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Pepper Bay #5
The Post Office Shop
Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.
The Post Office Shop: Tilly Sheridan is fifty, perimenopausal, a widow, and pretty much lives in dungarees. Her daily life consists of running her family’s small shop on Dreamcatcher Farm, where not much goes on. The last thing she expects to happen in her life is to fall in love with an ex-criminal.
Rory Murphy has just finished a fifteen-year sentence for robbery, but he is not the man who first walked into that prison. With the help of a mentor, he changed his life whilst still behind bars, and now he has been given the opportunity of working on a farm to help him integrate back into society. He’s expecting early starts, long days, backbreaking work, and lonely nights, but he finds friendship, family, and love in Pepper Bay. Is it possible for him to finally have a good life? Not if his past has anything to do with it.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.
The Post Office Shop: Tilly Sheridan is fifty, perimenopausal, a widow, and pretty much lives in dungarees. Her daily life consists of running her family’s small shop on Dreamcatcher Farm, where not much goes on. The last thing she expects to happen in her life is to fall in love with an ex-criminal.
Rory Murphy has just finished a fifteen-year sentence for robbery, but he is not the man who first walked into that prison. With the help of a mentor, he changed his life whilst still behind bars, and now he has been given the opportunity of working on a farm to help him integrate back into society. He’s expecting early starts, long days, backbreaking work, and lonely nights, but he finds friendship, family, and love in Pepper Bay. Is it possible for him to finally have a good life? Not if his past has anything to do with it.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
211 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Dady
43 books81 followersHello, I'm K.T. Dady. I write uplifting love stories filled with friendship, family, and community set here, there, and everywhere, as love happens anywhere and under all sorts of circumstances. But whatever challenges my characters face along the way, there is always a happily ever after.
Feel free to join my newsletter over at my website.
You can also find me mostly on Instagram or Facebook.
Instagram - @kt_dady
Facebook - @ktdady
Thank you so much to everyone who buys my books. I'm truly grateful.
Feel free to join my newsletter over at my website.
You can also find me mostly on Instagram or Facebook.
Instagram - @kt_dady
Facebook - @ktdady
Thank you so much to everyone who buys my books. I'm truly grateful.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 4, 2022
The Post Office Shop is fifth in the Pepper Bay series, although every book can be read as a stand-alone so you don’t need to worry about having read the previous four, you won’t be lost. I will add I think it does add something extra when you’ve read the series as there are past character cameos and recurring characters, but as I said, it’s not essential (just more fun)
This book has two of my favourite things in it, second chances and so much community spirit, I loved Rory so much and I thought he was a great character, not many authors write about ex-cons, the fact that having made a mistake in your past can have everyone writing your whole future off even when you reform. I loved that Rory is shown he can have a future, a family, that the community supports him and the relationship he has with Tilly, I just loved it so much, both of them having a second chance and a fresh start in love.
I won’t say more about the plot as no spoilers, well except we get a HEA, but that’s not exactly a spoiler when you read romance, it’s what we’re all here for, once we have our drama, our will they won’t they, we all want great chemistry, tension, drama, emotions and a happy ending, well I can promise you this book delivers all those things and more. If you want a smile, some warmth and happiness, pure escapism that makes you feel better than when you started reading, this book is for you and you won’t regret it.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for a free copy and the opportunity to take part in the blog tour for this wonderful book, all opinions are my own and freely given
This book has two of my favourite things in it, second chances and so much community spirit, I loved Rory so much and I thought he was a great character, not many authors write about ex-cons, the fact that having made a mistake in your past can have everyone writing your whole future off even when you reform. I loved that Rory is shown he can have a future, a family, that the community supports him and the relationship he has with Tilly, I just loved it so much, both of them having a second chance and a fresh start in love.
I won’t say more about the plot as no spoilers, well except we get a HEA, but that’s not exactly a spoiler when you read romance, it’s what we’re all here for, once we have our drama, our will they won’t they, we all want great chemistry, tension, drama, emotions and a happy ending, well I can promise you this book delivers all those things and more. If you want a smile, some warmth and happiness, pure escapism that makes you feel better than when you started reading, this book is for you and you won’t regret it.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for a free copy and the opportunity to take part in the blog tour for this wonderful book, all opinions are my own and freely given
August 1, 2022
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
The Post Office Shop is book number five from the ‘Pepper Bay’ series and it is a wonderful addition. It can of course be read as a stand - alone but is best read in order as there are some recurring characters that come along.
