Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage (Hope Meadows, #2) by Lucy Daniels

Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage (Hope Meadows, #2) Reviews

• 
  Mark

  This was without doubt NOT my usual reading........it felt more like a childrens book than an adult bookin many ways.
  I read with interest that the author is a collective name for a team who have written very successful childrens books.
  There was a gay character whose partner had died of cancer and this was handled very well and sensitively.
  I loved the cooking and baking that everyone seemed to do,no pre packed meals in this village!!!
  It did evoke a feeling of Crimbo but sadly probably realistically Christmas from the 1970’s
  Really wasnt for me at all although can appreciate some readers will absolutely love it
• 
  Rachel Gilbey

  
  Combining Christmas with cute animals is always a winning combination for me and Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage contained both those things and so much more.
  
  Firstly the finale was memorable, never had scenes like that before and I was enchanted by what was happening. I won't give you any clues but just hope if you read it, like me your eyes will be popping out at the scene.
  
  In fact for a book that has a rather cute cover, has a little robin at the start of each chapter, its not just a warm and cosy story. There are times where I felt truly emotional, especially when referencing something from the first book in the series, some absolutely great action, plenty of moments that will have you saying awww, especially with Holly and Robin amongst some of the amazing animals, there are a hint of romance, and the mystery as to who seems to have it in for Hope Meadows.
  
  I'm glad to say that the person I thought was causing most of the trouble throughout, really wasn't, and I hadn't really predicted who it was either, nor the reasoning although it did all make perfect sense once revealed.
  
  This can easily be read as a standalone book, but is almost certainly more pleasurable to be read as the second book in the series. From the first few pages, I felt completely at home again at Animal Ark and Hope Meadows, and loved reading about the various animals in the rescue centre.
  
  It may not be a book that screams Christmas at you from every single page, but what it is is a wonderful story, that is well written, had be reluctant to tear myself away from at any point, and generally one that I completely loved. I'm already looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of book 3 in this series, and at the same time wonder why on earth I never read Animal Ark as a child.
  
  There was nothing predictable about this book, it kept me guessing and thinking, with plenty of action and its many assorted storylines.
  
  Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
  
• 
  Sarah

  This is the first book I have read by this author. Even though it is the second book in a series, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything and it read very well as a stand alone.
  
  This was a lovely book to lose myself into. A lovely village with lots of countryside and scenic views and to top it all an animal rescue centre, if you are an animal lover then this is certainly one to add to your list.
  
  Mandy I really liked. A vet who is also trying to keep her head above the water with the animal sanctuary. She takes in the waif and strays of animals, giving them a second chance to find a forever loving home. I fell in love with so many of the animals that I would have wanted to take them all home.
  
  Sadly someone seems to have it in for Mandy and the animal sanctuary and everyone in the village tries to rally round and get to the bottom of it all.
  
  This is a book that can easily be read and enjoyed by young adults and older. It is a lovely and Christmassy read that is perfect for this time of year. My only niggle is that I found it slightly confusing that Mandy’s parents were referred to as Adam and Emily as there were parts that would mention dad and Emily, or mum or mother would be used in the same sentence as Emily and it kept throwing me as thought another character had come into it somewhere. Otherwise it’s a heartwarming and lovely read.
  
  Christmas At Mistletoe Cottage is a delightful and festive read that will definitely leave you wanting to visit the village again sometime soon.
  
  My thanks to Bookbridgr and Hodder for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
• 
  booksofallkinds

  **RATING 4.5**
  
  I was so excited to return to this wonderful series and I am delighted to say that CHRISTMAS AT MISTLETOE COTTAGE by Lucy Daniels is just as engaging and heartwarming as its preceding novel.
  
  Mandy Hope is unbelievably busy what with working at her parent's veterinary practice and building up her own animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows. But as the bills start piling up and Mandy starts to feel the strain, somebody in the village has it in for the centre and they won't be happy until Hope Meadows is closed. Add on to that worries about her mother, trying to buy and renovate her dream cottage, wanting to be there for her friends and all of the animals that need her, and it is no wonder that romance is the last thing on her mind, no matter how interested a certain local gentleman seems to be. As Christmas descends on this beautiful place will Mandy be able to solve all of her problems and embrace the new year with more than hope in her heart?
  
