ONE GIRL AND HER DOGS

Sub-titled 'Life, Love and Lambing in the Middle of Nowhere - A Shepherdess's Story' here is a great read about a strong young lady who loves the companionship of her award-winning sheepdogs. When shepherdess Emma Gray breaks off her engagement, the chance to take over an isolated Northumberland farm seems just the fresh start she needs. But while the beautiful scenery offers plenty of scope for contemplation, a date with an eligible bachelor soon seems more remote than the farm itself. And once you add fugitive sheep and freak blizzards into the mix, Emma's dreams of a happy life quickly begin to fade. Winters are harsh and despite her unrelenting tenacity Emma kicks each obstacle out of the way and for the most part retains her sense of humour. Throughout the long nights of lambing and the day-to-day chores of running a large farm, Emma's four collies are her most loyal companions and with them by her side she'll never really be alone. You may have seen Emma on television's Farming Life and this is her story of her remarkable first year at Fallowlees Farm, an inspiration for anyone who has ever dreamt of starting all over again. 276pp, paperback.