What do you think?
Rate this book
Talyton St. George #7
Country Loving
The seventh book in Cathy Woodman's hugely popluar Talyton St George series
Each book in the Talyton St George series can be read as a standalone novel, but when Cathy first had the idea of writing about a vet practice, she intended it to be a trilogy about two vets - Maz and Alex. Their names are in brackets to show which books feature their story. All the other books have new characters, although Maz and Alex always crop up now and again.
Talyton St George, the story so far:
Trust Me, I'm a Vet (Maz and Alex)
Must Be Love (Maz and Alex)
The Sweetest Thing
It's a Vet's Life (Maz and Alex)
The Village Vet
Vets in Love
Country Loving
The Three of Us (Digital short story, companion to Follow Me Home)
Follow Me Home
Each book in the Talyton St George series can be read as a standalone novel, but when Cathy first had the idea of writing about a vet practice, she intended it to be a trilogy about two vets - Maz and Alex. Their names are in brackets to show which books feature their story. All the other books have new characters, although Maz and Alex always crop up now and again.
Talyton St George, the story so far:
Trust Me, I'm a Vet (Maz and Alex)
Must Be Love (Maz and Alex)
The Sweetest Thing
It's a Vet's Life (Maz and Alex)
The Village Vet
Vets in Love
Country Loving
The Three of Us (Digital short story, companion to Follow Me Home)
Follow Me Home
448 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2013
14 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Woodman
28 books183 followersI began my working life as a small-animal vet. Like turning the pages in a book, I was never quite sure what was going to happen at the surgery next. From the sausage dog who swallowed a sewing needle to the telly addict of a rabbit who lost an eye to infection, there was never a dull moment.
I have always loved to read, escaping into all kinds of novels during those long nights on call, but I didn’t have much time to pursue writing until after my children were born and I gave up full-time work to look after them. I joined a creative writing group and entered all the writing competitions I could find.
My break into becoming a published author came in 2002 when I was joint winner of the Harry Bowling First Novel Award. At the award ceremony, I met Laura Longrigg of MBA Literary Agents who signed me up on delivery of a finished manuscript.
In April 2003, Laura rang to say that Headline were offering me a two book deal. I had to dial 1471 to check she really had called me and I wasn’t dreaming.
My first novel, Under The Bonnet, was published in November 2004. My second, Our House, was published in 2005, the third, Family Matters in 2006, and the fourth, The Boy Next Door in 2007.
Since then, I’ve been working on an exciting new project, a series of novels about The Otter House Vets, a fictional practice set in a quiet Devonshire market town. Trust Me, I’m a Vet, which will be published in paperback by Arrow Books in April 2010, closely followed by the second book in September 2010.
Since I last updated my website, my menagerie of animals has grown, much to my family’s delight. We now share our lives with two cats, three mad Border Terriers, two ponies and two pet rats which we found abandoned to starve in a cage in the woods nearby. You should have heard my husband’s sigh of resignation when I told him we were bringing them home!
I have always loved to read, escaping into all kinds of novels during those long nights on call, but I didn’t have much time to pursue writing until after my children were born and I gave up full-time work to look after them. I joined a creative writing group and entered all the writing competitions I could find.
My break into becoming a published author came in 2002 when I was joint winner of the Harry Bowling First Novel Award. At the award ceremony, I met Laura Longrigg of MBA Literary Agents who signed me up on delivery of a finished manuscript.
In April 2003, Laura rang to say that Headline were offering me a two book deal. I had to dial 1471 to check she really had called me and I wasn’t dreaming.
My first novel, Under The Bonnet, was published in November 2004. My second, Our House, was published in 2005, the third, Family Matters in 2006, and the fourth, The Boy Next Door in 2007.
Since then, I’ve been working on an exciting new project, a series of novels about The Otter House Vets, a fictional practice set in a quiet Devonshire market town. Trust Me, I’m a Vet, which will be published in paperback by Arrow Books in April 2010, closely followed by the second book in September 2010.
Since I last updated my website, my menagerie of animals has grown, much to my family’s delight. We now share our lives with two cats, three mad Border Terriers, two ponies and two pet rats which we found abandoned to starve in a cage in the woods nearby. You should have heard my husband’s sigh of resignation when I told him we were bringing them home!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 25, 2013
I love Cathy Woodman, her books transport you to a world where life, and it’s inhabitants are a little quirky and all have their own particular and wholly unique personalities. In my heart I hope that there is a town somewhere in the UK, which encapsulates Talyton St George, and the pace of life that you can experience there.
This is book number 7 in the series, and I have to say it’s bought me right back into the fold. I read a lot of fiction from erotica all the way to YA/NA, and I love the diversity that is out there for us book addicts nowadays.
That said the likes of Cathy and authors in her genre, hold a special place in my heart. I love settling in and reading about a simpler life, the ups and downs of the characters and their families, and due to the longevity of this series, they are almost an extended part of my family now.
This story centres around Stevie, and her return to Talyton, to try and salvage the family farm, estranged from her father for a number of years, Stevie doesn’t realise just how bad the situation has gotten, until a long weekend style intervention turns into her upping sticks from her life in London to return to the farm on a permanent basis.
