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The Vets at Hope Green #1-4
The Vets at Hope Green
Sam has always dreamed of working with animals...
But her receptionist job in a London vets is not hitting the spot. Unsure whether a busy city life is for her, she flees to her Nana Peggy’s idyllic country village.
But despite the rolling hills and its charming feel, life in Hope Green is far from peaceful. On first meeting Joe, the abrupt and bad-tempered local vet, Sam knows she must get him on side, but that is easier said than done...
With her dream close enough to touch, will she get there, or will events conspire against her...?
But her receptionist job in a London vets is not hitting the spot. Unsure whether a busy city life is for her, she flees to her Nana Peggy’s idyllic country village.
But despite the rolling hills and its charming feel, life in Hope Green is far from peaceful. On first meeting Joe, the abrupt and bad-tempered local vet, Sam knows she must get him on side, but that is easier said than done...
With her dream close enough to touch, will she get there, or will events conspire against her...?
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Norton
62 books159 followersWinner of the RoNAs 'Christmas and Winter Seasonal Award' novel, 2022, with 'Winter at Cliff's End Cottage'.
I live in Chelmsford, UK, with my husband Alan. We have three married daughters and six grandchildren. I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, and finally achieved my lifelong ambition to have a novel published, with the acceptance in 2002 of 'The Trouble With Ally'. Prior to this, I'd been having short stories published in women's magazines for about ten years.
My most recent books are stories set in the English county of Devon, and most include pets in the story! They are feel-good contemporary fiction.
I worked for most of my life as a medical secretary. I now write full-time. I like to relax by reading, walking,swimming, and seeing my family and friends.
I am passionate about my writing and love to hear from my readers. I am also happy to give talks to writers' groups and others, and book signings, in my local area.
I live in Chelmsford, UK, with my husband Alan. We have three married daughters and six grandchildren. I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, and finally achieved my lifelong ambition to have a novel published, with the acceptance in 2002 of 'The Trouble With Ally'. Prior to this, I'd been having short stories published in women's magazines for about ten years.
My most recent books are stories set in the English county of Devon, and most include pets in the story! They are feel-good contemporary fiction.
I worked for most of my life as a medical secretary. I now write full-time. I like to relax by reading, walking,swimming, and seeing my family and friends.
I am passionate about my writing and love to hear from my readers. I am also happy to give talks to writers' groups and others, and book signings, in my local area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 7, 2017
This is a lovely little short story about Sam, a woman who is feeling a bit fed up of London life. Her relationship with her boyfriend isn't as great as it used to be, her job as a vets receptionist has lost its appeal, and she finds herself yearning for the more simple and quiet life in a pretty rural village, living in a cottage with pets and eventually kids. The only problem is her boyfriend wants the opposite. He loves life in London and doesn't particularly like kids or animals. So Sam decides she needs time to think. Is the relationship with her boyfriend really worth sacrificing her own happiness and dreams for, or should she put an end to things? Instead of spending Easter at her boyfriends parents house, she decides to go to stay with her grandmother, Nana Peggy, who lives down in Hope Green, a picture perfect, pretty little Dorset village. However, before she leaves for London she makes a surprising discovery which could have a huge impact on her future.
This is the first book in a series and it's only short. It does finish leaving lots of questions which definitely make you curious about where the series will go. The book is slightly too short to have really got into the story and the characters. Although saying that, it does end with so many possible scenarios and unanswered questions/cliffhangers; about Sam, her grandmother, Joe the mysterious moody vet, David the cheery dog walker, and Sam's boyfriend, that it makes you want to read the next book.
If you enjoy books about escapism and starting afresh in little villages, such as Lucy Diamond, Jenny Colgan etc, then I think this series would be a perfect uplifting read. I'm looking forward to the next book to find out what Sam decides to do, and whether she goes back to London or decides to escape to the country forever.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Random House UK-Ebury Press for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is the first book in a series and it's only short. It does finish leaving lots of questions which definitely make you curious about where the series will go. The book is slightly too short to have really got into the story and the characters. Although saying that, it does end with so many possible scenarios and unanswered questions/cliffhangers; about Sam, her grandmother, Joe the mysterious moody vet, David the cheery dog walker, and Sam's boyfriend, that it makes you want to read the next book.
If you enjoy books about escapism and starting afresh in little villages, such as Lucy Diamond, Jenny Colgan etc, then I think this series would be a perfect uplifting read. I'm looking forward to the next book to find out what Sam decides to do, and whether she goes back to London or decides to escape to the country forever.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Random House UK-Ebury Press for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
May 31, 2017
Originally published as four separate parts, I have waited to read the full book in one, and I'm so glad I did. At least two of the parts had mini cliffhangers, that kept me on the edge of my seat, at least until I turned the pages and just added to the drama of the book. It is a story filled with cute animals, a not overly happy vet, a girl who just wants to be more than a vets receptionist and seems to really love animals, plus her grandmother who is great. Each of the four parts were short and took in a certain time frame and a new phase in the story, so that worked really well. The writing was easy to follow and I was compelled to keep turning the pages. I would absolutely love to see a sequel to this book or another one set in Hope Green, as I loved the setting and characters so much.
July 1, 2017
I adored this book! I fell in love with the sleepy little village of Hope Green and all the characters in it. Just as I found myself smiling in a complete state of delight, something would happen that would send me frantically page-turning to find out more. Perfect pace, beautiful descriptions, and fantastic characters. 5 warm and fuzzy stars!
June 13, 2017
I would have given this more than five stars if I could as was so excellent. It's the first book I've read by this author and now can't wait for more. It's so like all creatures and small and such a heat warming book and such an easy read. I would love a follow on to find out what happens next. Sam lives in London and works as a receptionist in a vets but always wanted to be a vet but her past stops her. She is unhappy in London and loves the village where her nan loves so moves there when she splits with her boyfriend and she's expecting his baby. Can she start a new life and it work out can she find happiness again or is it to late. This is a must read.
July 17, 2017
Firstly I loved the cover of this book and knew it was going to be a nice little read. I wasn't wrong. I absolutely loved it. From start to finish. I loved all the characters and the way the story unfolded I also cried in a few places and especially me being an animal lover with an elderly 19 year old cat. It was well written and flowed nicely and very easy to read. I didn't want it to end and it made me want to pack up and move to Hope Green myself. Can't wait for the next book.
October 21, 2017
Sam works as a receptionist for a vets in London. She loves animals, but isn't allowed to do much with them even though she has the right papers. Sam is in a relationship, but she isn't happy and instead of staying with her boyfriend during her holidays she decides to visit her grandmother in Hope Green. Sam loves the countryside, but it isn't as calm as she thought it would be. The reason for this is the local vet, Joe, he isn't friendly at all. This affects her more than it should. However, Sam has a boyfriend and Joe is married. It also shouldn't matter what she thinks of him because she's supposed go home soon, or isn't she?
The Vets at Hope Green is a wonderful story. I immediately loved Hope Green. It's a lovely quiet town with many interesting and sometimes quirky inhabitants who are making it lively at the same time. Sam fits in brilliantly. She's kindhearted, but can stand up for herself, she loves people and animals and she likes being involved in the community. I enjoyed reading about her adventures in the small town very much. She's the perfect main character for a romantic countryside story.
Sheila Norton writes about animals in a fantastic way. She gives them their own personality and that makes her story come to life incredibly well. Joe is nicer to animals than he is to people, which makes him interesting and unpredictable, a part of the story I absolutely loved. There's always something going on in his practice and he knows a lot about animals. He's fabulously antisocial to people, but when an animal is being brought in he's the sweetest guy there is. This contrast is fun and it put a big smile on my face.
Sheila Norton's writing has an easy flow and her detailed and warm descriptions are making her story come to life in a great way. I especially liked reading about Hope Green itself, which is such an animated pretty village filled with beautiful flower baskets. The Vets at Hope Green has a terrific energetic storyline filled with surprising twists and turns and plenty of heartwarming moments, which makes it a complete and compelling story. I really enjoyed reading this charming and enchanting book.
