Like all of her other titles, this is another perfect escape into the fabulous fictional worlds that Carole creates for us. Brilliantly written and with a host of relatable characters, this is another smash. Happiness for every reader!

Looking for an uplifting read I turn to Carole Matthews and her book Happiness for Beginners has been on my TBR pile for way to long now and so it seemed the perfect time to pick this one up.

Our heroine is the lovely Molly who has dedicated her whole life to her animals, here farm is quite different from a traditional farm because this place is a safe space for children with various difficulties be that mental health issues, learning disabilities or just those who have lost their way and need a place to escape and find their worth and confidence again.

There is a young newcomer to Hope Farm in the form of Lucas who is the local TV stars son and he is at a loss as to what to do with his uncontrollable son.

What an absolute joy this book was, it is easy to see how Molly became so isolated and dedicated to her farm because looking after the charismatic mix match of animals really is a 24/7 job added to that the work she does with the students that help out on the farm and there really isn’t any time for herself but she was so content with this.

Lucas was a character who really touched my heart, misunderstood, lonely and hurting I just wanted to reach into the pages and pull him out, I was really hoping that Molly and Hope Farm could reach him and help him.
The animals played such a strong part in this book and I wouldn’t be surprised if the author spent sometime on the farm researching this book because the attention to detail from the feeds, their characteristics and needs as well as the financial strains was all covered in great detail. I can’t not mention the secondary characters in this book because both Alan and Bev were great characters and a big support to Molly too and even bring a little humour to the storyline too.

There of course is a romance or two blossoming through the pages which we expect with a Carole Matthews novel but it was one that was far from straight forward so made it even more exciting.
If you are looking for a comforting uplifting read to perk you up then this book will certainly do the trick.

I have been reading Carole's books for years. This is the first one I have seen published for quite a while so I was very pleased to get an advance copy. I love stories that have animals in them and this one didn't disappoint - it felt like they were a big part of the story because they are a big part of Molly's life. When she offers to support a young child she also has to deal with his father. It follows the usual woman meets man, not keen to start with but then cant live without. Now that sounds cynical and it isn't meant to. It is a lovely warm hearted read. Thank you Carole!

Carole Matthews is one of those authors, like Jill Mansell, who can be counted upon for a fun, light read. In this novel, readers meet (and will like) Molly. She runs a farm with animals whose names I will not give away. The farm is a bit special as it serves as an alternative school. When a new, tricky student, and his father arrive, the stage is set for the rest of the story. Readers will turn the pages in this relaxing novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Group UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately this book was not for me, it was a bit slower than I would like and it just didn't hold my attention. I am sure other people will love it!

A love story that has enough going on to keep you interested without just the boy mets girl part. It leaves you with a feel good feeling and a warmth to your heart. Look forward to read more by this author.

I am not leaving a review due to the fact that this book did not interest me enough to finish the story.

I am definitely what you would call a Carole Matthews fan and I think I have read the majority of her books (which is a LOT!) however this one...mmm... I really struggled with. The story focuses on Molly who lives, breathes and sleeps (literally) Hope Farm. Molly lives in a caravan on site, whose best friends are the animals and the helpers she has working with her. She also has children visit the farm in the hopes of helping them all with different needs. It was an okay start, but then when they introduced Shelby a soap star whose son was visiting, it all fell a bit flat for me. Shelby's son Lucas was a good character and that was about it.

Normally with a Carole Matthews book I devour them in 1-2 sittings, but this one actually felt like an effort to finish. It felt very rushed and average if I am being brutally honest and just didn't feel like a normal book written by this author. Hopefully her next book will be back to form for me

When I discovered that the very first line of Happiness for Beginners begins with the introduction of Anthony the Anti-Social Sheep, I just knew I was going to love this book!

The story centres around Molly Baker who, after inheriting Hope Farm from her aunt, turns it into a place for children who struggle in mainstream education. The students can undertake their school lessons whilst also learning various farmyard tasks/activities. It's a really engaging premise for the story. Unfortunately, the future of the farm is under threat. Can Molly save the farm or will the students lose the one place where they can be themselves?

Told with Matthews warm writing style and usual wit, the book explores the themes of friendship, hope and acceptance. It takes a look at the importance of giving people a second chance and the fact that everyone needs help at times, even if it's not always apparent.

There is rather a large cast of characters, both human and animal, and all are very likeable, particularly the lovely Molly who does such wonderful work helping the children who attend her farm. As an animal lover, I absolutely loved the quirky, characterful animals on the farm (particularly Anthony the sheep - the real star of the story!).

It's lovely to watch the progress of the students as they settle into life on the farm. Molly has a knack of connecting with the children, accepting them for who they are and allowing them to learn at their own pace. She really is such a likeable and engaging character.

And, of course, there has to be a little bit of romance. In this case, it involves the swoon-worthy tv star, Shelby Dacre. Molly's head may be turned by his dashing good looks, but matters are complicated by his delinquent son, Lucas.

This is a humorous, heart warming and uplifting read. I loved everything about it - the plot, the setting, the characters, Tina Turner the Alpaca... I would happily recommend this book.

I liked that the story didn't just focus on romance and that there were surprises for the reader. Thoroughly enjoyed every part of it and highly recommend.

Who wouldn't love this book!? The characters make you feel you are part of their lives, you experience their highs and lows just as you would in your own lives with the hope that the ending would turn out well for them, after all a fairy tale always does doesn't it? Set in wonderful Buckinghamshire this is a fabulous book, humorous, poignant and a true reflection of modern life. A great read - highly recommended.

And make your heart sing it will!!! So I requested this book some time ago, and having heard of its loveliness, put it on the long finger until I saw it on Audible and decided to use one of points to grab it. Oh my wordy word!! So I'll be honest, obviously audio books have only come into my world in the last year, but my have theu opened my world up!! The narrator in this (Emma Powell is listed on Amazon), was stunning, her accent that beautiful English melodic voice that raised an already exceptional book to a higher level, and her different accents for different characters were bang on!!

The book, about Molly Baker, who takes in children who have found mainstream school difficult, was bright and beautiful and quirky and made me think about what it would do for any child to have animals as an integral part of the curriculum. (I regularly consider throwing my 4, who have never been on a horse before and are not really interested in going, into pony camp for a few days. I know they'd come out beaming and of course I'd have fodder for the next book so ... hmm, I'm digressing!)

I'll admit in the middle I was landed with 3 sick kids and so the audio book stopped being an option. As a result I went back to the ebook, which of course was still a stunner. Definitely recommended for just the loveliest, sit forward with mouth shaped into a smile and then an 'awwww' read/listen, that will have you wanting to run for the nearest farm to take it over!!! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Sphere for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating:5/5

This is a warm and witty book from a brilliant writer. The characters and animals are all charming - and the underlying message throughout the book will give you the warm and fuzzies.

Molly runs a farm which is made up of animals with issues, that no one else wants. She also works with troubled children on this farm, and with her staff of two, helps these children to feel better about themselves and the world around them. One morning Lucas arrives with his father, a well known TV star, to see if Molly might be able to help him with his issues. The result is that Lucas makes some real progress, and so do Molly and the rest of Hope Farm.

This was a delightful read that made me sad it was finished when I'd reached the end of it. It is well written, very entertaining and keeps a smile on your face as you read it. Strongly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author Carole Matthews, and the publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK for the sheer pleasure of reading this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

I just LOVE Carole Matthews and this latest book did not disappoint, I loved every minute, love, laughs, drama, perfection!!

Second Chances

The subject matter for this story is a great idea, with plenty of scope for humorous escapades, difficult teenagers and rampaging animals. These were the elements of the book I enjoyed the most. I found the character of Molly to be the part I could not quite get to grips with, although she has lots of sympathetic characteristics. I also found the beginning a little slow but it really got going after Chapter 11. In the end, I was won round and enjoyed it immensely.

Thanks to netgalley for a copy of the book.

Another amazing story by Caroline Matthews.
I adore her story telling and this is one of her best.
A must read.

I absolutely love the writing style Carole Matthews uses, it's so relatable! This book genuinely made me laugh and cry. The characters are wonderful, and that includes the animals, especially Anthony the angry sheep! I also like that the story introduces the concept of alternative educational provisions for students who don't fit the standard school model. It is written with warmth and humour and takes you on a beautiful journey. This story will stay with me for a while to come.

Molly is the same age as me (almost, I will be 38 in about 6 months) and it felt unusual in a good way to read about a character my own age. So many of the women I read about seem to be either 20 somethings finding themselves or 50 somethings reinventing themselves often after their husband has done a runner. So top marks for that. I actually think Molly’s age is something that makes the plot better – she’s been around the block, she’s settled and happy but throughout the book begins to realise that her version of happy isn’t what everyone else’s is and look for more.

I’m not a particular fan of animals but the ones in Happiness for Beginners made me overlook that dislike. They really added to the story and I loved the personalities they each had and the fun they brought to proceedings.

Happiness for Beginners is full of moments that will make you smile, make you feel for the characters and make you laugh. It’s really realistic and just a lovely read that leaves you feeling good. It’s a while since I’ve read a Carole Matthews book. After reading Happiness for Beginners I’m wondering why that is, because like all of her books it was brilliant. I will definitely be making the time to read more of them!

You will not find a better summer holiday read than this. Carole Matthews writes with her usual style of humour, romance, and that feel good feeling!