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Fat Dogs and French Estates #2
Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 2
With six failures so far and six more properties to see, Beth, her irascible husband, Jack, and their two fat dogs continue their hunt for a country domaine in France. As tensions rise, Beth's anxieties switch from house-hunting failures to fears that Jack is finally going to lose it altogether and come to blows with "yet another incompetent" estate agent. In spite of this and a dog who insists on trying to die, they battle on exhausted but determined to realise their dream. Will it end in tears? This is the hilarious second instalment of the Haslams' French adventures.
260 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2021
165 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Beth Haslam
10 books62 followersBeth 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 29, 2016
It’s not often I get more giggles from the second book of a memoir series, but Beth Haslam’s ‘Fat Dogs 2’ is a rare exception. Here, as Beth and grumpy but strangely loveable hubby Jack renew their search for a new domaine (large estate) in scenic Provence, we are reintroduced to hapless English-speaking estate agent ‘It’sWill’ and of course to precocious pups, Sam and Biff whom Jack refer to as ‘an irritating waste of time and money’. The resulting high jinks, as fat dogs and fatuous domaine owners – from the terrifying Madame Rouge to an oversexed playboy with a blow-up doll as his ‘leetle girlfriend’ to a sallow, intense monsieur who looks like a cross between Mr Darcy and Dracula – had me in fits. So too did Jack’s background agenda of finding a property with an anechoic chamber (soundproof bedroom), Biff’s extra heart pill magically returning him to fighting form and attacking some poor man’s trousers, and of course the incident of the double-scoop 99 ice cream with ‘monkey’s blood’, which is, well, comedy gold.
Then there are the domaines themselves – one of them the size of a county (with a house riddled with woodworm and built on the edge of a precipice), another built alongside an open sewer pipe, and yet another like a children’s Wendy house with terrifying steps and the smallest bathroom ever constructed. The country home of a Knight’s Templar briefly appeals, but then it turns out to be a 12th century castle with several hundred rooms, its own cathedral, and a bath tub which Jack cynically remarks would have anyone fool enough to take a bath in it emerge the colour of rust. Then Beth gives Jack the chance to choose a house for once and it gets even worse…
I love the way Beth writes. Droll, tongue in cheek, and marvellously descriptive, she is a master story teller with an acute observation of the human condition, especially when fighting superhuman odds which any normal person would shy away from. Where do I go from here? Why, onto Fat Dogs 3, of course!
Then there are the domaines themselves – one of them the size of a county (with a house riddled with woodworm and built on the edge of a precipice), another built alongside an open sewer pipe, and yet another like a children’s Wendy house with terrifying steps and the smallest bathroom ever constructed. The country home of a Knight’s Templar briefly appeals, but then it turns out to be a 12th century castle with several hundred rooms, its own cathedral, and a bath tub which Jack cynically remarks would have anyone fool enough to take a bath in it emerge the colour of rust. Then Beth gives Jack the chance to choose a house for once and it gets even worse…
I love the way Beth writes. Droll, tongue in cheek, and marvellously descriptive, she is a master story teller with an acute observation of the human condition, especially when fighting superhuman odds which any normal person would shy away from. Where do I go from here? Why, onto Fat Dogs 3, of course!
March 4, 2015
Wonderful, I really enjoyed this!
I was sent a free copy of this book to beta read. I have also read Beth Haslam's previous book, Fat Dogs And French Estates Part 1, which I thought was a great read but this one is even better! The book recounts Beth's and her sometimes lovably grumpy hubby Jack's search for a property in France with two doggies in tow and provides lots of fun scenarios. As her previous book, it is very well presented and accurate and has another wonderful cover which coordinates beautifully with Fat Dogs 1. It's a wonderful read. I really liked this, it's told with fun and warmth. In it there are always different and amusing ways of describing things, I love Beth Haslam's word choices. Many smiles in here. It's quite beautiful reading about their journey trying to find a property in France. Beth has a lovely command of the English language. A later scene in the book: some of these old gadgets/devices of torture are horrifying to hear about-this brings a totally unexpected dimension to this book. Beth deals very sensitively with the Comte's home going to rack and ruin, it's a great shame and is probably because he's too ill to care for it I think? Another unexpected artefact again-a full suit of armour in the Comte's bedroom, Jack is very excited and interested to see this and I loved reading about all this. And yet more discoveries they made on their tours of properties: Madame la Comtesse has a very large and varied collection of dolls. All these, along with the Comte's collections are so expertly described that all this felt like an unexpected bonus, like I too was actually being shown around, the detailing was so vivid. This brought a lump to my throat: the Comtesse is in a wheelchair and La Comte has respiratory aids, they are in a mess, perhaps they are having to sell their home because they're both unable to care for it and themselves. Very sad. I loved all those different and refreshing choices of words, a lot of thought has gone into this. Some luxurious descriptions, really capturing the atmosphere. I really, really enjoyed this! I enjoyed Beth's first book too but I feel, in this book two, she has really got comfortable and confident with her writing style, this reads even better and to reflect that improvement this book gets a very well deserved five stars.
