Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6

Fat Dogs and French Estates #6

by Beth Haslam

Let’s be honest, relaxed living doesn’t apply to the Haslams. And certainly not with their accident-prone dogs and animal rescues.
When a devastating event rocks Jack and Beth’s world, the joy of a new arrival is just what they need. But it doesn’t last long. A dark cloud looms, threatening the community and their beloved Le Palizac. Their future looks grim. Resolute, they join forces with friends to tackle the menace. Meanwhile, Beth is persuaded to navigate the perils of yoga classes – in French.
Laugh, shed tears, share fears, and join in the fun. Vive la France!

Genres: Memoir, France

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Beth Haslam was brought up on a country estate in Wales. Deep in the countryside, her childhood was spent either on horseback, helping the gamekeepers raise pheasants, or out sailing. After a serious car crash in 1991, she set up her own consultancy business.
As semi-retirement beckoned, Beth and her husband, Jack, decided to buy a second home in France. This became a life-changing event where computers and mobile phones swapped places with understanding the foibles of the French, and tackling the language. Beth is now occupied as never before. Raising and saving animals, writing, and embracing everything that rural France has to offer; she’s loving it!

Reviews

[Jemille Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has everything! I envy her ability to have ever more animals! It's just amazing that she actually raises pheasants to help repopulate. She is so generous. She even loves wild boar with faces not even their mothers could love. She saw a three-legged boar and felt for him, so began feeding him, and now she has his wife and kids with their heads cocked for the sound of the corn. I love learning more about what it's like actually living in France, and enjoy the colorful neighbors. There are so many heart-warming scenes about how they are finding themselves accepted into the fabric of village life. And into every life a little rain must fall, so there are some tears, too, but infinitely worth it! And I'm very excited about Part 7! I don't know how she can do all she does and still crank out books. She is an amazement! Her books make great gifts for Francophiles and animal lovers alike!
Oh, yes, and lovers of ancient houses and renovation and maintenance thereof!

[Lisa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read and loved all of Beth Haslam’s Fat Dogs and French Estates series of travel memoirs, but this, the sixth in the series, shows that Beth is still getting better and better as a writer. So much energy and such emotive writing. This one floored me on more than one occasion. From tears of laughter to tears of genuine devastation and back, Beth wrings the reader out like a towel and leaves us dripping (and begging for more).

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a bit of a wait for this latest in the Fat Dogs and French Estates series, but I can say that it was definitely worth it. What a treat it was to be once more at Le Palizac to catch up with the latest adventures and misadventures of Beth, Jack, and their lovely furry family.
Beautifully written, Beth has a wonderful way with words that can transport the reader to the sights of Carcassonne – oh that haunted house - or a wildflower meadow where she strolls with her enthusiastic friend Trish. Just a delight. I have laughed almost till I cried at the descriptions of carol singing, the yoga class and the trip to the eccentric hairdresser – and that’s only a few events.
Life is never dull in Beth’s corner of rural France, and they face sorrow and a time of anxiety although the ‘manifestasion’ did make me giggle. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all her eccentric, yet charming and warm-hearted neighbours and friends. The love she has for her adopted home is evident on every page. Bravo Beth, this gets five shiny stars from me. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Judy Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping read in the Fat Dogs series. How I hope the next one is being written and can hardly wait for it! You will laugh and you will cry. Best of all you will see how to face crises and navigate heartaches and difficulties with courage and grace. Beth at her best.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a total joy to return to France with Beth, Jack, and all their animals. Life at Le Palizac is never dull, and this book covers a gamut of emotions from laugh out loud moments to sobbing into my Kleenex. The usual cast of colorful characters are there: I love Nathan the forester, and the dishy vet, Dr Arnaud. And the animals too. I adore Max, the soppy and accident prone "mutt," and his sister Aby, and there are some new additions, too. Rural France has some real characters, and Beth is an expert at describing them so well that you feel like you know them too. But there is a worry that their way of life could be changed irrevocably, and a looming pandemic on the horizon. Another masterpiece of amazing storytelling by Beth. As always, I want it to be twice as long, but there is a hint that we may get a Fat Dogs Part 7. Please don't leave it too long, Beth.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back with Beth and Jack and their land and animals. There is always so much to do to keep them busy, clearing the trees from the storm taking care of wild and domestic animals. So many trips to the vets and always parties. They have lived there so long now that it is definitely home. We have some sad parts in this book and trips to the hospital. Beth’s sister buys a house close to them and the two of them have great adventures—but—Beth leaves us with cliff hangers—I can’t believe it—OMG—how long until the next book is ready? I am sure everyone reading it has the same question—we all want it NOW Beth!!

