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A Vacancy for a Village Vet
From big city high-flyer to little village vet …
Hannah and Daniel were teenage sweethearts, but then Daniel left their sleepy village of Middlefern and his grandfather’s veterinary practice behind for the bright lights of London.
Now, fifteen years later, the prodigal grandson has returned to temporarily take over the village practice with a veterinary qualification and his dog, Sammy, in tow. Daniel is ready for rabbits with tummy aches, guinea pigs who’ve lost their squeak, plenty of cow complaints and a whole lot of memories – both good and bad. But is he ready to see Hannah again?
Of course, a high-flying city vet like Daniel was never planning to stay in Middlefern for good – especially given his history with the place. But could another, even more important, vacancy convince him to change his mind?
Hannah and Daniel were teenage sweethearts, but then Daniel left their sleepy village of Middlefern and his grandfather’s veterinary practice behind for the bright lights of London.
Now, fifteen years later, the prodigal grandson has returned to temporarily take over the village practice with a veterinary qualification and his dog, Sammy, in tow. Daniel is ready for rabbits with tummy aches, guinea pigs who’ve lost their squeak, plenty of cow complaints and a whole lot of memories – both good and bad. But is he ready to see Hannah again?
Of course, a high-flying city vet like Daniel was never planning to stay in Middlefern for good – especially given his history with the place. But could another, even more important, vacancy convince him to change his mind?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2022
12 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 20, 2022
Loooooooooong and sloooooooow, with very little deep
October 22, 2022
Firstly, look at that cover....go on take a squint at it, isn’t it fabulous?
I have to admit that it ticked me off when I first saw it. It reminded me of my daily walks with my two demons, where we meet dogs and their owners – btw, I don’t know people's names we tend to address each other as; Max’s owners, Milly’s mum, Lola’s mum, the Kray twins dad – you get the picture – I’m known as her who looks as though she has been pulled through a bush backwards (which I usually have) with the two demented dogs. This cover made me think of our little doggo walking party waiting around, which made me smile.
Hmmm.....went a little astray there, back to the book, shall we!
A Vacancy for the Village Vet is a lovely second-chance romance, a second chance that is fifteen years to come to fruition. Vet Daniel left the gorgeous little village of Middlefern fifteen years ago to live it up and gain his career in the big smoke, Daniel didn’t just leave the village, the family veterinary practice and family he also left his childhood sweetheart; Hannah. Hannah refused to leave with him or to leave the village full stop, her mother had cancer and Hannah being the amazing woman she is stayed to care for her.
The arrival of Daniel brings back way too many memories for Hannah, she has moved on with her life from when he was last in town, they are both different people now, but neither can deny that there is chemistry and with the gentle and not so subtle nudges from their so-called friends and fellow villagers Daniel and Hannah find themselves thrown together far too often.
I really, really liked Hannah, I didn’t just like her, I connected with her on a very personal level. Hannah sacrificed a lot of her younger years to care for her mother, but she saw it as what needed to be done. If she were faced with the same choices again, she would do exactly the same, she is a kind and caring and dutiful woman, even though she is very set in her ways and is very reluctant to accept help from others. Something else I can relate to!
I really connected with her on so many levels, I think I share a lot of her traits, and I did pretty much the same years ago, I gave up work and put everything that wanted to do in life on the back burner to care for my own mum so I understand her which makes me care for her that much more and I enjoyed watching her blossom.
I really loved this story, I loved the characters Daniel and Hannah are super cute, their journey isn’t a simple one most of what gets in their way is themselves but I really liked how they re-connected.
I do love a small country village setting, a close-knit community with curtain-twitching busy-bodies (Hmmm, just described myself there) and Middlefern is just that and more. I loved the villagers, they mean well and have good welcoming hearts, but they do like to meddle – which is always good fun!
Overall, A vacancy for a Village Vet is a cosy, heart-warming, feel-good romance. It’s a wonderfully quick and non-taxing read where the story and romance flow with real ease, a definite must-read!
I have to admit that it ticked me off when I first saw it. It reminded me of my daily walks with my two demons, where we meet dogs and their owners – btw, I don’t know people's names we tend to address each other as; Max’s owners, Milly’s mum, Lola’s mum, the Kray twins dad – you get the picture – I’m known as her who looks as though she has been pulled through a bush backwards (which I usually have) with the two demented dogs. This cover made me think of our little doggo walking party waiting around, which made me smile.
Hmmm.....went a little astray there, back to the book, shall we!
A Vacancy for the Village Vet is a lovely second-chance romance, a second chance that is fifteen years to come to fruition. Vet Daniel left the gorgeous little village of Middlefern fifteen years ago to live it up and gain his career in the big smoke, Daniel didn’t just leave the village, the family veterinary practice and family he also left his childhood sweetheart; Hannah. Hannah refused to leave with him or to leave the village full stop, her mother had cancer and Hannah being the amazing woman she is stayed to care for her.
The arrival of Daniel brings back way too many memories for Hannah, she has moved on with her life from when he was last in town, they are both different people now, but neither can deny that there is chemistry and with the gentle and not so subtle nudges from their so-called friends and fellow villagers Daniel and Hannah find themselves thrown together far too often.
I really, really liked Hannah, I didn’t just like her, I connected with her on a very personal level. Hannah sacrificed a lot of her younger years to care for her mother, but she saw it as what needed to be done. If she were faced with the same choices again, she would do exactly the same, she is a kind and caring and dutiful woman, even though she is very set in her ways and is very reluctant to accept help from others. Something else I can relate to!
I really connected with her on so many levels, I think I share a lot of her traits, and I did pretty much the same years ago, I gave up work and put everything that wanted to do in life on the back burner to care for my own mum so I understand her which makes me care for her that much more and I enjoyed watching her blossom.
I really loved this story, I loved the characters Daniel and Hannah are super cute, their journey isn’t a simple one most of what gets in their way is themselves but I really liked how they re-connected.
I do love a small country village setting, a close-knit community with curtain-twitching busy-bodies (Hmmm, just described myself there) and Middlefern is just that and more. I loved the villagers, they mean well and have good welcoming hearts, but they do like to meddle – which is always good fun!
Overall, A vacancy for a Village Vet is a cosy, heart-warming, feel-good romance. It’s a wonderfully quick and non-taxing read where the story and romance flow with real ease, a definite must-read!
September 13, 2022
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
A Vacancy for a Village Vet is the type of romance I adore, I mean… cute (or not so cute) animals and a chance to revisit first love and get it right this time, what’s not to love about that?
Hannah and Daniel had been teen-aged sweethearts, certain that they would build a future together until Daniel abruptly left for London with his mother and step-father completely cutting all ties with the village where he grew up including his grandfather and Hannah. With no answer to any of her letters and no contact at all eventually Hannah had to face the fact that Daniel wasn’t going to speak to her again and she had to move on. She stayed in the village instead of going off to college in order to tend to her mother, and even after her mother’s passing has remained as the one person the village can depend upon to care for the sick and elderly. She never expected to set eyes on Daniel again… until he returned, determined to sell his deceased grandfather’s practice and move as far away as possible. Not exactly a happy reunion for Hannah as she avoided him for as long as possible, but in a village this size – well, sooner or later they’d cross paths again. Too soon for Hannah.
I enjoyed A Vacancy for a Village Vet on several levels. Of course, the animals will always get a smile from me, but also this village is full of good-hearted people, many of whom are determined to play matchmaker for Daniel and Hannah. After more than a decade apart these two will have to deal with their shared past as well as information that Hannah is completely unaware of. They need to be truthful with each other, and really, Daniel has a lot of explaining to do. Groveling would be a bonus in my opinion.
Watching this couple speak their truths, clear the mistakes of the past and begin to work toward a future was an enjoyable journey. We get some answers to questions that plagued me from the beginning of their story and that was important for me. A lively village full of people who adore Hannah and only want her happiness, the second chance for love, the adorable animals – A Vacancy for a Village Vet has it all and then some. I had fun here and that’s the entire point.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*
A Vacancy for a Village Vet is the type of romance I adore, I mean… cute (or not so cute) animals and a chance to revisit first love and get it right this time, what’s not to love about that?
