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Pupcakes
If you love dogs, if you love Christmas, you will love this book about an aging pug named Teddy Roosevelt, and his very human 'family.'
All she wants is a settled-down life.
What she gets is a dog—and a whole new normal . . .
There he stood in the overweight, depressed and nearly homeless—a pug named Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy was Brydie Benson’s latest problem, arriving on top of her messy divorce and sudden move. Brydie needed a place to start over, so this rent-free home seemed a great idea. She just never counted on Teddy, or his owner, the Germantown Retirement Village’s toughest customer, Pauline Neumann.
And because rent-free doesn’t mean bills-free, Brydie gets a night-shift job at a big-box grocery. Whoever guessed there were so many people who wanted baked goods after midnight?
Then, she gets an idea—why not combine her baking skills with her new-found dog knowledge? And so her store Pupcakes is born. Along with a new start comes a possible new love, in the form of Nathan Reid, a local doctor with a sassy Irish Wolfhound named Sasha. And as fall turns to winter, and then to Christmas, Brydie begins to realize that life is a little bit like learning a new recipe for puff pastry—it takes a few tries to get it just right!
All she wants is a settled-down life.
What she gets is a dog—and a whole new normal . . .
There he stood in the overweight, depressed and nearly homeless—a pug named Teddy Roosevelt. Teddy was Brydie Benson’s latest problem, arriving on top of her messy divorce and sudden move. Brydie needed a place to start over, so this rent-free home seemed a great idea. She just never counted on Teddy, or his owner, the Germantown Retirement Village’s toughest customer, Pauline Neumann.
And because rent-free doesn’t mean bills-free, Brydie gets a night-shift job at a big-box grocery. Whoever guessed there were so many people who wanted baked goods after midnight?
Then, she gets an idea—why not combine her baking skills with her new-found dog knowledge? And so her store Pupcakes is born. Along with a new start comes a possible new love, in the form of Nathan Reid, a local doctor with a sassy Irish Wolfhound named Sasha. And as fall turns to winter, and then to Christmas, Brydie begins to realize that life is a little bit like learning a new recipe for puff pastry—it takes a few tries to get it just right!
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
260 people are currently reading
1538 people want to read
About the author
Annie England Noblin
10 books549 followersWriter. Mother. Wife. Bulldog enthusiast. Curly hair afternoon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
December 10, 2017
I love to read Christmas -themed books leading up to Dec 25! I chose this book because it had the cutest dog on the cover and the dog was to be an integral part of the story.
It was an alright book- a sweet story about moving on. Brydie divorced her husband 6 months prior, moved away to Memphis and is trying to get her life back on track. She agrees to house sit/ dog sit for a woman she doesn’t know, who has been placed into a nursing home. Into her life comes Nathan (a gorgeous doctor), a new job, new friends and Teddy Roosevelt, a pug that she can’t help but love once she gets to know him.
A quick easy read- totally predictable, but fun nonetheless.
,
It was an alright book- a sweet story about moving on. Brydie divorced her husband 6 months prior, moved away to Memphis and is trying to get her life back on track. She agrees to house sit/ dog sit for a woman she doesn’t know, who has been placed into a nursing home. Into her life comes Nathan (a gorgeous doctor), a new job, new friends and Teddy Roosevelt, a pug that she can’t help but love once she gets to know him.
A quick easy read- totally predictable, but fun nonetheless.
,
December 20, 2019
This is a delightful, uplifting story, perfect for a holiday read. The cute face on the cover made me pick up the book. There are real recipes in the back, including one for pupcakes.
December 24, 2017
This cute cover! Teddy Roosevelt was adorable!
This was a quick, fun read! There isn't really an emphasis on Christmas until the end -- "Pupcakes" doesn't come into play until the very end, as well. I knocked it down a star because the storyline was just a little bit predictable.
This was a quick, fun read! There isn't really an emphasis on Christmas until the end -- "Pupcakes" doesn't come into play until the very end, as well. I knocked it down a star because the storyline was just a little bit predictable.
October 10, 2017
Fun Fact: I LOVE pugs. They're actually my favorite dog breed, and if I'm ever to own a dog one day, it's definitely going to be a pug.
Therefore, when I heard about Pupcakes, and more importantly, saw the ADORABLE cover, I was 100% sold. I needed this holiday book in my life and PRONTO.
The Result? I've read a decent amount of good holiday books so far this season (Chasing Christmas Eve and Holiday Spice), but Pupcakes is by far my favorite so far! Combining a relatable and lovable cast of characters, swoon worthy romance, and most importantly, a fabulous, sleepy, trash loving pup named Teddy Roosevelt, Pupcakes had me 100% hooked! And as much as I needed to know how everything ended, some parts of me couldn't bear to see the story end. And that, my friends, is what I call a fantastic book - a MUST READ!
One of my absolute favorite parts of Pupcakes was the eccentric and warm cast of characters Annie introduced.