  Although you can easily read CHRISTMAS AT MISTLETOE COTTAGE as a standalone novel I highly recommend that you buy the first book in the series too as it really will make you fall in love with the place, the people, and the animals even deeper. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as we get to see Mandy try to tackle real-life problems with her business and her personal life, and the new additions to Hope Meadows are endearing as always.
  
  CHRISTMAS AT MISTLETOE COTTAGE by Lucy Daniels is an enchanting story, perfect for the cold winter nights that darken your door, and is a must for animal lovers and fiction fans alike.
  
  *I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
• 
  Karen Mace

  Animals + Christmas = happy reading material!! I haven't read the first in this series, but will be going back to do so after thoroughly enjoying this visit to Hope Meadows and all the furry creatures (and humans!) who make life at the vet practice and rescue centre a blast to read about. Mandy is the vet who is at the centre of the story as she embraces community life and is at the thick of all the drama - from donkeys in back gardens, to escaping animals and goats named Rudolph!
  
  But all the community aren't too enamoured it seems with her love of animals and when strange things start happening and complaints are put in, all is not well and the future of the rescue centre could be put in jeopardy. Mandy is even left fearing for her own safety when someone breaks into her home.
  
  A great set of characters and a really interesting mix of animals and personal issues made this a quick and easy read from start to finish!
• 
  madame Gabrielle

  3.75 étoiles pour cette romance légère à lire:
  — pour ne pas se casser la tête
  — pour se mettre tranquillement dans l’ambiance des fêtes / de l’hiver
  — si vous êtes amoureux des animaux
  — pour avoir l’impression d’écouter un bon film « feelgood », version roman ☺️
  
  mon avis est disponible ici:
  https://www.instagram.com/p/CkdGJYcuf...
• 
  Clare

  With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
  
  This book was absolutely written for me in mind. I love Christmas and the adorable rescue animals was just the icing on the cake.
  
  Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage is the second book in the Hope Meadows series. I haven't read book one but the author helpfully covered events from the last book so you could catch up.
  
  Vet Mandy Hope works in her parents veterinary surgery Animal Arc, within the grounds she has recently opened a rescue centre called Hope Meadow. The villagers support Hope Meadow but there have been complaints heard in the local pub. Then her friend/policewoman Ellen tells Mandy someone complained after her one of her dogs escaped. Things take a more sinister turn when someone deliberately made a hole in the hedge so the dogs could escape. Then someone cancels her order for animal supplies and finally there is a complaint about the Hope Meadow on Trip Advisor. Who is trying to sabotage the rescue centre?
  
  
  Mandy was tentatively starting a relationship with Jimmy Marsh from the outward bound centre. After the first date she explained she wanted to take it slowly which Jimmy was happy about. However after incident at the centre he did not contact her, then Mandy saw him in the local pub with his ex girlfriend holding hands. Devastated Mandy tells him to leave when he comes to her house. But is there more then meets the eye?
  
  Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage is set in rural Yorkshire and I loved the community feel of the books. I loved the rescue animals and enjoyed how they thrived under Mandy's care. This book has given has everything you could want in a Christmas story, 2 rescued donkeys, a birth In a manager, a lost child and a unlikely friendship between dogs Flame and Birch.
  
  This was a delightful book that warned my heart. I look forward to reading more from the writing team behind Lucy Daniels.
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  Nessa

  I absolutely loved reading this book as it meant that I got to return to the wonderful village of Hope Meadows. If you haven't read the first book Summer at Hope Meadows by this wonderful author, then don't delay anymore, as you are missing out.
  
  It was truly great to be reacquainted with all of the characters and the animals/pets from the first book again, loved them all. I kept thinking and hoping throughout the book, will Mandy and Jimmy overcome all of the hurdles that are thrown at them and finally get together, well I now know the answer but I'm not telling you.
  
  Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage was a truly wonderful and captivating read, loved meeting all of the new animals, and seeing all of the antics that they get up to. What I really loved about this story, is that there were a few surprising elements/events within the book that brought a little action to the story, which I thought was great and certainly unexpected.
  
  There was also a few emotional scenes, involving the adorable Jack, my heart was beating pretty fast during that scene. Also with Emily, whether she would be ok or not. Then near the end of the book with Dancer and Mary, definitely didn't see that scene coming. I'm not going to go into anymore detail than that as don't want to give anything away. You'll just have to read this book yourself.
  
