Fat Dogs and French Estates - Beyond the Forest Fringe

by Beth Haslam

Beth, Jack, and their dogs navigate the laughter and chaos of rural French life from their woodland home at Le Palizac. But challenges emerge.
As they explore the forest’s untamed beauty, nature’s harsh realities test their goal to create a wildlife sanctuary.
Just as hope fades, an extraordinary creature appears – his courage and resilience become an inspiring testament to surviving the forest’s toughest conditions.
Part of the Fat Dogs and French Estates series, this warm, poignant memoir draws readers to the heart of the forest, where the bonds between humans and animals are tested, and transformed, in the wild.


“Warm, honest, and beautifully observed. This superbly compelling book will resonate with anyone who values deep connections between place, nature, and animals.” — Patrick Joseph, My French House

“Written in the same league as The Elephant Whisperer… I learned, I laughed and I wept, but above all, I was uplifted.” — Valerie Poore, author of the Living Aboard memoir series

“Exquisitely described, this feast of nature is a glorious addition to the Fat Dogs collection and will delight both long-time fans and new readers.” — Julie Haigh, Amazon and Goodreads reviewer

“This is a story that will draw you in, move you, and deepen your appreciation of nature… I felt as if I had walked the woodland tracks alongside the author.” — Kathryn Gauci, USA Today bestselling author

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2026

About the author

Beth Haslam was brought up on a country estate in Wales. Deep in the countryside, her childhood was spent either on horseback, helping the gamekeepers raise pheasants, or out sailing. After a serious car crash in 1991, she set up her own consultancy business.
As semi-retirement beckoned, Beth and her husband, Jack, decided to buy a second home in France. This became a life-changing event where computers and mobile phones swapped places with understanding the foibles of the French, and tackling the language. Beth is now occupied as never before. Raising and saving animals, writing, and embracing everything that rural France has to offer; she’s loving it!

Reviews

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a companion to the other stories in the Fat Dog Series, and having finally found the house of their dreams in Southern France, this book focuses on the incredible haven for wildlife on the estate where the author and her husband live with their dogs and a wide ranging selection of poultry and visiting forest creatures.

It is very clear from the descriptions why this estate ticked so many boxes for the author and her husband….This included the fenced forested area, previously used for hunting, which at 300 acres was considerably larger than expectations. It proved to be stunning and already full of wonderful wildlife, but the plan was to bring in other species that would thrive in the environment.

The first priority was to get the main house habitable and over the course of the lengthy and necessary renovations there are some interesting encounters with almost as much abundance of wildlife as in the forest. Luckily help is to hand already on site, and new connections locally prove very helpful as the author and her husband are welcomed into the close knit community.

Apart from the house, the newly planted vegetable garden and chickens, there are essential jobs necessary in the forest such as the health and well-being of the wildlife. This required not only management of the forest but planting of fields of nutritious fodder to attract both animals and birds. Even in this idyllic part of the estate however, one animal in particular is intent on causing trouble, resulting in the authorities becoming involved, leading to an unexpected and challenging learning experience.

One of the biggest challenges is the weather, which could be extreme in both summer and winter, not just for the farmers and vineyards in the region, but a forest does not fare well in 125 mile winds either.

The author certainly knows how to draw us in as she shares the sightings and backgrounds to the wonderful wide ranging species right on her doorstep as the seasons change. At the heart of the daily activities are much loved family dogs who do their best to add to the action going on every day in this wonderful playground. One of the most endearing of the interactions is with one particular forest creature… unexpected and enduring, it is guaranteed to make every reader smile.