Brydie was someone I had an easy time not only liking but relating to. When we are first introduced to Brydie, she's having a tough time. The life she thought was perfect and wonderful? Well, it wasn't as perfect as she thought. Now she's a thirty something, bouncing from house to house, hoping she'll be able to pick up the pieces along the way. However, the moment she moves into Pauline's house, becoming the primary caretaker to little Teddy, Brydie begins to change. She goes from becoming someone who's so so sad and down on her luck to someone who wants to try again, be it in the form of baking, romance, new adventures and/or friendships. I fully enjoyed watching this evolution occur, and what I liked the most about it was how perfectly imperfect Brydie was. Brydie becomes this strong, inventive, and empowering character, but she still screws up - says the wrong thing, does the wrong thing, etc. - and that's what made her journey so so incredibly realistic in my opinion.
In addition to Brydie, I loved Pauline, Teddy's owner. Pauline was such an interesting woman - someone who honestly I could've read a whole book about since I feel like she has some CRAZY stories! What I loved the most about Pauline, however, was how she helped Brydie get her life together, offering her the type of advice she desperately didn't want to hear but NEEDED to hear. Nathan, Brydie's love interest, was also great! It was fun seeing his conflict between being a friend to Brydie was also being a doctor to Pauline. Additionally, the cast of dog lovers in this had me laughing out loud constantly, the scenes at the dog birthday party had to be some of my favorite! I'm so planning to go back and re-read them at some point.
The plot in this was much more than the typical holiday romance, and that's what truly made Pupcakes stand out to me. Rather than just focus on the developing romance between Nathan and Brydie, Pupcakes focuses primarily on finding yourself, especially when life hasn't turned out the way you thought it would. This theme is shown throughout in the book in different facets, be it Brydie's life, Brydie's mother life, Nathan's life, and even Pauline's life. I feel like the stories seen in here are important to see, because who hasn't had something turn out the complete opposite way they thought it should. More importantly, I enjoyed seeing the "rebirth" happen.
Lastly, I thought Annie's writing was great in this! I enjoyed how she divided the book up into three months - October, November, and December - because not only did she incorporate not one but THREE holidays into this but each month was incredibly important to Brydie's progress. Additionally, while this book is told in third person, never once did it bother me - I felt fully connected to the characters as well as the story. Plus, that epilogue?! I was CRYING! Mostly happy tears, though - I promise.
In all, I can't suggest Pupcakes highly enough! If you love hilarious yet touching holiday books, this book is for you! I simply can't wait to read more by Annie!
Grade: A+
Therefore, when I heard about Pupcakes, and more importantly, saw the ADORABLE cover, I was 100% sold. I needed this holiday book in my life and PRONTO.
The Result? I've read a decent amount of good holiday books so far this season (Chasing Christmas Eve and Holiday Spice), but Pupcakes is by far my favorite so far! Combining a relatable and lovable cast of characters, swoon worthy romance, and most importantly, a fabulous, sleepy, trash loving pup named Teddy Roosevelt, Pupcakes had me 100% hooked! And as much as I needed to know how everything ended, some parts of me couldn't bear to see the story end. And that, my friends, is what I call a fantastic book - a MUST READ!
One of my absolute favorite parts of Pupcakes was the eccentric and warm cast of characters Annie introduced.
Brydie was someone I had an easy time not only liking but relating to. When we are first introduced to Brydie, she's having a tough time. The life she thought was perfect and wonderful? Well, it wasn't as perfect as she thought. Now she's a thirty something, bouncing from house to house, hoping she'll be able to pick up the pieces along the way. However, the moment she moves into Pauline's house, becoming the primary caretaker to little Teddy, Brydie begins to change. She goes from becoming someone who's so so sad and down on her luck to someone who wants to try again, be it in the form of baking, romance, new adventures and/or friendships. I fully enjoyed watching this evolution occur, and what I liked the most about it was how perfectly imperfect Brydie was. Brydie becomes this strong, inventive, and empowering character, but she still screws up - says the wrong thing, does the wrong thing, etc. - and that's what made her journey so so incredibly realistic in my opinion.
In addition to Brydie, I loved Pauline, Teddy's owner. Pauline was such an interesting woman - someone who honestly I could've read a whole book about since I feel like she has some CRAZY stories! What I loved the most about Pauline, however, was how she helped Brydie get her life together, offering her the type of advice she desperately didn't want to hear but NEEDED to hear. Nathan, Brydie's love interest, was also great! It was fun seeing his conflict between being a friend to Brydie was also being a doctor to Pauline. Additionally, the cast of dog lovers in this had me laughing out loud constantly, the scenes at the dog birthday party had to be some of my favorite! I'm so planning to go back and re-read them at some point.
The plot in this was much more than the typical holiday romance, and that's what truly made Pupcakes stand out to me. Rather than just focus on the developing romance between Nathan and Brydie, Pupcakes focuses primarily on finding yourself, especially when life hasn't turned out the way you thought it would. This theme is shown throughout in the book in different facets, be it Brydie's life, Brydie's mother life, Nathan's life, and even Pauline's life. I feel like the stories seen in here are important to see, because who hasn't had something turn out the complete opposite way they thought it should. More importantly, I enjoyed seeing the "rebirth" happen.
