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Pudding Pantry #1
Rachel’s Pudding Pantry
Step inside Rachel's Pudding Pantry, a place where love, laughter and scrumptious bakes bring everyone together.
Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.
But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .
Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!
Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.
But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .
Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2019
204 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Roberts
18 books480 followersFamily, friends, food, a glass of bubbly and, of course, a good book make me smile. I love writing emotional stories about love, loss, betrayal, and family, that explore how complex and yet beautiful love can be. I also like to write romantic comedy, letting the characters have a bit of flirty fun too! I believe in following your dreams and working hard towards them, which led me to Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and a publishing deal (woop!) after many years of writing. Stunning Northumberland is my home – sandy beaches, castles and gorgeous countryside that have inspired my writing.
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September 2, 2025
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A fast read that talks about family, love, grief and finding reasons to be happy!
Rachel’s Pudding Pantry is a story about Rachel, who is a farmer in the modern world, living with her mum Jill and her little daughter Maisy. Rachel and her family has been dealing with a lot of grief in the last couple of years, and are struggling financially to keep the farm running.
The one thing that glues this family together, and keeps them happy is the baking and the making of lovely sweet puddings. They bake all day, especially grandma Jill, and they are the perfect example of what a family should look like – full with joy, love and laughter.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwExdZAHWpD
I loved the personality Rachel has;
She always puts her family in the first place, cares about her daughter and mum so much. Everything she is doing, she is doing for them, and she is always positive minded. It was such a refreshing moment for me to find such character.
Rachel and her mum are dealing with grief, losing a person in their family that meant a lot to them. This moment of sadness can be felt throughout the book, and I loved it. It shows that grief is a constant battle – it is not easy to lose someone you love, and you don’t get over it very easily. Years could pass, and you will still have the emptiness in your heart. I felt this on my skin, when I lost my grandfather in January. Even after three months, I still think of him every single day, and hope that he is looking over me and is proud of who I have become.
I was also very positively pleased with the other supportive characters surrounding Rachel’s story. Tom was the perfect neighbor – the one you always call for help and will always help you when you need him. He is always caring and trustworthy, and sometimes, I felt awkward when Rachel always came to him for help. Knowing myself, I would be so embarrassed to keep asking for help.
Then we have her best-friend Eve. She was my superhero, and a friend anyone would wish for. She was always supportive, always there for Rachel with her never-ending love. It is a priceless relationship these two ladies have, and I couldn’t help but be a massive fan of them.
The only thing that kept bothering me throughout the book, and is not that big of a deal anyways, was the fact that despite their financial struggles, Jill kept baking for like thirty people every single day (this is before they started the new business). If that was me, I wouldn’t bake that often. I guess it was a fact that just stuck with me for a while.
Even though it is not my usual read, I honestly really enjoyed this book. I am seriously considering giving this genre more time, and reading more books similar to this.
It was a quick, pleasurable read. It always made me feel happy and content, and eager to go in the kitchen and bake some sweets. Because I am a lazy one, I just bought sweets and ate them instead. Tell you what – that also works quite fine!
Thank you to LoveReading UK, Caroline Roberts and HarperCollins Publishers for giving me an early copy in exchange for this review. All my opinions are my own.
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A fast read that talks about family, love, grief and finding reasons to be happy!
Rachel’s Pudding Pantry is a story about Rachel, who is a farmer in the modern world, living with her mum Jill and her little daughter Maisy. Rachel and her family has been dealing with a lot of grief in the last couple of years, and are struggling financially to keep the farm running.
The one thing that glues this family together, and keeps them happy is the baking and the making of lovely sweet puddings. They bake all day, especially grandma Jill, and they are the perfect example of what a family should look like – full with joy, love and laughter.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwExdZAHWpD
I loved the personality Rachel has;
She always puts her family in the first place, cares about her daughter and mum so much. Everything she is doing, she is doing for them, and she is always positive minded. It was such a refreshing moment for me to find such character.
Rachel and her mum are dealing with grief, losing a person in their family that meant a lot to them. This moment of sadness can be felt throughout the book, and I loved it. It shows that grief is a constant battle – it is not easy to lose someone you love, and you don’t get over it very easily. Years could pass, and you will still have the emptiness in your heart. I felt this on my skin, when I lost my grandfather in January. Even after three months, I still think of him every single day, and hope that he is looking over me and is proud of who I have become.
I was also very positively pleased with the other supportive characters surrounding Rachel’s story. Tom was the perfect neighbor – the one you always call for help and will always help you when you need him. He is always caring and trustworthy, and sometimes, I felt awkward when Rachel always came to him for help. Knowing myself, I would be so embarrassed to keep asking for help.
Then we have her best-friend Eve. She was my superhero, and a friend anyone would wish for. She was always supportive, always there for Rachel with her never-ending love. It is a priceless relationship these two ladies have, and I couldn’t help but be a massive fan of them.
The only thing that kept bothering me throughout the book, and is not that big of a deal anyways, was the fact that despite their financial struggles, Jill kept baking for like thirty people every single day (this is before they started the new business). If that was me, I wouldn’t bake that often. I guess it was a fact that just stuck with me for a while.
Even though it is not my usual read, I honestly really enjoyed this book. I am seriously considering giving this genre more time, and reading more books similar to this.
It was a quick, pleasurable read. It always made me feel happy and content, and eager to go in the kitchen and bake some sweets. Because I am a lazy one, I just bought sweets and ate them instead. Tell you what – that also works quite fine!
Thank you to LoveReading UK, Caroline Roberts and HarperCollins Publishers for giving me an early copy in exchange for this review. All my opinions are my own.
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October 20, 2019
This was such a sweet book in every sense of the word!!! Like other reviewers I couldn’t believe how much sugar these characters ate every day, I kept thinking of all the calories they were taking in.!!
But, the story was lovely and very easy to read. I have got the Christmas one on my kindle to read and review which I shall do nearer Xmas.
But, the story was lovely and very easy to read. I have got the Christmas one on my kindle to read and review which I shall do nearer Xmas.
January 12, 2023
Despite the grief both Rachel and her mother share after the sudden death of her father and Jill’s husband, Primrose Farm is still a refuge for Rachel. Jill is on hand to help care for five year old Maisie if needed and Jill’s baking of puddings bring many memories and comforting times. Maisie’s father Jake has been pretty much absent for most of Maisie’s young life. That makes things hard but the even harder reality is Jill and Rachel are struggling to keep Primrose Farm viable and not sink further into debt. Then Rachel has an idea that excites her. What about turning her mother’s baking skills into a business? Can they make a success of it? Enough to enable them to keep the farm and not have to sell off land?
Rachel’s neighbour Tom, a few years older than Rachel, is often available to help when Rachel needs help around the farm. Could it be more than just neighbourly friendliness motivating him? After Jake and his erratic behaviour, Rachel finds it hard to trust any man.
This is a sweet story. Those who are into puddings and sweet desserts will eat it up. I’m not one of those sort of people but I still enjoyed the characters and the story as it develops. This is a story of family, friendship ,new ventures and romance. Rachel’s friend Eve and Tom were both terrific characters too. Nice to see women forging ahead after adversity and loss. Two recipes are included at the end of the book, one for Rachel’s white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake and the other Jill’s sticky toffee pudding. A light and lovely read about family, community and with romance that will appeal to many.
Rachel’s neighbour Tom, a few years older than Rachel, is often available to help when Rachel needs help around the farm. Could it be more than just neighbourly friendliness motivating him? After Jake and his erratic behaviour, Rachel finds it hard to trust any man.
This is a sweet story. Those who are into puddings and sweet desserts will eat it up. I’m not one of those sort of people but I still enjoyed the characters and the story as it develops. This is a story of family, friendship ,new ventures and romance. Rachel’s friend Eve and Tom were both terrific characters too. Nice to see women forging ahead after adversity and loss. Two recipes are included at the end of the book, one for Rachel’s white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake and the other Jill’s sticky toffee pudding. A light and lovely read about family, community and with romance that will appeal to many.
March 24, 2019
I clearly drawn to this book the second I saw its title, and author. Well I love the author, and when the main character shares my name, and I also love desserts, it seemed fated that I needed to read this book.
And boy and I glad that I did. However first a warning - don't read this on an empty stomach, make sure you have snacks to hand while you are reading, it will make you that hungry. There are puddings in practically every chapter, which if you are anything like me could make you drool.
From the first few chapters I was hooked, and given they were short chapters throughout, its a very easy book to fall prey to just one chapter syndrome, and find you are still reading half an hour later. I was resenting real life while reading this, as I just wanted to get back between the pages.
I loved all the generations of women in the Swinton family, from the lovely Granny Ruth, who Rachel visits occasionally, to Jill, Rachel's mum and pudding baker expert, Rachel whose ideas will be key to giving Primrose Farm a chance of surviving, and Rachel's daughter, the almost 5 year old Maisie.
I adored Maisie, she may be young, but she is adorable, smart, insightful and apparently is a good little waitress too. She is though starting to ask Rachel about her father, and let's just say in terms of fatherhood, Jake could be considered a "learner father".
Then there is Tom, the neighbour who is always there for Rachel and her family. I don't think I have a bad thing to say about the man, other than he isn't real and therefore can't be interested in me!
Set to a farming background, especially featuring sheep, this is the story of how you can try to turn around your fortunes after a tough few years. with plenty of pudding, good friendships, and a large helping of family.
This is such a cosy read, its a warm hearted story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's another fabulous book from an author who by now is an auto - must read author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And boy and I glad that I did. However first a warning - don't read this on an empty stomach, make sure you have snacks to hand while you are reading, it will make you that hungry. There are puddings in practically every chapter, which if you are anything like me could make you drool.
From the first few chapters I was hooked, and given they were short chapters throughout, its a very easy book to fall prey to just one chapter syndrome, and find you are still reading half an hour later. I was resenting real life while reading this, as I just wanted to get back between the pages.
I loved all the generations of women in the Swinton family, from the lovely Granny Ruth, who Rachel visits occasionally, to Jill, Rachel's mum and pudding baker expert, Rachel whose ideas will be key to giving Primrose Farm a chance of surviving, and Rachel's daughter, the almost 5 year old Maisie.
I adored Maisie, she may be young, but she is adorable, smart, insightful and apparently is a good little waitress too. She is though starting to ask Rachel about her father, and let's just say in terms of fatherhood, Jake could be considered a "learner father".
Then there is Tom, the neighbour who is always there for Rachel and her family. I don't think I have a bad thing to say about the man, other than he isn't real and therefore can't be interested in me!
Set to a farming background, especially featuring sheep, this is the story of how you can try to turn around your fortunes after a tough few years. with plenty of pudding, good friendships, and a large helping of family.
