I have been reading my way through Beth and Jack's French adventures over the year and feel more immersed with each book. I particularly love the balance of light and shade in book 4, as it had me both laughing and crying, due to Beth's wonderful way of making you feel close as a reader. Some of the things I love most about Beth's memoirs are her vivid imagery and sensitivity to people and place. Her deep appreciation of culture and passion for animals really shines from her stories. And as a fellow animal lover, Beth's kindness really made my heart happy. You will also enjoy this book if you want an insight into renovating a French property and the bureaucracy that comes along with such a great adventure. Which I must add Beth and Jack embrace so well. I am not especially interested in this area but I found myself fascinated. I would definitely recommend reading the whole series, to go on the full journey. I am excited to start book 5 now I know book 6 is waiting in the wings!

Beth and Jack are back, discussing wild rabbits ahead of restoration work in La Belle France. So, before you can say, “Déjà vu,” they are plunged back into the Gallic chaos – nibbling rodents, stinky green shield bugs, eccentric workmen, lost dogs, inconvenient wild boar, (very) inclement weather, the arrival of a heavily-pregnant feral cat… and that’s just scratching the surface (unlike the boring woodworm); and all the while navigating the minefield of French bureaucracy. Written with wit and a deliciously light touch (but also with its sad and touching moments), ‘Fat Dogs 4’ does exactly what it says on the tin. Go on, cheer yourself up.