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Frogmorton Farm #2
The Something Girl
From the bestselling author of The Chronicles of St Mary's.
The Nothing Girl has grown up…
It’s life as usual at Frogmorton Farm – which is to say that events have passed the merely eccentric and are now galloping headlong towards the completely bizarre.
Once again Jenny struggles to stay afloat in the stormy seas of matrimony with her husband, Russell Checkland, together with an unlikely mix of Patagonian Attack Chickens, Jack the Sad Donkey, and Mrs Crisp’s mysterious boyfriend. The old favourites are still around, of course. There’s Marilyn the Omnivorous Donkey, Russell’s ex-girlfriend Don’t Call Me Franny, and the neurotic Boxer, currently failing to deal with butterfly trauma.
So nothing much is new … except for the mysterious figure dogging Jenny’s steps and who, if she didn’t know better, she would swear was her sinister cousin Christopher, last seen being hurled from the house by her wayward husband. He couldn’t possibly be stupid enough to come back and try again … Could he?
The Nothing Girl has grown up…
It’s life as usual at Frogmorton Farm – which is to say that events have passed the merely eccentric and are now galloping headlong towards the completely bizarre.
Once again Jenny struggles to stay afloat in the stormy seas of matrimony with her husband, Russell Checkland, together with an unlikely mix of Patagonian Attack Chickens, Jack the Sad Donkey, and Mrs Crisp’s mysterious boyfriend. The old favourites are still around, of course. There’s Marilyn the Omnivorous Donkey, Russell’s ex-girlfriend Don’t Call Me Franny, and the neurotic Boxer, currently failing to deal with butterfly trauma.
So nothing much is new … except for the mysterious figure dogging Jenny’s steps and who, if she didn’t know better, she would swear was her sinister cousin Christopher, last seen being hurled from the house by her wayward husband. He couldn’t possibly be stupid enough to come back and try again … Could he?
303 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
225 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
84 books5,386 followersJodi Taylor is the internationally bestselling author of the Chronicles of St Mary's series, the story of a bunch of disaster prone individuals who investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Do NOT call it time travel! She is also the author of the Time Police series - a St Mary's spinoff and gateway into the world of an all-powerful, international organisation who are NOTHING like St Mary's. Except, when they are.
Alongside these, Jodi is known for her gripping supernatural thrillers featuring Elizabeth Cage together with the enchanting Frogmorton Farm series - a fairy story for adults.
Born in Bristol and now living in Gloucester (facts both cities vigorously deny), she spent many years with her head somewhere else, much to the dismay of family, teachers and employers, before finally deciding to put all that daydreaming to good use and write a novel. Over twenty books later, she still has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up.
Alongside these, Jodi is known for her gripping supernatural thrillers featuring Elizabeth Cage together with the enchanting Frogmorton Farm series - a fairy story for adults.
Born in Bristol and now living in Gloucester (facts both cities vigorously deny), she spent many years with her head somewhere else, much to the dismay of family, teachers and employers, before finally deciding to put all that daydreaming to good use and write a novel. Over twenty books later, she still has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
November 15, 2017
Being addicted as I am to Jodi Taylor's writing, I couldn't resist her sequel to The Nothing Girl. Thought I'd try a chapter or two this morning, but of course the narration grabbed me and wouldn't let go :0)
Once more, we are thrown in the midst of our colourful menagerie, or should I say characters. This bunch is so over the top, nuts, and yes adorable. Their interactions are so well written and comical that you can't help but follow them. The plot of this novel is rather thin and quite similar to the first one, with Jenny doubting herself, Russell making a mess of things, Francesca still believing she is the centre of the world albeit in a nicer way, the aunt-uncle-cousin as nasty as ever (perhaps even more), golden Trevor on a short visit, and the new Patagonian Attack Chickens (!), but truthfully I didn't mind, being too happy to spend a few hours in this world.
Once more, we are thrown in the midst of our colourful menagerie, or should I say characters. This bunch is so over the top, nuts, and yes adorable. Their interactions are so well written and comical that you can't help but follow them. The plot of this novel is rather thin and quite similar to the first one, with Jenny doubting herself, Russell making a mess of things, Francesca still believing she is the centre of the world albeit in a nicer way, the aunt-uncle-cousin as nasty as ever (perhaps even more), golden Trevor on a short visit, and the new Patagonian Attack Chickens (!), but truthfully I didn't mind, being too happy to spend a few hours in this world.
