A very typical romantic novel. Once you have read the first chapter you know how it will end. Katie Fford fills the 'bit in the middle' with ease. A really good story with believable characters that you care about. A great heartwarming book.

Another great book by Katie Fforde which did not disappoint. I was hooked from the first few pages and had to keep reading to find out how it would finish which meant I lost several hours as I read this in one sitting.

This is a real feel good story. Fran receives a letter from a distant aunt who says she needs an heir to her family farm. Fran decides she is up for the challenge and makes the move from London to the country. Unfortunately, Roy another distant relative receives the same letter and believes that because he is male, it is his by rights. Fran is determined to make a go of the farm and soon settles into a routine. Her friend joins her and soon falls in love with Tig the herdsman. All Roy wants is the farm land to sell and redevelop. He doesn't bank on Anthony, the hated neighbour who comes to Fran's aid in more ways than one! A lovely descriptive novel that I really couldn't put down, just what is needed when the weather is awful.

I will start by saying this is not my normal style of book, you can normally find me reading a crime / mystery / psychological thriller but I fancied a change and so pleased I did. This is a real ‘hug in a book’ type story with lots of feel good moments. Developing relationships, challenges galore and a baddie thrown in for good measure. I loved the characters and how they developed over the pages. The detail of farming and cheese making was just enough but not to technical so I got completely lost in the details.
If you are after a really feel good book then this is the book for you. I will definitely be reading more of Katie’s books in the future.

A cosy, happy story in a beautiful setting. 3.5/5 stars.

The cover and title of Katie Fforde's latest book tell you all you need to know! A Country Escape is cosy escapism with likeable characters in a wonderful setting. Although there is a romance thread to the story, I'd argue the greatest romance is between the protagonist - Fran - and the farm she hopes to inherit, which has its own starring role along with the beautiful countryside setting.

That said, when the main antagonist finally turns up about halfway through the story, he's wonderfully heartless and left me dying to jump into the book to kick him in the shins. Fran's elderly Aunt Amy is also entertainingly spiky and at times I marvelled at how Fran remained patient with her.

And if a delicious setting and villains weren't enough, prepare yourself for oodles of cheese! This book is a treat for all foodies, particularly those who prefer a cheese board to dessert.

My favourite scene came near the end of the book, when high drama in a solicitor's office made me laugh out loud. I won't say any more to avoid spoilers!

Overall: Katie Fforde fans are sure to enjoy A Country Escape. Perfect if, like Fran, you're looking for a break from metropolitan stress.

Having been a fan of Katie Fforde's feel-good books for years, I found this book ticked all the usual boxes. A fairly fast-paced, clever plot and many likeable characters (the obligatory baddies excepted) and their obviously well-researched endeavours like house-renovation, smallholding, milk cow herding, cheese-making kept me interested and amused.
I was kindly given a free ARcopy by netgalley/Random House UK, Cornerstone Century in return for an honest review

I must admit, when I started reading this book, I wondered how much I would enjoy it. As a vegan, a story set on a dairy farm, wouldn't naturally be my first choice of reading material but I continued with it and I must say it's a lovely story.

The characters are beautifully written, described in such a way that you get to know them, this is so important when it comes to pulling the reader in.

City girl Fran is faced with the challenge of taking care of a distant relatives farm, with the possible opportunity to inherit the property, should she be able to run the business successfully. Of course, she has many hurdles to face and the chances of her succeeding in her mission take blows at every corner.

The story pulls us into the challenges Fran faces but also into the relationships she makes along the way.

I must say the farm and surroundings sounded quite idyllic, the author has a wonderfully descriptive way which makes it easy to visualise.

All round, lovely, easy read.

This is a comfortable yarn about cheese making and farming, written in an 'easy read' style. A 'hug in a book'.
Not my genre, but, for those looking for a cosy, easy reading tale, it's for you.

I read A Country Escape because I got a copy on Netgalley and have seen lots of Katie Fforde's books, but haven't read any for years. Unfortunately, based on this latest novel I won't be reading her next book. While parts of the writing were funny and engaging, the novel as a whole was massively cliched, with several characters irritatingly under-developed, and the plot moving forward in fits and starts which didn't always make sense.

I thought this would be light, escapist reading - and it kind of was, but it was also frustrating at times while reading and forgettable very soon afterwards.

I love Katie’s books and this one was good in so many ways - good characters, an easy read and a beautifully imagined countryside setting. It all sounded idyllic, apart from the mild peril from an unsavoury character. But sadly something didn’t quite click with this book and I felt like something was lacking. Don’t ask me what but for some reason it wasn’t as brilliant as I’d usually expect from Katie Fforde. I still love her books though, they're like a warm hug, and I can’t wait for the next one to be out!

Katie Fforde has yet again pulled out a book that enchants and entices to grasp the opportunity to follow your dreams. Taking a city girl out into the country to run a dilapidated farm with a prize winning herd starts in the usual chain of catastophes and disasters but not one to be beaten, even when it looks like she will lose the lot. With the help of her friend, Issi, Fran starts making changes and gets the farm working again. A delightful read that will spirit you away and immerse you in the world of Amy, Fran and Issi.