The Vets at Hope Green is a wonderful story. I immediately loved Hope Green. It's a lovely quiet town with many interesting and sometimes quirky inhabitants who are making it lively at the same time. Sam fits in brilliantly. She's kindhearted, but can stand up for herself, she loves people and animals and she likes being involved in the community. I enjoyed reading about her adventures in the small town very much. She's the perfect main character for a romantic countryside story.
Sheila Norton writes about animals in a fantastic way. She gives them their own personality and that makes her story come to life incredibly well. Joe is nicer to animals than he is to people, which makes him interesting and unpredictable, a part of the story I absolutely loved. There's always something going on in his practice and he knows a lot about animals. He's fabulously antisocial to people, but when an animal is being brought in he's the sweetest guy there is. This contrast is fun and it put a big smile on my face.
Sheila Norton's writing has an easy flow and her detailed and warm descriptions are making her story come to life in a great way. I especially liked reading about Hope Green itself, which is such an animated pretty village filled with beautiful flower baskets. The Vets at Hope Green has a terrific energetic storyline filled with surprising twists and turns and plenty of heartwarming moments, which makes it a complete and compelling story. I really enjoyed reading this charming and enchanting book.
July 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! I loved it from the first few chapters and it really pulled on my heartstrings at times, I loved Sam's character, her background story and how she chose to make her new life away from London. I really enjoy reading books on animals and vets so this one was right up my street. Definatley one for animal lovers and fans of romance and chick lit - 5 stars from me.
August 25, 2017
An utterly charming witty read with great characters.
May 27, 2017
Not normally my genre of choice but really loved this heart warming novel. Found myself finishing it in about three hours! The perfect summer read.
October 16, 2017
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish. Such a truly beautiful story with well written and lovable characters, not to mention the adorable animals, Ebony was my favourite.
It was a nice easy read, the story flowed well. I loved the story & characters so much, that I really didn't want it to end.
I've got my fingers crossed that a follow on book to this, will be written.
It was a nice easy read, the story flowed well. I loved the story & characters so much, that I really didn't want it to end.
I've got my fingers crossed that a follow on book to this, will be written.
February 6, 2017
This is such a charming tale, first part in a series of shorts .. Sam is living in London working as 'just' a receptionist in a vet surgery. Her love of animals meant it should be her dream job but she is in a rut. Her relationship with Adam seems to have become stale, do they still want the same things? Sam fantasises about a cottage in the country, white picket fence scenario .. so instead of going to visit his parents as arranged she decides to go and spend the Easter holidays with her Nana Peggy instead in Hope Green.
Beautifully written, the whole village comes to life as you read this .. I would love to live in a community that revolves around the Post Office, Church etc.
I like the easy relationship between Sam & Nana and their mutual love for Rufus the dog. Sam soon begins to relax and enjoy her stay even feeling a slight attraction to another man ... the annoying local vet.
Lots of emotions running rife in this rural setting but will Sam decide to stay or head back to London to Adam .. she has her own inner dilemma which has to be addressed.
Perfect quick read if you want an enjoyable story but bear in mind it will be continued and ends with lots of unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next part to see what unfolds.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this.
Beautifully written, the whole village comes to life as you read this .. I would love to live in a community that revolves around the Post Office, Church etc.
I like the easy relationship between Sam & Nana and their mutual love for Rufus the dog. Sam soon begins to relax and enjoy her stay even feeling a slight attraction to another man ... the annoying local vet.
Lots of emotions running rife in this rural setting but will Sam decide to stay or head back to London to Adam .. she has her own inner dilemma which has to be addressed.
Perfect quick read if you want an enjoyable story but bear in mind it will be continued and ends with lots of unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next part to see what unfolds.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this.
July 14, 2017
The Vets at Hope Green by Sheila Norton is the full length novel, combining serialised parts Escape to the Country, Follow Your Heart, Too Close to Home and A New Start. I’ve read a few four-part novels before and enjoyed them, but I’ve always found I prefer to wait for the whole book rather than the novellas, as they leave me wanting more. The Vets at Hope Green is the story of Sam who is receptionist at a veterinary practise in London. Her relationship with Adam, her boyfriend, has hit a rough patch, she’s unsure about her job and she is in need of an escape, so she heads off to her Nana’s house in Hope Green.
This really was an all-round lovely book which had me smiling all the way through. If I’d read each of the novellas separately I know I would have been driven mad waiting for the next one to be published as its one of those heart-warming reads you’re going to struggle not to read in one sitting. This is perfect summer reading and that’s exactly what I made of it as I sat out in the garden on a very sunny day reading this book from the front cover to the back.
Hope Green was a really idealistic setting, picture perfect, and the whole place comes to life with the author’s description of the place and the people we meet. There’s the typical village representation of everybody knowing each other’s business, which was in total contrast compared to Sam’s life in London where most people on her own street didn’t know her name. I loved how nothing really ever escaped anyone in Hope Green. The second something happens, everybody else seems to know about it and though at times they do come across as quite nosy, the close-knit community also brought about many friendships and it seemed to me as a much more appealing place to live than London.
Sam is an easy to like character. She has quite a lot of things to face up to, as we discover early on in the book, and this kept me interested in her story and I liked the heart and the fight she showed. Another character who intrigued me was the new village vet Joe. I have tired a bit of grumpy male leads but I was fascinated by him and why he came across as rude when around people but yet seemed the complete opposite around animals. The author develops his character nicely and my opinion did change on him throughout, but I’m still not fully convinced about him even now I’ve finished the book.
Whilst the author really draws upon the setting beautifully, one thing which I preferred even more was all the animals! I was hoping for lots of mentions of them since this is a book set in a veterinary practise, but in some books the romance can take over. Here though there are lots of animals and they are all really cute and had me pet-broody all over again. I loved Peggy’s dog Rufus, though his poor health did upset me at times. Poor Rufus. And then there were all the other animals that came into the surgery who had their own little story and personally I wanted to take them all home and keep them because they were all lovely.
As this book was written in four smaller parts, the pacing of the story is quite fast which kept the story fresh and interesting. It’s not particularly unpredictable but that didn’t matter one bit as it is feel-good and uplifting and that was all I was hoping for. There are a few mini cliff-hangers and twists throughout which kept me turning the pages quickly, eager to know what was to come. All in all I found The Vets at Hope Green to be a joy to read, and I am thrilled to have discovered a new-to-me author whose books I’m sure I’m going to love.
This really was an all-round lovely book which had me smiling all the way through. If I’d read each of the novellas separately I know I would have been driven mad waiting for the next one to be published as its one of those heart-warming reads you’re going to struggle not to read in one sitting. This is perfect summer reading and that’s exactly what I made of it as I sat out in the garden on a very sunny day reading this book from the front cover to the back.
Hope Green was a really idealistic setting, picture perfect, and the whole place comes to life with the author’s description of the place and the people we meet. There’s the typical village representation of everybody knowing each other’s business, which was in total contrast compared to Sam’s life in London where most people on her own street didn’t know her name. I loved how nothing really ever escaped anyone in Hope Green. The second something happens, everybody else seems to know about it and though at times they do come across as quite nosy, the close-knit community also brought about many friendships and it seemed to me as a much more appealing place to live than London.
Sam is an easy to like character. She has quite a lot of things to face up to, as we discover early on in the book, and this kept me interested in her story and I liked the heart and the fight she showed. Another character who intrigued me was the new village vet Joe. I have tired a bit of grumpy male leads but I was fascinated by him and why he came across as rude when around people but yet seemed the complete opposite around animals. The author develops his character nicely and my opinion did change on him throughout, but I’m still not fully convinced about him even now I’ve finished the book.
Whilst the author really draws upon the setting beautifully, one thing which I preferred even more was all the animals! I was hoping for lots of mentions of them since this is a book set in a veterinary practise, but in some books the romance can take over. Here though there are lots of animals and they are all really cute and had me pet-broody all over again. I loved Peggy’s dog Rufus, though his poor health did upset me at times. Poor Rufus. And then there were all the other animals that came into the surgery who had their own little story and personally I wanted to take them all home and keep them because they were all lovely.
