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A Country Escape
Fran has always wanted to be a farmer. And now it looks as if her childhood dream is about to come true. She has just moved in to a beautiful but very run-down farm in the Cotswolds, currently owned by an old aunt who has told Fran that if she manages to turn the place around in a year, the farm will be hers. But Fran knows nothing about farming. She might even be afraid of cows.
She's going to need a lot of help from her best friend Issi, and also from her wealthy and very eligible neighbour - who might just have his own reasons for being so supportive. Is it the farm he is interested in? Or Fran herself?
She's going to need a lot of help from her best friend Issi, and also from her wealthy and very eligible neighbour - who might just have his own reasons for being so supportive. Is it the farm he is interested in? Or Fran herself?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2018
444 people are currently reading
1802 people want to read
About the author
Katie Fforde
96 books2,311 followersCatherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
April 22, 2018
Years ago I used to read a lot of Katie Fforde books and I loved them so when I saw this in a display at the library I thought I would give it a try. I am not sure if I have changed or if her writing has altered over the intervening years but it was less good than I was expecting.
Not that it was bad. It was a comfortable sort of read where the outcome was pretty obvious from the beginning. The characters were good and the dialogue was often entertaining. The story was rather far fetched at times but taken at face value it was mostly interesting. There was a bit too much time spent on making cheese.
The best description I suppose is that it is a good beach read. Nothing actually wrong with it but not up there in the best books list either:)
Not that it was bad. It was a comfortable sort of read where the outcome was pretty obvious from the beginning. The characters were good and the dialogue was often entertaining. The story was rather far fetched at times but taken at face value it was mostly interesting. There was a bit too much time spent on making cheese.
The best description I suppose is that it is a good beach read. Nothing actually wrong with it but not up there in the best books list either:)
March 5, 2018
I'm so disappointed. Fforde used to be a total autobuy for me and among my favourite authors, but - as far as I'm concerned - we're on a bit of a downward slope. On the brightside, it's better than her last book. On the downside... well.
I liked the set up for this - some of my favourite Fforde's have been young heroines taking on a challenge in the form of a new life/job/house to look after, so a young woman taking over a farm sounded right up my street. But - and it's a big but - it feels like no actual research had gone into the farming side of the story except for a conversation at a dinner party. I've got farmers in the family and. although I'm not particularly well up on the ins and outs, I could spot the glaring problems. I suspect some of theme will be obvious to anyone - who doesn't actually go and walk (or quad bike) around the land they're meant to be farming. And why do the cows disappear for most of the book. How many cows has she got? Why haven't they got a tank to store the milk in and how on earth is she managing to use up all their milk making cheese every day if she hasn't?!
The other problem for me was the love interest. He's not as developed as you would like and the relationship comes from nowhere without dealing with the hurdle that's been thrown in the way properly. And spoilers coming up for the other problem.
I liked the set up for this - some of my favourite Fforde's have been young heroines taking on a challenge in the form of a new life/job/house to look after, so a young woman taking over a farm sounded right up my street. But - and it's a big but - it feels like no actual research had gone into the farming side of the story except for a conversation at a dinner party. I've got farmers in the family and. although I'm not particularly well up on the ins and outs, I could spot the glaring problems. I suspect some of theme will be obvious to anyone - who doesn't actually go and walk (or quad bike) around the land they're meant to be farming. And why do the cows disappear for most of the book. How many cows has she got? Why haven't they got a tank to store the milk in and how on earth is she managing to use up all their milk making cheese every day if she hasn't?!
The other problem for me was the love interest. He's not as developed as you would like and the relationship comes from nowhere without dealing with the hurdle that's been thrown in the way properly. And spoilers coming up for the other problem.
April 30, 2021
Just charming, gentle, wonderful fun. I adore Katie Fforde.
Fran has been offered an amazing opportunity. Her distant relation Amy is in a care home and needs someone to look after her farm. If Fran can makes ends meet and keep things going for a year she might end up inheriting the farm. Fran is initially overwhelmed, and doesn't believe she has any farmer instincts about her. Amy has told her to steer clear of the closest neighbour Antony who apparently is a deeply unpleasant character. Fran on the other hand, thinks Antony is one of the nicest people she has ever met, and he saves her on more than one occasion by paying for work that needs doing on the farm which she can't afford. Day by day, Fran finds herself falling in love, not just with the idea of running a farm, but with Antony as well. Could he have an ulterior motive? And what happens when a closer relation to Amy appears out the blue and insists that he will be inheriting everything?
So much happens, but I lived through every page and was crying by the end. Such a wonderfully cosy story. I must live on a farm!!Another 5 star for Katie!!
Fran has been offered an amazing opportunity. Her distant relation Amy is in a care home and needs someone to look after her farm. If Fran can makes ends meet and keep things going for a year she might end up inheriting the farm. Fran is initially overwhelmed, and doesn't believe she has any farmer instincts about her. Amy has told her to steer clear of the closest neighbour Antony who apparently is a deeply unpleasant character. Fran on the other hand, thinks Antony is one of the nicest people she has ever met, and he saves her on more than one occasion by paying for work that needs doing on the farm which she can't afford. Day by day, Fran finds herself falling in love, not just with the idea of running a farm, but with Antony as well. Could he have an ulterior motive? And what happens when a closer relation to Amy appears out the blue and insists that he will be inheriting everything?
So much happens, but I lived through every page and was crying by the end. Such a wonderfully cosy story. I must live on a farm!!Another 5 star for Katie!!
March 1, 2019
The Blurb :
Fran has always wanted to be a farmer. And now it looks as if her childhood dream is about to come true. She has just moved in to a beautiful but very run-down farm in the Cotswolds, currently owned by an old aunt who has told Fran that if she manages to turn the place around in a year, the farm will be hers. But Fran knows nothing about farming. She might even be afraid of cows.
She's going to need a lot of help from her best friend Issi, and also from her wealthy and very eligible neighbour - who might just have his own reasons for being so supportive. Is it the farm he is interested in? Or Fran herself?
My Thoughts :
I am a huge fan of Katie Fforde and was delighted to read A Country Escape.
We meet Fran who moves to her Aunt Amy’s Hill Top Farm in the Cotswolds. The farm is being run down and can no longer be managed by Amy as she is now in a care home. Although there is a farm hand called Tig, he is still inable to handle everything on his own.
Fran’s task now is to run the farm for a year and if she makes profit from it, she gets to inherit it after Amy passes on.
Along with Fran in the running is Roy, Amy’s other distant relative who has come over from Austraila just to see if he can get his hands on the farm for the money and not to actually use the farm. But can Aunt Amy see through his ways or is she blindsided by his charm.
Fran has a lot of help from farm hand Tig, her best friend Issi and neighbour Anthony. All of which are charactors you cant help but fall in love with.