Apart from being another highly entertaining read, this book like the rest of the series, is a must buy for anyone considering relocating to France with a dream of buying a property… of any size. This book is standalone although I can also recommend the other books which led up to both the acquisition of the estate and the extensive renovation project that needed to be undertaken. A definite five stars.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth writes wonderful, warm, amusing memoirs, and I've loved her books for many years. But this book is different, special. Animals always feature in Beth's books, and it's obvious that she has loved and cared for animals all her life. This book is dedicated to the animals in the Domaine in France where Beth and her husband Jack live. I enjoyed the beginning of the book which explained how they came to purchase Le Palizac: a nice refresher for fans, and a good introduction for new readers. The tales of the forest animals are delightful, and it's obvious how much both Beth and Jack care about them. Yes, crusty Jack shows his true colors in this book, as the animal lover he really is. Beth's prose is always descriptive, but she's on top form here with vivid, almost poetic descriptions of both fauna and flora. There are some poignant moments, which are so well-written, that I found myself in tears several times. You know how you really love some books, but occasionally a book comes along that you totally adore, and know you will remember and reread? This is one of those books. It is only January, but I know this is going to be one of (if not the) best books I will read this year. What a sheer delight it is. Thank you Beth, for sharing your forest with us. This is definitely the best book you have written.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this latest Fat Dogs and French Estates memoir by Beth Haslam. It's a lovely addition to her FD series which focuses mainly on the incredible number of animals she and her husband Jack encounter on their Le Palizac Domaine. There's a recap on how they came to buy the property and of their attempts to breed and reintroduce certain bird species into the forest. It's a truly delightful read - Beth's descriptions are wonderful, so eloquent and vivid. It gives us a genuine insight into all the work that goes into looking after the forest and the effort it takes to ensure that the animals are protected as far as possible.
Over time Jack and Beth established an incredible and extraordinary relationship with one of the forest creatures. As guardians of their forest they must deal with both the pleasure and pain that can involve. Nature can be wondous but also savage.
I love the funny and affectionate tales of her countryside and neighbours. I also loved the little quotes at the start of each chapter and the beautiful little sketches. I also laughed and wept. As an avid 'looker upper’ I was happy to see that at the end there were links for more information. Bien joué Beth. This is a wonderful book.

[Karen O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Treasure. I had read most of Beth’s Fat Dogs and French Estates books a while back so this ‘sidestep’ from her series is not only a fantastic way to refresh my memory of their life in France, but it’s a lot more than that.

I love the way she introduces their relationship be management of the animals, domestic and wildlife alike on their property. It’s so real and so well written. This book is most heartwarming to read because while we follow Beth and Jack and their dogs as they strive to make their world a better place, they make OUR world a better place for having read their story. Now I’ll go back and read her book six in the Fat Dogs series, since she wrote it after I read the rest.

This book is worth every minute you invest to read it.

[Lally Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Forest Fringe is the newest addition to Beth’s terrific ‘Fat Dogs and French Estates’ series, and it's an absolute treat from start to finish!

Having thoroughly enjoyed every single book in the fat dogs’ series so far, I knew Beth’s latest would be brilliant, but it exceeded all my expectations.

For those not yet familiar with Beth's world, here's a quick potted intro: she and her husband Jack, (slightly grumpy but actually quite a softie inside) decide they want a rural property in France, and after many hilarious ‘viewings’ and just as hope was fading, they find and fall in love with a neglected Domaine in the beautiful Tarn et Garonne region of southwest France.

As the purchase of Le Palizac progresses Beth and Jack discover they have become the guardians of 168 hectares of forest. Undaunted by the challenges, they set about renovating the house, while also attempting to create a protected wildlife sanctuary in the forest. This is Beth’s dream, but long-suffering super supportive Jack proves he can rise to the occasion with just as much enthusiasm as Beth. Together with their unassuming but extremely capable forester Nathan, and with several amazingly helpful neighbours who offer advice, suggestions, and additional creatures, the forest sanctuary project at Le Palizac slowly begins to take shape.

There are many successes but there are also heartbreaking failures. Building a wildlife sanctuary is a noble goal, but nature isn’t always supportive. The weather is no friend of the forest, bringing torrential rain, strong winds and sleet. There are moments that are genuinely moving, particularly when things don't go to plan and the forest reveals its wilder, less forgiving side - so keep those tissues handy, you’ll need them!

What started as a dream of country living has evolved, book by book, into something much richer. It is a labour of love, a genuine attempt to live alongside nature, rescue animals, and build a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the forest. This latest instalment picks up that story and takes it somewhere deeper, both literally and emotionally.

What I love most about Beth's writing is how effortlessly it pulls you in. She has this warm, conversational style that makes you feel like you're an old friend, sitting across the kitchen table from her, mug in hand, as she tells you about the latest chaos in her corner of France. There's real wit here, a dry, understated humour that creeps up on you. Beth has a unique voice, and her lyrical descriptions are full of imagery and emotion.