Tilly and Rory are the two main characters in this story and they had great chemistry together - I loved it!
There’s a great sense of community in this book and I absolutely loved getting immersed in it all.
Overall it was a starting over / second chances story that gave my heart a nice, big, warm hug…..
The Post Office Shop is book number five from the ‘Pepper Bay’ series and it is a wonderful addition. It can of course be read as a stand - alone but is best read in order as there are some recurring characters that come along.
Tilly and Rory are the two main characters in this story and they had great chemistry together - I loved it!
There’s a great sense of community in this book and I absolutely loved getting immersed in it all.
Overall it was a starting over / second chances story that gave my heart a nice, big, warm hug…..
August 8, 2022
I have been reading this series since the start and have loved them all so was eager to read this one.
I felt this was quite different from the others and one of my favourites. Tilly, a widow, going through the perimenopause is so relatable. Having lost the love of her life she doesn't expect to find love again. Meanwhile Rory, just out of prison, is trying to continue to keep his life in order and when he arrives in Pepper Bay he can't believe how friendly people are towards him and willing to help him.
This is a book of second chances and new beginnings. There is drama, humour and a great sense of community spirit. I can't wait for the next book.
I felt this was quite different from the others and one of my favourites. Tilly, a widow, going through the perimenopause is so relatable. Having lost the love of her life she doesn't expect to find love again. Meanwhile Rory, just out of prison, is trying to continue to keep his life in order and when he arrives in Pepper Bay he can't believe how friendly people are towards him and willing to help him.
This is a book of second chances and new beginnings. There is drama, humour and a great sense of community spirit. I can't wait for the next book.
August 6, 2022
This is such an emotive read about having a second chance,
Starting again and daring to risk your heart in romance.
Dreamcatcher Farm is where the story is set
And it is possibly the most unforgettable Pepper Bay book yet.
Rory Murphy spent time in prison for committing a crime
Now he's out after spending his time.
He's changed so much whilst he was inside
His old self he can no longer abide.
The Sheridan family are giving him a fresh place to start,
Working on the farm, doing jobs and playing his part.
He never expected to feel so at home there
Or to find someone for whom he really does care.
Nothing goes easily in life for Rory
He's wary of love, as you'll soon see.
He expects it to end before it really has a start
So really doesn't want to risk breaking his heart.
Loss is something Tilly also has known,
Perimenopausal, a widow, she has fears of her own.
However, love between them grows every day
As Rory settles in to life in Pepper Bay.
Unfortunately there are folks from the past
Who seem determined their romance will not last.
Can they survive and will their love grow, too?
If not, what can either of them next do?
Get the tissues at the ready for this moving read
They were something I hadn't expected to need!
The story shows how folks need support and a fresh start
To help them move on and in good things to take part.
A heartwarming story with a message as well
I really enjoyed it, as I hope you can tell.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Starting again and daring to risk your heart in romance.
Dreamcatcher Farm is where the story is set
And it is possibly the most unforgettable Pepper Bay book yet.
Rory Murphy spent time in prison for committing a crime
Now he's out after spending his time.
He's changed so much whilst he was inside
His old self he can no longer abide.
The Sheridan family are giving him a fresh place to start,
Working on the farm, doing jobs and playing his part.
He never expected to feel so at home there
Or to find someone for whom he really does care.
Nothing goes easily in life for Rory
He's wary of love, as you'll soon see.
He expects it to end before it really has a start
So really doesn't want to risk breaking his heart.
Loss is something Tilly also has known,
Perimenopausal, a widow, she has fears of her own.
However, love between them grows every day
As Rory settles in to life in Pepper Bay.
Unfortunately there are folks from the past
Who seem determined their romance will not last.
Can they survive and will their love grow, too?
If not, what can either of them next do?
Get the tissues at the ready for this moving read
They were something I hadn't expected to need!
The story shows how folks need support and a fresh start
To help them move on and in good things to take part.
A heartwarming story with a message as well
I really enjoyed it, as I hope you can tell.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
August 3, 2022
This is the first book I have read from K.T.Dady and it’s lovely heartwarming easy read. The front cover is really pretty. The post office is set in Isla of white and there is two narratives Rory and Tilly. Tilly and her family help ex prisoners when they come out of prison with a job and help them until they get on there feet. Rory steps into Tilly shop and I would say it love at first sight but there is a few things that happen which does not make there relationship straight forward.
This is book 5 in the series but you don’t need to read the others to know what’s going on . They are standalone books .
4 stars thank you Rachel random and K .T Dady for letting me part of this tour and reviewing the book.
