The Approval of Sheep

by Karen Storey

Gordon Slee fears he was never meant to be born. Anxious since childhood after hearing he was an accident, the forty-two-year-old is still struggling to escape the shadow of his high-achieving family.
But a glimmer of hope is on the horizon – a huge promotion within his hotel group is up for grabs, and he is sure that his time has come to make a mark on the world.
However, within his own department, redundancies are afoot. He may lose his job before he gets the chance. Until he learns of a historic covenant that preserves the right for sheep to run through the company’s top London hotel. Could he convince his boss that he’s the man to save the hotel from catastrophe?
Up in Bryn Nefyn, North Wales, live the descendants of the covenant owner. The elderly sheep farmer and his aging hippy brother could use the money the hotel might offer. But along with their strong-willed American shepherdess, they laugh at Gordon’s attempts to negotiate a deal. Surely, they couldn’t use a covenant that’s been forgotten about for over a hundred years.
Or could they?
For lovers of upmarket commercial fiction with a touch of romance and comedy, The Approval of Sheep is an uplifting story about family and love, overcoming adversity and discovering our reason for our place in this world.

“Accomplished, funny, touching and clever' - bestselling author Stephanie Butland
“This idea is brilliant. I can see this as a movie.” Sophie Hannah, Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author.
“Parts of it made me laugh out loud.” Mark Stay, bestselling author and presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcasts.
'This book is sooo amazing. I can't put it down!' - bestselling author Helga Jensen

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Karen Storey is an award winning fiction writer and has been featured on the acclaimed book podcast The Bestseller Experiment. As well as a novelist, she is a prolific short story writer. Her short stories have been published in various anthologies and placed in several
international competitions. Her memoir pieces have also been published within the New York Times bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Originally from New York City, Karen lives in Warwickshire, England and has written articles for American in Britain magazine. She lives with her husband, whose surname Storey was the perfect wedding gift. They share their home with a snarky cat who writes Karen’s monthly author newsletters and a crazy little Bichon Frise dog who barks at his own reflection.

You can visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter at www.karenstoreyauthor.com

The Approval of Sheep is Karen’s first novel.

Reviews

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by Karen Storey was a wonderfully well written tale with it's heart based on a true covenant.
I've heard of sheep in London and covenants about them being allowed to run through certain areas according to these ancient covenants, so to have this book's core being about a similar covenant, was intriguing.
Gordon, our MC is in a bit of a bind at his job, in that due to possible redundancies, he may be out of a job, on top of a failed marriage proposal. He's feeling quite useless, compared to his heigh flying siblings.
Then with the knowledge of a covenant involving sheep being allowed to run throught the hotel he works at, he tries to bargain for a promotion.
He finds himself in Wales in order to negotiate with the owner of the covenant, and finds himself stuch with some stubborn, untrusting folk and a lot of sheep.
The whole story was highly entertaining, and there were some lovely emotional elements that made Gordon appear more human as the story progressed, and I was more than satisfied with the ending.
A little romance, a lot of self discovery and a shedload of sheep!

[Cori Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining story about a man struggling to succeed in life, and how a flock of sheep and a legal covenant help him move on from other people's definitions of achievement. Also a love letter to sheep in general, lovely and ridiculous creatures that they are.

This was a fun time ... the story is well-written and paced, and although it mostly doesn't take itself too seriously, it does give emotional weight where needed. Our hero Gordon really could have done with some therapy long before he headed off to a sheep farm in Wales, but if getting kicked by a sheep is what it takes, all good. I really liked the family dynamics, both Gordon's own, and at the farm, too, all very vividly described.

Recommended if you're in the mood for someone else to stomp through a wet muddy field while you read cosily.