I was sent a free copy of this book to beta read. I have also read Beth Haslam's previous book, Fat Dogs And French Estates Part 1, which I thought was a great read but this one is even better! The book recounts Beth's and her sometimes lovably grumpy hubby Jack's search for a property in France with two doggies in tow and provides lots of fun scenarios. As her previous book, it is very well presented and accurate and has another wonderful cover which coordinates beautifully with Fat Dogs 1. It's a wonderful read. I really liked this, it's told with fun and warmth. In it there are always different and amusing ways of describing things, I love Beth Haslam's word choices. Many smiles in here. It's quite beautiful reading about their journey trying to find a property in France. Beth has a lovely command of the English language. A later scene in the book: some of these old gadgets/devices of torture are horrifying to hear about-this brings a totally unexpected dimension to this book. Beth deals very sensitively with the Comte's home going to rack and ruin, it's a great shame and is probably because he's too ill to care for it I think? Another unexpected artefact again-a full suit of armour in the Comte's bedroom, Jack is very excited and interested to see this and I loved reading about all this. And yet more discoveries they made on their tours of properties: Madame la Comtesse has a very large and varied collection of dolls. All these, along with the Comte's collections are so expertly described that all this felt like an unexpected bonus, like I too was actually being shown around, the detailing was so vivid. This brought a lump to my throat: the Comtesse is in a wheelchair and La Comte has respiratory aids, they are in a mess, perhaps they are having to sell their home because they're both unable to care for it and themselves. Very sad. I loved all those different and refreshing choices of words, a lot of thought has gone into this. Some luxurious descriptions, really capturing the atmosphere. I really, really enjoyed this! I enjoyed Beth's first book too but I feel, in this book two, she has really got comfortable and confident with her writing style, this reads even better and to reflect that improvement this book gets a very well deserved five stars.
May 3, 2015
After reading the first book in the series 'Fat Dogs and French Estates Part I, I was absolutely bursting to read the second one and it didn't disappoint. Beth and her husband Jack, accompanied by their two dogs, are still searching for a French domaine to buy and as in the first book, estate agents seem intent on showing them some very undesirable properties with the most peculiar owners. I love Beth's humorous descriptions of the seemingly never ending quest to find the perfect property, their adventures along the way and Jack's irascible and often hilarious outbursts of grumpiness. Jack is funnier, wittier and perhaps a bit grumpier than the character of Victor Meldrew ever was. As a bit of a fan of military history, his scathing remarks about such matters throughout their journey really made me laugh out loud on occasion. Unfortunately, I read the book far too quickly and have now finished it. Bereft, but I'll wait patiently for the next one in the series.
December 31, 2022
Fat Dogs 2 was another pleasurable read for me.
Similar to Book 1, Beth and her hubby go in search of the perfect estate in France and each showing becomes quite the adventure. The author describes each home in great detail, but also introduces us to the sometimes eccentric property owners and their not so ideal living conditions.
I admire the courage and perseverance this couple displays while on this house hunting fiasco. The two dogs, not so pleasant accommodations, and car problems test their marriage and possibly their own inner strength to continue this journey.
While openly admitting my use of Google to search for words such as "Wendy house" and "moules frites", to name a few, I enjoyed this opportunity to expand my cultural vocabulary in the small chance I should travel to Europe someday.
Similar to Book 1, Beth and her hubby go in search of the perfect estate in France and each showing becomes quite the adventure. The author describes each home in great detail, but also introduces us to the sometimes eccentric property owners and their not so ideal living conditions.
I admire the courage and perseverance this couple displays while on this house hunting fiasco. The two dogs, not so pleasant accommodations, and car problems test their marriage and possibly their own inner strength to continue this journey.
While openly admitting my use of Google to search for words such as "Wendy house" and "moules frites", to name a few, I enjoyed this opportunity to expand my cultural vocabulary in the small chance I should travel to Europe someday.
July 7, 2025
After reading the first part of this epic house hunting trip in rural France, I was keen to join the author, her husband and two canine companions as they continued their search for the perfect retirement home…
With six viewings under their belts, and clearly in the rear view mirror as far as perfection goes, it is with some trepidation that the next properties are visited. However, the band of house hunters continue their search, despite their misgivings about both the accuracy of the estate agent’s presentations, and what they might find as they arrive at their destinations.