Hannah and Daniel had been teen-aged sweethearts, certain that they would build a future together until Daniel abruptly left for London with his mother and step-father completely cutting all ties with the village where he grew up including his grandfather and Hannah. With no answer to any of her letters and no contact at all eventually Hannah had to face the fact that Daniel wasn’t going to speak to her again and she had to move on. She stayed in the village instead of going off to college in order to tend to her mother, and even after her mother’s passing has remained as the one person the village can depend upon to care for the sick and elderly. She never expected to set eyes on Daniel again… until he returned, determined to sell his deceased grandfather’s practice and move as far away as possible. Not exactly a happy reunion for Hannah as she avoided him for as long as possible, but in a village this size – well, sooner or later they’d cross paths again. Too soon for Hannah.
I enjoyed A Vacancy for a Village Vet on several levels. Of course, the animals will always get a smile from me, but also this village is full of good-hearted people, many of whom are determined to play matchmaker for Daniel and Hannah. After more than a decade apart these two will have to deal with their shared past as well as information that Hannah is completely unaware of. They need to be truthful with each other, and really, Daniel has a lot of explaining to do. Groveling would be a bonus in my opinion.
Watching this couple speak their truths, clear the mistakes of the past and begin to work toward a future was an enjoyable journey. We get some answers to questions that plagued me from the beginning of their story and that was important for me. A lively village full of people who adore Hannah and only want her happiness, the second chance for love, the adorable animals – A Vacancy for a Village Vet has it all and then some. I had fun here and that’s the entire point.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*
June 14, 2022
Disclaimer: I’m not really an animal person so perhaps a book about a village vet shouldn’t appeal
Spoiler alert: I really enjoyed this book anyway!
They say you never forget your first love and that was certainly true for Hannah and Daniel. They were childhood sweethearts and very much in love when teenagers but they were torn apart when he had to leave for London after his mother remarried. Why did Dan never write to Hannah as he had promised or come back? It was clear it was something to do with his grandfather, a much respected vet in the village, so what was the story there? This strand of the story certainly added some intrigue.
It was obvious that neither had forgotten each other or got over that relationship in the intervening fifteen years. Here were two people who clearly still loved each other but were frightened they had misunderstood the situation and scared to tell the other how they really felt. It was quite funny how everyone else could see they were perfect for each other and often assumed they were a couple, but Daniel and Hannah were almost the last to know! 😊
I enjoyed reading about Hannah and Dan finally coming to terms with their feelings and talking honestly to each other. I also really liked the way the community of Middlefern was portrayed as a warm, welcoming and caring place. Then again, Daniel often thought it should be called ‘Meddlingfern’ because of the matchmaking attempts of the the villagers!
A Vacancy for a Village Vet is a lovely second chance romance and proof that first love can last despite many challenges, with a heartwarming conclusion.
Spoiler alert: I really enjoyed this book anyway!
They say you never forget your first love and that was certainly true for Hannah and Daniel. They were childhood sweethearts and very much in love when teenagers but they were torn apart when he had to leave for London after his mother remarried. Why did Dan never write to Hannah as he had promised or come back? It was clear it was something to do with his grandfather, a much respected vet in the village, so what was the story there? This strand of the story certainly added some intrigue.
It was obvious that neither had forgotten each other or got over that relationship in the intervening fifteen years. Here were two people who clearly still loved each other but were frightened they had misunderstood the situation and scared to tell the other how they really felt. It was quite funny how everyone else could see they were perfect for each other and often assumed they were a couple, but Daniel and Hannah were almost the last to know! 😊
I enjoyed reading about Hannah and Dan finally coming to terms with their feelings and talking honestly to each other. I also really liked the way the community of Middlefern was portrayed as a warm, welcoming and caring place. Then again, Daniel often thought it should be called ‘Meddlingfern’ because of the matchmaking attempts of the the villagers!
A Vacancy for a Village Vet is a lovely second chance romance and proof that first love can last despite many challenges, with a heartwarming conclusion.
June 23, 2022
All the fur-baby feels for this one!! When Daniel returns home after abruptly leaving 15 years ago, Hannah doesn't know what to think! No contact in all that time despite swearing undying love to one another as teenagers! Trying to keep out of his way in a small village is impossible so it's only a matter of time until their paths cross.... and we get to go along for the reunion ride. Hold on to your hats!!
Hannah is one of those characters that you just want as a friend! She's the sweetest thing, and has a very caring personality and is always putting others first instead of herself. And that's one of the main reasons she's never left the village, as she stayed to nurse her mother when she was poorly with cancer. It's been 18 months since her passing, and she's still grieving but throwing herself back into her nursing work with the locals keeps her going and distracting her mind.