Lastly, I thought Annie's writing was great in this! I enjoyed how she divided the book up into three months - October, November, and December - because not only did she incorporate not one but THREE holidays into this but each month was incredibly important to Brydie's progress. Additionally, while this book is told in third person, never once did it bother me - I felt fully connected to the characters as well as the story. Plus, that epilogue?! I was CRYING! Mostly happy tears, though - I promise.
In all, I can't suggest Pupcakes highly enough! If you love hilarious yet touching holiday books, this book is for you! I simply can't wait to read more by Annie!
Grade: A+
October 6, 2017
Pupcakes is not only for the dogs but for dog lovers as well! I could not put this book down. I was having such a grand time reading this book. Literally, I finished this book in a matter of a couple of hours.
Everyone that I was introduced to in this book I fell in love with. Brydie, Nathan aka Dr. Sexy, Pauline (Teddy's owner), Teddy, and Sasha. I have never owned a pug but after reading this book, my next dog may have to be a pug.
Brydie needed Teddy just as much as Teddy needed her. Plus, you could not ask for a better taste tester than Teddy. Pauline is such a sweetheart. She may have been moved to a facility but the lady she had spunk. You could say that Brydie and Teddy made quite the impression on Nathan at their first visit. Teddy puked all over Nathan's shoes with Brydie and Teddy doing a "hit and run".
There are so many enjoyable moments in this book like the moment when one of the residents ate a dog treat or the moment involving the dog birthday.
Everyone that I was introduced to in this book I fell in love with. Brydie, Nathan aka Dr. Sexy, Pauline (Teddy's owner), Teddy, and Sasha. I have never owned a pug but after reading this book, my next dog may have to be a pug.
Brydie needed Teddy just as much as Teddy needed her. Plus, you could not ask for a better taste tester than Teddy. Pauline is such a sweetheart. She may have been moved to a facility but the lady she had spunk. You could say that Brydie and Teddy made quite the impression on Nathan at their first visit. Teddy puked all over Nathan's shoes with Brydie and Teddy doing a "hit and run".
There are so many enjoyable moments in this book like the moment when one of the residents ate a dog treat or the moment involving the dog birthday.
December 3, 2020
Really cute story, but I just didn't like the MC. Loved all the other characters (especially Teddy!), but Brydie really got on my nerves. I am also obsessed with this cover.
Solid 3 stars
Solid 3 stars
December 7, 2023
Catching up…
This book was a donation to our Little Free Library Shed.
And...
The cuteness of it made me want to read it first, and I am happy I did.
This is what was shared to me by the donator, and now for you....
"This is a cute story about baking, dogs, baking for dogs, new friends, and, of course a little romance!"
And...
I agree. It is just that kind of special book! With dog treat recipes, as well!
This book was a donation to our Little Free Library Shed.
And...
The cuteness of it made me want to read it first, and I am happy I did.
This is what was shared to me by the donator, and now for you....
"This is a cute story about baking, dogs, baking for dogs, new friends, and, of course a little romance!"
And...
I agree. It is just that kind of special book! With dog treat recipes, as well!
October 19, 2019
Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin is my latest seasonal read and it really is as cute as its cover. This is the story of recently-divorced Brydie Benson, who moves to Memphis to be closer to her friend and finds herself in need of an a low-cost place to live. When she happens upon Pauline Newmann’s offer of living rent-free in her large furnished home, Brydie can hardly believe her luck. But there is a catch: Brydie has to agree to take care of Pauline’s beloved pug, Teddy Roosevelt, and she has to agree to bring him to see Pauline every Sunday in her retirement home.
This story is so charming! I absolutely loved reading it. Pupcakes is a great story for the fall and holiday season because the story takes place in over three months-October, November, and December.
I love Teddy Roosevelt. He is a small pug, but he is a large character in this book. Teddy is a little bit on the depressed side at the beginning of the book, when he comes into Brydie’s care. She barely knows what to do with him because she’s never had a dog before, but the two gradually warm up to one another and become very close. Eventually Teddy becomes happier and healthier.
I love the relationship that Brydie grows to share with Teddy and the relationship Teddy shares with his original owner, Pauline. I also love the way Teddy unknowingly helps Brydie meet other people and form new relationships, since it is initially hard for her to put herself out there again after her divorce. This begins when Brydie takes Teddy to a nearby dog park so he can exercise. As he plays with other dogs, she is able to meet their owners. This is actually where she meets her eventual love interest, Nathan Reid-during their first encounter, there is a humorous scene involving dog vomit on Nathan’s shoes.
Even though this is a fun holiday story, there is also a coming-of-age-again that happens for Brydie. After leaving her previous marriage, she finds herself having to relearn who she really is. She redefines herself. She cuts her hair. She gets a job that she probably never would have gotten before being divorced-in the bakery of a grocery store, on night shift!-and this helps to re-ignite her love for baking.
The baking part of the story is really fun. Brydie begins to bake treats for Teddy because he doesn’t like dog food and because she just loves to bake. She shares the dog treats with other dogs and they become popular at the dog park and with her dog-owning friends. Then she tries new recipes for pup-treats based on human recipes. She gives her excess cookies, etc away and begins taking new orders. The more she bakes, the happier Brydie is. It’s honesly so nice to read about a person finding herself again after a traumatic event like a divorce had her down for a while. It was like Brydie blossomed on these pages, and it was a bonus that it happened over Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
I’m so glad that Pupcakes was brought to my attention because it was all-around enjoyable. This one is totally going on my holiday-rereads rotation and I recommend it to readers that enjoy holiday stories and stories featuring dogs and pets.
This story is so charming! I absolutely loved reading it. Pupcakes is a great story for the fall and holiday season because the story takes place in over three months-October, November, and December.
I love Teddy Roosevelt. He is a small pug, but he is a large character in this book. Teddy is a little bit on the depressed side at the beginning of the book, when he comes into Brydie’s care. She barely knows what to do with him because she’s never had a dog before, but the two gradually warm up to one another and become very close. Eventually Teddy becomes happier and healthier.
I love the relationship that Brydie grows to share with Teddy and the relationship Teddy shares with his original owner, Pauline. I also love the way Teddy unknowingly helps Brydie meet other people and form new relationships, since it is initially hard for her to put herself out there again after her divorce. This begins when Brydie takes Teddy to a nearby dog park so he can exercise. As he plays with other dogs, she is able to meet their owners. This is actually where she meets her eventual love interest, Nathan Reid-during their first encounter, there is a humorous scene involving dog vomit on Nathan’s shoes.
Even though this is a fun holiday story, there is also a coming-of-age-again that happens for Brydie. After leaving her previous marriage, she finds herself having to relearn who she really is. She redefines herself. She cuts her hair. She gets a job that she probably never would have gotten before being divorced-in the bakery of a grocery store, on night shift!-and this helps to re-ignite her love for baking.
The baking part of the story is really fun. Brydie begins to bake treats for Teddy because he doesn’t like dog food and because she just loves to bake. She shares the dog treats with other dogs and they become popular at the dog park and with her dog-owning friends. Then she tries new recipes for pup-treats based on human recipes. She gives her excess cookies, etc away and begins taking new orders. The more she bakes, the happier Brydie is. It’s honesly so nice to read about a person finding herself again after a traumatic event like a divorce had her down for a while. It was like Brydie blossomed on these pages, and it was a bonus that it happened over Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
I’m so glad that Pupcakes was brought to my attention because it was all-around enjoyable. This one is totally going on my holiday-rereads rotation and I recommend it to readers that enjoy holiday stories and stories featuring dogs and pets.
December 12, 2017
First let me say it took me forever to read this book. However, it's not a reflection on the book because once I actually sat down to read it, I read the majority of it over a 24 hour period. While the cover is marketed as a holiday read, it actually takes place during the months of October, November and December so if you aren't a big Christmas-themed reader, don't let the cover throw you.
Byrdie Benson has moved to the Memphis area to be closer to her best friend following the collapse of her marriage and the bakery she owned with her husband. She is having difficulty starting over and since her bestie is pregnant with her second child, she is no longer able to crash in her home. She ends up staying in the home of an elderly woman, Pauline, who has recently entered a nursing home. While she can stay rent-free, there is one small catch which just happens to come in the form of Teddy Roosevelt, Pauline best friend pug. She also has to take Teddy to the nursing home once a week to visit. Eventually Byrdie manages to start her life anew, making new friends and meeting a new love interest, and she learns slowly learns how much a 4-legged friend can help a person.
I really loved this book which is probably evident by the 5/5 rating. Brydie was instantly likable yet flawed. While it was nice to see Byrdie move on and finally let go of any feelings for her cheating ex, the best relationship in the book ends up being between Bydie and Pauline. "Pupcakes" is full of great characters and Noblin has a way of placing you right inside her novels. I must also add that many of her characters are also defined by their dogs and it's of no surprise to find out Noblin is an animal lover herself.
Finally I have to say this book is packaged quite well. It's divided into three sections - October, November and December. At the beginning of each section there is a title page feature Teddy dressed according to the season. Each chapter then again has a tiny picture of Teddy next to the number.
This is a great book to read during the holiday season so there's still time to grab a copy. However, like I mentioned, I think "Pupcakes" is a great read year-round. Also, rarely am I a sentimental reader. In fact, I had a co-worker once who told me we both needed to take yearly sensitivity classes. Yet the end of the book ALMOST brought tears to my eyes. And no - the dog does not die.
Byrdie Benson has moved to the Memphis area to be closer to her best friend following the collapse of her marriage and the bakery she owned with her husband. She is having difficulty starting over and since her bestie is pregnant with her second child, she is no longer able to crash in her home. She ends up staying in the home of an elderly woman, Pauline, who has recently entered a nursing home. While she can stay rent-free, there is one small catch which just happens to come in the form of Teddy Roosevelt, Pauline best friend pug. She also has to take Teddy to the nursing home once a week to visit. Eventually Byrdie manages to start her life anew, making new friends and meeting a new love interest, and she learns slowly learns how much a 4-legged friend can help a person.
I really loved this book which is probably evident by the 5/5 rating. Brydie was instantly likable yet flawed. While it was nice to see Byrdie move on and finally let go of any feelings for her cheating ex, the best relationship in the book ends up being between Bydie and Pauline. "Pupcakes" is full of great characters and Noblin has a way of placing you right inside her novels. I must also add that many of her characters are also defined by their dogs and it's of no surprise to find out Noblin is an animal lover herself.
Finally I have to say this book is packaged quite well. It's divided into three sections - October, November and December. At the beginning of each section there is a title page feature Teddy dressed according to the season. Each chapter then again has a tiny picture of Teddy next to the number.
This is a great book to read during the holiday season so there's still time to grab a copy. However, like I mentioned, I think "Pupcakes" is a great read year-round. Also, rarely am I a sentimental reader. In fact, I had a co-worker once who told me we both needed to take yearly sensitivity classes. Yet the end of the book ALMOST brought tears to my eyes. And no - the dog does not die.
December 27, 2017
Puglas! When I saw this cover, I didn’t even need to read the synopsis. I am glad I read this one. It is a sweet read about a woman, Brydie, trying to get her life together after her marriage falls apart.
She house sits for an elderly woman that has recently suffered a health scare. Brydie must also take care of the dog of the house: Teddy Roosevelt. Brydie learns to love Teddy and how to take command of her life.
This is quick and easy and fun. I will definitely pick up others by this author.
She house sits for an elderly woman that has recently suffered a health scare. Brydie must also take care of the dog of the house: Teddy Roosevelt. Brydie learns to love Teddy and how to take command of her life.
This is quick and easy and fun. I will definitely pick up others by this author.
January 13, 2023
After losing both her marriage and her bakery, Brydie embraces a change of scenery as a house and dog sitter to pug Teddy Roosevelt.
As Brydie recovers from her divorce, she finds an unexpected respite with dog Teddy (who inspires her to bake dog treats), his owner, elderly Pauline (who was forced to move to an assisted living facility), and perhaps even a new romance with Nathan, a neighbor and doctor she meets the facility.
I enjoyed how Brydie used her baking skills to create dog treat recipes, her relationship with best friend, and her developing friendship with Pauline who is harboring a few secrets. Her budding romance with Nathan, however, felt a bit off at times (contrived fights). Overall, I enjoyed this story about Brydie's fresh start and how it inspired her to find a new purpose in life. The ending was Hallmark-cheesy but I forgave it since it's Christmas time!
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
As Brydie recovers from her divorce, she finds an unexpected respite with dog Teddy (who inspires her to bake dog treats), his owner, elderly Pauline (who was forced to move to an assisted living facility), and perhaps even a new romance with Nathan, a neighbor and doctor she meets the facility.
I enjoyed how Brydie used her baking skills to create dog treat recipes, her relationship with best friend, and her developing friendship with Pauline who is harboring a few secrets. Her budding romance with Nathan, however, felt a bit off at times (contrived fights). Overall, I enjoyed this story about Brydie's fresh start and how it inspired her to find a new purpose in life. The ending was Hallmark-cheesy but I forgave it since it's Christmas time!
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
October 10, 2017
Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin is a charming novel about new beginnings and coming to terms with a painful past.
Brydie Benson was blindsided by her divorce and she is starting over in Memphis, TN where her best friend Elliot Jones lives. Brydie is struggling to let go of the future she expected to have with her ex and with a little nudging from Elliott, she finally manages to become more engaged in life. Her progress in moving on does not really begin until she moves into a house where she receives free rent in exchange for taking care of home owner Pauline Neumann's laconic but lovable pug, Teddy Roosevelt. When she and Teddy visit the local dog park, Brydie is surprised by her interest in another dog lover, Nathan Reid. After their rather memorable first meeting, she hopes to avoid him for the foreseeable future but as luck would have, she runs into him when she goes to the nursing home where she and Teddy are visiting Pauline. When their paths continue to cross, Brydie reluctantly agrees to go on a date with him, but will her unresolved issues from her divorce derail their chance at happiness?
Brydie is a bit of a contradiction due to the vast difference in her behavior personally and professionally. In her personal life, she is an avoider who ignores problems and she runs away from confrontation instead of dealing with it head on. She and her mother have a somewhat troubled relationship which has worsened in the years since her father passed away.
In sharp contrast to her personal life, Brydie is quite confident when it comes to her chosen career as a baker. Before she and her ex divorced and sold their bakery, she had a strong work ethic and put in long hours to ensure their business thrived. Since their divorce, she has avoided anything do with baking. However, her new job renews her zeal for baking but instead of creating delicious desserts, Brydie now focuses on making dog treats.
Brydie's relationship with Nathan moves in fits and starts as she overreacts and runs away at the slightest provocation. She is aware that she is deliberately sabotaging their slow moving romance but she finds it difficult to risk her heart again. When everything is going well between them, she and Nathan are a well-matched couple who have a surprising amount of interests in common despite their very different careers. When trouble arises, Brydie continues her frustrating pattern of running away then avoiding any contact with Nathan. While her fears are understandable, Brydie's continual overreaction to minor difficulties becomes extremely irritating.