This is such a cosy read, its a warm hearted story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's another fabulous book from an author who by now is an auto - must read author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It's a sweet,caring down home story. The characters are wonderful, I really enjoyed getting to know them as they were so developed . Primrose Farm is where Rachel,her Mum Jill and daughter Maisy live. Rachel is the family's farmer, a job she inherited after her father passed away and she couldn't bear to let the farm go. Tom lives on the farm next door. As farmers Rachel and Tom understand each other completely. They both raise sheep in this hilly area and don't be surprised if you find Rachel fixing Tom's tractor. While raising she is hard, especially during lambing season when Rachel spends nights in he barn she always has Mum, Jill to fall back on to watch her five year old daughter, Maisy. Maisy is a smart one, five going on fifteen and she'll talk your ear off. Turn back time in this charming novel as Jill comes up with a crazy plan to keep the farm running financially by selling puddings. Now these puddings sound so good. Mmmmm, wish I had one right now. I loved seeing the slow burn romance develop between Rachel and Tom. They were neighbor's and friends for a long time before it became more. It's mature love, no need to rush into it they want to be respectful of the other person and make sure of what they want first.
There are even recipes included as well for puddings and they sound so good and have made me hungry for some sweets now :)
Published April 18th 2019 by HarperImpulse
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
There are even recipes included as well for puddings and they sound so good and have made me hungry for some sweets now :)
Published April 18th 2019 by HarperImpulse
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
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February 25, 2023
I'm sure it would work better as a novelette. It felt like I was stuck in a time loop experiencing the same events all over again every time I tried to proceed and finally finish the book - too repetitive for my taste it was. I try not to dnf books -the sense of achievement that comes with finishing a difficult for me for some reasons book, also an emotional reward because of a chance I might discover another favorite story. It didn't happen in this case because of the above reason. However, there were beautiful moments. I particularly liked the bit when
The characters were warm, though. Especially Eve, Maisy and Tom! If I ever come to picking up the second book, it's because of them :)
P.S. Art by 插画师sihyun. There was a similar scene with Rachel, the main character.
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October 16, 2019DNF - Watching paint dry, may well have been more interesting.
May 9, 2019
Loved it look forward to Christmas follow up
June 14, 2019
There are lots of chick-lits that are set 'in the country', but so far I haven't read one that really depicts country life & farming. Not until now! Because heroine Rachel literally has to get her hands and wellies dirty to take care of her cattle and sheep. Unfortunately, all the hard work is not enough to support herself, her widowed mother and her little daughter Maisie. The ladies need to diversify, and since Grandma Jill is a gifted baker with a speciality in puddings, their new business plan is soon under way.
I really liked the descriptions of the farm life. Caroline Roberts is quite detailled in her writing about Rachels work (and thoughts), maybe even a bit too detailled because it slows down the general flow of the story. But I actually didn't mind this leisurely pace.
Although there are several obstacles along the way for the three inhabitans of Primrose Farm, mostly of the monetary kind. But the reader is confident that it all works out well in the end, even if Rachel herself is not always that upbeat about her situation. But what else would you expect in this type of book!
A nice (and mouth-watering) chick-lit with very likable characters and a welcome change of setting for me.
I really liked the descriptions of the farm life. Caroline Roberts is quite detailled in her writing about Rachels work (and thoughts), maybe even a bit too detailled because it slows down the general flow of the story. But I actually didn't mind this leisurely pace.
Although there are several obstacles along the way for the three inhabitans of Primrose Farm, mostly of the monetary kind. But the reader is confident that it all works out well in the end, even if Rachel herself is not always that upbeat about her situation. But what else would you expect in this type of book!
A nice (and mouth-watering) chick-lit with very likable characters and a welcome change of setting for me.
April 4, 2019
Literally from the first chapter I knew this was the book for me! I love learning about farming (& I could tell this aspect was well-researched) and baking and romance so really what was there not to like!
I've read books by Caroline Roberts before and am definitely a fan so this one didn't disappoint with some very relatable and friendly characters as well as a storyline that was undoubtedly realistic with the many struggles farmers face in this day and age. Rural life is no easy option and I felt this was portrayed very well.
The relationships between the main characters - be it family, friendship or romantic - were fantastic and made me want to be part of their close-knit community. I loved the writing style which just flowed with some idyllic descriptions of the rolling Cheviot countryside. I'm sure it's a heck of a place to visit with some incredible views and I was able to fully imagine Rachel and Tom on their respective land/farms in the area.
Rachel ended up quite the entrepreneur and I had nothing but admiration for her character. Her little girl Maisy stole my heart too, a definite 5 going on 15 year old who had some funny one-liners!
My only quibble with this fabulous story is that it had to end - I would have really loved an epilogue at least, but I was delighted to read in the author's letter that we will be getting a sequel, hurrah!
My many thanks to Harper Collins UK (HarperImpulse) via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've read books by Caroline Roberts before and am definitely a fan so this one didn't disappoint with some very relatable and friendly characters as well as a storyline that was undoubtedly realistic with the many struggles farmers face in this day and age. Rural life is no easy option and I felt this was portrayed very well.
The relationships between the main characters - be it family, friendship or romantic - were fantastic and made me want to be part of their close-knit community. I loved the writing style which just flowed with some idyllic descriptions of the rolling Cheviot countryside. I'm sure it's a heck of a place to visit with some incredible views and I was able to fully imagine Rachel and Tom on their respective land/farms in the area.
Rachel ended up quite the entrepreneur and I had nothing but admiration for her character. Her little girl Maisy stole my heart too, a definite 5 going on 15 year old who had some funny one-liners!
My only quibble with this fabulous story is that it had to end - I would have really loved an epilogue at least, but I was delighted to read in the author's letter that we will be getting a sequel, hurrah!
My many thanks to Harper Collins UK (HarperImpulse) via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2019
An enjoyable heart-warming read. A little predictable maybe but I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and there’s lots and lots of talk about puddings. What’s not to like?
November 27, 2019
A light, easy read with likeable characters and a reasonable plot
August 2, 2019
This book was simply fantastic from the first page you believed you were there with Rachel it had many twists and turns and so caring and thought provoking and funny as well and full of families and making a living. Worth far more than five stars as amazingly well written and can't wait for more to follow.
Rachel lives with her daughter Maisie and her mother on primrose farm and Rachel has tried to run the farm since her father ended his own life it hasn't been easy and ages struggling to make ends meet. Her mum is an amazing cook and always got the cooker on baking some sort of pudding or cakes and the house always smells lovely. It's coming to spring and Rachel has to start thinking of how she can save the farm and she starts thinking about what to do. She suddenly comes up with the idea to change a barn into a place for coffee and some lovely puddings that her mum Jill bakes. Sadly she doesn't think she's got the money to change the barn but when she speaks to her mother she admits to having some savings. They are both unsure and no that if they go ahead they have to be confident it will be a success. She speaks to Tom who works on the farm next door and he says he will rent some land off her to so she's getting some extra money in. Rachel decodes to make it happen and on the opening day Maisie's father turns up who hasn't had contact for a number of years and she's worried about how long he will stay. Rachel gets friendly with Tom and he helps and supports her and she's not sure if she had feeling for him or not will she be able to make a success of the shop and the farm and will she find romance or will things get in the way.
Perfect summer read and highly recommend it.
Rachel lives with her daughter Maisie and her mother on primrose farm and Rachel has tried to run the farm since her father ended his own life it hasn't been easy and ages struggling to make ends meet. Her mum is an amazing cook and always got the cooker on baking some sort of pudding or cakes and the house always smells lovely. It's coming to spring and Rachel has to start thinking of how she can save the farm and she starts thinking about what to do. She suddenly comes up with the idea to change a barn into a place for coffee and some lovely puddings that her mum Jill bakes. Sadly she doesn't think she's got the money to change the barn but when she speaks to her mother she admits to having some savings. They are both unsure and no that if they go ahead they have to be confident it will be a success. She speaks to Tom who works on the farm next door and he says he will rent some land off her to so she's getting some extra money in. Rachel decodes to make it happen and on the opening day Maisie's father turns up who hasn't had contact for a number of years and she's worried about how long he will stay. Rachel gets friendly with Tom and he helps and supports her and she's not sure if she had feeling for him or not will she be able to make a success of the shop and the farm and will she find romance or will things get in the way.
Perfect summer read and highly recommend it.
February 2, 2020
This beautiful book is as delicious as the puddings described within the pages. I couldn't wait to read more of it and didn't want to put it down. Caroline Roberts is now well on the way to being one of my favourite authors. I loved the feelings evoked by her writing, and could really see myself right there with the characters enjoying a pudding or a frothy coffee. Absolutely delicious!
June 11, 2019
First time for me to read a book by Caroline Roberts and I can already tell you, it won't be the last! I loved this book so so much! It's so well written and the feeling you have when reading it is a well-being feeling. Every time I had to close the book because I had to do something else I was sighing and I was telling myself "what a great book this is!". This story is about love but also about women entrepreneur and I loved this side about this book! I absolutely recommend this book!
April 14, 2019
Many thanks to LoveReading for sending me a copy of this book to review.
Single mum Rachel and her recently-widowed mother Jill are struggling to make ends meet on their Northumberland farm. They take comfort in the delicious old-fashioned puddings that Jill loves to bake. Until those puddings give Rachel a new business idea…
What could be more comforting to read than a book featuring so much comfort food? In fact I would have devoured it at one sitting if it hadn’t kept tempting me into the kitchen for a spot of baking of my own. It was a happy, heart warming read with just enough conflict to prevent it from becoming sickly-sweet.
I loved the descriptions of the Northumberland countryside, I really felt I was there, sharing not only the beauty but also the struggles of a modern farmer. And yet Caroline Roberts didn’t confuse us by attempting to make her characters speak with a local dialect – something which always interrupts the flow of a story – but has left the reader to give each character their own voice.
Another thing I loved about the book was the inclusion of the recipes for two of the puddings – although so many other delicious sounding dishes were mentioned that I would happily buy a cookbook companion to this story!
Single mum Rachel and her recently-widowed mother Jill are struggling to make ends meet on their Northumberland farm. They take comfort in the delicious old-fashioned puddings that Jill loves to bake. Until those puddings give Rachel a new business idea…
What could be more comforting to read than a book featuring so much comfort food? In fact I would have devoured it at one sitting if it hadn’t kept tempting me into the kitchen for a spot of baking of my own. It was a happy, heart warming read with just enough conflict to prevent it from becoming sickly-sweet.
I loved the descriptions of the Northumberland countryside, I really felt I was there, sharing not only the beauty but also the struggles of a modern farmer. And yet Caroline Roberts didn’t confuse us by attempting to make her characters speak with a local dialect – something which always interrupts the flow of a story – but has left the reader to give each character their own voice.
Another thing I loved about the book was the inclusion of the recipes for two of the puddings – although so many other delicious sounding dishes were mentioned that I would happily buy a cookbook companion to this story!
April 18, 2019
Such a gorgeous read .. and with a cover to match!
Rachel, a single mother, has the added responsibility of running the family farm and keeping it afloat. Things are hard in the agricultural world, and she needs to come up with new ideas to inject some much needed cash flow into the business. Then an idea occurs to her - can they possibly cash in on her mother's baking skills? Would it be enough to generate a much needed extra income? And why do all her friends gush over the attractions of Tom, a neighbouring farmer who Rachel sees as no more than a friend?
This is a really lovely read. Encompassing all the difficulties of life in the farming community, the story is well conceived and skilfully crafted. The writing flows smoothly, and the entire book is a delight to read. All the sweet treats on offer sound mouth-wateringly good, and the recipes at the end are an added bonus. Caroline Roberts has created a wonderful, feel good novel. Even better, there is a sequel in the offing towards the end of this year, and I'm already looking forward to catching up with both the inhabitants of Primrose Farm and the wider circle of the area's community. This is a good, solid and entertaining read to which I'm happy to give a full five stars.
Rachel, a single mother, has the added responsibility of running the family farm and keeping it afloat. Things are hard in the agricultural world, and she needs to come up with new ideas to inject some much needed cash flow into the business. Then an idea occurs to her - can they possibly cash in on her mother's baking skills? Would it be enough to generate a much needed extra income? And why do all her friends gush over the attractions of Tom, a neighbouring farmer who Rachel sees as no more than a friend?
This is a really lovely read. Encompassing all the difficulties of life in the farming community, the story is well conceived and skilfully crafted. The writing flows smoothly, and the entire book is a delight to read. All the sweet treats on offer sound mouth-wateringly good, and the recipes at the end are an added bonus. Caroline Roberts has created a wonderful, feel good novel. Even better, there is a sequel in the offing towards the end of this year, and I'm already looking forward to catching up with both the inhabitants of Primrose Farm and the wider circle of the area's community. This is a good, solid and entertaining read to which I'm happy to give a full five stars.
August 30, 2019
A rather obvious but sweet romance, that gives you exactly what you’re expecting.
Our main character, Rachel, has pretty much taken over the running of the family farm since her dad committed suicide a couple of years earlier. She’s resourceful, a dab hand with a tractor and pretty tough when it comes to the nitty-gritty reality of farm life. Her mother helps out as much as she can, mainly by looking after Rachel’s daughter.
We seem to spend a lot of time learning some of the ins and outs of farm life. We get introduced to neighbour Tom, the obvious love interest, and it seems to take Rachel forever to grasp the fact he fancies her.
Alongside the slow-to-unravel romance, we have the fact that life on a farm is tough. There’s not much money in it, and people have to get resourceful. Step up the side-story of Rachel and her mum setting up a family business as a cafe/cake company.
While the reality would, I’m sure, be a lot tougher sometimes you need that sense of escapism. Roberts serves it up by the bucketful...but there’s lots of descriptions of lovely cake, and everything ends up looking fine by the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review.
Our main character, Rachel, has pretty much taken over the running of the family farm since her dad committed suicide a couple of years earlier. She’s resourceful, a dab hand with a tractor and pretty tough when it comes to the nitty-gritty reality of farm life. Her mother helps out as much as she can, mainly by looking after Rachel’s daughter.
We seem to spend a lot of time learning some of the ins and outs of farm life. We get introduced to neighbour Tom, the obvious love interest, and it seems to take Rachel forever to grasp the fact he fancies her.
Alongside the slow-to-unravel romance, we have the fact that life on a farm is tough. There’s not much money in it, and people have to get resourceful. Step up the side-story of Rachel and her mum setting up a family business as a cafe/cake company.
While the reality would, I’m sure, be a lot tougher sometimes you need that sense of escapism. Roberts serves it up by the bucketful...but there’s lots of descriptions of lovely cake, and everything ends up looking fine by the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review.
March 26, 2019
Rachel with her five year old daughter Maisy, and her mother Jill, live and work on the family farm in Northumberland. The farm has been in the family for generations and is dearly loved. Through a sad curcumstance, Rachel has most of the responsibility of the farm’s upkeep on her shoulders. Unfortunately the farm is in financial difficulties and is very much at risk of being lost. If it wasn’t for neighbouring farmer Tom, and best friend Eve, life would be pretty bleak as Rachel is only 25 years old. Trying to diversify, Rachel and Jill decide to open a tea shop on the farm. The story illustrates the love and deep roots Rachel and Jill have for each other and for their community. A very gentle read full of good food and good friends.
Thanks to netgalley and HarperCollins for an electronic arc.
Thanks to netgalley and HarperCollins for an electronic arc.
April 15, 2019
We can all dream and this is what I love about a great story. I escaped to Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. I fell in love with the farm, it brought back great memories for me being a farmers daughter, it reminded me of my relationships with all my family and finally the happiness and the journey of falling in love.
Rachel lives and runs her farm with her daughter Maisie and her mum Jill. She needs to raise money to keep the farm afloat. This is their story, told with totally believable characters, heartwarming and enjoyable, a must read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Rachel lives and runs her farm with her daughter Maisie and her mum Jill. She needs to raise money to keep the farm afloat. This is their story, told with totally believable characters, heartwarming and enjoyable, a must read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 17, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I’m just going to cut a slice of cake and get straight to the point here. ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is one of my favourite reads of 2019 so far! The storyline wasn’t overcooked, nor did it have a soggy bottom. Instead I was hooked by the tantalising relationships between the characters, the cumbersome issues that arose, the fantastic pairing of both sweet elements and sour elements. My taste buds were tickled, my stomach was growling like a caged lion, and my heart swelled with pride like a perfect soufflé. Yes, ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is my idea of the perfect escapism, the perfectly baked Victoria sponge cake, and the melt in the mouth meringue. I adored the softness of Rachel’s personality alongside her fiery, mummabear nature. She was such a fun character to get to know, and her little girl, Maisy, had me laughing out loud multiple times. The phrase ‘out the mouth of babes’ is absolutely spot on where she is concerned!
Caroline Roberts’ delectable new novel isn’t just about how many sweet treats the characters can shove down their gusset. Yes, it may seem like it at times, but believe it or not, underneath the sweet and perfectly risen exterior lay a surprising and complex bunch of flavours. In simple terms, there is a lot more to this story than several servings of spotted dick! Rachel is a single mum. She would do anything for her little girl, so when Maisy’s father makes a random appearance, Rachel can’t help but feel slightly nervous about the situation.
Not only that, both Rachel and her mum, Jill, haven’t exactly had the easiest of years due to the incident with her father. I’ll try to not give too much away here, but I felt Rachel’s pain as something similar happened to me with my father two years ago. I was moved and to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting a book like this to contain something so raw. I’m not complaining at all as it gave the book a very cleverly placed depth. I just found it a lot more emotional than I originally thought.
So, like I said before, there is A LOT more to ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ that meets the eye, and it really is one of a kind. I have read many books which have been set on a farm, but never have I ever read a book where the farm animals are characters in their own right! Can I have my own Pete, please?!
If you’re a fan of sweet things, both food wise and romance wise, ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ will be the perfect accompaniment to any bookshelf. Caroline Roberts has certainly channeled her inner Mary Berry where this storyline is concerned, and if I could award anyone with the covet Star Baker award, Jill would be the winner hands down!
Such a wonderful, enriching, little slice of heaven – ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is such a heart-warming, delectable, more-ish novel which I would eat….I mean, read, time and time again without getting bored.
I’m just going to cut a slice of cake and get straight to the point here. ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is one of my favourite reads of 2019 so far! The storyline wasn’t overcooked, nor did it have a soggy bottom. Instead I was hooked by the tantalising relationships between the characters, the cumbersome issues that arose, the fantastic pairing of both sweet elements and sour elements. My taste buds were tickled, my stomach was growling like a caged lion, and my heart swelled with pride like a perfect soufflé. Yes, ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is my idea of the perfect escapism, the perfectly baked Victoria sponge cake, and the melt in the mouth meringue. I adored the softness of Rachel’s personality alongside her fiery, mummabear nature. She was such a fun character to get to know, and her little girl, Maisy, had me laughing out loud multiple times. The phrase ‘out the mouth of babes’ is absolutely spot on where she is concerned!
Caroline Roberts’ delectable new novel isn’t just about how many sweet treats the characters can shove down their gusset. Yes, it may seem like it at times, but believe it or not, underneath the sweet and perfectly risen exterior lay a surprising and complex bunch of flavours. In simple terms, there is a lot more to this story than several servings of spotted dick! Rachel is a single mum. She would do anything for her little girl, so when Maisy’s father makes a random appearance, Rachel can’t help but feel slightly nervous about the situation.
Not only that, both Rachel and her mum, Jill, haven’t exactly had the easiest of years due to the incident with her father. I’ll try to not give too much away here, but I felt Rachel’s pain as something similar happened to me with my father two years ago. I was moved and to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting a book like this to contain something so raw. I’m not complaining at all as it gave the book a very cleverly placed depth. I just found it a lot more emotional than I originally thought.
So, like I said before, there is A LOT more to ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ that meets the eye, and it really is one of a kind. I have read many books which have been set on a farm, but never have I ever read a book where the farm animals are characters in their own right! Can I have my own Pete, please?!
If you’re a fan of sweet things, both food wise and romance wise, ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ will be the perfect accompaniment to any bookshelf. Caroline Roberts has certainly channeled her inner Mary Berry where this storyline is concerned, and if I could award anyone with the covet Star Baker award, Jill would be the winner hands down!
Such a wonderful, enriching, little slice of heaven – ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is such a heart-warming, delectable, more-ish novel which I would eat….I mean, read, time and time again without getting bored.
September 29, 2019
Loved this book. Only took me this long to read it because of work getting in the way! Just loved all the characters. It made me want to curl up with cake and hot chocolate! Looking forward to reading the sequel! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
April 15, 2019
really enjoyed this one. there is a follow up at xmas cant wait
March 22, 2019
Loved this book! I’m a big fan of Caroline Roberts so this didn’t surprise me. A charming romance and uplifting novel set on a farm.
April 18, 2019
Rachel’s Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts is a deliciously wonderful feel-good contemporary offering. It will warm your heart and soul.
The novel is a real assault on all your senses, with much of the action around puddings. The reader can almost ‘taste’, ‘smell’ and ‘see’ the delicacies. My taste buds were awakened as I read. It is very pleasing to have recipes included at the back of the book.
The characters are as warm and welcoming as the kitchen they cook in. The majority are female with the nurturing touch that wraps around the reader. The characters are multi-generational as three generations try to recover from a tragedy.
Much of the action is set on a Northumberland farm. Comprehensive descriptions enable the reader to ‘walk’ through the landscape.
There is the theme of trust. Past events mean that caution is exercised in affairs of the heart.
Friends are important. A small close knit community ensures that your business belongs to everyone. The upside is that people care and band together to offer love and support when needed.
I adored Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. I ‘felt’ included in the novel. The characters were not just characters in a book I gained friends along the way. I cannot wait to read more from Caroline Roberts.
Pick up Rachel’s Pudding Pantry, where a warm welcome awaits, today.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is a real assault on all your senses, with much of the action around puddings. The reader can almost ‘taste’, ‘smell’ and ‘see’ the delicacies. My taste buds were awakened as I read. It is very pleasing to have recipes included at the back of the book.
The characters are as warm and welcoming as the kitchen they cook in. The majority are female with the nurturing touch that wraps around the reader. The characters are multi-generational as three generations try to recover from a tragedy.
Much of the action is set on a Northumberland farm. Comprehensive descriptions enable the reader to ‘walk’ through the landscape.
There is the theme of trust. Past events mean that caution is exercised in affairs of the heart.
Friends are important. A small close knit community ensures that your business belongs to everyone. The upside is that people care and band together to offer love and support when needed.
I adored Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. I ‘felt’ included in the novel. The characters were not just characters in a book I gained friends along the way. I cannot wait to read more from Caroline Roberts.
Pick up Rachel’s Pudding Pantry, where a warm welcome awaits, today.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
December 22, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Rachel loves Primrose Farm and looking after the farm animals. Things are very financially troubled since they lost her dad and she needs to find a way to inject much needed cash into the family farm.
Her mum is a fantastic baker and opening a 'pudding pantry' seems to be the ideal solution to all their worries. It sounded so idyllic and I would love to have the chance to visit and sample some of the tasty food. Added to that , a handsome neighbour who adds the romance. A wonderful read
I take my daughter to a day farm once a week and I have loved finding books set on farms and feeling like I can visualise life inside the pages of the book.
I have already seen that there is a Christmas book due, that I can't wait to read!
Her mum is a fantastic baker and opening a 'pudding pantry' seems to be the ideal solution to all their worries. It sounded so idyllic and I would love to have the chance to visit and sample some of the tasty food. Added to that , a handsome neighbour who adds the romance. A wonderful read
I take my daughter to a day farm once a week and I have loved finding books set on farms and feeling like I can visualise life inside the pages of the book.
I have already seen that there is a Christmas book due, that I can't wait to read!
December 29, 2019
CW: suicide, farming debt
A cute, cosy and quick read. It didn’t take much thinking yet left me feeling really warm throughout
I really liked Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. I enjoyed the cooking references, and especially loved the bond between the female family memhers - Granny Ruth, Grandma Jill, Rachel and Maisy. The romance was wholesome too.
For a light hearted book, there was some heavy stuff in it - the suicide of Rachel’s father, a result of farm struggles and debt. It was a poignant insight into the struggle of a farm.
The entrepreneurial antkcs of Rachel creating The Pudding Pantry to supplement the faem’s income was great, and the way she and her mother and daughter worked alongside each other on the business was wonderful.
A cute, cosy and quick read. It didn’t take much thinking yet left me feeling really warm throughout
I really liked Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. I enjoyed the cooking references, and especially loved the bond between the female family memhers - Granny Ruth, Grandma Jill, Rachel and Maisy. The romance was wholesome too.
For a light hearted book, there was some heavy stuff in it - the suicide of Rachel’s father, a result of farm struggles and debt. It was a poignant insight into the struggle of a farm.
The entrepreneurial antkcs of Rachel creating The Pudding Pantry to supplement the faem’s income was great, and the way she and her mother and daughter worked alongside each other on the business was wonderful.
April 12, 2019
This is a lovely heartwarming story,with friends, family and neighbours pulling together in times of need to help each other out. After the loss of her father, Rachel takes over the running of the family farm with the help of her mother Jill. Whilst also coping as a lone parent to her 5year old daughter,Rachel has some tough times ahead and some even tougher decisions to make to try and keep the farm going. After Jill puts on her pinny and starts baking again,an idea is born. Grab a copy of this book and read for yourself the journey these women take.
April 11, 2019
I’ve read some of Caroline’s books in the past and what I love most about them is that they are set locally (ish anyways!) I love the north eastern language that Caroline uses in her novels. When I seen she was writing a new book I was so excited to read it especially as it had the word Pudding in the title (I have such a terrible sweet tooth!)
Caroline sucks you into the story from the off when we meet Rachel, Jill and the lovely Maisy and their amazing animals on Primrose Farm. Rachel explains her life on Primrose Farm and how they are struggling (in more ways than one) She is a single parent trying to juggle the farm and parenting and I for one think she is an inspiration. Jill, Rachel’s Mother is a massive help to Rachel with managing tasks at home and helping with childcare, she is the most supportive parent to Rachel and what more could you possibly ask for!?
Rachel and Jill face some touch challenges throughout this story but I find it touching how they also have some special friends to help out, the lovely Eve and the delectable Tom (Swoon!!!) Where do I start with all of these delicious puddings.....Caroline had me craving chocolate pudding and sticky toffee pudding especially but all of the dishes were described in so much detail I wanted to be a regular customer at the Pudding Pantry! 😋 To sit and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake with Rachel and the gang would have been very comforting.
There were moments in this story that were so unexpected (I had to put the book down for one cliffhanger so my partner could sleep but I was upset to have to put it down!) Caroline had me feeling all sorts of emotions and I wasn’t aware of anything happening around me when I was reading ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ I didn’t read it too quickly as I wanted to savour each page.
‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is about family, loss, love, sticking together and most of all having the courage to build things up again 😊❤️ This has to be my favourite story by Caroline that I have read so far. I therefore give ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ a praiseworthy 5*/5*!!
Thank you to Caroline Roberts for writing such a beautiful story and to Emilie Chambeyron at Harper Fiction for an advanced copy of this book.
Caroline sucks you into the story from the off when we meet Rachel, Jill and the lovely Maisy and their amazing animals on Primrose Farm. Rachel explains her life on Primrose Farm and how they are struggling (in more ways than one) She is a single parent trying to juggle the farm and parenting and I for one think she is an inspiration. Jill, Rachel’s Mother is a massive help to Rachel with managing tasks at home and helping with childcare, she is the most supportive parent to Rachel and what more could you possibly ask for!?
Rachel and Jill face some touch challenges throughout this story but I find it touching how they also have some special friends to help out, the lovely Eve and the delectable Tom (Swoon!!!) Where do I start with all of these delicious puddings.....Caroline had me craving chocolate pudding and sticky toffee pudding especially but all of the dishes were described in so much detail I wanted to be a regular customer at the Pudding Pantry! 😋 To sit and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake with Rachel and the gang would have been very comforting.
There were moments in this story that were so unexpected (I had to put the book down for one cliffhanger so my partner could sleep but I was upset to have to put it down!) Caroline had me feeling all sorts of emotions and I wasn’t aware of anything happening around me when I was reading ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ I didn’t read it too quickly as I wanted to savour each page.
‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is about family, loss, love, sticking together and most of all having the courage to build things up again 😊❤️ This has to be my favourite story by Caroline that I have read so far. I therefore give ‘Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ a praiseworthy 5*/5*!!
Thank you to Caroline Roberts for writing such a beautiful story and to Emilie Chambeyron at Harper Fiction for an advanced copy of this book.
April 22, 2019
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I’m always happy to find new romance or women’s fiction novels that centre around food businesses, especially when we’re promised recipes to go with some of the offerings described in the story. Since I also know a fair bit about sheep farming, and have written about it once or twice in my time, this book looked like it might be an excellent introduction to a new-to-me UK author. I was also very taken by the idea of a farm and associated bakery business run and staffed by several generations of women.
Rachel is a single parent to five-year-old Maisy, and took on the management of her family’s Northumbrian farm after her father’s unexpected death. Her mother still lives in the farmhouse with them, taking on the majority of the housework while Rachel deals with the more strenuous outside tasks, helped by their one farmhand and occasional input – not always useful – from their immediate neighbours. The farm has been struggling financially for some years, and Rachel knows they need to diversify into other sources of income if the business is to survive and they are to keep their home. Reluctant to tap into the local tourist trade by offering accommodation, Rachel hits on the idea of selling her mother’s homemade puddings, most based on handed-down family recipes, first to local shops and then direct to the public from a teashop she decides to establish in an unused barn.
There’ll be extra expenses at first, but Rachel is confident of being able to raise some money through grants and the rest through selling off some of her land. I had to suspend my disbelief at how little Rachel was selling the land for, although I could sympathise with her reaction when the only offer she received was for a fraction of that. Fortunately help arrives in the form of another neighbour, Tom, who offers to rent the land, thereby saving Rachel from having to break up the farm. Tom is a generally all-round useful chap, actually, although Rachel’s head is initially turned by other less suitable single men in the area. And then there’s Maisy’s mostly absent father, who’s not a love interest, but does manage to cause chaos on the few occasions he makes contact.
I took a while to get into this book; the prose was a little simplistic and unexciting for my taste, and there were none of the promised recipes within the story itself, although we got a couple at the very end. Things got going eventually, but, as with the story of the attempted land sale, I felt that a lot of the farming scenes were a little dumbed down for my tastes and the business seemed to solve all the problems as hoped, without any real sign of things actually getting busy. All in all, not my favourite for this subgenre, but I can see it appealing to less cynical readers.
I’m always happy to find new romance or women’s fiction novels that centre around food businesses, especially when we’re promised recipes to go with some of the offerings described in the story. Since I also know a fair bit about sheep farming, and have written about it once or twice in my time, this book looked like it might be an excellent introduction to a new-to-me UK author. I was also very taken by the idea of a farm and associated bakery business run and staffed by several generations of women.
Rachel is a single parent to five-year-old Maisy, and took on the management of her family’s Northumbrian farm after her father’s unexpected death. Her mother still lives in the farmhouse with them, taking on the majority of the housework while Rachel deals with the more strenuous outside tasks, helped by their one farmhand and occasional input – not always useful – from their immediate neighbours. The farm has been struggling financially for some years, and Rachel knows they need to diversify into other sources of income if the business is to survive and they are to keep their home. Reluctant to tap into the local tourist trade by offering accommodation, Rachel hits on the idea of selling her mother’s homemade puddings, most based on handed-down family recipes, first to local shops and then direct to the public from a teashop she decides to establish in an unused barn.
There’ll be extra expenses at first, but Rachel is confident of being able to raise some money through grants and the rest through selling off some of her land. I had to suspend my disbelief at how little Rachel was selling the land for, although I could sympathise with her reaction when the only offer she received was for a fraction of that. Fortunately help arrives in the form of another neighbour, Tom, who offers to rent the land, thereby saving Rachel from having to break up the farm. Tom is a generally all-round useful chap, actually, although Rachel’s head is initially turned by other less suitable single men in the area. And then there’s Maisy’s mostly absent father, who’s not a love interest, but does manage to cause chaos on the few occasions he makes contact.
I took a while to get into this book; the prose was a little simplistic and unexciting for my taste, and there were none of the promised recipes within the story itself, although we got a couple at the very end. Things got going eventually, but, as with the story of the attempted land sale, I felt that a lot of the farming scenes were a little dumbed down for my tastes and the business seemed to solve all the problems as hoped, without any real sign of things actually getting busy. All in all, not my favourite for this subgenre, but I can see it appealing to less cynical readers.
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