I am grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review. The book was an easy read and was full of baking, love and laughter. Relationships were of some old, some new variety and being left to run a farm with no experience whatsoever, thrown in for good measure.
A good enjoyable read.

A possible inheritance, a rundown farm, rare breed cows and cheese may seem to be strange themes for a romance but when Fran takes a chance on 'the good life', she becomes involved with all of the above and finds that love happens in the most unusual places.
'A Country Escape', begins for Fran when she leaves her cheffing job in London to run a distant relative's farm after she moved into a care home. The farm is rundown but has potential, the question is, has Fran the expertise and finance to realise it?
'A Country Escape', gives the reader a chance to do just that. From the first page, you experience life in the countryside with a delightful array of characters both human and animal.
Courage, loyalty and tenacity are all characteristics that aptly describe Fran, she wants to experience something new and is willing to risk everything to have the lifestyle she craves. Antony is a successful businessman as well as the 'man next door' he is more than helpful and seems to be the perfect neighbour, but her cousin Amy has warned Fran about his motives, so can she trust him?
Both the characters and the plot are realistic. Dairy farming and artisan cheesemaking are vividly described and allow the reader to experience what Fran does; this makes the story come to life.
There is plenty of angst; the appearance of Roy, a rival for the inheritance, and Amy's fickleness towards Fran's attempts at running the farm. Both of these sources of conflict, make Fran believe she will never achieve her goal.
There is a lovely romantic thread to this story; it seems nothing is too much trouble for Antony where Fran is concerned, and Issi finds that everything to do with cows is enthralling when the herdsman Tig shares them with her. Both romances are affected by the outcome of the inheritance. Is this Antony's real interest in Fran, and what will happen to Issi and Tig, if he loses his home and livelihood? The delightful ending has both poignant and romantic elements.
A lovely romantic tale, which provides the reader with everything they need to enjoy an escape to the country.
I received a copy of this book from Random House UK Cornerstone - Century via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

What a beautiful heartwarming story. A easy five stars from me. I love Katie Fforde style of writing she draws you into the story completely. Such a lovely read after reading so many thrillers

A Country Escape- Katie Fforde 5*

I always look forward to a Katie Fforde book. Even before I have read the first page there is the anticipation of that feel good factor along with a wonderful story line, larger than life characters and a smile along the way. This one didn’t disappoint me in any of those aspects. Fran lives in London working as a chef. She vaguely remembers as a child going to a farm and seeing the cows. She gets a letter from a solicitor saying that a distant relative has gone into a care home and that she is to try and run the farm for a year and then might inherit it. How is a chef going to run a farm when she hasn’t a clue where to start? And who is the neighbour that the relative hates so much? Brilliantly written from the word go. Wonderful characters that you take to (or not in one case!) and scenes that you can easily picture. Whether you live in London or rurality, this book will bring a smile. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
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I found this book great fun - a bit of intrigue, some adventure and some romance. All added up to a page turner for me.

A lovely fun read. The fast paced style of Katie Fforde means this wonderful novel glides along keeping the reader engrossed and the characters continually surprising you. As the story unfolds Fran's Aunt Amy has given her a year to prove she can make a go of things running the dairy farm that means the world to her. A townie with no experience and an innate fear of cows, what could go wrong? With the quiet herdsman Tig, the best friend Issi and the love of the 'scoundrel neighbour' Anthony ,the reader is taken on a journey of ups, downs and 'oh boys'. This is a wonderful read that keeps you smiling from start to finish. Katie Fforde adds just the right amount of intrigue and spice, pathos and comedy to ensure you will not want to put this book down.

This is an utterly delightful read! Fran has been set a challenge -take on a failing farm belonging to an elderly relative and make it a success in just 1 year. If successful it will be hers to keep.… Fran a trained chef by trade knows nothing about farming but is desperate to make this work. She faces hurdles along the way from both the farm itself and the local villagers. He best friend Issy is along for the ride and then there is the neighbour who she has been warned off but needs his help to survive…. Her journey is both exciting and enjoyable with lots of action along the way I would recommend this easy to follow read and will be looking into more of Katie FForde books.

What a heartwarming, easy to read novel about a lady who moves to the country to make a go of her distant Aunts farm before she may or may not inherit it.
It was funny in places, had a realistic feel and lovely language that really set the scene.
The characters were likeable and I really rooted for Fran throughout, the story had an easy pace that kept me interested and the plot had some good, solid turns that I enjoyed.
All in all a very chilled out novel.

What would you do when presented with a challenge that you would never have seen heading in your direction in a million years? An opportunity that couldn't be furthest from your current lifestyle? Something that will test you to your limits, try your patience and call on qualities you never knew you had in you? These are the questions/thoughts running through the mind of Fran as she pulls up at Hill Top Farm with her friend Issi for a year she will never forget. A year that will push her to the very edges of her capabilities with lots of trials and tests sent her way. But will she have the strength of spirit and determination on her side as well as an abundance of kindness deep rooted in her heart to make it through the test as set down by her very distant cousin Amy.

In Katie Fforde's new book the title of A Country Escape certainly lives up to the content between the fun, colourful cover as I really enjoyed a pleasurable, fun filled few hours in the company of Fran. She has agreed to spend a year running the farm, even though she hasn't the first clue about farming, for her Aunt who is now in a nursing home. Said Aunt had no one to leave the farm too and she doesn't wish her herd of dairy short horns and their lineage to die out. No male relatives could be found so the task falls to Fran and ever one to relish a challenge she agrees admittedly against the better judgement of many others.

I have a been a long time fan of Katie Fforde's books but was slightly apprehensive about reading this one. Normally I would read everything she has written no questions asked but I didn't enjoy her last full length novel last year as much as her others. But at the end of her festive short story collection there was a sneak preview of A Country Escape and from those few pages I knew I had to read this book. Right from the beginning I just got a good feeling about this book and it really didn't abate the further I got into the story. It's fun, light-hearted and above all else inspires good feelings and warm thoughts. Once I picked it up I couldn't leave it out of my hands as I was eager to discover would Fran go the whole distance and make a success of the farm or would there be too many obstacles placed in her way and therefore everything would fall apart?

This book proved to me that it's always worth giving an author another go even if you hadn't enjoyed their last book as much as you normally do. The basic plot of inheriting after a year seems to be a common theme for books this year as I have already read two or three others with a similar theme but it's interesting to see how different authors approach said theme. I loved A Country Escape from the first word until the last. Fran is a courageous, wonderful character who will find a place in your heart and having you rooting for a positive outcome for her right from the very first page.

Excitement and nerves abound as Fran embarks on a wonderful adventure that could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to her or else just one big huge disaster. Leaving her comfortable life in London for a farm in Gloucester seems like a nightmare to many but maybe there is something calling Fran to do this even thought it is loaded with responsibility and concerns. Soon after arriving Fran discovers the farm has not being doing as well as it once did. The farmhouse is not a glorious residence as one often sees on the programme Escape to the Country. The accounts are in disarray and money is tight to put it mildly. How is Fran going to deal with the pedigree heard when she herself admits she wouldn't know one end of a cow from another? Thankfully herdsman Tig is on hand when it comes to the cows which relieves some of the burden but the question of what to do with their milk remains. Especially as the milk tanker won't venture up the pot holed filled lane.

Tig was a character who was always there in the background, a quiet conservative man, never saying much unless it was relevant. A person who spoke when spoken to and always choose each word with care. He was a support to Fran when it came to the day to day running of the farm. But who really stepped up to the plate was very wealthy neighbour Antony Arlingham. Antony wasn't seen in the best light by Amy as he has wanted to buy the farm from her to help expand his business empire. The thought of which makes Amy's blood boil. Antony was supposed to be the enemy but I felt from the outset he was genuine and had nothing but good intentions.

Fran was the most remarkable character. For someone who really was like a fish out of water she soon became filled with passion at the task ahead of her. Yes it was enormous and even though Fran hadn't much knowledge or experience she was filled with ingenuity and had plenty of forward thinking ideas. Everything that lay ahead of Fran was overwhelming and many people would run away at the first hurdle but I admired her commitment and even though she barely knew Amy she was aware of how special the farm was to her and she wouldn't let it go without a fight. What's good about Fran was that she wasn't above asking for help or advice. Yes at times she was loathe to ask for money from others but at the same time she was sensible and knew what needed to be done. She also didn't want to go against Amy's wishes but when your back is against the wall you may just accept help from where ever you can and not question someone’s ulterior motives. Her culinary background came in very handy and the ideas she came up with were brilliant but couldn't be pulled off without plenty of hard work and effort. I loved how Fran never once conceded defeat no matter how tough things got. She knew her ideas had merit and despite the setbacks she kept ploughing on and was determined to reach her ultimate goal. She won't rest until success is achieved. I'm glad her friend Issi was there for Fran every step of the way. She seemed so kind, caring and sensible and her own little budding romance was subtly done but just oh so perfect. The friendship between Fran and Issi was just lovely and one you would like to have in your own life.

Antony could have been the character everybody loves to hate. That rich business man who hasn't a drop of human emotion, who will overstep everybody to expand their empire. We've all read about men of that kind in books before but thankfully he was the complete opposite and I loved seeing his soft side emerge. The friendship he develops with Fran was wonderful to see and I hoped something a little deeper might happen. Despite the difficulties, challenges and anxieties facing Fran, Issi and Antony were always there for her. There was another character introduced at the halfway point and I detested said character. The author did a brilliant job of portraying them for what they were- attention seeking and money grabbing. This character was horrible, rude and lacked any empathy or compassion. They were sent to up scuttle everything and I hoped this wouldn't happen given the hard work put in by Fran to make Hill Top Farm a success once again. I had a feeling something would emerge about this awful character but this didn't happen instead a different tack was taken which didn't disappoint but maybe the angle I was looking for could have added even more surprises to the story. Not that this is a fault in anyway as this particular plot line was very well done.