Peppercorn Street

Peppercorn Street #1

by Anna Jacobs

Janey is 18 and all alone apart from her baby daughter. Disowned by her family she is forced to move into a small flat on Peppercorn Street and learn to survive by herself. Just as her new life starts to show promise, events from her past catch up with her. Nicole is renting one of the new luxury flats on the street. She's just walked away from her husband and teenage sons, suspecting her husband of having an affair and tired of being taken for granted. Winifred has lived in her huge family home at the top of the street for over eighty years but feels completely lost. All her friends have died and her nephew is trying to persuade her to go into a retirement home. But she doesn't want to leave. A chance meeting between all three women sparks up a beautiful friendship that will change their lives forever. However, things are not what they seem in any of their lives and they each find themselves tested by their individual troubles. Set in the stunning Wilshire countryside, Peppercorn Street is just that sort of place where long-term residents and newcomers, rich and poor, old and young, come together as a neighbourhood.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Audiobook

382 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2014

About the author

Anna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).

She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com

Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.

Reviews

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three women of different generations are living in Peppercorn street. Winifred might be old, but she's sharp and can still take care of herself. She lives in a big house that's becoming a bit much to maintain. She'd never leave though as she loves her street and happily lives there. However, someone else also wants her house and this person will do anything to get it. Nicole has had enough. She leaves her husband and two sons because they treat her like a slave. When she stops feeling safe in her own home it is time to move, only trouble seems to keep finding her, also at her new address. Janey is a teenage mother and at the age of eighteen she's old enough to make her own decisions. She's made sure things are going well for both herself and her baby and for the first time in her life she's free. Unfortunately not everyone agrees with her choices and there are some people who want to ruin everything she's created for herself.

Winifred, Nicole and Janey love to live in Peppercorn street. They find happiness there and there are many friendly people. They're all having issues, but fortunately there's also help. Will they eventually be all right and will they be able to live in their beloved street in peace again?

Peppercorn Street is another wonderful book by Anna Jacobs. I'm an admirer of the way she writes. Her books aren't difficult to read, they have plenty of layers and the stories are all gripping, moving and romantic at the same time. There's always a battle between good and evil and it feels completely natural to sympathize with the good side. Janey is a sweetheart who loves her baby very much. She doesn't mind working hard for a better future and her baby always comes first. Nicole has to run away from home, because the situation there becomes unbearable. When she leaves she has more problems, but she also finds things at Peppercorn Street that she thought she'd lost forever; comfort, care and kindness. It's such a beautiful part of the story and it warmed my heart. Winifred reminded me of my grandmother. She's strong and resilient and she's an endearing clever lady. I enjoyed the delicious descriptions of her cakes and could almost taste them. Because of the amazing main characters this story is so easy to fall in love with.

Peppercorn Street is a lovely story. There's some violence, but love will always conquer hate in Anna Jacobs's stories. Peppercorn Street is a compelling story about three women in different age categories. They have many things in common though, for example their strength and courage. They fight for what they believe in and they have sympathetic personalities. I loved the strong bonds between the characters and the sense of community. Peppercorn Street is a fantastic heartwarming story. If you're a fan of Anna Jacobs you should definitely get this book and if you haven't read any of her work yet this is such a perfect novel to start with.

[Margaret Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of a series of Anna Jacob’s books. Nice read.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do an eighteen year old unwed mother, a mother of two teenage boys with a husband who no longer cares about her, an octogenarian lady who has never been married, a investigative journalist who is recovering from a life threatening accident, and an elderly man who's wife has died of dementia all have in common? They are neighbors on or nearby Peppercorn Street. Individually they are facing problems alone that are depressing and more than they can handle. Little by little they meet all because the unwed mother, Janey, walks her baby Millie around the neighborhood and is desperate to have contact with others. No one can resist a sweet young girl with a beautiful baby. Thanks to particularly good social service individuals, Janey gets the start she needs with Millie. Eventually the others become friends and their problems are solved by personal steely resolve and the support of friends.

This is a touching story that deals with rape, drug, abuse, death, unscrupulous relatives, a cheating spouse, and the need to help others that need help. Not a Pollyanna story, but one that shows good problem solving and how important it is to rely on help from your friends.

I loved the wide range of ages of the friends, and the way the author portrayed them individually. It was an interesting study of personal character as well as the acceptance of help from others. Good descriptive passages made the reader feel like they were one of the neighbors as well. Satisfying read suitable for most ages.

[E.A. Harwik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peppercorn Street is a wonderfully written fictional slice of modern life. A story that grows from disconnection, where the majority isolate themself in boxes lamenting what they may. While the few who are mean or generous compete on the same turf for access, for reasons relating to what they need for themself.

Peppercorn Street is a beautiful story that draws upon hope as it matures.

The story is satisfying and appears simple, yet below the surface it’s cleverly written to read like an historical novel; the protagonist is Peppercorn Street. With no voice or point of view the street’s changes are documented and lamented in terms of better days and yet as the novel develops so too does Peppercorn Street, her community returns along with the hopes, dreams and needs of the novel’s characters and readers.

I’m stupid enough to take Anna Jacobs on her word. I used Google maps to find her Peppercorn Street. It wasn’t there, yet via this act I realised it is there. I live in Peppercorn Street. I suspect we all do.

This novel is the very best of Anna Jacobs. It will remain with you long after the reading experience is complete.

Earned five stars from me.

[Claire O'Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did like the homey local vibe to this book and may pursue the series when I'm looking for a quick read in the future. I did get attached to some of the characters and found the themrs of womanhood in different generations interesting. There were plenty of cringey moments too, and places where the language felt a bit amateurish

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !! What a awesome book fantastic story it just drags you in from the first page. Loved every page and just about to begin the second book. Fantastic.

[Margaret Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book as it really kept me on edge until almost the end. It's a lovely typical small town in England and coming from Scotland I could really relate to a lot of the nice people in the story and how close the communities are over there. Just like where I came from everyone looks out for each other and can be like one big family. This is something I miss here but it's the case for every migrant as your friends growing up can never be replaced. Back on track of the storyline now.
Janey is a lovely young girl who has been through an awful ordeal but as she's trying to get her life back on track old unwelcome attention keeps cropping up. Nicole has been through trauma in her family life too and Kevin who is the landlord of the units they live in has also been through a traumatic experience. I did wonder how all the people were connected but the author does a great job of pulling it all together to a breath holding end. I'm certainly going to read more of this author. This was an audio book but the narrator was wonderful and made it even more enjoyable for me in the drive to and from work. It's an easy read, or in my case to listen to, and would be great for on a holiday or if you need a light book to read.

[Tessa Wooldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, what I need is a warm, cosy story that will end well for the ‘goodies’ and poorly for the ‘baddies’. That’s exactly what Anna Jacobs offers in Peppercorn Street (along with a big dollop of kindness).

Janey is young, single and a new mum; Winifred is old, never married and childless; Nicole is middle-aged, unhappily married and mother to two teenage sons. The three women are linked by location – they all live on Peppercorn Street in a small Wiltshire town, 20 miles from Swindon.

As Jacobs gently reveals the lives of these women she draws in themes of elder abuse, rape, steroid abuse and bureaucratic corruption. But alongside these grim subjects there is hope to be found in the friendship, generosity and compassion displayed by neighbours and strangers alike.

Ther are four more titles in the Peppercorn Street series. Number two is Cinnamon Gardens.

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three women find new hope and life in Peppercorn Street, a small village in a beautiful corner of Wiltshire. Janey is 18 and living with her baby daughter disowned by her parents. Just as her new life starts to show promise, her past catches up with her. Nicole has just walked away from her husband and teenage sons, tired of being treated as a servant, suspecting her husband of having an affair. Winifred has lived in her large family home at the top of the street for over eighty years but it’s all getting too much, though she doesn’t want to leave. All come together and begin friendships which help turn their lives around.
A great read and start to a new Quartet set around Peppercorn Street.

[MRS S PUSEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Jacobs stories never fail her readers wonderful.

This story was quite intense such a shame for Janey and Milly her parents so cruel especially her father I'm glad she met such wonderful people to help her achieve a new life for herself and her daughter.Nicole was also very brave to do what she did i think some working mum's could well relate to her problems in today's society.Keiren and all the other people who helped the two women and Miss Parfitt were wonderful.I loved this book.

[Charlynnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't expect to love this small town saga so much. I borrowed this from the library as the book looks like a new copy (I love new books!). The book was almost due when I decided to give it a go. Didn't regret it; I even took it on vacation with me and thoroughly enjoyed it as a plane read. The characters are well-developed and each family's problems are dealt with succinctly without confusion. Glad to say that I am on book 2 now!

[Christine Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this having been given it by a family member. I got hooked into the story line, well written. I would say it’s a great series for the older ladies to read, a bit twee is what I’d call it. But lovely storyline that keeps you wanting to know the outcome. Very predictable but a charming read, of how people used to be, be there for each other something I’d say you don’t see much of today so it’s a bit like a step back in time. Togetherness, caring.

[Thuan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 56%

Incredibly disappointing.

Okay but honestly, nothing exciting happens except loads of descriptions where the characteres are constantly stepped on as doormats. The book is just too ridiculous for my suspension of disbelief.

[Barbara Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading

A great book to just sit back and enjoy. With as many characters, thought it was going to be difficult to keep them from getting mixed up but she does a great job of involving them in each others way of life. Really enjoyed reading it.

[janet millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!!

Read this book in 2 nights just couldn't put it down brilliant story intertwining characters of all ages and walks of life can't wait to read next book in this Peppercorn series

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this absolute joy of a book! Such a wonderful story, brilliantly told and well written. I never wanted to put it down! Really engaging and lovely (for the most part) characters... I can't wait to continue the series... in fact I think il do exactly that right now 😊

[Pauline Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read, brilliant characters. IIn view of all the corruption going on in the police force, at the moment made this story more plausible, my only criticism is that it finished to early, I really wanted to see the bullies banged to rights and get their commupunce.

[Alana De · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. Only thing I disliked was there was a lot of introduction and body but the ending was quite short in my opinion and left a few unanswered questions.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story although rather sad, dealing with drug abuse, a brain tumour and rape. It is very thought provoking with a glimpse of how the people in this little street all get together, cope with all their problems, help one another and make lasting friendships.

[Rowena Onions · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting range of abusive situations brought together in one novel. Together unbelievable but this is fiction and it is good to see the similarities and differences discussed by the author. Its a romance with a bit of a serious edge.

[Bookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. Simple plot, but filled with warmth and courage.

[Gary David Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

Such a different story line. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed each one. Recommended for all.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janey



another fab book from Anna. Janey young single mam thrown out by her parents is bringing up her baby after being raped but she finds friends to help her cope .5 STARS.

[Kim]

Brilliant

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the cozy, homey feel of the characters and village life. I did find the characters’ reactions to some of the situations they were in so understated as to be unbelievable.

[Catherine Steele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh!! WAY too Pollyanna.

[H P Hardwick]

Great read

Really enjoyed this book getting to know the characters can not wait to read next book hoping it is as enthralling

[Derek Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me reading

This book has an interesting cast of characters and spans generations. The twists kept me reading to find out the ending. Sweet story but not saccharine.

[Cyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story that covers steroid abuse, rape, single parenting, parental abuse/neglect, elder abuse/exploitation. It covers all these horrendous subjects gently. Only Anna Jacobs....

[Cherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟.

It would have been 5 stars but felt the ending was a but rushed for all the characters' stories. That aside I really enjoyed this book so much that I finished it in 2 days!