Will Fran make a go of the farm and succed at her new adventure of cheese making or will Roy get his hands on it for future development and his inheritence.
As we follow Fran and her journey on the farm we are treated to a few surprises along the way aswell as some romance going on and maybe not just for best friend Issi but for Fran herself.
Katie has a way of drawing the reader into every scene and putting us right in the moment with her descriptive surroundings, I even felt I was on the farm at times with Fran helping her out and smelling that delicious cheese she was making.
This has to be one of my favourite books by Katie Fforde and I can not wait for the next release.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
Fran has always wanted to be a farmer. And now it looks as if her childhood dream is about to come true. She has just moved in to a beautiful but very run-down farm in the Cotswolds, currently owned by an old aunt who has told Fran that if she manages to turn the place around in a year, the farm will be hers. But Fran knows nothing about farming. She might even be afraid of cows.
She's going to need a lot of help from her best friend Issi, and also from her wealthy and very eligible neighbour - who might just have his own reasons for being so supportive. Is it the farm he is interested in? Or Fran herself?
My Thoughts :
I am a huge fan of Katie Fforde and was delighted to read A Country Escape.
We meet Fran who moves to her Aunt Amy’s Hill Top Farm in the Cotswolds. The farm is being run down and can no longer be managed by Amy as she is now in a care home. Although there is a farm hand called Tig, he is still inable to handle everything on his own.
Fran’s task now is to run the farm for a year and if she makes profit from it, she gets to inherit it after Amy passes on.
Along with Fran in the running is Roy, Amy’s other distant relative who has come over from Austraila just to see if he can get his hands on the farm for the money and not to actually use the farm. But can Aunt Amy see through his ways or is she blindsided by his charm.
Fran has a lot of help from farm hand Tig, her best friend Issi and neighbour Anthony. All of which are charactors you cant help but fall in love with.
Will Fran make a go of the farm and succed at her new adventure of cheese making or will Roy get his hands on it for future development and his inheritence.
As we follow Fran and her journey on the farm we are treated to a few surprises along the way aswell as some romance going on and maybe not just for best friend Issi but for Fran herself.
Katie has a way of drawing the reader into every scene and putting us right in the moment with her descriptive surroundings, I even felt I was on the farm at times with Fran helping her out and smelling that delicious cheese she was making.
This has to be one of my favourite books by Katie Fforde and I can not wait for the next release.
** This has been reviewed for Whispering Stories blog, thank you for the copy **
March 25, 2018
I absolutely loved, loved this book. It was clean, passionate, and filled with characters who were delightful, both good and bad.
Fran gets a letter from a distant far-off relative, Ms. Amy Flowers, with a stipulation that if she makes a go of the Hill Top Farm for a year, she would inherit it, after Aunt Amy has passed on.
Now the problems — Fran is asked not to socialise with her neighbor Anthony, she has 1000 pounds along with her savings to make a go of it, there is a bank loan which has to be repaid ASAP, there is another relative Roy who stands to inherit and who is not above using flattery as his weapon to inherit, and lastly but not least, Fran is scared of the cows on the farm.
My first book by Katie Fforde, and I have long last fulfilled my wish to read her book. And I can see why readers all over the world are big fans of her writing. I absolutely adored the determination with which Fran makes a go of it, finding ways to make the farm survive. It was nice to see her finding her place with the people of the town and the love of her life.
The characters are delightful, each one is so well developed. Fran has her hardworking, honest, and ethical nature, her best friend Issi has her supportive nature. Anthony is kind, generous, and enigmatic. Tig is the strong, silent types. Aunt Amy is the old, crotchety types but with a keen sense of intuition and intelligence. Roy was hateful, money-minded, who couldn't wait for Amy to die. And I loved hating him; he raised my blood pressure and my indignation almost in every scene that he appears. I loved all these characters.
The making of cheese is so well incorporated in the story, that I was almost egging Fran to make more and describe the heavenly flavor (I don't like or eat cheese). I loved the way I was so immersed in the story and invested in the life of Fran, I was her biggest cheerleader in all her ventures.
This is a feel-good holiday book, where you just have to go with the flow of the characters and their lives. And that is why this book was perfect to read over the weekend, for me.
Just. Simply. Loved. It.
A fabulous book to escape into.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Random House UK Cornerstone, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Fran gets a letter from a distant far-off relative, Ms. Amy Flowers, with a stipulation that if she makes a go of the Hill Top Farm for a year, she would inherit it, after Aunt Amy has passed on.
Now the problems — Fran is asked not to socialise with her neighbor Anthony, she has 1000 pounds along with her savings to make a go of it, there is a bank loan which has to be repaid ASAP, there is another relative Roy who stands to inherit and who is not above using flattery as his weapon to inherit, and lastly but not least, Fran is scared of the cows on the farm.
My first book by Katie Fforde, and I have long last fulfilled my wish to read her book. And I can see why readers all over the world are big fans of her writing. I absolutely adored the determination with which Fran makes a go of it, finding ways to make the farm survive. It was nice to see her finding her place with the people of the town and the love of her life.
The characters are delightful, each one is so well developed. Fran has her hardworking, honest, and ethical nature, her best friend Issi has her supportive nature. Anthony is kind, generous, and enigmatic. Tig is the strong, silent types. Aunt Amy is the old, crotchety types but with a keen sense of intuition and intelligence. Roy was hateful, money-minded, who couldn't wait for Amy to die. And I loved hating him; he raised my blood pressure and my indignation almost in every scene that he appears. I loved all these characters.
The making of cheese is so well incorporated in the story, that I was almost egging Fran to make more and describe the heavenly flavor (I don't like or eat cheese). I loved the way I was so immersed in the story and invested in the life of Fran, I was her biggest cheerleader in all her ventures.
This is a feel-good holiday book, where you just have to go with the flow of the characters and their lives. And that is why this book was perfect to read over the weekend, for me.
Just. Simply. Loved. It.
A fabulous book to escape into.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Random House UK Cornerstone, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 27, 2018
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Londoner Fran is as a chef, she works in a pub but her dream is to own her own restaurant. One day she receives a letter from her distant cousin Amy Flowers with an interesting proposition.
Amy was widowed at a early age and and never had children of her own. Now Amy is elderly and is unable to cope with Hilltop Farm where she has lived for all her adult life. Amy traced her family tree and found Fran and another relative Roy who lives in Australia. She wrote to Fran and Roy explaining she would be staying in a nursing home for 6 months and during this time she needed help managing the farm. Amy did not hear from Roy, so she told Fran if she made a success of the farm after 6 months she would inherit Hilltop Farm when the time came
Fran is a townie at heart and knows little about farming and is afraid of cows. However Fran knows she would always of wondered if she could of succeeded at farming. So she resigned from her job and moved to Hilltop Farm.