As this book was written in four smaller parts, the pacing of the story is quite fast which kept the story fresh and interesting. It’s not particularly unpredictable but that didn’t matter one bit as it is feel-good and uplifting and that was all I was hoping for. There are a few mini cliff-hangers and twists throughout which kept me turning the pages quickly, eager to know what was to come. All in all I found The Vets at Hope Green to be a joy to read, and I am thrilled to have discovered a new-to-me author whose books I’m sure I’m going to love.
April 27, 2021
What a delightful heart warming tale. It's introducing us a to woman called Sam, her boyfriend (Adam) and new boss Joe along with Nana Peggy. Along with David the dog walker, ebony the cat and Rufus the dog. (That bit had me crying)
It's a lovely easy read - a bit all creatures great and small but up to date.
It follows Sam from London down to Dorset and the ups and downs of her life.
I would love to see where the characters end up as I have enjoyed the short invasion into their lives.
This is a shorter novel - you could easily read it in a day and the story embraces you in a warm hug that wants to make you keep reading.
There is no sex or violence to worry about or bad language. It's the sort of book that can span readership generations, good for you, your mum or your grandma!
I am new to this author but I would certainly look out for her other books as I found this a great read to forget about our covid 19 world.
It's a lovely easy read - a bit all creatures great and small but up to date.
It follows Sam from London down to Dorset and the ups and downs of her life.
I would love to see where the characters end up as I have enjoyed the short invasion into their lives.
This is a shorter novel - you could easily read it in a day and the story embraces you in a warm hug that wants to make you keep reading.
There is no sex or violence to worry about or bad language. It's the sort of book that can span readership generations, good for you, your mum or your grandma!
I am new to this author but I would certainly look out for her other books as I found this a great read to forget about our covid 19 world.
March 22, 2019
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Kniha je určená pre všetkých, ktorí majú radi zvieratá a šťastné konce. Iba Sheila dokáže písať o štvornohých stvoreniach tak krásne a s láskou. Ak k tomu ešte obľubujete aj diela s romantikou, Veterinár z Hope Green sa vám trafí do vkusu. Ak radi snívate, toto je niečo pre vás. Síce sú tam aj negatívne emócie, ale pozitívne pocity to vždy prebili. Príbeh je umiestnený do nádhernej dediny, ktorá má tiež svoje trápenia, no keď si ľudia navzájom pomáhajú, všetko sa dá zvládnuť. Keby som túto novinku príliš neanalyzovala a dokázala sa povzniesť nad nereálny dej, asi by moje hodnotenie dopadlo inak. No to ja nedokážem. Niekto má rád knihy odtrhnuté od skutočnosti, aby si pri nich oddýchol, ale ja sa práve takýmto vyhýbam.
Kniha je určená pre všetkých, ktorí majú radi zvieratá a šťastné konce. Iba Sheila dokáže písať o štvornohých stvoreniach tak krásne a s láskou. Ak k tomu ešte obľubujete aj diela s romantikou, Veterinár z Hope Green sa vám trafí do vkusu. Ak radi snívate, toto je niečo pre vás. Síce sú tam aj negatívne emócie, ale pozitívne pocity to vždy prebili. Príbeh je umiestnený do nádhernej dediny, ktorá má tiež svoje trápenia, no keď si ľudia navzájom pomáhajú, všetko sa dá zvládnuť. Keby som túto novinku príliš neanalyzovala a dokázala sa povzniesť nad nereálny dej, asi by moje hodnotenie dopadlo inak. No to ja nedokážem. Niekto má rád knihy odtrhnuté od skutočnosti, aby si pri nich oddýchol, ale ja sa práve takýmto vyhýbam.
