Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
Helpful Score: 3
Susan Wittig Albert has done it again. This new series is as well written, thought out and researched as any of the books in her other two series, the China Bayles series and the historical mysteries written under the pseudonym of Robin Paige. This series follows Beatrix Potter during the years between 1905-1913 as she buys a small farm in a little English village, gets to know the characters in the village and helps them solve the mysteries that come up during her visit. This series also involves the animals she has as pets, who travel with her on her journies, such as Flopsy the rabbit plus the animals who live in the village, Crumpet the cat, Rascal the Jack Russell Terrier and their buddies. This series is a charming, funny, gentle read and I would certainly recommend this book, and I'm confident the other books in the series, very highly. Enjoy them!
Lorraine T. (mysterylover) reviewed The Tale of Hill Top Farm (Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, Bk 1) on + 318 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoy Susan Wittig Albert's writing, the China Bayles mysteries and those historical written as Robin Paige. This book is well written also with a gentle mystery, great characters, etc. It's only flaw from my point of view is the way the animals are written esp. those pets of Beatrix Potter. I can't imagine mice, etc. preferring to wear clothing - just a bit too silly.
Barbara S. (MsBarb) reviewed The Tale of Hill Top Farm (Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
In this first of the Cottage Tales, animal lover and all-around Good Samaritan Beatrix Potter: author of Peter Rabbit, is ready to help solve local mysteries. And with her entourage of animal friends, she sets out to win over the human hearts of Sawrey. . .
England, 1905. A Londoner-a female Londoner-has just bought a farm in rural Sawrey. The locals don't know what to make of the Beatrix Potter. They've never heard of an unwed woman buying and running a farm. Some meet her with genuine warmth; others keep her at arm's length.
England, 1905. A Londoner-a female Londoner-has just bought a farm in rural Sawrey. The locals don't know what to make of the Beatrix Potter. They've never heard of an unwed woman buying and running a farm. Some meet her with genuine warmth; others keep her at arm's length.
Julie B. (heartinthehighlands) reviewed The Tale of Hill Top Farm (Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this sounded kind of cheesy. I wasn't expecting to like it. It was not cheesy and I loved it. This is another of the few series of books that I buy when it comes out, knowing that I will want to reread them. If you enjoyed the Miss Potter movie; if you have read any of her biographies; I think you will also enjoy these books.
Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
Helpful Score: 1
The Tale of Hill Top Farm is the first of a planned 8 book series loosely based on the life of Beatrix Potter. This first installment introduces the citizens (human and animal), of the small English town in which the farm is located, and chronicles the arrival of Beatrix Potter. There are several mystery subplots, but they don't really begin until the latter half of the book. Instead the focus is on the characters, and this is indeed where this book's charms lie.
In addition to an eccentric crew of villagers who have their doubts about the shy new resident, The Tale of Hill Top Farm features animal characters from Potter's books, including my personal favorite: Mrs. Tiggywinkle, the hedgehog. The animals talk to each other and help Beatrix and the townsfolk unravel the mysteries.
This book is absolutely charming, and anyone who likes Beatrix Potter's work is sure to enjoy this story. The author includes a brief biography of Beatrix Potter, and several recipes as well.
In addition to an eccentric crew of villagers who have their doubts about the shy new resident, The Tale of Hill Top Farm features animal characters from Potter's books, including my personal favorite: Mrs. Tiggywinkle, the hedgehog. The animals talk to each other and help Beatrix and the townsfolk unravel the mysteries.
This book is absolutely charming, and anyone who likes Beatrix Potter's work is sure to enjoy this story. The author includes a brief biography of Beatrix Potter, and several recipes as well.