There are the laughs, the animal escapades, the familiar neighbours, and the beautiful descriptions of the French countryside that I love. But the forest animals are the real stars of Beyond the Forest Fringe and one amazing creature in particular shows extraordinary resilience and courage which is truly inspirational.

Once in a blue moon you come across a book that speaks to your soul and remains with you long after the last page, this is such a book. It’s an enormously satisfying read. Funny, warm, occasionally heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting. It restores your faith in human nature and is exactly the kind of book the world needs more of right now.

Bravo Beth, this is such a special book and one I will always treasure.

[Joy York · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books I have read in Beth Haslam’s Fat Dogs and French Estates Series are all delightfully charming, witty, and authentic. As soon as I open a page, I am lost in her magical worlds. Beyond the Forest Fringe is my absolute favorite! This memoir shares her (with her husband Jack) life and adventures living on their 342-acre estate, Le Palizac, in rural France. They didn’t initially intend to purchase a domain this size, but being the nature and animal lover she is, they both fell in love with the forest and woodlands filled with native species. Never having managed an estate this size with 300 year old historic structures needing renovation, a forest and woodlands to be maintained, and learning to understand the care and the nurturing needed for a healthy wildlife population to flourish, they were met with many challenges. A language barrier and lack of knowledge of the laws and customs in a foreign country added to the mix. Natures balance needed to be maintained. But this passionately determined and driven couple are not deterred, willing to go to great lengths to preserve and nurture their forest, land, and animals, no matter natures calamities. Storms, drought, disease, and flooding to name few. It takes hard work, long hours, perseverance, and flexibility.

Ms. Haslam is a brilliant writer and storyteller! I honestly don’t think I can find the words to do this book the justice it deserves. Her vivid descriptions of the lush forest and woodlands were exquisitely described.

“Other trails were covered by beech leaves, smooth and delicate with lacy edges, still retaining their polished copper sheen. And there were the show-offs. The palmate shape of sycamores, with their five distinct lobes and prominent veins.”

Her personification of the forest and animals is stunning and reflects her love and devotion.

“Horse chestnuts were overlaid with their great outstretched hands, some fingers still curled inwards in protection from the summer’s sun.”

Beth and Jack are a perfect balance to each other. Beth with her open-heart, compassion, can-do attitude, and giving personality, and Jack with his grumpy, practical approach and dry, sometimes sarcastic humor are wildly entertaining. They are people you would love to have as neighbors. The animals steal the show, from the lovable dogs to the wild boars. They are humanized in the most authentic ways, never losing their natural instincts. It is hard not to get attached to them. Tripod will live long in my heart.

I fell in love with this book. Beth Haslam gives you an intimate glance into the amazing and rewarding life she shares with Jack, her devoted pets, the forest and meadows they persevere, and the menagerie of wild animals they passionately nurture. I laughed. I cried. I was amazed. I was in awe. I didn’t want it to end.

[Laurette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this, her 7th book in the Fat Dogs series, Beth Haslam does a wonderful thing.
The story of how she and husband Jack, looking to buy a French property they could use as a second home, become gradually aware of their growing role of full-time stewards and guardians of a magical forest domain and its inhabitants, is one that has captivated readers’ imaginations since its beginning. The usual ingredients light up this latest chapter in their journey - the author’s love of life, of her new home and friends in France, of the natural world, and of the pets, waifs and strays that have become well-known characters in her joyful, life affirming books.
But this time we discover another side to her character, and another tone in her writing, through the relationship that develops between her and a creature of the wild. And not just any creature. Forget those adorable Bambis and Watership Down bunnies–this iconic, primeval animal, ranging the forests of Europe for thousands of years, has been celebrated in countless tales and legends illustrating man’s urge to pit himself against a most redoubtable foe - the boar.
Beth’s account of how she and Jack, having come across a three-legged baby boar, cast out from his family and unable to fend for himself, decide to take a hand in his destiny is extremely moving, and handled with great sensitivity. A deep connexion develops between Tripod and Beth in particular, as she observes the extraordinary details of his progress and imagines the world as seen through his eyes. It’s a connexion that leads to much self-questioning, reflections on the perils of anthropomorphism and existential concerns in general. It’s also a hard story to tell, and to tell it right, but for this reader the author has found the perfect words to illustrate what biologist E. O. Wilson called ‘biophilia’ – man’s unique bond with nature, and how this affects the way we think about the world we live in and makes our lives immeasurably richer.
Hats off to Tripod, now a local legend in his own right, and to Beth Haslam for making him unforgettable in her beautifully-written homage to this most special of the all the wondrous creatures beyond the forest’s fringe.

