Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage by Cathy Woodman Blog Tour

Today it is my stop on the Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage Blog Tour.

This is the 10th novel set in Talyton St George and I loved returning to this fabulous fictional village.

Cathy Woodman is joining us today to tell us about  Five of the Best Places to Visit in East Devon in the Spring

Hello Rea

Thank you for welcoming me to your wonderful blog.

I loved revisiting Talyton St George in my new book ‘Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage’. As it has a springtime theme and is set in East Devon, I thought I’d introduce you to five of the best places to visit here at this time of year.

I’m also pleased to tell you that I’ve recently moved back to the ‘Talyton St George’ area in real life, so the other weekend I was eating ice cream on the beach at Sidmouth. I can thoroughly recommend the Salcombe salted caramel flavour! 

Sidmouth

Sidmouth is a seaside town set below green hills and the red sandstone cliffs of the Jurassic coast, a World Heritage site. It is beautiful at any time of year, but in spring you can enjoy walking along the Esplanade where the row of fine Regency buildings looks out across the sea. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can walk the coastal path to Beer and Branscombe to the east. Connaught Gardens are well worth a visit to see the collection of temperate plants and bulbs that are in flower in the spring. And while you’re there, stop at the Clock Tower Café for an enormous slice of cake.       

The Donkey Sanctuary

If you are in Sidmouth, drop in to the Donkey Sanctuary where you can hug a donkey like Timmy, the one in the photo. It’s a working farm, so it’s important to dress up for the spring weather and wear suitable footwear. For more information, visit their website at https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth

South West Coast Path - Budleigh Salterton to Otterton

The walk starts at the Limekiln car park at the mouth of the River Otter in Budleigh Salterton which has a pebble beach. You follow the estuary then continue along the river where you can see the signs of spring.

I based my description of the River Taly that runs through Talyton St George on the River Otter, so while you are there, looking at the scenery, I hope you will be able to imagine Flick and Robbie from ‘Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage’ riding their horses along the riverbank.

   

I would recommend a stop at Otterton Mill, a water mill from the mid-19^th century, where you can have lunch, buy fresh bread and buy works by local artists and craftspeople. It’s very popular so it can get busy.

Follow the link here to check parking and accessibility: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/7/#

 

Killerton House

Killerton House is a National Trust property. It is an eighteenth century house with landscaped gardens surrounded by beautiful parkland. Inside, there is a historical fashion collection. It is particularly renowned for its collection of spring flowers, including cyclamen, celandine, bluebells, snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, camellias and magnolias.  

For more information on opening times and admission prices, see http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

Exmouth Beach

Exmouth is situated on the Exe estuary at the western limit of the Jurassic Coast. It has two miles of sandy beaches where you can walk and look for shells or paddle, when it’s warm enough! There are cafés, lawns and displays of spring blooms along the seafront.

In the Talyton St George series, the seaside town of Talymouth was inspired by my trips to Exmouth, and in ‘Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage’, Flick visits Talysands which is loosely based on Dawlish Warren on the opposite side of the Exe estuary.     

When I visited Exmouth the other week, much of the beach had been washed or blown up onto the roads and pavements by one of the big storms and there was a team of people in the process of moving it all back again.

If you take your dog with, just check which areas of the beach they are allowed on and when as there are restrictions as spring turns into summer.

  

I hope you will enjoy some of the many attractions the area has to offer if you are passing through, or staying here on holiday.

Happy reading!

x Cathy

My Review

After years of training, horse-mad Flick has finally achieved her dream of becoming one of the few female blacksmiths in the country.

Her first job is in Talyton St George. The little cottage on the green where she is staying is idyllic, and it feels like the fresh start she needs. But she soon finds she is having to work overtime to prove her abilities to the not-so-welcoming locals. 

One person very much on her side though is Robbie Salterton. He’s a bit of a local celebrity – a handsome stunt rider who does charity work in his spare time – and he seems to be going out of his way to look out for Flick. But is he just being friendly or does he see Flick as something more? 

Despite swearing off men, Flick can’t help wanting to find out . . .

Cathy Woodman’s books are all set in the idyllic village of Talyton St George and every time she releases another book in the series I cannot wait to revisit the Village and the familiar characters. Cathy Woodman’s latest release is her 10^th book set in Talyton St George and the cover of Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage is just as inviting as the storyline it holds inside.

Flick is new to Talyton St George, a qualified blacksmith she is covering for the village’s Farrier Mel whilst he has surgery but his clients are not all thrilled with the thought of not only a new Farrier but a lady Farrier at that, Flick has a hard task of proving her skills and winning their trust. Luckily one of the clients the handsome Robbie is more than happy with Flick and with the pair of them both being horse mad they have a great connection but does he just see Flick as one of the lads?

I was so absorbed by this storyline that I couldn’t put it down and as I found myself flying through the pages enjoying my return to Talyton St George I then didn’t want to reach the end as I hate leaving the characters we meet in these books behind. Ten books have been set in this village and there is still a great appeal to the books and it is great that we get to see snippets of the characters from the previous books to see how they are doing too.

Flick was another hardworking and friendly character who I loved from the first chapter and she was determined to be self-sufficient and prove to herself as well as overs that she can do things alone and she can do things well too. Robbie was our typical charmer who, like most of the women in the village, can’t help but swoon over.

I still feel like Cathy Woodman’s books do not get the justice the recognition they deserve, she has such a wonderful flow to her writing and you can see how much knowledge and research she puts into her storylines. This book can easily be read as a standalone so if you have never read one of Cathy Woodman’s books then pick this one up and please shout about to friends and family as they are such wonderful books you are missing out on.

This is a charming and quaint read that is uplifting and entertaining, yes ok the romance side of the book is rather predictable but that really didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. This book gets a big thumbs up from me and I cannot wait for the next trip to Talyton St George. 

Paperback              Kindle

Vets on Call by Cathy Woodman

Today I am joined on the blog by one of my favourite authors, the wonderful Cathy Woodman who is going to be talking to us about writing her new book Vets on Call.

When I was writing Vets on Call, I really enjoyed my return visit to Otter House to catch up with some of my favourite characters there. I've always planned to write Shannon's story which is inspired in part by the wonderful and dedicated vet nurses I have met while working as a small animal vet. If you've read Must Be Love and It's a Vet's Life, you will have already met Shannon and some of the animals she cares for. 

 Planning Vets on Call took me back to when I was a newly-qualified vet starting out in practice. I'd been called out at night and at weekends when I was a student, so I thought I knew what being 'on call' meant, but I don't believe anything could have prepared me for the reality. The phone could ring at any time, usually just as I'd decided to go to bed or prepare a meal, not that it mattered when an animal needed urgent treatment, or a client needed reassurance.

 I never knew what was going to happen next, being woken in the small hours by clients whose dogs had swallowed a variety of objects from kite strings to needles, or whose cats had been run over. There were the happy occasions, such as the successful Caesareans, bringing tiny puppies and kittens safely into the world, and the sad ones, such as the sick elderly dogs who had deteriorated over the weekend to a point where they couldn't be saved. 

I couldn't have got through it without the support and good humour of the vet nurses who were on call with me. Shannon in Vets on Call is caring, compassionate and hard-working, just like them.

Thank you for stopping by and talking to us Cathy I think this is why I enjoy your books so much because you have lived the life that your characters are living so your experience and love for the job and animals shines through in your books. 

Motorbike-riding, leather-clad Ross looks like a bad boy, but underneath the leathers, he’s a good-looking charmer and he soon worms way into the hearts of everyone in Talyton St George. Even vet nurse Shannon warms to him. So when she needs a place to live, it makes sense to move in with Ross. Just as a friend, of course. As they grapple with escaped snakes and feral cats, their friendship deepens, until they can’t deny their feelings for each other any longer. But when a terrible accident leaves Shannon’s life in tatters, it changes their relationship forever. Because how will she ever know whether Ross is staying with her out of love or pity?

My Review

One of my favourite authors is Cathy Woodman, each year I eagerly await her new release hoping that it will still be set in the idyllic village of Talyton St George and so I was over the moon when the cover to Vets on Call was revealed and as I headed over to read the synopsis I found that once again we would be returning to village.

Otter House is getting busier by the day so a new vet is coming to the clinic in the form of a young, motorbike loving guy called Ross and it isn’t long before he has everyone warming to him especially our lovely vet nurse Shannon. Shannon is desperate to move out and Ross can’t bare it much longer living with Sophia so the pair decide to become housemates, but should they be mixing work with their personal lives?

Cathy Woodman has delivered another cosy, romantic read and I found myself slipping easily back into the village and vet life again thanks to this authors effortless writing style. Talyton St George seems like such a familiar place now and although we have returned to this village time and time again in Cathy’s books it never gets bored, I love coming back to this welcoming village where everyone knows everyone and there is a great community feel.

We have a new character this time, Ross, and he fits in so well at Otter House he sure is the eye candy for this book. Our main character is the lovely Shannon who we have met before and it is great to see how she is getting on at Otter House and she seems to be really embracing her role as vet nurse. We also so the return of some much loved characters, Maz, Emma, Penny, Frances and of course not forgetting Tripod our furry member of staff!

I loved the storyline and although the romance between Shannon and Ross was predictable I really didn’t mind I was enjoying watching the love between them blossom and just as I was getting caught up in their love life with my rose tinted glasses on there is a twist that made me gasp. Cathy Woodman writes about a horrendous event and she makes it feel realistic which is why it is so shocking to think that this happens in daily life and yet she dealt with this in such a delicate way, and explores the aftermath of the event too.

Cathy Woodman has never got the recognition she deserves and I will continue to promote her books in every way I can because her books are easy to follow, well researched, idyllic setting with lovable characters her books just wrap us up in her cosy literary world. I am not a big animal lover myself and yet these books just have me hooked from the first chapter. I sure hope we have more books from Cathy set in Taylton St George.

Paperback               Kindle


Vets on Call is released on the 9th April.

I am giving away a copy of this fantastic book enter below

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Follow Me Home by Cathy Woodman

The village midwife and a young shepherd find love in the new novel from the bestselling author of Trust Me I'm a Vet and Country Loving, set in Talyton St George, Britain's most romantic town Life has been tough for village midwife Zara. Recently divorced and living with her grandmother, Zara is struggling to get back on track. Until one day, love walks in, in the form of an abandoned puppy. Although Zara adores her new friend, the puppy causes havoc wherever they go, so she is grateful when local shepherd Lewis offers to train her.

But Lewis has an ulterior motive for helping. And though Zara may be able to trust him with her naughty dog, can she trust him with her bruised heart?

After reading Cathy Woodman’s short story The Three of Us which is about the characters in Follow Me Home I couldn’t wait to get started.

The village midwife Zara has recently divorced from her husband and life just seems to be on a low. Having been afraid of dogs for so long the last thing Zara expected to change her life would be her new dog Frosty who she found abandoned. Frosty proves to be a handful but help is at hand in the form of her sisters Shepherd Lewis but it is quite clear that Lewis has an ulterior motive to helping with Frosty but has Zara been burned for life?

Zara was such a warm friendly character who I instantly adored which I often find with Cathy Woodmans female leads she manages to create such normal but loving ladies that you can’t help but warm to. I loved seeing a variety of characters from past Talyton St George books, it gave the book a familiar feel and it was great to be able to see what has been happening to the characters. I loved Poppy in this book she is struggling to adjust with having a baby sister and some of the things she does and comments she makes were quite comical. 

The storyline was a joy to read and was easy to follow, it does cover some realistic topics to do with pregnancies such as infertility and teenage pregnancies as well as coping with dementia too which were all covered really well but didn’t make the book a deep read it was still a light cosy read. Although I am not a big animal lover I can’t help but love all of Cathy Woodman’s books she always manages to bring the animals into the storyline but yet still make the storylines completely different so they don’t feel repetitive.

I loved this book just as much as the authors previous books I hope that Cathy Woodman continues to create more stories for us in the village of Talyton St George.

Kindle       Paperback

The lovely publishers at Random House are offering a copy of Follow Me Home for me to giveaway so if you would like to be in with a chance in getting your hands on a copy then enter the rafflecopter competition below ( UK ONLY THIS TIME )


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The Three Of Us by Cathy Woodman

Tessa and Jack live at the animal sanctuary in Talyton St George. They had been friends for years, but it wasn't until Jack interrupted Tessa's wedding that she discovered his feelings for her were stronger than she ever knew.

Now, a year on, they could not be happier. And when Tessa discovers she's pregnant, it's as if all their dreams have come true. But a scan shows that there are complications, and suddenly Tessa realises that Jack has always had doubts about having a baby. Supported throughout by Zara, the village midwife, Tessa and Jack have some tough decisions to make.

However, as the baby's birth draws closer, Tessa and Jack grow further apart. Will he feel differently when the baby is born? Or will having her wonderful child mean losing the man of her dreams?

I have been looking forward to Cathy Woodman’s up and coming release Follow Me  Home, and as I was browsing through Netgalley I came across a short story by the author about a few of the characters that are going to be in the new book so I didn’t hesitate in downloading it to give me a little fix until the new book is released.

I have to admit I am not a big fan of short stories as they usually always leave me on a cliff hanger or feeling ripped off because of the price of a book that you finish in five minutes but for me The Three of us was a great read that gave us a bit of background on some of the characters who are going to be in the new book. It was quite an emotional storyline in truth and I found myself taking a dislike to Jack in this book because of his way of handling the situation it really made me feel for Tessa. It was great to catch up with Tessa and Jack who we met in The Village Vet, and it was also nice to be introduced to our new character Zara who will be the lead character in Follow Me Home.

It looks as though we can look forward to seeing another path to the authors writing, whilst animals are still involved in the storyline it seems to me that judging by this short story the new book will be about babies and pregnancy and I am looking forward to seeing what the author has in store for us this time.

I did enjoy this short story and I would recommend you to read this if you are a fan of Cathy Woodman, I don’t see that you need to read this one in order to enjoy the new release but it is a great little fix, my only downside is I still feel it is overpriced for a short story as personally I wouldn’t pay more than 99p for a short story.

Kindle

I am taking part in the Follow Me Home blog tour so stop by on Wednesday to read my review and also to take part in the giveaway.....

Country Loving by Cathy Woodman

From city accountant to lady farmer. Successful accountant Stevie receives two surprises in one week: a proposal of marriage from her boyfriend Nick and a phone call begging her to return to the family farm in Talyton St George to help out after her father has a stroke. But what she thought would be a long weekend in the country turns into much longer as she struggles to bring order to her father's rundown farm.

Finally, she decides to give up her job - and her fiance - and take on the farm permanently. Returning to Talyton St George reminds Stevie of how much she loves the country, and she enjoys the challenge of looking after the cows, especially as this brings her into close contact with local vet Leo. Until a life-changing complication throws all her plans into disarray, and destroys her growing romance with Leo...

I have read all of Cathy Woodmans Talyton St George books and I have loved each and every one of them. I can never understand how this author’s books are never shouted about because I cannot find fault with her books.

Country Loving brings us another new character to the village of Talyton St George this time in the form of City accountant Stevie. She has returned to her dad’s farm after an SOS call from Cecil who helps on the farm. The family farm is falling through her dad’s fingers and he isn’t helping the matter. Stevie has to make a choice if to stay and get the farm back into order or if to return to her life in the city.

We see all of our favourite characters from the previous books make an appearance in this book especially busy body Fifi and the lovely Jennie from the authors last book The Sweetest Thing so we already feel as though we are on familiar territory and this gives the book a cosy and familiar feel. Stevie is a fabulous character and take us by surprise when we first meet her she is very groomed and living the life in the city with a posh car, career and a nice bit of cash coming in so the last thing I expected was for her to consider mucking in at the farm! Stevie is very down to earth and makes mistake like any of us would but she also has a big heart and this is what I love about her.

For those of you who have read all of the previous books you will know that Vets are a big part of these series of books and whilst our main character is not a vet this time we still have a big presence of vets in this book. The author always manages to set the scene perfectly, her descriptive writing really makes you visualise the setting as though you are there. I also like the little map at the start of the book so you can see the layout of the village this is a lovely touch.

This book is a perfect Sunday read with its country feel. I think this definitely has to be up there with my favourites by this author it was nice to have another book in the village but with a main character that played a different role. I loved this book from start to finish and would read it again. If you are looking for an easy and effortless read that will put a smile on your face and give you a warm fuzzy (or should I say furry)feeling this is the one for you.

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Vets in Love by Cathy Woodman

I absolutely adore Cathy Woodman’s books and I still feel she doesn’t get the recognition she deserves.

Cathy has taken this book down a slightly different path this time with our main character Nikki being a GP rather than a vet which is what I think is what has brought the spark back from the first two books as I think Cathy had done all she can with vets as lead characters in Talyton st George, so having Nikki has brought a breath of fresh air to this book. Nikki is a down to earth, loveable character who loves to ride her horse Willow and takes part in horse events.

As love looks like it could be blossoming between Nikki and the handsome local vet Matt, problems begin to develop and Matt soon gives Nikki an ultimatum Him or riding, stuck between a rock and hard place what discussion will Nikki make?

We see a number of characters from the previous books return to make an appearance in this book which gave the book a cosy and familiar feeling but having said this they do not have important roles so you can easily read this book as a standalone book.

What I love about Cathy’s writing is it flows so effortlessly and at an even keel enveloping you into the storyline straight from the first chapter and carries you right the way through to a perfect ending without feeling rushed and also with no low points in the book which would make you want to skim through the pages when you lose interest.

These books are great for readers who love believable romance and stories set in cosy little villages, oh and a love of animals help but is not essential!

I highly recommend this book although not one to get you in the festive mood as the topic of Christmas is only briefly touched upon, this would still make a perfect Christmas gift.

Paperback                Kindle

The Village Vet by Cathy Woodman

I have always been a firm fan of Cathy Woodman, when I read It’s a Vets Life last year I thought we had seen the end of the vet series of books by this author but then I hear there is a new one called The Village Vet, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy to see what is going to happen in the idyllic village of Talyton St George.

The Village Vet focuses on a new character Tessa Wilde, when we first meet Tessa she is about to get married but after her ex Jack arrives at church pleading with Tessa not to marry Nathan she soon gets cold feet not that she would admit that it is because of Jacks outburst.

Tessa is left single and with a huge sum of debt and no home until her aunt gives her a life line and offers Tessa the opportunity to run the new local animal sanctuary but there was one thing Tessa didn’t bargain on and that was how close she would be working with Jack, thing is have the two still got feelings for each other that could result in them rekindling their old romance?

Cathy Woodman creates yet another loveable down to earth character in Tessa. It took no time at all to warm to her character, unfortunately I didn’t have the same thoughts about Tessa’s best friend Katie from the first moment I met her I instantly had my guard up about her I took an instant dislike to her character and felt as though she was hiding something and after a few chapters I thought I knew what it was she was hiding and I was right although it was predictable I enjoyed the build up awaiting the truth to arise.

We have yet another handsome and charming vet in Jack he did have a similar feel to Alex in previous books but I also loved his character so I am not going to complain about that! The relationship both professional and personal, between Tessa and Jack is what really makes this book the constant will they won’t they throughout the book makes this a real page turner. It is quite clear whilst reading this book that the author has had experience within the vet world as we meet many different animals with various ailments that all need re-homing and with the author putting detailed information into this fictional book it makes the story feel very realistic.

I love that some of the characters from the previous books make an appearance again in this book giving a familiar feel to the book.

If you love animals and are looking for a cosy country book with a gentle pace for your weekend read then The Village Vet needs to be next on your to be read list. 

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It's A Vets Life by Cathy Woodman

We currently have a Give Away running on our blog for you to win your own copy of Cathy Woodman’s new novel It’s a Vets Life, I have just finished reading my copy of this book and I thought I would put my review of this book straight up so you know what you have to look forward to if you are the lucky winner!


Plot
Long, irregular hours; occasional risk of injury; often smelly and dirty. Job satisfaction guaranteed.
This is the life Maz Harwood signed up to when she became a vet, and she has never regretted it. She now has a beautiful baby boy, George, and she will be marrying fellow vet, Alex Fox-Gifford, at Christmas.
But recently things have become difficult. Because between arranging the wedding, performing life-saving animal surgery, and taking care of George, there hasn't been much time left for poor Alex.
So Maz decides to take things into her own hands - with terrible consequences for all concerned.
As Christmas draws near, Maz realises that she's going to need more than a miracle for her and Alex to make it up the aisle and rekindle the love they had once shared.

My Opinion
This book was sent to me for our Christmas 2011 book competition. The cover of this book is still in keeping with the style of the previous three books by Cathy Woodman but it has got the Christmas touch which stands out among the shelves, with a snowy setting and the sparkly snow flakes on the cover it is in true fitting for this time of year.

I really enjoyed the previous two books and so when I heard there was a third instalment based in the lovely fictional village of Talyton St George I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

The first thing I will mention about this book is that it is not imperative that you read the previous books first as this is an easy read and you can pick the storyline up straight from the first chapter. When any points are mentioned about the previous books you are given enough detail so as you don’t lose your way in the story. Having said this I would still say that it is well worth picking up the previous two books as they are lovely reads and allow you to get to know the characters more.

What I have always loved about Cathy Woodmans style of writing is that each of her books are so believable it really does feel as though you are reading about a traditional devon village with normal everyday country folks typical day to day life. I found this book had the same feel to it and I found myself getting lost in the little village’s events. There was one chapter in the book which came as a big shock for me involving Maz’s father in-law to be which did put a little downer on the book for me as it really didn’t fit into this beautifully written series, I found it very unexpected and out of place. Having said this, the scenario I am talking about wasn’t drawn out to long so I soon found myself getting back to the comfortable feel of the book.

We get to see many of the characters from the previous books which gave a feeling familiarity to the book. I did find my feelings towards Alex’s character changed in this book.

I love the ending of this book where the Christmas feel comes into place and the story is wrapped up like a perfect little present, I am hoping now that the Talyton St George series has come to an end as I think this was a perfect finish to a wonderful set of three books. I will always look out for books by Cathy Woodman as she really has a unique style of writing which I cannot compare to any other author whose books I have read.

I would definitely recommend you pick this book up. I am giving this book a 4 star rating, I would have given the full 5 star but It was a shame the only Christmas part to the book was in the last chapter and also because of the scenario involving Maz’s father in-law.

If you would like to enter our give away to win your own copy then click here!

The Sweetest Thing by Cathy Woodman

Two books which I really enjoyed last year were Trust Me I'm A Vet and also It Must Be Love both by Cathy Woodman. Both of the books were following Maz and Alex who were vets in the village of Talyton St. George. I have been keeping a close eye on Cathy Woodman's website waiting for the date for her new book to be released and at long last it has arrived. The Sweetest Thing is the title of her new book and for those of you who were fans of her previous books you will not miss this book as the front cover is much the same as the other two books.


Plot
This time our main character has changed, meet Jennie who is a newly divorced mum of three and has decided that now is time to live her dream and decides to up and move to the country. Jennie moves to the town of Talyton St. George. Jennie is looking forward to the tranquil life in the country and thinks it will be a great new start for her children although it is soon clear that life is not going to be so easy and tranquil as typical village gossip soon starts and Jennie's son Adam soon starts showing his distaste of country life. Jennie decides that she is going to need o bring in some money to be able to pay for the things the children want to help to settle them in so she decides to start her own cake business. Will the cake business work out and will she be able to help the children settle in the country or will they decide to go and live back in the city with their father?


Characters
I loved each and every one of the characters in this book. Jennie's relationship between her children and between the new love interest Guy in the book is brought across to the reader beautifully. From the first chapter we warm to Jennie's character and only hope for the best for her in her new start in life. The character of Adam who is Jennie's eldest son was very hormonal and emotional to read about. At times I felt annoyed with some of his actions and on over times I felt really sorry for the poor lad who is having a hard time adjusting to his new life after his parents split up and he is moved away from all he knows. The two daughters were a joy to read and we felt their excitement being brought to us through the pages of the book.


My Opinion
I have to say I actually enjoyed this book more than the previous two. I do have two problems with this book which I shall bring up now firstly I was so hungry reading this book after reading about a different kind of tasty cake in each chapter ( I can only say it seems as though Cathy Woodman has really done her homework on cakes!) and also that I am so in love with the village of Talyton St. George that I want to up and move to this place in the pages of my book!

Now that I have got my minor negatives out of the way I can tell you that this was a very enjoyable read, so much so I read this on my day off on Sunday it was a true page turner! The story felt quite real to me, which I feel is the reason why I struggled to put it down. The book is written from Jennie's perspective so we really get an insight in the way she feels and the way she is coping with her new life.

We do see the characters of Maz and Alex pop up briefly in this book which gives us a bit of familiarity but does not take over the story. We do have a new romance in this book between Jennie and her neighbor Guy which was lovely to read as unlike most books I seem to have read recently the romance between them is hard work due to the children and both Jennie and Guy's work I found myself all the way through the book wondering if they would eventually get together.

I would recommend this book (actually I already have my copy has gone to one of my clients already!) It would be an ideal holiday read or like me your lazy Sunday read. I can only hope that we do not have to wait too long for the next book and that it keeps on par with this book

Must Be Love by Cathy Woodman

One of my favourite books I have read this year was Trust Me I'm a Vet by Cathy Woodman. It was one of those books you just keep thinking I will just read the end of this chapter but that ends up turning into the end of the book!!

So you can imagine my delight when I was searching the new book releases and see Must Be Love by Cathy Woodman. It has a similar front cover to her previous book which is how I noticed it instantly, and after reading the back of the book to see if it sounded like a book I would enjoy, I was overjoyed to read that it was a carry on from the first book!

Must Be Love continues with the story of Maz the new vet at Otter House in the country. Maz has now become joint partnership of Otter House along with best friend Emma. Maz seems to be settling in very well and her love life with the lovely vet Alex is blossoming.
Relationships are tried and tested in this book when Maz finds out she is pregnant and has to break the news to her best friend Emma who has just lost a baby which makes for many difficult problems during the book.

I am glad to say I was not let down by this book being a carry on as I find often when you read a second in the series book it usually is a big letdown in story line compared to the first book but in this instance this is not the case. The story line is just as good in the first book and the characters are developed even more in this second book which helps us to relate to the characters and enjoy the book even more.
I found that this book had a lot more emotional quality to it compared to the first book and had a believable storyline to it which is one of the reasons I felt like I couldn't put the book down as I needed to know what happens next.

I have to say that also felt that there could possibly be a third in the series as the ending of this book was left open with big possibilities.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Trust me I'm a Vet and also to anyone who enjoys books by Katie Fforde as I feel that both of these Authors books seem to grab me in the same way, I feel they have a similar way of writing and feel as though they have really done their research before writing their books.

Trust Me I'm A Vet by Cathy Woodman

I came across this book when I was in the library, I have to say I would not usually go out of my way to read a book about animals as they are not a great interest of mine but a month or so ago I read a book about lost dogs and thoroughly enjoyed it so I thought I would give this one a go.



Our main character in this book is Maz Harwood. She is a vet who up until recent events have worked as a vet in the city. Her partner who also is her boss decides he wants to make another go of a relationship with his ex-wife which breaks Maz's heart and makes working in that environment hard so she decides to leave work.


An opportunity comes up for Maz to help out her old college friend Emma who has a vet practice in the country and it seems the right time for her so accepts Emma's proposal. Little does Maz know just how hard this will be as the vet clinic is in financial trouble which is left for Maz to sort out but does she manage this or does she just make things worse?

As you can expect there is a love interest in this book who comes by the name of Alex but like many romances things do not go smoothly especially due to the fact that part of the financial ruin of the vetinary clinic is thanks to Alex's family vet practice. It just goes to show you can not choose who you are going to fall in love with.

I found this book a light hearted read. There were many references to animals in the general running of a vetinary clinic so if you are in deed an animal lover I think you would thoroughly enjoy this book. I found many parts of the book very predictable but this didn't ruin the book it just had you gasping at the characters in the book saying how could you not have seen that coming!!


I found this a similar kind of read to a review I done a while back by Lucy Dillon called Lost dogs and Lonely hearts. The city heart broken girl who comes to the country to deal with animals and get her life back on track! There are many characters in this book both human and animals which you sometimes get muddled up but due to it being a light hearted read this does not ruin the story.


If you are looking for a book with humour this is really not the book for you as in my opinion there were no funny points in the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who liked Lost Dogs and Lonely hearts. It definatly would appeal to anyone who loves animals.
There is a follow on to this book called It's a Vets Life. The first chapter of this book is in the end of Trust me I'm a Vet so you can have a snippet before you buy.