We get so see a few of the characters from previous books, Fifi, Guy, Jennie and her family as well as the dark haired, brooding locum vet Leo, yummy to say the least. For me his high point in the story is rescuing a child from a stampeding cow by hitting it over the head with a leg of lamb, I laughed my socks off at that one.
Stevie suffers a few setbacks along the way, as you would expect, along with a few surprises, a gormless ex and the usual shenanigans you expect from the residents of Talyton St George, and I really enjoyed every second of it.
If you are looking for an easy-going uncomplicated heart-warming read, this is a must. It can be read as a standalone novel or as part of the Talyton St George series.
I was supplied with an ARC copy of this novel by Netgalley, and have provided an honest review as a thank you for the privilege.
This is book number 7 in the series, and I have to say it’s bought me right back into the fold. I read a lot of fiction from erotica all the way to YA/NA, and I love the diversity that is out there for us book addicts nowadays.
That said the likes of Cathy and authors in her genre, hold a special place in my heart. I love settling in and reading about a simpler life, the ups and downs of the characters and their families, and due to the longevity of this series, they are almost an extended part of my family now.
This story centres around Stevie, and her return to Talyton, to try and salvage the family farm, estranged from her father for a number of years, Stevie doesn’t realise just how bad the situation has gotten, until a long weekend style intervention turns into her upping sticks from her life in London to return to the farm on a permanent basis.
We get so see a few of the characters from previous books, Fifi, Guy, Jennie and her family as well as the dark haired, brooding locum vet Leo, yummy to say the least. For me his high point in the story is rescuing a child from a stampeding cow by hitting it over the head with a leg of lamb, I laughed my socks off at that one.
Stevie suffers a few setbacks along the way, as you would expect, along with a few surprises, a gormless ex and the usual shenanigans you expect from the residents of Talyton St George, and I really enjoyed every second of it.
If you are looking for an easy-going uncomplicated heart-warming read, this is a must. It can be read as a standalone novel or as part of the Talyton St George series.
I was supplied with an ARC copy of this novel by Netgalley, and have provided an honest review as a thank you for the privilege.
June 18, 2013
Stevie receives a phone call begging her to come home and try to save the family farm. Her father had a stroke and the farm hand is struggling to cope. She returns to find the animal welfare officer wanting to prosecute her dad for neglect. She gives up her city job to turn things round at home and decides that they need to open a petting farm to keep afloat. Another wonderful trip to the village life of the vet series.
June 28, 2019
Picked this up as a form of light relief from a Victorian classic that I’ve been struggling to get through. It did the job- a cutesy romance in an idyllic setting with adorable characters is the perfect cure to a stuffy piece of literature. This was a quick, easy read with humble and deserving characters that made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when they got their happy ending. Was it a bit cheesy? Yes. Did I love it? Yes. Have I hit middle age prematurely? Possibly. Would I recommend? Absolutely.
April 21, 2013
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
It all starts with Stevie getting a phone call from Cecil, her father's right hand. Cecil begs her to come back to the farm. he has been doing all the the work on his own, while Stevie's dad has pretty much lost it and the authorities are very close to shutting down the farm. Now Stevie hasn't been to the farm in ten years, ever since her dad decided her younger brother would be the farmer because he's a boy. So she left for London, but now slowly realizing how serious the situation is, Stevie has to go back home.
What was supposed to be one weekend, turned into a week, a month... Stevie loves being back on the farm. She has missed the cows, Cecil and his wife Mare, the lang and even maybe a little, her dad.
Once she realizes how bad the farm is, Stevie knows she has to come up with a plan to save the farm. Since her dad has pretty much annihilated everyone, Stevie will have to fight tooth and nail to make her dream a reality.
I'm no farmer and I stay away from cows as far as possible, but I do love the country and Cathy Woodman captures it perfectly. It shines through the pages how much Stevie loves it all, the cows, the mud, the tractor, the people (especially the new vet) and everything that comes with it. Which makes sure you are totally drawn into the story.
Now the main focus lays on the farming part, getting it back into shape and turning it into a success. All the relationships are secondary; trying to fix things in her family, this handsome vet that has to keep coming around and making everyone in town stop hating her dad.
On the one hand all this was refreshing, but on the other hand I missed the romance somewhat. There are a couple of scenes with Stevie and Leo where you can easily see the attraction, but not enough for the falling madly deeply in love part, certainly not in the extend of making life altering decisions.
Overall a nice book. Read it if you like the English country, mud and cows, without wanting to get dirty. I loved the quirky townspeople, the handsome vet and a woman who knows not to give up and fight for what she wants.
For more reviews and other book news you can always visit my blog :)
It all starts with Stevie getting a phone call from Cecil, her father's right hand. Cecil begs her to come back to the farm. he has been doing all the the work on his own, while Stevie's dad has pretty much lost it and the authorities are very close to shutting down the farm. Now Stevie hasn't been to the farm in ten years, ever since her dad decided her younger brother would be the farmer because he's a boy. So she left for London, but now slowly realizing how serious the situation is, Stevie has to go back home.
