The new Mr Darcy! Our hero comes off as an arrogant moody so-and-so, but as the book develops, you realise he’s just another Mr Darcy. Someone shy and reserved, who gets mistakenly viewed in another manner. Our heroines has a time of it with losing her partner, home, and job, and takes a job as caretaker of the hero’s family estate whilst she gets back on her feet, however it turns out he’s planning on selling the estate, so she’ll be out of a job and home again, which results in them butting heads several times. There are guest appearances from Juniper the pig, who always livens things up, as well as several other supporting cast members. Rating wise, if it was a movie it’d be a 12a for expletives, but there’s no graphic sex scenes in it, so you could safely recommend it to most people. I really enjoyed this story, and I’m sure you would too

I don’t know where to start with this one. I’ve always been taught if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all, and I just did not like this book at all. I disliked Pippa whole heartedly. Wolfie wasn’t too bad, but this book wasn’t a good time for me. It would need a complete rewrite for me to thoroughly enjoy it.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is honest, unbiased, and completely my own.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

The premise was interesting but the execution was poor. There were so many exaggerated details in the first half and Pippa was with her ex boyfriend in the first few chapters. I found the mix of characters interesting. I liked Pippa and felt sorry for her having to deal with the fallout of things falling apart with Alex. The cover is really what drew me into this book but the execution left me feeling unsatisfied with this read.

A great story that is easy to read and full of love, laughter and tears.

You can relate to the characters and enjoy their journey from start to end.

Hello Book friends!

desperate for a job, decides to apply for the caretaker opening for the rich and elusive owner of a generations old manor in the countryside of the UK.

Now, let’s chat about the book itself.

This one wasn't for me book friends. 😔

The House Sitter's premise is a great one, but the excitation of the story and certain romance tropes was a struggle.

I love a good enemies to lovers, where characters who despise each other, or don't necessarily get along at first, find over time, that they can see past their animosity, and have a chance at happiness. But Wolfie and Pippa didn't quite live up to the Pantheon of romance characters who turn enemies to lovers. I didn't even think they really were enemies to begin with, it's more like a workplace romance trope.

Further, I grappled with the romantic relationship between Wolfie and Pippa. I always swoon over a grumpy + sunshine, or opposites attract, but I felt that the interactions between these two didn't have that initial spark that leads to the inferno that is their romance. Where you as the reader are smiling ear to ear, toes curling, and that Taylor Swift love song about finding true love blaring in the background because of the banter, the clear chemistry, and the graceful fluidity of two opposites coming together like the finishing pieces to a perfect puzzle. That never happened in this one.😭

Even though this one didn't work for me, romance readers who enjoy tropes like opposites attract and sunny + grump, then consider giving The House Sitter a read.

review on the blog 10th of January

The idea of house sitting has always intrigued me so after seeing that title, I had to check the synopsis and then I was sold. I thought that premise offered a lot of possibilities, I mean, house sitting a huge mansion sounded really cool, and quite healing given what we read about Pippa in the synopsis alone. I have not met anyone that has done this job, or read a book about it, so I was curious. In the Acknowledgements, the author mentions that she got the idea for this book after reading an article about house sitters, and she then saw an old house with a Darcy-esque character in it, which honestly, I would have liked to know before I picked up the book. With this concept the author tries to answer and discuss weather a home is a place or a person.

I got a bit scared when I saw that the characters were teenagers in the prologue, but luckily, time passes and we follow them as adults, we just get to see their first meeting before the actual story begins. Which, surprisingly, is not brought up later on. If we are being real, it is normal to not remember certain aspects, especially after so many years, but Pippa kept referencing that first meeting so I thought it might be talked about.

I was a bit surprised it took a bit for the story to start, because I imagined Pippa already out of the farm, but we see everything as it happens, which makes us emphasize with her more (not that she needs much help with that). To be honest, I did not really like how long her initial relationship is, which I expected going into the story that would be something I wouldn't love. I get that it makes it more brutal and dramatic, especially since they started going out as tenagers, but it makes her next relationship seem a bit rushed. Maybe rushed is not the right word, because we see how it evolves, but it is a bit conflicting.