Brydie's friendship with Pauline is absolutely heartwarming and the older woman remains quite feisty despite her failing health. With a wealth of experience and more than a few regrets about some areas of her life, Pauline offers sage advice to her young friend, but will Brydie be open to the her well-meaning suggestions?
Featuring an adorable pup, a thought-provoking storyline and a colorful cast of eclectic characters, Pupcakes is an uplifting journey of healing. Despite the sometimes uneven pacing of the storyline and Brydie's tendency to self-sabotage when she feels threatened, this latest novel by Annie England Noblin is an enjoyable tale that fans of the genre are sure to love!
Brydie Benson was blindsided by her divorce and she is starting over in Memphis, TN where her best friend Elliot Jones lives. Brydie is struggling to let go of the future she expected to have with her ex and with a little nudging from Elliott, she finally manages to become more engaged in life. Her progress in moving on does not really begin until she moves into a house where she receives free rent in exchange for taking care of home owner Pauline Neumann's laconic but lovable pug, Teddy Roosevelt. When she and Teddy visit the local dog park, Brydie is surprised by her interest in another dog lover, Nathan Reid. After their rather memorable first meeting, she hopes to avoid him for the foreseeable future but as luck would have, she runs into him when she goes to the nursing home where she and Teddy are visiting Pauline. When their paths continue to cross, Brydie reluctantly agrees to go on a date with him, but will her unresolved issues from her divorce derail their chance at happiness?
Brydie is a bit of a contradiction due to the vast difference in her behavior personally and professionally. In her personal life, she is an avoider who ignores problems and she runs away from confrontation instead of dealing with it head on. She and her mother have a somewhat troubled relationship which has worsened in the years since her father passed away.
In sharp contrast to her personal life, Brydie is quite confident when it comes to her chosen career as a baker. Before she and her ex divorced and sold their bakery, she had a strong work ethic and put in long hours to ensure their business thrived. Since their divorce, she has avoided anything do with baking. However, her new job renews her zeal for baking but instead of creating delicious desserts, Brydie now focuses on making dog treats.
Brydie's relationship with Nathan moves in fits and starts as she overreacts and runs away at the slightest provocation. She is aware that she is deliberately sabotaging their slow moving romance but she finds it difficult to risk her heart again. When everything is going well between them, she and Nathan are a well-matched couple who have a surprising amount of interests in common despite their very different careers. When trouble arises, Brydie continues her frustrating pattern of running away then avoiding any contact with Nathan. While her fears are understandable, Brydie's continual overreaction to minor difficulties becomes extremely irritating.
Brydie's friendship with Pauline is absolutely heartwarming and the older woman remains quite feisty despite her failing health. With a wealth of experience and more than a few regrets about some areas of her life, Pauline offers sage advice to her young friend, but will Brydie be open to the her well-meaning suggestions?
Featuring an adorable pup, a thought-provoking storyline and a colorful cast of eclectic characters, Pupcakes is an uplifting journey of healing. Despite the sometimes uneven pacing of the storyline and Brydie's tendency to self-sabotage when she feels threatened, this latest novel by Annie England Noblin is an enjoyable tale that fans of the genre are sure to love!
November 17, 2018
Helt ljuvlig från början till slut. Vill ha en mops! Vill börja baka! Vill läsa mer!
December 31, 2018
My last 2018 book
December 23, 2021
Det känns som en väldigt simpel berättelse. För att vara 34 år känns huvudkaraktären Brydie väldigt omogen. Det mesta är ganska förutsägbart och man vet hur den ska sluta. Det känns också som att berättelsen kunde ha kortats ner lite. Vissa delar är väldigt utdragna i tid.
I övrigt är det en okej feelgood som utspelar sig runt Halloween, Thanksgiving och strax innan jul med en söt mops och lite sorg. Betyget är en svag 3:a. Läs den om du gillar hundar och bakelser.
I övrigt är det en okej feelgood som utspelar sig runt Halloween, Thanksgiving och strax innan jul med en söt mops och lite sorg. Betyget är en svag 3:a. Läs den om du gillar hundar och bakelser.
May 9, 2018
Six months ago, Brydie had a house, a husband and a business. Now she have none. But it's time to move on, even if she doesn't feel ready yet, and quit her best friend's basement to let her live her family life. That's why Brydie accept a house-sitting deal from a friend's acquaintance who's going in a nursing home. She can live there rent free as long as she take care of the woman's Pug and take him every Sunday to visit the owner. Brydie is not a dog person, so at first, she's not sure what to think about her new roomie and his dejected behavior but Teddy Roosevelt will turn to be the perfect companion to help the heroine deal with the pain of loss from the past, regain her passion for baking and find new purposes in life.
This book was good for my heart even if I must admit made me cry a time or two. Somewhere between the women's fiction and the romance novel, it doesn't matter the genre you label it, it was full of feels and the good kind. I also have to say there were moments I felt sad for Brydie and felt that her new posse wasn't always there to support her, her love interest included. But I can forget it because it showed that Brydie was really the one responsible for her own hapiness, she didn't wait for Prince Charming to makes everything better or her friends to give her purpose. Despite the tears, don't mistake it for a sad book. It's really a story about life, hope, love and the time you need to grieve over relationship that failed or ended. I cannot finish this review without talking about the adorable Pug. Teddy stole my heart just like he won Brydie's heart.
Thanks to my Goodreads friend Julie who put this book on the map for me :)
This book was good for my heart even if I must admit made me cry a time or two. Somewhere between the women's fiction and the romance novel, it doesn't matter the genre you label it, it was full of feels and the good kind. I also have to say there were moments I felt sad for Brydie and felt that her new posse wasn't always there to support her, her love interest included. But I can forget it because it showed that Brydie was really the one responsible for her own hapiness, she didn't wait for Prince Charming to makes everything better or her friends to give her purpose. Despite the tears, don't mistake it for a sad book. It's really a story about life, hope, love and the time you need to grieve over relationship that failed or ended. I cannot finish this review without talking about the adorable Pug. Teddy stole my heart just like he won Brydie's heart.
Thanks to my Goodreads friend Julie who put this book on the map for me :)
December 28, 2021
A good friend gave me this book for Christmas, (thanks Mitzi!). I had never heard of the book or the author before, but now that I've read this story I'm definitely going to check out more of her work. Just the adorable pug on the cover made my want to read this one. He figures prominently in the story and is such a lovable pup, farting and snoring and all. This was such a sweet story about someone finding her way again after a major setback. A very heartwarming story about finding a new purpose, new friends, and a new love. And a sweet Christmas ending.
March 2, 2021
A dog on the cover! Makes me weak at the knees...
This is a very sweet and easy read. I really enjoyed the story, however, I did not find the main couple to have good chemistry. But I did really like the quirky characters, the people at the Target bakery, and the other dogs.
This is a very sweet and easy read. I really enjoyed the story, however, I did not find the main couple to have good chemistry. But I did really like the quirky characters, the people at the Target bakery, and the other dogs.
October 9, 2017
Originally posted on lampshadereader.com
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy via Edelweiss of this book.
Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin was such a cute and sweet read. While the romance aspect itself was nice, I really enjoyed the dynamics between Brydie, Pauline, and Teddy the dog. It was really about Brydie finding her purpose and actually gaining the confidence to break away from the shadow of her failed marriage and ultimately that of her somewhat controlling mother.
If you enjoy ‘meet cutes’ you’ll love the one in this story. The dogs steal the show and their antics lead to Brydie’s and Nathan’s ever budding relationship. I say it like that because it’s a slow burn romance. Maybe at times I thought that there wasn’t anything there at all. In a way, it seemed more realistic. Nathan being a doctor might have had something do to with the way he handled it.
Teddy and the mystery around his owner Pauline really were the most enjoyable part of the whole story for me. I loved that sassy old lady and loved how her being in a nursing home did not slow her down. Just a fair warning that tears might make an appearance while reading this. Teddy was crucial in all of their lives, but with Brydie he healed her heart and gave her the focus that she needed.
Overall, it was a nice heartfelt read that got me into the mood for the holidays and the generosity that it brings.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy via Edelweiss of this book.
Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin was such a cute and sweet read. While the romance aspect itself was nice, I really enjoyed the dynamics between Brydie, Pauline, and Teddy the dog. It was really about Brydie finding her purpose and actually gaining the confidence to break away from the shadow of her failed marriage and ultimately that of her somewhat controlling mother.
If you enjoy ‘meet cutes’ you’ll love the one in this story. The dogs steal the show and their antics lead to Brydie’s and Nathan’s ever budding relationship. I say it like that because it’s a slow burn romance. Maybe at times I thought that there wasn’t anything there at all. In a way, it seemed more realistic. Nathan being a doctor might have had something do to with the way he handled it.
“I’m a doctor,” he said. “I fix people. It’s what I do. I know that you’re not a patient. I know that, but I can’t help wanting to fix whatever is wrong in your life. I care about you so much.”
Teddy and the mystery around his owner Pauline really were the most enjoyable part of the whole story for me. I loved that sassy old lady and loved how her being in a nursing home did not slow her down. Just a fair warning that tears might make an appearance while reading this. Teddy was crucial in all of their lives, but with Brydie he healed her heart and gave her the focus that she needed.
Overall, it was a nice heartfelt read that got me into the mood for the holidays and the generosity that it brings.
February 18, 2024
I enjoyed the book, but as a guy don't think I fit into the target audience for this romance book. I am into reading ALL the dog books, and as there is a Pug on the cover, people meet at the dog park, and dogs are an element of the story, it could be classified as a dog book. Authors know we are a sucker for dog in a book.
The book even starts with talking about the dog to hook any dog fan in if they happen to read the first few lines:
'The dog came with the house. Or Maybe the house came with the dog. Either way, no matter how the sentence was constructed, the house and the dog came together.'
I liked the bakery elements in the book. There was a point I thought they would go down the road something like the non fiction book Amazing Gracie, by Dan Dye, but didn't go too far. Instead I loved how human pastries and dog cookies are given away or sold in the book.
The guy in the romance is a doctor. Does that seem common for romance novels? Guess it also works with medical drama elements.
I personally didn't feel the chemistry element from the guy (Nathan) towards the lady (Brydie.)
I thought the time Brydie got annoyed at Nathan and then stayed away from him for periods of time were petty.
An element of the ending I thought was a bit too predictable.
My favorite line in the book - "But I think we need cupcakes to go with the wine."
I still enjoyed the book but wanted to get those thoughts out.
The book even starts with talking about the dog to hook any dog fan in if they happen to read the first few lines:
'The dog came with the house. Or Maybe the house came with the dog. Either way, no matter how the sentence was constructed, the house and the dog came together.'
I liked the bakery elements in the book. There was a point I thought they would go down the road something like the non fiction book Amazing Gracie, by Dan Dye, but didn't go too far. Instead I loved how human pastries and dog cookies are given away or sold in the book.
The guy in the romance is a doctor. Does that seem common for romance novels? Guess it also works with medical drama elements.
I personally didn't feel the chemistry element from the guy (Nathan) towards the lady (Brydie.)
I thought the time Brydie got annoyed at Nathan and then stayed away from him for periods of time were petty.
An element of the ending I thought was a bit too predictable.
My favorite line in the book - "But I think we need cupcakes to go with the wine."
I still enjoyed the book but wanted to get those thoughts out.
April 18, 2018
On the whole a really cute, charming Christmas novel.
Pros: Good writing, flawed yet interesting characters, focuses on the importance of compassion, hope and new beginnings.
Cons: Somewhat frequent use of the f-word and the pug actually played a minimal role in the story.
Overall a good read especially for the holidays.
Pros: Good writing, flawed yet interesting characters, focuses on the importance of compassion, hope and new beginnings.
Cons: Somewhat frequent use of the f-word and the pug actually played a minimal role in the story.
Overall a good read especially for the holidays.
October 23, 2018
Loved this one!!
Actually, I love all of Annie England Noblin's books!
Actually, I love all of Annie England Noblin's books!
November 22, 2019
Jaa, jag visste ju hur allt skulle sluta efter de första femton sidorna, men resan dit var ändå uuunderbar! Mys, mys, mys
October 12, 2017
The cutest book you'll read this year!
I definitely enjoyed this story. Brydie is down on her luck, sleeping on a friend's couch, jobless, and needing something to change. Her friend sets her up as a house sitter for a lady that was moved to a nursing home. This comes with the mysteries of the locked doors, a spoiled pug, and stipulations. Part of the arrangement is to take the pug to the nursing home for weekly visits, where she befriends the lady and encounters a handsome doctor. The cast of supporting characters is lovable and adds so much to the story. I almost wish there was just MORE of everything. More interactions with Nathan. More time at the nursing home. More with her friends. The supporting characters and the town she was in made me hope there will be another story coming so I have a chance to see what's happening in their lives. The end will have you in tears. This was a good, sweet, clean read that I'll be gifting to many this holiday season! I received a copy for review but that does not affect my opinion.
I definitely enjoyed this story. Brydie is down on her luck, sleeping on a friend's couch, jobless, and needing something to change. Her friend sets her up as a house sitter for a lady that was moved to a nursing home. This comes with the mysteries of the locked doors, a spoiled pug, and stipulations. Part of the arrangement is to take the pug to the nursing home for weekly visits, where she befriends the lady and encounters a handsome doctor. The cast of supporting characters is lovable and adds so much to the story. I almost wish there was just MORE of everything. More interactions with Nathan. More time at the nursing home. More with her friends. The supporting characters and the town she was in made me hope there will be another story coming so I have a chance to see what's happening in their lives. The end will have you in tears. This was a good, sweet, clean read that I'll be gifting to many this holiday season! I received a copy for review but that does not affect my opinion.
December 3, 2018
All of the elements that I wanted when I picked up this sweet (holiday) story.
January 11, 2020
This was such a cute and entertaining read.
December 8, 2017
Light, easy holiday read, with a super adorable pup you just want to adopt! Also has recipes! Love a good book with recipes!
January 9, 2018
A fun, easy holiday read, but many mistakes. The publisher was obviously rushing to get this book out for Christmas 2017: Dr. Reid is not a "veterinarian" (back cover); Bill is the third husband of Pauline, not the "second" ("She wondered if that was what Pauline had felt with her second husband, Bill," page 139); to what "baggage" (page 321) had Dr. Reid referenced in the previous chapter (the "diner scene"); a line of dialogue seems missing on page 232 between Mia and Brydie ("Maybe after dinner?" What is supposed to happen "after dinner?").
Although I do not read much fiction, I enjoyed this book and its likable characters; however, those kinds of mistakes indicate sloppiness. Come on, editors ... just do your job!
Although I do not read much fiction, I enjoyed this book and its likable characters; however, those kinds of mistakes indicate sloppiness. Come on, editors ... just do your job!
November 1, 2021
En mysig bok om att börja om, mumsiga bakverk, vänskap, kärlek och om en gullig mops! Fällde nästan en liten tår i slutet, ingen julig julbok kanske då den börjar redan i oktober men väl värd att läsa ändå!
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