Little Donkey

Frogmorton Farm #1.5

by Jodi Taylor

A Frogmorton Farm short story. Catch up with the characters from Jodi Taylor's bestselling novel, The Nothing Girl , as they navigate the complexities of the local nativity play in their own, unique fashion.It's Christmas and Jenny Checkland is beset with problems.The Vicar, who really should know better, has asked to borrow Marilyn the donkey for the nativity play thereby unleashing chaos on the already chaos-laden Frogmorton Farm.Will Marilyn survive her bath? Will anyone survive Marilyn's bath?Robbed of her role as the Virgin Mary, what revenge is the Angel Gabriel plotting?Why is that sheep so fat?Will Charlie ever get to say his one line?Can Marilyn be prevented from eating the Baby Jesus?Where is Thomas, who promised he would be there?And worst of all - will Russell, lost on the moor in a blizzard, make it back in time for the birth of his first child? Or even at all?Readers love Jodi 'I haven't met a Jodi Taylor book I didn't love , they get you right in the feels''Has you laughing and crying in equal measure ''Beautifully written, captivating and witty ''A surprising gem of a book'

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy, Short Stories, Christmas, Romance, Contemporary

37 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2014

About the author

Jodi 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.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little interlude between the Frogmorton novels, following Jenny, Russel and their motley crew of animals and friends as Marilyn is given the starring role in the Christmas Nativity. Without giving spoilers, it serves as a good conclusion to the first story with characters coming full circle and finding a little bit of joy...

[Veronique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas short story from Jodi Taylor, full of humour.
Do read The Nothing Girl first.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is heavy on the holiday sugar, just keep that in mind before reading. Apparently, this is a follow-up short story to the novel The Nothing Girl, which I haven't read. I wasn't lost though Thomas was a bit of a nice surprise.

You can see this as a better end Hallmark movie. But there is a wonderful sense of humor in here, I mean laugh out loud. If you like All Creatures or Dr Martin or Ballykissangel, you should enjoy this.

Note- I purchased this for free. It is still currently free.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved the Nothing girl I am sure you will want to read this cute short story- no surprises- Marilyn is the star!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. This is a Christmas story. Not just in subject – a Christmas pageant and all its surrounds – but in the honest warmth and the quiet hum of those emotions that ought to be associated with Christmas: hope and joy. Sweet, funny, scary, droll, tense, witty, heartbreaking, hilarious – all the adjectives I have come to associate with Jodi Taylor, and another gorgeous narrator to add to my wishlist in Lucy Price-Lewis. No one can best Zara Ramm in narrating Ms. Taylor's work – but Ms. Price-Lewis matched her.

Dammit, Jodi Taylor, you made me cry at work. Again. You too, Lucy Price-Lewis. Oh, don't give me that "it's your own fault for listening at work" look – I listen to lots of things at work and very few make me cry. It's all on you two. Don't think I'll forget about this.

Quote that made me laugh and cry simultaneously: "I named her after you."

I can't wait till payday, when I can get my hands on Nothing Girl. I should have listened to that first – this was pure spoiler for that – but I'm fine with it.

[Sunnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.15 stars. I have become a fan of Jodi Taylor, and her book "The Little Donkey," fits right in with her collection of charming stories. A children's Christmas play, adult men attempting to give a miniature donkey a bath in the upstairs bathroom, a woman in the late stages of pregnancy, and a mostly absentee husband out on the moors looking for lost sheep during a severe snow storm all make for an unusual winter season. Moodiness, unexpected requests, anticipation, excited preparations, and a borrowed ewe giving birth in the middle of the play lead to a frolicking romp sprinkled with laughter, children's wonderment, and joy. Oh, and don't forget the figment!

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was wonderful. It was hysterical. I laughed out loud as I listened to it while I was out walking my dog. I think I discovered a new cozy series to add to my tbr.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another 34 page short story from Jodi Taylor.

Great fun but read The Nothing Girl first.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional real life Christmas Story complete with live animal nativity and surprise guests! Lovely listen with expressive performance of British accents and setting by Lucy Price-Lewis. A Christmas recommend.

