Absolutely charming. I read it on one sitting, I just couldn’t peel myself away from the story of Pumpkin!

Early descriptions said it compared to Girl with the Louding Voice - I think it’s like that but also even better <3

I hope the book gets the success it deserves

Robinson has created a charming protagonist in Pumkin Patterson, who yearns to escape Jamaica and her difficult family dynamics for adventures in foreign locations.

And it appears that she will get the opportunity to do so when her adored Aunt Sophie moves to France and pledges to send for Pumkin to join her after a year. Because all Pumkin needs to do to get out of Jamaica is pass her French language exam. Then she might have a real chance of fulfilling her aunt's goal of starting a bakery.

But Pumkin's mother, Paulette, who has a strained relationship with her daughter, is adamant that she will not go. Then she might have a real chance of fulfilling her aunt's goal of starting a bakery.

But Pumkin's mother, Paulette, who has a strained relationship with her daughter, is adamant that she will not go. So, in order to pay for the exams, Pumkin now faces an unexpected difficulty.

Will her baking skills earn her enough money to assist Pumkin in passing the exams? After all, how desperately does she want to leave?

This is a nice coming-of-age narrative with some difficulties. Pumkin is likable, and her problems seem quite real. The pastries in the book sound delectable. I enjoyed reading it and was rooting for Pumkin to succeed.

Robinson has created a delightful protagonist in Pumkin Patterson, who longs to leave her home and her complicated family dynamics in Jamaica for adventures in faraway lands.

And it looks like she might just have a chance to do that, when her beloved Aunt Sophie moves to France and promises to send for Pumkin to join her after a year. Because all that Pumkin has to do to get her ticket out of Jamaica is to pass her French language exam. Then she might truly have a shot at realising her dream of running a bakery alongside her aunt.

But her mother Paulette, who has a difficult relationship with her daughter, is determined that Pumkin will not go. So, needing to raise the money to take the exams, Pumkin now faces an unexpected challenge.

Will her baking skills earn enough to help Pumkin pull off her attempt to successfully take the exams? And how badly does she want to leave, after all?

This is a charming coming of age story which is not without its challenges. Pumkin is relatable and her dilemmas feel very real. The desserts featured in the book sound delicious. I enjoyed reading it and rooting for Pumkin to find her way on her journey to herself, and I think other readers will too.