[Joy York · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates, the prequel to the Fat Dog and French Estates, it gave me a lot of insight into the childhood influences that have helped shape Beth Haslam into such a lover and champion of animals, seeker of adventures, caring and giving soul, and magnificent storyteller. Her writing style has a unique way of inviting you into her life as though you are her personal confidant. She shows you her authentic self. It is a special treat to become part of her life for this brief period of time at Le Palizac, her southern France rural estate with an enclosed naturally preserved with lush green forest, grassy meadows, crystal clear brooks, waterfalls, and wild animals. It is all so idyllic, but it also requires hard work and tremendous dedication from Beth and her husband Jack. Nature and animals can be extremely unpredictable, and Beth and Jack take it all in stride as they utilize their resources and receive helping hands from their many friends and neighbors in their close net community.

There is truly never a dull moment with curious dogs, ferial cats, pins with pheasants, quail, a family of bore, stags, pigs, and whatever wounded or abandoned animal might appear at their door. Beth has a soft heart and can never turn one away, much to Jack’s chagrin. He puts up a grumpy front but has a kind heart underneath. I enjoyed the banter between Jack and Beth. She is ever the perpetual optimist, never afraid to poke fun at herself, while Jack is her crotchety, dry witted foil. They have a lovely relationship with personalities that seem to ground each other.

Beth’s storytelling is charming, witty, authentic, and entertaining. We are treated to many wonderful social events with friends and family that are fun and heartwarming, but there are also heartbreaking personal losses and challenges that threaten their dear homestead. I laughed out loud, cried, and enjoyed every peek into the Haslam’s amazing life that many of us can only dream of. I highly recommend taking the journey.

[Peter Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

for A Joyful Return.
There’s something truly magical about stepping back into Beth Haslam’s world, and Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6 is like coming home to a slightly chaotic but thoroughly charming French family you didn’t know you’d missed so much.
This latest instalment is everything fans of the series adore: vivid countryside adventures, the delightful unpredictability of animals with opinions, and the glorious blend of triumph, tragedy, and tomato-related misunderstandings. Beth writes with such warmth and wit that I found myself laughing out loud one moment and unexpectedly emotional the next.
We’re treated to more than just furry escapades (although the dogs are, of course, excellent as ever). There are glimpses into local traditions, endearing neighbours, and new personal revelations that add even more depth to Beth’s already rich storytelling. Jack, as always, is his delightfully grumbly self, and the supporting cast, human and otherwise, continue to shine.
Beth's gift is making you feel like you're right there beside her: ankle-deep in mud, sipping something strong under the stars, or attempting yoga in deeply inappropriate circumstances.
Warm, funny, beautifully written and bursting with heart, Part 6 is another standout chapter in a series I hope never ends.
Bravo, Beth. I’m already eagerly awaiting Part 7.