As with the previous viewings we meet an eclectic group of owners who are often eccentric, but in some cases in as appalling state as their magnificent homes. And in a couple of cases the visits have a decidely creepy vibe. The writing is highly discriptive and it is easy to envision not just the countryside but the characters we meet which keeps you turning the pages.
Many of the domains that are put forward have a long an illustrious history, but with a wealth tax payable on the properties it is easy to understand why that burden alone would encourage families to cash in on their legacies. Unfortunately the drain on their coffers has led to dereliction to the properties and whilst some are adorned with relics of the past, it is sad in many ways to see once thriving estates become a shadow of their former glory.
The dogs are a wonderful addition to the narrative as they have much simpler requirements than their human family… A smelly mud bath or other equally odoriferous activities before a long drive, is not something to be turned down. At least they are having fun… as is the reader.
Although these early books are set in 2007, there has been little change in the bureaucracy involved in purchasing property, especially estates with forestation and hundreds of acres. So anyone thinking of buy a chateau in France, or any country on the continent needs to do their homework first, and this series of books is a great and entertaining place to start.
We leave our house hunters with a surprise viewing… which looks highly promising. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
With six viewings under their belts, and clearly in the rear view mirror as far as perfection goes, it is with some trepidation that the next properties are visited. However, the band of house hunters continue their search, despite their misgivings about both the accuracy of the estate agent’s presentations, and what they might find as they arrive at their destinations.
As with the previous viewings we meet an eclectic group of owners who are often eccentric, but in some cases in as appalling state as their magnificent homes. And in a couple of cases the visits have a decidely creepy vibe. The writing is highly discriptive and it is easy to envision not just the countryside but the characters we meet which keeps you turning the pages.
Many of the domains that are put forward have a long an illustrious history, but with a wealth tax payable on the properties it is easy to understand why that burden alone would encourage families to cash in on their legacies. Unfortunately the drain on their coffers has led to dereliction to the properties and whilst some are adorned with relics of the past, it is sad in many ways to see once thriving estates become a shadow of their former glory.
The dogs are a wonderful addition to the narrative as they have much simpler requirements than their human family… A smelly mud bath or other equally odoriferous activities before a long drive, is not something to be turned down. At least they are having fun… as is the reader.
Although these early books are set in 2007, there has been little change in the bureaucracy involved in purchasing property, especially estates with forestation and hundreds of acres. So anyone thinking of buy a chateau in France, or any country on the continent needs to do their homework first, and this series of books is a great and entertaining place to start.
We leave our house hunters with a surprise viewing… which looks highly promising. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
July 20, 2022
In this second book of the series of Fat Dogs and French Estates, Beth Haslam deserves a medal for always staying calm when dealing with her husband, Jack, who easily angers. I would’ve exploded often when dealing with her two dogs and Jack. I received a free copy of this book that had me laughing over all the mishaps, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 13, 2021
Fat Dogs And French Estates Part 2 written by Beth Haslam was a fantastic quick read! Life is a funny thing, you never know where you are in the story of your life, until you walk through a door that let's you know you have arrived. Maybe it is a familiar scent, the type of furniture we admire or a painting on a wall. The way Haslam weaves her interesting tale of how they had found the right French Estate for their second home in France, reminds me of just an occasion. Beyond memorizing are the details that allow us to take a peek into the daily tasks and motions we all go through when making that fitful decision, as well as the mishaps, that could change the rest of our lives. Somehow, I knew ItsWill (realtor) would not let Jack or Beth down and in the end he mercifully redeemed himself just in time. Fat Dogs And French Estates Part 2 written by Beth Haslam, is full of personalities that engulf our memories of similar individuals and situations which allows us to fantasize just a bit. I was over the moon to see once again Jack had taken center stage during the actual sale of the house to them. It just goes to prove how important it is to do your homework and note every detail in either buying or selling a home; even in France. Overall, the book is wonderful and I highly recommend giving it a read.
June 10, 2019
It had been a wee while since I had read Fat Dog and French Estates book one, so was delighted that there was a summary of part one at the start of part two. Beth and Jack's face huge challenges as they continue to pursue their dream to relocate to the south of France. To find an estate or domaine that ticks all the boxes seems to be an impossible task as they are taken to a string of properties. They meet many characters aka owners as well as properties in various states of repair. Well written and filled with wit and humour the quest continues. With ItsWills plus many other estate agents, Beth and Jack along with their two chubby dogs Biff and Sam continue on. I loved reading the history and descriptions of the areas where the properties were. A real taste of rural France in every sense of the word. I was relieved they didn't chuck in the towel and head back to England but is the domaine they bought all they thought it would be. Book three I am sure will reveal all and I look forward to reading how Beth and Jack find living in Le Domaine du Palizac.