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve missed out on the series of books by this author, but I picked up this one that works as a standalone and it’s wonderful!
The main content of the book concerns the wildlife that the author and her husband interact with on the massive French estate they bought as a second home. What follows is an entertaining tale of hard work, a love and understanding of animals, and a fierce need to do all they can for the welfare of the living things roaming their land.
The love of nature comes through loud and clear – even when it’s set on harming them- and Jack, the author’s husband, is lovingly portrayed as a grumpy bear of a man with the softest centre you could imagine. Their relationship was an important part of the book for me and the love, humour, and understanding they show each other is heartwarming.
They faced many obstacles that I think would have floored most people and one of the more worrying ones was La Fédération. This is a hunting organisation, and without passing their exams, they would have the right to enter the estate and hunt the estate animals to keep them in check. Undaunted, Beth and Jack swotted-up on the rules and regulations and sat the exams. I’ll not reveal the outcome.
There are many creatures in this book that captured my heart, but my favourite was Tripod. Tripod was a three-legged, wild boar that everyone expected to die before adulthood because of its disability. Somehow, he defied all the odds and became famous in the area. His story is remarkable.
The author also has that knack of sharing information without it seeming like a lecture. Snippets of flora, fauna, geography and history all added to my pleasure of this book, including tales such as how mixomatosis arrived in the country.
And a final shout-out to Maggie Raynor for her captivating drawings at the beginning of the chapters.
I’m now going to buy the first in the series.

[Terry Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book, written by the talented Beth Haslam, is a love story involving kind, dedicated, patient, hardworking Beth and her husband Jack (who tries to play the role of a curmudgeon but keeps revealing his true softie self). Beth and Jack became the owners and guardians of a huge 400(ish) acre wooded estate, Le Palizac Domaine (written about in her delightful and humorous Fat Dog series). Her earlier books are filled with the trials and tribulations of searching for land in France, the hilarious and often maddening frustrations of trying to renovate centuries old buildings in a new language and culture, and the antics of several generations of adorable beloved dogs. But this book focuses on the challenges and learning curves of being the devoted caretakers of a massive and delicate ecosystem and the living, breathing creatures who inhabit their land. Jack and Beth's deep bonds with the wild animals who surround them is at times breathtakingly sweet and incredible, but at other times heartbreaking in the harsh realities of nature. Beth and Jack devote their lives to being the best possible stewards of their immense estate, keeping their land healthy and minimizing the suffering of animals. This book was very poignant, making me laugh and cry. It should be required reading for anyone who has a forest to manage. and well as everyone who loves both domestic and wild animals. A beautiful accomplishment.

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all Beth Haslam’s books and loved every one of them, so I was thrilled to be asked to beta read Beyond the Forest Fringe. However, to my mind, this latest in the Fat Dogs and French Estates series surpasses everything she written to date, because it seems to me that this book, more than any of her previous memoirs, is written straight from her heart.

With her deep-rooted and lifelong love of wildlife and animals, I believe Beth has written a masterpiece in the same league as The Elephant Whisperer. It is both superbly written and a perceptive exploration of the relationships we can build with our natural world and its inhabitants if only we take the time to nurture them.

Interspersed with these fascinating, inspiring observations, insights and information about the forest surrounding her home are Beth’s signature humorous anecdotes, her affectionate accounts of her grumpy husband’s testy behaviour and stories relating to her wonderful neighbours, but the forest and its inhabitants are the stars of this book, especially one of them. The unusual trust she and Jack build with this exceptional forest dweller gives me goosebumps even now. It’s hard to sum up such a special book but perhaps this says it: I learned, I laughed and I wept at the Haslams' experiences, but above all, I was uplifted

[Lisa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read Beth Haslam’s Fat Dogs series of books you will be familiar with their adventures buying and renovating a French farmhouse complete with woodland estate. The fat Dogs series often has animals at its heart but this book is a little different as it focuses on Beth and husband Jack’s day-to-day life managing a large woodland and the many species they are trying to introduce within it.
This is a book that made me laugh and made me cry, but most of all, it made me want to say a great big thank you to Beth and Jack from all of their many many animals. From Tripod the unforgettable wild boar to the cutest quail, and from tiny kittens to the fat, and not so fat, dogs of the title this incredible couple have worked devotedly to make their lives beautiful. I salute them.
If you have read the rest of the series this is a great addition which highlights the many challenges of working with nature; if you haven’t yet discovered the Fat Dogs series, this book will leave you wanting more.

[Veronica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this down to earth, heartwarming narrative, Beth and her husband, Jack have found their dream domaine. Their new estate features a lovely abode (after renno, of course) with outbuildings to house their flocks, surrounded by lush acres of forestland.

The woods are filled with a variety of animal species that delight and enchant the new human owners and their resident fat dogs. A surprising friendship develops with a very unlikely forest inhabitant. I won't give away too much, but I guarantee you will smile and sometimes gasp as the never-a-dull-moment tales of their coexistence are revealed.

Author Haslam gives readers a heartfelt behind the scenes view of farm life at their new estate in France. It's filled with the sweet and bittersweet happenings, and the ebbs and flows of the circle of life. You'll giggle, and at times, wipe away a tear or two, but appreciate the enchantment the animals, friends, and land bring to this couple's life. An inspiring, heartwarming story, filled with life's everyday antics. A highly recommended read!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to fall in love with a boar!
For those like myself who have read all the previous memoirs in this series, the reader is treated to a fresh retelling of the Haslam's settlling into their French "domaine" and all the wonderful creatures (and not so wonderful at times!) they encounter. As with all animal stories, there are joys and sorrows, as the cycle of life takes its toll, but as new life replaces old, the memoirs are uplifting and full of hope. I loved all the quotes about animals and nature that grace the memoir at the beginning of each chapter - gave an extra dimension and perspective to the memoir. The memoir is a treasure trove of education for the reader as they learn about species and all the fascinating intricacies that nature has to offer. However, the star of the show is the amazing, resilient, indomitable Tripod!! I loved him - what a star. And i loved Beth's Mirador - accompanying her there and watching and observing nature from such a privileged vantage point was a treat!

[Julie Haigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the series, a captivating volume.

This book is a companion volume to the author's Fat Dogs Series. Can be enjoyed to complement other books you've read in the series, can stand alone, or be read first if you haven't yet met Beth, Jack, and all their animal friends.

As always, beautiful presentation; the little sketches at chapter starts, and little drawings between scenes too.  Beautiful description, her way with words! Just exquisite.  Pure reading luxury.

When you get an author where you love their books, you just can't wait until their next one. But then, sometimes they 'branch-out' a bit; go a bit different to their normal chronological installments, and you think: But will I like this one? What if I don't? And of course, I LOVED it!

It was such a delight. A warm and wonderful read, and an absolute feast of nature.  A celebration of the countryside and wildlife.  A glorious reading experience, and a beautiful addition to the Fat Dogs collection.

There are new adventures, times happy and sad, background info, and extra stories.  So many ups and downs, the joys, emotions, and highs and lows.  Heartwarming tales, and some much harder to process.  Nature, beautiful, and sometimes brutal.  Sometimes emotional and moving.  There's plenty to interest with a great variety of material in here.

If you love Beth Haslam's series of memoirs about life in France, here is a book which goes more in-depth about their surroundings. If you 'just want more of her books', you'll be delighted with it.

Having read Beth's previous books, I knew it'd be good-but this was even more delightful than I could ever have imagined.

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Fat Dogs and French Estates- Beyond the Forest Fringe, Author Beth Haslam creatively begins each chapter with a thoughtful quote as we revisit her French estate, Le Palizac. It's like a return to home for those who read the entire series; but here, she focuses more on the wonderful creatures in the forest on her estate. Her great descriptions offer readers the same birdseye view that she and husband Jack witnessed as they sat in their miradors. Then, enters the legendary Tripod, a three-legged boar with whom they spend many years. It is a memorable narrative that leaves readers thinking and reflecting on the beauty of nature!

[Patti St · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough to put down

I didn't want this book to end. While many of the stories were familiar from Beth's previous memoirs, they're the kind of stories you don't mind hearing again and again. Beth's writing is rather musical. She takes us through the beginning when she and her husband Jack bought a run down house complete with 300 acres of forest. Their love for protecting and introducing wildlife, plus life with their pets offers both laughter and tears. Her writing about each adventure is like watching an orchestra leader wave his wand through torrential storms to fresh spring air. It's a delightful book. I hope there are more to come.

[Ann Campanella · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful romp through the French countryside with dogs in tow and appearances by special animals and French characters as Beth and her husband suffer the ups and downs of the renovation and protection of a beautiful but rundown property. Along with Beth’s lovely descriptions of their day-to-day life, I admire her dedication to the wildlife and the ecosystem of their land. I also adored the interplay between Beth and her “grumpy” engineer spouse, who despite his disposition, completely supports his wife. Animal lovers will be enchanted by this book, which is the latest in her series, Fat Dogs and French Estates. Thank you, Beth, for caring so well for our natural world!

[Sharon Hayhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time fan of Beth Haslam's writing, this did not disappoint, if you love nature and wildlife or are just looking for a captivating story that will restore your faith in what really matters, then this book is for you. And Tripod, the 3 legged wild boar is the French equivalent of Bambi, he seriously should star in his own feature film, his indomitable spirit and the relationship he built with Beth and Jack really moved me and won't be forgotten. Bravo Beth, thank you for sharing your magical forest with us.

[Judy Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fat Dogs and French Estates - Beyond the Forest Fringe is as hilarious as you might expect if you are a Fat Dogs fan. There is the same grumpy, brilliant, heart-of-gold Jack, often comedic compatriots, incredible animal tales and in addition this priceless story delves into intimate details of the forest animals Beth and Jack love. Stunning depictions of wildlife antics are a treasured part of Beth and Jack’s life in rural France. What an honor they have caring for the wildlife around them! This will keep you spellbound.

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

My journey through the complete Fat Dogs and French Estates series has led me to declare this book the absolute best. I loved being able to picture the one-of-a-kind creatures surrounding Jack and Beth’s charming stone farmhouse, complete with a moat, nestled in the heart of a breathtaking, expansive woodland. As I absorbed the beautiful soundscape of tapping woodpeckers, whistling golden orioles, and chirping crickets, a wave of love washed over me for Beth’s dogs, Biff, Sam, Max, and Aby, who clearly adored their adventures across the country estate.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming read.

I have read and loved all of the Fat Dogs books, so it was wonderful to return to the French estate of Le Palizac once again.
Beth and her husband Jack share a love of all of God's creatures, and this is evident on every page of this heart warming book. The reader is taken through the highs and lows of everyday life for this enterprising couple.
A must read for all readers who share a love of animals, birds and rural life.

[Augusta Dorning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exceptional book from Beth Haslam

In this season the author takes us close to the creatures that enrich the lives of Beth and Jack at their French estate. Told with insight and care, each species is brought to life and each story is a delight. As always I could not put the book down. Highly recommended!

[Carola Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth’s “Beyond the Forest Fringe” is a delightful , heartwarming memoir that showcases her lifelong love of animals. It is the latest addition in her “Fat Dogs and French Estate “series . Throughout
The book Beth’s love of nature shines right through . It is a truly memorable read.

[Nikki Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the whole series of books. The adventures and misadventures of Beth, her husband Jack, and her menagerie had me reaching to download the next one as soon as one was finished. Joyous!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but felt there was a lot that had already been covered in previous books

[Bryn Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappoint

To much repeated from previous books.waste of time and money.So disappointed as really enjoyed 1st time around .Won't be buying anymore

[Pat Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read:
I was super excited to beta read this book, the latest from one of my favourite authors, Beth Haslam. What an absolute treat it was. Full of Beth's usual fun and enthusiasm.
This addition to her memoir series brings more focus to the land and animals - giving us more info about the wonderful menagerie Beth and her husband share their home and land with. Of course, there's poignancy - happiness and sadness - but, it's all told wonderfully. We are reintroduced to Beth & Jack's brilliant hoard of neighbours - hilarious.
Loved it.