Romance, puddings and the beautiful Northumberland countryside, what more could you want?
When your farm is in trouble and you've suffered a huge loss in your life, it's not always easy to pick yourself up. But Rachel is determined to make the farm work for the sake of her Mum, her daughter and herself. I could feel my waist line expanding just reading about the delicious puddings, desserts and cakes featured in this novel! Caroline Roberts paints a romantic view of Northumberland and the beautiful countryside, all deliciously topped off by the attractive farmer next door. It's an easy read, flows very well and the story makes you want to up-sticks and move to the countryside.
A delightfully delicious read that will make you want to laugh, cry and bake - all at the same time!
Single mum Rachel and her recently-widowed mother Jill are struggling to make ends meet on their Northumberland farm. They take comfort in the delicious old-fashioned puddings that Jill loves to bake. Until those puddings give Rachel a new business idea…
What could be more comforting to read than a book featuring so much comfort food? In fact I would have devoured it at one sitting if it hadn’t kept tempting me into the kitchen for a spot of baking of my own. It was a happy, heart warming read with just enough conflict to prevent it from becoming sickly-sweet.
I loved the descriptions of the Northumberland countryside, I really felt I was there, sharing not only the beauty but also the struggles of a modern farmer. And yet Caroline Roberts didn’t confuse us by attempting to make her characters speak with a local dialect – something which always interrupts the flow of a story – but has left the reader to give each character their own voice.
Another thing I loved about the book was the inclusion of the recipes for two of the puddings – although so many other delicious sounding dishes were mentioned that I would happily buy a cookbook companion to this story!
After the tragic death of her father Rachel takes over the running of Primrose Farm which isn’t in as good a shape as she would like it. To save her home she has to think of a way to diversify, but how?
After the tragic death of her father Rachel takes over the running of Primrose Farm which isn’t in as good a shape as she would like it. To save her home she has to think of a way to diversify, but how? Her mother provides her with the answer without even realising. Can Rachel save her family home or will cattle roaming into the neighbours fields and gorgeous Tom get in the way?
If you’re looking for a nice, pleasant read that leaves you feeling hopeful and positive, as well as emotionally moved in parts, then I recommend this book.
This is very much a chick-lit book and has a romance brewing throughout. It’s very easy reading and not at all heavy like the recent books I have been reading. However, I don’t think that this genre is given as much credit as it deserves. For this book to be considered ‘easy reading’ it has to be well written, which it is. The story flows, at a calm, but not too slow, pace. The characters are well written and I really liked the main character of Rachel and cared about what happened to her. This was such a pleasure to read after the recent, very involved (and good) books that I’ve been reading.
I’m not a farmer, but the descriptions of farming life seemed to be well researched, believable and were clearly described in an engaging way. Also, the depiction of Northumberland was beautiful and if the opportunity ever arises for me to go there I will be eager to seize it.
I thought that the way Roberts dealt with grief was impressive, I appreciated that it hadn’t been rushed and it was shown that it is something that can still be raw and difficult years later.
Caroline Roberts has whipped up a light fluffy read, perfect for a bit of escapism. A quirky bonus sees each chapter titled with the name of a cake and there are a number of recipes to try out once you reach the back of the book. The story is predictable but still an enjoyable read. A word of caution; don't pick up the book if you're hungry :)
Caroline Roberts has whipped up a light fluffy read, perfect for a bit of escapism. Rachel (after who the pantry is named) is a single parent working on her parents farm. Living with her mother Jill and her five year old daughter Maisy the family has been hit by tragedy which is uncovered as the story progresses. In essence Rachel both wants and needs the farm to remain a success as a tribute to her father.
With the farm's accounts moving in a downward spiral as each month passes the idea of diversifying moves from being a possibility to a necessity. Luckily Jill, Rachel's mother, is a dab hand in the kitchen and the idea of selling her homemade puddings and other sweet treats locally becomes a reality.
Support and another helping hand comes from Rachel's good friend and neighbour Eve. With a mammoth group effort Rachel's pantry is borne out of a converted barn on the family farm. Eve, who has a natural creative streak, offers to utilise an area in the pantry to sell her handmade crafts to visitors.
Added to the mix is the divorced farmer living on the working farm next door, He and Rachel have known each other for years but their friendship deepens and leads to romance.
A quirky bonus sees each chapter titled with the name of a cake and there are a number of recipes to try out once you reach the back of the book.
The story is predictable but still an enjoyable read. A word of caution; don't pick up the book if you're hungry :)
This is a wonderful exploration of a young woman's life as a farmer in Northumberland and how she survives and thrives.
It was a real pleasure to read Rachel's Pudding Pantry, which tells the story of single mother Rachel, her young daughter Maisy, and mother Jill. They all live on a Northumberland farm where Rachel runs the family farming business. Although she is young, in her twenties, she is very hard working with many conflicting demands on her time and energy. These difficulties are dealt with sympathetically and there is a lot of humour in describing how they are solved. As well as being an exploration of the many and varied problems a small farm faces, and the need to diversify, the novel also has a very enjoyable plot as Rachel comes to terms with the business and personal problems she must solve. All this is interspersed with a fascinating account of the variety of daily tasks that face a farmer in Northumberland.
The writing is energetic and lively and beautifully captures the differing viewpoints of a cast of characters who range over several generations. There is a lot in the book that is thought-provoking but ultimately it is a very good read, optimistic, positive and very enjoyable. I strongly recommend it.
The healing powers of sticky toffee pudding - how a grieving family tries to save their farm.
This book tells how a grieving family of strong women cope with saving their farm after a bereavement. The healing begins with Mum Jill's rediscovery of her baking skills and an old family recipe book. The descriptions of the puddings were mouth-watering - you could almost taste them - and I loved the way the women in the family supported each other. Caroline Roberts reveals the story of what has happened in the past gradually. Will the business plans save the farm? With many twists and turns in the plot, this is a real page-turner which keeps you guessing right to the end. With engaging characters and the backdrop of the beautiful Northumbrian countryside, this book is a delightful read. I looked forward to picking it up every time and did not want it to end! I'd not come across Caroline Roberts before and will look out for more of her books.
A nice easy read, where love and heavenly puddings leave you feeling both warm and hungry - definitely recommend.
This book tells the story of a strong main character called Rachel who along with her family consisting of her mum Jill and her daughter Maisy who try to save her family farm following a tragic death. Realising farming is not working on its own and needing a way to save the farm, Rachel hits upon the idea of using her old family recipe book along with her mother's fantastic baking skills to open a pudding pantry.
The descriptions of the running of the farm gave a good detailed and informative view of farming life. The depiction of the puddings are delightful, really made me want to taste them all especially the sticky toffee pudding.
A great book with a feel-good story that was easy to get into. I got lost in the book straight away and could not put it down. I wanted to visit the pudding pantry and try all the puddings. Best enjoyed with your own cup of tea and piece of cake. I have read other Caroline Roberts books and enjoyed this one just as much as the others. I can't wait to read more. Definitely recommend.
This book is like a big warm hug and you can nearly taste and smell the puddings. Jill is a great character who faces the trickiest of farming challenges head on, in her determination to hold on to the family home.
There is a strong bond between the three generations living on Primrose Farm, but it is up to Rachel to come up with a solution to their financial woes. She makes a great farmer, but it does not generate enough income. She comes up with a clever plan that will make the most of her mother’s considerable baking talents. Her 5-year-old daughter helps as well and soon they are all pulling together to make their dream a reality. A strong dash of romance is added by the good looking next door neighbour who is always there to lend a helping hand. This is a really enjoyable read, perfect for reading by the fire with a big helping of pudding.
Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts is a real feel-good novel, full of life and down to earth moments, single mum overcomes her problems in a novel way...
I was asked to review Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts by Lovereading and I am so glad I did! A lovely easy read with all the elements of a good novel. A single mum struggling to keep her farm afloat after the death of her father, the daily grind of the farm, add to that a grieving mother, and a young daughter, and life is pretty full on!
When Rachel decides to diversify, (reminiscent of many farmers in this day and age who have to think up new ideas to stay financially stable) she is encouraged and helped by her friends, but also the wider community. There are pitfalls along the way of course, but the end result is both quirky and satisfying to the reader. With an ex-partner to contend with and a new love interest with all its ups and downs, the story ambles along nicely keeping you interested. Lovely bonus at the end is the pudding recipes!
A real feel-good book, great for a holiday read, I would definitely recommend it!
With a battle to save a farm, and a little romance along the way this was the perfect book to curl up with one afternoon.
We join our main character Rachel, during an unsettled time as she battles to save the farm with help from her mother.
Right from the start, I felt a connection with Rachel as she's such a warm, and friendly character. I could feel her frustration as she battles hard alongside her mother to turn things around on the farm.
Romance is also in the air, and I couldn't help but route for charming neighbour Tom to win Rachel's heart.
I found myself reading this in one sitting as I simply just couldn't put it down.
While I usually find myself reaching for a crime thriller off of the bookshelf, I will definitely be checking out the author's other books.
WARNING! – Do not read this on an empty stomach! A warm and comforting read, this will transport you instantly to golden sunsets over rolling green hills and the scrubbed pine kitchen table by the AGA. Truly scrumptious!
WARNING! – Do not read this on an empty stomach! The luscious, gooey puds crammed into these pages will have your mouth watering uncontrollably and you’ll be reaching for the kitchen scales faster than you can say 'brandy snap’. Having fortified yourself with a bowl of steaming jam roly-poly (or two!) you’ll be able to snuggle down comfortably and get stuck into the story of struggling Cheviot hill farmer Rachel, her grieving mum Jill, 5-year-old daughter Maisy and their friends and neighbours. In the absence of her father, the responsibility of keeping Primrose Farm afloat weighs heavily on Rachel’s young shoulders. She needs to find another source of income, and fast. Jill's stunning bakes and cakes might be just the ticket but is she strong enough to take this on after all they’ve been through? It won’t be plain sailing but with a little help from her friends and the guidance of her gorgeous neighbour Tom, Rachel, and her beloved farm, might just make it.
A warm and comforting read, this will transport you instantly to golden sunsets over rolling green hills and the scrubbed pine kitchen table by the AGA. It’s absolutely chock full of sweet-treat baking inspiration and with the added bonus of a couple of Jill’s recipes, you’ll be weighing out the sugar as you finish the final chapter, if not before. Truly scrumptious!
A warm hearted gentle read about picking up the pieces after family tragedy. 3 generations building a future for themselves with the support of an angel in disguise.
A super Spring read about life in the country. Following adversity 3 generations pick up the pieces to build a future for themselves and protect their farm from folding. Along with help from the community and friends plus a neighbourly farmer Tom who unbeknown to Rachel has plans to restore her faith in men.
Written with warmth and understanding Caroline depicts relationships, modern life and the difficulties of running a business and diversifying. Be warned you may run the risk of raiding the fridge or cupboard for a munch with all the fabulous descriptions of all the baking! The recipes at the end are a bonus.
A wonderful feel-good book to read in these troubled times.
Uplifting and inspiring.
Following Rachel striving to keep the farm going following her father's death was very emotional at times, making me laugh and making me cry. I felt part of her family and thoroughly enjoyed the day to day running of the farm - and the kitchen.
Fabulous puddings and great countryside, with a spot of romance thrown in. Lots of drama and lots of love.
A fast read that talks about family, love, grief and finding reasons to be happy! The one thing that glues this family together, and keeps them happy is the baking and the making of lovely sweet puddings.
A fast read that talks about family, love, grief and finding reasons to be happy!
Rachel’s Pudding Pantry is a story about Rachel, who is a farmer in the modern world, living with her mum Jill and her little daughter Maisy. Rachel and her family have been dealing with a lot of grief in the last couple of years, and are struggling financially to keep the farm running.
The one thing that glues this family together, and keeps them happy is the baking and the making of lovely sweet puddings. They bake all day, especially grandma Jill, and they are the perfect example of what a family should look like – full with joy, love and laughter.
I loved the personality Rachel has; She always puts her family first and cares about her daughter and mum so much. Everything she is doing, she is doing for them, and she is always positive minded. It was such a refreshing moment for me to find such a character.
Rachel and her mum are dealing with grief, losing a person in their family that meant a lot to them. This moment of sadness can be felt throughout the book, and I loved it. It shows that grief is a constant battle – it is not easy to lose someone you love, and you don’t get over it very easily. Years could pass, and you will still have the emptiness in your heart. I felt this on my skin, when I lost my grandfather in January. Even after three months, I still think of him every single day and hope that he is looking over me and is proud of who I have become.
I was also very positively pleased with the other supportive characters surrounding Rachel’s story. Tom was the perfect neighbour – the one you always call for help and will always help you when you need him. He is always caring and trustworthy, and sometimes, I felt awkward when Rachel always came to him for help. Knowing myself, I would be so embarrassed to keep asking for help.
Then we have her best-friend Eve. She was my superhero, and a friend anyone would wish for. She was always supportive, always there for Rachel with her never-ending love. It is a priceless relationship these two ladies have, and I couldn’t help but be a massive fan of them.
The only thing that kept bothering me throughout the book, and is not that big of a deal anyways, was the fact that despite their financial struggles, Jill kept baking for like thirty people every single day (this is before they started the new business). If that was me, I wouldn’t bake that often. I guess it was a fact that just stuck with me for a while.
It was a quick, pleasurable read. It always made me feel happy and content, and eager to go in the kitchen and bake some sweets. Because I am a lazy one, I just bought sweets and ate them instead. Tell you what – that also works quite fine!