July 24, 2023
It was a sheer joy to read this book after having read the first book in the author’s series last year. The author and her husband Jack’s journey (along with their two dogs) to find a property in the South of France is colorful, outrageous, delightful, funny, charming, and sometimes shocking.
As they toured each unique property, I was amazed (as no doubt the Haslams were) that such properties were even conceived, built, and decorated as they were. I love the author’s narrative, and both her and her husband’s observations were as funny as the properties were shocking. The author chronicles their journey so vividly that the properties come “alive” on the page: something that can be quite scary considering the descriptions. I would be remiss in not offering a similar perspective regarding the eclectic group of characters encountered. The old adage that truth is stranger than fiction is certainly not dispelled in this wonderful memoir.
Something special happens in this book, but I don’t want to give it away.
A truly wonderful and uplifting book!
As they toured each unique property, I was amazed (as no doubt the Haslams were) that such properties were even conceived, built, and decorated as they were. I love the author’s narrative, and both her and her husband’s observations were as funny as the properties were shocking. The author chronicles their journey so vividly that the properties come “alive” on the page: something that can be quite scary considering the descriptions. I would be remiss in not offering a similar perspective regarding the eclectic group of characters encountered. The old adage that truth is stranger than fiction is certainly not dispelled in this wonderful memoir.
Something special happens in this book, but I don’t want to give it away.
A truly wonderful and uplifting book!
April 25, 2022
This book is the continuation of Beth and Jack’s search for a French domaine to purchase. Having viewed six unsuitable properties in the first book, here they hopefully visit a further six which they picked out and researched before departing for France. The characters they meet along the way in the form of home owners, estate agents and taxi drivers range from bizarre Gallic lotharios to pitiable slobs and all kinds of humorous categories of human life in between! The descriptions of these people had me in stitches at times and were the highlight of the book in my opinion. I also enjoyed the snippets of historical and geographical detail we are given as the couple travels around in an occasionally temperamental car, accompanied by their two beloved dogs.
It came as something of a relief when the couple found their dream house towards the end - however there were many hidden surprises which will undoubtedly be dealt with in the following book!
It came as something of a relief when the couple found their dream house towards the end - however there were many hidden surprises which will undoubtedly be dealt with in the following book!
August 25, 2023
I read the first book last year and this second installment did not disappoint.
I was captivated, again, by some of the properties which had to be surely seen to be believed. It seems that the largish estates in the south of France are mainly falling into disrepair or are made up of a series of buildings. But still - we find the house of our dreams at the end, where else - and the book takes on an enchanting aspect after the disappointments of the viewings. You can really hear the purr in Beth's voice as finally it seems she has found the one.
I loved the descriptions of the estate - and the family too - and can't wait to find out how they pulled it into shape in Book Three!
I was captivated, again, by some of the properties which had to be surely seen to be believed. It seems that the largish estates in the south of France are mainly falling into disrepair or are made up of a series of buildings. But still - we find the house of our dreams at the end, where else - and the book takes on an enchanting aspect after the disappointments of the viewings. You can really hear the purr in Beth's voice as finally it seems she has found the one.
I loved the descriptions of the estate - and the family too - and can't wait to find out how they pulled it into shape in Book Three!
November 12, 2024
More house hunting in France
Book 2 and Beth and Jack finally find their new home, plenty of funny anecdotes. You really get to know the characters well
Book 2 and Beth and Jack finally find their new home, plenty of funny anecdotes. You really get to know the characters well
April 21, 2020
Entertaining and Hilarious
Part 1 was gifted to me and this is a totally un-biased review...
I purchased Part 2 when I reaslised it was a continuation to the search for the perfect property.
If like me you love good old British humor then this is a must to read book as you will love Beth Haslam´s books and style of writing.
Beth and her husband Jack set off on their travels with their 2 dogs, Sam an Australian Shepherd who is on the rather large size (he is supposed to be that size) and Biff a Norfolk Terrior with a weak bladder and who fizzes. Armed with SatNav woman, maps, snack boxes, luggage, tools and of course all the paraphernalia involved in traveling with their canine companions. They are of to find their forever home in France.
I often laughed out loud at the antics of the dogs and Jack's sarcastic comments. Poor Biff with his fizzing episodes and Sam well, he just loves water...any water clean, dirty, muddy....as long as it is wet it will do for Sam, bless.
Beth has a unique take on every aspect of life, and her wit and perspective, along with a touch of exaggeration, yields hilarious results. Poor Jack does not share her points of view or sense of humor. I love Jack´s perverse and droll sense of humor especially when he refers to ItsWill and his hand waving as if on an open bus tour.
What an adventure they had with high and lows. Their search for the perfect estate in France gave fascinating insights into the areas that the couple explored. The elation and disappointment, hopes that this next one would be the one with the wow factor just to have all their hopes dashed. I felt both their disappointments and their joys and did not want it to end....luckily for me I have Parts 3 and 4 ready on my Kindle
When all hope has gone and poor Jack is about at the end of his tether ItsWill comes up trump. Finally they have found the house of their dreams. After an exhausting day at the Notary success...they receive the keys for their new home..only to discover once they moved in that it was far from perfect and needed much work doing
Thank you Beth Haslam for keeping me entertained, now onto the next installments.
Part 1 was gifted to me and this is a totally un-biased review...
I purchased Part 2 when I reaslised it was a continuation to the search for the perfect property.
If like me you love good old British humor then this is a must to read book as you will love Beth Haslam´s books and style of writing.
Beth and her husband Jack set off on their travels with their 2 dogs, Sam an Australian Shepherd who is on the rather large size (he is supposed to be that size) and Biff a Norfolk Terrior with a weak bladder and who fizzes. Armed with SatNav woman, maps, snack boxes, luggage, tools and of course all the paraphernalia involved in traveling with their canine companions. They are of to find their forever home in France.
I often laughed out loud at the antics of the dogs and Jack's sarcastic comments. Poor Biff with his fizzing episodes and Sam well, he just loves water...any water clean, dirty, muddy....as long as it is wet it will do for Sam, bless.
Beth has a unique take on every aspect of life, and her wit and perspective, along with a touch of exaggeration, yields hilarious results. Poor Jack does not share her points of view or sense of humor. I love Jack´s perverse and droll sense of humor especially when he refers to ItsWill and his hand waving as if on an open bus tour.
What an adventure they had with high and lows. Their search for the perfect estate in France gave fascinating insights into the areas that the couple explored. The elation and disappointment, hopes that this next one would be the one with the wow factor just to have all their hopes dashed. I felt both their disappointments and their joys and did not want it to end....luckily for me I have Parts 3 and 4 ready on my Kindle
When all hope has gone and poor Jack is about at the end of his tether ItsWill comes up trump. Finally they have found the house of their dreams. After an exhausting day at the Notary success...they receive the keys for their new home..only to discover once they moved in that it was far from perfect and needed much work doing
Thank you Beth Haslam for keeping me entertained, now onto the next installments.
August 30, 2016
Part 2 of Beth Haslam’s memoir: more of the same, then? No, betterer of the same! Whereas Part 1 set Beth and Jack (and us) on the path to a merry romp, Part 2 delivers in spades in terms of humorous chaotic abandons. Beth Haslam’s recipe is simple, really. Take two (people) plus two (fat dogs) plus one (small car), mix in the French mafia, the Knights Templar and a lord of the flies, toss in a hefty dollop of lost in translation and a four-legged soufflé, mash it all up with an indefatigable faith (hers) and an unshakable pragmatism (his), then throw away the recipe book and ‘bon appétit!’! Is there a happy ending? Absolutely, and definitely not. No spoilers here. Be warned, Part 2 finds its denouement while also clearly sign-posting that Part 3 is in the pipeline. If the third serving of Beth’s best laid plans gone astray are up to the standards set in Parts 1 and 2, bring it on I say! ‘En avant, encore!’ I'd give 4.5 stars for this one, but the star system doesn't know what halves are, so a slam dunked 4 stars it is. Now stop reading the reviews and read it! : )
May 3, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Book 1 and so was so hoping that Book 2 would be just as good. I'm extremely happy to report that it was even better than I'd hoped. One of the things I really loved about Book 1 was Beth's writing style, especially her descriptions, and in Book 2 these are even better. I was entirely captivated, tagging along with her and Jack's adventures as they continued to search for a suitable property. The characters they met leapt from the page and I could see them so clearly in my mind through Beth's words. Their dogs are as loveable as ever, getting up to the things that dogs do, and will have dog owners nodding and smiling along in agreement. An easy and thoroughly enjoyable read, set aside an afternoon or two, curl up on the sofa and be whisked off to France to find out if the property search is successful. This book will particuarly appeal to dog lovers, and those who enjoy light-hearted travel memoirs. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.
November 15, 2016
Having been tickled by the exploits of Beth Haslam and her irascible husband when seeking out a new home in France, the subject of her first book, I just had to get the second instalment, tentatively hoping that it would not have run out of steam and prove to be a disappointment. I need not have worried! Whilst it was another tour of French estate agents and their recommended properties that mostly bore little of no relation to reality, Beth weaves her words along with a deft touch that kept me skipping along to the magnificent finale. The author’s descriptive skills in painting a verbal picture of all their comings and goings as she and her grumpy husband dash from one property to another, complete with the two dogs of the title, is tremendously upbeat. No, I won’t spoil it for you, save to say that I am going to have to buy Beth’s next book.
November 17, 2020
Beth and Jack continue their hilarious journey across France to find and buy their perfect French Domaine.
In true 'Beth' style, as soon as I started reading I was laughing along with their unfortunate mishaps. I am sure it was not funny for them at the time but the author's witty style of writing nevertheless made me giggle with her entertaining descriptions.
Travelling from one property to the next we follow the couple and their two dogs in search of a Domaine that fits their exacting instructions. With misleading property descriptions, extreme driving conditions and Jack's continual grumps and sarcasm Beth handles each disaster amazingly well. She manages to bring her unique humour into everything she writes, making this a very good read and worthy of my 5 stars.
In true 'Beth' style, as soon as I started reading I was laughing along with their unfortunate mishaps. I am sure it was not funny for them at the time but the author's witty style of writing nevertheless made me giggle with her entertaining descriptions.
Travelling from one property to the next we follow the couple and their two dogs in search of a Domaine that fits their exacting instructions. With misleading property descriptions, extreme driving conditions and Jack's continual grumps and sarcasm Beth handles each disaster amazingly well. She manages to bring her unique humour into everything she writes, making this a very good read and worthy of my 5 stars.
June 11, 2019
Having read book 1 of the series I could not wait to dive into book 2 to see if Beth and Grumpy Jack ever found the estate of their dreams in France. Being the second book in the series, I was concerned that I would not enjoy it as much as book 1, but my fears were not realized.
An additional group of crazy characters, beautifully described by the author, the fat dogs continued to entertain, and even Jack became more likeable as the book went on.
Beautifully written, and hilariously funny, I found myself on the edge of my seat hoping they would find the perfect home.
Well worth the read, now to move on to book 3.
An additional group of crazy characters, beautifully described by the author, the fat dogs continued to entertain, and even Jack became more likeable as the book went on.
Beautifully written, and hilariously funny, I found myself on the edge of my seat hoping they would find the perfect home.
Well worth the read, now to move on to book 3.
July 27, 2021
Part 1 of Beth's trilogy left us hanging. I couldn't abandon them there! So I immediately moved on to Part 2. I wasn't disappointed!
Beth and Jack are looking for an estate in the south of France, as it says in the title. I was intrigued by this. It turns out that the aim was to find somewhere with enough land and opportunity to hunt game, plus a reasonably habitable house! OK!
After living in the Spanish countryside myself for many years now, and being interested, too, in rewilding, I have a better understanding and greater respect for people who hunt for the pot. It is a sport, yes, but also a means to maintain animal populations at a healthy level in the absence of the native top predators like wolves. And if you eat meat, it's an honest way to do so. So I read on.
We visit the first six estates on Beth's carefully researched list in Part 1, each of them classic examples of the estate agents' art of focusing on the best bits and omitting the rest, and all described in technicolour by Beth.
Part 2 continues in the same vein. Beth and Jack continue to add to their list of features which they really don't want, each more bizarre than the last.
The estate agents and owners are beautifully drawn, all larger than life. And the dogs are there too, adding to the chaos and confusion.
Beth and Jack's love for France and the French people shines through, but it really begins to look like their dream estate doesn't exist. Or does it?
Parts 1 and 2 are very funny, with so many memorable characters! I wonder what happens next in Part 3?
Beth and Jack are looking for an estate in the south of France, as it says in the title. I was intrigued by this. It turns out that the aim was to find somewhere with enough land and opportunity to hunt game, plus a reasonably habitable house! OK!
After living in the Spanish countryside myself for many years now, and being interested, too, in rewilding, I have a better understanding and greater respect for people who hunt for the pot. It is a sport, yes, but also a means to maintain animal populations at a healthy level in the absence of the native top predators like wolves. And if you eat meat, it's an honest way to do so. So I read on.
We visit the first six estates on Beth's carefully researched list in Part 1, each of them classic examples of the estate agents' art of focusing on the best bits and omitting the rest, and all described in technicolour by Beth.
Part 2 continues in the same vein. Beth and Jack continue to add to their list of features which they really don't want, each more bizarre than the last.
The estate agents and owners are beautifully drawn, all larger than life. And the dogs are there too, adding to the chaos and confusion.
Beth and Jack's love for France and the French people shines through, but it really begins to look like their dream estate doesn't exist. Or does it?
Parts 1 and 2 are very funny, with so many memorable characters! I wonder what happens next in Part 3?
August 12, 2021
I’ve given the author 5 stars for her Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 2. I chuckled the whole way through this second part. I almost wish I didn’t have a long list of other books I’m looking forward to reading, because I simply have to know what happens next in part 3.
