Finding Home in Hartfell

by Suzanne Snow

Heart and humour abound in Hartfell, as the village welcomes new guests and romance… The eldest of five siblings and mother of teenage Harriet, Pippa is the glue that holds the family together. When her father, rock legend Jonny Jones, asks her to 'sort out' an old family home in Hartfell, the last thing she wants is to spend hers and Harriet's summer holiday in the Yorkshire Dales.

Surprises lie in wait – the house has a tenant, local vet Gil, who does not want to leave. Even as sparks fly with the handsome vet, tensions rise when Pippa's plans put his practice and the village fete under threat.

Can she turn the fete into a success and win back the villagers' approval? And will Pippa unstick herself from her demanding family enough to go after what she needs?

A fun village romance for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Sue Moorcroft and Ali McNamara.

Genres: Romance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2025

About the author

Suzanne writes uplifting fiction inspired by romance and rural life. Subscribe to Suzanne's newsletter to download a bonus chapter and read on after 'The End.'

Reviews

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore books that are set in Yorkshire so I was looking forward to reading this one. And I wasn’t disappointed!
A glorious setting with some fantastic characters and a sizzling enemies to lovers trope, there was much to enjoy in this story!
Gil was a great character, the chemistry between him and Pippa was electric, and I was intrigued to see how they would overcome their differences to become more than house mates.
Loved the veterinary aspect of the story, a great nod to the wonderful James Herriot who also loved the Yorkshire dales.
Funny at times, thought provoking too, this story was incredibly entertaining throughout.
Can’t wait to visit Hartfell again!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed Suzanne Snow’s novels before and would definitely recommend them. Her latest novel Finding Home in Hartfell is the first book of the new Hartfell Village series.
The main character here is Pippa Douglas, who is nearly 40 and a Fine Arts lecturer at a London college. She is the eldest of five siblings. After her mum died 25 years before, it has been up to her to organise the family. Her dad is Jonny Jones, who is the lead singer of a famous rock band and always busy touring. He asks Pippa to sort out a property he owns in Hartfell in Yorkshire and that’s how she ends up there with her daughter Harriet, 14. Can they fall in love with village life, despite the lack of WiFi?
At the village, we meet local vet Gil Haworth and his dog Lola. He is divorced with two grown up sons. Anyone who enjoys the enemies to lovers trope will adore this slow burn romance. Pippa and Gil seem to butt heads all the time, but there definitely seems to be a spark underneath.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s a particularly brilliantly realistic mum/daughter relationship between Pippa and Harriet. I also love the animals especially Gil’s dog Lola and Posy the naughty pony and Dorothy’s many and varied animals she has to look after.
I enjoyed finding out about Pippa’s family history and how she was linked to the village through past generations. It is a real revelation for both Pippa and Harriet to be in such a quiet, idyllic setting compared to the big city and I thought the community feel was really good and I enjoyed seeing how things develop over time.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a small village in the rural Yorkshire Dales, full of great characters, this was a lovely heartwarming read.
Pippa and her teenage daughter Harriet leave London to ‘sort out’ a property owned by Pippa’s father, on arrive she finds the local vet Gil living in the house. Pippa and Gil get off to a frosty start but as the story progresses there is a definite spark between them.
I loved how Pippa got to know more about the area and her family, the colourful characters in the local farms and village really added to the story, along with the humour this made really great read.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driving up to the Yorkshire Dale's from London, Pippa and her teenage daughter Harriet arrive to a farmhouse they have never seen before and she couldn't remember her dad ever mentioning it either, they are in Hartfell and it's completely different to their previous house, no traffic or street lights. Still, they are only supposed to be staying for a couple of weeks, so it shouldn't be too bad! It's certainly situated in an idyllic location, and before long, she begins to think differently about it. She finds the locals interesting too, some friendly, and some not! When she asks if Harriet can pop into the veterinary surgery and use their wi-fi they are very helpful, but she can't make out if Gil (the vet) is happy with it, he certainly doesn't look it, but he is the person who will come out worse if she does sell the house as he is living there. Everyone knows her dad as a rock star who has made lots of money and purchased lots of properties, and ultimately this causes lots of bad feelings around the village, yet when the village show needs a bit of encouragement, Pippa has the brilliant idea of getting her rockstar brother to do a special guest appearance, will this be enough to make things better? Harriet is now having a good time helping out at the local animal Sanctuary, and I think a local boy has some bearing on this as they seem to be more than just good friends. Is this goodwill going to help to bring this village together and Pippa to achieve the support that actually they both need? Although Pippa is gradually thawing as regards her feelings towards Gil the local vet and life in the village of Hartfell in the glorious Yorkshire Dale's countryside, is this going to be enough to save the farmhouse and the veterinary practice? I absolutely loved this story, I loved the mix of characters, the cute dogs, and the setting for this heartwarming story in the lovely village in the Yorkshire Dale's. Fans of all Creatures Great and Small are sure to love it too. A great, big five-star read from me.

* * * * * *
I was lucky to read a bonus chapter about Gil and Lola, if you can please also read this short piece about how Gil and Lola became such good friends and came to be living in Hartfell, it's very heartwarming.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect little cosy romance read. Pippa and her daughter make the long journey to a village deep in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales to find a house that they've never seen. Pippa didn't even know it existed until her rock start father sends her an email asking her to go 'sort it out' for him. Reluctantly she agrees to spend her summer break doing just that. She has no idea what's in store for them hen they get there. She certainly wasn't expecting to fall in love with village life (and the handsome vet Gil who is currently living in the house!) or for her daughter to make friends and want to stay. But, that's exactly what happens! Pippa and Gil are definitely a slow burning, enemies to lovers story. The characters in the story are all very friendly and relatable, just as the small village lifestyle would foster. Pippa is welcomed with open arms by everyone and soon learns she has deeps roots in the village that she was unaware of. Pippa and Gil are both characters that have deep rooted issues and I liked the way they were perfect foil for each other and how their relationship developed over time. The vivid description of the area around the village was excellent and really brought the story alive. I was pleased to discover that this is the first book in a new series about Hartfell Village as I found the story and its characters very engaging. This is a perfect Sunday afternoon, relaxing read.

[Hanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up halfway through this book. The main characters are two of the most unappealing people I have ever read about. The male love interest has raised passive-aggressive behavior to new heights, and the female must be one of the weakest, most wishy-washy, whiny excuses for an adult in literature. Normal, healthy people in the weird situation that these two are put into (by an irresponsible older adult) would sit down and simply have a calm conversation so that they both understand the issues and can work out a solution.

One of the comments on the back cover says "heartwarming romantic escapism." Maybe the stupid missteps of the two so-called adults is supposed to be so unreal, so farfetched as to be funny. Having been married to someone whom I thought had raised passive-aggressive behavior to new heights, maybe I am just overly sensitive to this issue; no honest, calm conversations can be held with people who respond to everything by either some kind of silent punishment or vicious sarcasm instead of discussion. This to me is not funny, not interesting, and in fact disgusting, and in this case leads to 326 pages of bad behavior.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely cosy romance story, perfect for reading around Valentines day. It was well paced and kept me interested all the way through. I have to admit though that I found both Pippa and Gil to be thoroughly unlikeable. I can see why they both took against each other, but my word were they grumpy!

I thought this book was really well written, with plenty of humour. It was a lovely glimpse into country life. To me, the narrative felt real and plausible. I love learning a little about animals alongside Pippa too.

This is "you know what you're getting" kind of book for me. Whilst Pippa and Gil seemed to hate each other to begin with, the chemistry between them is obvious, so the romantic element comes as no surprise. But sometimes I like a book to be comfortable and predictable like that.

And whilst the romance was obvious, there was so plenty to discover as Pippa learnt more about herself and her father.

Overall this was a lovely comfort read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book to be enjoyed over a long weekend or holiday, it takes you to a beautiful village and life in the country. Pippa has taken care of everyone in her family and is ‘sorting out’ a house in the country for her rock star father. She is not pleased to leave London and is even less pleased to discover a tenant, Gil, and no clear direction from her father. As she tries to figure it out she begins to discover things she never knew about her family and herself. Is it finally time to take care of herself? I enjoyed the village and its inhabitants, it was a community I wanted to be a part of. Pippa and Gil were so delightfully grumpy with each other in the beginning, it was a treat to watch them try to resist their attraction. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy romances set in cozy villages and filled with family.

Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.

[Dovilė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow to get to the actual romance-y bit of the story, but it was a nice story itself with history and plenty of characters that had interesting relationships and characteristics.

It was frustrating to see Pippa get annoyed at almost everything sometimes, especially when it came to Harriet. I understand that she is a mother but the whole safeguarding is a bit insane.

Overall, this was a book with a decent flowing story. It was easy to follow and the characters were memorable. However, the enemies to lover was very out of nowhere in my opinion. Of course, it was obvious it was coming but the sudden change from hating each other and yelling at one another to "we are in love!!!" was not great.

💐Thanks to NetGalley and Suzanne Snow for early access to this book! 💐
🎀This review was all honest!🎀

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Canelo and Netgalley for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review

It took me a while to warm to Pippa as she came across as too controlling but as we get to know her we realise why. I also felt she was too hard on her daughter. I liked Gil from the start, the hot vet living in the house Pippa is selling, and I felt for him from the beginning. Moreso when you find out his history. 

Pippa and Gil's spats and banter was entertaining although I felt a bit over the top at times.

Pippa certainly doesn't do things by half and when the vet practice and village fair are under threat due to her actions it makes her stop an think and I did like the changes in her as the book progressed.

Lots of great characters and a moving storyline make this a lovely read.

If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers with sizzling chemistry then I would recommend this to you.

[Jessica Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy and heartwarming read. The story follows Pippa and her teenage daughter Harriet as they go to the quaint town of Hartfell to deal with the farmhouse her father left her. Hartfell is vastly different from the hustle and bustle of London.

To Pippa’s surprise, her new property also has a tenant. Gil & Pippa clash heads in the beginning but slowly fall in love. The slow burn was so delicious to read. As Pippa navigates her new relationship with Gil, she realizes it’s time to take care of herself for once.

This book had an intriguing cast of characters and a bucolic setting that rope you in. It was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading more from this series.

Thank you to Love Books Tours and Suzanne Snow for gifting me the ARC to read. These are my honest opinions.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, this was just the tonic I needed to lift my spirits while I was feeling a bit down in the dumps.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. The setting, the characters, the story. I can't wait for the author to produce the next one as I want to be back in Hartfell ASAP!
The relationships between all the characters were super lovely to watch develop. I really like all of the villagers, especially Dorothy, who seemed such a character.
There are super humorous moments, usually involving Posy! Some emotional moments - I teared up several times. Some romantic moments and some heartwarming moments.
It was a really lovely read that I'd recommend greatly.

[Shirleyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and can't recommend it highly enough. Pipppa is tasked by her rock star father, who is currently abroad, to go to Hartfell in the Yorkshire Dales to 'sort out' a property he recently bought. Pippa reluctantly packs up the car & her teenage daughter and heads off towards the countryside grumbling that it's fallen on her shoulders again to be the one to charge of things. They have no idea what to expect when they arrive at the property, and encounter one surprise after another. This is a story that keeps on giving and is absolutely captivating. Wonderful characters, cute animals and idyllic sounding scenery. Beautifully written, heartwarming, witty and enchanting.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

When rock legend Jonny Jones asks his eldest daughter to sort out an old family home in Hartfell, Pippa makes the journey up from London to the Yorkshire Dales with her teenage daughter Harriet. The last thing Pippa wants to do is spend her summer in a rural village she barely knows in a farmhouse with little information from her father. Surprises await as the house is outdated, dilapidated, and already has a tenant, the local vet Gil, who does not want to leave. After a hostile start, Pippa begins to warm to the idyllic Yorkshire village, getting stuck into rural farming life with her daughter, and forming connections with the interesting locals. As sparks fly between Pippa and Gil, will she decide to permanently relocate to Yorkshire or sell the farmhouse and escape back to bustling life in London?

Finding Home in Hartfell is a heartwarming new series bursting with picturesque scenery and charming characters, perfect for fans of All Creatures Great and Small.

[Ann-Maree]

It took me a while to immerse myself in "Finding Home in Harfell" by Suzanne Snow, and unfortunately, my overall experience fell short of my expectations. The character of Pippa came across as particularly frustrating; I found her actions and motivations difficult to relate to. Additionally, the premise behind why she and her daughter Harriet ended up at the cottage felt rather unrealistic and lacking in depth. This disconnect made it challenging for me to form a meaningful connection with the characters and their journey. While this book didn’t resonate with me personally, I can see how it might still be a delightful read for many others who may appreciate its charm and narrative style.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Home in Hartfell by Suzanne Snow.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I really enjoyed it. I loved Gil. I did like Pippa. This was an easy read. I got into it straight away. Read in a few days. I liked the writing style and the flow of the story. I did like how Pippa and Gil were together. This was a lovely heartwarming feel good read. I loved it when Pippa saw a painting her grandmother did. I loved it. I'm hoping there is more to come.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Pippa and Gil’s story set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Wonderful characters in a lovely country setting, there were some funny moments in this book especially the initial meeting between Pippa and Gil, it was obvious there was an attraction there but they got off on the wrong foot, can they become friends or more? Lots of cute animals, I particularly loved Posy the naughty Shetland pony. Delighted it’s the first book in a series and I look forward to returning to Hartfell.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a little bit to get into this story, but once I did I really enjoyed it. Pippa and Hannah are fun characters and the location in Yorkshire Dales is really beautiful. There were some moments that were only okay, but overall I really enjoyed the read.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This is the first in a new series set in Hartfell. Light, easy read and I enjoyed this story of Pippa who has been sent to the area by her dad to do his dirty work (or so it would appear). Look forward to reading more.

[Trish Drinkwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lovely. I've enjoyed other Suzanne Snows and this did not disappoint. Entertaining, easy reading with enjoyable characters and a realistic plot, just the sort of book for when you don't want or need something that is heavy reading.
I'm pleased this is the first of a series - I'll be looking forward to reading more about Hartfell Village and the residents.

[Cheryl Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the romance was predictable from more or less the first page,this was a pleasant enough read.
I did however, get fed up of Pippa telling herself they had to move to back to London eventually. It was obvious this was not going to happen but it was there in every chapter as if all the readers were too stupid not to realise the outcome.
Not very memorable as books go.

[Fleurtje Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm, it took me a while to get into this book. The enemy-to-lovers theme was a bit much, they were almost yelling at each other. But hey, there were alpaca's, so I am good :)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

[Jessica Found · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Pippa & Gils story. Really easy to get into & I loved that it was set on a farm/vets with lots of animals. A great romance story & I can't wait to read book number 2 in the series!

[Terica Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and moving story! I absolutely loved it! Ms. Snow has definitely found a new fan! A heartwarming and soul grounding must read!!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[patricia mctaggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great book and wanted a better ending

[Carol Ann Notman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful easy story

Loved this gentle story and each of the people in it. Can't wait on book 2! A book you can share with your girl friends, Mum or Granny

[Becky Lisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab! A*

[Angie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't like the abrupt ending in an otherwise good read

[julia soakell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Great setting and characters in beautiful setting .I loved it and binge read to find out the twists and turns. Look forward to more