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Hope Meadows #6
Christmas at Silver Dale
The perfect Christmas romance for 2019 - featuring the original characters in the much loved Animal Ark series!**Summer Days at Sunrise Farm , the new book in the Animal Ark revisited series, is currently available!**Although Christmas should be the most wonderful time of year, Mandy Hope is struggling. Her relationship with Jimmy Marsh is on the rocks, while her best friend James has a gorgeous new son which only confirms how much Mandy wants children of her own.Desperately in need of a friend, Mandy strikes up a close relationship with new Welford resident Geraldine Craven, who is only too happy to offer a shoulder to cry on. Geraldine looks to be a lifeline in these troubled times, until she reveals a devastating secret about Mandy's past.With so much uncertainty, is there still hope for a happy Christmas?******Read what everyone's saying about Animal Ark Revisited!' An adorable read [with] a real sense of village community ' Bookworms and Shutterbugs'Just the right amount of nostalgia ... wonderful and very poignant ' - The World is a Book Blog' Heartwarming and endearing ... a gorgeous story filled with hope, joy, sweetness and light combined with the honesty of real life' - Amazon'An incredibly lovely story' - Rachel's Random Reads'Will leave you feeling cosy and uplifted ' Goodreads'I loved every minute ' Amazon'I had tears in my eyes at the first chapter' - Goodreads'One of the best books I've read!' Amazon
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2019
10 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Daniels
351 books117 followersLucy Daniels is the collective name for the writing team that created the bestselling children's book series Animal Ark, many of the books are also published under the name of the series creator, Ben M. Baglio.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 11, 2019
Another wonderful addition to this series, I loved being back among the Hope family at both Animal Ark and Hope Meadows.
More troubling is the state of Mandy and Jimmy's relationship and there were many scenes between them where my heart was actually breaking, and at no point was I completely convinced there would be much hope for a reconciliation.
There is a new key character to this instalment, Geraldine and just from the hints in the blurb and a weird gut feeling I spent most of the first half of the book looking for clues to confirm my instincts, and I was in this instance spot on. It added a new dimension to the book, and made me see another side of Mandy.
Actually I was on the verge and tears off and on throughout this book, in part due the wonderfulness of the writing, and how connected I am to these characters, that I was really feeling for them, and possibly in part due to fear this may be the end of the series, as at the time of writing this review, I can't see the next one up on pre-order which is usually the case by now, and that worries me, as I don't want the series to end.
And the animals, some utter cuties in this one, and even some alpaca, which you don't tend to see every day. Plus there is a great scene with an eagle too. The dogs are wonderful as always, and there are some very cute sounding kittens too.
I loved seeing how best friend James was adapting to being a father, and seeing glimpse of Taresh. Also how Mandy's relationships with twins Max and Abi was deepening and growing despite not being sure of her future with Jimmy.
This could probably be read as a standalone, but why miss out on five other fabulous books to get to this point, and catching up with the other key characters is always great.
I loved this book and the series too, I can't get enough of it. I love all my time spend in the company of the animals and people at Animal Ark and the rescue centre.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
More troubling is the state of Mandy and Jimmy's relationship and there were many scenes between them where my heart was actually breaking, and at no point was I completely convinced there would be much hope for a reconciliation.
There is a new key character to this instalment, Geraldine and just from the hints in the blurb and a weird gut feeling I spent most of the first half of the book looking for clues to confirm my instincts, and I was in this instance spot on. It added a new dimension to the book, and made me see another side of Mandy.
Actually I was on the verge and tears off and on throughout this book, in part due the wonderfulness of the writing, and how connected I am to these characters, that I was really feeling for them, and possibly in part due to fear this may be the end of the series, as at the time of writing this review, I can't see the next one up on pre-order which is usually the case by now, and that worries me, as I don't want the series to end.
And the animals, some utter cuties in this one, and even some alpaca, which you don't tend to see every day. Plus there is a great scene with an eagle too. The dogs are wonderful as always, and there are some very cute sounding kittens too.