When Fran arrives at Hilltop Farm with her Iggy her best friend she finds out the farm is run down. Amy had taken a loan for the farm and now Fran has to find money for the next payment.
Amy is a cantankerous old lady who misses nothing, She warns Fran to be careful of Anthony who is her next door neighbour and ' Lord of the Manor'. Anthony had offered to buy Hilltop Farm on multiple occasions but Amy refused suspecting he wanted to destroy her farm and build a vineyard. Fran finds that Anthony is actually quite kind. He offers to lend her money to repair the road outside the farm, reluctantly she accepts the offer but has to find a way to generate money for the farm
Fran starts making soft cheese from the farms surplus milk and makes a deal with local restaurateurs. She also holds a local supper club which showed her cooking skills and her farms produce. Just as Fran is settling into life as a farmer Roy arrives on the scene to claim his inheritance. Roy is only interested in the money he would make on selling the land, how can Fran save the farm in six months?
I always enjoy the characters in Katie's books. A Country Escape with its bucolic setting was no exception. I liked Fran who arrived at the farm with Kath Kidson wellies but determined to succeed. I also liked Anthony who wanted to buy the farm but was willing to help Fran with her cheese making venture. I am a animal lover and the scenes with Fran and Anthony bottle feeding the puppies during the small hours made my heart melt. My favourite scenes were with Fran and Amy in the old people's home. First of all I think Amy Flowers is a lovely name. I was instantly drawn to the prickly Amy who was tough on the outside and soft inside. A determined lady who managed to maintain the farm for all these years on her own after the death of her husband.
I recommend A Country Escape and all Katie Fforde's other books.
Londoner Fran is as a chef, she works in a pub but her dream is to own her own restaurant. One day she receives a letter from her distant cousin Amy Flowers with an interesting proposition.
Amy was widowed at a early age and and never had children of her own. Now Amy is elderly and is unable to cope with Hilltop Farm where she has lived for all her adult life. Amy traced her family tree and found Fran and another relative Roy who lives in Australia. She wrote to Fran and Roy explaining she would be staying in a nursing home for 6 months and during this time she needed help managing the farm. Amy did not hear from Roy, so she told Fran if she made a success of the farm after 6 months she would inherit Hilltop Farm when the time came
Fran is a townie at heart and knows little about farming and is afraid of cows. However Fran knows she would always of wondered if she could of succeeded at farming. So she resigned from her job and moved to Hilltop Farm.
When Fran arrives at Hilltop Farm with her Iggy her best friend she finds out the farm is run down. Amy had taken a loan for the farm and now Fran has to find money for the next payment.
Amy is a cantankerous old lady who misses nothing, She warns Fran to be careful of Anthony who is her next door neighbour and ' Lord of the Manor'. Anthony had offered to buy Hilltop Farm on multiple occasions but Amy refused suspecting he wanted to destroy her farm and build a vineyard. Fran finds that Anthony is actually quite kind. He offers to lend her money to repair the road outside the farm, reluctantly she accepts the offer but has to find a way to generate money for the farm
Fran starts making soft cheese from the farms surplus milk and makes a deal with local restaurateurs. She also holds a local supper club which showed her cooking skills and her farms produce. Just as Fran is settling into life as a farmer Roy arrives on the scene to claim his inheritance. Roy is only interested in the money he would make on selling the land, how can Fran save the farm in six months?
I always enjoy the characters in Katie's books. A Country Escape with its bucolic setting was no exception. I liked Fran who arrived at the farm with Kath Kidson wellies but determined to succeed. I also liked Anthony who wanted to buy the farm but was willing to help Fran with her cheese making venture. I am a animal lover and the scenes with Fran and Anthony bottle feeding the puppies during the small hours made my heart melt. My favourite scenes were with Fran and Amy in the old people's home. First of all I think Amy Flowers is a lovely name. I was instantly drawn to the prickly Amy who was tough on the outside and soft inside. A determined lady who managed to maintain the farm for all these years on her own after the death of her husband.
I recommend A Country Escape and all Katie Fforde's other books.
April 7, 2018
Not up to Katie ffordes usual high standard; the characters didn’t have much depth and I started to glaze over due to the amount on conversations about cheese! Love her books but this wasn’t one of my faves.
March 24, 2018
It's always a pleasure to live in Katie Fforde's world for a few days. If only real life was more like it!
March 3, 2019
I did enjoy this book. Fran , issi, tig , Amy were all such great likeable characters , as Roy was one to dislike.
I loved the farm setting , cheese making adventures and the battle that Fran was under to prove she could run the farm.
I loved the farm setting , cheese making adventures and the battle that Fran was under to prove she could run the farm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2018
What a wonderful warm hug of a story, I felt completely at home reading this book right from the first pages and really didn't want it to end, as the characters were so lovely.
It is such a shame that I'm not a fan of cheese, as I think this book is even better for those that can't live without cheese, as it is one of the main features of book. I have learnt far more about dairy farming and the making of soft cheese than I ever thought possible. This is just one in a long line of professions that I feel I know a lot better after reading a book by Katie Fforde.
There are two potential heirs for Hill Top Farm, but its Fran who responds to the letter and agrees to live at the farm for a year and try to make it profitable in order to gain the inheritance as and when Mrs Flowers does pass away. I loved Frans regular visits to Amy Flowers, and it was clear she came to care for the old lady a great deal.
Being a chef Fran's solutions to how to make more money from a dairy farm involved food, but none of her plans would ever come to anything without a large injection of cash.
There are some adorable scenes involving baby animals, and even if Fran isn't a native farmer she does clearly care about animals, although I'm not sure she will ever love the cows. She does love the views on the farm, and I loved seeing her determination to turn the farm around, along with her best friend.
Easily one of my favourite books by this always talented author, I loved every second of A Country Escape and it almost made me want to leave London in order to become a farmer myself.
Thank you to Cornerstone Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It is such a shame that I'm not a fan of cheese, as I think this book is even better for those that can't live without cheese, as it is one of the main features of book. I have learnt far more about dairy farming and the making of soft cheese than I ever thought possible. This is just one in a long line of professions that I feel I know a lot better after reading a book by Katie Fforde.
There are two potential heirs for Hill Top Farm, but its Fran who responds to the letter and agrees to live at the farm for a year and try to make it profitable in order to gain the inheritance as and when Mrs Flowers does pass away. I loved Frans regular visits to Amy Flowers, and it was clear she came to care for the old lady a great deal.
Being a chef Fran's solutions to how to make more money from a dairy farm involved food, but none of her plans would ever come to anything without a large injection of cash.
There are some adorable scenes involving baby animals, and even if Fran isn't a native farmer she does clearly care about animals, although I'm not sure she will ever love the cows. She does love the views on the farm, and I loved seeing her determination to turn the farm around, along with her best friend.
Easily one of my favourite books by this always talented author, I loved every second of A Country Escape and it almost made me want to leave London in order to become a farmer myself.
Thank you to Cornerstone Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 3, 2018
Fran is a great cook and dreams about having her own restaurant, but she's also always loved the countryside. When a relative offers her the farm that's been in her family for a long time Fran doesn't hesitate and packs her bags straight away. She doesn't know much about farming, but she can learn. If she manages to make a success of it she will inherit the farm. It isn't profitable any longer, so Fran has to work hard to turn things around. Fortunately she doesn't have to do it alone. Her best friend and gorgeous neighbor are willing to help. However, why would a stranger do so much for someone? Can Fran trust the man who lives next door? Is she the only relative who's interested in the farm and will she succeed or is her new project doomed to fail?
A Country Escape is a wonderful romantic story. Fran is a fabulous main character. She's strong, smart and resilient. She's fantastic with food and because of her generous nature most people immediately like her. By taking over the farm Fran has accepted quite a challenge. I was curious to find out if she'd make a success of it and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to see what Fran would do with her newly found skills. I was intrigued by Fran's journey and loved it from beginning to end.
Katie Fforde has written a gorgeous heartwarming book. I immediately fell in love with her beautiful setting. Even though there's a lot of work to be done the farm has the exact right atmosphere. I loved finding out more about the buildings, the animals and the land and its history. Katie Fforde clearly knows what she's writing about and that made the story really interesting. A Country Escape is charming, entertaining and sweet, it's a perfect feelgood story with plenty of surprising twists and turns, delicious descriptions of food and amazing true love.
March 1, 2018
A cosy, happy story in a beautiful setting. 3.5/5 stars.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
The cover and title of Katie Fforde's latest book tell you all you need to know! A Country Escape is cosy escapism with likeable characters in a wonderful setting. Although there is a romance thread to the story, I'd argue the greatest romance is between the protagonist - Fran - and the farm she hopes to inherit, which has its own starring role along with the beautiful countryside setting.
That said, when the main antagonist finally turns up about halfway through the story, he's wonderfully heartless and left me dying to jump into the book to kick him in the shins. Fran's elderly Aunt Amy is also entertainingly spiky and at times I marvelled at how Fran remained patient with her.
And if a delicious setting and villains weren't enough, prepare yourself for oodles of cheese! This book is a treat for all foodies, particularly those who prefer a cheese board to dessert.
My favourite scene came near the end of the book, when high drama in a solicitor's office made me laugh out loud. I won't say any more to avoid spoilers!
Overall: Katie Fforde fans are sure to enjoy A Country Escape. Perfect if, like Fran, you're looking for a break from metropolitan stress.
This review was originally posted on my book blog.
The cover and title of Katie Fforde's latest book tell you all you need to know! A Country Escape is cosy escapism with likeable characters in a wonderful setting. Although there is a romance thread to the story, I'd argue the greatest romance is between the protagonist - Fran - and the farm she hopes to inherit, which has its own starring role along with the beautiful countryside setting.
That said, when the main antagonist finally turns up about halfway through the story, he's wonderfully heartless and left me dying to jump into the book to kick him in the shins. Fran's elderly Aunt Amy is also entertainingly spiky and at times I marvelled at how Fran remained patient with her.
And if a delicious setting and villains weren't enough, prepare yourself for oodles of cheese! This book is a treat for all foodies, particularly those who prefer a cheese board to dessert.
My favourite scene came near the end of the book, when high drama in a solicitor's office made me laugh out loud. I won't say any more to avoid spoilers!
Overall: Katie Fforde fans are sure to enjoy A Country Escape. Perfect if, like Fran, you're looking for a break from metropolitan stress.
August 12, 2024
Nice light holiday reading :) Figuring out Anthony's true alignment kept me on my toes.
July 4, 2022
hercrazyReview | a country escape:
i don't know, man. it was okay. it was a cute romcom but somehow there's something about it that didn't sit right with me.
maybe it's the fact that i kept hoping and hoping to figure out the ages of the mcs and other characters and it kept irking me so bad but the author never once mentioned or even hinted at it. great, right? note the sarcasm.
or maybe it's the fact that the romance made zero sense?
it had characters you'd come to root for, and you'd want fran to ace that cheese and sell it and benefit from it and make a living for the farm. (yes, the story majorly revolved around cheesemaking, which some people wouldn't particularly root for, but i didn't mind.) but not necessarily the kind which you'd want to know more about and never want their story to end.
everything was great and sweet, even antony, the love interest, but then the romance began, and i was like... did i miss something? what? how? why? yes, okay, great, they bonded over something mutual, and that part was cute, but i never, in a lifetime, would be able to understand how someone who passed you in full speed in their car would show up at your doorstep the next day and help and help and help you and in the end you get to know that he was somehow interested in you since the start? please. i'm going bonkers even thinking about it now.
i expected “love.” i expected romance. i didn't expect fran getting head over heels over this “irresistibly handsome” guy since the first sight despite having every reason not to even be in his periphery. i didn't expect antony to be cute yet shallow. he had literally no story of how and why he fell in love with her. surely, that's the least i could expect? there was no major confession, either. like, TELL ME, ANTONY, WHY SO SHALLOW?
but despite myself, i enjoyed the book as a whole. it had a lot more than just romance. even though i wish the author hadn't completely omitted the fact that people have families (fran's parents were only mentioned in passing and her best friend issi's parents were nowhere at all), it was still cute and i enjoyed it.
it was all cute. the characters were just so one-dimensional, i felt. there was no depth to any of them, much to my disappointment.
my point is, despite all the things i hated, i enjoyed it because i needed an extremely light read, which is good.
i don't know, man. it was okay. it was a cute romcom but somehow there's something about it that didn't sit right with me.
maybe it's the fact that i kept hoping and hoping to figure out the ages of the mcs and other characters and it kept irking me so bad but the author never once mentioned or even hinted at it. great, right? note the sarcasm.
or maybe it's the fact that the romance made zero sense?
it had characters you'd come to root for, and you'd want fran to ace that cheese and sell it and benefit from it and make a living for the farm. (yes, the story majorly revolved around cheesemaking, which some people wouldn't particularly root for, but i didn't mind.) but not necessarily the kind which you'd want to know more about and never want their story to end.
everything was great and sweet, even antony, the love interest, but then the romance began, and i was like... did i miss something? what? how? why? yes, okay, great, they bonded over something mutual, and that part was cute, but i never, in a lifetime, would be able to understand how someone who passed you in full speed in their car would show up at your doorstep the next day and help and help and help you and in the end you get to know that he was somehow interested in you since the start? please. i'm going bonkers even thinking about it now.
i expected “love.” i expected romance. i didn't expect fran getting head over heels over this “irresistibly handsome” guy since the first sight despite having every reason not to even be in his periphery. i didn't expect antony to be cute yet shallow. he had literally no story of how and why he fell in love with her. surely, that's the least i could expect? there was no major confession, either. like, TELL ME, ANTONY, WHY SO SHALLOW?
but despite myself, i enjoyed the book as a whole. it had a lot more than just romance. even though i wish the author hadn't completely omitted the fact that people have families (fran's parents were only mentioned in passing and her best friend issi's parents were nowhere at all), it was still cute and i enjoyed it.
it was all cute. the characters were just so one-dimensional, i felt. there was no depth to any of them, much to my disappointment.
my point is, despite all the things i hated, i enjoyed it because i needed an extremely light read, which is good.
February 22, 2018
What a beautiful heartwarming story. A easy five stars. The story was beautifully written. I love Katie Fforde style of writing she draws into the story as if you are there
August 2, 2019
Dit boek was zoals alle boeken van Katie Fforde: voorspelbare personages doen voorspelbare dingen tot het geheel op een voorspelbare manier wordt afgerond. En ze leefden nog heel veel en waren lang gelukkig. Of zo.
Er zijn een paar dingen die ik leuk vond aan dit boek:
- het ging veel over kaas. Ik houd van kaas.
- er kwamen leuke dieren in voor. Puppy’s en koeien: leuk. Ik ben een simpele vrouw, ik houd van eten en dieren.
- het ging over het Engelse platteland, daar kan iedereen lekker bij wegdromen. Ook als je niet van dit genre houdt is het Engelse plattelandslandschap leuk om over te lezen.
Toch ergerde ik me aan de ongelooflijk vlakke personages in dit boek. Vooral de Mister Perfect die Fforde voor dit boek laat opdraven is niet meer dan dat: hij is rijk, zegt veel te perfecte dingen en er is 0 wrijving of spanning tussen hem en de hysterische hoofdpersoon. Zij laat dit alles gewoon gebeuren en stort zich te pas en te onpas in zijn armen.
Normaal gesproken zijn de vrouwelijke hoofdpersonen van Ffordes boeken iets minder dom en iets minder jaren vijftig-achtig, maar helaas lijkt Fforde erop gebrand te zijn om in dit boek een ongelooflijk dom gansje neer te zetten dat niks voor elkaar krijgt zonder de hulp van haar geweldig sterke, mannelijke, sexy, knappe en rijke man. En dan vindt Fforde het toch nog verkoopbaar om de hoofdpersoon te laten denken dat ze zo ontzettend feministisch is, terwijl ze ondertussen niks, maar dan ook echt he-le-maal niks, zelf klaar kan spelen. Ze is chef-kok maar vergeet zogenaamd hoe ze moet koken en zo doet ze nog wel meer dingen die echt nergens op slaan.
Dan is er nog een verschrikkelijk irritant antagonisten-duo dat het er ook heel dik bovenop legt, waardoor je je alleen maar meer afvraagt waarom de hoofdpersoon niet meer van zich afbijt.
En dan te bedenken dat dit boek in 2018 verschenen is (dat is dus vorig jaar!), een jaar waarin de #metoo-beweging allang voeten in de aarde had gekregen.
Misschien lijkt het na mijn harde woorden alsof ik sowieso een hekel heb aan voorspelbare romantische verhalen, maar dat is echt niet het geval. Ik houd van voorspelbaarheid (ik herlees niet voor niets twee keer per jaar de Harry Potter-serie), zolang de voorspelbaarheid maar niet vervalt in de clichés die echt niet meer kunnen (in mijn ogen dan). Er zijn natuurlijk horden vrouwen die wél genieten van dit boek, en dat gun ik ze ook. Maar dit boek van Fforde kon mij gewoonweg NIET bekoren.
Ik hoop dat ik haar volgende boek leuker vind! :) Want ondanks alles wat ik tegen dit boek heb, ga ik haar volgende boeken ook gewoon weer lezen. Zoals ik al zei: ik heb niks tegen voorspelbaarheid, maar het moet wel goed geschreven voorspelbaarheid zijn.
Er zijn een paar dingen die ik leuk vond aan dit boek:
- het ging veel over kaas. Ik houd van kaas.
- er kwamen leuke dieren in voor. Puppy’s en koeien: leuk. Ik ben een simpele vrouw, ik houd van eten en dieren.
- het ging over het Engelse platteland, daar kan iedereen lekker bij wegdromen. Ook als je niet van dit genre houdt is het Engelse plattelandslandschap leuk om over te lezen.
Toch ergerde ik me aan de ongelooflijk vlakke personages in dit boek. Vooral de Mister Perfect die Fforde voor dit boek laat opdraven is niet meer dan dat: hij is rijk, zegt veel te perfecte dingen en er is 0 wrijving of spanning tussen hem en de hysterische hoofdpersoon. Zij laat dit alles gewoon gebeuren en stort zich te pas en te onpas in zijn armen.
Normaal gesproken zijn de vrouwelijke hoofdpersonen van Ffordes boeken iets minder dom en iets minder jaren vijftig-achtig, maar helaas lijkt Fforde erop gebrand te zijn om in dit boek een ongelooflijk dom gansje neer te zetten dat niks voor elkaar krijgt zonder de hulp van haar geweldig sterke, mannelijke, sexy, knappe en rijke man. En dan vindt Fforde het toch nog verkoopbaar om de hoofdpersoon te laten denken dat ze zo ontzettend feministisch is, terwijl ze ondertussen niks, maar dan ook echt he-le-maal niks, zelf klaar kan spelen. Ze is chef-kok maar vergeet zogenaamd hoe ze moet koken en zo doet ze nog wel meer dingen die echt nergens op slaan.
Dan is er nog een verschrikkelijk irritant antagonisten-duo dat het er ook heel dik bovenop legt, waardoor je je alleen maar meer afvraagt waarom de hoofdpersoon niet meer van zich afbijt.
En dan te bedenken dat dit boek in 2018 verschenen is (dat is dus vorig jaar!), een jaar waarin de #metoo-beweging allang voeten in de aarde had gekregen.
Misschien lijkt het na mijn harde woorden alsof ik sowieso een hekel heb aan voorspelbare romantische verhalen, maar dat is echt niet het geval. Ik houd van voorspelbaarheid (ik herlees niet voor niets twee keer per jaar de Harry Potter-serie), zolang de voorspelbaarheid maar niet vervalt in de clichés die echt niet meer kunnen (in mijn ogen dan). Er zijn natuurlijk horden vrouwen die wél genieten van dit boek, en dat gun ik ze ook. Maar dit boek van Fforde kon mij gewoonweg NIET bekoren.
Ik hoop dat ik haar volgende boek leuker vind! :) Want ondanks alles wat ik tegen dit boek heb, ga ik haar volgende boeken ook gewoon weer lezen. Zoals ik al zei: ik heb niks tegen voorspelbaarheid, maar het moet wel goed geschreven voorspelbaarheid zijn.
April 14, 2018
Definitely an interesting idea but a bit flat, without the usual KF delight.
The heroine was not remotely likeable, although KF heroines are normally a bit dippy and in need of rescue, they are quite often all the more likeable for it. I hate to say it because I have been reading KF since the 90s- this one was phoned in.
The heroine was not remotely likeable, although KF heroines are normally a bit dippy and in need of rescue, they are quite often all the more likeable for it. I hate to say it because I have been reading KF since the 90s- this one was phoned in.
February 28, 2018
Enjoyable read if you take it at face value and don’think too deeply about the plot!
April 4, 2021
Honestly dreadful... poor, repetitive, clunky and obvious writing with an old fashioned and simpering approach to relationships. Deary me!
February 18, 2018
What would you do when presented with a challenge that you would never have seen heading in your direction in a million years? An opportunity that couldn't be furthest from your current lifestyle? Something that will test you to your limits, try your patience and call on qualities you never knew you had in you? These are the questions/thoughts running through the mind of Fran as she pulls up at Hill Top Farm with her friend Issi for a year she will never forget. A year that will push her to the very edges of her capabilities with lots of trials and tests sent her way. But will she have the strength of spirit and determination on her side as well as an abundance of kindness deep rooted in her heart to make it through the test as set down by her very distant cousin Amy.
In Katie Fforde's new book the title of A Country Escape certainly lives up to the content between the fun, colourful cover as I really enjoyed a pleasurable, fun filled few hours in the company of Fran. She has agreed to spend a year running the farm, even though she hasn't the first clue about farming, for her Aunt who is now in a nursing home. Said Aunt had no one to leave the farm too and she doesn't wish her herd of dairy short horns and their lineage to die out. No male relatives could be found so the task falls to Fran and ever one to relish a challenge she agrees admittedly against the better judgement of many others.
I have a been a long time fan of Katie Fforde's books but was slightly apprehensive about reading this one. Normally I would read everything she has written no questions asked but I didn't enjoy her last full length novel last year as much as her others. But at the end of her festive short story collection there was a sneak preview of A Country Escape and from those few pages I knew I had to read this book. Right from the beginning I just got a good feeling about this book and it really didn't abate the further I got into the story. It's fun, light-hearted and above all else inspires good feelings and warm thoughts. Once I picked it up I couldn't leave it out of my hands as I was eager to discover would Fran go the whole distance and make a success of the farm or would there be too many obstacles placed in her way and therefore everything would fall apart?
This book proved to me that it's always worth giving an author another go even if you hadn't enjoyed their last book as much as you normally do. The basic plot of inheriting after a year seems to be a common theme for books this year as I have already read two or three others with a similar theme but it's interesting to see how different authors approach said theme. I loved A Country Escape from the first word until the last. Fran is a courageous, wonderful character who will find a place in your heart and having you rooting for a positive outcome for her right from the very first page.
Excitement and nerves abound as Fran embarks on a wonderful adventure that could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to her or else just one big huge disaster. Leaving her comfortable life in London for a farm in Gloucester seems like a nightmare to many but maybe there is something calling Fran to do this even thought it is loaded with responsibility and concerns. Soon after arriving Fran discovers the farm has not being doing as well as it once did. The farmhouse is not a glorious residence as one often sees on the programme Escape to the Country. The accounts are in disarray and money is tight to put it mildly. How is Fran going to deal with the pedigree heard when she herself admits she wouldn't know one end of a cow from another? Thankfully herdsman Tig is on hand when it comes to the cows which relieves some of the burden but the question of what to do with their milk remains. Especially as the milk tanker won't venture up the pot holed filled lane.
Tig was a character who was always there in the background, a quiet conservative man, never saying much unless it was relevant. A person who spoke when spoken to and always choose each word with care. He was a support to Fran when it came to the day to day running of the farm. But who really stepped up to the plate was very wealthy neighbour Antony Arlingham. Antony wasn't seen in the best light by Amy as he has wanted to buy the farm from her to help expand his business empire. The thought of which makes Amy's blood boil. Antony was supposed to be the enemy but I felt from the outset he was genuine and had nothing but good intentions.
Fran was the most remarkable character. For someone who really was like a fish out of water she soon became filled with passion at the task ahead of her. Yes it was enormous and even though Fran hadn't much knowledge or experience she was filled with ingenuity and had plenty of forward thinking ideas. Everything that lay ahead of Fran was overwhelming and many people would run away at the first hurdle but I admired her commitment and even though she barely knew Amy she was aware of how special the farm was to her and she wouldn't let it go without a fight. What's good about Fran was that she wasn't above asking for help or advice. Yes at times she was loathe to ask for money from others but at the same time she was sensible and knew what needed to be done. She also didn't want to go against Amy's wishes but when your back is against the wall you may just accept help from where ever you can and not question someone’s ulterior motives. Her culinary background came in very handy and the ideas she came up with were brilliant but couldn't be pulled off without plenty of hard work and effort. I loved how Fran never once conceded defeat no matter how tough things got. She knew her ideas had merit and despite the setbacks she kept ploughing on and was determined to reach her ultimate goal. She won't rest until success is achieved. I'm glad her friend Issi was there for Fran every step of the way. She seemed so kind, caring and sensible and her own little budding romance was subtly done but just oh so perfect. The friendship between Fran and Issi was just lovely and one you would like to have in your own life.
Antony could have been the character everybody loves to hate. That rich business man who hasn't a drop of human emotion, who will overstep everybody to expand their empire. We've all read about men of that kind in books before but thankfully he was the complete opposite and I loved seeing his soft side emerge. The friendship he develops with Fran was wonderful to see and I hoped something a little deeper might happen. Despite the difficulties, challenges and anxieties facing Fran, Issi and Antony were always there for her. There was another character introduced at the halfway point and I detested said character. The author did a brilliant job of portraying them for what they were- attention seeking and money grabbing. This character was horrible, rude and lacked any empathy or compassion. They were sent to up scuttle everything and I hoped this wouldn't happen given the hard work put in by Fran to make Hill Top Farm a success once again. I had a feeling something would emerge about this awful character but this didn't happen instead a different tack was taken which didn't disappoint but maybe the angle I was looking for could have added even more surprises to the story. Not that this is a fault in anyway as this particular plot line was very well done.
In Katie Fforde's new book the title of A Country Escape certainly lives up to the content between the fun, colourful cover as I really enjoyed a pleasurable, fun filled few hours in the company of Fran. She has agreed to spend a year running the farm, even though she hasn't the first clue about farming, for her Aunt who is now in a nursing home. Said Aunt had no one to leave the farm too and she doesn't wish her herd of dairy short horns and their lineage to die out. No male relatives could be found so the task falls to Fran and ever one to relish a challenge she agrees admittedly against the better judgement of many others.
I have a been a long time fan of Katie Fforde's books but was slightly apprehensive about reading this one. Normally I would read everything she has written no questions asked but I didn't enjoy her last full length novel last year as much as her others. But at the end of her festive short story collection there was a sneak preview of A Country Escape and from those few pages I knew I had to read this book. Right from the beginning I just got a good feeling about this book and it really didn't abate the further I got into the story. It's fun, light-hearted and above all else inspires good feelings and warm thoughts. Once I picked it up I couldn't leave it out of my hands as I was eager to discover would Fran go the whole distance and make a success of the farm or would there be too many obstacles placed in her way and therefore everything would fall apart?
This book proved to me that it's always worth giving an author another go even if you hadn't enjoyed their last book as much as you normally do. The basic plot of inheriting after a year seems to be a common theme for books this year as I have already read two or three others with a similar theme but it's interesting to see how different authors approach said theme. I loved A Country Escape from the first word until the last. Fran is a courageous, wonderful character who will find a place in your heart and having you rooting for a positive outcome for her right from the very first page.
Excitement and nerves abound as Fran embarks on a wonderful adventure that could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to her or else just one big huge disaster. Leaving her comfortable life in London for a farm in Gloucester seems like a nightmare to many but maybe there is something calling Fran to do this even thought it is loaded with responsibility and concerns. Soon after arriving Fran discovers the farm has not being doing as well as it once did. The farmhouse is not a glorious residence as one often sees on the programme Escape to the Country. The accounts are in disarray and money is tight to put it mildly. How is Fran going to deal with the pedigree heard when she herself admits she wouldn't know one end of a cow from another? Thankfully herdsman Tig is on hand when it comes to the cows which relieves some of the burden but the question of what to do with their milk remains. Especially as the milk tanker won't venture up the pot holed filled lane.
Tig was a character who was always there in the background, a quiet conservative man, never saying much unless it was relevant. A person who spoke when spoken to and always choose each word with care. He was a support to Fran when it came to the day to day running of the farm. But who really stepped up to the plate was very wealthy neighbour Antony Arlingham. Antony wasn't seen in the best light by Amy as he has wanted to buy the farm from her to help expand his business empire. The thought of which makes Amy's blood boil. Antony was supposed to be the enemy but I felt from the outset he was genuine and had nothing but good intentions.
Fran was the most remarkable character. For someone who really was like a fish out of water she soon became filled with passion at the task ahead of her. Yes it was enormous and even though Fran hadn't much knowledge or experience she was filled with ingenuity and had plenty of forward thinking ideas. Everything that lay ahead of Fran was overwhelming and many people would run away at the first hurdle but I admired her commitment and even though she barely knew Amy she was aware of how special the farm was to her and she wouldn't let it go without a fight. What's good about Fran was that she wasn't above asking for help or advice. Yes at times she was loathe to ask for money from others but at the same time she was sensible and knew what needed to be done. She also didn't want to go against Amy's wishes but when your back is against the wall you may just accept help from where ever you can and not question someone’s ulterior motives. Her culinary background came in very handy and the ideas she came up with were brilliant but couldn't be pulled off without plenty of hard work and effort. I loved how Fran never once conceded defeat no matter how tough things got. She knew her ideas had merit and despite the setbacks she kept ploughing on and was determined to reach her ultimate goal. She won't rest until success is achieved. I'm glad her friend Issi was there for Fran every step of the way. She seemed so kind, caring and sensible and her own little budding romance was subtly done but just oh so perfect. The friendship between Fran and Issi was just lovely and one you would like to have in your own life.
Antony could have been the character everybody loves to hate. That rich business man who hasn't a drop of human emotion, who will overstep everybody to expand their empire. We've all read about men of that kind in books before but thankfully he was the complete opposite and I loved seeing his soft side emerge. The friendship he develops with Fran was wonderful to see and I hoped something a little deeper might happen. Despite the difficulties, challenges and anxieties facing Fran, Issi and Antony were always there for her. There was another character introduced at the halfway point and I detested said character. The author did a brilliant job of portraying them for what they were- attention seeking and money grabbing. This character was horrible, rude and lacked any empathy or compassion. They were sent to up scuttle everything and I hoped this wouldn't happen given the hard work put in by Fran to make Hill Top Farm a success once again. I had a feeling something would emerge about this awful character but this didn't happen instead a different tack was taken which didn't disappoint but maybe the angle I was looking for could have added even more surprises to the story. Not that this is a fault in anyway as this particular plot line was very well done.
February 9, 2018
It's always a huge treat picking up a new Katie Fforde book. She has such a lovely, easy writing style that you soon lose yourself deep in the story with wonderful characters and beautiful settings. Fran has received a letter from a distant relative saying that should she be able to make a success of a dairy farm she will inherit the farmhouse and the herd. There is another relative from Australia who is being made the same offer and we are not sure that either will be able to turn the farm around in time.
Fran is a chef by trade and she decides that due to problems on the farm she needs to make cheesemaking a big money spinner. Money is tight but with her friends help Fran has a few ideas to raise their profile in the community. I loved the evening at the farmhouse and the romance in the air.
I take my daughter to a daycare farm once a week and the cows are our favourite there, so I could visualise the lovely herd at the farm and the love for the animals.
The farm sounded so lovely- in need of some tender loving care but with such potential for it to be wonderful.
The distant relative is an awkward old lady but she's a lovely character and we wonder whether she will choose Fran or the Australian chap. They want different things for the farms future and we are really routing for Fran as she falls in love with the farm.
Fran is a chef by trade and she decides that due to problems on the farm she needs to make cheesemaking a big money spinner. Money is tight but with her friends help Fran has a few ideas to raise their profile in the community. I loved the evening at the farmhouse and the romance in the air.
I take my daughter to a daycare farm once a week and the cows are our favourite there, so I could visualise the lovely herd at the farm and the love for the animals.
The farm sounded so lovely- in need of some tender loving care but with such potential for it to be wonderful.
The distant relative is an awkward old lady but she's a lovely character and we wonder whether she will choose Fran or the Australian chap. They want different things for the farms future and we are really routing for Fran as she falls in love with the farm.
March 29, 2018
3.5/5 stars. It's been a long cold rainy day so when you can you might as well enjoy a good book to pass the time. For quite some time I've had this on my to read list for this year but was a bit nervous to start it. I liked the idea quite a bit but this author doesn't usually mesh with my tastes but this time the nervousness was unfounded. I really like the whole inherit the farm, make a profit, and have a rural life. It's why I love the Harvest Moon games. Sometimes the whole city girl goes to the country and discovers she likes the farm setting works just as well. This book sort of mixes the two ideas and you get this book. I'm surprised that the cheese making didn't take very long, I was under the impression that it took ages for it to be made. Anyways I liked the majority of the characters and they fit the setting well. Would recommend it if you want to try a different sort of chick lit, the main character isn't boy crazy or going through angsty emotional drama stuff which is nice.
February 1, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book. I especially enjoyed it as I live in Bristol not far from the Cotswolds where this book is set. Indeed one of my grandfather's sisters married a farmer and made butter and cream in her Cotswold dairy. It was a fine read for a cold winter's evening with a handsome hero and a villain to hiss at..
Twenty-seven year old Fran who has been working as a chef in London has a year to prove to a distant relative that she is a fit person to inherit a Cotswold dairy farm and that she can make it pay. She is helped in this by her best friend Issy who just happens to be a grass expert and her handsome rich neighbour. Anthony. Pure escapism.
Twenty-seven year old Fran who has been working as a chef in London has a year to prove to a distant relative that she is a fit person to inherit a Cotswold dairy farm and that she can make it pay. She is helped in this by her best friend Issy who just happens to be a grass expert and her handsome rich neighbour. Anthony. Pure escapism.
July 18, 2022
4,5 sterren- Nederlandse paperback
Recencie volgt later.
Recencie volgt later.
June 17, 2021
The only things I didn't really like about this one, was the very insta love happening, but otherwise this is just the type of romance I enjoy, especially the audiobook, it makes me want to move to the English countryside!
October 31, 2020
Relaxing read
January 20, 2023
Fun, witty and so easy to read. Love Katie Fford books, they’re just the thing to read when you need some cheer.
February 8, 2018
I always look forward to a Katie Fforde book. Even before I have read the first page there is the anticipation of that feel good factor along with a wonderful story line, larger than life characters and a smile along the way. This one didn’t disappoint me in any of those aspects. Fran lives in London working as a chef. She vaguely remembers as a child going to a farm and seeing the cows. She gets a letter from a solicitor saying that a distant relative has gone into a care home and that she is to try and run the farm for a year and then might inherit it. How is a chef going to run a farm when she hasn’t a clue where to start? And who is the neighbour that the relative hates so much? Brilliantly written from the word go. Wonderful characters that you take to (or not in one case!) and scenes that you can easily picture. Whether you live in London or rurality, this book will bring a smile. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
June 18, 2020
Oh dear. It's a mystery how someone could actually bring themselves to write this book, let alone publish it.
I'm not averse to a bit of chick-lit every now and then, obviously. I enjoy a light-hearted holiday read and I don't even mind a predictable ending. There just wasn't much to like in these 392 pages.
The dialogue, for starters. What was the idea behind using the dialogue to explain the background, when this could just as easily have been done in the narrative? For example, on page 1:
"Really? I never knew that and we've been friends for years. I thought you'd always wanted to run your own restaurant."
Or: "I must have been tiny - after all I was only five when he died."
Sorry, but no one talks like that in real life. It reads like a really bad Enid Blyton pastiche.
The story is quite sweet, ignoring the rose-tinted and unrealistic picture it paints of dairy farming. The leading ladies are also likeable, aside from their ridiculous dialogues.
But the love match (no spoiler - you would see it coming light years away) - WTF? This did not seem plausible at all. She's nice, he's nice -fine - but from meeting each other to being in love all within about five minutes? - I'm not saying it can't happen, it just wasn't the next logical step after the way the relationship was developing.
Add to that poor proofing:
"Would you still love me if I stopped being afraid of cows?"
"Only the tiniest little bit. Not enough to matter."
WTAF?!
Not the worst book I've ever read, but there is no way I would have finished it had I not been stuck on an aeroplane with no other options.
I'm not averse to a bit of chick-lit every now and then, obviously. I enjoy a light-hearted holiday read and I don't even mind a predictable ending. There just wasn't much to like in these 392 pages.
The dialogue, for starters. What was the idea behind using the dialogue to explain the background, when this could just as easily have been done in the narrative? For example, on page 1:
"Really? I never knew that and we've been friends for years. I thought you'd always wanted to run your own restaurant."
Or: "I must have been tiny - after all I was only five when he died."
Sorry, but no one talks like that in real life. It reads like a really bad Enid Blyton pastiche.
The story is quite sweet, ignoring the rose-tinted and unrealistic picture it paints of dairy farming. The leading ladies are also likeable, aside from their ridiculous dialogues.
But the love match (no spoiler - you would see it coming light years away) - WTF? This did not seem plausible at all. She's nice, he's nice -fine - but from meeting each other to being in love all within about five minutes? - I'm not saying it can't happen, it just wasn't the next logical step after the way the relationship was developing.
Add to that poor proofing:
"Would you still love me if I stopped being afraid of cows?"
"Only the tiniest little bit. Not enough to matter."
WTAF?!
Not the worst book I've ever read, but there is no way I would have finished it had I not been stuck on an aeroplane with no other options.
October 5, 2023
As a person who loves harvest moon, stardew valley and (love/hates) romance novels, I was really hoping to enjoy this; but it irritated my inner feminist so much I couldn't finish reading it (and usually have a high tolerance for this stuff). The males are so blantantly sexist and the way the main character lets this go unchallenged is so irritating. Especially considering the lead character is meant to be a modern 20 something year old white woman from London. The author could have created a main character that was both creative and had business intelligence, someone who made smart deals with her neighbours and in the end was rather independent. The authors choice to create damsel in constant distress instead of an inspiring entrepreneur is sad. This book might have been publish in 2018, but characters behaviours come across to me as dated. The love interest was meant to be kind but I found his incessant need to be the solution to her every problem creepy and suspicious. Furthermore the jealous female rival is unnecessary cliche.
Lastly the Australian villain introduced midway was just too much for me. He was just so stupidly rude and idiotically unveiling his villainous plan within minutes. She let him walk all over her and the worst thing for me is there was no written reason why.
On the flip side I liked the overall premise and all the farm stuff, the lead was creative and determined. I liked how the lead character did not spend all her time thinking about the love interest and got stuff done.
For me, I like my damselly charity cases to be limited to historical romances, so this was not my cup of tea.
Lastly the Australian villain introduced midway was just too much for me. He was just so stupidly rude and idiotically unveiling his villainous plan within minutes. She let him walk all over her and the worst thing for me is there was no written reason why.
On the flip side I liked the overall premise and all the farm stuff, the lead was creative and determined. I liked how the lead character did not spend all her time thinking about the love interest and got stuff done.
For me, I like my damselly charity cases to be limited to historical romances, so this was not my cup of tea.
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