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|cover=0857632817
|website=http://www.contactanauthor.co.uk/authorpage.php?id=900
|summary=This is a debut novel with a refreshing voice and a definite feel good factor in which an unlikely friendship between two young girls and their efforts to save a herd of cows rekindle a sense of community in their town.
}}
This book was not what I expected at all and after the first couple of chapters I had really warmed to it. The summary on the publisher’s website mentions ‘social realism’ and yes, Gemma’s family have their problems to deal with as do others in their circle, but this is most definitely not a depressing story. G R Gemin writes in an easy-to-read conversational style with an engaging and refreshing voice which will undoubtedly appeal to young readers. Although the plot is a little crazy, well very crazy really, the story works well due to the believability of all the individual characters and the manner in which the relationships are described. The bond between Gemma and her Gran is particularly lovely and the growing friendship between Gemma and Kate, or Cowgirl as she is called by the school bullies, felt realistic.
I am loathe to give away too much of the plot as half the fun is the unexpectedness of events. However , this is a book with a very positive message. The reader learns that we should not always judge others by first impressions, that friendship can be found in the most unlikely places and that kindness and understanding can conquer many problems. A pretty useful message for youngsters, I think. Despite the slightly far-fetched plot, although I confess I was cheering them on as they tried to hide an entire herd of cows, this book manages to be funny, moving, and thoughtful. I thoroughly enjoyed this impressive debut and will be watching out for this particular author’s next book. Recommended.
I should like to thank the people at Nosy Crow Publishers for sending this copy to the Bookbag.
Although this story has been described as [[:Category:Jacqueline Wilson|Jacqueline Wilson]] meets [[:Category:Michael Morpurgo|Michael Morpurgo]] the humour and warmth reminded me more of [[:Category:Frank Cottrell Boyce|Frank Cottrell Boyce]].
If you would like to read another book about a town girl being affected by country life you may enjoy [[Shine by Kate Maryon]], We also have a review of Gemin's [[Sweet Pizza by G R Gemin|Sweet Pizza]].
{{amazontext|amazon=0857632817}}