A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage

Duck Pond Cottage #1

by Della Galton

A story of love, second chances and the wonderful start of a new series featuring Duck Pond Lane Animal Rescue.

It's not just animals who need to be rescued...

Following the unexpected death of her mother, and the breakdown of her relationship, animal loving idealist Jade Foster, uses her inheritance to buy a smallholding in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside hoping to realise her dream of providing a sanctuary for unloved animals in need of a new home.

Jade employs the enigmatic Finn McTaggart to help out at Duck Pond Lane Rescue and forms a friendship with both Finn and her local Vet, Aiden Southerland. But Finn is running from his own demons and Aiden longs for a more romantic relationship with broken-hearted Jade.

Romance is not on the cards for Jade, but as both men fall for her natural beauty, the rivalry between them hots up. But can any of them heal enough to find lasting love?

What none of them realise is that a devastating secret from the past has the power to destroy the present and that love, however wonderful, isn’t always enough.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first in a new series set in the gorgeous Wiltshire countryside at the Duck Pond Lane Animal Rescue. Who could resist an animal rescue tale with a swoony second chance romance? I couldn't and neither will you be able to. Enjoy!

[nickiknackinoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant, heartwarming story about a woman who runs a refuge for abandoned and unwanted animals. Jade’s recovering from bereavement and a very difficult break up, with the help of her best friend Sarah and her little boy called Ben. They spend a lot of time with “Aunty Jade”.
Jade can never say no to any animal, but needs help to repair some of the buildings etc.
She helps a lady catch a red kite that she hit with her car and this male stranger comes out of nowhere and helps her. Then he’s gone.
She advertises to get a live in handy man. The stranger comes for an interview after being sent to her from the local pub, and is such a perfect fit, she takes him on. He’s come back to the village with his Dad to sort out his grandad’s house and needs a change of scene.
There is a vet called Aidan who comes and helps to get the animals checked over. Jade doesn’t know how he feels about her!.
So the story continues with these three main characters. There’s attraction, jealousy and distrust, but the story is amazing and I loved it!!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #DellaGalton.

[Becky Lyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book this was to read. So easy to read and difficult to put down. As this isn't one of my usual genres, this did surprise me somewhat. If you love animals (like me, I have a beagle like the one on the cover. Sadly no beagles in the story though!) and a good and romantic storyline then this is the book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next book to see what lies in store for Jade, Finn and friends.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Della’s Puddle Duck Farm books so I was delighted to see a new series of books in a similar theme planned.
I work in the veterinary field and so books about animals are always enjoyed and this one was especially entertaining as I liked the added intrigue of two love interests for Jade!
A fantastic setting with adorable characters, and some surprisingly reveals made this a delightful read!
So many cute creatures and heartwarming moments added another layer of enjoyment to the story.
I relish reading Della’s gorgeous books, they are always so well researched and informative as well as fun and uplifting to read. I’m thrilled to have another series to read and revel in, you can’t beat a story featuring rescue animals and the wonderful characters who care for them.
I’m already looking forward to book two!

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant start to a new series featuring Jade who runs an animal rescue from Duck Pond Cottage. Finn is in the process of selling his late grandparents home and in the area so he ends up working with Jade. Some interesting characters that I want to learn more about and lots of lovely animals.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series and it was a delight to read. New characters and a lovely story. I'm looking forward to more in this series. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and publisher for letting me read this book...

who wouldnt like an animal rescue book with added romance... a lovely quick read

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8⭐️



El libro está narrado por tres puntos de vista: Jade, Finn y Aiden. No entendí por qué el último tuvo povs si fue alguien que aportara a la historia.


Jade tiene un santuario de animales, viene de familia de dinero, su mamá vivió trabajando, no pasó tiempo con ella y la criaron las niñeras. Al morir la mamá decidió vender todos sus negocios y comprar el santuario. Tiene miedo de amar.

Finn es ingeniero electrónico, pero quiere ser pintor, se mudó al pueblo por un tiempo para estar con su papá y trabajará con Jade. Hará un descubrimiento que le cambiará la vida.

Aiden es el veterinario del pueblo, le gusta Jade.