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September 1, 2017Mph. Very nicely written, as per this author's usual light graceful style, and there are some laugh out loud jokes, and it's a very enjoyable return to the world of The Nothing Girl which is a joyous comic novel itself.
Only, it's not really doing anything that book didn't already do. Jenny is a bit more assertive now but it's not enough to be a character arc, and the author uses some of the main plot devices of book 1 (Jenny's feelings of worthlessness and worries Russell is somehow deceiving her, the threat of vile Uncle Richard and Christopher). It's very enjoyable but it feels like a retread or extension of book 1 rather than a full new sequel, to me at least. That said, it's streets ahead of most allegedly comic novels, and if you like a really good wallow in an existing world (or just want to read The Nothing Girl again only new) this will probably make you very happy indeed.
Only, it's not really doing anything that book didn't already do. Jenny is a bit more assertive now but it's not enough to be a character arc, and the author uses some of the main plot devices of book 1 (Jenny's feelings of worthlessness and worries Russell is somehow deceiving her, the threat of vile Uncle Richard and Christopher). It's very enjoyable but it feels like a retread or extension of book 1 rather than a full new sequel, to me at least. That said, it's streets ahead of most allegedly comic novels, and if you like a really good wallow in an existing world (or just want to read The Nothing Girl again only new) this will probably make you very happy indeed.
March 17, 2021
I kept telling myself to pace JT’s novels, but too late.
Thomas the golden horse is back to provide help and sardonic commentary to Jenny. In addition to a baby and their already existing menagerie of a small donkey and a neurotic racehorse, they’ve added a depressed donkey, seven manic, home obsessed chickens and a stinky and mean cat.
The animal wrangling was entertaining because if you’ve ever had pets, they add joy as well as chaos to your house. WARNING>
Evil relatives are back, and I was tempted to take a star reduction for Jenny doing what so many heroines do to many a reader’s disgust. She says nothing. She says nothing and hopes she’s imagining, exaggerating, or that the problem will go away. It doesn't. The comeuppance is more suggested like a second shoe dropping than explicit.
But my fondness for the characters, the entertaining madness, and once again the feeling that I’m reading a book from my childhood makes me more willing to ignore the negatives.
PS
I wonder of if it's a coincidence that the Sussex's house was called Frogmore House?
Thomas the golden horse is back to provide help and sardonic commentary to Jenny. In addition to a baby and their already existing menagerie of a small donkey and a neurotic racehorse, they’ve added a depressed donkey, seven manic, home obsessed chickens and a stinky and mean cat.
The animal wrangling was entertaining because if you’ve ever had pets, they add joy as well as chaos to your house. WARNING>
Evil relatives are back, and I was tempted to take a star reduction for Jenny doing what so many heroines do to many a reader’s disgust. She says nothing. She says nothing and hopes she’s imagining, exaggerating, or that the problem will go away. It doesn't. The comeuppance is more suggested like a second shoe dropping than explicit.
But my fondness for the characters, the entertaining madness, and once again the feeling that I’m reading a book from my childhood makes me more willing to ignore the negatives.
PS
I wonder of if it's a coincidence that the Sussex's house was called Frogmore House?
February 21, 2020
3.5 stars. Lots of goodness here, but plots where the main character won't tell anyone they are being threatened absolutely drive me nuts. Russell was lovely in this..as were rest of the recurring characters.
4/12/19 Bumping it up to 4 stars on the re-read. Jodi Taylor does super dialogue and characterization. I'm sorry to see this series (seemingly) end--but it was on a lovely high note.
4/12/19 Bumping it up to 4 stars on the re-read. Jodi Taylor does super dialogue and characterization. I'm sorry to see this series (seemingly) end--but it was on a lovely high note.
May 12, 2024
As with everything Jodi Taylor writes I loved this for the characters and setting, even when I found the plot to be largely a rehash of The Nothing Girl but with a more confident Jenny. And Jenny has certainly found her stride here with a found family, an assortment of animals and a husband who is utterly perplexing and devoted to her. There's not much a plot for most the book, as it's more a look into Jenny and Co running the farm, meeting new neighbours and struggling with a leaky roof and the looming threaten of Jenny's extended family. However the characters are that endearing I didn't really mind, happy enough to just be along for the journey and be back in this world.
Comforting, almost Enid Blyton style, read that brims with likeable characters and a joyful writing style.
Comforting, almost Enid Blyton style, read that brims with likeable characters and a joyful writing style.
September 3, 2017
2.5 stars
This book was almost a duplicate of the first book, but with a lot of what made it special watered down. The writing itself, particularly the dialogue, was still lovely. But the plotting and the characters were all over the place. Russell remains one of my favorite characters but he was barely present in this one, honestly. And the plot hinges on Jenny not trusting and speaking to anyone around her again. There's very little character growth, which was both disappointing and unbelievable, considering the 3 year gap between this book and the first book. The ending was also quite abrupt. Oh well.
This book was almost a duplicate of the first book, but with a lot of what made it special watered down. The writing itself, particularly the dialogue, was still lovely. But the plotting and the characters were all over the place. Russell remains one of my favorite characters but he was barely present in this one, honestly. And the plot hinges on Jenny not trusting and speaking to anyone around her again. There's very little character growth, which was both disappointing and unbelievable, considering the 3 year gap between this book and the first book. The ending was also quite abrupt. Oh well.
September 9, 2021
*4.5* A very worthy sequel to the charming and unusual The Nothing Girl. Not quite the impact as the first book, as the arc that Jenny takes is not quite as dramatic. She is safe and sound, adored by her husband and ersatz family (even though she does not always realize it. She still struggles, sometimes, with very low self-esteem.) The plot revolves around her happy home being threatened by an enemy from the past and how she is able to triumph in the end. there were chuckles throughout while the subplot of Jack, the new kid on the block, brought the tears. As a big fan of unconventional heroes, Russell Checkland is in a class by himself.
The domesticity of the world and the comedy reminded me of Betty Macdonald or We Took to the Woods by Louise Rich. Old childhood favorites. I wish Jodi Taylor would draw the Chronicles of Saint Marys to an end, and concentrate her talents on book like these.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
The domesticity of the world and the comedy reminded me of Betty Macdonald or We Took to the Woods by Louise Rich. Old childhood favorites. I wish Jodi Taylor would draw the Chronicles of Saint Marys to an end, and concentrate her talents on book like these.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
November 25, 2021
Russell never puts anything away. Apparently, it’s the artistic temperament. After his first sale – says Russell – he’d had to sign up to The Code of Professional Artists. None of us have ever actually seen this famous Code, but it definitely exists – says Russell – and he quotes great lumps of it when faced with doing anything he doesn’t particularly want to do. Like putting his socks away. Picking up his shoes would, apparently, put paid to his artistic creativity for all time and we wouldn’t want that, would we?
September 19, 2022
Sweet, though its success as a story resides principally in the pleasure of being reunited with Jenny, Russell &—of course—Thomas. Which is a very real pleasure, but...The Nothing Girl has more Thomas.
December 29, 2018
Jodi Taylor
Diana Wynne Jones
Ilona Andrews
Stick with these ladies and it's hard to go wrong.
(I'll forgive DWJ of her follies {cough The Game cough}, only because she has so many triumphs.)
(Yes, I know Ilona Andrews is actually a pseudonym for a husband and wife writing team.)
Diana Wynne Jones
Ilona Andrews
Stick with these ladies and it's hard to go wrong.
(I'll forgive DWJ of her follies {cough The Game cough}, only because she has so many triumphs.)
(Yes, I know Ilona Andrews is actually a pseudonym for a husband and wife writing team.)
March 11, 2020
Mostly, I simply love being in the world and energy of this book. It's hilarious and adorable and absolutely delightful.
I'll admit that I was less interested in the mystery of this book than the previous book, but I was so happy to catch up with these characters that I didn't really care.
I'll admit that I was less interested in the mystery of this book than the previous book, but I was so happy to catch up with these characters that I didn't really care.
September 30, 2019
The only reason this took three days to finish, is because I had to prepare for a birthday party here on Sunday, and then spend from noon to ten p.m. with the party person. I think I went to bed exhausted after that lol.
This series is wonderful, and I enjoy the two books tremendously. I loved the first novel so much, I had to purchase it. The second was bought a couple weeks later. I’ve been saving them for a rainy day, and it’s certainly been rainy a.f. in Iowa...!
I’m always spellbound by Taylor’s novels. Seriously, if you haven’t at least read this novel yet (and of course the first one in the series first), please do. You will probably love them as much as I do. They bring me joy. And not the character in the novel, either...!
Lucy Price-Lewis is the narrator for these novels in the Frogmorton series, and she is perfect for them. I enjoyed her also.
4 stars, and highly recommended to all.
This series is wonderful, and I enjoy the two books tremendously. I loved the first novel so much, I had to purchase it. The second was bought a couple weeks later. I’ve been saving them for a rainy day, and it’s certainly been rainy a.f. in Iowa...!
I’m always spellbound by Taylor’s novels. Seriously, if you haven’t at least read this novel yet (and of course the first one in the series first), please do. You will probably love them as much as I do. They bring me joy. And not the character in the novel, either...!
Lucy Price-Lewis is the narrator for these novels in the Frogmorton series, and she is perfect for them. I enjoyed her also.
4 stars, and highly recommended to all.
September 1, 2021
I think I probably enjoyed the first one just a touch more, this was still a very enjoyable book.
February 23, 2023
why did the author do a 180 and make russell a misogynist? like yes he’s also a goof and jobless but he’s better than this 🙄✋
March 16, 2017
What can I say? I started this, realised I couldn't recall anything about The Nothing Girl so downloaded that again. After a few chapters it all cam flooding back, but then I was engrossed in the story so had to finish it first.
This books picks up a couple of years after The Nothing Girl. Russell and Jenny are living at Frogmorton Farm with Mrs Crisp and their baby daughter. Kevin and Sharon are living together in a flat above a shop, which Sharon hopes to open as her new bakery and tea shop.
Russell is still as full of madcap ideas as ever, there is a new neighbour who has very odd ideas about life in the country and the menagerie of retired horses, rescued cats and stolen donkeys goes on. However, when a blast from Jenny's past makes a reappearance all her old insecurities rise to the fore.
I loved this just as much as The Nothing Girl. Jodi Taylor is such a wonderful writer, her characters just leap off the page and make me laugh. If you like the sound of a book about the weird inhabitants of a ramshackle farmhouse, a self-absorbed painter, his tipsy housekeeper, his quiet wife and their menagerie of farm animals - this is the one for you.
This books picks up a couple of years after The Nothing Girl. Russell and Jenny are living at Frogmorton Farm with Mrs Crisp and their baby daughter. Kevin and Sharon are living together in a flat above a shop, which Sharon hopes to open as her new bakery and tea shop.
Russell is still as full of madcap ideas as ever, there is a new neighbour who has very odd ideas about life in the country and the menagerie of retired horses, rescued cats and stolen donkeys goes on. However, when a blast from Jenny's past makes a reappearance all her old insecurities rise to the fore.
I loved this just as much as The Nothing Girl. Jodi Taylor is such a wonderful writer, her characters just leap off the page and make me laugh. If you like the sound of a book about the weird inhabitants of a ramshackle farmhouse, a self-absorbed painter, his tipsy housekeeper, his quiet wife and their menagerie of farm animals - this is the one for you.
March 19, 2017
Sad to say that I was disappointed by this outing of the Frogmorton Farm gang. The plot was basically identical to the first novel, with creepy cousin Christopher trying to off Jenny and get his hands on her money. Yes, there's a new neighbour, yes there's some chickens, but the overall premise remains the same. That's not to say the banter that Russell employs with anyone and everyone isn't funny and that the cast or characters aren't interesting - they are - but they're not interesting enough to carry the entire novel. Also, Jenny's tendency to wallow in self-doubt is starting to get a little repetitive and frankly, tedious.
March 29, 2023
Gentle, inventive and satisfying end but I should have probably read the first book first!
April 6, 2021
Hiányozni fognak.
September 12, 2017
Heartwarming and exactly what you wanted in a sequel.
World: The world is quirky and filled with zany characters. If you've read Taylor's other series you will know what to expect in the world. For the most part it's a stage for the antics of the characters but the pieces we see are also a character in itself.
Story: Paced wonderfully and effortlessly. This is a slice of life book and it's like reading a big comfortable blanket. The familiar are all back and the new pieces fit right into the story. The drama is constant but light until the end and then it gets real just like the last book. It's funny from tip to tail and always full of great banter.
Characters: Jenny is great, she's not perfect but her charm is absolutely magnetic. Her internal monologue is the guide for the reader and she sees the world in such a wonderful way. The rest of the cast is also just as endearing and zany. These characters are just fun to hang around.
A good sequel that builds on the previous book and gives us exactly what we wanted in a sequel.
Onward to the next book!
