I wanted to like this book but I always feel distanced from the story when it's written in first person. It prevents me from getting really stuck in. A nice read but it could have been better with a different narrative.

Always a happy day when I am able to read a new book by Carole Matthews, and Happiness for Beginners was a joy to read.

Mollie introduces us to Hope Farm and what they do there, plus all the animals and their back stories over the first few chapters, in such a chatty style you feel like she is talking directly to you.

And what fabulous place Hope Farm is, with its assortment of animals all with their own distinct personalities.

And then there is the school aspect of what they do there, as its not a farm in the traditional sense, rather a place where troubled teens who have most likely been excluded from schools, can learn practical skills and become more independent and more from helping to take care of the animals.

And this really is a delight for all animal lovers, I'm not sure I could pick a favourite, but Fifty the sheep that thinks its anything else, the Shetland pony that is allergic to its own hair and Teacup the pig that is rather larger than its name all have soft spots for me.

The story focuses on one pupil and his recently widowed father, and Lucas couldn't help but get under my skin. Such a lovely boy, just misunderstood.

In some respects this feels quite different from Carole Matthews' other books, possibly due to the setting, but equally it has everything you would expect to see from her too, all mixed into one amazing book.

Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I was so thrilled to be excepted to read Happiness for Beginners, Carole Matthews is my favourite author and have loved everyone of her books.

Happiness for Beginners is such a beautifully written story set in Hope Farm, I absolutely fell in love with Molly, Shelby and Lucas everything about this book was just perfect and is a highly recommended read.

I enjoyed Carole Matthews' earlier books, but her more recent ones haven't been as good in my opinion. Not enough depth, unbelievable at times . . . But I really enjoyed Happiness for Beginners. I loved the farm setting, and the stories about the animals were really funny. I think my favourite human character was Lucas. There was perhaps a touch of the unbelievable again regarding the romance, though not as far-fetched as in a previous CM novel which I won't name. Overall a good read.

A nice light read, but I was frustrated at the lack of depth. I really didn't feel like I got to know any of the characters properly, apart from Lucas who was great. I felt that the Alan and Bev storyline was most frustrating, very shallow. But on the whole I enjoyed the story.

Another fab read from Carole! I have read all her books and this one didn’t disappoint! A lovely heartwarming story

The latest novel from Carole Matthews is full of so much joy, hope and happiness that the book could almost be a self-help one!

Molly lives on Hope Farm, inherited from her Aunt when she died. Molly has no one in her life, a disruptive childhood meant she spent a lot of time at Hope Farm and was at her best when it was just her, the animals and nature.

There is something special about this farm - it gives hope and inevitably happiness. All of the animals need that bit extra attention. Whether it be a skittish alpaca, a one-legged chicken, or a sheep with a chip on its shoulder. They are all animals who would have been written off and forgotten.

The same could be said for the children that also come to Hope Farm, because Molly has turned this place into a last chance saloon for children who have exhausted all traditional forms of educating and in some ways the system has failed them. Interacting with the animals seems to bring them a whole different perspective with some school work thrown in for good measure.

That is until Lucas turns up at Molly's door. Neglected by his father, the well-known television actor Shelby Dacre. Lucas is a handful and one of the most reluctant of students, but when you stand in the shadow of a very handsome father perhaps Lucas behaviour is the only way to get his father's attention.

Molly is struck by Lucas more than any of the other children and finds a place in her heart for him. He thrives on the farm but when that is threatened it looks like Molly and all her waifs and strays are going to have to go their separate ways.

This is such a joyous book from beginning to end. The author throws you straight into life on the farm, to the problems of the children and the basic life that Molly leads. I wanted to dive into the pages and be part of the farm, to help those kids find some sort of purpose in life and to enjoy being in nature and living perhaps a less gilded life than that of Shelby Dacre.

I loved it and would recommend it for anyone who needs to have a bit of sunshine and happiness in their life!

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Another great book from Carole Matthews who always makes me laugh and her books are so uplifting and enjoyable to read.

I have read all of Carole Matthews books. I was delighted to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley. This book certainly did not disappoint.
Molly owns the aptly named Hope Farm where she runs classes for children who find mainstream education difficult. Molly is reclusive, and when Lucas turns up for classes, she recognises that he too is reclusive, he has trust issues too. His Father is a handsome actor, Shelby, and as she tries to help Lucas, she finds herself having to spend time with Shelby too.
The characters are well developed and likeable. The true stars of the story are the farm animals. They add so much humour to the story, you can't help but laugh at their antics.
This story really draws you in, It is very well written. I couldn't wait to see what happens to the characters and the farm. This book has everything, happiness, humour, friendship, drama, romance, it is emotional in places too. This is such an enjoyable book, I highly recommend reading it.

Another fantastic book from Carole I don’t think sh3 knows how to write a bad one. Definitely full of happiness I couldn’t stop smiling

I have been a fan of Carole’s books for a while and I have never been disappointed. I was over the moon to be approved to read ‘Happiness for Beginners’

I absolutely love the cover of this book. It’s interesting and of course bright. It gives you an insight as to what it’s about and hooks you in before you even start reading the first chapter.

The narrative is so easy to read, it flows and I love the short snappy chapters. This makes it easier to put down when I had to! I would just always made sure I finished a chapter before putting it down (reluctantly)

It was different to see how Carole introduced the main character Molly by explaining the back strory of Hope Farm. It gave you a good background and to imagine the farm in your mind. I would certainly love love to meet those crazy animals. I was drawn to Molly’s character especially. She’s clearly an introverted person and I hoped that would change in some ways throughout the story - I know you can’t change a person completely however everyone has an affect on each other in some way or another. Molly’s connection to every single animal on Hope Farm is very special, also how she took over the farm from her aunt and built it up to help others, she just wants to care!

I found some parts very amusing especially the alpaca incident (will let you all find out about that one!) Other parts were sad, though I won’t mention those as I will get emotional all over again. You end up really pulling for relationships to be mended and even formed.

I was convinced that I just didn’t know how this story was going to end. Will Hope Farm succeed? Will love come into Molly’s life and stay there? You will have to read Carole’s latest creation to find out.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Happiness for Beginners’ and I will certainly be reading it again when it is published in February 2019. I give it a deserving 5*/5* 😀

Brilliant just brilliant.

This is my first book by Carole Matthews and won't be the last. This one was just so heart warming I couldn't put it down.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

Happiness for Beginners is gem of a book from Carole Matthews.

Molly has run Hope Farm for years; she takes in animals that no one else wants as well as opening up her farm to troubled children who have difficulty with mainstream education. Selby Dacre asks Molly if she can enrol his son Lucas as he has been causing trouble at school. Selby is at his wits end and Molly appears to be his last hope.

Molly recognises in Lucas a lonely and unhappy soul and so with time and patience she helps him develop into the boy she knows he can be.

Carole Matthews has written another delightful book, with an excellent story line full of likeable characters, both human and animal. Heartwarming and fun with a touch of romance - the perfect read for a cold winter’s night.

Never disappoints the latest Carole Matthews is an absolute delight .... as always her real life characters envelope you in their world and you find yourself routing for them. An absolute pleasure to read

This was another great read from Carole Matthews - she never disappoints!

It is a heart-warming and touching storyline.

It had great attention to detail and was a real page turner for me, I was addicted to the story and couldn't wait to see how it would all end for the characters!

The book has strong and well developed characters that were easy relate too and I warmed to them from the outset.

5 stars from me - very highly recommended and can't wait for her next book!

This is definitely my favourite Carole Matthews book to date. The title is apt - I had a definite feel good glow whilst reading it. Carole never lets us down: an original story, a range of quirky characters with whom it’s easy to empathise and feel involved with. A definite plus for me was the addition of the equally quirky cast of animals. I do love the short, sharp chapters too. Much as I’d have liked not to put this book down, life dictates otherwise and the short chapters mean that the book can be picked up whenever the reader has a spare minute or two.

Romantic happy full of joy.Lovely book to sit down relax and fall into.Well written characters delicious stories another wonderful Carole Matthews novel.#netgalley #littlebrownuk,