Lee doesn't hold back from the realities of their decision to live the dream many would like to do but the realities can often be so overwhelming to begin with. I was in awe of their joint strength to handle such an acclimatisation to rural and somewhat isolated life as their dream coincided with the world-wide arrival of Covid-19. Although admittedly, I would have welcomed acres of land when facing 24 hours a day with two children who were bored out of their wits! 

The journey of the last few years is one to commend them both for, and I love how Lee shared the good, bad and often ugly realities of smallholding. Her love for animals from beloved pets, to overly eager equines and fluffy and adorable sheep shines through from the page, as was her desire to learn to care for those animals whose lives she was entrusted to care for. 

Book one has them leaving the familiar and facing the harsh realities of having one's heart outweigh one's mind as mistakes a-plenty unfold. With dreams of barn renovations and animals to care for, I found Allison's exuberance for life one to admire and I couldn't help but smile at Mark's contentment to just see his wife happy along with the no doubt childhood dream of owning a tractor being realised! 

There's many battles for the couple as dream versus reality are faced. From council's being stubborn, trespassers being unruly with yoga proving it really isn't living up to expectations and animals being well… animals? All The Gear, No Idea!: Book One had me wondering how patient this couple could be. I'd have curled up by the log fire and cried - all forced trespassers back out to retrieve their bottles and wrappers!