World: The world is quirky and filled with zany characters. If you've read Taylor's other series you will know what to expect in the world. For the most part it's a stage for the antics of the characters but the pieces we see are also a character in itself.
Story: Paced wonderfully and effortlessly. This is a slice of life book and it's like reading a big comfortable blanket. The familiar are all back and the new pieces fit right into the story. The drama is constant but light until the end and then it gets real just like the last book. It's funny from tip to tail and always full of great banter.
Characters: Jenny is great, she's not perfect but her charm is absolutely magnetic. Her internal monologue is the guide for the reader and she sees the world in such a wonderful way. The rest of the cast is also just as endearing and zany. These characters are just fun to hang around.
A good sequel that builds on the previous book and gives us exactly what we wanted in a sequel.
Onward to the next book!
October 12, 2017
I love Jodi Taylor's books, they bring me joy, they make me smile, laugh and cry and sometimes in the very same sentence. She has a true gift for creating characters that you wish were actual flesh and blood. Like seriously I want to move to Frogmorton farm and be adopted by this madcap bunch, I would fit in. Most of the time I really don't care about the plot of her books, I just enjoy the lovable characters and snappy dialogue. I mean come on how can you not love a story that has an invisible golden horse and Patagonian Attack Chickens. And she has some very wise ideas about life and love, that are beautiful, but never come out schmaltzy.
Favourite Quotes/Passages
"We all, every day, have the opportunity to say the things that really matter, and we never say them. We always think there will be a tomorrow, but tomorrow doesn't always happen."
Favourite Quotes/Passages
"We all, every day, have the opportunity to say the things that really matter, and we never say them. We always think there will be a tomorrow, but tomorrow doesn't always happen."
January 15, 2023
First half of this book 4 stars, second half 2 stars.
I did love the beginning of this story and, like her prior two "Frogmorton" books, Taylor's fast-paced snarky dialogue and wonderful characters were a delight. However, the second half of the book was a bit disappointing and, for me, had too much of a creepiness factor. Part of that is due to how well Taylor writes but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
However, I'm planning to re-read this series at some point and it's very possible I'll change my mind so To Be Continued...
I did love the beginning of this story and, like her prior two "Frogmorton" books, Taylor's fast-paced snarky dialogue and wonderful characters were a delight. However, the second half of the book was a bit disappointing and, for me, had too much of a creepiness factor. Part of that is due to how well Taylor writes but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
However, I'm planning to re-read this series at some point and it's very possible I'll change my mind so To Be Continued...
March 16, 2017
I loved the first book 'The Nothing Girl' but I like this sequel just as much! We are back at Frogmorton Farm, where Jenny lives with her lovable but grumpy husband Russell and daughter Joy plus all the other lovable characters (be it human or animal form).
There were many funny scenes and so much warmth. I can only hope for another sequel... but there is a firm ending here.
There were many funny scenes and so much warmth. I can only hope for another sequel... but there is a firm ending here.
June 8, 2022
Jodi Taylor is really underrated as a writer. I’m pretty sure she could make a phone book a hilarious and interesting book! I’ve not cried with laughter so much for ages as I have reading this. The chickens were amazing and as for The Archers suddenly playing on the radio during the car chase I had to put down the book until I could recover enough to continue reading.
September 2, 2017
I had a good ugly cry at the end of this book. A happy sad ending for a wonderful main character. Well done Ms. Taylor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2019
I wish I have an invisible horse.
November 20, 2017
I love everything that Jodi Taylor has written to date. This story is no different. This book continues where The Nothing Girl left off. Our heroine gets herself a miniature donkey with a bray that would fell an oak tree and the fun continues from there.
February 9, 2018
having read all 3 in the series one after the other this was my favourite I loved how the story came together and there are many funny moments but also lots of emotional ones too a great series to read and some lovely new characters to meet
June 17, 2018
A Lovely Comtinuation
If you believe in angels, the nothing girl and the something girl are great books for you. This young woman had a guiding angel who helped her grow up and gain confidence in life. A wonderful story.
If you believe in angels, the nothing girl and the something girl are great books for you. This young woman had a guiding angel who helped her grow up and gain confidence in life. A wonderful story.
June 8, 2020
Just as delightful as the first book (thank goodness).
February 7, 2023
A worthy continuance. Every bit as beautiful and magical as the 1st one, and now with more action and humor and heartstring pulling. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews