Frogmorton Farm – A series guide
With comments by Jodi Taylor
Readers delight in Jodi Taylor's "Frogmorton Farm" series not only for its charm and endearing characters but also for the unique presence of Thomas, a very special horse, who adds an extra layer of magic to the narrative.
Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, the series follows the escapades of the residents of Frogmorton Farm, where Thomas holds a special place in the hearts of both characters and readers alike. With his gentle demeanor, mischievous antics, and surprising wisdom, Thomas becomes more than just a horse; he's a beloved member of the community and a source of comfort and companionship. Readers are drawn to the series for its witty dialogue, lovable characters, and feel-good vibes. Frogmorton Farm is a cherished and often revisited destination for readers seeking a heart-warming dose of joy and escapism.
The Nothing Girl
This is truly one of the most wonderful magical stories I ever read - and I read
a lot!!
I've always enjoyed Jodi Taylor’s books; I have read most of them. Needing
something to read, I finally gave in and bought this one.
Got stuck into it right away. As usual, it has the Taylor wit, warmth, and humour
This starts as a fairy story and moves along at a good pace, building as it goes. The characters have real depth and leads to a satisfactory ending.
I can’t wait to read the next one. I'm sorry I took so long to get around to reading it!
5 Star Amazon Review
A touching and uplifting story of resilience, friendship, and the power of self-acceptance.
Getting a life isn’t always easy.
And hanging on to it is even harder.
Nobody ever notices little Jenny Dove. Even her family call her the Nothing Girl. Isolated and alone, Jenny is about to end it all when she is rescued by Thomas, a giant golden horse only she can see.
Under his mischievous guidance, Jenny begins to think she might one day become someone. And when the charmingly chaotic Russell Checkland erupts into her life - together with his tumbledown farmhouse - and proposes a marriage that will save them both, Jenny is ready to take a chance.
Sadly, her new life at Frogmorton Farm doesn't exactly sweep Jenny off her feet. There are leaking roofs, unpaid bills, and so many buckets. And then, as a series of apparent 'accidents' unfolds, Jenny begins to worry this might not be a fairy-tale ending after all ...
Jodi Taylor writes:
I wanted to write something a little out of the ordinary. A love story that nearly wasn’t. A happy ending that nearly didn’t happen.
And Thomas, of course, because everyone deserves a Thomas.
The story must have worked because I received a wonderful 5* review from a man who began with – If you ever tell anyone I read this book I will freaking kill you!
A high compliment, I think everyone will agree.
The Something Girl
I love these books, I love this author and I have every one of her books. Jodi’s books will always make me smile, laugh, gasp, hold my breath, wait, and sink into relief…..but most often chuckle. Great stories, great characters and Jodi’s amazing imagination. Before you read this one, read The Nothing Girl.
5 star Amazon review
Life is good at Frogmorton Farm. Yes, Jenny and Russell are still broke. Yes, the roof still leaks. And yes, the Checklands are about to become the long-suffering owners of a battalion of trouble-seeking Patagonian Attack Chickens. But life is still quite wonderful for someone who used to be called the Nothing Girl.
Jenny Checkland knows better than to count her chickens, though, even the Patagonian ones. Particularly because an all-too-familiar face from the past seems to be popping up wherever she goes. She would swear it was her sinister cousin Christopher, last seen being enthusiastically hurled out of the back door by her wayward husband.
But he couldn't possibly be stupid enough to come back and try again . . . could he?
Jodi Taylor writes:
I put my all into this book – the developing delicate relationship between Russell and Jenny. The gentle romance of Mrs Crisp and Bill the Insurance Man. The careful buildup of tension. The mystery … the kidnap … the dramatic escape … and the only things people ever remember are the bloody Patagonian Attack Chickens.
Little Donkey
She can't write a bad story! This was short and I always wish for more. I hope Jodi writes another story about this family. I love her time-travel books but she writes so well about ordinary life.
5 star Amazon review
It's Christmas and Jenny Checkland is beset with problems.
The Vicar, who really should know better, has asked to borrow Marilyn the donkey for the nativity play thereby unleashing chaos on the already chaos-laden Frogmorton Farm.
Will Marilyn survive her bath? Will anyone survive Marilyn's bath?
Robbed of her role as the Virgin Mary, what revenge is the Angel Gabriel plotting?
Why is that sheep so fat?
Will Charlie ever get to say his one line?
Can Marilyn be prevented from eating the Baby Jesus?
Where is Thomas, who promised he would be there?
And worst of all - will Russell, lost on the moor in a blizzard, make it back in time for the birth of his first child? Or even at all?
Jodi Taylor writes:
My favourite of all the Frogmorton Farm stories. Everything just fell into place and Marilyn was a joy to write. I particularly enjoyed her little dance in the snow while wearing her smart new coat.
SPOILER ALERT. She doesn’t eat Baby Jesus. But you knew that anyway.
Joy to the World
It's Christmas time again and all is not well at Frogmorton Farm.
Jenny and Russell's daughter, Joy, is growing up. Not quickly enough as far as she's concerned but far too quickly according to Russell.
Father and daughter are at odds and suddenly the outlook is very dark indeed. That is until Thomas comes to the rescue.
Everyone should have their own giant invisible golden horse . . .
Jodi Taylor writes:
This one was hugely enjoyable. I channelled my own teenage years – surprisingly successfully given they were so long ago. And, of course, no one ever thinks this sort of thing will happen to them … until it does.
Storm Christopher - out on 25th April 2024
With their children off on a school trip Russell and Jenny are contemplating their first peaceful weekend for many years.
SPOILER ALERT: That doesn't happen.
The telephone lines are down.
The lights have gone out.
The weather is closing in.
And that's not the only thing . . .
Jodi Taylor writes:
I thought the story of Russell and Jenny was told and then I realised I’d forgotten someone. Whatever happened to Christopher …?