Greatly enjoyed this read. Could have done without some of the Aiden nonsense but it worked out well in the end. Nice to have Jade in contact with Puddleduck farm as well. Only wish we had a bit more of the romance buildup. Enjoyed all of the animal rescue stories as they were heartwarming and nice interludes. All in it’s a perfect book to cuddle up with a mug of tea and relax with.

Lovely to see the start of a new series from Della and it has started just as well as the last series. I love all the animals with their different quirks and personalities and the love rivalry made a bit of fun so definitely looking forward to the next installment

I loved Della’s Puddle Duck Farm books so I was delighted to see a new series of books in a similar theme planned.
I work in the veterinary field and so books about animals are always enjoyed and this one was especially entertaining as I liked the added intrigue of two love interests for Jade!
A fantastic setting with adorable characters, and some surprisingly reveals made this a delightful read!
So many cute creatures and heartwarming moments added another layer of enjoyment to the story.
I relish reading Della’s gorgeous books, they are always so well researched and informative as well as fun and uplifting to read. I’m thrilled to have another series to read and revel in, you can’t beat a story featuring rescue animals and the wonderful characters who care for them.
I’m already looking forward to book two!

Della Galton’s A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage sets up a charming premise with its idyllic Wiltshire countryside setting, a fledgling animal rescue, and the promise of second chances in life and love. However, while the book is meant to deliver a heartwarming tale of healing and new beginnings, the execution falls a bit flat, leaving it feeling more like an average, predictable read than the compelling start to a new series.

The protagonist, Jade Foster, starts her journey after the tragic death of her mother and the end of a significant relationship. Using her inheritance to purchase a smallholding for her dream animal rescue sounds like the perfect setup for a character-driven, emotionally rich narrative. However, Jade’s character development feels somewhat shallow. While her love for animals and her grief over recent losses are mentioned, her emotions never quite break through the surface to create the connection one would expect from such a story. As a result, Jade's journey feels less impactful than it could have been.

One of the key elements of the book is the love triangle between Jade, her enigmatic farmhand Finn McTaggart, and the affable local vet, Aiden Southerland. Unfortunately, this dynamic lacks the tension and chemistry that might have made it more engaging. The rivalry between Finn and Aiden feels a bit forced, with neither man’s connection to Jade fully fleshed out. Finn, who is supposed to be grappling with his own demons, comes across as brooding without much depth, while Aiden, though more straightforward, never quite develops into a strong romantic contender. As a result, the romantic tension that could have added excitement to the plot feels somewhat tepid.

Galton does try to incorporate an element of mystery with Finn’s hidden past and the looming secret that threatens to unravel everything, but the buildup lacks suspense. When the secret is finally revealed, it doesn’t carry the emotional weight one might expect. Instead, it feels like a plot point inserted to create drama, rather than something that genuinely affects the characters or moves the story forward in a meaningful way.

The setting—Duck Pond Lane Rescue and the picturesque Wiltshire countryside—is perhaps the strongest aspect of the book. Galton does a lovely job of painting the scene, with descriptions that make the rural backdrop and the animals feel like characters in their own right. However, while the setting is charming, it isn’t enough to elevate the overall story, which struggles to maintain momentum or emotional depth.

A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage is certainly not without its charm, and fans of light, easygoing romances set in cozy countryside locales may find it an enjoyable escape. However, for readers looking for deeper emotional engagement or more complex character development, it might come off as a bit “meh,” as you mentioned. The potential for a heartwarming and layered story is there, but it feels underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more depth, more stakes, and more genuine connection between the characters.

Final Thoughts:
While A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage has the ingredients of a heartwarming story—love, second chances, and a picturesque animal rescue—it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The characters lack the emotional depth and chemistry needed to make the love triangle compelling, and the plot unfolds predictably without much suspense. Fans of light, cozy reads may still enjoy the rural setting and the idea of starting fresh, but for others, it may feel like just another pleasant, if forgettable, read.

Rescue stories!

This book centered on Jade, the founder of an animal rescue, her friends and the people who work for her. When Finn shows up and starts working for the rescue, Jade feels an attraction to him. An unexpected surprise takes place that makes Jade wonder if she and Finn should even try to have a future.

I liked this book, but felt it moved very slowly and I had trouble letting it keep my attention. There’s nothing bad, it is well-written, but I had to struggle to finish it. I’m sure there are many people who will love this book, but it just didn’t fully work for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I volunteer at my local animal rescue, so this ARC felt like a good fit. I enjoyed the characters and the ability to build a realistic romance story without automatically going to spice. I however felt the pace dragged a bit and didn't feel the connection for their rescue that I thought I would.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this first book in a new-series.

Following the death of Jade mother, their relationship wasn’t the best. Jade starts a sanctuary where animals can come and be looked after by her called Duck Pond Rescue. It’s something that Jade feels strongly about, but, she doesn’t feel the same about meeting people.

Finn, can put his hand to doing most things, but loves painting. He is offered a job by Jade and helps in making the building of the sanctuary more secure as well as the surroundings.

The local vet, Aiden isn’t too happy with Finn living with Jade, and spending too much time together.

The story has some secrets that kept as well as family drama, jealousy and so much more to keep you turning the pages of this book.

I highly recommend this book.

Still reeling from her mother's death, we meet Jade as she completes her purchase of the rundown smallholding, Duck Pond Cottage, and immediately starts with her plans to create a sanctuary for the local animals in need. Having survived a failed relationship, she’s sworn off men but has plenty of room for friends. Of course, Della has imagined two ideal suitors for her, and we get a front-row seat as their advances gain momentum.

Della always imagines lovely characters, and even though this book was previously published as Passing Shadows, there’s no sign of the story being stale; I was hooked from the opening pages.
Plenty of time is spent on character development, and I was left feeling like I had found a new friendship circle.

Some of the animal characters are guaranteed to pull at the reader’s heartstrings, but there’s nothing too difficult to contend with, and there’s even a trip back to the New Forest and Puddleduck Farm. My favourites were a feral cat and a frightened Jack Russel cross. Della certainly breathed life into them and I was ready to offer them a virtual forever home.

Jade is simply lovely, and her heart is definitely in the right place. She protects it from the agony of injured or abandoned animals and from the advances of would-be suitors. Of course, this is romantic fiction, but it’s also a spoiler-free review, so if you want to know more, please buy or borrow a copy and enjoy exploring Wiltshire.

A nice little, easy to read book, with easy to get to know main characters - Jade & Finn and their ambition to create a wonderful animal sanctuary, in a beautiful part of the country. Nice to curl up on the sofa with, on a rainy afternoon.

A quick, easy and cute read that will live in my heart for a long time to come, I absolutely loved everything about it from the setting to the characters to the animals. It was perfection

Thank you to netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion. I really enjoyed reading this book. We follow Jade on her journey and the highs and lows of setting up an animal rescue centre. As well as there being humour and romance within the story, there are also some emotional topics covered. Good story, likeable characters and I am looking forward to the next book.

A brilliant 4.5 star read full of animals, romance and friendships.

Jade runs an animal shelter and needs help, luckily Finn is looking for a place to stay and a job. Finn is an artist, but will do a handy-persons job while he paints on the side. It’s a lovely read that will leave a smile on your face, there are funny bits and sad parts too. It’s an easy read that’s the first book in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

e-ARC from NetGalley.

DNF at 78%.

This book just wasn't for me. As an animal lover, I thought I'd connect more with our protagonist, Jade, since she runs an animal rescue. Instead, I found it rather dull. The writing tended towards telling more than showing, and I wasn't able to get attached to the animals.

I also didn't feel an ounce of chemistry between Jade and Finn, plus the added complication of Sarah and Ben just felt like too much.

I received a digital ARC of A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book to have a cute setting that would have many readers swooning and dreaming about moving to the country and finding their own Duck Pond Cottage. As someone who often fantasizes about having my own animal sanctuary and hobby farm, it quickly gained my interest. The characters seemed realistic with multiple relationship dynamics at work. The main romance felt genuine. The pacing of the overall story felt a little off; the beginning was slower and the ending seemed to speed through several plot points to get to a conclusion, though it was still an enjoyable story. If you like slow burn romances and slice-of-life stories, I would recommend A New Arrival at Duck Pond Cottage.

I really love an Della Galton read and I completely adored this delightful story, you can’t help but become addicted and end up page turning until late into the evening , I loved Jade and Finn so much, they’re so cute. Like previous books this so well written and can’t wait to read more about Duck Pond Animal Rescue and I’m so looking forward to the next books and so much more reading joy to come.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this before publication.

As an animal lover, I was excited to be approved for this one.

A very cute, heartwarming and lovely romance.

A big hug in a book!

Would highly recommend to my book and animal lover friends.

An animal lover myself, I could not pass on the opportunity to read this super cute and cozy book about Jade Foster. After the death of her mother and a bad breakup from her boyfriend, she quits vet school and uses her inheritance to buy an old farm in the countryside. There she lives her dream and opens an animal rescue. She takes in unwanted and injured animals and gives them a second chance. On the first anniversary of her mother’ passing, she coincidentally runs into Finn McTaggart. He is not a local and just lost his grandparents who lived in the village. She can’t get him out of her head. Five months later, he comes back to the village to sort out his grandparents’ cottage so that his father can sell it. Jade offers him a job to do odd jobs at the rescue. And then there is Aiden Southerland, the divorced local vet who helps Jade wherever he can but is too shy to ask her for a date. Can Jade overcome her past and find true love?
I really enjoyed this easy and delightful read and found myself turning page after page. I grew fond of Jade and Finn (and all the animals) and cheered for a happy ending. The story is so well written and it gripped me from beginning to the end. I definitely want to read more about Duck Pond Animal Rescue and can’t wait for the next installment in this new series. 4⭐️
Thank you Netgally, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read this advance copy. The above is my honest review and own opinion.

A great romance set in an animal rescue centre. Jade and Finn are great characters but I found Aiden rather creepy, even at the end. I enjoyed the book but found the pace a little slow at times.

This book is brilliant! I literally could not put it down and the best news is it’s the first in a series and I cannot wait to catch up with Jade, Finn, Sarah, Callum and Ben again. A wonderful cast of characters - human as well as animals. I loved every page. I’m now going to investigate Della Galton’s Puddleduck Farm series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.

What a delightful new series and I loved the little links to Puddleduck Farm and vets.

Overall I liked the characters of Finn and Jade. They both had painful childhood pasts and never thought they could move past them but when they were together it just seemed as if none of mattered and they helped each other explore their trauma and move on from it.

I wasn’t quite so taken with Sarah and I felt her deception went on far too long and was very unfair on Jade and Finn. Four months of secrets and seemingly no real friendship between the women in that time, for me seemed odd. There was no mention of Jade missing her bestest friend and nephew over those months, when previously they spent a lot of time together with Ben visiting the animal shelter all the time. I found that odd and hard to get past, I was expecting a long heart to heart amongst the women very soon after Jade discovered the truth. I understand Sarah was scared but it wasn’t really fully explored so I felt it made her come off as a bad person.

However, that aside I liked Jade and Finn and the side story of Aiden and Kate. The goat incident really made me laugh. The friendship and love in the story was nicely paced and thought through. I wonder whose story we will get next.