What readers think Fat Dogs and French Estates III

This is a lovely book about the “joys” of moving to a foreign country and renovating a home while dealing with people who don’t speak English (of course why not they are in France) and with those who do but leave a sour taste. Beth is an unsuppressible optimist who with her husband Jack, a grump, decides to buy a home in France, whether for a second home or a permanent place to live we aren’t told (maybe in a future book?). The first two books told the story of the search for, and finding of, the perfect home. In this book through the ups and downs of the renovation we find out that optimism can sometimes be beaten down and that grumps are not always as grumpy as they appear. A lovely story of husband, wife, and frisky family dogs. Read all three. You won’t want to put them down.

This book is just as much fun as Beth’s previous two books. Her journey with grumpy Jack to renovate their new French hunting estate is full of humourous twists and turns that make this book a real page turner. Looking forward to part 4.

I’ve read book 1 and 2 and loved them. Jack, is hilarious with his comments and their adventures are so exciting, however I just started book 3 and this book is even funnier. I’ve only read a couple of pages and it has me rolling. Beth, just gets better and better.

Beth has once again managed to time travel us to when she and her lovely husband Jack were remodeling their second home in France. What makes her memoirs stand out from similar stories is the way she colorfully writes about each person or animal. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to ring the “carpenter’s” neck. My husband was a master carpenter for over 30 years before retiring. Reading the many mistakes of Bob’s work made me cringe. I fell in love with Nathan, their endearing groundskeeper. I am ready to pack my bags, once they get rid of the snakes, and live real time the beautiful oasis Beth and Jack have created. Thank you Beth for sharing your wonderful and entertaining life with us.

Another one in the series, and Beth still has plenty to say about taking on the challenges of living part-time in a foreign country. We learn about the difficulties of managing a construction project in not-your-first-language, the joys of being stewards of a large piece of property teaming with wild-life, and the fun and sorrows of dog ownership. I like that Beth can tell stories about people with whom she comes in contact without disparaging them or being condescending, even when sharing their foibles and voicing her annoyance. Hoping for a Part 4

With her third book in the “Fat Dogs and French Estates” Beth Haslam’s certainly achieved a Hat Trick. After having finally found their dream estate in France, hopes that renovations would be done in a reasonable amount of time are soon dashed. Beth and her lovable, if sometimes grumpy husband, along with their two adorable pooches have to face an array of obstacles. From vermin infestation to having to deal with a team of most eccentric workmen, the book will make you laugh and smile page after page. Beth has a gift describing with humour, love of nature and a sweet belief in the good of all, her surroundings and fellow men. I really can’t imagine anyone not just loving this delightful memoir. The book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend to also read her first two books in the series.

This is the third book in the series and I can confidently say the standard just gets better and better! I enjoyed this third book very much. It deals with the renovation of the wonderful old house they bought in France in a very entertaining and amusing manner. This author has an endearing ‘warts and all’ manner of recounting their adventures with the renovation of the estate and dealing with the mountains of paperwork necessary in running it. Her description of the wildlife they are privileged to have on the estate is fascinating to say the least. I am sure her ‘grouchy’ husband will be horrified by this but I grew quite fond of him in this volume of her memoirs. Well written and a joy to read.

Beth Haslam’s charm shines through the pages of this funny, rich and beautifully-written memoir. It’s a treasure.