If you know anything about the French, you’ll recognise that Beth Haslam hits “ze nail on ze ‘ead” with every situation, every description, from the sometimes purely dreadful estate agents she and her husband use to search for their new home in France, to the simply ghastly owners of these homes she and Jack are inspecting. She manages to turn the most awful experiences into a tale that brings tears to the eyes of the reader, both from empathy and horror or from absolute hilarity.
Just like her part 1 of this series, part 2 is another easy read, so utterly enjoyable. It’s well written, too, with many a turn of phrase, or a sentence I’d go back to read more than once, just to savour it again. I wonder if I’ll be able to stop myself from immediately purchasing part 3—and then, I understand, there’s part 4 AND part 5 now, to also look forward to reading. Congratulations on a superb series, Beth Haslam!
If you know anything about the French, you’ll recognise that Beth Haslam hits “ze nail on ze ‘ead” with every situation, every description, from the sometimes purely dreadful estate agents she and her husband use to search for their new home in France, to the simply ghastly owners of these homes she and Jack are inspecting. She manages to turn the most awful experiences into a tale that brings tears to the eyes of the reader, both from empathy and horror or from absolute hilarity.
Just like her part 1 of this series, part 2 is another easy read, so utterly enjoyable. It’s well written, too, with many a turn of phrase, or a sentence I’d go back to read more than once, just to savour it again. I wonder if I’ll be able to stop myself from immediately purchasing part 3—and then, I understand, there’s part 4 AND part 5 now, to also look forward to reading. Congratulations on a superb series, Beth Haslam!
March 12, 2023
This second book continues the story of Beth and Jack searching for their dream second home in France, only for it to be thwarted at every turn by estate agents trying to fob them off with the most unsuitable properties - the misfortunes they experience are hilarious and the reader has not conscience laughing as the author sees the funny side too. Jack's continued frustrations are palpable, couldn't help sharing his annoyance at all the things that go wrong. The character of the dogs is woven throughout and give an added delightful perspective to the whole story. Jack seems to finally gets sense from "ItsWill" - the eccentric estate agent - and the reader is fully present with Beth at the very moving "we're home" moment at Le Palizac. I read Parts 1, 2 & 3 as a trilogy (you'll want to know what happens next!) but the book stands alone too if it were to be read on its ow. A lovely read to make you smile.
June 7, 2020
Highly entertaining and enjoyable
Having enjoyed book 1 in the series, I settled down to devour book 2, and I was not disappointed. I cheered once they actually found their ideal home in France, and then gasped as they prepared to move in. Beth writes really well, with great touches of humour, and her descriptions of the characters she meets along the way are often hilarious. If anything, this book is even better than the first in the series, you feel that you really get to know Beth, and her truculent husband, Jack, and of course their two naughty dogs. I love that every time the dogs do something wrong, Beth’s husband refers to them as ‘her dogs’ …! The many and varied properties they view in conjunction with a motley selection of estate agents, all beautifully portrayed, make this a most enjoyable read. I am eagerly looking forward to reading book 3 next.
Having enjoyed book 1 in the series, I settled down to devour book 2, and I was not disappointed. I cheered once they actually found their ideal home in France, and then gasped as they prepared to move in. Beth writes really well, with great touches of humour, and her descriptions of the characters she meets along the way are often hilarious. If anything, this book is even better than the first in the series, you feel that you really get to know Beth, and her truculent husband, Jack, and of course their two naughty dogs. I love that every time the dogs do something wrong, Beth’s husband refers to them as ‘her dogs’ …! The many and varied properties they view in conjunction with a motley selection of estate agents, all beautifully portrayed, make this a most enjoyable read. I am eagerly looking forward to reading book 3 next.
July 30, 2022
I loved Beth's first book of adventures seeking a home in the French countryside, laughed, groaned, gasped at the sequence of terrible properties and weird listing agents, and wasn't surprised when the book ended with no home in sight. So onto book 2 I went! Once again I laughed, groaned and gasped with each new awful prospect...including a castle of all things! But their intrepid realtor/agent ItsWill, and new arrival agent, Thierry, brought hope, and despite a few "NO WAY"s proved to be worth the faith Beth and Jack put in them. Not going to spoil the adventure for you, just saying READ THESE BOOKS! The series so far is just delightful and hilarious, not to mention educational as Beth describes the French countryside and the history of the areas they've visited. I just can't wait to see what book 3 has Beth and Jack in for. It's sure to be another 5 star winner like this one!
November 18, 2022
Beth and husband, Jack (a British couple) continue their search for a French home in Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part II. They continue to drive through the south of France and go as far east as the Nice area only to meet disappointment after disappointment. None of the places measure up to the ads and the owners become increasingly eccentric, drab and even scary at times. And then, voila! They find the perfect place with everything they were looking for, or so they think. They sign on the dotted line and but after the furniture is removed, they see what was being hidden. Oh boy! There are many laugh out moments, but this was not one of them. What will they do now? Will keep reading on to Part III to see how they sort things out!
July 8, 2019
New beginings
I loved this book, second book of the series. Can't wait to read the next. What amazed me was they didn't quite. I think after I saw 5 or 6 houses all in that rotten shape I would have differently have quit but they kept going to twelve before they hit the one. I guess things are different in other countries. I'm from America and seeing houses like that, well I would have burnt them down. Is this their way of life people don't care even for cleanliness. To live in houses that are falling down and bugs, rats, mice you name it living with you. Anyway a well written book.
I loved this book, second book of the series. Can't wait to read the next. What amazed me was they didn't quite. I think after I saw 5 or 6 houses all in that rotten shape I would have differently have quit but they kept going to twelve before they hit the one. I guess things are different in other countries. I'm from America and seeing houses like that, well I would have burnt them down. Is this their way of life people don't care even for cleanliness. To live in houses that are falling down and bugs, rats, mice you name it living with you. Anyway a well written book.
February 4, 2021
Better than the last
An improvement on the first book. The character of Beth and Jack has tightened up. The dogs are a bit less prominent, but contribute to the story in a believable way. And finally a beginning or end however you want to look at it; in that Spoiler alert.... they find and purchase a French property. The main thing I appreciate is there is a description of but not a lambasting of French legal processes...and no monetary amounts are bandied about so that is all nice and fuzzy allowing us to picture ourselves in their shoes (however unlikely that may be in actuality.
An improvement on the first book. The character of Beth and Jack has tightened up. The dogs are a bit less prominent, but contribute to the story in a believable way. And finally a beginning or end however you want to look at it; in that Spoiler alert.... they find and purchase a French property. The main thing I appreciate is there is a description of but not a lambasting of French legal processes...and no monetary amounts are bandied about so that is all nice and fuzzy allowing us to picture ourselves in their shoes (however unlikely that may be in actuality.
August 1, 2019
Another wonderful book from Beth Haslam
Having enjoyed Fat Dogs Part 1 so much (which left us in tenterhooks), I immediately bought Part 2 to see if my new friends eventually found their dream domaine. The fun continues, as does Beth’s wonderful descriptions of Jack and the two dogs and their antics. To say she is a master of the understatement is putting it mildly. I also appreciated the ‘pocket travel guide’ snippets that she provides to give us a feeling of the areas which we were visiting.
Having enjoyed Fat Dogs Part 1 so much (which left us in tenterhooks), I immediately bought Part 2 to see if my new friends eventually found their dream domaine. The fun continues, as does Beth’s wonderful descriptions of Jack and the two dogs and their antics. To say she is a master of the understatement is putting it mildly. I also appreciated the ‘pocket travel guide’ snippets that she provides to give us a feeling of the areas which we were visiting.
October 29, 2023
I’ve just had the marvelous experience of being a fly on the wall as Beth and her grumpy but great-hearted husband experience a comedy of errors looking for their dream home in southern France. A much-loved author, full of optimism and grace, she brings a humorous perspective to situations that would have the rest of us banging our heads against the wall or at least giving up! I wonder what’s around the bend for the rest of us if we don’t give up on our dreams. A fun, hilarious read with profound lessons in love, acceptance, and persistence. Looking forward to the next installment.
January 23, 2021
Having read the first book, I just couldn't wait for Fat Dogs 2 and find out if Beth and Jack every did find the French Domain they were searching for. They did finally, at the end of this book, but first many laughs, dodgy car rides obstacles and a tour of a castle 🏰.
I really enjoy Beth's writing and loved her description of each place and area they looked at. Now to find out, Book 3, how the house becomes a home. I'm sure it will involve love, laughter and renovations
I really enjoy Beth's writing and loved her description of each place and area they looked at. Now to find out, Book 3, how the house becomes a home. I'm sure it will involve love, laughter and renovations
March 9, 2023
Hugely Enjoyable.
I downloaded this book onto my kindle planning to get to it, eventually. For a rainy day, I always have a few books saved up. I read the first page and just had to keep reading. I loved this book and Beth’s original writing style. Grumpy Jack is my hero. Beth’s humour is clever and original. I laughed out loud in some parts.
Bravo Beth. Onto the next one now. Five stars from me.
I downloaded this book onto my kindle planning to get to it, eventually. For a rainy day, I always have a few books saved up. I read the first page and just had to keep reading. I loved this book and Beth’s original writing style. Grumpy Jack is my hero. Beth’s humour is clever and original. I laughed out loud in some parts.
Bravo Beth. Onto the next one now. Five stars from me.
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