Cover Image: Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm

Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm

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Member Reviews

I enjoyed this chapter of life at Puddleduck farm, where Phoebe is realising all her dreams but is finding it difficult to give her relationship with Sam the time it needs. Sam has poignant family issues, and the couple must work hard to keep moving forward positively. The build-up to Maggie's wedding provides some lighter moments, and the animals are full of surprises. I enjoy the characters, the realistic setting and the story's heartwarming ethos.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

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I have been a fan of Della and her work for quite a while now. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each and every book that she has written to date. I must admit that I particularly enjoy the series which is set at 'Puddleduck Farm'. I read and thoroughly enjoyed reading the first three books in the series and I have been (im)patiently waiting for the fourth book in the series to be released. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the fourth book in the 'Puddleduck Farm' series is called 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' and it was released on 29th February 2024. It's another superb addition to what is proving to be a superb series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' but more about that in a bit.

The fact that I saw Della's name on the cover of a book that I knew I hadn't read yet was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. Then when I started reading the story itself, I quickly realised three things. Firstly that I was in for a treat, secondly that I was going to become addicted to the story and thirdly that I wasn't going to be putting the book down any time soon. I was spot on with all three predictions. I started reading the story and basically didn't stop for a good two hours. I was blown away by the story and by the characters. In some cases I felt as though I had reunited with old friends in the form of certain characters. This was one of those books that really got under my skin to the extent that if I wasn't reading the story then I was thinking about it. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm'. I found 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' to be a delight to read from start to finish with lots of love, laughs and fun.

'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Della Galton. Della has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Della's books often feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Della's love for her characters shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I . As I mention earlier in this review certain characters felt more like friends rather than characters in a book. I love the way in which Della makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. This was one of those stories that left me feeling as though I had had a hug from a mug of hot chocolate - in other words I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Living The Dream At Puddleduck Farm' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Della's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

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Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is the fourth book in the Puddleduck Farm series. Phoebe and Sam are happy, but life is not without challenges. They both are so busy that finding enough time to spend together is tough. Phoebe's grandmother is also getting married, adding another thing to her plate. Sam also has some family issues to take care of that cause a little bit of friction. On top of that, Rufus re-enters the picture and her past walks right back into her present.

Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is another great book in a wonderful series by Della Galton. The author did a great job creating this world, setting it up, and developing the characters. I had fun reading about strong grandmas, supportive parents, and silly animals. There are realistically written stressful situations and hard decisions, but also ones filled with love, support, and fun. I loved being back on Puddleduck Farm.

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Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is Della Galton’s latest story in the Puddleduck series and it’s wonderful.

The main focus of the story is Maggie and Eddie’s wedding and her constant changes of mind! From the date to her outfit, she can’t decide! Also, featuring a horse coming into the rescue - can her owners be found? Sadly, there are some personal issues going on for Sam’s family. Can everything come together for Christmas?

A lovely holiday read that you’ll devour quickly.

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This is the fourth and final book in the Puddleduck Farm series by Della Galton. We catch up with Phoebe Dashwood and her vets practice, set in the New Forest. Pheobe's grandmother Maggie is getting married and turning into a bridezilla. Phoebe and Sam are trying to balance their relationship with a hefty workload. There is an entertaining cast of animals. All in all this is a lovely end to the series with all the loose ends from the previous books all neatly tied up. This is a treat to read. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood publishers for the ARC.

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This was my first trip to Puddleduck Farm and it wasn't until the end that I realised it was the fourth in the series, so now I need to go back and read the others!

This was a delightful book to immerse myself in for a couple of days and I really enjoyed it. Full of kindness and love, hilarity and fun, Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm was a joy to read.

I don't think there was a character I didn't like and it was a pleasure to join them in their lives for just a while. In my head I was helping Phoebe in her vet's practice, riding alongside Sam as he took his horse Ninja out and helping Maggie with her wedding preparations. The animals are all incredibly entertaining and each and every one had their own part to play in the story.

If you're an animal lover and enjoy romance and fun in your stories, then I would definitely recommend you read Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm. I'm off to grab a cup of tea, one of Maggie's wonky mince pies and settle down with my next read for a few hours.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton.

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Title: Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm By Della Galton


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

This review ended up being fashionably late because, surprise! I realised I was diving into the fourth book of the series just a few pages in. Not exactly a solo read, folks! So, I hit reverse and binged on all the earlier books like a bookish detective on a mission.

At Puddleduck Vets Practice, Phoebe Dashwood navigates through a whirlwind of quirky clients and animal shenanigans, all while juggling her grandmother's diva wedding and swooning over her Mr. Perfect. In the midst of this chaos, Phoebe adores her gig as a New Forest vet and yearns for some cozy moments with her hunk. But when old heartaches come knocking, Phoebe knows she's gotta face the music to pave the way for a happily-ever-after. With emotions on overdrive, Phoebe ponders if she's got what it takes to sprinkle some magic dust and conjure up the perfect finale for everyone involved.

"Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm" is like a cozy hug for the soul, filled with lovable characters, a captivating storyline, and heartwarming doses of love, friendship, and family vibes.

Whether you're a fan of romance, friendship, or heartwarming stories in general, this book has something for everyone. With its cute romance, dabs of friendship, and heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm is sure to leave readers smiling and satisfied. Don't miss out on this enchanting journey of love and growth!

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Life’s still very busy at Phoebe’s veterinary practice – and her demanding schedule is making it really difficult to find time to spend with Sam, however much she might want to. He’s rather under the cosh too – as well as his commitments at the stables and working at the village shop, he has good cause to be rather concerned about his mum’s recent behaviour, convinced that there’s something badly wrong that she’s unwilling to share. Meanwhile Maggie, Phoebe’s grandmother, is busy planning every small detail of her forthcoming wedding to the lovely Eddie – with plenty of laughs along the way but some moments of frustration too for everyone around her, and yet another call on Phoebe’s precious spare time. And how are things with Rufus, up at Beechbrook House? With his relationship with Phoebe having foundered and son Archie heading away to school, he needs a new focus in his life – only to find change rather forced on him by family circumstances.

While the approach of Maggie’s wedding and Sam and Phoebe’s attempts to move their relationship to the next level driving the narrative, along with the slow unfolding of the situation with Sam’s mother – very real, and so sensitively handled – and the possibility of Rufus finding some happiness of his own, there’s also all the business as usual in the animal world. There’s a litter of abandoned dalmatian puppies who are yet to gain their spots (and the one they really didn’t want to part with…), a rearing horse with a bit of a mystery attached whose owners need to be found, and an emergency involving an inquisitive duck called Quackhead – and, of course, the ongoing stories of the longstanding residents at the rescue centre, including barn cat Saddam who might just be beginning to respond to Marcus’ attempts at behavioural therapy instead of terrorising anyone within spitting distance.

This really was the loveliest read – with individuals I’ve really grown to care about over the course of their developing stories. But if you’re late to the series, don’t be put off – you could very comfortably read it as a standalone, be equally engaged, and enjoy the author’s excellent storytelling as much as I did. And I really did like the way she brought all the threads to a close – tying up all the loose ends – with such a perfectly uplifting ending. In fact, this book rather felt like it might be the last one in the series – I might be wrong about that though, and I’d certainly be more than happy to return to Puddleduck Farm and the beautiful New Forest setting if the author has more stories to tell. I thoroughly enjoyed it – and it’s a book I’d very much recommend to others.

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well i devoured this book!
i have been lucky enough to read this entire series so i was already invested in the characters and the story but you could read this as a standalone book too.
it really is a well written warm fun story

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The third book of this series, the grand finale some my say. I’d recommend reading the previous books before this one as it ties up loose ends and clears up situations from the previous book.
I must admit I wasn’t keen on the romantic developments in the last book, I didn’t really see the connection other than being best friends. It was obvious Sam adored Phoebe, but she wasn’t overly sure, and it took some time. Personally, I thought she was settling for someone she knew loved her rather than actually feeling it herself. I’m not actually fully convinced even after this book, but I do like all the characters and it’s nice to read stories that have positive endings.
We catch up with everyone throughout the book and see how their story plays out. We even see Rufus going through some emotional ups and downs and discovering support in the most unexpected place, he finally finds what he needs and it definitely comes with a bigger surprise than any of us expected.
I enjoy Dellas storytelling, it is well paced and keeps you entertained from start to finish. I have always enjoyed the inclusion of animals and their antics, and this time was no different.
A lovely way to end the series!

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I love Puddleduck Farm and getting to go back with each story! All of them are heartwarming and uplifting tales that charm, uplift, and thoroughly entertain readers. Della Galton's latest novel, "Living the Dream at Puddleduck Farm", immerses readers in the charming world of the Puddleduck Vets Practice. Taking readers back to the New Forest, this book is the fourth installment in the delightful Puddleduck Farm series.

Meet Phoebe Dashwood. She is a spirited veterinarian juggling the delightful chaos of quirky animal clients. The clinic keeps her on her toes. She's also busy organizing her grandmother's wedding. This task is proving to be as challenging as diagnosing a mysterious ailment in a rare mammal. She is in a relationship with the man of her dreams yet an ex-lover resurfaces, stirring up emotions from the past. Will she confront unfinished business as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and forgiveness?

Galton's writing is one I love. It’s as warm and comforting as a cup of cocoa or tea on a chilly evening, leaving you wrapped in a warm sherpa blanket. She tells tales of friendship, self-acceptance, and the healing power of community. The animals she pens add an extra layer of charm and become a part of your extended book family.

The New Forest setting is one I love revisiting, as it comes alive through Galton's vivid descriptions. As always, the Puddleduck book is more than a romance. In the whole, it’s a celebration of life's messy and imperfect beauty. Sometimes, the most extraordinary moments occur in the ordinary.

Let Galton take you away to Puddleduck Farm. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll fall in love. It’s now available in bookstores today, Happy Leap Day!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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It was so brilliant to be back at Puddleduck Farm again! I love the wonderful characters from this lovely series, and I was thrilled to see Phoebe and Sam progress with their new found romance.
I work at a veterinary practice, so these books really interest me, and I can honestly say they are very well written, and I especially liked the behavioural side of the story.
It was great to catch up with Rufus too and to see his progression with his life after Phoebe.
I enjoyed the mystery regarding the found horse, and the other rescued animals too.
Such a fantastic community that Della creates. The inclusion of various mental health issues is done incredibly sensitively and adds an additional layer to the storytelling.
Such an uplifting and engaging story, I love spending time at Puddleduck Farm.

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Yet another wonderful book by Della Galton. With loveable characters and beautiful narratives making it a heart warming winter read.

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This book is part of a series and I have heard that it is the lat book in the series. It can be read as a standalone novel but I think that it is better to read the series in order to get the most out of it and also to avoid spoilers. Each book is a continuation from the previous books with mostly the same characters.
This book has several plotlines, Maggie's Wedding, Phoebe and Sam's relationship and Rufus trying to find his way and decide what he wants.
There are new animals to meet, a horse mystery to solve, wedding planning, family dramas, romance, comedy and a baby. This book has a lot going on and it was a very enjoyable and entertaining read.
I have really enjoyed reading this series. If this is the last book then it has a nice ending with all of the loose threads tied up. Of course I would definitely welcome another Puddleduck Farm book but I am excited to hear about Della Galton's next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

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This is another enjoyable book set around Puddleduck Farm. We catch back up with everyone. The book focuses on some life situations and of course romance.
It’s a nice continuation of the series.

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Well Puddleduck farm is such a lively place and I felt like I was right in the middle. The cheeky animals had me giggling so hard because that is exactly what animals are like they all have there own personalities and quirks but they are so smart. I was tickled pink to watch Phoebe and Sam's relationship thrive with just a few little bumps. I love that Maggie gets married and finds another beautiful soul to love in Eddie. The issue that Jan faces I felt personally as I suffer from the same illness and the author has done a great job of keeping it honest and respectful. The characters develop well in this book and we get a true glimpse into there inner selves. The dramas and romance had me eagerly turning the pages. Everything that is dealt with in the story feels real and I would love to watch it on the big screen as it was such a pleasure to read!

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With a booming business and the love of her wonderful partner, I had high hopes for a lovely gentle ride for Phoebe in this latest instalment of the Puddleduck Farm series. However, Della Galton doesn’t make things easy for her characters or her readers. What a terrific decision that was.

As mentioned in the synopsis, we get to meet a rather different Maggie. Phoebe’s grandmother has been nothing but marvellous, but now she’s getting remarried and as she discovers her inner bridezilla, there’s a great source of comedy to enjoy.

Sam, Phoebe’s friend and new boyfriend has his own challenges to deal with as he navigates his way toward his dream happy ending whilst juggling his other commitments and trying to understand what may be going on with his Mum. As that unfolds, I loved the gentle way that the author dealt with a very real issue for many women.

Meanwhile, all is not running smoothly at Beechbrook House as Rufus Holt is torn between his family loyalty and his desire to protect his son from the cold childhood that he knew. I really liked Rufus from the earlier books, although, not enough to see him with Phoebe.

As the theme is based around a veterinary practice and an animal rescue, you are guaranteed a whole host of fabulous furry or feathered characters, the most exciting being the rearing horse that features on the books cover. Don’t worry though, all the usual suspects are still present and correct.

The characters that Della has brought to life are wonderfully imagined, and I would love to visit them in the New Forest. My favourites are definitely Sam and Phoebe and I am now looking forward to the next instalment to see what is next in their future.

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This is the final book in the series. I had only read book two before this but I was still able to enjoy the wrapping up of the characters' journeys. It was nice to have met them all before and to understand the developments since then.

Phoebe Dashwood is a vet and her practice has grown considerably since she set it up in book 2. She has a number of employees who are also friends and she counts herself as very lucky. Rufus, her partner in the previous book is more or less out of her life now and Sam is the love of her life. Interestingly the author tells Rufus's story in parallel to Phoebe's and we discover what happens to him as well.

This is a feel good book with a happy ever after theme and it leaves the reader with a smile on their face.

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This was the first book I had read about life at Puddleduck Farm but I really want to read the others now. This was a delightful read about friends and family. Puddleduck Farm will find a way into your heart with the engaging characters. Phoebe is juggling family life, her career as a vet with her own practise and finding love and happiness. It is great to read how it all unfolds including her making peace with her past ex and hoping everyone finds love and happiness.

I would love to read more books by Della as this was such a lovely, gentle read which was well written. I didn't realise that this was part of a series and it can easily be read as a one off story. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book and experience life at Puddleduck Farm.

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Phoebe Dashwood is finally with the right man but with her vet practice getting ever busier and helping with her gran’s wedding Phoebe is struggling to find the time to enjoy it.
Determined not to repeat past mistakes Phoebe knows she will have to work hard and put the past behind her in order to embrace her future. Can there be more than one happy ending for the Puddleduck farm locals?
What a lovely end to a wonderful series. To enjoy this you don’t need to have read the previous books but I would highly recommend that you do. They are well written with characters you will take to your heart and a plentiful smattering of unruly animals thrown in.

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