Member Reviews

A bit slow to start, and felt like a 'chick-lit by numbers': struggling single mum, difficult ex and gorgeous neighbour. So far, so predictable! But it was worth perservering. The back story around the loss of Rachel's father added a poignancy to the story and helped to build affection for the characters.

A short, sweet, fun read with great characters in a beautiful setting. Looking forward to the sequel now!

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I was drawn in to read this book by the description of the storyline. I have previously read another by the author and enjoyed that one. This was of a similar level- very light & easy to read. Whilst the story on the surface dealt with some pretty serious life issues for Rachel and her Mum they were tackled in a light manner. The story flowed nicely.

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An amazing, warm, sweet & loving book! I absolutely adored it, it’s such a mood lifter & I felt like the characters were old friends of mine! Definitely enjoyed this beautiful story.

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Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Having read all of caroline's other books this really is the icing on the cake
A totally captivating story from the first page it was told in such a FANTASTIC way it had your heart melting for the rather dashing Tom the farmer next door I was totally immersed in this page turning beauty I felt I was there I really can't praise this SCRUMDIDLYUMPTIOUS book enough and deserves more stars than I can give

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Young mum Rachel is running her parent’s farm, dealing with her own grief and that of her mother, following the death of her father two years earlier, and bringing up her 4-year old daughter. But the farm’s struggling. Could her mum’s pudding baking provide a new start and some extra income? And could her friendship with Tom, farmer next door, become more?

This is a sticky-toffee pudding of a book - sweet, predictable, reliable, enjoyable. I appreciated her taking on the real problems farmers are facing, alongside the more romantic baking-based storylines. It’s a very cosy read - the tense moments are all quite gentle and short-lived - and it made me smile. Best not read it if you’re cutting back on the sugar though!

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This was a cute and engaging story. I don't read much 'cosy' fiction but this seems a good example of the style - problems to overcome, relationships to develop, a family recovering, a male lead who takes his shirt off and a mild sense of danger.

The story was largely too cutesy, simplistic and clichéd for my tastes, but I was quite happy to read a (largely) accurate story about farming life, and I love a story about women setting up businesses (especially baking).

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A nice light read. Rachel takes on the task of renewing her family farm finances, together with her mother, who is a superb cook.
Between them, helped by neighbour Tom, they set up a pudding cafe on the farm, and manage somehow to turn their fortunes around.
It was a predictable story, and I would have enjoyed it just as much without the scattering of four letter words. However, it was a nice relaxing book.
Thanks to netGalley for a review copy.

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This was such a well written book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
In this book we are introduced to Rachel, her mother Jill and daughter Maisy. They have all clearly suffered a trauma which we learn of later as Rachel begins to fall for fellow farmer Tom. Times are tough at Primrose Farm and Rachel will do anything to keep them afloat, her secret weapon is her mums cakes and puddings.
Fantastic book, easy to read and I cannot wait for the sequel. Fingers crossed for a happy ever after for Rachel and Tom!

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It is always fun to discover a new author- especially if delicious recipes are included.
Single Mum Rachel is left to run the farm after the death of her beloved Father. With no time for romance and money in short supply she needs to find another income source and dip a toe into the dating scene.
This sumptuous story is best served at once with lots of tea and cake.

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Literally from the first chapter I knew this was the book for me! I love learning about farming (& I could tell this aspect was well-researched) and baking and romance so really what was there not to like!

I've read books by Caroline Roberts before and am definitely a fan so this one didn't disappoint with some very relatable and friendly characters as well as a storyline that was undoubtedly realistic with the many struggles farmers face in this day and age. Rural life is no easy option and I felt this was portrayed very well.

The relationships between the main characters - be it family, friendship or romantic - were fantastic and made me want to be part of their close-knit community. I loved the writing style which just flowed with some idyllic descriptions of the rolling Cheviot countryside. I'm sure it's a heck of a place to visit with some incredible views and I was able to fully imagine Rachel and Tom on their respective land/farms in the area.

Rachel ended up quite the entrepreneur and I had nothing but admiration for her character. Her little girl Maisy stole my heart too, a definite 5 going on 15 year old who had some funny one-liners!

My only quibble with this fabulous story is that it had to end - I would have really loved an epilogue at least, but I was delighted to read in the author's letter that we will be getting a sequel, hurrah!

My many thanks to Harper Collins UK (HarperImpulse) via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Rachel lives on a form overlooking the Cheviot Hills along with her mum Jill and precocious five year old daughter Maisy (and Maisie’s lamb Pete)
It look idyllic but the farm is in trouble. After some thought the family decide to diversify and open a Pudding Pantry tea shop in a converted barn.
Throw in a good looking neighbour called Tom, and ex called Jake and best friend Eve who lives down the lawn and you have a recipe for fun, family dynamics and delicious puddings

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This book is totally predictable......a great holiday read. Quite short with an enjoyable plot. Not quite the total feel good factor I was expecting though.

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I’ve read some Caroline Roberts books in the past and always found them easy to read and enjoyable, this was no exception. Rachel is a very likeable character with a great family and I really enjoyed her background slowly coming to light although I will admit I had preempted some details about it. This had a really good pace although as I often find in books timescales often seem quicker than I would expect reality to be however that doesn’t detract from it. I also appreciated the way the author related the realities of financial difficulties in rural life, it added a lot to the overall tone of the book though gladly in a positive way. I look forward to the sequel when it comes out!

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This is another big hit for Caroline Roberts, her books get better and better. This one is based on a farm that has its struggles and Mum gets down to the baking. Don't read this when you are feeling hungry or you may find yourself running to your kitchen to make a super pud or cake, though I am sure you will enjoy them. Living with the ups and downs of caring for the animals and farm itself leads to a good read and one I am sure you will enjoy.

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Rachel's Pudding Pantry was such a delightful read, I adored the Swinton family set at Primrose Farm, this is the perfect book to curl up with preferably with a slice of cake, as believe me your mouth will be watering whilst reading this book, the cakes sounded so mouth watering!! A highly recommended read.

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I fell in love with the cover and I fell in love with the book.
An engaging and entertaining book, well written, with a great plot and lovely characters.
I liked the way it talks about food and it made me crave for tasting some of those described.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to HarperImpulse and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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Ok so this book was totally predictable but I LOVED it. I particularly liked the focus on family helping each other through tough times and really wish this had been the focus - though I know most people love the obligatory romance! I loved that Rachel and her mum didn’t let the bad times get to them and focused on a way to make money through doing what they do best and enjoy - there is a lesson there for all of us!!! As someone who would not do secretly like to set up a tea room/ craft space thisbook was perfect for me. I could envision the layout and how I would go things. I loved the community coming together - predictable or not, thisbook made me feel happy and positive. I will definitely search for more by this author

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Sometimes you just need a sugar hit and this book provides this in droves. Rachel lives with her 5 year old daughter Maisy and mum Jill on a farm in Northumbria. The countryside provides a beautiful backdrop to this undemanding tale. The farm isn't doing well and Rachel is trying to think of ways to save it. What better than to use her mother's skills as a baker and start a teashop in their barn. But she also has to deal with Jake, Maisy's waster of a father who never keeps a promise. In the background is neighbour Tom who is always there to lend a helping hand but could he become more?

A pleasant read with mostly warm characters which was a welcome antidote to some of the unpleasant people I've been meeting in books recently! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

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'Rachel's Pudding Pantry', is a lovely mix of family drama, friendship, romance and humour, with a sprinkling of poignant life experiences that may have you reaching for the tissues.

Not surprisingly, it is full of delicious puddings, as Rachel and her mother strive to find a way of keeping the family farm. There is an empowering, female family dynamic, spanning four generations, which withstands the heartache and tragedy the Swinton women have to face.

The story's romance grows from an interesting take on the 'boy next door' trope. Tom, the attractive farmer at the neighbouring farm is always there to help out, Rachel grew up with him, so he can only ever be a friend, can't he? The romance is sweet but embroiled in conflict. Is it worth losing their longstanding friendship for a chance of something deeper but riskier?

The Swinton women are easy to like, and all have a strength of character born out of adversity and familial love. They are believable and are written so that you can visualise them and become invested in their future happiness.

The authentic setting in a North Northumberland farming community is another attractive aspect of this book, I love this area and the descriptions and ethos of the community recounted in this story, make it an even more enjoyable read.

Written in addictive, short chapters that get you hooked, each has a title that includes a pudding or cake, which gives the story an added appeal but also makes you reach for the cake tin.

There is a clever connection between the puddings and the emotion of the story. Warm, soft Brownies equating to a warm, empathic friend. Sweet Sticky Toffee Pudding, synonymous with a comforting, conversation with your family.

The perfect holiday read, 'Rachel's Pudding Pantry', delivers a well-paced story about family, friends, loyalty and love, against a background of community, hard work, heartbreak, and heartwarming romance as the Swinton women learn how to adapt to change, to secure their family legacy.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins - Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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A heartwarming, comforting read to curl up with. It will make your mouth water and pull at your heartstrings. Set in a beautiful part of the country and featuring a handsome hunk of a farmer, What’s not to like? You will be rooting for Rachel and Jill and their business and wanting the best for little Maisy. A lovely read!

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