This is book 5 in the series but you don’t need to read the others to know what’s going on . They are standalone books .
4 stars thank you Rachel random and K .T Dady for letting me part of this tour and reviewing the book.
August 8, 2022
There are a few reasons that I love this series, of course, there’s the promise of a happy ever after and gorgeous romance, but I really love the fact that the reader is given a front-row seat into the character’s minds. Only the lead ones, to be clear, but it works perfectly. I was unsure, at first, but it adds an extra layer to the development of the characters and story.
Tilly runs the Post Office Shop which is a small part of her family farm. She’s fifty and widowed and definitely perimenopausal. There are elements of Tilly that I could identify with immediately, especially when she experiences an ill-timed hot flush!
Rory has recently been released from prison after serving fifteen years for robbery. We get an understanding of how he came to make such poor decisions, and his loveless childhood seems like the key culprit. Whilst inside, he turned over a new leaf and helped with the rehabilitation of younger offenders; a kindness that in turn sees him living at Dreamcatcher Farm, working as part of his integration back into the community.
When Tilly and Rory meet, the attraction is immediate and there is a definite sizzle in the air. However, Tilly is still nervous after the passing of her husband at the hands of another rehabilitating visitor.
The story and romance are both gentle and comical as the two characters get to know one another whilst dealing with their personal baggage. Menopause plays its part in the story, and it was entertaining to read that even romantic heroines fall foul of this unavoidable change, and its impact on so many areas of everyday life.
I absolutely loved reading this story and can highly recommend it. Once again, it can be read as a standalone, but there’s no fun in that when the rest of the series is so fabulous.
Tilly runs the Post Office Shop which is a small part of her family farm. She’s fifty and widowed and definitely perimenopausal. There are elements of Tilly that I could identify with immediately, especially when she experiences an ill-timed hot flush!
Rory has recently been released from prison after serving fifteen years for robbery. We get an understanding of how he came to make such poor decisions, and his loveless childhood seems like the key culprit. Whilst inside, he turned over a new leaf and helped with the rehabilitation of younger offenders; a kindness that in turn sees him living at Dreamcatcher Farm, working as part of his integration back into the community.
When Tilly and Rory meet, the attraction is immediate and there is a definite sizzle in the air. However, Tilly is still nervous after the passing of her husband at the hands of another rehabilitating visitor.
The story and romance are both gentle and comical as the two characters get to know one another whilst dealing with their personal baggage. Menopause plays its part in the story, and it was entertaining to read that even romantic heroines fall foul of this unavoidable change, and its impact on so many areas of everyday life.
I absolutely loved reading this story and can highly recommend it. Once again, it can be read as a standalone, but there’s no fun in that when the rest of the series is so fabulous.
August 4, 2022
Thank you so much K.T.Dady and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of ‘The post office shop’ in exchange for an honest review. I always enjoy a visit back to Pepper bay and the community that has been created in previous books and having them beloved characters pop up in the background. In this book we follow Tilly; a witty, charismatic, perimenopausal woman who has a sense of humour as big as her heart who runs the small shop on her family farm. I found her charming if not a little naive to the world and the difficulties others may have faced in the world outside of Pepper Bay. With a love story based on redemption and accepting the faults of others and trusting your own judgement when it is in doubt and believing that people really can change if given the chance too. Rory is a complex character who comes along way on his own journey throughout the book and allowing himself to be loved which is one of the hardest things in life. I always jump at the opportunity to read a book from this series and highly recommend them.
August 7, 2022
I loved this story of second chances, a story that talks about people who is able to start again and have faith in a better future and the community that supports them.
This is the 5th in a series but it can be read as a stand alone, I will read the rest of the series as I loved the characters and the setting.
Rory is an ex con and I liked how the author developed a character with a story of abuse and violence and made him a fleshed out and realistic guy who started again.
Tilly lost the man she loved and is facing the beginning of menopause. The description of the hot flashes is quite realistic and made me smile.
There's some romance, there's a strong community, and there's hope.
It's an excellent read in these bleak times and it made me smile and root for the characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to K.T. Dady and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
This is the 5th in a series but it can be read as a stand alone, I will read the rest of the series as I loved the characters and the setting.
Rory is an ex con and I liked how the author developed a character with a story of abuse and violence and made him a fleshed out and realistic guy who started again.
Tilly lost the man she loved and is facing the beginning of menopause. The description of the hot flashes is quite realistic and made me smile.