And then Daniel returns which stirs up all those old memories and they both have a lot to face together - and it seems the universe, and some of their friends, are doing all they can to keep throwing them into situations where they are together to confront those old feelings!!
I loved this story - the connection between the characters was sparkling and I loved the different scenarios they found themselves in that allowed the past to be confronted and, for a change, be honest with one another!! Hannah is one of those people who loves helping others, but not so good at accepting help from others so it was good to see how she had to hand over control sometimes to others! Fabulous stuff!!
Hannah is one of those characters that you just want as a friend! She's the sweetest thing, and has a very caring personality and is always putting others first instead of herself. And that's one of the main reasons she's never left the village, as she stayed to nurse her mother when she was poorly with cancer. It's been 18 months since her passing, and she's still grieving but throwing herself back into her nursing work with the locals keeps her going and distracting her mind.
And then Daniel returns which stirs up all those old memories and they both have a lot to face together - and it seems the universe, and some of their friends, are doing all they can to keep throwing them into situations where they are together to confront those old feelings!!
I loved this story - the connection between the characters was sparkling and I loved the different scenarios they found themselves in that allowed the past to be confronted and, for a change, be honest with one another!! Hannah is one of those people who loves helping others, but not so good at accepting help from others so it was good to see how she had to hand over control sometimes to others! Fabulous stuff!!
May 23, 2022
Ideal light entertainment
Inseparable as children, Dan and Hannah became teenage sweethearts until Dan moved to London with his mother and step father. As they part they promised to keep in touch but Daniel cuts all contact with Hannah, leaving her feeling rejected.
Although she planned to attend university, Hannah stayed in Middlefern to support her mother's last years and is now employed as the much loved carer of the village elderly and anyone requiring her assistance.
Fifteen years after leaving, Dan returns to Middlefern to temporarily run his late grandfather’s veterinarian practice. Due to traumas from his childhood and his life in London falling apart, Dan intends to sell the practice and start again somewhere else.
Could such a warm welcome from everyone in the village persuade Dan to stay in Middlefern. Maybe, but first he has to explain to Hannah why he broke his promise to her all those years ago.
A light-hearted and entertaining read about second chances.
Inseparable as children, Dan and Hannah became teenage sweethearts until Dan moved to London with his mother and step father. As they part they promised to keep in touch but Daniel cuts all contact with Hannah, leaving her feeling rejected.
Although she planned to attend university, Hannah stayed in Middlefern to support her mother's last years and is now employed as the much loved carer of the village elderly and anyone requiring her assistance.
Fifteen years after leaving, Dan returns to Middlefern to temporarily run his late grandfather’s veterinarian practice. Due to traumas from his childhood and his life in London falling apart, Dan intends to sell the practice and start again somewhere else.
Could such a warm welcome from everyone in the village persuade Dan to stay in Middlefern. Maybe, but first he has to explain to Hannah why he broke his promise to her all those years ago.
A light-hearted and entertaining read about second chances.
May 25, 2022
Second chance romances in which the heroes dated when they were teenagers and meet again years later are among my favourites, so I was bound to enjoy this story. My only worry was that Daniel being a vet meant that seeing bad things happening to pets seemed inevitable. I can't say I was reassured on that point but everything else, I loved. Apart from the obvious (Hannah and Daniel getting to know each other again as adults), the best parts must be when other characters try to play matchmakers - those were fun to read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2022
I loved this book & found it hard to put down.
Starts with teenager Daniel saying goodbye to his girlfriend Hannah and moving to London with his mother. He hates his grandfather Gerald but no explanation why.
Daniel ends up moving back to Middlefern fifteen years later when Gerald dies and takes over the veterinary practice. Hannah is now working as a carer to the elderly in the village. She still hasn’t forgiven Daniel for never replying to her letters & cutting contact. Will they ever get their friendship back on track? Also, will we find out why Daniel despises his grandfather so much?
Starts with teenager Daniel saying goodbye to his girlfriend Hannah and moving to London with his mother. He hates his grandfather Gerald but no explanation why.
Daniel ends up moving back to Middlefern fifteen years later when Gerald dies and takes over the veterinary practice. Hannah is now working as a carer to the elderly in the village. She still hasn’t forgiven Daniel for never replying to her letters & cutting contact. Will they ever get their friendship back on track? Also, will we find out why Daniel despises his grandfather so much?
June 30, 2022
Hannah and Daniel were teenage sweethearts so why when he had to leave Middlefern did Daniel cut all ties, ignore her letters and not even return to see his grandfather? Now 15 years later he is back to take over his late grandfather's veterinary practice and in such a small village she cannot avoid seeing him, and no-one has even come close in those 15 years so how will she cope seeing him all the time knowing that her feelings have never changed?
A lovely feelgood story where you are really rooting for Daniel and Hannah and wanting to find out what happened to Daniel in the past with his grandfather really helped keep your interest. Perfect summer read
A lovely feelgood story where you are really rooting for Daniel and Hannah and wanting to find out what happened to Daniel in the past with his grandfather really helped keep your interest. Perfect summer read
February 13, 2023
If, like me, you love charming romance novels set in small, welcoming country villages that make you feel warm and fuzzy when you read them, you'll love A Vacancy for a Village Vet. The main characters - Hannah and Daniel - are childhood sweethearts who haven't seen each other in 15 years. So, when Daniel returns to his childhood village after all this time, it throws Hannah - who is now working as a carer - completely off guard.
From the first page, I was routing for Hannah and Daniel - there was something about these two that made Boden's novel hard to put down.
* Honest and voluntary review based on initial manuscript provided to Choc Lit Tasting Panel members.
From the first page, I was routing for Hannah and Daniel - there was something about these two that made Boden's novel hard to put down.
* Honest and voluntary review based on initial manuscript provided to Choc Lit Tasting Panel members.
June 25, 2022
If you grew up with James Herriot you will return to village life and country vet problems with this story, but with less about animal gynaecology! Hannah is hard working, kind and valued by her community-where she plays an important role. Daniel is the local-boy-made-good and is more of an unknown quantity with troubling echoes from his past. As their story unfolds the truth is gradually revealed. I enjoyed this more than Escape to Little Bluewater Bay and look forward to more from Joanne Boden.
July 5, 2022
A delightful story about first love revisited. When Daniel returns to Middlefern, sixteen years after he first left, it is only to clear his grandfather’s house and sell his veterinary practice, but when he bumps into his first love, Hannah, literally. It is clear that things aren’t going to be that easy especially when the whole village is trying to help. Feelings rise, maybe it’s time to be honest and explain his reasons for leaving. A delicious slow-burn romance between two really loveable characters. A super second book, Joanne, thank you.
June 21, 2022
Another enjoyable book from Ms Boden – I read a couple of chapters late at night and then put it down till the next day, when I picked it up and read the whole of the rest – I got interested and involved, so it was irresistible. It is a good romance with a good HEA, and I particularly liked the epilogue – tied the ends up neatly in a bow for me. All in all, an entertaining and pleasant read, I would recommend it with no qualms. Nearly a 5!
June 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel from the very first page. The story opens with 2 youngsters, Daniel and Hannah, who are best friends and on the cusp of something more. However Daniel leaves the village where they have both grown up and when he returns 15 years later, he has secrets stopping him from reigniting that flame of love with Hannah. Can the two overcome the secret and betrayal to find new hope together? Highly recommend this novel!
June 21, 2022
This is a story that will hold you from. Start to finish. The return of the prodigal grandson of the village vet leads to all sorts of complications, confusions and old relationships. The heroine, Hannah, is the sort you'd love to have as a neighbour and friend. The hero, Daniel, the flawed but redeemable boy next door. The book highlights their rebuilding of a childhood friendship as adults. Its well written and carries you along with their ups and downs.
November 10, 2022
Hannah and Daniel were highschool sweethearts until he moved away and cut off all contact. What will happen when he returns to the village where they grew up as the local village vet? Will they be able to become friends again or even more? A sweet story for animal and non-animal lovers like.
November 25, 2024
Who doesn’t love a handsome vet?
Loved this book- it was such an easy read, with charming characters and just enough heart warming romance.
A new author for me - looking forward to the next read!
Loved this book- it was such an easy read, with charming characters and just enough heart warming romance.
A new author for me - looking forward to the next read!
July 25, 2022
An uplifting and enjoyable read about the strength of first love.
May 17, 2024
A really great story . I hope there's a follow up please
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews