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Living Our Best Lives: Cannon Hall Farm
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
The tough and touching tale of a real Yorkshire family farm.
In the 60 years that Yorkshire farmer Roger Nicholson has lived at Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley, he has turned what was once a humble small family farm into an inspiring success story.
This book covers the history of the Nicholsons and their farming dynasty, which dates back to the 1600s. From tales of Roger's father, Charlie, and his prize-winning beer-drinking bull, to how Roger had to take over the farm at just 16 years old. Decades of financial struggle followed for Roger, his wife and their three children, but through love and sheer determination, the family turned their lives around.
This is a story of dedication, optimism and heart.
The tough and touching tale of a real Yorkshire family farm.
In the 60 years that Yorkshire farmer Roger Nicholson has lived at Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley, he has turned what was once a humble small family farm into an inspiring success story.
This book covers the history of the Nicholsons and their farming dynasty, which dates back to the 1600s. From tales of Roger's father, Charlie, and his prize-winning beer-drinking bull, to how Roger had to take over the farm at just 16 years old. Decades of financial struggle followed for Roger, his wife and their three children, but through love and sheer determination, the family turned their lives around.
This is a story of dedication, optimism and heart.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews
April 6, 2021
Living our Best Lives
If you've watched the Nicholson brothers on the telly and wanted to know how Cannon Hall Farm came about, then you need to read this book.
It's a insight to how Cannon Hall Farm became what it is today. It starts off with the story of Charlie, Roger's dad and then it continues with the early life of Farmer Roger, from a little boy to the man he is today. There are lots of ups and downs and heartbreak but still Farmer Roger fights on.
Also it introduces you to his wife Cynthia and his sons, Richard, Robert and David. Telling the story of their part in the making of Cannon Hall Farm. Also with a smattering of choice animals, along the way.
A throughly good read and one you can't put down.
If you've watched the Nicholson brothers on the telly and wanted to know how Cannon Hall Farm came about, then you need to read this book.
It's a insight to how Cannon Hall Farm became what it is today. It starts off with the story of Charlie, Roger's dad and then it continues with the early life of Farmer Roger, from a little boy to the man he is today. There are lots of ups and downs and heartbreak but still Farmer Roger fights on.
Also it introduces you to his wife Cynthia and his sons, Richard, Robert and David. Telling the story of their part in the making of Cannon Hall Farm. Also with a smattering of choice animals, along the way.
A throughly good read and one you can't put down.
Read
April 12, 2023Very good
September 1, 2021
I haven’t actually met the Nicholsons and, given a drama-inspired epitomy of the Yorkshire farmer; weathered-faced, a caustic eye, a curse on his lips, and one who’d happily sell the skin from a fart, that fact hadn’t really bothered me. These Nicholsons though, as author Nicole Carmichael is keen to point out, are no stereotypes, but rather a new breed of entrepeneurs, using the twin canon of hard work and family loyalty to build a diverse and successful business. Living Our Best Lives is very much a companion to the series of TV shows featuring the Nicholson family, the book is aimed chiefly at followers of the programmes, fleshing out in print the people known from screen. But does it have enough to also attract a non-viewer?
The simple answer is yes. In essence, Carmichael presents the book in (I suspect) the way the TV shows do; as a series of vignettes, very much centred on the characters; the direct family, their extended family of employees, and the entire - literal - zoo of animals in their care. Of course, the book is anecdotal, as all biographies are, but the style does very largely keep away from the mawkish; homely and hopeful, yes, but never over-resorting to froth. The history of Cannon Hall is for me the most interesting part, the physical and practical development, and how the individual personalities of the family have impacted it: I would certainly have welcomed something a little deeper, but perhaps that might be going over old ground for readers already familiar with the story. It is obvious that the author is involved with her subject, and that knowledge and the light touch she uses does make the book a very easy dip-into read. Some of the micro-interviews in the “Meet The Family” section do look a little thrown-in, and at times the TV references do come across as merchandising, but there is still more than enough in the book to entertain; a fair dollop of Yorkshire humour, some genuine heart-warming tales, and many of the lines delivered with a certain twinkle of the eye. And it’s that passion which comes across strongest in everything the family does: I think I may just tune in the next time they’re on the telly.
Read with Sandbach Library Wednesday Reading Group.
The simple answer is yes. In essence, Carmichael presents the book in (I suspect) the way the TV shows do; as a series of vignettes, very much centred on the characters; the direct family, their extended family of employees, and the entire - literal - zoo of animals in their care. Of course, the book is anecdotal, as all biographies are, but the style does very largely keep away from the mawkish; homely and hopeful, yes, but never over-resorting to froth. The history of Cannon Hall is for me the most interesting part, the physical and practical development, and how the individual personalities of the family have impacted it: I would certainly have welcomed something a little deeper, but perhaps that might be going over old ground for readers already familiar with the story. It is obvious that the author is involved with her subject, and that knowledge and the light touch she uses does make the book a very easy dip-into read. Some of the micro-interviews in the “Meet The Family” section do look a little thrown-in, and at times the TV references do come across as merchandising, but there is still more than enough in the book to entertain; a fair dollop of Yorkshire humour, some genuine heart-warming tales, and many of the lines delivered with a certain twinkle of the eye. And it’s that passion which comes across strongest in everything the family does: I think I may just tune in the next time they’re on the telly.
Read with Sandbach Library Wednesday Reading Group.
April 3, 2021
Cannon Hall Farm Love
What can I say, I have loved reading this book. This book is full to the brim with the pure love for family life, it has all the ups and downs and of course the sadness that can come along the way. You can feel the heart felt emotion, of the good the bad and ugly of trying to survive whilst raising a family. You can't fail to will the farm to succeed, for that break to come and the pressure to lift. Will this plan work, will it fail, again. What is the next route to try and the pressure to succeed. What really got to me was Roger wanting his dad's approval for all he has done to make the farm a success. Roger you dad would be so proud. Life for any family is never easy and this book really shows it.
What can I say, I have loved reading this book. This book is full to the brim with the pure love for family life, it has all the ups and downs and of course the sadness that can come along the way. You can feel the heart felt emotion, of the good the bad and ugly of trying to survive whilst raising a family. You can't fail to will the farm to succeed, for that break to come and the pressure to lift. Will this plan work, will it fail, again. What is the next route to try and the pressure to succeed. What really got to me was Roger wanting his dad's approval for all he has done to make the farm a success. Roger you dad would be so proud. Life for any family is never easy and this book really shows it.
April 11, 2021
Review living our best lives
Living our best lives is a fab read I was brought up in worsbrough and lived in the new estate where the farm was as a small child it was exciting to be so near to the cow's in the field and seeing the pigs at the bottom of the street ,the book is so well written and very enjoyable and brought back lovely memories to me.I have loved following their story and learning about the tough times the family endured in the early years,cut is a place I have visited many times in the last and hope to continue to in the future,and not forgetting the excellent farm shop .Thank you all for this very special read
Elaine Hilton
Living our best lives is a fab read I was brought up in worsbrough and lived in the new estate where the farm was as a small child it was exciting to be so near to the cow's in the field and seeing the pigs at the bottom of the street ,the book is so well written and very enjoyable and brought back lovely memories to me.I have loved following their story and learning about the tough times the family endured in the early years,cut is a place I have visited many times in the last and hope to continue to in the future,and not forgetting the excellent farm shop .Thank you all for this very special read
Elaine Hilton
August 27, 2021
Good yarn, remarkable and enjoyable story of the Nicholson family journey from near bankruptcy to become a hugely successful farm shop, petting farm, zoo and restaurant. At times I found the writing a bit twee but it didn't detract from the down to earth good humour that seems to exist between the family members and the team of people they work with. Having seen some of the various tv appearances of the family the book echoed the good humoured banter between the brothers. You do get the feel that you know them. Lots of laugh out loud Yorkshire humour that I appreciate being married to a Yorkshireman. Read with Sandbach Library Wednesday Reading Group
March 16, 2022
We actually visited the farm before seeing it on the TV and before reading about it and we were blown away by it all, especially the half a million leaf cutter ants on the ropes around the room. Living in the south, we had never heard of it before it popped up on TripAdvisor when searching for somewhere to take one of our grandsons.
The book was interesting as it gave the backstory to the family followed by details of some of the animals. I found the former very interesting and the latter not so much. It certainly seemed a hard life up until the farm took off.
If you haven’t heard of the farm or not seen it on TV, this book is probably not for you though.
The book was interesting as it gave the backstory to the family followed by details of some of the animals. I found the former very interesting and the latter not so much. It certainly seemed a hard life up until the farm took off.
If you haven’t heard of the farm or not seen it on TV, this book is probably not for you though.
Read
August 31, 2021I was immediately drawn in to this wonderful, no nonsence family's struggle to turn a remote Yorkshire farm into a viable and profitable venture that would flourish in today's modern world.
It centres around 3 generations of the Nicholson family beginning with Roger and his wife Cynthia and their 3 sons.
I loved the grit, determination and inginuity that the family showed in creating an open farm which is now a huge tourist attraction and TV programme.
I have not seen any of the programmes but will certainly be watching them in the future.
It centres around 3 generations of the Nicholson family beginning with Roger and his wife Cynthia and their 3 sons.
I loved the grit, determination and inginuity that the family showed in creating an open farm which is now a huge tourist attraction and TV programme.
I have not seen any of the programmes but will certainly be watching them in the future.
October 25, 2021
Absolutly loved this book ...
Cannon Hall is right on our door step and my youngest son visits regularly with his grandparents.
He follows Rob & Dave on social media, watches them on TV and harassing met them a few times in person on the farm.
He got bought the book for his birthday & together we have read the book which shows the close close family life of working on the farm.
Best bit for me reading this back is how attached my son got ... knowing most of the things that have happened we have had extended discussions after nearly every chapter.
Highly recommend this read
Cannon Hall is right on our door step and my youngest son visits regularly with his grandparents.
He follows Rob & Dave on social media, watches them on TV and harassing met them a few times in person on the farm.
He got bought the book for his birthday & together we have read the book which shows the close close family life of working on the farm.
Best bit for me reading this back is how attached my son got ... knowing most of the things that have happened we have had extended discussions after nearly every chapter.
Highly recommend this read
April 5, 2021
An incredibly fitting book for an amazing family who have not only been a credit to British farming but have proved to be a beacon of light during the pandemic with their daily Facebook lives and TV program antics.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the history of the farm, the animals stories of past and current favourites, the ups and downs as well as the memories of each of the farm family, showing their true grit and Yorkshire humour.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the history of the farm, the animals stories of past and current favourites, the ups and downs as well as the memories of each of the farm family, showing their true grit and Yorkshire humour.
April 4, 2022
Living local to CHF does help and is one of my favourite go to to see all the animals newborn and farm favourites. A brilliant family and team of staff . So having the new book to read is brilliant. If you love animals and farm life, countryside then this book has them all. Thank goodness I have finished this one just in time for the second book which has just been published and delivered to my door. Good timing.
April 7, 2021
It's just a nice little read
A great read. If you love the TV shows or Facebook lives you will love the book too. A great insight to how the farm has developed over the years to become what it is today. Well done Roger. I am sure Charlie would be very proud of the work you and your family have and continue to do to promote farming, animal husbandry and welfare.
A great read. If you love the TV shows or Facebook lives you will love the book too. A great insight to how the farm has developed over the years to become what it is today. Well done Roger. I am sure Charlie would be very proud of the work you and your family have and continue to do to promote farming, animal husbandry and welfare.
April 12, 2021
Absolutely Fantastic Heartwarming Book
Such a wonderful book. I couldn’t put it down. With the rollercoaster of emotions you had us laughing and crying with you along your journey. Thank you for sharing your story from before Cannon Hall Farm to present day. You truly are a wonderful hardworking kind and caring family and team. Looking forward to your next book.
Such a wonderful book. I couldn’t put it down. With the rollercoaster of emotions you had us laughing and crying with you along your journey. Thank you for sharing your story from before Cannon Hall Farm to present day. You truly are a wonderful hardworking kind and caring family and team. Looking forward to your next book.
January 9, 2022
Wonderfully heart warming read. The Nicholson’s deserve every accolade for their hard work and dedication to their animals. If you havent bought this book i would highly recomend you do . Ive laughed and cried during reading it. Its also informative as to some of the animals they keep as well.
Fantastic guys well done .
Fantastic guys well done .
April 14, 2021
Amazing
Having followed farmer Rob ,Farmer Dave and all the animals and staff at cannon hall farm
I loved this book and all the charming stories about life and the animals at cannon hall farm
Favourite read so far this year
Having followed farmer Rob ,Farmer Dave and all the animals and staff at cannon hall farm
I loved this book and all the charming stories about life and the animals at cannon hall farm
Favourite read so far this year
May 3, 2021
My best life
I loved reading this book. It shows the struggle of growing up and running a farm and the fun and trials that go along with farming. I recommend this book to everyone to read it is a great read.
I loved reading this book. It shows the struggle of growing up and running a farm and the fun and trials that go along with farming. I recommend this book to everyone to read it is a great read.
August 26, 2021
I have loved the TV shows about the farm and have to admit the Facebook lives during lockdown were a bit of a lifesaver. Definitely lifted my spirits when we were stuck at home. So looking forward to my visit next month. Rob and Dave come across in the book exactly how they do on our TV screens.
July 22, 2023
This book slowly grew on me. It’s not particularly dramatic or exciting and as I’ve not seen the tv prog I had no particular interest in the farm. But it’s about ordinary people trying to get by with hard work and determination.
April 1, 2021
Fabulously entertaining and heart warming.
Couldn't put the book down until every page was read. Terrific read. Doing Yorkshire ( and Barnsley ) proud. Well done !
Couldn't put the book down until every page was read. Terrific read. Doing Yorkshire ( and Barnsley ) proud. Well done !
April 5, 2021
Oh ‘eck
Great read looking back at the history of the Nicholson family and the genesis of Cannon Hall Farm. Well done!
Great read looking back at the history of the Nicholson family and the genesis of Cannon Hall Farm. Well done!
April 4, 2021
Living our best Lives
It was an Excellent read I would recommend this book to all my family and friends I look forward to reading your next book.
It was an Excellent read I would recommend this book to all my family and friends I look forward to reading your next book.
April 10, 2021
Loved reading about the history of cannon hall farm and the Nicholson family! A heart warming and touching read from someone who has been to the farm many times and watched their lives on Facebook.
April 17, 2021
Great read
A lovely read goes well with the TV programme etc family life and animal life well written wishing the family every bit of luck 2021 keep up the lovely TV programme
A lovely read goes well with the TV programme etc family life and animal life well written wishing the family every bit of luck 2021 keep up the lovely TV programme
April 21, 2021
I love Cannon Hall Farm so I was obviously going to get the new book! I really enjoyed reading it, it's easy to read and heart warming. I loved reading about the history of the farm.
May 8, 2021
A lovely book for those of us who have followed Cannon Hall Farm on the television.
October 27, 2021
Very interesting book telling of the beginnings of Cannon Hall Farm. I really enjoy the TV programmes so was interesting to hear the family’s story.
December 14, 2021
This is a 2* book with an extra star because the people are so nice! It’s not terribly well written but it is a warm and friendly book which we all need at the mo!
January 12, 2025
Love this farm, love this family! Great book!
June 24, 2025
Really easy read, lovely story of what appears to be a lovely family.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews