Life and Otter Miracles by Hazel Prior

Life and Otter Miracles is the engaging story of a young woman who finds relief from devastating problems, through caring for wild creatures. Nineteen-year-old Phoebe and her father Al have recently moved from the city of Birmingham to Darleycombe, a small village in Devon. Phoebe’s two older siblings have left home to lead their own lives, so Al is able to retire early and focus on Phoebe’s wellbeing. The father and daughter, who have a sweet, caring relationship, use humour to get through the darker moments of life.

Al soon settles into his new job - delivering parcels - and begins to get to know the locals. Phoebe hopes he will find happiness in a new love, because after several years alone, Al appears to be unable to move on from mourning Phoebe’s mother. Phoebe’s intensely private troubles have interfered with her studies. Unable to take a regular job, she has become reclusive. It is only when she and Al rescue an abandoned baby otter that Phoebe dares to venture into the village community. She becomes part of a team of volunteers at the otter sanctuary, facing physical challenges of her own, to ensure the baby otters can survive in the wild. When the sanctuary is threatened by a mysterious enemy, Phoebe uses skills she learned from watching detective dramas on TV to find out who is to blame.

Lovers of nature and wildlife will enjoy this delightful story. The characters of Phoebe, Al, Christina and the other residents of Darleycombe are relatable and well drawn. Also, because the novel is narrated from Al’s point of view as well as Phoebe’s, the reader is given a clear picture of the nature of the challenges facing them. The relaxed pace of Hazel Prior’s storytelling allows the reader to follow the positive changes in Phoebe step by step, living her life alongside her and her magical friends - the otters.

I was given an advance review copy of Life and Otter Miracles by Penguin Random House and Random Things tours, in exchange for an honest review.