Where to Start with Cathy Woodman
For readers looking to dive into Cathy Woodman's heartwarming world, the absolute best starting point is her signature Talyton St George series. The ideal first book is the novel that started it all: City Girl, Country Vet (which was also released under the title Trust Me, I'm a Vet). This book introduces Maz Harwood, a London veterinarian who escapes to the Devonshire countryside, establishing the cozy setting and core characters that reappear throughout the series.
While Woodman wrote several standalone novels prior to starting this series, they lack the charming interconnected community of Talyton St George. Starting with the main series is the best way to experience her signature blend of romance, community, and authentic veterinary drama.
Talyton St George: Complete Publication & Recommended Order
Although each book in this series is written so it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading them in publication order is highly recommended. The characters grow, change jobs, marry, and have children over the course of the series, and reading them out of order will spoil these long-term arcs. There are also several digital short stories and novellas that fit chronologically between the main books.
- City Girl, Country Vet (2010) – Also published as Trust Me, I'm a Vet. We follow city vet Maz Harwood as she takes a temporary job in Devon and clashes with local farm vet Alex.
- Must Be Love (2010) – Focuses on horse-vet Otter and his relationship with the town's new resident, Pippa, who is struggling to fit in.
- The Sweetest Thing (2011) – Centers on Jenny, who runs the local pet food shop, and her rekindled romance with an old flame, alongside veterinary subplots.
- It's a Vet's Life (2011) – Focuses back on Maz Harwood as she balances the chaos of motherhood with her demanding veterinary career.
- The Village Vet (2012) – Follows local vet practice partner Gill and his interactions with a new arrival in the village, showcasing the community's quirky animals.
- Vets in Love (2012) – Features the romance between vet nurse Shannon and her search for a fresh start in Talyton St George.
- Country Loving (2013) – Focuses on local characters finding love and security amidst the rolling hills of Devon.
- The Three of Us (2014) – A digital short story (often numbered as Book 7.5) that introduces Zara, the village midwife, while catching up with characters from The Village Vet.
- Follow Me Home (2014) – Follows the story of vet Bill and the challenges of opening a new branch of the practice.
- Give a Little Love (2015) – A digital short story (often numbered as Book 8.5) that provides a quick, heartwarming holiday check-in with the village residents.
- Accidentally in Love (2015) – Also published under the title Vets on Call. This story centers on a visiting locum vet who finds unexpected romance.
- Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage (2016) – The final full-length novel in the series, tying together the community's storylines.
- Baby on Board (2016) – A final short story that wraps up several character arcs, particularly centering on new beginnings in the village.
Cathy Woodman's Standalone Novels
Before launching her veterinary romance series, Cathy Woodman penned four contemporary standalone novels. These books offer a similar lighthearted and romantic tone but are set in different locations with completely independent characters:
- Under the Bonnet (2004) – Woodman's debut novel, which won the Harry Bowling First Novel Award in 2002.
- Our House (2005) – A contemporary drama exploring family secrets and relationships.
- Family Matters (2006) – A touching story about family dynamics and second chances.
- The Boy Next Door (2007) – A funny and poignant romantic comedy about rekindling an old flame.
Historical Sagas under the Pseudonym Evie Grace
If you have finished the Talyton St George books and want a change of pace, Cathy Woodman also writes historical sagas under the pen name Evie Grace. These novels are typically set in 19th-century Kent, drawing inspiration from her own family history, and focus on the struggles and romances of working-class women of the era:
- Half a Sixpence (2017)
- Her Mother's Daughter (2018)
- A Place to Call Home (2019)
- The Lace Maiden (2020)
- The Golden Maid (2021)
- The Smuggler's Wife (2022)
- The Seaside Angel (2023)
- A Thimbleful of Hope (2024)
What to Know Before You Start
Woodman's veterinary background is the secret ingredient in her novels. Having spent years working as a small-animal vet, her portrayals of medical cases, farm visits, and animal behavior are highly realistic and detailed. However, readers should be prepared for some minor title confusion depending on where they buy their books. Several books were retitled for different markets (for example, the debut is known as both City Girl, Country Vet and Trust Me, I'm a Vet). Make sure to check the character names before purchasing to avoid buying duplicate copies under alternative titles.