I loved seeing how best friend James was adapting to being a father, and seeing glimpse of Taresh. Also how Mandy's relationships with twins Max and Abi was deepening and growing despite not being sure of her future with Jimmy.
This could probably be read as a standalone, but why miss out on five other fabulous books to get to this point, and catching up with the other key characters is always great.
I loved this book and the series too, I can't get enough of it. I love all my time spend in the company of the animals and people at Animal Ark and the rescue centre.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 19, 2019
I enjoyed the Animal Ark books as a child, and so I’ve been reading this series since it began. It’s fun to read what Mandy and her friends get up to as adults.
This instalment is a little more emotional than the previous ones (apart from Summer at Hope Meadows), a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I can’t really say much more without giving away plot points. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable, and the happy ending was satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This instalment is a little more emotional than the previous ones (apart from Summer at Hope Meadows), a bit of a rollercoaster ride. I can’t really say much more without giving away plot points. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable, and the happy ending was satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2019
I never read any of the Animal Ark series for children, but I have read and enjoyed the Hope Meadows series which feature the same protagonist, Mandy Hope. In the Hope Meadows series she has grown up, and is now a qualified vet. This book can be read as a standalone book, but they are more enjoyable when they are read in order, as a series.
This book is a lovely feel-good read. It is good to read about the characters from the other books. Unlike the previous couple of books, Mandy is definitely the main focus of this book.
After feeling settled and happy with her new house, her animal sanctuary and her boyfriend Jimmy, Mandy's life changes dramatically. Her perfect life is in turmoil, and she has big decisions to make.
The title of the book is slightly misleading, as Christmas is not set in Silver Dale, although Silver Dale is one of the locations in the book. I did not find the book to be very festive, until nearer the end but it is a good book to cosy up with.
This is a nice easy read, and I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This book is a lovely feel-good read. It is good to read about the characters from the other books. Unlike the previous couple of books, Mandy is definitely the main focus of this book.
After feeling settled and happy with her new house, her animal sanctuary and her boyfriend Jimmy, Mandy's life changes dramatically. Her perfect life is in turmoil, and she has big decisions to make.
The title of the book is slightly misleading, as Christmas is not set in Silver Dale, although Silver Dale is one of the locations in the book. I did not find the book to be very festive, until nearer the end but it is a good book to cosy up with.
This is a nice easy read, and I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 18, 2019
A real feel good read!
How lovely to be back at hope meadows and reacquainted with the hope family and other regulars!
Mandy hope is having a difficult time, her boyfriend jimmy and her want different things and her mum Emily is unwell with her MS, then enters Geraldine a tall willowy red head that starts volunteering at the animal rescue centre!Geraldine appears to have a slightly obsessive fixation with Mandy and as the book progresses we learn the real reason why she has appeared in Yorkshire! A really emotional read covering adoption, illness, putting a horse to sleep and many other tangled emotions, but a really lovely read that you don’t want to end and are willingly a happen ever after to occur! Would love to see what happens next in the next chapter of the hope families life and their assorted friends!
Thank you net galley for this early read x
How lovely to be back at hope meadows and reacquainted with the hope family and other regulars!
Mandy hope is having a difficult time, her boyfriend jimmy and her want different things and her mum Emily is unwell with her MS, then enters Geraldine a tall willowy red head that starts volunteering at the animal rescue centre!Geraldine appears to have a slightly obsessive fixation with Mandy and as the book progresses we learn the real reason why she has appeared in Yorkshire! A really emotional read covering adoption, illness, putting a horse to sleep and many other tangled emotions, but a really lovely read that you don’t want to end and are willingly a happen ever after to occur! Would love to see what happens next in the next chapter of the hope families life and their assorted friends!
Thank you net galley for this early read x
December 19, 2023
Je ne m'attendais pas à découvrir une histoire comme celle-là! Je pensais tout bêtement m'embarquer dans un roman marqué par l'esprit de Noël, plein d'amour et de tendresse. C'est un peu de tout ça, mais c'est bien plus, et c'est surtout bien loin d'être un roman festif et léger. Mais c'était vraiment une belle histoire et j'ai adoré découvrir Mandy et la voir traverser toutes les épreuves qui se sont placées sur son chemin, tout en restant intègre à elle-même.
December 14, 2019
Another great read by Lucy Daniels just love this series .
January 3, 2020
This book was simply fantastic I've so enjoyed this whole series and was brilliant going back to the Hope family. It's full of romance, heartbreak, lies and families and such a heartwarming reading but will have you in tears as well but also very happy as well. Brilliant characters and wonderful setting.
Lovely to be back with the Hope family and Mandy has always wondered about her real family as she knew she knows she's adopted but she loves her job at the vets and rescue centre and she has a wonderful boyfriend Jimmy to. Jimmy has been away and she goes to collect him from the airport and settles back to him being at home. Also a lady turns up looking for Mandy and she turns up eventually at the rescue centre and asks if she can help at there and of course Mandy is so pleased so welcomes Geraldine. She starting to get worried as Jimmy has made it clear he doesn't want any more children and doesn't want to marry but it's what she really wants so she decides she needs to have a break from him so moves out and says she will move in with her parents but when she turns up she wasn't expecting them to say they wouldn't have her so she's stuck but when she speaks to Geraldine she suggests she moves in with her. Also Mandy's mum hasn't been well with her MS and she wanted to keep an eye on her but she settles in with Geraldine and starts to get to know her. She soon starts to fond it strange as she gets gifts that are expensive for her and she can't work it out. She is also worried about Jimmy as she still loves him but can't not settle down and she's trying to keep it from her parents. One day someone says something and then by mistake she finds a scrapbook about her in Geraldine's bedroom so decides to move out but she knows she has to find out what she is doing and how she knows her. Suddenly her life is turned upside down and she realises she's been told lies from her parents and she has to get to know Geraldine better as she is her real mother. Also can she sort things out with her parents after the lies and can she settle things with Jimmy or will he not change his mind either.
Perfect read and will have you in tears.
Lovely to be back with the Hope family and Mandy has always wondered about her real family as she knew she knows she's adopted but she loves her job at the vets and rescue centre and she has a wonderful boyfriend Jimmy to. Jimmy has been away and she goes to collect him from the airport and settles back to him being at home. Also a lady turns up looking for Mandy and she turns up eventually at the rescue centre and asks if she can help at there and of course Mandy is so pleased so welcomes Geraldine. She starting to get worried as Jimmy has made it clear he doesn't want any more children and doesn't want to marry but it's what she really wants so she decides she needs to have a break from him so moves out and says she will move in with her parents but when she turns up she wasn't expecting them to say they wouldn't have her so she's stuck but when she speaks to Geraldine she suggests she moves in with her. Also Mandy's mum hasn't been well with her MS and she wanted to keep an eye on her but she settles in with Geraldine and starts to get to know her. She soon starts to fond it strange as she gets gifts that are expensive for her and she can't work it out. She is also worried about Jimmy as she still loves him but can't not settle down and she's trying to keep it from her parents. One day someone says something and then by mistake she finds a scrapbook about her in Geraldine's bedroom so decides to move out but she knows she has to find out what she is doing and how she knows her. Suddenly her life is turned upside down and she realises she's been told lies from her parents and she has to get to know Geraldine better as she is her real mother. Also can she sort things out with her parents after the lies and can she settle things with Jimmy or will he not change his mind either.
Perfect read and will have you in tears.
December 25, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Staughton for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Christmas at Silverdale is the sixth book in the Hope Meadows series. In the latest book the story is centred on vet Mandy Hope and her family at Animal Ark Veterinary Surgery.
As Autumn fell things were not going well for Mandy. She was upset that her boyfriend Jimmy had rejected her marriage proposal. Mandy wanted to start a family but Jimmy was reluctant to commit because he already had two children from a previous marriage. Shortly after he had gone on an expedition to Canada to watch polar bears. Although Mandy loved Jimmy, she desperately wanted children and knew she would have to break up.
Meanwhile her mum Emily was rushed to hospital after sudden relapse of her MS symptoms. When Emily was discharged from hospital, Mandy was shocked how weak she had become. At work Mandy was delighted when Geraldine a new volunteer offered to help at Hope Meadow. Mandy and Geraldine quickly became close, however Mandy began to worry when Geraldine started to ask personal questions.
Christmas at Silverdale had some serious storylines involving MS and neonatal drug addiction. There were some parts of the story I loved others not so much. I did guess the reason why Geraldine wanted to join Hope Meadow. I don't want to give too much away but Mandy`s attitude towards her parents, particularly Emily was disloyal.
At times I wanted to shake some sense into Mandy. Why did Mandy leave her own house instead of asking Jimmy leave? The scene where Mandy out down Billy the horse were sensitively done.
There were some light hearted storylines in the book. I was delighted that Mandy`s childhood friend James, partner Raj and their adopted son Taresh were in the story. I also enjoyed reading about the exotic alpacas.
I enjoyed this book, but It was not the best in the series. It was nice to spend Christmas back with Mandy, her family and the staff of Animal Ark.
Christmas at Silverdale is the sixth book in the Hope Meadows series. In the latest book the story is centred on vet Mandy Hope and her family at Animal Ark Veterinary Surgery.
As Autumn fell things were not going well for Mandy. She was upset that her boyfriend Jimmy had rejected her marriage proposal. Mandy wanted to start a family but Jimmy was reluctant to commit because he already had two children from a previous marriage. Shortly after he had gone on an expedition to Canada to watch polar bears. Although Mandy loved Jimmy, she desperately wanted children and knew she would have to break up.
Meanwhile her mum Emily was rushed to hospital after sudden relapse of her MS symptoms. When Emily was discharged from hospital, Mandy was shocked how weak she had become. At work Mandy was delighted when Geraldine a new volunteer offered to help at Hope Meadow. Mandy and Geraldine quickly became close, however Mandy began to worry when Geraldine started to ask personal questions.
Christmas at Silverdale had some serious storylines involving MS and neonatal drug addiction. There were some parts of the story I loved others not so much. I did guess the reason why Geraldine wanted to join Hope Meadow. I don't want to give too much away but Mandy`s attitude towards her parents, particularly Emily was disloyal.
At times I wanted to shake some sense into Mandy. Why did Mandy leave her own house instead of asking Jimmy leave? The scene where Mandy out down Billy the horse were sensitively done.
There were some light hearted storylines in the book. I was delighted that Mandy`s childhood friend James, partner Raj and their adopted son Taresh were in the story. I also enjoyed reading about the exotic alpacas.
I enjoyed this book, but It was not the best in the series. It was nice to spend Christmas back with Mandy, her family and the staff of Animal Ark.
November 21, 2019
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** I much preferred snowflakes over moon cottage and Susan's feisty mum.
Pros: brave topics such as Ms and adoption, nice country side feel. Easy read
Cons: Mandy is such a MUG!! Guy rejects her proposal and then leaves her to look after his kids and his dogs, then returns and she moves out of her house for him!! It was unbelievable. Jimmy is so jammy with all these women running round after him.
The Scrapbk horror story bit was good but James and Mandy's reaction was a bit low key!
Same problem with other bks in this series. Too many character intros that aren't relevant, get confused as to who is a person and who is a pet. Various sloppy typos and mistakes.
What was with Jimmy's 180? He didn't want to lose his nice house and free childcare
Pros: brave topics such as Ms and adoption, nice country side feel. Easy read
Cons: Mandy is such a MUG!! Guy rejects her proposal and then leaves her to look after his kids and his dogs, then returns and she moves out of her house for him!! It was unbelievable. Jimmy is so jammy with all these women running round after him.
The Scrapbk horror story bit was good but James and Mandy's reaction was a bit low key!
Same problem with other bks in this series. Too many character intros that aren't relevant, get confused as to who is a person and who is a pet. Various sloppy typos and mistakes.
What was with Jimmy's 180? He didn't want to lose his nice house and free childcare
November 3, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
A book full of Christmas joy and magic.
Mandy asks her boyfriend Jimmy to marry her before he goes travelling with his best friend Aria. Jimmy says no as they don’t seem to want the same things. She befriends and confides in Geraldine who she later finds out is her real mom. Will Jimmy change his mind or will Mandy end up alone?
A book full of Christmas joy and magic.
Mandy asks her boyfriend Jimmy to marry her before he goes travelling with his best friend Aria. Jimmy says no as they don’t seem to want the same things. She befriends and confides in Geraldine who she later finds out is her real mom. Will Jimmy change his mind or will Mandy end up alone?
January 2, 2021
Having not read any other books from this series I found this a lovely quick read although quite predictable in the plot. Based in a lovely town coming up towards Christmas dealing with numerous issues effecting Mandys life. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series. Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
July 21, 2025
I was such a huge fan of the original Animal Ark books growing up, and was thrilled to learn that there's an adult series too! This series truly has just as much heart as the original books did. If you like British countryside settings, All Creatures Great and Small, James Herriot, adorable romance, and wildlife, then you're going to love these! <3
November 8, 2020
Such a fantastic set of six books revisiting animal ark and the Hope's.
Many is still animal mad and now as a vet she can do more to help those in need. Her personal life isn't as smooth running as her animal care.
Many is still animal mad and now as a vet she can do more to help those in need. Her personal life isn't as smooth running as her animal care.
February 24, 2024
I skipped 4 and 5 as didn't focus on Mandy. This book shocked me more than the rest. The themes were quite difficult and it was my favourite read. I did not expect what happened involving the new character.
December 21, 2025
I’m glad I finished the series, but this was definitely not the direction I thought this continuation of my favorite series from childhood would go. Again, I’m glad I made it through, but I don’t believe I’ll be revisiting the Hope Meadows series again. Pity.
March 12, 2020
i enjoyed reading about the next chapter in the lives of hope meadows .was more predictable than the last ones
June 30, 2020
5 stars
I would recommend this book to anyone, I could not put it down, the whole series was throughly enjoyable, just fantastic.
I would recommend this book to anyone, I could not put it down, the whole series was throughly enjoyable, just fantastic.
July 17, 2022
Great read
It was a lovely story very well written I was drawn into it straight away I loved the end would recommend this book to everyone.
It was a lovely story very well written I was drawn into it straight away I loved the end would recommend this book to everyone.
July 17, 2023
back to the main character again in the last of this series of 6. Bit different to the others but still a light read
December 22, 2019
I love this series- but Mandy is facing a lot of emotional issues in this book. She has such a lot on her plate and at times I did wonder whether things were going to be heading in the right direction.
Geraldine turns up, keen to help with the rescue centre. I guessed where this storyline might be heading, but it took twists that I couldn’t anticipate.
I am so invested with the characters and really wanted everything to have a fairytale ending. She has so much to digest and she is facing issues in every area of her life- friendships, family and romance. You really do worry for her.
I can’t wait to read more in this series
Geraldine turns up, keen to help with the rescue centre. I guessed where this storyline might be heading, but it took twists that I couldn’t anticipate.
I am so invested with the characters and really wanted everything to have a fairytale ending. She has so much to digest and she is facing issues in every area of her life- friendships, family and romance. You really do worry for her.
I can’t wait to read more in this series
December 10, 2020
Beautiful if bittersweet addition to this series. Really love the characters and look forward to hearing more about them next year.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews