A Yorkshire Affair

by Julie Houston

A warm and heartfelt story ❤️ with all the northern Yorkshire charm! Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Jo Bartlett and Jenny Colgan. ✨ Every book in the Beddingfield series can be read as a standalone.

🏠 Jess Allen has always played it safe. 🏠

She married her high school sweetheart, stayed in her hometown and lives right next door to her mum Lisa and younger sister Sorrel. But with a new job on the horizon and her family no longer living a stone’s throw away, she’s going to have to get used to her comfortable life shifting into something new.

Jess finds the idea of being a part of the White House – the village’s new and stylish restaurant – incredibly daunting, but she knows she is more than capable. And with her role at the care home uncertain, this would give her the chance to finally pursue her passion for cooking.

But as her professional life soars, her romantic life is thrown into turmoil. Having welcomed back into her life her no-good ex, she's quickly questioning her decision – especially as new faces in Beddingfield begin to catch her eye.

As the familiar rhythms of life shift and long-held routines are upended, she starts to see that sometimes change is no bad thing at all. And someone who encourages her to take a risk – even if it's the last person she ever expected – might be just the thing she needed.

Heartfelt, warm and humorous, this is the third book in Julie Houston’s Beddingfield series.

Praise for Julie

‘Warm and poignant, brimming with heart and humour and filled with characters I was rooting for. Loved this class act!’ Fiona Gibson

'This is a gorgeous, warm-hearted read with a cast of characters that you can't help but root for. It's a beautiful depiction of the special bond between sisters - warts and all and I can't wait to see where we go next with the Allen family.' Freya Kennedy

‘There is too much to love about Julie’s latest book. This story of three sisters is funny, heart-warming and will keep you hooked to the final page.’ Carmen Reid

'Warm, funny and well written, with a page-turning plot, this book has everything! I loved it!' Katie Fforde

'Julie Houston at her best – heartfelt and hilarious' Sandy Barker

'Laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming!' Mandy Baggot

'A tour de force of beautiful, funny and emotional storytelling' Fay Keenan

'A warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep' Sheila O'Flanagan

'This book is an absolute gigglefest with characters you'll fall in love with!' Katie Ginger

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2026

Reviews

[Monica Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I didn't realise when I picked up this book was that it is the 3rd in the series. Mind you, it soon became apparent by the way the first half of the book unfolded, with a rehash about past events (designed to bring people like me up to speed, I know). Unfortunately, it just confused the heck out of me, introducing me to too many people and events, too quickly. I wish I had read the first two books in the series, it would have made this one less frustrating to read, at least, until I found the rhythm.

Jess and her sisters, Robyn and Sorrel, come from a small village in Yorkshire. Their mum lives next door to Jess and she has recently taken back her tomcat husband, Dean, for the sake of their daughter, Lola. Unfortunately, lots of changes are coming the way of this family, and some of them not pleasant ones.

I like the character of Jess, for the most part, but I wish I understood her role a little better when it came to The White House. I liked Kamran and Lisa quite a bit but didn't feel I got to know Fabian particularly well. I thought George was annoying, sorry!

All in all, this was a bit of a frustrating read, probably because of the early part of the book in figuring who was doing what and what had happened in the past. After that, it seemed to be a bit rushed and I didn't really get emotionally connected to the characters.

Probably a good idea for me to go back and read books 1 and 2....and if there is a book 4, I would like to read it because I sense there could be some good times ahead for Jess and her mum, at least!

3.5 stars from me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie Houston’s A Yorkshire Affair is a delightful, heartfelt story brimming with northern charm and warmth. It’s the kind of novel that feels like a comforting chat with a friend over tea, full of humor, family ties, and the gentle reminder that life’s biggest changes often come when we least expect them.

Jess Allen is a wonderfully relatable heroine. Having always played it safe—marrying her childhood sweetheart, staying close to home, and living next door to her mum and sister—she suddenly finds herself facing a new chapter. With her job at the care home uncertain, the opportunity to join the stylish new restaurant, the White House, pushes her out of her comfort zone and closer to her long-held passion for cooking.

Houston captures the push and pull of small-town life beautifully: the comfort of familiar routines, the weight of family expectations, and the thrill (and terror) of stepping into something new. Jess’s romantic life adds another layer of intrigue, with the return of her unreliable ex and the possibility of new love stirring in Beddingfield. The result is a story that’s both warm and humorous, but also deeply moving in its exploration of change, resilience, and second chances.

A Yorkshire Affair is a charming, uplifting read perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Jo Bartlett, and Jenny Colgan. It’s filled with humor, heart, and the kind of Yorkshire spirit that makes you believe that even when life shifts unexpectedly, it can lead to something wonderful.

My thanks to Julie Houston, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in a series but I hadn't realised that before reading, I didn't feel too lost and can only guess they are all interconnected standalones so there is no problem reading this without the first two though you would probably understand the character dynamics better if you had read them.
The story primarily focuses on Jess, her sister Robyn and to a lesser extent their younger sister Sorrel and mum. There are the Satter brothers and Robyn's partner Fabian as well. Then Jessica's husband Dean, daughter Lola, father Jayden and then Sorrel's boyfriend Joel. So there are a lot of relationships to get to grips with and it did take me a little while at the start to remember who they all were and how they were connected.
I did enjoy seeing Jess gaining some confidence and growing into a much nicer person than she seemed at the start.
I thought that Robyn seemed so supportive and a great teacher that many young people would hope for and benefit from having at their school.
The restaurant and all the talk of different foodstuffs left me feeling very hungry.
It's a fairly quick read when you get going with lots of action throughout. I would definitely read more by this author in the future.

[Nicole Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by Julie Houston, and I can safely say it won’t be my last. Although this is the third book in the Beddingfield series, it works perfectly well as a standalone. I never felt lost and was able to quickly pick up on the relationships between the characters.
Being from Yorkshire, the title and blurb immediately caught my attention, and this turned out to be the perfect read for me. It certainly didn’t disappoint. I loved the many references to Yorkshire and to places I’m very familiar with, as well as the inclusion of Yorkshire dialect, particularly through the head chef, Sandro.
Jess and her sisters are incredibly likeable and relatable characters. You can’t help but laugh and cry alongside Jess, and when she dislikes someone, you find yourself feeling the same way — even when it’s completely unfounded!
It was also lovely to see Jess and other characters being given a second chance, not only in romance but in their careers and new opportunities too.
This was a five-star read for me and one I’ll definitely be recommending. I’ve already added the first two books in the series to my wishlist, as I’d love to learn more about the Allens and the Sattars.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Yorkshire Affair is the third book in the Beddingfield Series. We meet Jess and her family. Jess has always done what is expected of her. She has avoided risks. Over time, following her divorce and being further away from her family, she is keen to start anew with her career. After working in a care home, she is keen to begin a new career working at the restaurant in her village. In addition to a new job, she finds love again.

In addition to Jess’ journey, we also see the stories of her family, including her sisters, her mum, and her daughter. This story celebrates small towns and features a cozy setting of Yorkshire.

I enjoyed how this story is about new beginnings and writing your own new chapter. I thought the novel shows well the complexity of emotions that we face when beginning a new chapter. It shows the human experience of feeling insecurities or hesitancy about creating a life change as well as the bravery to take the first steps.

This was the first book from Julie Houston I’ve read and I look forward to reading more. A Yorkshire Affair is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone.

Thank you to Love Books Tours, The Shelf Care Club, and Julie Houston for the gifted copy and opportunity to read and review the book! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @lovebookstours for having me on this book tour.

This is book 3 in the series I haven't read any of the others and had no problem with reading as a standalone.

I really liked jessica and her sisters Robyn and sorrel and there mum who has got her self a new man karman who comes from a family of hard workers who are working with jessica and robyns boyfriend to open a new restaurant. Jessica is also trying to get rid of her husband who she has been with for about 12 years and has a daughter lola but he is always cheating on jess and doesn't love her at all. After taking him back she is wandering why she has and finally decides to get rid of him although he may not be as far away as he needs him to be. With a new friend for lola and trouble coming along for her and the sattar brothers what could possibly go wrong for jess.

This book made me laugh out loud at times. I really liked getting to know jess and her family and all their problems that come along with them and the hapless Dean her ex. I will definitely go back and read the previous two books.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good all round read. I didn’t realise it was book 3 in the series, which explains, why at the beginning I felt like I had missed something. Characters were introduced, back story was given, I just felt like I should already know them. To be honest I thought about stopping as I felt I was missing too much. However, I’m so glad I kept reading. As I got to know Jess more I became more and more invested. I found a lot of qualities that I could identify with; her lack of self confidence, her family ties and her home bird tendencies. The story progresses and we see all sorts thrown at her, and she’s really struggling to feel as if she’s worthwhile, and then when she takes a chance, it all explodes in her face. But she is strong and brave and she picks herself up and lets people in that support her and she begins to fly.

I enjoyed the wide mix of characters and multiple storylines, I was interested and totally invested (once I got past the first few chapters). There are some great themes of family, loyalty, friendship and self worth. Well worth a read.

[Bekky Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fabulous. But once again I’ve started mid way through a series and I’m going to have to go back and catch up! Although saying that - I felt like this was easily readable as a standalone read.

I loved Jess so much. She reminded me of myself and her being so self conscious of her image at times, and I loved how caring she is and how she goes above and beyond for everyone else. I also loved how close she was to her mum and sisters too. And seeing her relationship with her daughter just made me think about everything I have to look forward to with mine!

This was so much more than just a lovely read. It had a depth to the story and a few twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing about people’s intentions and plans. It was fantastic! A really brilliant read from start to finish!

[Carolina CHC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story shows what happens when life feels like it has run its course and you begin questioning past decisions—especially when the people around you take you for granted and treat you like a constant pushover. The fact that the FMC is willing to take control and completely turn her life around is what makes this story so satisfying to read.

The family dynamics are sweet, a little weird, and very relatable, adding warmth and realism to the story. I honestly enjoyed very much this book, and the food descriptions were one of the highlights. But don’t be fooled—this story also tackles heavier topics such as drug-related crime, drugs in schools, and racism, adding unexpected depth along with touches of mystery and suspense.

The book is well balanced and charming.

Thanks the publisher, the author and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in The Beddingfield series is like coming home, as the reader reacquaints with Jess, Robyn, Sorrell, and their family and friends. Although readable as a standalone, this one continues the events of the previous books, with Jess on the brink of a new career and wondering whether she should make other changes in her life as well. It's a tale of ordinary folk and their contemporary lives, but just like real life, there is plenty of variety in a story full of drama, humour, mystery and romance. I enjoyed the insightful humour and poignancy, the dilemma Jess is experiencing and the story's immersive qualities that make you invest in the characters. It also has a lovely conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Yorkshire Affair
by Julie Houston

This book presents an engaging narrative filled with interesting characters. However, I found it somewhat challenging to keep track of everyone, likely because I wasn't aware that it was the third book in a series. The rapid introduction of many characters and events made it difficult to follow at times, and I often felt lost among the side characters.

For new readers, I recommend starting with the earlier titles in the series. Doing so could greatly enhance your understanding and connection to the characters and their stories. I believe having that prior context would have improved my overall reading experience, and I encourage others to explore the first two books for a richer understanding of the story.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Yorkshire Affair by Julie Houston is one of those stories that gently pulls you into the lives of ordinary people and makes you care about what happens to them. I didn’t realise at first that this was the third book in the series, but it does work perfectly well as a standalone. That said, I think I would’ve appreciated the character relationships even more if I’d read the earlier books.

There’s a really nice balance here — a mix of drama, humour, mystery, and a touch of romance — all set against a warm Yorkshire backdrop 🌿.for me… It felt very true to life, with characters and situations that are easy to relate to, and moments that made me smile
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an eARC ✨

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Yorkshire Affair starts off strong, setting up the story of Jess, who is finding her way after a troubled childhood and failed marriage. I enjoyed the small town setting, diverse characters and seeing Jess stand her ground with her cheating husband and starting a job as a cook in a high end restaurant. However, I’m not sure if it was because I jumped in at book three of a series but I found that her story got lost amongst the large number of side characters, some of whom were quite irritating and side plots that seemed to come out of nowhere and didn’t add much to this novel as a stand alone. I’d definitely recommend trying it as part of the overall series rather than one on its own.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book just grabs you and takes you along for the ride and this did that, it was a book I just needed to read it made me feel joyful, I laughed so much, it was also heartwarming and a story of second chances.
A book that would definitely get you out of a reading slump. I loved that it was based in Yorkshire, such a beautiful part of the UK, it also had the great characters you’d expect to see.
Now this is book 3 in the Beddingfield series I haven’t read the previous 3 but I loved the writing so much I shall be going back and reading the first 2 too plus other written by Julie Houston.

[Sue Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting situations

I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed each of her books. She has fabulous characters who seem to find themselves in weird situations. I lived near a city like that and I have found myself watching others in what so many would consider unique situations but to be truthful, most small cities have them. I love that she takes the time to unravel them and to help you see why and how they happen. That is one of the traits of her books that I love. Too many authors just go and that was that without giving you the background information or without resolving the relationships. This was an enjoyable read.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Yorkshire Affair, by Julie Houston, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in The Beddingfield series. Jess Allen, is kind of stuck in a rut, starting a new job could help. This book goes back and forth between Jess and Robyn, which I would of preferred just reading Jess perspective. This was a nice read, some people like change and some people do not.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about Jess and when she moves away from family and friends to go out in the big wide world alone will she be able to cope? a new job but a new and good challenge for her and it is something that she has wanted for a long time. Just as she is settling in to her life a blast from the past turns up and tries to shake things up for Jess, can she remain strong for herself or will she revert back to her old ways. It is all about taking that leap of faith and going with it. It was an easy story to read, this is book three but I read it as a standalone but I would suggest reading the other books first as with the other characters I felt I was missing out as I did not know them very well. It was a well written story but it was to me predictable.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - 20%. I received as an arc and didn’t realize it was book 3 of a series. The blurb advertised that this could be read as a standalone so I continued on. Reader, this is absolutely not a standalone. You are coming into the middle of the story. So for folks who read the first two books, carry on. Otherwise, don’t start.

Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm and full of family. This book centred on Jess a single mum with a useless estranged husband who had cheated on her blatantly for 14 years and she had put up with it. Now she has a good job and some gumption and she is using it. This is a journey of self discovery. Full of friends and family. Great book. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The key story that runs through this novel is enjoyable enough, however it is obvious this is one book in a series and without the context of the previous 2 books it was a little hard to follow: there were a lot of characters to keep track of, and some characters motivations would be easier to understand if you knew the back story better than the brief synopsis you receive in this book.

[Leanne (Queen_and_the_wolf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're back in Beddingfield for a 3rd visit and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed this series immensely even though they can be read as standalones.
This book has well written characters who feel real and approachable in everyday situations. They work well with each other and make the book a cosy read.
The book is sprinkled with humour, intense food descriptions that make your mouthwater and northern charm which bought back happy memories.
This book is a curl up and escape for a few hours. A cosy hug on a lazy day
This gets 4 stars from me

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice return to Beddingfield.

It was such a lovely story I couldn't put it down. The Allen family are so lovely and look out for each other. This was more Jess's story and her future. The ending was perfect. I love the books Julie Houston writes and am really looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. The story concentrates more on Jess Allen or Jessica as she preferred for a while. I have no idea why Dean was back in her life. He's not much of a husband. He hardly spends time with Jess and always prefers the attention of other women. The only one happy that he's back home is Lola. Dean is useless and his mom is just as bad. Jess puts herself down every chance she gets. She constantly refers to herself as fat and not as pretty as her mom and sisters. She doesn't believe in herself. She's an amazing cook and deserves to work at The White House with Fabian. Lola is now a sassy eleven year old. Lola's attitude gives me flashbacks of Sorrel from the first book in the series. She's not even a teenager yet. Lola's choice in friends is concerning, especially since Ruby wasn't even nice to her. I loved the interactions between George and Jess. How can George not love Jess after seeing her battle a plastic bag that gets stuck on her arm. The carwash scene was hilarious. I can't believe what Jess puts on after her clothes get soaked. I'm not sure what she was thinking, but she definitely needs a new car. Surprisingly Robyn is still a teacher and seems to enjoy it. Shirley Sattar is wonderful. I loved how she spoke with Jess at the dinner party. I;m rooting for Joel and hope he continues to make better life choices.

I definitely recommend the book. I loved the characters, story and writing style. Roger Rabbit has a new beautiful house to live in even though he's no longer a house bunny. I'm sure he will be smuggled inside by Lisa or Sorrel for cuddles. I love the Beddingfield Series and can't wait to find out what's next for the sisters. Weddings? Babies? Sorrel better stay in school and keep out of trouble. I hope there's more books in the series. Their story can't end yet. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Jess-mother of an eleven going on sixteen daughter and a philandering husband. She has several life changing decisions to make from job to finally finding freedom and the possibility of new love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book.All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emma H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was different from other books I’ve read recently. I enjoyed it all the same. The story running through it gives little clues that there is something darker happening underneath that the main character and her family are unaware of . It culminates in a a big crescendo involving some of the main characters. Who is knowingly involved and who is innocent? The characters are well formed, complexed, with real life problems. It touches on some of the difficulties that can sadly affect young people today but also has humorous elements and love which lifts the book. I enjoyed this book and will look to read more of the series.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the series features (more on that later) Jess Allen, who gave up a place at university and a potential career as a chef to marry her high school sweetheart Dean after she got pregnant. Always afraid of change, Jess has stuck by her philandering husband, lives next door to her mother Alice and younger sister Sorrel, and is content working at the local care home.

However, recently things have started to change. Jess won a local bakery contest and has been given the opportunity to go into partnership with her soon-to-be brother-in-law Fabian and Kamran Sattar a local businessman (who also happens to be her mum's new boyfriend) in Beddingfield's stylish new restaurant, The White House. Alice is moving in with Kamran, Sorrel is moving to London for school, and Jess is giving up her job at the care home.

Things are taking a turn on the romantic front as well, Jess kicks out Dean, and meets the handsome, wealthy father of her daughter's new BFF.

I've noted this before in these interlinked series, at some point continuing the strains of multiple couples and storylines becomes horrifically confused and all the stories become superficial - that is what happened here. We have updates to Jess's sister Sorrel's career and romance with Joel, the local bad boy, updates to Jess' sister Robyn's struggles to keep the local school open, updates to Robyn's partner Fabian's career as a barrister, updates to Joel's court case, updates to Alice's love life. The story also adds a further level of confusion by introducing Kamran's younger brother George, who happens to run the real estate branch of the Sattar empire and is leading the campaign to demolish Beddingfield High.

Throw in a County Lines subplot, a school musical, slashed car tyres, graffiti, and a smashed window just because you can.

Probably more importantly I just didn't like Jess or George overmuch. Jess was a dog in the manger and a doormat both at the same time and George seemed to think it was appropriate to tell a relative stranger and potential new member of the extended family that she needs to go the gym, and laugh at her when she's in distress.

Overall, this just didn't do it for me.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

Bumped for release and also because I lost a chunk of my review (thanks Goodreads).

[Donna McCaul Thibodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars rounded up to four. Jess works as the manager of a care home. Instead of going to university, she got pregnant and married her high school boyfriend, and is now the mother of an eleven year old. She is about to go into business with her sister's and mother's boyfriends, at a restaurant called the White House. And could there be a new romance in the offing?
I liked this book and found it to be an entertaining read. However, it seemed like it referenced previous books in the series quite a bit, it didn't feel like a stand alone novel.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.