[Hirondelle (not getting notifications) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sequel to The Nothing Girl which I was saving for Christmas season. And the writing is cute, the nativity scene descriptions fantastic, but still it is a sequel, and I can not quite handle the weirdness of this universe. Actually reading this it struck me what this and the first book read as : James Herriot fanfic, with romance and a supernatural invisible horse. The setting is really really weird, this 1950s (or earlier!) vibe, with full time house staff, and lots of other little details, but mobile phones mentioned (as props, not that they are actually USED. Nobody messages anybody or shops online or any such thing). Just very odd setting.

But still a very funny church Nativity scene.

[Prabhani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story in a Christmas setting with the family values. Even though the story mainly focus about a donkey, it’s a quiet deep and meaningful story. I like that it was written very simple manner.
Overall it’s a nice meaningful short story.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know this story was part of a series, it is apparently a spoiler if you wanted to read The Nothing Girl. It would probably be better to read that one first, but I think it was ok as a standalone.

Little donkey is a sweet Christmas story full of quirky characters.
Russell and Jenny own a little pet donkey, Marilyn, and the Vicar has just asked them to borrow her for the local nativity play.
The night turns out full of surprises: messy chases, unexpected births, friend reunions and even a blizzard.

I think it was both a funny and heart warming story, I think I would have enjoyed it much more during Christmas time, by the tree, with a cup of hot of chocolate. But it was ok, even in October.
Might revisit it later on.

[Richard Eyres · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short free Christmas story from Jodi Taylor. You will need to have read the first book in the series to know the characters and animals, otherwise it could spoil the first book if you read that after this one.
As with all her short stories, this was funny, with some serious progress of the main characters.

[Kelly Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

just a short story to fill in the gaps but a fun one at that a few laughs in places and scenes to make you smile with joy

[Sandy Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Great short story. Wonderful Christmas story. I enjoy Jodi Taylor's books. Try her books & you might like them, too.

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obwohl ich den Vorgänger "Draußen wartet die Liebe" noch nicht gelesen habe, hatte ich keine Probleme mit dieser Kurzgeschichte, die quasi eine Fortsetzung ist.

Es hat mir Spaß gemacht, die Charaktere kennenzulernen und vor allem beim Krippenspiel dabei zu sein. Sehr humorvoll, weihnachtlich, stimmungsvoll und gefühlvoll und vor allem mit einigen Überraschungen.
Eine nette Geschichte für die Weihnachtszeit!

[Heather Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable fun short story follow-up to The Nothing Girl.

[Kaetrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

included in Audible Plus.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook

I just love donkeys! A cute little Christmas, feel good, nativity style story, reminding me of all the things that go wrong in the sweetest and best possible way.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute compliment to The Nothing Girl.

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I miss reviewing this or did I do another edition? I love the Frogmorton series. I hope there is more. Bonus --this was free on Audible for me.

[Emily O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little catch up, and we just love Marilyn ❤

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It was cute, though a bit predictable especially at the end. Maybe I would have felt stronger if I actually read it at Christmas. I just couldn’t bear to skip it and read the books out of order.


5.0 —One of the best I've ever read! It will be burned into my brain. If there were any flaws, I didn't care. I would recommend to everyone.
4.5 —I loved this! It was very memorable. There weren't many flaws. I would recommend to anyone.
4.0 —I really liked this. It probably will be memorable. There may have been some minor flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
▌3.5 —I mostly liked it. It might be memorable. There were some notable flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
3.0 —I somewhat liked it. It might be memorable. There were significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.5 —I was underwhelmed or unimpressed. It wasn't memorable. It had significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.0 —I was disappointed. It wasn't memorable or it was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had major flaws. I probably wouldn't recommend.
1.5 —I did not like this at all. It was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had so many flaws. I wouldn't recommend to anyone.
1.0 —I hated this. I wish I never wasted my time on it. I would actively dissuade people from reading this.

[Kiba Snowpaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction:

Greetings, my fellow fur-clad warriors and keepers of the frostbitten tales! Gather around, for today, we're diving into the cozy, chaotic world of Jodi Taylor's "Little Donkey." This little gem, dropped on us back in 2014, is a festive romp nestled within the Frogmorton Farm series. It's a Christmas short story that packs as much warmth and humor as a roaring fire in the heart of an eternal winter. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, contemporary fiction, or just need a bit of holiday cheer, this one has something to offer every wolf in the pack. But beware, there’s more to this tale than just tinsel and mistletoe—it’s a dive into a world where even the simplest events spiral into delightful madness.

Plot Summary:

Alright, let’s sink our teeth into the juicy meat of this story. Picture this: It’s Christmas time at Frogmorton Farm, and things are about as serene as a snowstorm on HowlStrom. Jenny Checkland is our protagonist, a woman who has the patience of a saint and the chaos of a pack of wolves at her doorstep. The farm, usually a haven of organized chaos, is thrown into an even bigger tizzy when the local vicar requests to borrow Marilyn the donkey for the annual Nativity play.

Now, Marilyn isn’t your average donkey—she’s got a personality as big as a blizzard, and she’s not one to follow orders, especially when those orders involve bathing and behaving. The plot thickens as Jenny navigates through the chaos of preparing Marilyn for her big debut, while also dealing with a cast of quirky characters who bring their own brand of mayhem to the table. And then there’s Russell, Jenny’s husband, who’s off wrangling sheep in a snowstorm, adding a touch of suspense to the otherwise comedic proceedings. The nativity play is set to be a disaster of epic proportions, but it’s the kind of disaster that warms the heart and brings a smile to even the frostiest of faces.

The Author:

Now, let’s talk about the mastermind behind this festive frolic—Jodi Taylor. This author is a force of nature in the literary world, known for her knack for blending humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural into her stories. Taylor’s writing is like a fine layer of snow—deceptively light but with a depth that can catch you off guard if you’re not careful. She’s best known for her Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, a wild ride through time and history that’s garnered a loyal following of readers who love a good laugh mixed with their historical mishaps.

"Little Donkey" might be a smaller, more contained story compared to her other works, but it’s no less impactful. Taylor’s ability to create vivid, memorable characters and drop them into situations that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt is on full display here. It’s clear that she understands the importance of balancing humor with emotion, and she does it with the skill of a seasoned storyteller.

Characters:

Now, let’s break down the pack that makes this story tick.

Jenny Checkland is the heart of Frogmorton Farm, a woman who somehow manages to keep her head above water even when the chaos threatens to drown her. She’s relatable, resilient, and has a sense of humor that’s sharper than a wolf’s tooth. Jenny isn’t just the protagonist; she’s the anchor that keeps this crazy ship from capsizing. Her interactions with the other characters, from the eccentric vicar to the mischievous animals, are what make this story so enjoyable.

Then there’s Marilyn the Donkey, who, let’s be honest, is the real star of the show. Marilyn is a force of nature, a character with more personality than some humans I’ve encountered. She’s stubborn, mischievous, and has a penchant for causing chaos, but she’s also endearing in a way that makes you root for her, even when she’s eating the Baby Jesus.

Russell, Jenny’s husband, plays a smaller role in this story, but his presence is felt throughout. He’s the strong, silent type, the kind of character who would rather be out in a snowstorm wrangling sheep than dealing with the chaos of a nativity play. But his love for Jenny and his dedication to his family are evident, even when he’s not physically present.

The supporting cast is rounded out by a host of quirky characters, each bringing their own brand of humor and heart to the table. From the vengeful Angel Gabriel to the fat sheep with a secret, these characters are what make Frogmorton Farm feel like a real, lived-in place. They’re not just background noise; they’re integral to the story, each one adding a layer of depth and humor that makes this tale so enjoyable.

Structure:

Now, let’s talk about the bones of this beast—the structure. "Little Donkey" is a short story, clocking in at a brisk 44 pages. But don’t let its size fool you; this tale is packed with more action and heart than some novels three times its length. The pacing is quick, but it never feels rushed. Taylor knows how to keep the story moving, with each scene building on the last to create a sense of escalating chaos that culminates in the nativity play.

The narrative is straightforward, told from a third-person perspective that allows us to see the world through Jenny’s eyes. This choice works well, as it keeps the reader grounded in the chaos while also allowing for moments of introspection and humor. The structure is tight, with no wasted words or scenes. Every moment serves a purpose, whether it’s to advance the plot, develop the characters, or simply make the reader laugh.

