"A perfect read to curl up on the sofa with - animals in need of home, children in need of a safe learning environment, and one farmer / teacher who is perhaps in need of a little romance."
What a lovely, charming, friendly read this is, an enticing ‘will they, won’t they’ romance is equally matched by the story of animals in need and children requiring an alternative learning environment. Molly Baker runs her beloved farm as a school, when a new student arrives, Molly’s life is turned thoroughly upside down and in to a roundabout spin. I adored the explanation at the beginning of the novel by Carole Matthews that Hope Farm is based on the real Animal Antiks Farm. The first sentence had me chortling and I settled further down into the comfort of my sofa to enjoy the read. Molly tells her own story, I could really hear her voice and her personality shines through. Can I say that the animals very nearly steal the show for me, having had a downright grumpy (read that as flesh tearing vampire) rescue cat myself, their individual quirks made me smile. ‘Happiness for Beginners’ is entertaining, heart-warming and ever so readable, I raced through in one sitting and enjoyed every second.
Explore our '80+ Books That Deliver a Hug' listicle for more feel-good or uplifting books.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Win a Copy of The Sisters of Hope Square by Faith Hogan and a Bucket List Scratch Book
Closing date: 04/07/2026
Full of warm, fuzzy feelings and perfectly engrossing. Heartwarming and relatable.
Molly is a social recluse but has found her calling running a farm for unwanted animals. She also runs a farm school there for children who have problems in mainstream education. When famous actor Shelby Dacre brings his wayward son Lucas to the farm, circumstances force Molly out of her comfort zone. A world of possibilities starts to open for Molly. Will she embrace the change or stay in her comfort zone?
This lovely book was light and easy to read with likeable characters and a satisfying plot. I found myself rooting for Molly all the way through, she was a warm and interesting narrator who was instantly likeable and relatable. Perfect for reading on long lazy days in the sun, or curled up under a blanket with a hot chocolate.... Read Full Review
A lovely, uplifting, warm read.
Lovely, heartwarming and uplifting read. This is my first time reading a book by Carole Matthews and I found it gripping and an easy read. This is a nice story set on a farm, where children with mental health issues or special needs are cared for. I believe the picture painted by the author was detailed, believable and uplifting.... Read Full Review
A hug in a book, I am convinced that Carole Matthews must write her novels with a great big smile on her face.
Romance, humour, set on a farm in the British countryside, what’s not to like?
With Carole Matthews you know what you’re getting- and you get it aplenty in this latest novel!
It’s full of kindness, understanding and warmth. I am convinced that Carole writes with a smile on her face.
The animals are show stealers- and the accuracy of the descriptions of their care is impressive, when Carole herself admits that she was not brought up with animals. As to the hens, Carole, have you been sneaking a peek at my rescue hens?
Although I felt the story was a little slow to start with, the scene is established firmly, and I settled back to enjoy Carole's usual witty and laugh out loud comments.( I NEVER usually laugh out loud!)
Make sure you read the author's note.... Read Full Review
Molly Baker is living her best life.
Thirty-eight years old, she lives on the twenty-five-acre Hope Farm in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by (mostly) four-legged friends and rolling hills. There's Anthony the anti-social sheep, Tina Turner the alpaca with attitude, and the definitely-not-miniature pig, Teacup.
Molly runs the farm as an alternative school for kids who haven't thrived in mainstream education. It's full on, but she wouldn't have it any other way. So when the well-groomed Shelby Dacre turns up at Hope Farm asking to enrol his son Lucas, Molly isn't fazed.
But Lucas is distant and soon Molly realises he might be more of a handful than she anticipated. And then there's the added problem that his dad is distractingly handsome. Molly has her beloved farm to think of - could letting Lucas and Shelby in be a terrible mistake, or the start of something wonderful?
Feel-good, funny and an absolute must-read from the queen of romance Carole Matthews, Molly's story will make your heart sing. New starts and second chances abound in Happiness for Beginners.
Happiness for Beginners features in the following genres: Modern and Contemporary Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Books of the Month, Books with reviews by our Reader Review Panel, Audiobooks of the Month, General Fiction, Fiction, Romance / Relationship Stories, Recommendations
Happiness for Beginners is available in Paperback, Hardback, Audiobook
Happiness for Beginners was written by Carole Matthews and published by Sphere, an imprint of Little, Brown Book Group
Happiness for Beginners has 445 pages
£9.89
