If Clouds Were Sheep: A tale of sheep farming in the Cotswolds

If Clouds Were Sheep #1

by Sue Andrews

'An enchanting picture of farming life, full of warmth and humour' ~ Katie Fforde
It seems an impossible dream at first for Sue and Aubrey. She is a horse-mad girl strongly attracted to the idea of farming, Aubrey is the son of a farm manager without land or money.

But with limited knowledge, much enthusiasm and the challenge of raising their young family, anything can happen.

This is the true story of a shepherding life; where icy nights are spent searching for lost sheep, the lambing sheds are filled with the first cries of newborns, and idyllic summers are spent in the show ring.

Amusing, poignant and beautifully detailed, this is a book about how dreams can grow from small beginnings into breeding prize-winning Texel sheep in the Cotswolds.

Sue and Aubrey Andrews are internationally renowned breeders of pedigree Texels. Perfect for fans of The Yorkshire Shepherdess and The Shepherd's Life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2019

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we planned our second big trip to England, I chose April-May to see all we'd missed on our first trip, especially the gardens, rape fields, and the lambs. During our trip that took us all the way to Scotland, Wales, and even Cornwall, we stayed in the Cotswolds for several days and eventually drove on some narrow country roads, where we saw old stone farmhouses with fields full of sheep. I wondered what it must be like to live/work on one of those beautiful old farms. Now, with Sue's help, I know exactly what it's like - a LOT of work. I was impressed how she and her husband started with nothing and worked their way up to become Internationally respected pedigree sheep breeders. It's a fascinating story full of highs and lows. (The farm's website had some wonderful photos of their beautiful sheep and horses.)

[Jo Cleobury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening this book is like stepping into the countryside. I loved it. I love sheep and now I love them even more. I highly recommend this beautiful book. 10/10

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This honest and humorous memoir gives a unique insight into sheep farming in the Cotswolds.

When their friendship leads to love, Sue is happy to share Aubrey's boyhood dream of farming sheep. Sue shares life experiences, people who influenced their lives and the characterful animals integral to their farming dream.

It's an engaging and immersive read, sharing life's ups and downs, of farming sheep. Their dedication and respect for the animals are evident, and the reader soon realises that farming is a way of life rather than a job. Humorous and poignant anecdotes, fill the pages of this memoir. There are lots of interesting facts about sheep farming.

An inspiring and motivational memoir that proves dreams can be chased and won.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Barbara Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this account of a couple who established a life centered around sheep farming. This was Sue's husband Aubrey's dream and Sue got caught up in it though her first love was horses. Descriptions of the countryside and of their travels to Europe are lovely. There are descriptions of harrowing and sometimes dangerous times chasing after lost animals as well as fun times partying with their sheep breeding friends.

[Mrs Olga A Danes-Volkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read

Oh how I enjoyed this book! I bred a tiny flock of sheep for more than thirty years, wintering in the middle of town and spring and summer on rented grass. Reading this lovely book was a delight, as it details the Andrews' sheep farming life from very small beginnings to their current state as highly respected and successful breeders of Texel sheep.

This book is a good and amusing read for everyone, not just sheep afficionados. It has thoroughly re-kindled my desire to keep sheep and I shall be looking for a couple of elderly in-lamb ewes this Autumn. Thank you, Sue Andrews!!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason one of my favorite sub-genres is memoirs by people who decided to keep sheep. With its deeply poetic title, this book called to me! The author’s husband is a complete jerk and very critical of her, but she kept soldiering on. The better part of the book is just her listing sheep fairs and events they went to where sheep were judged and sold. The title was the best part.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The beginning was wonderful, with the arrival of their first sheep, the aptly named Satan. I was expecting more of these farming anecdotes to continue. However, further in the book became more a list of the shows, sales and exhibitions attended, with no real farming stories.
So while I enjoyed the book, I would have loved more about the actual farming.

[Rebecca Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book introduced me to the wonderful world of sheep farming, which I previously knew very little about. Sue and Aub sound like a fabulous hardworking couple and explain what it is like to establish and run a successful business.

[Mrs J Piner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immerse yourself in countrylife

I do not live in the country but love reading about other people's experiences. Sue allows us to join her family as they embark on this journey over the years which has been wonderful to follow. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant tale of determination. Sue has a wonderful flare for humour and it shines as she describes some of the stumbles she has faced as she follows the dream she and husband Aubrey share to become sheep farmers.

I represent Crumps Barn Studio, the publisher of this work

[Seelenstaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read, but could do with a good editor.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, humorous, well worth reading if you're interested in sheep farming or the Cotswolds. It's a tale of friendship as well as a marriage, and the tribulations that come with looking after sheep.