I love small town settings but I am always a bit scared because they can be boring, and even more with a story like this, where we follow Pippa as she learns who she is, what's important to her and who to navigate that. There is a lot of monologue and description and her tending to her duties at Squires, but I enjoyed it, it felt relaxing in a way, even when I normally find these scenes boring and dull. The first half of the book centers more on that aspect, and then we are introduced to the love interest (or, rather, he starts featuring more) and the idea of a possible relationship between them.

I really liked seeing the friendships introduced at the very beginning continue throughout the book; I love when we have long-lasting friends in books and the story did not focus solely on Pippa's relationship with Wolfie, but we also saw her with her friends, neighbours and having a life outside of the love interest.

3.75 stars. The cover is beautiful and drew me in!

Pippa is on track to take over her boyfriend’s family farm with him, get married and live in her hometown forever. After ten years of managing the farm and being a caretaker for the boyfriends’s father, homeboy sells the farm and buys some downtrodden commercial real estate without consulting her. He’s the worst.

The first five chapters were kind of tough to get through, I won’t lie. It’s necessary for the plot, but she starts off as one of those girls who drop their friends for a man. He doesn’t seem to like her very much, but she does all the work of managing his life. They break up though, hooray!

Pippa, now effectively homeless and jobless, then takes a job housesitting at the mansion in town. It’s owned by a rich family in their community, and has fallen to the wayside. Wolfe is the youngest member of that family and is our MMC.

This premise got me! It was sweet, though her ex was kind of relentless.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my early digital copy!

I really enjoyed this!! I personally loved Pippas journey to find her own happiness and herself before finding a new partner. Wolfie sulking around the house obviously obsessed with her was so cute. My only negative feedback would be that the ending felt rushed and I really could have done without the cringy singing proposal? But that’s just because the idea of a man singing to me makes me want to die.

Thank you so much for the ARC and the opportunity to review, I loved it!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'The House Sitter' by Elizabeth Drummond.

So I will say, this book was so unbelievably meh that it's frustrating. The characters felt bland, I was fed up 36% of the way through and I just got sick of reading. But alas I continued in the hopes it'd get better but it really didn't. I do need to give a honourable mention to our lead romance of the man in Yorkshire named Wolfie. Now I'm not from Yorkshire so I wouldn't know but people legally name their kids Wolfie? Not even a nickname? It gave me a violent ick.

-Small Town Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Opposites Attract
-Grumpy / Sunshine

"The House Sitter" was an enjoyable light, funny and cozy Rom-Com.

I tend to have a love/hate relationship with stories told in the third person but I thought it was done very well in this book. It had a nice pace to it and I really enjoyed the main characters and setting.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Thank you Elizabeth Drummond, Net Galley and Harper Collins UK - One More Chapter for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Pippa's anticipation of a proposal from Alex leads to a shocking twist, leaving her homeless, jobless, and single.

However, amidst the challenges, Pippa finds a silver lining when she secures a job as a house-sitter for the captivating Wolfie Squires and his ancient manor.

Elizabeth Drummond weaves a tale filled with heart and humor, introducing endearing characters, excluding the less likable Alex. The dynamic interactions between Pippa and Wolfie provide a delightful focal point. The inclusion of friends and family adds depth and lighthearted moments to an otherwise predictable yet charming story.

While it's not on top of my list of favorite reads, its easygoing and enjoyable nature aligns well with my preference for light-hearted read. I look forward to exploring more works by Elizabeth Drummond

This is such a feel-good, cosy rom-com! I found Pippa really relatable and I really enjoyed her romance with Wolfie. Alex is the ex boyfriend you will love to hate.

Overall, I felt that, whilst I enjoyed Pippa and Wolfie's romance, it was slightly rushed and predictable. I would have loved a bit more of an enemies to lovers trope, but having said that, I did appreciate it for what it was.

I also want to give a shoutout to Frankie and Mae, Pippa's best friends, who I really liked as characters! I would have enjoyed their stories being delved into a bit more, personally.