April 22, 2017
I have loved every book of Sheila Norton and have read them for years. Her characters are really well written and I can often recognise them in people I know. The Vets At Hope Green is quite good. Sam is a receptionist in London, a job she loves even though she really wants to be a vet. Instead of going with her boyfriend to stay at his parents she goes to Dorset to stay with her Nan in Dorset. While there she meets the vet. Why is he so rude and dismissive? How can she find him so attractive? Sam has her own problems to face up to but still can't help trying to find out more. A good start to a solid story.
September 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Its not my usual read but I often need a break from thrillers or my usual genres.
Its a cheesy, feel good story. This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I enjoyed her writing style thoroughly.
The only reason why this isn't a five star is the cringe ending of the book (I won't spoil it)
But other than that, it's a cute story about a woman who wants more from her busy city job and moves to the country with her nana.
I will read more by this author in the future!
Its a cheesy, feel good story. This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I enjoyed her writing style thoroughly.
The only reason why this isn't a five star is the cringe ending of the book (I won't spoil it)
But other than that, it's a cute story about a woman who wants more from her busy city job and moves to the country with her nana.
I will read more by this author in the future!
February 18, 2019
What a sweet little book this was.
It has quite a lot going on in it & there isn't really much to do with the vets practices. The storyline revolves around Sam, who is the receptionist at the vets practices. It's about her life, her family, her friends. Basically, she's working in London & fed up with her life & decides to go live with her nan at Hope Green, in the countryside, where she makes new friends & starts a new job & makes a few discoveries, that will all change her life.
It has quite a lot going on in it & there isn't really much to do with the vets practices. The storyline revolves around Sam, who is the receptionist at the vets practices. It's about her life, her family, her friends. Basically, she's working in London & fed up with her life & decides to go live with her nan at Hope Green, in the countryside, where she makes new friends & starts a new job & makes a few discoveries, that will all change her life.
September 16, 2017
A cozy gentle story with lots of animals and an idealised Dorset village.
About the only true thing about the village is how difficult it would be to get there - a long hilly road in and out, just the one road....
But who cares really?
It's a warm story and the characters are well portrayed, foibles and all, and who wouldn't want Nana as their Grandmother?
About the only true thing about the village is how difficult it would be to get there - a long hilly road in and out, just the one road....
But who cares really?
It's a warm story and the characters are well portrayed, foibles and all, and who wouldn't want Nana as their Grandmother?
September 8, 2018
Absolutely love this story, I took a break from reading for a few weeks and this book upon my return has re lit my fire for such amazing stories, I absolutely loved everything about this book, making me want more and more, definitely worth a read if you want to fall in love with the main character and everyone else too :)
May 6, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A charming, easy read. I used to work in a vets myself so I think I was always going to enjoy it! Perfect book for reading in the garden over the summer.
4 stars
A charming, easy read. I used to work in a vets myself so I think I was always going to enjoy it! Perfect book for reading in the garden over the summer.
4 stars
April 16, 2018
Another brilliant book by Sheila Norton. It's warm and fun and chock full of great characters - especially Nana and Ebony the cat is just adorable. Sheila Norton is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I sincerely hope she releases another book soon.
January 5, 2019
Was a lovely book to read, with a really happy ending. Couldnt help but smile all the way through this book. Has a couple of sad parts, but like any good book, they fit in perfectly. Hope theres a second one to this book as it would be good to see what happens.
April 3, 2019
I really loved this book. It was soooo good. Exactly what I needed and I had to have more. I previously struggled to get into it. But boy ohh boy! Really was so well written and executed!
Super refreshing ♡
Super refreshing ♡
November 20, 2017
Honestly.....I didn't like any of the main characters and the premise was way out in left field.
January 10, 2019
Delightful right from the beginning. Perfectly paced and loooved the ending!
June 17, 2019
Loved this book, really drew me in hadme feeling all the emotions with her
July 16, 2019
This is a great easy-reading book. The central character I really likeable and had you rooting for her very early on. The pace of the book was perfect. A lovely summer read!
August 10, 2019
I enjoyed this book, it was an easy read and I liked the characters. it was obvious what was going to happen but that's what these books are about
November 18, 2019
Cosy, comforting and feel good!
January 17, 2020
A great story with a great ending, even if it was a little predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews