When you have an opening paragraph like this, you know exactly what sort of book you’re going to get!

There are some people whose voices go straight through you, even if you are horizontal with your face in a bucket and your arm in a sheep. My sister’s voice was one of them.
“What the hell are you doing?”
Yep. Like a steel toecap through slurry.

The humour in this book is brilliant, it had me shaking my shoulders with laughter throughout.

You couldn't get 2 more opposite sisters than Dora and Cass. Dora is down to earth and gets on with things, she runs a rare breed sheep farm in Yorkshire. Cass doesn't work as she lives with her parents who support her and her 12 year old son, who wants to be a YouTube influencer.

Although Dora and her farm is the focus of the novel, I think my favourite character was her nephew Hawthorne, who has now decided he's going to be called Thor for short (who the hell calls their son Hawthorne!) seeing him morph from the sulky Kevin and Perry esque, iPad obsessed city dweller, to the farm loving, lamb rearing 12 year old he is at the end of the novel, entertaining his (almost) 1000 vlog followers along the way with farming tales.

I also really enjoyed the fact that you know where the love story is going, there's a few twists and turns along the way but it's not the main storyline, it's concluded long before the end of the book.

The main focus is the relationship between Dora and Cass and I absolutely loved this, Cass is infuriating with her superiority complex, inability to do anything for herself and assumption that Dora will wait on her hand and foot. The descriptions and asides from Nat to describe her are hilarious. Dora has the patience of a saint, hiding her own insecurities and worries. I loved watching their relationship develop and progress as the novel went on.

Lastly, I couldn't mention this novel without the cuteness that is Flick and Knife, the lambs who are just perfect little cute characters

Pan(dora) left her home and family in Streatham to run her grandfather's rare sheep breed farm in the Yorkshire Dales. She might be alone and barely making ends meet but she's happy. Well, until her younger sister Cass(andra), her son Haw(thor)ne and his tutor Nat arrive for an extended stay. Dora and Cass are very different, while Dora works 24/7 on the farm Cass has been cosseted by their parents, she's barely held down a job but somehow affords manicures, fake tans and the latest clothes. Dora might have inherited the farm but she has to share any profits 50/50 with Cass which causes friction between the sisters.

Thor is a 12 going on 30 year old with a vlog and over 1,000 followers. Although at first he is appalled at the farm and the lack of modern technology, he and Nat soon start to use the farm as a teaching aid. But there's something very familiar about Nat, he reminds Dora vividly of someone she knew a decade ago, someone she once loved fiercely.

As the farming year progresses the sisters come to live in a sort of equilibrium, Cass is redecorating the old farmhouse while Dora looks after the farm, but will the farm bring them together or tear them apart once and for all?

I really enjoy Jane Lovering's novels. They are quirky, varied and have interesting characters. Unlike many authors, I never know quite where her books are going and this was no exception.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Home on Folly Farm - Jane Lovering

A good little escapism book, set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. I thought it was an endearing read with lots of countryside living, but it didn't grab me like other books in this genre have. This was the first book that I had read from this author, and although it did not blow me away, I would definitely pick up another book by Jane Lovering.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me the chance to read and give an honest opinion on this book

Dora has been quite happy for the past decade, tending her flock. Around 100 rare breed sheep on a farm in deepest Yorkshire on a farm that has always been in the family.

Her peace is shattered though when her precious sister, Cass and son Hawthorn, known more to his vlog followers as Thor and his tutor Nat descend, whilst her parents build an extension for Cass to live in.

Trouble is Cass and Dora haven't really seen eye to eye for a long time and whilst all their parents energy was spent on Cass once she was pregnant, it seems that Dora just disappeared into a mix of parties and some rather unsavoury habits and ended up running away to the farm where she finally found contentment.

Cass can't believe Dora lives like does.

Dora can't believe that Cass still lives at home with her parents and treats her twelve year old son as if he was a breakable bit of china.

Life on the farm is going to be a wake up call from them all.

Then there is Nat, he is strangely familiar to Dora and it seems the past she left behind has just arrived into her farmyard.

As the book goes on we learn how these diverse characters have to all get along together somehow. They have to when there isn't anywhere they can pop to on a whim, the pot holed track can ruin even the best suspension, there is the threat of sheep hustlers, of lustful vets and lambing sheep to keep them and us entertained.

I really enjoyed this book, you are thrown in straight away to farm life and have to get on board and get along for the ride, unlike Cass who was the most annoying and irritating character I have read about for a long time - and I loved her. Of course as the book goes on you can see how events have her shaped her and perhaps you might get to warm to her, but god she was fabulously annoying! Thor was a great representation of that teenager deep in the world of social media and whilst it did have it's benefits it perhaps shows how some youngsters (and even there parents) think that is where the future is. Scary!

This was the first time reading this author and I devoured the book, it was light and serious and humorous and sad all in equal measure and was the perfect antidote to everything in life at the moment. An upbeat read at the perfect time for me.

Dora has worked hard to leave her youthful past with all the regrets behind her. Running a sheep farm is difficult enough, but then her sister, nephew and his tutor land on her doorstep for an extended stay. And just like that, the regrets, the shame of her past is right in front of her in the person of Nat, who is so familiar. Sheep rustling, sweet lambs, and the author's signature brand of humour make this an entertaining read.

Loved this book so very much. It was funny and so descriptive. I could picture the farm and all the gorgeous lambs especially Flick and Knife, (such great names for lambs)!!! This was such an uplifting book to read perfect for the time at the moment as I read I was swept away into Yorkshire. I wish I could give this book more stars. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

"There are some people whose voices go straight through you, even if you are horizontal with your face in a bucket and your arm in a sheep." Who couldn't love an opening sentence like this!

Everything about this book was perfect - from the mystery, the romance, the drama, Dora's voice... everything.

I adored the descriptions of the farm and the animals and spent a lot of time sniggering to myself.

There was one thing though - come on Ms Lovering you can't leave it there! What about Cass??? I want more of Folly Farm, please!

Home on Folly Farm
Jane Lovering
March 16, 2021

Pandora left home at 18 when she discovered her 16 year old sister was pregnant. Their parents insisted on helping Cass and keeping her in their estate in London to raise the child. Dora felt neglected by her parents, especially her mother. Dora left for college, did alright for a few years and then it was party, party, party. Her friends led her into a lifestyle that was disastrous. Finally when her mother let on that Grandfather needed help on the family sheep farm in Hawthorn she returned to the farm abandoning friends, especially Leo Drayfield; the one guy she could never erase from her heart.
When Cass and her son, Hawthorn arrived for an unexpected stay during lambing season she was ready to ‘CryUncle’ especially when she discovered they were there until the expansion on the London house was finished. Cass was used to posh clothes, help with Thor, not working, tanning sessions, salons, etc. Dora did not know where to put her in the 250 year old farmstead. After Grandfather had passed she had done her best to raise the sheep and keep the roof solid overhead. Paint was peeling on the outside as well as inside. What furniture she had was there from her grandparents. Dora was bound to make a go of it and had for the last 8 years. Now that she was thirty with no prospects in sight things just continued on and on. Having Cass, her 12 year old nephew, Thor and the tutor, Nate living with her would be a challenge.
Home on Folly Farm was a clever journal of the foursome and their daily station. As Cass eased up on her criticisms and Dora spent more time in the house rather than out with the sheep there became a peaceful existence for the most part. I enjoyed this novel with its English dialect. It is blended into the dialog making it fun to read. Jane Lovering’s newest book, Home on Folly Farm published by Boldwood Books Ltd of London on March 16, 2021. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this pleasant book via NetGalley. When you find it’s time for tea and a good read, pick up this witty diary of sheep husbandry. Enjoy!

So much more than a romcom- a book with a message and one to make you smile.Dora lives quite happily on her sheep farm in Yorkshire that was her grandfathers, until one day her sister and son and tutor arrive on the doorstep from London to stay for 3 months whilst Dora and Cass’s parents do an extension. They are not in the least bit “countryfied” and Dora finds her sister hard work at the best of times. A sister that has been pampered by her parents, done little to earn anything for herself and expects everyone to bow to her and her son Thor (short for Hawthorn- yes really!) and do everything for them. (why oh why do so many parents do this is beyond me). Someone who takes for granted everything from being fed to being waited on and doing very little in return. Dora is understandably at her wits end but doing her best to keep the peace aided by Nat, Thor’s tutor who has arrived with them. When he first arrives Dora thinks she recognises him as an ex- boyfriend Leo who broke her heart many years ago. When asked he says he is the brother and that Leo is now dead.
I enjoyed this. Dora is a force to be reckoned with but has a good heart and certainly isn't a pushover. She works hard, expects fairplay but is rather soft with her sister (who can’t wash up because of her nails?*?!) despite her being the reason Dora went a little astray when she was younger as all focus was on Cass and her baby. As the book says neglect comes in many forms. An uplifting story with a smile, a twist or two, a little mystery, a little romance and a little frustration that of course all sorts itself out one way or another.#a wonderful uplifting read.
(rest of links as part of blog tour)_

I should offer a disclaimer and confess to inhaling every Jane Lovering book that I have read! I find her style of storytelling to be remarkable and I fall headlong into each story. This book is no different.
Pandora and Cassandra are sisters whose upbringing set them at odds to one another. Pandora, or rather Dora, was something of a wild child; this was a reaction to seeing Cassandra, Cass being shown favouritism after falling pregnant.
Having turned her back on the wild, and frankly dangerous party scene, Dora is now living on a rare breeds sheep farm outside York. Inherited from her grandfather, Dora has to share her meagre profits with Cass. She doesn’t react well to learning that she must, temporarily, share her home with Cass, her son Hawthorn and his tutor, Nat.
On the surface, this could be passed off as just another romance story, but that wouldn’t do justice to the depth of analysis in the chapters. Deeply held issues are addressed over the course of this story. The slow path to tolerance is well mapped, and yet it seems a difficult route for all concerned to follow. Dora and Cass feel so far removed from each other, they have a hard time remembering that they are sisters and that their differences are far fewer than their connections.
The tales from the farmyard were both enchanting and gritty, in equal measure. I shed a tear over a hand-reared sheep and then found joy in two lambs, inappropriately named flick and knife! There was excitement in dealing with sheep rustlers and seeing modern technology in its best possible light.
Once again, I committed to reading this book in a single sitting. Not because I wanted to get rid of the title from my TBR pile, but because I love and enjoy Jane Lovering’s writing. Each of her books knocks the spots off the previous one. Home on Holly Farm is a wonderful book and I unreservedly recommend that you read it.

A wonderful story of how two sisters who have a love/ hate relationship due mostly because of there mother picking favourites or so it seems. When Dora’s life is turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of her sister, teenage nephew and his tutor. No ones life will ever be the same. Is this for the better? or Worst?

Dora as the eldest grandchild inherited the family farm and is loving life until her sister Cass turns up wanting to stay for 3 months with her teenager Thor and his tutor Nat in tow.

Things just go from bad to worse for poor Dora, Cass wants her to sell up and move back to London, and also believes Nat is very alike to her Ex Boyfriend Leo.

I really enjoyed this fun read more than I thought I would, Jane's style of writing is just fantastic and has that humor that I liked.

Dora was a great character and Cass took a bit more warming to.

Overall a good entertaining read with cute lambs what's not to like.

This book had my heart. It's set in North Yorkshire, my home and set in the country - what's not to love.

I found it a little on the slow side to get into but it soon picked up the pace and I couldn't put it down. I loved Dora's character but didnt warm to Cass at all.

I loved that even Mrs Hinch got a mention. It was a lovely story surrounding family dynamics, heartbreak and love and I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dora lives by herself on her idyllic sheep farm in the Dale’s and is rather enjoying her hectic but fulfilling life. She really didn’t expect to be having guest any time soon after splitting up from her cheating ex, Chris, so when her Sister and Nephew appear on her doorstep she is quite surprised. And not exactly feeling the happiest about it. Let alone when she finds out that they come with a tutor for Thor as well...

In order to limit her time inside the house Dora throws herself into lambing season and tries to keep occupied outside as much as possible.

But this book definitely isn’t a lovey dovey, nice family reunion on a farm kind of story, there’s so much depth to this that you really don’t expect.

Throughout the story we are told about Leo, but only in a way that very lightly scratches the surface which drew me in loads as I wanted to know what had happened. You can just tell that something has happened previously but I just imagine what.

There are a few little twists in this but ultimately I quite enjoyed it and though the ending wasn’t what I expected - especially from the start of the book, it was a very fitting ending.

Many thanks to the author, publishers and Netgalley for a free ARC of this ebook.
I've been a fan of Jane Lovering for a long time now. Her Yorkshire based books are fabulous. This is another set is Yorkshire, but for me it disappointed. There are just way too many sheep. Sheep, sheep and more sheep. Baaing, and wandering, and being way too needy. They subsumed what is in essence a really nice story. All Jane's lovely techniques are there, family issues and love traumas, and more but the sodding sheep ruin everything. I'm sad to be only giving this book 3.5 stars, but I'll always look out for this authors books.

Perfect escapism, the gorgeous Yorkshire dales, a rambling crumbling farmhouse, rare breed sheep and a dysfunctional family!
Dora enjoys her life on the farm living a solitary existence, until suddenly her sister, nephew and her nephews tutor descend upon them for an extended visit!
Family dynamics,an old love , a new normal and the excitement of sheep hustling bring together this unlikely family unit making for a really enjoyable read.
Thank you netgalley for this early read.

Dora is a rural sheep farmer who barely makes ends meet and lives on the farm she inherited from her grandad, her sister getting some of the profits but not having anything to do with farm suddenly descends on her with her son and his personal tutor to stay for 3 months without any notice.
A great book about how they all get along or not with a few unexpected moments, made me laugh out loud in parts.
A definate must read

Home on Folly Farm, The perfect uplifting romantic comedy for 2021, Jane Lovering

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Women's Fiction, General Fiction (Adult)

I love Jane's books. On the surface they're a cute, HEA story but when you get into them there is so much more. This one is set in rural Yorkshire, small sheep farm, and was so well described I felt I was there, alongside the characters. It covers so much, teen pregnancy, depression, drug taking, coping with the loss of children, so many interwoven subjects, and all handled sensitively, and in such a way that they don't drag the story down, don't depress the reader but made me want to know more about the characters. And it's full of quiet, subtle humour like this “ a bit like being haunted by Reebok” in relation to Thor and his trainers....you have to look for some of it or you'll miss is, its so cleverly done.


I loved Dora – but then we're seeing her via her own voice, so of course events are skewed to her perspective. I hated Cass to begin, in fact for the greater part of the novel, but again as we see at the end I'm viewing her through Dora's perspective, not exactly unbiased. Nat, lovely, lovely Nat, quiet but firm, brilliant tutor, and not just to Thor. And of course that brings me to Thor, who was a fabulous character. I loved seeing his transformation from sullen, bored, preteen to excitable, normal twelve year old boy.

The sheep rustling scene is one that will stay with me, Thor and his Vlog followers, gang of teens dragging their parents out of bed at 4am for an adventure, and to rescue web famous lambs Flick and Knife – yep, Thor named them. I had tears running down my face, had to keep rereading as the words blurred, it was hysterically funny.
I hate when a book promises “ you will laugh out loud” because I find that rarely delivers, but this scene, well, it was just what I needed in these grim Covid days. An unexpected bonus.

Its a fabulous story, with so much real life packed in, so much abut human psyche, how we react to others, become whats expected. By the end I felt I really understood the characters, and could see events with a different eye. The same things happened, the same results, but the characters weren't the dislikable, selfish ones I thought, but had reasons for acting that way and when Dora understood that it really improved her life and relationships too. The months on the farm transformed all of them, they all ended in a better place.


Stars: Five, a gem of a read, Jane's wonderful writing, delivering another perfect story, pathos and humour, love and disasters, all in one great novel.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

This book is often funny thanks to the author's signature humour (if you've read any of her other books, you must know what I mean) but don't expect it to be as fluffy as wool made from the fleece of the heroine's sheep. There *are* cute lambs, though, and of course the mandatory happy ending of a romance. Said romance is a slow-burn kind (which I like), building up almost in the background (we do see it happen, but not as the main focus all the time) while we get to know Dora, her routine with the sheep, and the people who arrive without warning to stay at her farm for several weeks: her sister (as much of a sophisticated "city girl" as Dora is a "country girl"), her nephew (12-year-old vlogger with ambition to become a real influencer) and the boy's tutor (obviously an attractive, single man).
I had guessed from the start something that Dora didn't suspect, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story (if anything, it was very satisfactory to exclaim "I knew it!" when it was revealed).

Dora contentedly raises sheep on a farm in the glorious Yorkshire Dales when her city slicker sister Cass suddenly shows up with Thor, her son and his tutor, Nat, on the doorstep. Cass is accustomed to being waited on and is nothing like her sister who is a hard worker. So. The sisters do their own thing for the most part and manage to get under each other's skin. We see various relationships evolve throughout the book as well as a few secrets come to light.

This story was very relatable in that I grew up on a farm with many animals including sheep and have had the fortunate to visit the Yorkshire Dales so could easily envision the fluffy woolen white dots scattered all over the hills. I really enjoyed this outdoorsy aspect of the book. But in my view the otherwise sweetness and charm of the book was somewhat marred by some seemingly out of place language which detracted. To me the story was also predictable. However, there is still much to like about this refreshing light read. It says spring! I also like the description of the higgledy piggledy house...my style exactly.

This was my first reading experience with this author and I will try others by her. Those seeking light escapism in pretty countryside ought to pick up this book.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this gentle book.