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to Beta read this latest instalment of Beth Haslam's French adventures and can honestly say I loved every page. The colourful characters that surround the Haslams' lives, the fabulous array of animals, husband Jack's legendary rants and the lively anecdotes of the events, festivals and local gatherings are, as always, what make me yearn to up sticks and move to southern France. What gave this book its special appeal came in the form of a yoga class, about which I will say no more other than it made me laugh uproariously and frequently. Another new addition was the arrival of Beth's sister, who added much to the fun and repartee in this book. I was also deeply touched and moved to tears over some of the sadder events in their lives, but the balance was perfect, as was the pace of the story and the wonderful dialogue Beth has with Jack. As for the ending, well, it's left me itching for the next in this addictive series. Another delightful and beautifully written book, which I can highly recommend.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Packed Sequel. Well, the action continues unabated in this 6th book of the Fat Dogs series, from the tragic to the hilarious and everything in between - accidents, uncertainties, animal antics and more - the tension rises as each hurdle is faced, resolving in the pleasure of social events in rural France. Beth's characterisations of all the personalities are impeccable, as are her vivid descriptions of French culture and countryside, transporting the reader to another world. New problems and difficulties peculiar to French rural life present themselves, and I never ceased to be amazed at the continuing energy and commitment that Beth and Jack have for their domaine - and I'm even more in awe of Beth for, in this book, she discloses a fact about herself which as a reader I was hitherto unaware of, but having learnt about it, Beth's energy and achievements are even more astounding. The Yoga classes are hilarious and tied in beautifully with the image on the cover. A "down dog" Yoga move is not the easiest to perform at times!

[Dalva Estevao Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was anxiously waiting for Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6 to be released, I pre-ordered it as soon as it became available. I am a huge fan of all the books in the series Fat Dogs and French Estates, and reading this book felt like meeting people I had not seen for a while. Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6 does give us an update of the Jack’s and Beth’s effort to bring back and protect the forest’s animal species, but this memoir has a strong focus on Jack and Beth’s family and friends. The new neighbors who were introduced to us in previous memoirs are now good old friends. The community unites to fight a possible railroad that might cross their rural area. They also get together in festivals and a wedding, so we learn more about the culture and customs of the place and the bond there is among the members of the community. We also get to know more about Jack’s mother and Beth’s sister. This memoir has humor and also some poignant moments in their family life. I highly recommend this book, and I am now waiting for Part 7.

[Terry Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Beth Haslam fan ever since reading Fat Dogs and French Estates Part 1. I have eagerly awaited the arrival of every single exciting new book. But perhaps because I feel like I know Beth and her world at Le Palizac so much more after the 6th book, I found that this book elicited a much stronger emotional impact as I read it. Beth's life, filled with her curmudgeon-y but loving and supporting husband, her French neighbors who have gradually come to accept these foreigners as their own, the antics of her domestic pets and the wild animals she devotes to caring for, all drew me into a world I actually felt a part of. I was brought to tears several times and on other occasions was literally laughing out loud. Beth's descriptive writing just keeps getting better and better, a joy to read. Not to put any pressure on Beth, but I am already awaiting the publication of Part 7!

[Lally Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy it is to be back at Le Palizac with the lovely Beth, long-suffering Jack (is he becoming more mellow of late?) and their motley menagerie of furry and feathered critters!
Beth’s snapshots of life in rural France are a delight. Walks in the countryside; colourful characters and eccentric friends; scatty sis ‘Di’; accident-prone Max and adorable Aby; yoga and carol singing; they bring giggles galore, but there are moments of sadness, tears and anxiety too. Beth is a master storyteller and she navigates effortlessly through this kaleidoscope of different emotions with compassion and consummate ease.
I’d like to add huge congratulations to the amazing Maggie Raynor for her exceptional illustrations!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read and another 5* winner from the kennels of Fat Dogs and French Estates, highly recommended!

[Mary Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventure from Beth

This book takes up where the last book left off and is a continuation of life in France from those who came from England. Many of the characters that created lively scenes with characters from her prior books continue and life goes on with changes. The pets mature and grow older, in need of veterinary cares, and one cannot have fruitful trees without the proper nutrients. The foods sounded delicious and I fell right back into this series as I read. I did not know that the novel coronavirus would play into this novel, but it does. All the questions and misinformation present. I laughed often as I read the adventures and Jack's dry wit continues on.

[Sharon Hayhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another finely crafted installment in Beth Haslam’s Fat Dogs and French Estates series, of which I have long been a fan. It’s hard not to give away spoilers, but I particularly enjoyed being immersed in French country life and getting to know all the colorful characters who seem to stumble down Beth and Jack’s driveway with great frequency. I must admit to having enjoyed Beth’s French haircut incident a little more than I should have, given that I have experienced this myself, oh did I laugh! But there is sadness too and a threat hanging over the future that kept me turning pages. A well-deserved 5 stars from me.

[Pat Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a fortunate beta read for this memoir. Here’s my true and personal review.
Beth Haslam has done it again!
This is a wonderful addition to her ‘Fat Dogs’ series.
The writing, as usual, is witty, warm and welcoming. Us readers, are brought back into the fold of the domain where Beth, Jack and their menagerie dwell. We catch-up with their wonderful neighbours & friends whilst ‘meeting’ some new also.
The chapters, being true to life, bring us happiness, hilarity and some heart-tugging moments - highly recommended.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the ongoing saga of Beth, Jack and the dogs, cats ect, etc. There are high dramas and wonderfully funny moments as well as Beth's fine eye describing the landscapes and the towns and villages she sees. There is a fine set of minor characters, villagers and workers which all add to the enjoyment of this book.

I delight in Jack the curmudgeon who fails to maintain his grumpiness when trouble arises (and I particularly like his belief that Max is not right in the head - clearly he is correct but we all love Max).

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in France continues

I really enjoyed Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6. Beth Haslam’s stories always make me feel like I’m right there in the French countryside, laughing along at the antics and admiring her love for the animals and nature around her. It’s warm, funny, and full of heart—just the kind of book that leaves you smiling when you turn the last page.
This book is a delightful continuation of the series—funny, heartwarming, and full of love for animals and French countryside living with a hint of more to come. ( fingers crossed).

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fat Dogs and French Estates VI is a wonderful adventure into an enchanted forest called Le Palizac, the home of Author Beth Haslam and her husband Jack. She is a Doctor Dolittle -type as she pours love, balms and special care into her varied animals and creatures. As expats, they finally find a sense of belonging amongst their French neighbors as they go through the ups and downs of life together. A fun read!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fat Dogs and French Estates book series by Beth Haslam has just grown to 6 (plus a prequel). I have read them all and await each arrival with anticipation. This one did not disappoint. The stories of their lives on their retirement estate in Southwest France (originally going to be a getaway) is filled with family, friends--both English and French, festivals, and ANIMALS--both feathery and furry. I laughed, I cried and what more could you ask for in a book?

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book six of this series. This book was the perfect choice to read while sitting on the beach. Jack and Beth can’t seem to settle into a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle, but even so, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is filled with love and care for all they meet. That includes, their dog, Max, and animals found trespassing on their property, family who visit, and each other, even when they cause aggravation. There was laughter, along with encounters with bees and so much more.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining read.

As I expected, Beth Haslam has penned yet another extremely entertaining memoir.
She shares the highs and lows of life on the vast French estate she shares with her husband Jack.
There are many adventures, losses and plenty of new arrivals, so life is never dull.
This is an extremely entertaining read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Paul Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

the usual feel good read!

Brilliantly written as usual, you feel like Beth and Jack are old friends. Love how you almost feel like you live in the village. Can’t wait for episode 7 😊

[Judy Tomkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of books and looking forward to book 7.

[Tracie Chapple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a book that can make me laugh out loud & cry as well. So entertaining ❤️

[Avid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent new addition to series. Will anxiously watch for part 7!

[Duncan Maccoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good ending, surely more later. What happens next - BREXIT looms.