What was supposed to be one weekend, turned into a week, a month... Stevie loves being back on the farm. She has missed the cows, Cecil and his wife Mare, the lang and even maybe a little, her dad.
Once she realizes how bad the farm is, Stevie knows she has to come up with a plan to save the farm. Since her dad has pretty much annihilated everyone, Stevie will have to fight tooth and nail to make her dream a reality.
I'm no farmer and I stay away from cows as far as possible, but I do love the country and Cathy Woodman captures it perfectly. It shines through the pages how much Stevie loves it all, the cows, the mud, the tractor, the people (especially the new vet) and everything that comes with it. Which makes sure you are totally drawn into the story.
Now the main focus lays on the farming part, getting it back into shape and turning it into a success. All the relationships are secondary; trying to fix things in her family, this handsome vet that has to keep coming around and making everyone in town stop hating her dad.
On the one hand all this was refreshing, but on the other hand I missed the romance somewhat. There are a couple of scenes with Stevie and Leo where you can easily see the attraction, but not enough for the falling madly deeply in love part, certainly not in the extend of making life altering decisions.
Overall a nice book. Read it if you like the English country, mud and cows, without wanting to get dirty. I loved the quirky townspeople, the handsome vet and a woman who knows not to give up and fight for what she wants.
For more reviews and other book news you can always visit my blog :)
August 10, 2017
Hey is this a series? I just read that on the main blurb. Well, I didn't see that one coming. That is a much bigger plot twist than any in this book. But enough being snarky, it was a sweet little read that I did enjoy. Look, there wasn't anything too unexpected in it, things rather gently rocked along but it was still quite a nice book that entertained me without straining me. And that is all you want sometimes.
December 9, 2020
Gosh... when I read the synopsis, I couldn’t help but being excited to read this book.
The first chapters were good... I was just waiting for the story to develop and the real thing to start, and then...
ouch. Disappointment.
There’s the typical bad guy with his typical bad attitude.
And then it’s the whole clichê thing but worse... super superficial and unrealistic.
The first chapters were good... I was just waiting for the story to develop and the real thing to start, and then...
ouch. Disappointment.
There’s the typical bad guy with his typical bad attitude.
And then it’s the whole clichê thing but worse... super superficial and unrealistic.
February 20, 2018
It was fun revisiting Guy and Jennie, from an outside perspective this time (though who knew Guy was such a rotten grump with everyone but the one with whom he is besotted?), and interesting to get up-close and personal with Tom Dunsford from a different view. Getting to know Stevie and Leo was fun. I absolutely fell in love with Bandit.
I really like how this author knits her community and characters together. You never know who she is going to write about next! Each book is better than the last!
I get to read the next two out of order, as the dang post office has "forwarded" my order of book 8 (supposed to have been delivered on 2/1) and it has not yet arrived. "It takes time to go all the way back to Dallas and through Austin again before coming back here". It doesn't take two weeks. Jeez.
I really like how this author knits her community and characters together. You never know who she is going to write about next! Each book is better than the last!
I get to read the next two out of order, as the dang post office has "forwarded" my order of book 8 (supposed to have been delivered on 2/1) and it has not yet arrived. "It takes time to go all the way back to Dallas and through Austin again before coming back here". It doesn't take two weeks. Jeez.
April 27, 2018
Although I was enjoying the earlier part of the book, it hadn't drawn me in quite as much as some of the others in this series, however my perseverance was rewarded and the latter part is very engaging.
October 1, 2023
4 ⭐ =Good.
#7 in the series, and I really enjoyed this one.
All books in this series can be read as stand alones, although many of the characters mentioned in previous books, gently slide into the storyline.
A gentle read with an ending to make you smile.
#7 in the series, and I really enjoyed this one.
All books in this series can be read as stand alones, although many of the characters mentioned in previous books, gently slide into the storyline.
A gentle read with an ending to make you smile.
May 6, 2018
Aww, I enjoyed that.
August 11, 2018
Easy reading
I enjoy reading the Clayton st George series of books even though they are all so alike. Easy reading but unfortunately easy to leave and walk away from
I enjoy reading the Clayton st George series of books even though they are all so alike. Easy reading but unfortunately easy to leave and walk away from
January 5, 2019
Not my favorite of the Taylton St. George books, but an ok read. Found this a bit predictable.
Read
April 23, 2020Great read
Love all your book this was such a good book could not put down had to know what happened x
Love all your book this was such a good book could not put down had to know what happened x
July 5, 2020
Loved this one from Cathy Woodman.
December 10, 2021
An easy read.
A lot of detail about life on a farm, only read if you find that interesting.
A lot of detail about life on a farm, only read if you find that interesting.
November 25, 2023
Another great book from this series. I always feel like I want to live there and meet the characters.
March 13, 2023
chick lit- thats it.
December 9, 2013
I've always said if I could live anywhere I would love to live on a farm. Perhaps its the simplicity of life that happens there. No hustle and bustle. Where life simply happens moment by moment and it's never dull. In the latest novel that has completely captivated me in a virtual way, Country Loving by Cathy Woodman, we arrive just in time. Busy accountant Stephanie or Stevie as she is known to close family and friends receives an urgent phone call from Cecil, a man who's been helping to run the family farm in London, Nettlebed Farm. He informs her that her father has suffered a stroke and is at risk to lose their families farm due to neglect. He can no longer do what is needed to keep the farm running, no matter how much Cecil and his wife Mary help.
Stevie realizes the urgency of the call and is more concerned with the reasons why her father never bothered to call her and let her know he had had a stroke. Knowing that if she doesn't do something her father might face arrest due to animal neglect and possibly lose the family farm. Ever since her mother died, she hasn't maintained contact with her father as often as she should have and plans a trip home with her boyfriend Nick. Nick has other plans in mind by helping Stevie out on the farm. He is hoping after dating her for the last 18 months and proposing to her, she might in fact say yes and they can set a date for the wedding.
Only the more time Stevie spends on the farm, the more she comes to realize that Nick is just not the man for her to settle down with. He is looking more for the perfect image of what marriage and all that goes with it looks like. She just wants to go back to more simple times and finds that spending time with the cows on the farm that desperately need her is just what the doctor ordered. However she can't help but wonder if Leo, the new vet in town is just what she needs to help mend her heart. She just needs to convince her father to let her help to find a way to keep from losing the family farm, settle old grudges between the neighbors and find love wherever that may take her.
I received Country Loving by Cathy Woodman compliments of Arrow Books and TLC Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVED this book because deep down inside I am a firm believer I am a "country girl!" I love the softness that comes from the descriptions of the cows as Stevie tends to each of them with their own unique personalities. When the herd escapes the pasture and heads to town on a wild binge, you know you are in for wonderful journey. This one will grab at your heart strings and keep you definitely wanting more. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I can't wait for the next novel which will be due on next year. Until then pick this one up and prepared to definitely be hooked in the process.
Stevie realizes the urgency of the call and is more concerned with the reasons why her father never bothered to call her and let her know he had had a stroke. Knowing that if she doesn't do something her father might face arrest due to animal neglect and possibly lose the family farm. Ever since her mother died, she hasn't maintained contact with her father as often as she should have and plans a trip home with her boyfriend Nick. Nick has other plans in mind by helping Stevie out on the farm. He is hoping after dating her for the last 18 months and proposing to her, she might in fact say yes and they can set a date for the wedding.
Only the more time Stevie spends on the farm, the more she comes to realize that Nick is just not the man for her to settle down with. He is looking more for the perfect image of what marriage and all that goes with it looks like. She just wants to go back to more simple times and finds that spending time with the cows on the farm that desperately need her is just what the doctor ordered. However she can't help but wonder if Leo, the new vet in town is just what she needs to help mend her heart. She just needs to convince her father to let her help to find a way to keep from losing the family farm, settle old grudges between the neighbors and find love wherever that may take her.
I received Country Loving by Cathy Woodman compliments of Arrow Books and TLC Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVED this book because deep down inside I am a firm believer I am a "country girl!" I love the softness that comes from the descriptions of the cows as Stevie tends to each of them with their own unique personalities. When the herd escapes the pasture and heads to town on a wild binge, you know you are in for wonderful journey. This one will grab at your heart strings and keep you definitely wanting more. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I can't wait for the next novel which will be due on next year. Until then pick this one up and prepared to definitely be hooked in the process.
November 3, 2014
Stevie is shocked to hear of the state of the family farm. Her relationship with her father has been rocky ever since she left for London at eighteen, but in the months since her mother's death they've barely talked. It's still a surprise to hear that he's recovering from a stroke and that the farm is suffering for it. After warnings from the local vet Stevie's father is threatened with losing Nettlebed Farm and worse: possible imprisonment for animal cruelty. Stevie'd planned to help out for a weekend but ultimately decides to leave behind the big city and take up the reigns managing the farm herself. With plans to diversify and hopefully save the family business, Stevie's ruffled more than a few feathers in Talyton St. George. She can count at least one ally on her side, though, the same vet who once vowed to see her father behind bars.
Based on Cathy Woodman's title list it would seem there's an abundance of vets in Talyton St. George! This is my introduction to her work, though, and I must say it was quite a charming read. It did bring to mind a lot of the city slicker trendy films of the 80s (Diane Keaton's Baby Boom in particular though Stevie isn't quite a fish out of water) and even hints of Doc Martin (without the crazy medical cases and weirdo villagers).
This one was quite fun. First, I never knew that much about cows. Haha! Second, Stevie takes each challenge in stride and is admirable in both her tenacity and her dealings with her father (and the locals). And finally, her relationship with Leo builds nicely - not too quickly or unbelievably.
The town and the story are filled with a number of other characters and Woodman spends a good amount of time fleshing them out as well, giving the reader a chance to sort of feel like they actually are experiencing the real village life: waiting in traffic behind crossing cows, eating one of Jennie's droolworthy cakes, guarding themselves from Bear's teeth... maybe not so much the grueling farm work, though. I don't think anyone can truly understand that unless they've got the sore muscles to go with it.
Woodman now has seven titles set in Talyton St. George. I realized as well that Sweetest Thing is Jennie and Guy's story - they're Stevie's neighbors in Country Loving. It'll be nice to return to the village again in a few days with their tale.
Based on Cathy Woodman's title list it would seem there's an abundance of vets in Talyton St. George! This is my introduction to her work, though, and I must say it was quite a charming read. It did bring to mind a lot of the city slicker trendy films of the 80s (Diane Keaton's Baby Boom in particular though Stevie isn't quite a fish out of water) and even hints of Doc Martin (without the crazy medical cases and weirdo villagers).
This one was quite fun. First, I never knew that much about cows. Haha! Second, Stevie takes each challenge in stride and is admirable in both her tenacity and her dealings with her father (and the locals). And finally, her relationship with Leo builds nicely - not too quickly or unbelievably.
The town and the story are filled with a number of other characters and Woodman spends a good amount of time fleshing them out as well, giving the reader a chance to sort of feel like they actually are experiencing the real village life: waiting in traffic behind crossing cows, eating one of Jennie's droolworthy cakes, guarding themselves from Bear's teeth... maybe not so much the grueling farm work, though. I don't think anyone can truly understand that unless they've got the sore muscles to go with it.
Woodman now has seven titles set in Talyton St. George. I realized as well that Sweetest Thing is Jennie and Guy's story - they're Stevie's neighbors in Country Loving. It'll be nice to return to the village again in a few days with their tale.
August 25, 2016
Country Loving by Cathy Woodman is the second of her novels that I have read and loved and I so adore the book covers. Cathy’s novels take place in the quaint town of Talyton St. George and are full of delightful characters. I find that part of the joy of reading another novel that takes place in the same town is the pleasure of once again meeting some of my favorite characters.
Stevie has a successful career as an accountant, a great place to live, and a boyfriend wanting to marry her. All seems well until she receives a call from Cecil who works on her father’s farm. He tells her that her father isn’t doing well health-wise (which she hadn’t known about) and on top of that he may be arrested and thrown in jail. There is no love lost between Stevie and her father since he picked her brother over her to run the farm but she still feels the pull of responsibility and decides to head back home to the farm to see if she can get things straightened out for her father.
Stevie is shocked by the state of things on the farm not to mention the state of her father when she arrives and it isn’t long before she’s determined to set it all right again – like it was when she was young. Stevie realizes a lot more in her first weeks on the farm and that is that she doesn’t want to leave and she doesn’t want to get married. After the dust settles Stevie gets started on trying to make the farm profitable again and in doing so she gets tied up in all kinds of folly with the animals, meets an awesome guy, and gets the ultimate surprise of her life along the way.
I just love the town of Talyton St. George. As a matter of a fact I myself would love to live there. I adore the people living there like the meddling Fifi and Guy and Jennie and it was fun visiting them again. Stevie was a great character as well although at times she drove me crazy. Still she grew as a person over the course of time and it was nice to see. I really enjoy Cathy’s books and intend on reading all of them as I get time. They are light, easy reading that I find comfort in. I’d definitely recommend them to those who enjoy the charm of small town stories!
Stevie has a successful career as an accountant, a great place to live, and a boyfriend wanting to marry her. All seems well until she receives a call from Cecil who works on her father’s farm. He tells her that her father isn’t doing well health-wise (which she hadn’t known about) and on top of that he may be arrested and thrown in jail. There is no love lost between Stevie and her father since he picked her brother over her to run the farm but she still feels the pull of responsibility and decides to head back home to the farm to see if she can get things straightened out for her father.
Stevie is shocked by the state of things on the farm not to mention the state of her father when she arrives and it isn’t long before she’s determined to set it all right again – like it was when she was young. Stevie realizes a lot more in her first weeks on the farm and that is that she doesn’t want to leave and she doesn’t want to get married. After the dust settles Stevie gets started on trying to make the farm profitable again and in doing so she gets tied up in all kinds of folly with the animals, meets an awesome guy, and gets the ultimate surprise of her life along the way.
I just love the town of Talyton St. George. As a matter of a fact I myself would love to live there. I adore the people living there like the meddling Fifi and Guy and Jennie and it was fun visiting them again. Stevie was a great character as well although at times she drove me crazy. Still she grew as a person over the course of time and it was nice to see. I really enjoy Cathy’s books and intend on reading all of them as I get time. They are light, easy reading that I find comfort in. I’d definitely recommend them to those who enjoy the charm of small town stories!
July 28, 2014
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
Country Loving was not at all what I was expecting from the cover art- I had predicted a bit of a slow paced country village tale with simple characters that didn’t do much of anything but I was only half right. While the setting is simple and the tale of girl meets boy is common I found the people of Talyton St George to be intriguing and their interactions refreshing. I suppose it’s a modern day farming community with some of the old traditions mixed in what with the “lady farmers” and modern way of life!
Cathy Woodman’s heroine, Stevie, is awfully feisty in a lot of ways, particularly in regards to her feelings about the family farm. Her plans for a petting zoo, to bring Nettlebed farm back to life, were undertaken with strength and conviction that she was on the right path. I liked her immediately but found her lack of confidence with the attraction to the local vet to be a bit out of character. I suppose her being vulnerable in love was due to her recent breakup but it didn’t fit for me with the woman tackling her father’s failing farm.
My heart was warmed by farm manager Cecil, his wife and the friends who came to help Stevie. I even had a bit of a soft spot for her curmudgeonly father (who really could have been a bit nicer to his daughter!). Woodman also brought in some nosey and/or grumpy neighbours to round out the idea of village life.
But I was most stuck into the farm life, the mud, the cows and the whole farming thing. Country Loving has that simple story line but doesn’t miss out on giving us a good feel for the hard work and reward of being a farmer. I come from a long line of cow people (according to my mother) and have a cousin who recently retired from caring for a herd in Buckinghamshire. We are always pulling over on trips to look at cows and I appreciated Woodman’s knowledge of farming peppered throughout the novel – without actually having to be stuck in the pile of cow manure myself.
I’d definitely pick up another novel by Cathy Woodman!
Thank you to Random House UK for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
Country Loving was not at all what I was expecting from the cover art- I had predicted a bit of a slow paced country village tale with simple characters that didn’t do much of anything but I was only half right. While the setting is simple and the tale of girl meets boy is common I found the people of Talyton St George to be intriguing and their interactions refreshing. I suppose it’s a modern day farming community with some of the old traditions mixed in what with the “lady farmers” and modern way of life!
Cathy Woodman’s heroine, Stevie, is awfully feisty in a lot of ways, particularly in regards to her feelings about the family farm. Her plans for a petting zoo, to bring Nettlebed farm back to life, were undertaken with strength and conviction that she was on the right path. I liked her immediately but found her lack of confidence with the attraction to the local vet to be a bit out of character. I suppose her being vulnerable in love was due to her recent breakup but it didn’t fit for me with the woman tackling her father’s failing farm.
My heart was warmed by farm manager Cecil, his wife and the friends who came to help Stevie. I even had a bit of a soft spot for her curmudgeonly father (who really could have been a bit nicer to his daughter!). Woodman also brought in some nosey and/or grumpy neighbours to round out the idea of village life.
But I was most stuck into the farm life, the mud, the cows and the whole farming thing. Country Loving has that simple story line but doesn’t miss out on giving us a good feel for the hard work and reward of being a farmer. I come from a long line of cow people (according to my mother) and have a cousin who recently retired from caring for a herd in Buckinghamshire. We are always pulling over on trips to look at cows and I appreciated Woodman’s knowledge of farming peppered throughout the novel – without actually having to be stuck in the pile of cow manure myself.
I’d definitely pick up another novel by Cathy Woodman!
Thank you to Random House UK for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
June 4, 2014
I’ve read “Trust me. I’m a vet” and I love it, so I ‘m looking forward to reading another Cathy Woodman’s book soon. But, instead continue reading about Maz, I choose different story instead, and I’m not disappointed. Actually, I like “Country Loving” a lot more than “Trust me, I’m a Vet”.. I love Stevie, the heroine, she’s what heroine I’d like to read most, independent, intelligent, responsible, and tough (how can’t she said not tough, if she handle the Nettlebed Farm almost single-handedly ;)).. I love how Cahty Woodman picturing the farming life, although it’s just everyday life, but it’s so interesting, and I can’t keep this book for long, because I’m eager to know what will happen next. So, it definitely isn’t boring, despite for the everyday life plot. I’ve got really surprised at the middle of the book with what happened with Stevie, I really didn’t see it’s coming (and secretly hoping there’ll be a mistake, but surely there isn’t a mistake about the test).. so I can wait until the end of the book, what will happen with Stevie and Leo after the “surprise”, will they still be together? Will Leo flee to New Zealand? will Stevie be back to Nick again? (oh No!!..please don’t)…that’s the many reasons I skipped to the last chapter (cheeky me!), but after read the ending I’m so relieved…It ended nicely, and I’m back to my twenty something chapter to read it page by page *lol… It’s like reading Katie Fforde book for me (it’s predictable but still enjoyable to read), I feel soothed by the country living, by the scenery of the farm, by the cast of characters (the country people) for being warm and helpful among each other (unlike townie people whom sometimes selfish and individualistic). Love it..amazing book!
April 30, 2014
After learning that her father did not want her take over the family farm, Stevie moves to London and becomes an accountant. She does very well for herself and is dating a man who is in love with her and wants to marry. Now Stevie gets the call that her father is about to lose the farm and whether he likes it or not could use her help. What was supposed to be just a weekend out to the country is about to become a lot more to Stevie.
After reading the entire series I will admit this book was my least favorite so far. For some reason it was a bit slower for me to get into. I also didn’t get a good feeling of the romance between Leo and Stevie. I kept waiting for more between them and it never appeared. So that was a bit disappointing to me.
Now the English country life is one that sounds so lovely and one of the main reasons I have fallen in love with this series. I love the setting, the small town of Talyton St George and how the people there interact with one another. I love seeing some of the characters that I had previously gotten to know through the earlier books. Seeing them through these new characters eyes was interesting as well. I also love the relationship these people have with their animals.
Country Loving is book seven in the Talyton St George series. You can read it as a standalone but with all the secondary characters having made appearances in the previous books it would be good to read these in order to understand them better. I know there are more books coming out that take place in the sweet, quiet town. I look forward to reading them!
After reading the entire series I will admit this book was my least favorite so far. For some reason it was a bit slower for me to get into. I also didn’t get a good feeling of the romance between Leo and Stevie. I kept waiting for more between them and it never appeared. So that was a bit disappointing to me.
Now the English country life is one that sounds so lovely and one of the main reasons I have fallen in love with this series. I love the setting, the small town of Talyton St George and how the people there interact with one another. I love seeing some of the characters that I had previously gotten to know through the earlier books. Seeing them through these new characters eyes was interesting as well. I also love the relationship these people have with their animals.
Country Loving is book seven in the Talyton St George series. You can read it as a standalone but with all the secondary characters having made appearances in the previous books it would be good to read these in order to understand them better. I know there are more books coming out that take place in the sweet, quiet town. I look forward to reading them!
March 17, 2014
Country Loving is the first of Cathy Woodman’s books I have read, but it certainly won’t be the last. I was swept away by the charm of this book and genuinely surprised by the twists and turns along the way. I’m usually pretty good at predicting a storyline, so it was a pleasant surprise to be shocked by the emerging plot! Something that is difficult to come by in a lot of books in today’s market and something I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
The cover is marketed to appeal to those familiar with chicklit fiction, but this story has a painful realism to it, as well as the hints of country charm that are planted naturally throughout the story. Cathy has done a superb job of mixing a ‘real life’ crisis with all the charm of the countryside in Spring!
Stevie, the main character, is a country girl at heart, but has been hurt by her past and escaped to become a ‘townie’ in London. It’s not until she is forced to return to the country home, Nettlebed Farm, that she realises where she truly belongs. However, to save her beloved farm, hard sacrifices must be made. When her own life becomes increasingly complicated, it becomes an ever increasing struggle to put this book down! You will find yourself speed reading to find out what Stevie will decide and how her life, and that of the farm, will end up.
I am slightly disappointed, but only because this book has now ended! I’m already looking forward to reading another of Cathy’s books.
The cover is marketed to appeal to those familiar with chicklit fiction, but this story has a painful realism to it, as well as the hints of country charm that are planted naturally throughout the story. Cathy has done a superb job of mixing a ‘real life’ crisis with all the charm of the countryside in Spring!
Stevie, the main character, is a country girl at heart, but has been hurt by her past and escaped to become a ‘townie’ in London. It’s not until she is forced to return to the country home, Nettlebed Farm, that she realises where she truly belongs. However, to save her beloved farm, hard sacrifices must be made. When her own life becomes increasingly complicated, it becomes an ever increasing struggle to put this book down! You will find yourself speed reading to find out what Stevie will decide and how her life, and that of the farm, will end up.
I am slightly disappointed, but only because this book has now ended! I’m already looking forward to reading another of Cathy’s books.
May 14, 2013
This is my first Cathy Woodman's book although if I am not mistaken it is already the 6th in the Talyton St. George's series.
It was a nice read, a book one can read when one want something easy - going and heart - warming. In my opinion the characters were not too complicated, the plot itself was not too complicated, there was not too many tension. It was very predictable, like we know that after one comes two and then comes three, so was the plot for me.
The story focuses on cows, mud, tractors, calves and other animals leaving the people somewhat behind. It is very good and refreshing but I had the feeling that it overshadows the plot itself and that the things that happen are popping suddenly out of the blue: the relationship, the pregnancy, the new farm were mentioned but actually they were not so important. It like jumping from one thing to another without stopping and without deeper thoughts. The relationship between Stevie and Leo made me almost depressed, perhaps children can have such relationship but not adults.
Don't get me wrong, all in all it was an enjoyable read. Not demanding, but nice. I really enjoyed reading about English country and the book had me somehow drawn into the story.
I have received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
It was a nice read, a book one can read when one want something easy - going and heart - warming. In my opinion the characters were not too complicated, the plot itself was not too complicated, there was not too many tension. It was very predictable, like we know that after one comes two and then comes three, so was the plot for me.
The story focuses on cows, mud, tractors, calves and other animals leaving the people somewhat behind. It is very good and refreshing but I had the feeling that it overshadows the plot itself and that the things that happen are popping suddenly out of the blue: the relationship, the pregnancy, the new farm were mentioned but actually they were not so important. It like jumping from one thing to another without stopping and without deeper thoughts. The relationship between Stevie and Leo made me almost depressed, perhaps children can have such relationship but not adults.
Don't get me wrong, all in all it was an enjoyable read. Not demanding, but nice. I really enjoyed reading about English country and the book had me somehow drawn into the story.
I have received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
December 9, 2013
"Country Loving" is the sixth book in the Talyton St. George series by Cathy Woodman. As with some of the other books in this series, each book is a standalone book so there is no need to read the other books before you read this one. This is a cute series with memorable characters.
Stevie is a full-fledged city girl about town. She makes her home in London. She has a good job, a sweet apartment, and a wonderful boyfriend (at least he looks pretty wonderful on paper). Stevie goes back to her small hometown to help out her father and gets a lot more than she bargained for. We also get to see how she is struggling with whether she wants her glam city life or if she can make a life out in the country.
This storyline is slightly more intricate than "The Sweetest Thing," which I really liked. Stevie is coming to terms with her relationship with her father who is devastated after his wife and Stevie's mother dies. There is also a focus on Stevie's relationship with her London boyfriend and her new found relationship with Leo, Talyton St. George's handsome vet. I loved following Stevie through all of her different trials and tribulations as she makes her new life.
Overall, this was a great light read!
Stevie is a full-fledged city girl about town. She makes her home in London. She has a good job, a sweet apartment, and a wonderful boyfriend (at least he looks pretty wonderful on paper). Stevie goes back to her small hometown to help out her father and gets a lot more than she bargained for. We also get to see how she is struggling with whether she wants her glam city life or if she can make a life out in the country.
This storyline is slightly more intricate than "The Sweetest Thing," which I really liked. Stevie is coming to terms with her relationship with her father who is devastated after his wife and Stevie's mother dies. There is also a focus on Stevie's relationship with her London boyfriend and her new found relationship with Leo, Talyton St. George's handsome vet. I loved following Stevie through all of her different trials and tribulations as she makes her new life.
Overall, this was a great light read!
January 1, 2017
“Country Loving” is the seventh book in the Talyton St George series. Once again this is a stand alone book in the series but I would highly recommend reading the earlier books just to get a feel for the village and other minor characters in the story.
This book focuses on Stevie – former Talyton St George resident but now a high flying career girl with a well paid job as an accountant in London. An urgent phone call from Upperhill Farm brings Stevie racing back to Devon to try and save the family farm. When Stevie realises that she has to stay at the farm she leaves her flat, friends and boyfriend in London and throws herself into country life.
Will Stevie be able to build a new life and will working alongside side vet Leo help Stevie forget her old life?
Another great book in this book in this lovely series. Perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and the Turnham Malpas series by Rebecca Shaw.
January 18, 2014
I received this novel from NetGalley.
This novel, although a little too long for my liking was a joy to read, it follows the adult life of a famers daughter, through her trials and tribulations of helping her father get the family farm back on track, as well as figuring out a tough love triangle. The protagonist is warm, engaging and smart, a winning combination. Her only downfall is the way she engages with other characters, it seems highly unrealistic and takes away from the novel.
Woodman has created a novel suited for any fans of good old fashioned romance novels, for the new mum or someone in a budding romance, the fact that it is set on a farm is just an added bonus. A great read, it does seem to drag on a little around the 80% mark, but that aside it is definitely worth the read.
This novel, although a little too long for my liking was a joy to read, it follows the adult life of a famers daughter, through her trials and tribulations of helping her father get the family farm back on track, as well as figuring out a tough love triangle. The protagonist is warm, engaging and smart, a winning combination. Her only downfall is the way she engages with other characters, it seems highly unrealistic and takes away from the novel.
Woodman has created a novel suited for any fans of good old fashioned romance novels, for the new mum or someone in a budding romance, the fact that it is set on a farm is just an added bonus. A great read, it does seem to drag on a little around the 80% mark, but that aside it is definitely worth the read.
January 9, 2014
Country Loving is like coming home for someone who is closely associated with farming, or has ever worked on a farm. And it is a glimpse into a different life for city slickers. Some of the cow related details seemed a bit too much at times. A lot of the daily life of a dairy farmer is painted in excruciating detail, certainly not for the squeamish.
I felt Stevie was quite callous in getting rid of boyfriend Nick. It is evident that she never reciprocated his feelings. How else could she have broken up an 18 month old relationship about to culminate into marriage over the phone? Reminded me of Carrie Bradshaw's post-it breakup!
More here
I felt Stevie was quite callous in getting rid of boyfriend Nick. It is evident that she never reciprocated his feelings. How else could she have broken up an 18 month old relationship about to culminate into marriage over the phone? Reminded me of Carrie Bradshaw's post-it breakup!
More here
September 8, 2014
COUNTRY LOVING by CATHY WOODMAN was an excellent read. I didn't realize it was part of a sequence of reads, this book was good as a stand alone book seeing as I hadn't read any of the others.
It has a good flow of writing, characters are very real and draw you into the daily grind and worry of renovating the run down farm.
At the start I thought she was a bit of a weak woman where men were concerned and mean keeping her boyfriend [who would like to be her fiance! at arms length and keep making excuses] I felt she should have put him out of his misery. It all tied together nicely at the end though.
I would definetly be reading more of this authors books in the future.
It has a good flow of writing, characters are very real and draw you into the daily grind and worry of renovating the run down farm.
At the start I thought she was a bit of a weak woman where men were concerned and mean keeping her boyfriend [who would like to be her fiance! at arms length and keep making excuses] I felt she should have put him out of his misery. It all tied together nicely at the end though.
I would definetly be reading more of this authors books in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews