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. Sit back, relax and let yourself drift away into another engrossing world!
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. I have enjoyed this book and found it very gripping and uplifting.
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. Then give this book to a friend if she’s feeling a bit down- it’s a hug in a book.
I've been in the mood to read lighter relationship story fiction that just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and this book fit the bill perfectly.
I've been in the mood to read lighter relationship story fiction that just makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and this book fit the bill perfectly.
For starters, I loved the style of writing in this book - not only does it flow I loved the little "fourth wall breaks" when Moly speaks directly to you. It really engages you in the story and feels like you're curled up in her caravan, with Little Dog on your lap, having a cup of tea while you have a catch up with her.
The animals described are funny, each one a supporting character in their own unique way. As I was reading a particularly dramatic episode with Johnny Rotten there was a news piece on the TV about how cuddly and lovely alpaca's were and I found myself expressing doubts to the TV set.
I enjoyed the romance story throughout and although the overall conclusion was lovely and predictable - allowing me to sit back and enjoy the story - there were turns that I wasn't quite expecting and kept me intrigued. You knew what was going to happen but you didn't quite know how and that made it seem comforting and interesting all at once.
I also loved the relationship development between Molly and Lucas (arguably slightly more than her developing connection to Lucas' father, Shelby). My heart broke over and over for Lucas throughout the story no matter what happened I just wanted him to be ok in the end.
This book is a perfect summer read, weekend read, it's-sunny-so-let's-read-something-happy read, it's-raining-so-let's-read-something-happy read - in all a perfect book for all occasions. I'm now going to go and hunt down every other book written by Carole Matthews!
Light-hearted, funny and almost believable. Happiness for Beginners is a love story, set in the most unlikely of places.
When I first saw the blurb for Happiness for Beginners I thought the concept was great. Having a child who struggles at school, the idea of a farm school for kids with 'additional needs', sounded fab.
I have read a couple of Carole Matthews books and know they are easy to read, funny and lighthearted. She writes with warmth and her stories flow well.
Although the story is set on a farm which doubles as an alternative school, there is a romantic tale intertwined - which is possibly the bigger storyline. A little unbelievable in places, but the concept, setting and issues are all very relatable and relevant.
Its possibly a little lighter than the books I would normally read but as a half-term 'pop in my bag whilst away with the kids', it was ideal.