"Happiness for Beginners is a light feel-good read that’s likely to make you laugh and cry."
After a brief introduction by Carole Matthews into the book’s background, narrator Emma Powell introduces us to the main character Molly Baker – an ex-teacher who now runs a farm for children with specific needs. Or in Molly’s own words, the farm is open to ‘bewildered, damaged and troubled animals and humans’.
The book is written (and therefore narrated) in the first person. I felt as though I was listening to a good friend chatting about her life – her run-down farm, her difficult childhood and her lovable animals. It all seemed very personal, especially as Molly is funny and witty, down to earth and full of heart. She describes everything around her so well that I could visualise it, including ‘clouds drifting across the blue sky’.
Hope Farm is filled with animals, from naughty goats and angry sheep to the diva alpacas – and for me, the animals are the main stars of the show. The supporting human cast felt very real too, especially moody teenage tearaway Luke who is grieving for his mother and craving his celebrity father’s attention.
Happiness for Beginners would make an enjoyable holiday read, with its satisfying happy ending. The chapters are short – most range from around three minutes to 10 minutes, so they are easy to fit into a busy (or lazy) spring or summer’s day. As expected, there is plenty of romance alongside heart-warming moments and amusing animal antics. There’s also a farm at risk of demolition to provide land for a high-speed train line.
If you’re having a bad day and need a book to give you a hug, this is definitely one for you!
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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Full of warm, fuzzy feelings and perfectly engrossing. Heartwarming and relatable.
Molly is a social recluse but has found her calling running a farm for unwanted animals. She also runs a farm school there for children who have problems in mainstream education. When famous actor Shelby Dacre brings his wayward son Lucas to the farm, circumstances force Molly out of her comfort zone. A world of possibilities starts to open for Molly. Will she embrace the change or stay in her comfort zone?
This lovely book was light and easy to read with likeable characters and a satisfying plot. I found myself rooting for Molly all the way through, she was a warm and interesting narrator who was instantly likeable and relatable. Perfect for reading on long lazy days in the sun, or curled up under a blanket with a hot chocolate.... Read Full Review
A lovely, uplifting, warm read.
Lovely, heartwarming and uplifting read. This is my first time reading a book by Carole Matthews and I found it gripping and an easy read. This is a nice story set on a farm, where children with mental health issues or special needs are cared for. I believe the picture painted by the author was detailed, believable and uplifting.... Read Full Review
A hug in a book, I am convinced that Carole Matthews must write her novels with a great big smile on her face.
Romance, humour, set on a farm in the British countryside, what’s not to like?
With Carole Matthews you know what you’re getting- and you get it aplenty in this latest novel!
It’s full of kindness, understanding and warmth. I am convinced that Carole writes with a smile on her face.
The animals are show stealers- and the accuracy of the descriptions of their care is impressive, when Carole herself admits that she was not brought up with animals. As to the hens, Carole, have you been sneaking a peek at my rescue hens?
Although I felt the story was a little slow to start with, the scene is established firmly, and I settled back to enjoy Carole's usual witty and laugh out loud comments.( I NEVER usually laugh out loud!)
Make sure you read the author's note.... Read Full Review