Estaba preocupada por cómo se manejaría el tema de Sarah y Ben, honestamente me enojó como Sarah le pidió a Jade que guardara el secreto sabiendo que su amiga se estaba enamorando de Finn.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage by Della Galton

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

It's not just animals who need to be rescued... Following the unexpected death of her mother, and the breakdown of her relationship, animal loving idealist Jade Foster, uses her inheritance to buy a smallholding in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside hoping to realise her dream of providing a sanctuary for unloved animals in need of a new home.

Jade employs the enigmatic Finn McTaggart to help out at Duck Pond Lane Rescue and forms a friendship with both Finn and her local Vet, Aiden Southerland. But Finn is running from his own demons and Aiden longs for a more romantic relationship with broken-hearted Jade.

Romance is not on the cards for Jade, but as both men fall for her natural beauty, the rivalry between them hots up. But can any of them heal enough to find lasting love?

What none of them realise is that a devastating secret from the past has the power to destroy the present and that love, however wonderful, isn’t always enough.

My Opinion

A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage is the first book in a new series and what an introduction it was. Based at an animal rescue, this will definitely appeal to animal lovers. Della has written some great characters and some heart-warming moments. This was such an uplifting read and I cannot wait to see what happens next with this series.

Rating 4/5

[The Bookish Chimera - Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Silken and unscented, so perfect on the outside, but with something vital missing. Like Jade’s childhood.”

At first sight, this book had everything I could dream for: the story occurs inside an animal rescue in England’s countryside, one of the characters is a vet. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize (and it is completely on me) it also had two tropes I don’t like: love triangle and surprise pregnancy. Though they are used in a SUPER ORIGINAL (then not triggering for me) way, it made the book a bit difficult to read. Add the multiple POV (that I don’t like much when I read a romance), and it made it a complicated road for me.
That doesn’t mean the book isn’t good, just that it wasn’t for me.
I loved Finn and Sarah, the main characters, they had interesting things to say, and I liked how they have trouble communicating as they have secrets that they aren’t their own to share, I adored the setting and how the writing made it super charming, as much as the interactions with the animals made me swoon, but I unfortunately couldn’t empathize with them. I truly wish I could, because I loved Sarah especially, and found many common points with her. That being said, if these tropes aren’t a problem for you, and if you like multiple POV (and not just 2), then you’ll probably like this very cute book.

Thank you Della Galton, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

[Nikky Raney · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Susanne Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful new series and I loved the little links to Puddleduck Farm and vets.

Overall I liked the characters of Finn and Jade. They both had painful childhood pasts and never thought they could move past them but when they were together it just seemed as if none of mattered and they helped each other explore their trauma and move on from it.

I wasn’t quite so taken with Sarah and I felt her deception went on far too long and was very unfair on Jade and Finn. Four months of secrets and seemingly no real friendship between the women in that time, for me seemed odd. There was no mention of Jade missing her bestest friend and nephew over those months, when previously they spent a lot of time together with Ben visiting the animal shelter all the time. I found that odd and hard to get past, I was expecting a long heart to heart amongst the women very soon after Jade discovered the truth. I understand Sarah was scared but it wasn’t really fully explored so I felt it made her come off as a bad person.

However, that aside I liked Jade and Finn and the side story of Aiden and Kate. The goat incident really made me laugh. The friendship and love in the story was nicely paced and thought through. I wonder whose story we will get next.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, although the author has written other books - a new author to me, though.

The main human characters were all intriguing, from lead protagonist, Jade through to young Ben, new 'neighbour' Finn and the vet, Aiden. Some of the animals involved were also delightful to read about.

No spoilers, let's just say a cosy romance story with a nice ending. Jade is achieving her dream of running an animal rescue centre, Finn is reluctantly selling his deceased grandparent's house - both of which lead to several ups and downs in their lives which, naturally, overspill into the lives of the other characters.

Animal and/or English countryside lovers might enjoy this one. I did find the pace a little slow in places, but cosy romances aren't designed to be fast-paced action adventures are they? Also, the first in a series is never easy for an author to set off at a sprint with people, places, plot and backstory to establish.

The characters were interesting, the plot was good, the countryside flavour was excellent. I look forward to the next in the series.

My thanks to Boldwood Books for introducing me to a new author, via an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the start of a new modern romance series focusing on the Duck Pond Lane Animal Rescue, readers join animal lover and idealist Jade Foster just after a pair of tragedies strike her life. Using her inheritance to buy land in Wiltshire to start the Duck Pond Lane Animal Rescue, Jade and her new employee Finn McTaggart, running from his own demons, strike up a strong friendship, while local vet Aiden sees Finn as a rival for his developing affection for Jade. As Jade works on the animal rescue and throws herself into the work, Finn and Aiden’s rivalry starts to impact their working relationship until a new secret might just destroy all of the relationships growing over the course of this novel. Aiden, Finn, Jade, and the other characters are the true stars of this novel with their fantastic dynamics and complex personalities, and readers will definitely find them to be complicated and sympathetic figures. As for the charming setting and the host of animals at the Duck Pond Lane Animal Rescue, the lovely backdrop is a fantastic and heartwarming complement to the great characters and narrative that Galton has brought to life in her latest modern romance novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a promising start to a new series with some interesting central characters and a lovely setting in the rescue centre. You soon realise that Jade has had a complicated relationship with her mother and is forging a future for herself in her own way. She has decided to use her large inheritance to help animals who are in need and shows empathy for others. Both Aidan, the vet, and Finn, who she employs to work around the rescue centre, are attracted to her. They are both very different characters and with Aidan in particular, she has to be wary of giving him the wrong impression.

A long hidden secret from years past threatens to upturn several people's lives but it cannot remain in the shadows for ever. I enjoyed the overlap with the Puddleduck Farm series and glimpsing some of the characters there who have so much in common with Jade. I am hopeful that we will return to Duck Pond Cottage so see how the rescue centre is getting along. With Jade's determination, I am sure, it will continue to succeed.

In short: Friendships, family and new beginnings.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage is the start of a brand-new series featuring Duck Pond Lane Animal Rescue. I'm not one who's able to resist an animal rescuer story. This animal rescue story is adorable with animals of all sorts getting a second chance at their best life.
I enjoyed reading about the antics the animals got up to and the variety of animals rescued from domesticated animals to birds and farm animals. I connected with one of the main characters running the rescue center because we had a lot of similarities in caring for animals and she's a vegetarian like I am.
Rescuer Jade has two men falling for her and they have such different personalities. She's plenty busy though with her rescue center and not looking for love. But will this jealous rivalry end up on the right side of a romance? The beautiful Wiltshire countryside setting has me dreaming of a visit. A romantic and uplifting page turner for animal lovers and romantics alike.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the death of her mother, with whom she had a troubled relationship, Jade starts up an animal rescue centre. Needing help she employs Finn as a general handyman, he is at a loose end after being made redundant. Add into this mix Sarah, Jade's BFF and her young son Ben, plus vet Aiden and things don't go smoothly.
I have read and loved another of this author's series, Puddleduck Farm, I was looking forward to reading this first of a new series. The two are loosely linked with a welcome special guest appearance and have a similar theme. Both Jade and Finn have issues that they are struggling to overcome, compounded with a secret that risks spoiling everything. With the background of the animals and budding romance this is a very promising start and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to be on a Della Galton binge at the moment, as this is the third book I've read of hers in the past few days.

And this is a solid start to a new series, and once again Della Galton has show she is a massive fan of animals and this animal rescue is incredibly charming.

Jade is running the rescue and has three key men in her life, local vet Aiden, new handyman Finn, and Ben who is her best friend's son (ok he's a kid but he is vital to the plot).

I loved getting to know all the various animals at the rescue, especially Diesel, Tiny and Fang.

It is a really great book to get you used to all the new characters as well as with plenty of secrets, misunderstandings and I really enjoyed it. I'm already keen to read the next book in the series, and seeing just what will happen to all the characters next.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Jenny McClinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This adorable romance is set at Duck Pond Cottage and follows Jade, who after her Mum’s passing sets up an animal sanctuary.

Life at the sanctuary is busy with many animals to tend to, so she decides to take on someone to help with the maintenance. She hires Finn, who after their first sudden meeting can’t seem to forget about Jade.

Soon, their working relationship looks as if it could develop further but with a secret Jade must hide, she is unsure of whether to take the chance.

Will they find love? What secret is Jade keeping?

I loved reading this romance, the characters and animals were adorable. Jade has such a big heart, even though she doesn’t believe as much in herself as others.

You get to hear from both Jade and Finn throughout which shows how much they care about each other even if there is a secret keeping them apart. It was enjoyable to see how their storylines developed.

There are plenty of other characters along the way, including a kind of love triangle at one point. Plenty to keep you enthralled in reading. I will be reading more from this author.

Overall, an adorable romance where a secret is in the way of a blooming romance.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!! This is just the beginning of what promises to be a fun filled series and I am so excited. We are introduced to Jade who has recently lost her mother and is running a animal rescue and with two different love interests it could not be more entertaining. I have a interest in animal rescue and I love the animals quirky personalities which always makes me happy. I really appreciate the people who take on the animals and therefore become involved in their personal lives and for Jade this is a local vet and a handyman. It gets a little bit nasty but the author has done a stellar performance of representing the characters feelings. I am so looking forward to meeting more animals to make me laugh but there backgrounds are so heartbreaking yet they remain resilient. I love the drama plotted and excitement!

[Christina Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to have a cute setting that would have many readers swooning and dreaming about moving to the country and finding their own Duck Pond Cottage. As someone who often fantasizes about having my own animal sanctuary and hobby farm, it quickly gained my interest. The characters seemed realistic with multiple relationship dynamics at work. The main romance felt genuine. The pacing of the overall story felt a little off; the beginning was slower and the ending seemed to speed through several plot points to get to a conclusion, though it was still an enjoyable story. If you like slow burn romances and slice-of-life stories, I would recommend A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rescue stories!

This book centered on Jade, the founder of an animal rescue, her friends and the people who work for her. When Finn shows up and starts working for the rescue, Jade feels an attraction to him. An unexpected surprise takes place that makes Jade wonder if she and Finn should even try to have a future.

I liked this book, but felt it moved very slowly and I had trouble letting it keep my attention. There’s nothing bad, it is well-written, but I had to struggle to finish it. I’m sure there are many people who will love this book, but it just didn’t fully work for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Fabulous author Della Galton's latest novel, A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage, marks the beginning of an exciting new series.

Jade is mourning the loss of her mother, feeling sorrowful about their lack of a "normal" mother-daughter bond. With her inheritance, she chooses to purchase a smallholding and establish Duck Pond Rescue, where her dreams revolve around rescuing animals and finding them loving homes. However, it appears that more than just animals may need saving!

I thoroughly enjoy being immersed in a novel that keeps me captivated until the final page, and this one is no exception. Jade's relationship struck a chord with me, as my own connection with my mother was not particularly close, and I often felt that nothing I did was ever good enough for her.

[Marte Haga]

Lovely feel-good book about a young woman opening up an animal shelter/rescue business; returning home to her childhood home after her mother passed away. Whilst opening her home to all sorts of animals, something keeps her from opening up to people, especially those who may become a romantic interest. So it's almost a bit ironic that she for the most part of the book finds herself in a complicated love triangle, made even more complicated by her best friends past catching up to them both.

Easy read, small town, likeable characters, some fun scenes, a good balance between cuteness and deeper emotions.

I particularly enjoyed the little references to Puddleduck Farm and Maggi & Phoebe, another series by the author that I really enjoyed!

[Noore · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC!

[Judith Northwood-Boorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series from the Galton stableyard (pardon the pun), which was my last holiday reading novel on a Costa Rican adventure. It seemed quite weird reading a novel set in the Wiltshire countryside. Yet the escapism was just as powerful. I was totally sucked into the world of Jade and Finn. The tangible romantic tension between them. The subsidiary characters of Aiden the vet, Sarah and her bear of a Scottish fiance add to the believability factor. I also like the linking to the Puddledock books. There's a working relationship between the two rescue centres.
I'm now looking forward to reading the Summer Secrets 2nd novel which I've already downloaded to Kindle, within tantalising distance.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Just such a sweet, fun read. Jade has finally realised her dream of opening an animal rescue centre. Finn is in the area selling his grandparents house and ultimately ends up working with Jade. Sarah has finally met her match and Ben is just adorable. A few few bumps in the road along the way just to keep things interesting! The link to Puddleduck Farm was sweet and the circumstances around it was very amusing. I can't wait for the next book in this delightful new series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Della Galton for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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