  I'm now ready for the 3rd book to this series, want to read it now, but I must be patient and wait for it to released.    Well at least I know that it'll be worth the wait.
• 
  Melisa Broadbent

  I seem to be on a roll with the Christmas books at the moment and I'm really enjoying them! A big thank you to Jenni Leech at Hodder Books for sending me my review copy. 
  
  "​Christmas has arrived in the little village of Welford. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground.
  
  This year, vet Mandy Hope is looking forward to the holidays. Her animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows, is up and running - and she's finally going on a date with Jimmy Marsh, owner of the local outward bound centre.
  
  The advent of winter sees all sorts of animals cross Mandy's path, from goats named Rudolph to baby donkeys - and even a pair of reindeer! But when a mysterious local starts causing trouble, Mandy's plans for the centre come under threat. She must call on Jimmy and her fellow villagers to put a stop to the stranger's antics and ensure that Hope Meadows' first Christmas is one to remember.
  
  One thing's for certain: this Christmas, there'll be animal escapades, kisses under the mistletoe...and plenty of festive cheer for all."
  
  This is the second book in the Hope Meadows series and although you don't have to have read the first book, Summer at Hope Meadows, I think it would definitely help as it gives you the background of some of the characters. Plus it is a lovely start to the series so why wouldn't you!
  
  The cover of this book is beautiful and I fell straight back into the lovely village of Welford and it's characters as they prepare for Christmas. We are introduced to lovely new characters in the forms of the many animals that Mandy comes across. 
  
  When someone tries to sabotage Mandy and her rescue centre, the village comes together to help. It's a story of people coming together and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I managed to read this book over a day so I think that shows how much I enjoyed reading it!
  
  Delighted to discover that the third book in this charming and heartwarming series is currently being written so I can't wait to revisit these lovely characters and village soon! 
  
  I found this to be a lovely well written book and would recommend it highly.
• 
  Fiona MacDonald

  Adorable and SO cosy. This book has taken me literal years to finish... and not because of anything the book has done, more because other books have taken over and got in the way. This cute and charming book just sat quietly and waited its turn. And I’ve finished it finally! I loved it. It was the epitome of cosy for me and that is something that will always garner high marks. I will need to read the other books in the Hope Meadows series soon.
• 
  Alison Winter

  Really enjoyed but there seemed to be a lot of characters and I struggled to remember who they all were. However, I still found the story enjoyable, location and setting charming and characters likeable
• 
  Amanda

  Not entirely Christmassy but the Nativity more than made up for it.
• 
  Kim

  This was another wonderful book in the Hope Meadow Series. Mandy is getting her animal rescue centre up and running- but comes across some local opposition who are making things really difficult for her. You really feel for her- trying to keep all the animals safe until they find new forever homes but worrying that the spiteful events will cause her to have to close the centre.
  I loved all the animals coming into the centre and the way they caught the hearts of the people visiting and even Mandy's dad, who is a vet.
  The baby donkeys are really cute and you can imagine the children coming running to see them.
  There are some really lovely magical scenes and romance blossoming, again with a few hitches. This is such a wonderfully warm and cosy read- you can curl up and lose yourself in a gorgeous story full of animals in a lovely village.
• 
  Nicola Clough

  I couldn't wait to read this second book in the series as so enjoyed the first one and I wasn't disappointed at all it's full of charm with great characters and great to hear hope hope meadows is going and has plenty of heartbreak and romance and such a warm read that I can highly recommend.
  Mandy is really settled in to her hope meadows now and her rescue animals and still living at home but in the process of buying somewhere in the village that needs a lot of work but she still seeing Jimmy and taking it steady but she goes to his house and falls in love with mistletoe cottage and sky her dog loves it to. While she's working she learns that someone is against her she finds a hole in the bush that she is sure someone has done and she starts wondering who it can be she's still rescuing animals and rescues two donkeys and she wonders if it's the man she rescued them from but then thinks it started before then. She tries to tell Jimmy but things don't go well and she says she wants a break and she can't see him but is she making the relight decision and her mum is unwell as well so she doesn't want to bother her mum. She then learns of a petition someone has started and she does inform the police as sure someone is against her after a number of strange events. When she goes out one night she sees Jimmy with his ex Molly and she jumps to conclusions and thinks they are together so cancels her time out with him and he's wanting to know what is going on but she won't talk to him. It's getting very close to Christmas now and her parents are going away as her mum is much better so she thinks she will be on her own but when a friend turns up to say that her three year old son has gone missing the first person she rings is Jimmy and he's straight out and they find him and all is ok which I good and she then learns she had made a big mistake. He helps her try and find out who it is causing problems for her so puts a camera up outside her new house as they have been there to and so they manage to find out who it is and will start getting closer to Jimmy and learn that she can spend Christmas with him at his lovely cottage. Will she also be able to continue use to make a go of the rescue centre or not will she find her happy ever after just in time for Christmas or not.
• 
  Donna Maguire

  
  https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
  
  I LOVED this book!!  I am a massive animal lover having always had pets from a young age (we currently have three chinchillas) so any book having pets and Christmas was always going to tick the right boxes for me - and I just adore the cover!
  
  I thought that the story was great and the writing style is spot on throughout the book. It really flows so well that I flew through the book in no time at all.  Mandy and Jimmy are fantastic characters and I loved their interaction. 
  
  I always wanted to be a vet when I was younger so I think I harbour a secret longing to read any books that have vets in the main roles so I can live the job through them!  They are certainly one of the first books I will go to if I need a pick me up and this book did just the job - it is a book that I would re-read (and that doesn't happen that often)!
  
  I couldn't give this book anything other than a 5 stars review - I really enjoyed the whole thing and very highly recommend it - a really lovely read!! 
• 
  Bookread2day

  Paperback version. Christmas has arrived in the village of Welford . The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground. I contacted with Melon a two-year old West Highland White terrier as I used to have a Westie who lived until he was nearly 13 years old. Lucy Daniels is the collective name for the writing team that created the globally best selling children's book series Animal Ark. Hope Meadows is a brand new Lucy Daniels series for adults. This is the second title in the series, Christmas at Mistletoe cottage, has been written by a new author called Sarah McGurk.
• 
  Sarah Lee

  Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage is the first book I have read by Lucy Daniels. It is the second in a series but I still enjoyed reading this even though I haven't read the first book.
  
  I do like a good Christmas read, and I did enjoy this. It could have had a little bit more Christmas in it for me but it was a nice story, good characters and overall an enjoyable read.
  
• 
  Justkeepreading

  Book number two in the hope meadow series. This is a fabulous addition to the series and is full of lovely Christmas spirit.
  
  Christmas has well and truely arrived in Welford. Chestnuts are being roasted on an open fire. Christmas decorations are hung up with care and a layer of frost gleams the floor as the residents prepare for Christmas and st Nicholas to arrive.
  
  Mandy is throughly looking forward to the Christmas season. Her life is going amazingly well. Her new business running the animal rescue centre is going well and she is finally going on a date with Jimmy.
  
  So many cute and adorable animals come through Mandy's centre all in desperate need of some tlc. But when a local resident starts causing trouble for Mandy. Her plans for the animal reache centre are put under scrutiny.
  
  It is going to take the whole villiage to come together to put a stop to the nasty residents antics.
  
  This is a really lovely book and will make you feel the Christmas spirit. The book also tells you that Christmas is not all about presents. But it is about spreading the kindness to fellow man and helping each other out. Not just at Christmas but all year through. There is lots of mistletoe and some romance. Lots of wonderful animal encounters and a festive spirit that will leave you smiling from g ear to ear. Long after you have read it.
• 
  Emma Crowley

  Not leaving too long a gap between reading the first and second books in the Hope Meadows series by Lucy Daniels, a mere matter of weeks, meant that the featured characters and their stories were fresh in my mind. For those that come across Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage and like the look of the cover or even the sound of the blurb they need not worry in the slightest not having read book one Summer at Hope Meadows. For in the first few chapters the author skilfully slips in pieces here and there as to what had happened in the first book and where certain characters are now at.
  
  I had enjoyed Summer at Hope Meadows but was slightly fearful that this would just be a rehash of what I had read before. I read around 20% of the book and do admit to struggling with it so I left it overnight and when I picked it up the next day something just clicked with me and I didn't put it down until I had read the very last page. I think this book is far better than the first. The characters and setting feel far more established, like they are settling down. All the introductions and setting up are put of the way and the story moved forward a lot better. There was more depth and development to both the story lines and characters yet animals still feature very heavily but here I didn't feel the book was drowning in technical veterinary terms and explanations as it had somewhat in book one. Christmas does feature in the title and, again as with other Christmas books I have read so far, it was not the dominant theme but instead the lead up and the event itself featured more heavily in the second half of the book as the town of Welford and the surrounding fells become encased in snow.
  
  Mandy Hope, our main female character, is slowly settling into life running the Hope Meadows rescue centre for all animals both big and small. This had been a lifelong dream of hers and with thanks to her parents Emily and Adam it had now come to fruition. She combines her time caring for the animals who have been left abandoned, unwanted or mistreated with her hours spent in the Animal Ark veterinary practice run by her parents. Helen Steer is the nurse who is dating Brandon a farmer. Rachel Farmer is the receptionist and altogether they make a great team. Mandy had done a lot of growing up and made some bold decisions in the first book but there was still plenty of room for more growth in this new story. I hoped she would grow in confidence and continue to always stand up for what she believed in when it came to animals and their care. Animals are at the centre of everything she does, so much so that sometimes people feel that she pushes them away. I did think the same and was glad when a character mentioned it. At times Mandy is so caught up in the dogs and in this case the adorable donkey foals which arrive at the centre that the personal side of her life gets short shrift. She misinterprets situations and then makes rash statements or impulsive decisions and regrets them. She then can't bring herself to admit oh maybe I was wrong and in a way buries her head in the sand.
  
  Mandy's fledging relationship with Jimmy Marsh, who runs the recently opened outward bound centre is a case in point. I thought at the end of the first story that things were on the up for the pair. Yes they weren't rushing headlong into things for various reasons but surely Mandy was going to be a bit more open and not keeping pushing him away when things got more interesting especially from the reader's viewpoint. I know it would be boring to read of a lovey dovey relationship with no problems but I felt Mandy was just that bit abrupt with Jimmy when he really is a kind and caring person and would always be there to have her back and support if times got tough. I wanted Mandy to be more open with Jimmy and for most of the book she wasn't. Basically,I felt she needed a good talking to.
  
  As well as relationship woes, Mandy has a battle on her hands at the rescue centre as evidence of a hate campaign is slowly starting to emerge. Is it against the centre and animals or Mandy herself? She doesn't know and as more and more mysterious and cruel things start to happen Mandy begins to doubt herself and whether the residents of Welford want the rescue centre in their village. Mandy feels torn in two, her loyalty to the animals in her care but also the fact that the people she believed were friends want the centre gone. The events described were cruel and frustrating for Mandy, everything seemed to be going against her but she has to be admired for keeping going in the face of adversity. The scenes where she takes the dogs out to train them shows how she bonds with each and every animal and I hoped she would realise that whoever had it in for here was sorely mistaken in their intentions. One scene in particular around the halfway mark confirmed for me as to who the actual culprit was and their reasons behind the vendetta. So the element of surprise was not there for me when the big reveal came, but the scenes were dramatic and my heart was in my mouth. Knowing who it was didn't detract from the overall story in a way it was nice to have my suspicions confirmed.
  
  Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage was a really enjoyable read once I got passed the first few chapters I felt things got going. The Christmas scenes were gorgeous, particulary the events at the nativity play. The author did a brilliant job of making Welford come to life in the festive season as the snow fell and a dramatic event unfolded for a younger character. Mandy grew up even more in this story, she is shouldering responsibility well and although she still jumps to conclusions way too quickly there was a bit more development on the romance front. I was glad to see the issue of her mother Emily's tiredness dealt with as this had been nagging away at me in book one. Mandy's best friend James, wasn't forgotten either but I would like to see more of him feature in the next book. I understand he is still battling through a tough time where he may wish to be alone to come to terms with things but I'd love for him to get more of a storyline in the future.
  
  By the conclusion of this book I felt we were set up nicely for book three Springtime at Wildacre where I can't wait to see what happens next for Mandy. Will the rescue centre be able to keep going the financial costs and the fact Mandy now has her own cottage to refurbish and a mortgage to pay? One thing is for sure there will always be more animals in need of rescue, some tender loving care and attention and Mandy Hope with her kind nature will be the very person to offer it to them. Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage was a lovely addition to the series and a gorgeous book to curl up for a few peaceful hours of reading.
• 
  Clarabel

  Après l'euphorie des débuts (Mandy a tout plaqué pour s'installer dans son village d'enfance et ouvrir un refuge pour animaux), la dure réalité s'invite à la maison !
  La vie à la campagne n'est finalement pas un long fleuve tranquille. Mais le plus triste, c'est que l'accueil chaleureux laisse désormais place à des murmures. Mandy n'est plus trop sûre d'avoir fait le bon choix car sa présence en dérangerait certains.
  De plus, son histoire avec le beau Jimmy est également au point mort. Certes, elle doit réapprendre les codes de la séduction et ne sait plus sur quel pied danser. Pensez-vous qu'elle va s'ouvrir à lui, lui confier ses doutes ? Absolument pas. Elle opte pour la fuite et les conclusions hâtives. Bravo.
  
  Dans cette suite, le comportement de l'héroïne laisse vraiment à désirer. J'avais aimé son enthousiasme dans
  Un été pour tout changer à Vert-Cottage qui était rafraîchissant à suivre. Cette fois, on doit allonger le pas de course et pratiquement perdre son souffle à vouloir tenir son rythme insatiable.
  Il faut dire que le quotidien de Mandy n'est pas de tout repos : le boulot, les animaux, la famille, les potins, la vie amoureuse, le jeune fugueur, les rennes, le cottage délabré, les dettes et la police. Heureusement, l'ambiance reste douillette. Et le cadre, bucolique et charmant. C'est seulement la sensation de remue-ménage permanent qui m'a moins séduite que dans le premier livre - mais c'est une réserve très, très nuancée. Entendons-nous bien !
  Lucy Daniels peut s'inscrire comme prêtresse du feel-good façon Jenny Colgan. De temps en temps, oui, ça fait du bien.
  
  3.5 ⭐
• 
  Lainy

  Time taken to read - 1 day
  
  Pages - 384
  
  Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton
  
  Source - Amazon
  
  Blurb from Goodreads
  
  Christmas has arrived in the little village of Welford. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground.
  
  This year, vet Mandy Hope is looking forward to the holidays. Her animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows, is up and running - and she's finally going on a date with Jimmy Marsh, owner of the local outward bound centre.
  
  The advent of winter sees all sorts of animals cross Mandy's path, from goats named Rudolph to baby donkeys - and even a pair of reindeer! But when a mysterious local starts causing trouble, Mandy's plans for the centre come under threat. She must call on Jimmy and her fellow villagers to put a stop to the stranger's antics and ensure that Hope Meadows' first Christmas is one to remember.
  
  One thing's for certain: this Christmas, there'll be animal escapades, kisses under the mistletoe...and plenty of festive cheer for all.
  
  
  My Review
  
  Firstly let me say this is book two in the series and whilst you can read this as a standalone I would suggest getting the first as I don't think I would enjoy it as much not knowing the back story. Mandy now has her rescue centre up and running, helping animals in need whilst doing her job as a vet. It seems someone is not happy and has a vendetta against the unit, but who wouldn't to help animals or is there a deeper reason behind the sabotage.
  
  I read and loved the first book, it is so nice to have a character who loves animals and cares more about their welfare than money. Mandy is the same in this book, animals come first but the bills are pouring in and now someone appears to have an issue with the centre. Sabotage is confirmed, Mandy is trying to juggle many balls and has some personal issues to contend with too.
  
  A wee mixed bag and definitely has a Christmas feel to it. Again, wee bits of learning in relation to animal care and conditions but not the full focus or detracting from the heart of the story. I did enjoy this but loved the first one more, not too sure why. This was 3.5 for me, I do enjoy this series and already have the third on my wishlist.
  
• 
  Victoria

  I’m falling in love with this setting and these characters (especially the animals)! Such a cosy book with just enough twists and excitement to keep you hooked. Sad I have to wait for the next book!
• 
  Elizabeth Dewfall

  Love the mixture of people and animals
• 
  Suze

  Mandy thinks she finally has her life back on track. She loves working together with her parents at their veterinary practice and she has her beloved animal rescue center, Hope Meadows, a dream come true. She will have her own house soon and she's dating Jimmy, a gorgeous man. However, nothing is as easy as it initially seemed. Someone's trying to give Hope Meadows a bad name, she hardly has any time to see Jimmy and she's still waiting for approval to buy the house she wants. It's almost Christmas, will it be a good one for Mandy or does she have so many problems that she can't enjoy the holiday she loves so much?
  
  Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage is a wonderful heartwarming story. Mandy is a kindhearted woman. She's as good with animals as she is with people and her adventures put a big smile on my face. She always tries to help and she's being loved because of it. Someone's trying to ruin her plans for Hope Meadows, but Mandy's strong and spirited and she determined not to let anyone come between her and the animals she loves so much. I liked her fierceness and hoped this person wouldn't ruin her business. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out if she'd be able to find a solution before everything gets completely out of hand. This kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
  
  Lucy Daniels's writing has an easy flow. The detailed and colorful descriptions of people, settings and animals are making Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage come to life in an incredible way. I especially loved how each animal has a specific personality, it's fun and it makes the story even more special. The animals that are staying at Hope Meadows are adorable and I really enjoyed reading about them. Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage is charming, entertaining and festive. It's a story filled with unexpected twists and turns and plenty of friendship, warmth and joy.
• 
  Daniela

  ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  
  C’est Noël au village de Welford ! L’odeur des marrons chauds commence à se faire sentir et cette année, Mandy Hope à hâte de célébrer les fêtes de fin d’année. Elle travaille au refuge Vert-Cottage, et c’est un succès. En plus, elle a rendez-vous avec Jimmy Marsh ! Mais toutes ces bonnes nouvelles sont gâchées par une mystérieuse personne qui semble en avoir après elle et tente de détruire la popularité de son refuge, pour une raison qui échappe à Mandy.
  
  🐱 Mon premier roman de noël de cette année, et pas des moindres ! Un hiver inoubliable à Vert-Cottage se déroule dans un village anglais à la période des fêtes et nous transporte dans une atmosphère chaleureuse, douce, et inquiétante à la fois. L’ambiance de Noël n’est pas au centre du roman mais se pose plutôt en fond d’histoires d’amitié, de famille et d’une intrigue mystérieuse qui vient donner un réel intérêt à cette lecture.
  
  🐱 J’ai beaucoup aimé le suspense tout au long du roman, un élément que je ne trouve pas souvent dans les romans de Noël. De plus, je n’avais pas deviné l’identité du coupable, alors encore mieux !
  
  🐱 Et petit plus de ce roman, si vous aimez les animaux, vous allez vous régaler. Il y a pas mal de détails à ce niveau-là et j’ai moi même beaucoup apprécié. J’ai trouvé cela doux et réconfortant.
  
  🐱 Petit bémol cependant concernant l’histoire d’amour, qui ne m’a complètement convaincue et que j’ai trouvé un peu fade. Et certaines descriptions en générale dont je me serais bien passée.
  
  En bref, si vous voulez passer un bon moment en compagnie de ce roman (qui n’est pas très long, environ 350 pages) et que vous préférez les romans de noël mais avec une intrigue qui n’a rien à voir avec Noël, ce roman pourra vous plaire.
  
  
• 
  Hayley

  What a wonderful festive treat this book is.
  
  This is the second in the series & whilst I haven’t read the first, this is a perfectly lovely book to read as a stand-alone. However I will most certainly be looking up the first book!
  
  Mandy Hope has set up the new animal rescue centre Hope Meadows and has her eye on the good looking Jimmy Marsh. However someone has it in her for and her rescue centre and decides to try and sabotage all of her hard work.
  
  To add to this, the course of love never does run smooth and is Jimmy as faithful as he seems?
  
  Daniels has created a lovely world which I adored reading. From the adorable animals with great character (I loved Melon and her faithful companion Sky!). I’m such a huge animal lover and this kind of story is right up my street.
  
  I loved this book, and I’m missing it already. As a new reader of Lucy Daniels’ work, she’s done an astounding job of making her characters likeable, relatable and ones that I want to visit in the future.
  
  I would like to thank Emily Kitchen at Hodder & Staughtob for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
• 
  Julie

  La suite est aussi bien que le premier livre, des histoires différentes, des retournements différents et du mystère. J’avais commencé cette série car j’avais choisit ce deuxième livre comme mon livre de noël de cette année. C’est noël que vers la fin donc je ne le considérerait pas vraiment comme un livre de noël mais je me suis quand même régalée et il me tarde de lire le 3eme
• 
  Loz

  4.5 rounded up. Lovely countryside story. Christmassy with a very gentle romance, but also with plenty of interesting plot. A must for Animal Ark lovers.