Overall, this is a great rom-com and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, heartwarming read. Make sure you grab your copy in February 2024!

In "The House Sitter" by Elizabeth Drummond, readers are taken on a whirlwind journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. The story revolves around Pippa Munro, a woman whose life takes an unexpected detour when her boyfriend breaks up with her and sells her beloved farm. Suddenly finding herself jobless, homeless, and loveless, Pippa's world is turned upside down. Enter Wolfie Squires, a busy city dweller who needs someone to take care of his family's ancient house. Desperate for a house sitter, Wolfie reluctantly hires Pippa despite her lack of experience in this particular field. Little do they know that this decision will lead to a series of comical and chaotic events. From the very beginning, the clash between Pippa and Wolfie is evident. Pippa, accustomed to farm life, struggles to adapt to the demands of maintaining an elegant manor. Her down-to-earth nature is at odds with the refined atmosphere of the house, resulting in countless hilarious mishaps. However, as tempers flare and frustrations mount, Pippa and Wolfie slowly discover that they share a common vision for the house. Amidst their constant bickering, they uncover hidden secrets that deepen their connection and reveal unexpected truths. Drummond's writing style is engaging and humorous, effortlessly capturing the essence of the characters and their escalating conflicts. The author skillfully weaves together humor, romance, and a touch of mystery, keeping readers hooked until the very end. The pacing of the story is impeccable, never losing momentum and constantly throwing new surprises at the reader. What makes "The House Sitter" truly captivating are the well-developed characters. Pippa is a relatable protagonist, with her endearing flaws and determination to overcome adversity. Wolfie, on the other hand, exudes charm and sophistication, providing the perfect foil for Pippa's down-to-earth nature. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their constant banter adds an extra layer of entertainment to the story. "The House Sitter" is not just a romantic comedy; it also delves into themes of self-discovery, the importance of communication, and the unpredictability of life. Drummond effortlessly balances humor and depth, creating a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. In conclusion, "The House Sitter" by Elizabeth Drummond is a delightful and captivating read. With its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and humorous narrative, this book is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a light-hearted escape filled with laughter and romance. So, grab a copy of "The House Sitter" and immerse yourself in the hilarious and heartwarming world that Drummond has created.

loved this romance and trying to save a house that everyone seems to love. loved the romance between the couple. loved that wolfie made room in his heart for her. Glad that she got over her ex who left her is the worst way for being together for 10 years. loved her friends.

A sweet and delightful novel! Set in the English countryside, with such a fun set of characters (including some mischievous animals) in a small town. The drama was fun, the miscommunication so delightful, and it definitely made me want to open a Bed and Breakfast in some sleepy farm town.

the idea of this book was one i found myself so intrigued by, but i felt i was expecting more from this book and was really hoping i'd feel connected to these characters more!!! overall i think it was a cute simple book that had loads of comical relief that really made up for it.

Hoping for a marriage proposal instead an end to a partnership of over a decade. Losing home and job in a small rural community Pippa takes a house sitting job at the local manor house.
Making friends with the owner Wolfie and unpicking why he doesn't love the house and area.
Friendship turns into attraction and lust but the ex returns trying to win Pippa back.
This book will make you smile

Thank you Netgalley and OneMoreChapter for an ARC of this book.

The cover was the first thing to capture my attention, and after reading the description, I was so excited to read this book. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my all-time favorite tropes, but I feel like this book did not meet the threshold for this particular trope. Pippa did not give off a sunshiny vibe, if anything, she and Wolfie had the same personality. Although I was not a huge fan of the book, I did like the idea of it. There were just too many holes in the story that left me feeling confused. I can see the potential, but for me, the book fell short on delivering an actual grumpy/sunshine romcom.

Loved this book so much I didn’t want to put it down. It was really enjoyable and I loved reading about the characters and their development.

Meh. Tried.. failed. Miscommunication… gah I HATE it. And there was a whooooole lot in this book. Too much for me to even focus on the plot at hand. The characters and the premise were promising, but it just didn’t pan out. I LOVE the cover, though! Thanks for the opportunity to read!