeting Snowball, Tiny, Cindy, 😭 , Ninja and Saddam among the many other animals and look forward to seeing all humans and animals again and hopefully very soon!!!! Not so much Judy and her family or Hugh!! 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!
Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner!
Congratulations Della on an absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I am absolutely mind blown that I have never read any of your absolutely gorgeous books yet!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! Welcome to 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 promises to be just as gorgeous as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, alpacas, romance, fun, laughter, friendship and so much more!! A perfectly relaxing and stunning unique read!!!!
336 pages.
This book is just £1.39, to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 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.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.
Review for 'Love Blossoms At Puddleduck Farm ' by Della Galton.
Read and reviewed for Della Galton, Boldwood Books, Book & Tonic, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 26th August 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Puddleduck Farm' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 38 chapters. 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.
Where the heck have you been hiding all my life Della!!! Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely gorgeous page turner!! An absolute must read!!!
OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this gorgeous pageturner and I cannot WAIT for the next book in this series to come out along with getting stuck in to all the previous books!! It is just guaranteed to be stunning!! I could have absolutely sworn I had read at least one book in this amazing series before I started reading this and even when reading it I felt like I already knew the characters. However I searched in Goodreads and it turns out this is the first book I have read by this fantastic author which just goes to show how amazing her fantastic evocative writing skills are when you start a series third book in and already feel like you are coming back to good friends. This has never actually happened to me before so an absolutely HUMONGOUS WELL DONE to Della!!! 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 next book in this stunning series the second it is available!!! Della's excellent 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 I'm looking forward to my next holiday to Puddleduck Farm and Vets !! 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 gone on 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 book 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 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 an absolutely stunning and perfect start to what promises to be a gorgeous series!!!
This may be the first book I have read by Della but I cannot wait to get hold of more books by this extremely talented author!!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.
Although this is the third 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 was completely invested in them all. 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 struggles with Rufus, 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, Seth, Eddie, Natasha, Knickerbocker Gloria 😂, Marcus, Jenna and Nick just to name a few!! I also loved meeting Snowball, Tiny, Cindy, 😭 , Ninja and Saddam among the many other animals and look forward to seeing all humans and animals again and hopefully very soon!!!! Not so much Judy and her family or Hugh!! 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!
Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner!
Congratulations Della on an absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I am absolutely mind blown that I have never read any of your absolutely gorgeous books yet!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! Welcome to 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 promises to be just as gorgeous as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, alpacas, romance, fun, laughter, friendship and so much more!! A perfectly relaxing and stunning unique read!!!!
336 pages.
This book is just £1.39, to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 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.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.
This is third in the glorious Puddleduck series. Whilst it can read as a standalone, you'll not get the full experience and won't know the back stories of returning characters. Treat yourself, start from the beginning!
I've been on board with the series from our very first visit to Puddleduck and I immediately fell in love with the characters and their surroundings. And the animals, they're my favourite part of the book, they all have their own uniqueness and the book wouldn't be the same without them, especially Saddam!
Puddleduck Farm is the perfect place to escape the mundane, it's enjoyable, heartwarming and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
As I was there on its opening day, it was so lovely to return to Puddleduck Farm and see how things were going at Phoebe’s veterinary clinic – business is good, but she really does need to stop discounting her rates every time she feels sorry for the animals’ owners. There are a few small niggles between the staff working there too – and, this time, a health issue at the nearby alpaca farm that she’s really struggling to resolve. Her private life isn’t going entirely smoothly either, unlike that of her loved-up grandmother Maggie – although committed to her new relationship with lord-of-the-manor Rufus, and especially enjoying the company of his entrepreneurial young son Archie, it’s so difficult for them to find time to spend together that it’s more of a friendship than a romance.
While I’m always a fan of the author’s writing, this really was a book that got everything absolutely right. There’s the perfect balance between the well-researched and realistic day-to-day business of the surgery and the human stories – as well as the progress of Phoebe and Rufus’ relationship, there’s a focus on Maggie and her new beau, life changes for best friend Tori, and the lovely Sam’s attempts to move on. And there are certainly quite a few emotional moments – all beautifully handled – but plenty to laugh about too, with a far larger cast of guinea pigs than you might be expecting, and the attempts to find an animal behaviourist who might finally manage to tame (not a chance!) feral cat Saddam and stop him terrorising every small dog who comes within spitting distance.
Every single character, however minor, is beautifully drawn – you could easily read this book as a standalone, but might find you’re more invested in the individuals’ lives if you read it as part of the series. One boo-hiss character from the past does make an unwelcome appearance, although it turns out to be particularly well-timed – and there’s a far more welcome (and enjoyable) cameo from a favourite character from the Bluebell Cliff series, with more than a few laughs along the way. And the twists and turns of the individual stories really were entirely unexpected, and none more so than Phoebe’s – but I was delighted to discover how entirely satisfying I found the outcome to be.
With the usual warmth to the author’s writing, the wonderful storytelling, and a number of intriguing threads, this was a book I very much enjoyed. One to leave you with a smile on your face, and very much recommended.
It was a pleasure to return to Puddleduck Farm and catch up with Phoebe and the rest of the locals. Of course, when I say locals, I’m including all the wonderful animals at the sanctuary, especially Saddam, the feral cat. When we last met up with Phoebe, things were looking up on the romantic front for many of the characters and Phoebe seemed to be settled into her new relationship with local gentry, Rufus Holt. As we catch up, it’s easy to see that although her grandmother, Maggie is finding her romance to be fulfilling, Phoebe’s relationship is faltering. Phoebe and Rufus are still committed to each other, but their lives are getting in the way of any real romance. I do enjoy Della Galton’s writing style and find that her books pull me right into the heart of the story. This is the third book in this series, but it can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone. Something that I have always enjoyed about her writing. Despite this being part of a completely different set of stories, I was delighted to spot a crossover cameo from the Bluebell Cliff series. The main story does revolve around Phoebe and her veterinary practice, but I also enjoyed the storylines for Maggie, Sam, and Tori. I enjoyed catching up with how their lives were progressing with their new romances and life changes. My favourite would be hard to discern from those three as I feel like they are characters that I am invested in. At a push, it would probably be my soft spot for Sam that edged the field. Besides the challenges facing her relationship with Rufus, Phoebe also finds herself dealing with a mystery affliction for a herd of Alpacas, a Romany fortune teller, some rogue pet behaviourists, and staff relationships. It’s all go at Puddleduck Farm
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary. She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest.
So why isn’t she blissfully happy? Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list. Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage. Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm?
Is it ever really possible to have it all?
My Opinion
This isn't my first visit to Puddleduck Farm so I very quickly felt like I was back amongst old friends. Whilst this would work well as standalone, you would be missing out on all the joy that this series has brought so far. Phoebe finds herself rushed off her feet in the latest book, whilst this is good for her business it isn't as good for her personal life. I think my favourite character really has to be Archie and his pregnant guinea pig Violet.
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. I made the mistake of taking this book to work - I didn't want to put it down. This will appeal to animal lovers.
From the first few pages I felt right at home in this latest Puddleduck Farm book, as though no time had passed since I read the previous one. Although of course time has passed, and this one is set a while after the previous book.
But because I have taken the characters so much to heart, there was none of the occasional disconnect I sometimes I get when starting the next book of a series, I could remember things fairly clearly.
And I loved all the animals present in this book, especially the llamas and guinea pigs. Oh and the quest to find a behaviourist to work with Sadam is hilarious.
I loved seeing how Puddleduck Vets is going from strength to strength, although whether the same can really be said of her relationship with Rufus, is another matter. I was loving some of the more unusual clients that Phoebe needed to deal with this time around. People never fail to make me laugh!
This is just such a lovely book, it made me smile, it made me laugh and it was fabulous to catch up with some many wonderful characters. It's another fabulous addition to this series. My only regret is that I didn't start reading Della Galton's books when her previous series came onto my radar, as I'm never going to have the time to catch up with an author, but so glad I couldn't resist the pull of animals with this series!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It was great to be back at Puddleduck Farm and seeing Phoebe and Maggie again. I have to say I really enjoyed the Maggie and Eddie storyline, they are so cute together, and loved how inspirational it is that age doesn’t stop love and romance. And I loved that Phoebe had to help Eddie back to his feet after kneeling to propose.
Phoebe and Rufus was an interesting storyline, after getting together at the end of last book you just assume that they would sort things out and their love and relationship blossom. What happened wasn’t that, I think in many ways it was more realistic. Rufus has a lot of baggage and no matter how much he cares for Phoebe he just can’t let go of his past. Their relationship was going very slowly, at times I would say it could barely be classed as a close friendship, they went weeks without seeing each other, and then each too scared to speak openly and honestly, I think it took guts to step away from it and to move on after recognising what you really want out of a relationship. It was an interesting read, and even though Phoebe being with Sam might make more sense, it’s also not without its issues, the difference is they feel confident enough to be honest with each other and to be themselves.
This was an easy flowing read and I found myself absorbed in the story very easily, I hope we get to visit them again, hopefully for Maggie and Eddies wedding.
Here we are at book three in Della Galton’s, Puddleduck Farm series. You can read Love Blossoms At Puddleduck Farm as a standalone story. However, you will get so much more from this book if you read the full series.
It was a delight to head back to Puddleduck Farm and catch up with Phoebe, Maggie, Rufus, Sam and co. Not forgetting of course the menagerie of animals that fill this series with utter cuteness.
#LoveBlossomsAtPuddleduckFarm has a wonderfully cosy feel. Della Galton has once again brought this little community to life with great warmth and heart.
The characters are all well developed and believable in this book. I’ve enjoyed Phoebe’s journey and she got the ending that I’d secretly hoped for.
If you aren’t an animal lover when you start this book, you will be by the end. Della Galton has clearly put a lot of time and research into this whole series. I especially loved the alpacas in this book. I’m now desperately trying to convince my family that we need our own herd.
#LoveBlossomsAtPuddleduckFarm and in fact the whole Puddleduck Farm series, is a joy to read. It’s thoroughly feel good, heart melting, funny, romantic, charming and completely absorbing.
Keen Della Galton fans will also love a little cross over from Bluebell Cliff. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
Love Blossoms at Puddleduck Farm is the third book, and while it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series is order. Phoebe and Rufus are having a rough go at things. Both are extremely busy, rarely eking out anytime for one another. Add in a meddling maid and old-fashioned thinking, and Phoebe has her work cut out for her. And that's what this relationship seems to be full of - work. Several passages made my eyes a bit leaky as I really felt Phoebe was too hard on herself.
This book in the series was a bit darker and less lighthearted than the previous two. I loved it just as much but it was different. I loved how the author wrote a realistic relationship between Phoebe and Rufus. Not all relationships are smooth or the fairytale dream.
Della Galton did a great job creating this world, setting it up, and developing the characters. The side stories involving Maggie and Eddie, Tory and Harrison, and Sam and Judy added such great elements to the story. There are several happily-ever-afters in Love Blossoms at Puddleduck Farm and I loved every single one of them.
This was a totally delightful story! I enjoyed reading about characters from previous books and also finding new characters. It was a nice followup to the previous books but could also be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.
Amazon synopsis: Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary.
She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest. So why isn’t she blissfully happy?
Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list. Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood, and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage.
Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus, and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm? Is it ever really possible to have it all?
In this, the final book in the Puddleduck Farm trilogy, Phoebe is continuing to work on her new Vets practice whilst trying to spend time with her boyfriend, Rufus. Naturally neither things are going smoothly with trouble with Alpacas, exes, nanny's and cat whisperers amongst other things. This is the first series in a long time where I have actually read them all immediately one after the other. The story isn't fast paced, but this suits the complicated storyline and I did become engrossed in it. It does reflect real life, where nothing goes smoothly, but it's in a beautiful , idyllic setting of the New Forest that is just down the road from where I live, but don't visit enough. I can definitely recommend this book, but it is best read as a complete series. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This continuation of the Puddleduck Farm series lived up to expectations and was a heartwarming read. Phoebe’s growing vet practice goes through some ups and downs but it is her relationship with Rufus which is the focus of much of the book. Both of them have histories to get over but more importantly, seem to struggle to say exactly how they feel or even to recognise what they want.
Phoebe’s family are as close as ever but it is her feisty grandmother who has her own story. She is always fearlessly honest and yet bides her time with any advice for Phoebe. That is the feeling you get from much of the story: that her friends and family can see what us important to Phoebe before she acknowledges it herself. With all the animals’ stories to divert, this is an entertaining read with a totally satisfying ending.
It was so lovely to catch up with Phoebe and her grandmother Maggie in this new instalment of the Puddleduck Farm series.
Phoebe is busier than ever with her career as the owner of a vet surgery. Really a little bit too busy to fit her boyfriend, Rufus, into her very limited spare time. He is also busy with his own career and is a single dad which doesn't help matters. This scenario is a common one for a lot of people so I was wondering how the author was going to resolve it.
Well, you won't get any spoilers from me. Just know that this is a modern love story but a sweet one.
I enjoyed the animal antics and the pet behaviourists were hilarious!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion. I have loved this author's stories and narrative style from reading short stories in women's magazines. This series is just as well - written with realistic characters and events woven around a plot into an interesting story with twists. The romances are sweet (clean) and enjoyable and every character - human and animal - is delightful. The stories are set against the lovely countryside around the New Forest with lovely descriptions of the changing face of nature across the seasons, creating atmosphere. This particular book touches on love and romance for several characters, and I can't wait to see what the next one brings.
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.
This book is a gorgeous, Summery, romantic read and i really enjoyed going along for the ride. It is actually part of a series but can be read as a standalone too.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover, it’s really beautiful and then i read the blurb and instantly knew that it was the book for me! And trust me, i was not disappointed, i loved everything about it.
Phoebe and Rufus are finally together but are quickly finding that life can get in the way.
This was such a lovely,easy read, full of some funny moments that definitely made me smile…….
This is part of a series. I had enjoyed the rest of this story far more than this one. Some of the relationships between supposed adults just seemed really childish to me. Do people really behave that way?! Why have a supposed partner that you never see and then when you do, don't have actual conversations about important things with. Either way, I still found the book as a whole good as a piece of the story, but if I'd only read this one, I would have been disappointed.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
From Della Galton comes the gorgeous final book in the beautiful Puddleduck Farm series. From the moment I started reading book one in the series I fell in love with Phoebe and all of the characters that come in this series that's set in the New Forest.
A final fitting end to a series that made me laugh, be angry and wanted certain characters to disappear. At times it pulls at your heartstrings as Phoebe battles dilemmas and finds that sometimes you need to be ruthless in order to be successful.
Della this is a fantastic end and I can't wait for the next book from you.
I enjoyed the first two books a lot more than this one unfortunately. It’s such a shame, I have been waiting for it for such a long time. It just didn’t seem as if anything really happened. The characters were annoying in the end, for supposed well educated grown ups they didn’t bother to talk about anything important. I won’t spoil the ending but I will say I was really annoyed! I felt it was sloppy and not really thought out. I couldn’t see or understand where the author got the idea from. Not what i expected or wanted to be honest. Sorry.
I love this series about a Vet, Phoebe, who runs Puddleduck Vets at her grandmother's animal sanctuary, Puddleduck Pets. It's set in the New Forest, a beautiful area full of grassland, trees, woods and horses.
This is the 3rd book in the series and sees Phoebe evaluating her relationship with Rufus, the Heir to the Lord of the Manor next door. Will their friendship stand the tests being thrown at it?
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the story and characters.
If you like a love story, then this is the book for you.
The third book in The Puddleduck Farm series finds Phoebe in a relationship with Rufus in name only. Her business has many clients, but she makes little money as she often discounts her fees; gradually, circumstances dictate, and everything works out for the best with surprising events. I love the animal and human characters, the realistic relationship dynamics and the engaging mix of humour, poignancy and romance. It's a heartwarming read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Another installment in the Puddleduck Farm series, which was brilliant. These can be read as standalone stories, but I am loving the whole series. As Phoebe continues her romance with local aristocracy Rufus Holt, she continues growing her vet practice and keeping an eye on goings on at Puddleduck animal rescue, run by her grandmother Maggie. I love hearing the latest on all the other characters in the village in the New Forest, but will Phoebe and Rufus find time for their love to blossom?
A very beautiful written book . Phoebe is working very hard at her vet with small and big animals and has no time to spent with Rufus . Will they be able to spent some time together as a couple ? What happens when her ex makes an apparence ? I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I absolutely loved reading this latest instalment from the Puddleduck Farm series. Phoebe Dashwood has Puddleduck Vets up and running, and her and lord of the manor Rufus are now an item. However they struggle to find time to see each other due to their commitments and Phoebe is unsure as to whether they have a future as Rufus seems reluctant to take their relationship to the next level. Along with all the other characters from the previous books there are some new ones too. There are some real laugh out loud moments as well as some serious ones and the book just flows. I found it hard to put down as I so wanted to find out what was going to happen! This can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the previous books in the series. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
i love this series it’s like a hug in a book, like returning to old friends and picking up where you left off. it’s a place to escape and enjoy all that goes on around puddle duck farm. am hoping this isn’t the last book as it leaves you wanting more! a great easy fun read
I loved reading this book a part of Puddleduck Farm series. Phoebe works hard at her vets practice so doesn't have much spare time for socialising or Love. Perhaps now is the time to find true love.