Happiness for Beginners

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,

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

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* 😀

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.

Happiness for beginners, this book is happiness ! Such a joyful happy read tha makes you feel good and happy. I loved Molly and Lucas so much and Shelby grew on me, but I am a sucker for a happy ending. Such a lovely tale, a brilliant pick me up in January blues time. Highly recommended

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Molly runs Hope Farm giving homes to anti-social sheep, alpacas with attitude, definitely-not-miniature pigs and offers alternative education to kids who haven't blossomed in mainstream schools. A distractingly handsome Shelby Dacre turns up hoping to enrol his wayward son, Lucas. Molly isn't fazed and immediately accepts him as a student but soon she realises Lucas is more of a handful than she predicted, has she made terrible mistake or can everyone find a second chance at Hope Farm?

This novel is irresistibly quirky, funny and absolutely jam packed with heart! Join Molly and the cast of dysfunctional but lovable characters on the farm that gives them purpose, joy and a sense of community. The antics the animals get up will have you giggling in no time. When the farm is threatened with closure Molly needs all the help she can get making sure that it doesn't happen. Molly has a full on life and doesn't have time for to fall in love but her heart has other ideas... curl up with a cuppa and treat yourself to Matthews at her very best, this is feel-good fiction at it's finest I didn't want it to end!

Thanks to NetGalley & Little Brown Book Group UK for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

I was lucky enough to be approved by NetGalley to review this book. This is such a good, heart warming read. Having grown up on a farm, I love how realistically Matthews shows life on the farm and how important the animals are no matter what else is going on. I loved the maternal relationship between Molly and Lucas. Not many romance novels deal with this sort of relationship, and I could feel the love she had for Lucas leap off the page. If you’re looking for a nice, heartfelt read - this is the book for you!

I’ve read numerous books by this author & this one didn’t disappoint. What a great read I’d recommend this to anyone.

Happiness for Beginners by Carole Matthews a five-star read you will want to start from the beginning as it’s just so good. This may just be the best comedy I will read in 2019, it has everything drama, funnies and a hot male love interest who you want to punch on quite a few occasions. I really mean it, this story has it all from some of the cutest/creepiest animals that will make you aaawww to the greatest of teenagers (complete with tantrums) who will make your heart sink so far that you will sob like a teenager who just had their heart broken for the first time. Hope Farm is an amazing place and I only wish that there were more places like this in real life. This is one of those stories that will stay with you. Carole Matthews has a talent for writing that few will ever match, this story is one that will draw you in and make you envision that you are in a field in Buckinghamshire with a sheep on the rampage and a couple of cute shetlands with horns.

A great story line with brilliant main characters.. I read this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.

Such an endearing story! Happiness For Beginners is a fun romp through a wonderful world. The animals are awesome. The humans are loveable and real. It's an all around warm blanket read. If you want to smile, read this book. You will not be disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The perfect Sunday read! I started this book and finished it within the day as it was so enjoyable. A decent easy read that has lots of story and depth to it keeping you entranced as to what happens next!

A great read, though it took me a little while to get in to it. Once in I was absolutely hooked. Loved Molly and her farm and penchant for troubled souls. Having worked in a Pupil Referral Unit I was able to identify with Molly and Bev and their understanding of youngsters with issues. This was a lovely gentle story where things that you thought would never be resolved got sorted. Hilarious in parts and and very heartwarming. Would recommend this and will be reading more from Carole Matthews

What a wonderful uplifting read. I do love Carole Matthew's so it's no surprise I quickly found myself drawn into the story. The characters are likeable and well thought out and you feel yourself rooting for them all. Loved it. Would be great to have a sequel to see what happens next.

I absolutely loved this book! I've read a lot of Carole's book and this didn't disappoint!

Molly lives on a farm in a caravan and she has her hands full looking after all the animals. The farm is also a school for student who can't handle mainstream schooling, for whatever reason.

The story is well written and tells of the turmoil Molly has to endure to keep her lovely farm and home.

Who wouldn't want a knight in shining armour to rescue? Molly perhaps?

Read it - you'll enjoy it. It's an easy but lovely read and the characters are very believable and charming.

I know I keep saying so, but since I bought my very first Carole Matthews’ novel nearly 20 years ago it’s been a crescendo of laughter, emotions, tears, more laughter, more emotions and yes, more tears (mainly tears of joy, I hasten to add). Hers are captivating, beautifully written stories that you can’t possibly put down until you reach the end (and usually leaving you with a strong will to go to the first page and start all over again).
Happiness for Beginners is no exception and it had me up until the small hours for a couple of days until I reached the final page.
With her trademark positive approach to life and to its ups and downs, the author tells us the story of a quirky and well assorted group of characters (and I’m not only talking about the humans here. Animals do become characters themselves and I dare you not to fall in love with them all) through the voice of the protagonist.
I can promise you you’re in a for a fantastic read. The positivity and the optimism radiating from this book (make that all of her books) should be bottled and prescribed when in need of a tonic for the soul.
As a Carole Matthews’ fan I was beyond happy and beyond grateful when I was granted access to a review copy of Happiness for Beginners on NetGalley for which I thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley .

I have never read a Carole Matthews novel before, and I only chose to read this when I saw how well it was being received by so many readers. I have to admit that I struggled to get into it at the beginning when it crossed my mind that this was not going to be for me, but it was not long before everything changed. It grabbed hold of me and never let go until before I knew it, it was the end of the book. This is a delightful read, funny, witty, with bags full of heart and overflowing with charm. 38 year old Molly Baker is a misfit, a loner, shy, running Hope Farm in Buckinghamshire, which she inherited from her beloved Aunt Hettie, now dead, but still desperately missed by Molly. The animals on her farm are the real stars here, unwanted, damaged, missing limbs, with attitude and health issues, all taken in by Molly who loves them to pieces.

Molly's life is pared down to the basics, she lives in a dilapidated and ancient caravan, has no TV, her life revolves around running the farm, trying to make ends meet financially, but never succeeding, . She runs the farm as an alternative school for those children that mainstream education cannot cope with, those with behavioural and learning difficulties, autism, and more. The children respond to the animals, taking care of them, learning to bond with other children, develop self esteem and confidence that has sadly been lacking in their lives. Helping Molly run and maintain the farm are the offbeat and capable Bev and the retired taciturn Alan. Shelby Dacre is the famous good looking celebrity soap star playing a farmer in a long running series. He is at the end of his tether, unable to cope with his son, Lucas, thrown out of school with a penchant for arson. He is hoping that Molly can reach and connect with Lucas when he cannot.

Molly finds a troubled teen, having lost his mother, drowning in grief, getting barely any attention from his father. Lucas worms his way into Molly's heart, and despite their different lives, she begins to hanker after Shelby, surely she is setting herself up for inevitable heartbreak? Meanwhile, Molly's farm, her home, the school and the animals face being closed down for good. Become acquainted and entranced with Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and Johnny Rotten, the obstreperous trio of alpacas, the aggressive and anti-social sheep, one legged chickens, the pygmy goats and more. This is a fabulously entertaining read from an author who is a natural storyteller. I am thinking there will not be many readers who will be able to resist this novel! Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.

A truly wonderful heart-warming story containing all the best ingredients - love, self-discovery, animals and friendship. A springtime must read for anyone looking for that ‘hallmark’ fuzzy feeling.

I found the first few chapters of this book a bit hard to get into but I am so glad I persevered as it was an unusual and heartwarming story. The central character is Molly Baker who runs a farm that caters for damaged animals and children who find normal school too difficult to cope with for a variety of reasons. Molly herself prefers animals to people and has adopted some real characters like Anthony, the anti-social sheep. The story revolves around the development of one of the students, Lucas, and the threat to the farm's continued existence after
it is compulsorily purchased to make way for HS2. There are many delightfully drawn and slightly eccentric characters in this book that compelled me to keep reading to find out what happened to them!

Enjoyed this book. Great characters, animals with larger than life personalities, working together to support young people who are struggling in mainstream schools. Lots of humour and laugh out loud moments. Well worth a read. Thank you for letting me review this book xx

Thanks netgalley for the copy of this book for an honest review.

I love Carole Matthew's books and this one is no exception. It's about an alternative school; a last chance saloon for some kids. Right from the start main character Molly is endearing; the whole book is written from her pov and the reader rides through her day to day emotions to the warm, fuzzy, heartwarming ending I've come to love from this author. I literally could not put this down once I started.

Another heart warming tale from Carole Matthews. Exactly the kind of escapism I needed this week – heading to bed with Happiness for Beginners at the end of a stressful day was blissful.

Molly has been fighting to keep her Hope Farm afloat for years. Not only does she look after her animals but she takes special needs children under her wing and changes their lives for the better. When the farm comes under threat Molly has to learn to let other people help her and even starts to enjoy it.

If you love Carole's other books you won't be disappointed. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

Carole Matthews has written another charming, heartwarming delight of a novel. I loved the strong woman that the character of Molly is and the unique circumstances that bring her and Shelby together make this romance feel fresh. I loved it and always look forward to more from Matthews!

This story has everything, including our wonderful heroine, Molly who owns and runs Hope Farm for disadvantaged children and also teenagers who cannot settle into normal school life. Hope Farm is also home to a variety of damaged animals, including Anthony the anti-social sheep, little dog - a Jack Russell (who always looks as though he is smiling due to nerve damage on his face) and big dog who only has three legs, pygmy goats, alpacas etc, you get my drift (sorry this is Molly speak, but I seem to have been transported to her world far too easily).

Helping her run the farm is her assistant Bev, who is older but not necessarily wiser and Alan, a curmudgeonly odd job man with a heart of gold. Molly lives on the land in a decrepit caravan and has to wash from an outdoor home-made shower.

Into this mix comes Lucas, a teenager who is grieving the loss of his mum and his dad, an actor of some repute by the name of Shelby Dacre.

Carole Matthew’s took me on a wonderful journey following the inhabitants of the farm. Molly is like a breath of fresh air in her simplicity. I finished this book far too quickly and was definitely left wanting more. So, please, please, please Carol can you write a sequel?

Another lovely read from Carole Matthews. This book is definitely one for when you have a lot of time because you will want to read it in one go. I recommend on the beach!

I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book! The story centres around Molly and the animals and people who make up Hope Farm. The farm is described as a 'last chance saloon' and works with young adults with additional needs relating to learning, behaviour or mental wellbeing. All of the animals are unique, a little less than perfect (to some) and have their own additional needs.

Molly was a brilliantly down to earth character who I was really backing throughout the story. In fact, there isn't a single main character whom I didn't like. But it was the animals that really won me over. I'm a sucker for a slightly wonky, less than straightforward rescue animal and I fell in love with the characters given to the different residents of the farm.

The story itself moved at a good pace, I found myself completely immersed in the events and longing for a happy ending. I would love to read more with these characters in the future. A wonderful, feel good read!

I'm a huge fan of Carole Matthews books anyway but this book has got to be one of my favourites.
Packed with action and a brilliant story line, this book had me hooked from the start.
I loved the main character Molly, what a sweetie.
My only hope is that there might be an installment from Hope Farm in the future as I definitely didn't want this book to end.

I really wish I could give this more than 5 stars.
Molly Baker runs Hope Farm a haven for "bewildered, damaged and troubled animals and children".
She has an eclectic bunch of animals, Antony the anti-social sheep, Teacup the very oversized micro pig and 3 Alpacas who barely tolerate each other never mind humans.
Molly has opened up the farm to children who have had issues in mainstream school and they seem to thrive in the relaxed atmosphere of the farm, helping to look after the animals and learning new skills.
She might not have much (or any) social life and she lives hand to mouth in a run down caravan but Molly is happy with her life. Then the suave soap star Shelby Dacre arrives with his son Luke, who has recently been excluded from school, and asks Molly for her help. Luke is at first sulky and truculent but begins to respond to Molly's unique brand of therapy. Can Molly help Luke and should she resist Shelby's undoubted charms or should she open herself to the chance of happiness.
There are a lot of laughs but also some very sad moments in this book and I can't recommend it highly enough.

If you want a fantastic feel good read then Happiness for Beginners by Carole Matthews is definitely for you. It follows the story of Molly who runs Hope Farm in Buckinghamshire. It’s a refuge for waifs and strays including Anthony the angry sheep, high maintenance alpacas and a pony that’s allergic to its own hair. It also offers local children with special needs or those who’ve been excluded from school to spend their days at an alternative school. Add in a dashing actor and his wayward son and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group and the author for the chance to review.

Every single time I review a Carole Matthews book I say "this is her best one yet, it doesn't get better" and every single time she replies with "hold my tea"! I swear this woman is the QUEEN of #ChickLit!!!

Carole has taken a lovely, quirky rom-com and added animal antics galore!!!

Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!!!

100 STARS!!!