Amanda Owen Shares ‘Be Ready’ Message as She Reflects on Humble Beginnings and New Children’s Book

Ravenseat, North Yorkshire — Amanda Owen, the nation’s beloved Yorkshire Shepherdess, has shared a heartfelt “be ready” message with fans as she marks the release of her latest project — a charming new children’s book that brings the magic of rural life to a new generation of readers.

The 49-year-old author and television personality, who rose to fame on Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, has swapped her wellies for words once again, this time writing for a younger audience. Her new book, Christmas Tales from The Farm, is a festive collection of stories inspired by the beauty, challenges, and humour of life at Ravenseat — the 2,000-acre hill farm in Swaledale that became a household name.

A Message of Resilience and Gratitude

Speaking ahead of her book tour, Amanda shared a message with fans that perfectly captures her trademark mix of grit and optimism:

“You’ve got to be ready,” she said. “Life can take you to unexpected places, but it’s those humblest of beginnings that prepare you for everything that comes after.”

It’s a reflection that resonates deeply with fans who’ve followed her journey from a Huddersfield-born girl with big dreams to one of the UK’s most recognisable countryside figures. Her story is proof that persistence — and passion — can take you far beyond where you started.

“Sometimes you don’t realise you’re learning strength until life tests it,” she added. “That’s what farming has taught me — and that’s what I hope comes through in my stories.”

From Shepherdess to Storyteller

Amanda Owen is already a best-selling author, known for her five popular books chronicling life on the farm with her nine children. But Christmas Tales from The Farm marks a new chapter — both literally and figuratively.

This time, Amanda is writing for children aged seven to eleven, blending her signature warmth with gentle lessons about nature, kindness, and perseverance.

The book features festive stories inspired by real life at Ravenseat — snowy fields, mischievous animals, and moments of laughter amid the hard work of winter farming. Each story captures the joy of simple things: family, togetherness, and the magic of the outdoors.

“It’s about showing children that adventure doesn’t have to mean going far away,” Amanda explained. “There’s wonder right outside your door — in the snow, the stars, and even the muck and mud of the everyday.”

Inspired by Yorkshire — and James Herriot

Born and raised in Huddersfield, Amanda’s love of storytelling can be traced back to her early reading of James Herriot’s veterinary tales — books that famously turned the Yorkshire Dales into a literary landscape of charm and resilience.

“James Herriot inspired me,” she said. “He showed me that ordinary lives — people, animals, farms — can be extraordinary when you really look closely. That’s what I try to capture too.”

That connection to Herriot’s work adds a touch of legacy to Christmas Tales from The Farm. Like Herriot, Amanda writes about community and connection, weaving truth into fiction while celebrating the rugged beauty of rural Yorkshire.

Her stories remind readers — young and old — that life’s simplest moments often hold the greatest meaning.

Fame, Family, and Finding Balance

It’s been more than a decade since Amanda and her then-husband Clive Owen first invited cameras into their lives for Our Yorkshire Farm, the Channel 5 documentary that turned them and their nine children into unlikely television stars.

The show captivated audiences with its blend of breathtaking scenery, family teamwork, and Amanda’s calm humour amid the chaos of daily farm life. Even after her split from Clive in 2022, Amanda remains devoted to both her children and the land they call home.

As her fame has grown — with fans as far away as Australia and Thailand — she has stayed true to her roots.

“I don’t see myself as a celebrity,” she told us with a smile. “I’m just doing what I’ve always done — raising kids, tending sheep, and telling stories. The only difference now is that more people are listening.”

A Christmas Gift from the Dales

With her new book’s release, Amanda is also preparing for a nationwide tour, meeting readers and sharing the inspiration behind her writing. Fans can expect readings, Q&A sessions, and reflections on life at Ravenseat — along with plenty of Yorkshire wit.

Christmas Tales from The Farm arrives just in time for the festive season, offering a dose of comfort and countryside magic. It’s a perfect fit for families looking for something heartwarming to share during the holidays.

Each story is told with the same honesty and humour that made Amanda’s TV appearances so beloved — a reminder that joy and hope can be found even in the toughest winters.

From Humble Beginnings to Household Name

Amanda’s rise from a Huddersfield girl with a love of animals to an international television figure is, in her words, “proof that anything is possible if you just keep going.”

Her message to readers is simple: be ready for whatever life brings.

“You never know where your next step will lead you,” she said. “But if you’re open, grateful, and willing to work hard, good things have a way of finding you.”

As she continues to share stories from her life — both real and imagined — Amanda Owen reminds us why she remains one of Britain’s most cherished storytellers: grounded, generous, and always ready for the next adventure.

Christmas Tales from The Farm by Amanda Owen is available now. Her live book tour begins this November across the UK.