Themes & Analysis:

Beneath the surface of this festive romp lies a tundra of themes that are as timeless as the winter solstice. Chaos and Order are at the forefront, embodied by the unpredictable events that unfold at Frogmorton Farm. The nativity play, with its mix of tradition and disaster, serves as a metaphor for the balance (or lack thereof) between order and chaos in our lives. Jenny’s struggle to maintain some semblance of control amidst the madness is something that many readers will relate to, especially during the hectic holiday season.

Community and Family are also central themes in this story. Frogmorton Farm isn’t just a place; it’s a community, a family of both humans and animals who support each other through thick and thin. The relationships between the characters, particularly between Jenny and Russell, are what give this story its emotional depth. Even in the midst of the chaos, there’s a sense of warmth and love that permeates the narrative, reminding us that it’s not the presents or the decorations that make the holidays special—it’s the people (and animals) we share them with.

There’s also a subtle theme of Expectations vs. Reality running through the story. The nativity play, with all its mishaps and misunderstandings, serves as a reminder that things rarely go according to plan. But it’s in these moments of unexpected chaos that the true magic of the season is revealed. Taylor seems to be saying that it’s okay if things don’t turn out perfectly; sometimes, it’s the imperfections that make the experience memorable.

Scenes:

While "Little Donkey" is a family-friendly tale, it’s not without its moments of tension and emotion. There are no steamy romance scenes or dramatic confrontations here, but that doesn’t mean the story lacks intensity. The scenes where Jenny is trying to wrangle Marilyn into behaving for the nativity play are both hilarious and nerve-wracking, as you can’t help but wonder how it’s all going to turn out.

The climax of the story—the nativity play itself—is a masterclass in comedic timing and tension. Taylor builds the scene to a fever pitch, with everything that can go wrong doing just that. But even in the midst of the chaos, there’s a sense of warmth and community that shines through, making the resolution all the more satisfying.

World-Building:

Frogmorton Farm might not be as fantastical as the icy realms of HowlStrom, but it’s just as immersive. Taylor’s world-building is subtle but effective, with just enough detail to make the setting feel real without bogging down the story. The farm, with its cast of eccentric characters and mischievous animals, feels like a place you could visit, a place where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide in the most delightful ways.

The world-building extends to the community as well, with the local village and its inhabitants playing a key role in the story. Taylor creates a sense of place that is both familiar and unique, a world where tradition and chaos coexist in perfect harmony.

Praise & Critique:

Let’s break it down—what works and what doesn’t.

Praise:

Taylor’s writing is, as always, top-notch. Her prose is crisp and witty, with a warmth that seeps into your bones like a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter’s night. The pacing is perfect for a short story, keeping the reader engaged without feeling rushed. The characters are well-developed, with each one bringing something unique to the table. And the humor—oh, the humor! Taylor has a gift for blending comedy with emotion, creating a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching.

Critique:

If there’s one area where "Little Donkey" falls short, it’s in its brevity. The story is so enjoyable that you can’t help but wish there was more of it. While the short format works well for the story Taylor is telling, it also leaves you wanting more—more time with the characters, more chaos at the farm, more of everything that makes Frogmorton Farm such a delightful place to visit.

Comparison:

Compared to Taylor’s other works, "Little Donkey" is a lighter, more contained story. It doesn’t have the sprawling narrative or the high stakes of her Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, but it doesn’t need them. This is a different kind of story, one that focuses on the small moments of life and the ways in which they can be just as meaningful as the big ones.

In terms of tone and style, "Little Donkey" is similar to Taylor’s other Frogmorton Farm stories, with its blend of humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural. But where her other stories might delve into darker or more complex themes, "Little Donkey" keeps things light and festive, making it the perfect holiday read.

Personal Evaluation:

As I sit here in the icy silence of HowlStrom, with the wind howling outside and the fire crackling in the hearth, I find myself reflecting on the warmth and joy that "Little Donkey" brought into my world. It’s a story that defies the cold, a story that reminds us of the importance of laughter, love, and the chaos that makes life worth living.

Taylor’s ability to create characters and situations that are both relatable and extraordinary is on full display here. Even as an Alpha Ice Wolf, with my calm authority and strategic mind, I couldn’t help but be charmed by the world of Frogmorton Farm. It’s a place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, where even the smallest moments are infused with magic and meaning.

Conclusion:

In the end, "Little Donkey" is more than just a Christmas story—it’s a celebration of life in all its messy, chaotic, and beautiful glory. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of the coldest winter, there’s warmth to be found in the laughter and love of those around us.

So, would I recommend "Little Donkey"? Absolutely. Whether you’re a fan of Jodi Taylor’s other works or just looking for a heartwarming tale to get you through the holiday season, this story is sure to warm even the frostiest of hearts. I’m giving it a 5 out of 5 howls—a perfect score for a perfect little tale.

And now, as the moon rises high over the icy peaks of HowlStrom, it’s time for this Alpha Ice Wolf to take his leave. But fear not, my fellow readers, for the stories will continue, and the fires will keep burning. Until next time, keep your paws steady, your hearts warm, and your eyes open for the magic in the chaos. 🐺❄️

[Kiba Snowpaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the icy realms of HowlStrom, amidst the relentless winter that graced our lands once in a hundred years, I, Kiba Snowpaw, the alpha male Ice Wolf with the power of ice magic, sat before the roaring fire. On this icy eve, the frost kissed my fur, and the cold winds danced through the silent woods. I was not alone, for the enchanting voice of Lucy Price-Lewis, narrating Jodi Taylor’s “Little Donkey”, kept me company, filling the air with warmth and laughter.

As the icy tendrils of winter wrapped around the magnificent world of HowlStrom, I found refuge and warmth in the chaotic yet charming world of Frogmorton Farm. This isn’t just a review, my fellow packmates, but a tale of an experience that even the cold winds of our world could not freeze.
Introduction

Jodi Taylor’s “Little Donkey” is a short but delightful journey back to Frogmorton Farm, a place where chaos and hilarity reign supreme. Nestled amidst this charming chaos is Jenny Checkland, a woman of grace yet beset with problems that would make even the fiercest Ice Wolf of HowlStrom raise an eyebrow.
Basic Plot

Christmas is upon Frogmorton Farm, but so is the chaos. Marilyn, the donkey, has been chosen for the Nativity Play, and in this decision, the vicar unknowingly unleashes a storm of comedic disasters. The story unravels the unpredictable events leading to the play, with Jenny at the centre, navigating through the chaos with the elegance of a snowflake drifting through the icy winds of HowlStrom.
Analysis

The characters are as vibrant as the Northern Lights that grace our icy skies once in a blue moon. Jenny is the anchor, a woman of strength, yet woven with threads of vulnerability that make her relatable. Each character, from the vengeful Angel Gabriel to the lost Russell, is painted with strokes of humour and depth, making Frogmorton Farm a world as real as our icy terrains of HowlStrom.

Jodi Taylor’s writing is as crisp as the icy winds that herald the onset of our eternal winters. Each sentence, each word, is infused with a warmth that defies the icy grip of the coldest nights. Lucy Price-Lewis breathes life into Taylor’s world, her narration as enchanting as the first snowfall that graces the silent woods of HowlStrom.
Impact

“Little Donkey” isn’t just a tale, but a journey that rekindles the warmth of hope amidst the icy embrace of winter. It reminds even the icy hearts of the warriors of HowlStrom of the beauty of chaos, the warmth of humour, and the unyielding grace of hope.
Praise and Critique

The tale is a masterpiece, yet not without its flaws. It’s as enchanting as the full moon that lights up our icy nights, yet, it could delve deeper into the souls that inhabit Frogmorton Farm. In the echoing howls of praise, there lies a silent whisper of desire – a desire for a journey deeper into the souls that dance amidst the chaos.
Comparison

In the echoing silence of the icy woods of HowlStrom, tales of distant lands are whispered. “Little Donkey” stands as a beacon of warmth, reminiscent yet distinct from the tales of the past. It’s a dance of words that brings warmth to the icy silence, a dance as mesmerising as the dance of the wolves under the icy moon.
Conclusion

As I, Kiba Snowpaw, sit amidst the icy embrace of HowlStrom, “Little Donkey” is a flame of warmth, a testament to the unyielding dance of hope amidst chaos. It’s a tale that would make even the fiercest Ice Wolf pause, a tale that defies the icy silence with the warmth of laughter, the grace of chaos, and the unyielding whisper of hope.

So, in the echoing silence of the icy woods, let the tale of “Little Donkey” be heard, a tale that warms the icy nights with the laughter of chaos, the warmth of hope, and the unyielding dance of a world where even amidst the chaos, the silent song of hope echoes in the icy silence of the night.

In the words of a LitRPG quote, as I venture through the echoing silence of the icy realms, "In the dance of chaos and silence, in the dance of ice and fire, there lies a silent song, a song of unyielding hope."

[Gail Sacharski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas story from the author of the St. Mary's Chronicles, but not a St. Mary's story. I haven't read her Frogmorton Farm books, but this one makes me want to read them. It's almost Christmas Eve & the local pastor needs help with the children's Christmas Nativity play--he has all the roles filled except that of donkey & he would like to borrow Frogmorton Farm's small donkey, Marilyn. Jenny isn't sure how well this will work, Marilyn has a mind of her own & eats everything in sight. Russell is having trouble with his painting, no inspiration, so he enlists his brother, Andrew, who is a veterinarian, to give Marilyn a bath & train her to walk on a lead. Marilyn has other ideas. Jenny is worried about Marilyn's acting debut, but also worried about her husband's lack of motivation for his art. She's also worried because she's expecting their first child & she's nervous. On the day of the Nativity play, Russell is called away to help a neighbor bring their sheep down from the high pastures, a snowstorm arrives, Andrew must now dress in tunic & sandals & lead Marilyn down the aisle, the play's fat sheep turns out to be pregnant & ready to deliver, as is Jenny during the play. Russell hasn't returned & everything is going crazy--will it all turn out in the end? This book will be a holiday tradition.

[Bethany Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and lovely read (I can't believe it was free!) Due to it's length, there isn't the biggest plot ever obviously, but what was there was executed well and I enjoyed this story of a local nativity.

The characters in this were shaped really well (especially for a short story) and I couldn't have been happier with the voice reading the piece, as she kept the reader engaged throughout, in my opinion.

This piece probably deserves 5 stars, but I just felt like there could have been more plot, though I do think that a basic plot worked well with this story as it is clearly a story mainly focused on characterization (my favourite) therefore I would probably give this a 4.5 star rating. I don't think it's the most important or memorable book of our time, but I do think it was beautifully written and a very good pick me up, hence my rating.

[Marsha Rafalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jodi Taylor has this unusual little series that takes advantage of her unique talents with plotting, characters and humor. This little Christmas short story has Jenny Checkland nearing her due date with her first child. She has a miniature donkey named Marilyn that the local vicar thinks is just the thing for his children’s Christmas pageant. Marilyn needs a bath and she has a thing about eating plastic so Jenny has fears for the survival of the Baby Jesus. The two pre-teen girls playing the Virgin Mary and the Angel Gabriel each want to play the other part and are near to splitting the cast. A very pregnant sheep is part of the manager scene. And Jenny’s husband Russell is lost on the more in a blizzard. I think this little story may make it to be part of my usual Christmas re-reads. The bath scene alone is worth the $0.99 cents on Kindle.

[Gr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the Nothing Girl back in 2015 and really enjoyed it. Ms. Taylor is one of my favorite authors while the Nothing Girl was wonderful, I still like the St Mary's series even more. Now that I think it, I think I would probably enjoy reading Jodi Taylor's grocery list, because she would undoubtedly find some way to add a bit of humor and humanity to her vegetable shopping.

Little Donkey is a short story that Audible provided free to members of their Plus Catalog, and it is a wonderful heartwarming Christmas story with everything one would expect from Jodi Taylor. The narration by Lucy Price-Lewis was superb. A great Christmas present that will make you smile, even out of season.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently, I've read these books in the wrong order but, do you know something? It doesn't matter!

Whichever order they're in, Marilyn will always be the star of the show! Lol

This really was a wonderful tale, though. It was about hopes, and dreams, and Joy.

As I read of Joy's birth, it took me back to my own child's birth - a miracle by itself - and it was wonderful to remember that.

I really do hope that Jodi is going to write more about the people living at Frogmorton Farm and, hopefully, Thomas will make an appearance again, too.

With all this series' books finished, I'm off to start Book One in the Elizabeth Cage series: White Silence.

So, as usual, I'll catch you on the flip side, and let you know what I think about this instalment on yet another Jodi Taylor Series!