This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book, man goes to a Welsh sheep farm after losing his job in London in an attempt to get his job back. He schemes to use a strange old covenant which allows the farmer to move their sheep through land that now has his old employers hotel built on it as leverage. It’s a good premise. I’ve read so many similar books to this, that’s not this books fault but I guess it gave it a bit of an uphill struggle with me. I’d recently read Claire Baldings book Pastures new and really enjoyed it and this story, person goes to a farm who is not familiar with farming is so similar. Both books are set in Wales but this one didn’t feel very Welsh, to me, I must say I am from South Wales so that could be the issue. Maybe it’s the setting maybe it’s the protagonist, Gordon seemed straight out of Notting Hill, the film, and whilst there was sometimes I felt sympathy towards him I generally felt annoyed. I guess I greatly dislike lying and this was front and centre to this character, why would someone delay telling someone the truth. It annoyed me. Beyond this the family dynamics are perhaps a bit too close to home for me, Gordon experiences his family as hypercritical and he spends a lot of time trying to gain their approval whilst being annoyed at their behaviour.
The latter third of the book did appeal to me and I started to like the protagonist and I wondered if I hadn’t read similar books recently if I would have enjoyed it more. I think whilst it was an escapist book there was maybe a bit too much excitement, perils and thrills for me so maybe other people might actually prefer it. I think I chose it as my before bed read when for me it was more of a day time read.
It is well written and I would check out the author again as I am sure she will continue to write high quality and thoughtful books. I did struggle to score this and whilst I’m scoring it a three I think that is very personal to me and I can see everyone else I can see has given it a 4 or 5.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordon Slee is a bit of a loser. Or, at least, he thinks he is. Bullied and taken advantage of by his cretin of a boss, Edward Creaton, and terminally disappointing to his awful parents, Gordon is forty-two years old and has never managed to live up to his view (that is, everyone else’s view) of what his life should be.

When an unusual opportunity to impress his boss and win accolades comes his way, Gordon feels he is left with no other choice. Even though this undertaking will involve sheep, many sheep, stubborn (and muddy) in all their woolly wondrousness, out in the distant (and beautiful) Welsh countryside. An area which Gordon, needless to say, as a lifelong Londoner, has no experience or really, the remotest interest in.

But doors once open can yield surprises. And plenty are in store for Gordon as he begins what this reader found to be a heartwarming and gentle journey, filled with community, camaraderie and eventually, lessons on love and living, and taking a chance. Cause you never quite know exactly where a turn may lead. (And it may be more, much more, than you had baaagained for!)

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming book about sheep and Wales and a London businessman about to be laid off by his hotel employer. A terrific comfort read that would make a splendid movie. Baa-eautiful!!!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚The Approval of Sheep
✍🏻Karen Storey
Blurb:
Gordon Slee fears he was never meant to be born. Anxious since childhood after hearing he was an accident, the forty-two-year-old is still struggling to escape the shadow of his high-achieving family.
But a glimmer of hope is on the horizon – a huge promotion within his hotel group is up for grabs, and he is sure that his time has come to make a mark on the world.
However, within his own department, redundancies are afoot. He may lose his job before he gets the chance. Until he learns of a historic covenant that preserves the right for sheep to run through the company’s top London hotel. Could he convince his boss that he’s the man to save the hotel from catastrophe?
Up in Bryn Nefyn, North Wales, live the descendants of the covenant owner. The elderly sheep farmer and his aging hippy brother could use the money the hotel might offer. But along with their strong-willed American shepherdess, they laugh at Gordon’s attempts to negotiate a deal. Surely, they couldn’t use a covenant that’s been forgotten about for over a hundred years.
Or could they?
For lovers of upmarket commercial fiction with a touch of romance and comedy, The Approval of Sheep is an uplifting story about family and love, overcoming adversity and discovering our reason for our place in this world.

“Accomplished, funny, touching and clever' - bestselling author Stephanie Butland
“This idea is brilliant. I can see this as a movie.” Sophie Hannah, Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author.
“Parts of it made me laugh out loud.” Mark Stay, bestselling author and presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcasts.
'This book is sooo amazing. I can't put it down!' - bestselling author Helga Jensen
My Thoughts:
Entertaining story about a man struggling to succeed in life, and how a flock of sheep and a legal covenant help him move on from other people's definitions of achievement. Also a love letter to sheep in general, lovely and ridiculous creatures that they are.

This was a fun time ... the story is well-written and paced, and although it mostly doesn't take itself too seriously, it does give emotional weight where needed. Our hero Gordon really could have done with some therapy long before he headed off to a sheep farm in Wales, but if getting kicked by a sheep is what it takes, all good. I really liked the family dynamics, both Gordon's own, and at the farm, too, all very vividly described.
Thanks NetGalley, Burton Mayers Books and Author Karen Storey for the advanced copy of "The Approval of Sheep" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BurtonMayersBooks
#KarenStorey
#TheApprovalofSheep
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings:Death, Homophobia, Infidelity and Cancer

[Imogen Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Karen Storey has come up with a delightful premise: through a quirk of history, a small farm in North Wales has the Right to drive sheep from one London street to where the market once stood - even though a smart hotel has now been built over the route. Hotel employee Gordon Slee spots a way to secure a directorship, rather than imminent redundancy, and travels to the sheepfarm to persuade them to sell the Right below the rate it's really worth.

What he does not reckon on, though, is being a natural with sheep. Nor falling for the widowed shepherdess.

I was amazed this was a debut novel as it's so assured: the storytelling, the plotting, the use of language. I then found that the author has won a number of writing competitions.

There is a danger of cliched characterisation with this setting, but the shepherd is from upstate New York, and brothers who own the farm are strongly individual: Rhys the weed-smoking happy-go-lucky younger brother (loved the touch of a room full of sofas), and Alan the sensible older brother who kept his gay identity hidden for years. Even the supporting characters such as hotel colleague Tej and PA Bethan have their own personalities.

I tend to prefer alpha-males in my romances and was surprised by how much I warmed to Gordon with all his insecurities, poor judgements, and mistaken actions. I was interested in him because Karen Storey created a full character, with a family history that put his decisions in context. Of course he comes through strong by the end.

There are many laugh-out-loud moments, including a famous Gorden ending up with cream cake all over him.

Looking forward to the next book by Karen Storey.

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

The Approval of Sheep by Karen Storey

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

Blurb

Gordon Slee fears he was never meant to be born. Anxious since childhood after hearing he was an accident, the forty-two-year-old is still struggling to escape the shadow of his high-achieving family.

But a glimmer of hope is on the horizon – a huge promotion within his hotel group is up for grabs, and he is sure that his time has come to make a mark on the world.

However, within his own department, redundancies are afoot. He may lose his job before he gets the chance. Until he learns of a historic covenant that preserves the right for sheep to run through the company’s top London hotel. Could he convince his boss that he’s the man to save the hotel from catastrophe?

Up in Bryn Nefyn, North Wales, live the descendants of the covenant owner. The elderly sheep farmer and his aging hippy brother could use the money the hotel might offer. But along with their strong-willed American shepherdess, they laugh at Gordon’s attempts to negotiate a deal. Surely, they couldn’t use a covenant that’s been forgotten about for over a hundred years.

Or could they?

My Opinion

The Approval of Sheep was a pleasant surprise with some great characters. Karen Storey has written an entertaining novel with an intriguing premise. Whilst it was not what I expected, this is a book that I would highly recommend.

Rating 4/5

[Lisi Bee (Beth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be a sweet story with an attention-grabbing premise, a bit ridiculous on the surface but with a nice amount of self-growth and a touch of romance. Gordon is a London hotelier trying to follow in his grandfather's footsteps but struggling to succeed. Unlucky in both love and his career and at a crossroads in his life, he makes a risky decision and then does everything he can to push it through. Along the way he meets an American shepherdess and learns more than he ever thought he'd want to know about sheep. This book leans very heavily on intentional miscommunication as a plot device, so if that's not your thing consider yourself warned. I really struggled with Gordon's twisting of the truth for 2/3 of the book, much like Gordon himself struggled with it. (I'm going to be generous and assume that the author intended for us to struggle along with Gordon.) This is what it always comes down to in this kind of story, isn't it? Telling an untruth to get ahead or save face, then spending the rest of the story either making it happen or failing spectacularly. It made for some uncomfortable moments in the story, and I had a hard time fully enjoying the story because of it. At least Gordon was conflicted about what he's doing. I did like the story overall, there are some great supporting characters (including the sheep!). I can see this adapted into a great fish-out-of-water movie. This was a new-to-me author, I'd definitely read her again! This review was based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own.

[S.C. Skillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this quirky novel, set in London and Wales. I’m fascinated by the author’s close knowledge of sheep husbandry and the Welsh landscape. On top of that, the character and predicament of the main protagonist, Gordon, engages all my sympathies and holds me captivated. I must admit that as the novel progressed, I identified with him more and more, totally engaged by his family and relationship issues, and the knots he ties himself in by being ‘economical with the truth’ in order to achieve what he sees as his goals and dreams.

In addition, I also loved Jenna, the American shepherdess. I took quite a while to start liking Rhys, whom I initially found manipulative, irresponsible and rude. But this author effected a transformation and in the final scenes I loved him too!

The author’s style is confident and assured, and each time I needed to put the novel aside for a while to go away and do something else, I kept thinking about Gordon and what will happen to him, how he will resolve his difficulties, and what he will do next.

The topic of the novel, the idea of a Welsh farmer exercising his historical right to run sheep through a London hotel, is so unusual and intriguing. Without giving the outcome of the story away, I must say I absolutely loved the final chapters and scenes!

An outstanding debut novel and I look forward to this author’s next full length work of fiction.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, very different read! One of my books of the year. One I’m going to bleat about (and perhaps use every sheep pun I can think of!)
Gordon is about to be made redundant when he has an idea. His company owns a hotel, however there is a covenant on it which allows a certain farmer to run sheep through it. Something that wasn't sold when the land to build the hotel was. Anyone who has come across old covenants may know they can be tricky to remove and Gordon wants to try, as doing so may give him the chance of a directors position in six months time. He heads to Wales to try and broker a deal with the farmer and gets far more than he bargained for.
Oh what a fabulous premise- one ewe won't want to miss! I loved Gordon and his caring nature and how he took to life in Wales learning about sheep and becoming bucolic. There are twists and turns which almost make it a mystery with Gordon as the detective- something one of his dreams could take him to.
A book you cud settle down with, (not read on the hoof!), one to escape into. A tale of human friendship (but not woolly) and the goodness that exists in some people’s hearts. A baa-gain of a book. (ok I’ll stop now) . 10* if I could- one of the best books ‘I’ve read in a long time- and I read a lot! Endearing, caring, a great plot and wonderfully written. Loved it.
-------------------------------

[Soozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book thinking it was just another of those stories about a hapless individual who goes to the countryside to find his true self - like so many films portray. And in many ways it is, but its so much more.

Gordon Slee is 42 and making a real mess of his life. He lives in a grotty flat, he proposed to his girlfriend and she walked away, his family find him a joke and his job is becoming redundant, despite his belief they will be offering him a directorship at the hotel. All in all, its pretty grim.

However, he finds an historic covenant which allows sheep from a particular family the right to run through the hotel to reach the market, and he decides to use this to leverage himself a new job and better life. He sets off to meet the family in Wales and work with them to save his job. But things don't quite go to plan. Alan and Rhys are understandably sceptical about the idea that the hotel will pay big money to prevent a sheep run; they tried to invoke the covenant before and failed.

Gradually Gordon begins to find he is good with sheep, he likes being in the country, and he really wants to help Alan to save his farm.

Its a feel good book, poignant and well told. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and Books Go Social for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lizzie Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Approval of Sheep – Karen Storrey
In the beginning, I did not know what to make of Gorden Slee, who was seemingly burdened by all the cares in the world and tormented by the knowledge that not only did he not belong in this world, but he was also never meant to be here in the first place. Therefore, I was intrigued to see how he handled the opportunity to stave off his own redundancy, win the approval of his high-achieving family, and get the promotion he feels is his due. Sounds simple. doesn’t it? However, to achieve all the above, he must travel to Wales to meet the family who hold a historic covenant that allows them to ‘run sheep’ through his company’s up-market hotel. For me, the story came to life when ‘duck out of water’ Gordon arrives in North Wales and meets an eccentric cast of characters: a shepherdess from upstate New York who is a smart cookie, a hippy farmer who reads haikus to the magpies on the farmhouse roof and an elderly farmer grieving his lost partner. Then there’s the sheep . . . my husband’s family has farmed sheep since before the war, and there’s not much I do not know about them! Therefore, I must congratulate the author not only on her knowledge of sheep husbandry but also on how she handles the themes in the book and brings them to a satisfying, well-crafted conclusion. I am intrigued to see what she might write next . . .

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rachel kindly sent the email for the blog tour, I just had to sign up to review this baa-rmy story!

Poor Gordon. Recently dumped by his girlfriend after proposing. Now he is trying to keep his job in a top London hotel, and maybe secure a promotion, by visiting a farm in Wales. He is hoping to convince them to sell their covenant which allows them to run their sheep through the hotel. Just in case they ever decide to actually run their sheep through the hotel. Surely they wouldn’t …. or would they? Completely bonkers idea and I just had to read it!

There are a lot of highs and lows for poor Gordon, who doesn’t know whether he is coming or going, and I was hoping so much that he would end up on a high.

After living with the two brothers who own the sheep farm, and getting to know the shepherdess, not only does he find new friends who are more like family; he also finds himself and what is really important in life. There is even a touch of romance weaved in which I didn’t expect.

I adored Gordon’s story and the quirky characters, including the sheep. Loved the fact he fantasised about being the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Hilarious. His story will resonate with many of us who don’t feel we have yet found our place in life.

I’m left with a big smile on my face and a warm happy feeling inside. I’d love to see this as a film.

[Mark Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Storey’s book The Approval of Sheep is a delightful comedy of modern manners with an intensifying whiff of romance infusing the pages. I really enjoyed this book. I don’t often chuckle when I’m reading, I’m more of a ‘wry smile’ kind of reader, but this one had me laughing out loud on several occasions.
The premise of the book is ridiculous, let’s face it – it’s not too much of a spoiler to say that the action all hangs on whether, under a right given to them under an ancient covenant, a flock of sheep will or will not rampage through the lobby of a posh hotel. Much is at stake in this conundrum, especially for Gordon. But Karen plots the tale with such deft authority that we are totally up for the ride, and get drawn into the protagonist Gordon’s herculean labours.
Gordon may not be a moron (Karen made the link to the song, not me) but initially the reader would be tempted to think he is one. He certainly is a rather hapless hero, but our affection for him grows as the novel develops. Do the sheep get to soil the hotel’s plush carpets? Does Gordon ultimately prove to be a moron after all? Read The Approval of Sheep and find out; I guarantee you a lot of fun along the way.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Approval of Sheep was a book that will remain with you. I suspect you may encounter individuals in your daily life & think to yourself, that character reminds me of the loathsome boss, Edward Creaton, or be able to name a former flame reminiscent of Stacey. I wasn't certain that this book would be a favorite, but a favorite it was.

I'm driven to read & finish a book because I connect and especially care for a character or several. I was cheering Gordon on from the first several chapters. I did not have a knowledge of sheep although I now realize that the sheep were the supporting cast.

Reading along most can't deny knowing of a family or gentlemen like Rhys or Alan or Jenna. They take on obstacles and the storyline of the corporate world vs the little guy or gal takes off.

I am in the US, but I had spent a semester in college in both London and througout Wales more than 40 years ago. It was a pleasant visit back from Page One. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and independent review of it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐑Inspirational, uplifting😍

Gordon, his flights of fancy and the reality of the land, people and flocks of Wales, turned out to be a bit poignant but a lot uplifting. The way he embraces life on the farm and the Priddys is just so heartwarming. His growing love and respect for the farm's sheep (especially Molly): endearing. Gordon's discovery of what really makes him happy and his commitment to the people he promised to help: inspirational. And that hotel boss of his: slimy and untrustworthy from the start: his ending made me so-o happy! Plus, the Gordon character is well fleshed out, with ample description of the reasons he needs to make a big splash to show his worth. And the romance: just right!

I found Rhys Priddy more than a bit annoying, but he redeems himself in a crunch so even he leant a nice, quirky energy to the story.

Definitely a recommended read.

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, whimsical and quirky delight.
Gordon, a man in his early 40s, is a dreamer with no real achievements. He faces redundancy, and in an effort to try to negotiate something better at his hotel group, evokes a historic covenant that preserves the right for sheep to run through the company’s top London hotel.
He travels to Wales to meet the descendants of the covenant's origins, and discovers the ebb and flow of life on a sheep farm. Soon he is wondering if he still wants to become a director in London after all. But he needs to prove himself, and decide whose side he's on.
I loved the way sheep were portrayed. They've often been dismissed by "celebrity" farmers as having a death wish and being very stupid. Storey portrays sheep as being mischievous, loving and inquisitive. She apparently did a lot of research with Facebook groups and others.
I can see this being made into a heart warming film. Rhys Ifans would be excellent in the role of his namesake, hippyish Rhys.

[Surekha Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a fun, escapist novel to survive the month (or the day), Karen Storey's THE APPROVAL OF SHEEP, a hilarious caper and comedy novel makes for a light-hearted, delightful, and cosy read.
The unfortunate Gordon’s work-related predicament leaves him little choice but to go home or go large, where going large means getting a Welsh sheep farmer to join him in a giant bluff threatening to drive said farmer’s sheep through a fancy London hotel.

The premise behind the book – a covenant that gives a farming family the right to run its sheep through this hotel – is hilarious. Right from the start I wanted the nasty meanie on the hotel board to get his comeuppance in the form of a sheep-in-the-hotel disaster.

But the book has serious themes woven around the farce: love, loss, betrayal, self-doubt, imposter syndrome. All together, I can imagine this as a fabulous book for book club discussion and an ABSOLUTE MUST on screen!

[Ann T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Struggling in his current job with redundancies being faced he is stressed as he attempts to maintain the perfect London executive life, complete with all the glitz and a girlfriend who looks the part. Set in Rural Wales and London we join Gordon as he examines what it will take to be the hero of his magnificent life.

Karen Storey has created a fabulous debut novel that will leave you rooting for the underdog, laughing and begging for justice and honesty.

Created through well developed characters that you will either love or despise and sheep, lots and lots of sheep, I loved this book and couldn’t put it down.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.

[Jenny Worstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Approval of Sheep is based on a very clever and original idea concerning the right of a flock of sheep to run through a top London hotel.
I found myself rooting for the hapless Gordon from the very start, hoping he would make a success of working in Wales, find sweet romance, and discover who he truly was along the way.
The unexpected star of the book is Molly, a spirited and wilful sheep with a fondness for soft fruit. I particularly loved the comedy moment with the piece of sponge cake topped with a luscious strawberry near the end.
In short, if you like a cracking good yarn with poignant moments, you're in for a treat!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my days, I had no idea that a book involving sheep, a hotel and an age old covenant would turn out to be so enjoyable.

The concept of the book was unlike anything I've read before and it was a refreshing change to read something so different from my usual genres.

It's a heartwarming read filled with fun and humour as one man tries to find his place in the world.

I loved Gordon Slee and everything about his character. I found him relatable in ways, and in others I just wanted to wrap him up in s̶h̶e̶e̶p̶s̶ cotton wool. He was absolutely charming, he just couldn't see it, and he had me rooting for him all the way.

Joyous and a sheer delight to read.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s heartwarming, funny, witty, clever, original, heartwarming. It’s the book to read when you feel down or when you need to read something about new beginnings and hope.
Or when you want to have fun, root for Gordon, wonder if you could be able to work as shepherdess
I loved the storytelling, the style of writing, and hope there’s a lot in the future for Karen Storey as she wrote an excellent and intriguing book.
Many thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous debut novel. It’s written with heart and humour and gives us a most unusual hero who engaged my interest immediately and stole my heart. I didn’t see how a story about sheep could enthral me but it really did. The author’s writing is so attractive and her premise really fulfilled its promise! I thought the description of the sheep running through the hotel was masterly. But don’t think this is farce, it’s not. It’s a story of self discovery, family, love, and setting. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a story with strong, believable characters that you’ll fall in love with.

[JK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The approval of sheep by Karen Storey was a lovely little side quest from my usual ghosts and ghouls.

This beautiful story about Gordon Slee finding himself removed from his life and ending up in the lovely Welsh hills on a sheep farm was a truly touching tale.

Gordon has a lot to learn, inside and out, and it was an emotional journey. I felt myself cringing for him, laughing with him and, most of all, hoping he was going to come out the other side intact.

This was a heartwarming read, with a brilliant cast of characters that I fell in love with!

5 sheep!! 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollicking baaa of a time I had while reading this book. I will be bleating about it for a long time and I wonder how many sheep puns I am able to come up with. Imagine finding out you were never meant to be born well that is what happens to our protagonist. It was exciting watching him find his flock and thrive. The plot is engaging and full of warmth. I thought it to be very entertaining.

[D Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an animal lover, this cover caught my eye. Next, I was intrigued by the unusual premise about sheep having the right to run through a luxury hotel. With its well drawn characters, this story of family bonds and finding oneself made me smile. And at times, I found it moving too. Especially towards the end.

[Laury Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and impressive little book. There are characters that you will love, like Gordon, Jenna, Alan, and especially Rhys. Then there are just despicable people who you can't wait to see "get their due", if they even will. A quick read, sometimes I laughed, and sometimes I was very sad. Oh, and the bonus is that it has sheep!!

[Sue Fehlinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the premise was really good and I was excited to read it. But sadly despite all the 5 star reviews, I wasn’t enthralled. It was an ok read and I read it to the end but I was a bit bored in the middle, sorry to say. I loved the main character though! And there were some very amusing moments but just a 3 star from me.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this quirky, fun, uplifting book about Gordon, a man who is about to be made redundant from his job in a London hotel, and the ruse he spots to keep his job. The ruse takes him to a sheepfarm in North Wales where he - eventually - falls for the American shepherdess, and the rural life. Brilliantly written throughout, with great dialogue and rounded characters.