There's some romance, there's a strong community, and there's hope.
It's an excellent read in these bleak times and it made me smile and root for the characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to K.T. Dady and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
July 26, 2022
The Post Office Shop by K.T. Dady
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.
The Post Office Shop: Tilly Sheridan is fifty, perimenopausal, a widow, and pretty much lives in dungarees. Her daily life consists of running her family’s small shop on Dreamcatcher Farm, where not much goes on. The last thing she expects to happen in her life is to fall in love with an ex-criminal.
This is the first book I have read in this series but I still felt welcome in Pepper Bay. For me this was a relatively quick read. I read this in two sittings but I was eager to get back to it as soon as the opportunity arose. Tilly and Rory teach us that you can't always judge a character based on past behaviour. A very enjoyable read - I have a feeling I will be back in Pepper Bay before too long.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.
Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.
The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.
The Post Office Shop: Tilly Sheridan is fifty, perimenopausal, a widow, and pretty much lives in dungarees. Her daily life consists of running her family’s small shop on Dreamcatcher Farm, where not much goes on. The last thing she expects to happen in her life is to fall in love with an ex-criminal.
This is the first book I have read in this series but I still felt welcome in Pepper Bay. For me this was a relatively quick read. I read this in two sittings but I was eager to get back to it as soon as the opportunity arose. Tilly and Rory teach us that you can't always judge a character based on past behaviour. A very enjoyable read - I have a feeling I will be back in Pepper Bay before too long.
Rating: 4/5
July 29, 2022
The central figures in this fifth standalone story in the Pepper Bay series are not your usual boy meets girl types. They are both a little more mature, with their own back stories and Rory in particular has an interesting vibe. Recently released from prison, you cannot make snap judgements about him and as his background emerges, you get to understand what led him to that fate. The chemistry between Tilly and Rory is obvious from the start but will they have the courage to take a risk?
Tilly's family come over as protective of her but as a decent and considerate family who stick together and who are willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and a second chance. This is a great addition to the series and of course, you get to meet up with some familiar characters from previous novels. I always enjoy a series which focuses on a community and Pepper Bay is so appealing, I can only look forward to more of the same. I wonder who we will meet next?
In short: Starting over and second chances
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Tilly's family come over as protective of her but as a decent and considerate family who stick together and who are willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and a second chance. This is a great addition to the series and of course, you get to meet up with some familiar characters from previous novels. I always enjoy a series which focuses on a community and Pepper Bay is so appealing, I can only look forward to more of the same. I wonder who we will meet next?
In short: Starting over and second chances
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
August 1, 2022
I love coming back to Pepper Bay, this time to Dreamcatcher Farm and the Post Office run by Tilly. I couldn't wait to read this as soon as it was released and didn't put it down til I'd finished it.
The Sheridans who run the farm hire those who are looking for a new start after being released from prison. Rory is one such person and he arrives on the Farm looking to start a new life.
The story is told from the perspective of Tilly, who lost her partner to an ex offender so she is understandably wary of Rory, but something draws her to him.
Each book is a standalone story in this series, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
The Sheridans who run the farm hire those who are looking for a new start after being released from prison. Rory is one such person and he arrives on the Farm looking to start a new life.
The story is told from the perspective of Tilly, who lost her partner to an ex offender so she is understandably wary of Rory, but something draws her to him.
Each book is a standalone story in this series, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
August 10, 2022
I loved being back in Pepper Bay! The writing style was consistent with the other books. Tilly and Rory's stories are both told and within their chapters there are sections in italics letting us know exactly what is going through their minds at that point. We really get to know and love both Tilly and Rory!
With Rory being an ex-con and his past following him, there was a different type of drama and suspense than in the other books, but end of the day it was still Tilly and Rory's love story with all it's ups and downs. A story about second chances and love and friendship and one that will touch your heart!
I loved the supporting cast and really hope Bobby and Rex will get to tell their story. Rex was just such a special character!
With Rory being an ex-con and his past following him, there was a different type of drama and suspense than in the other books, but end of the day it was still Tilly and Rory's love story with all it's ups and downs. A story about second chances and love and friendship and one that will touch your heart!
I loved the supporting cast and really hope Bobby and Rex will get to tell their story. Rex was just such a special character!
October 16, 2022
What an absolutely adorable book! I couldn't put it down!
The main characters, Tilly and Rory, have an instant attraction but their romance isn't always an easy one. Rory's past haunts him and threatens to ruin his chances of a new life. Tilly is perimenopausal and just hilarious! Look out if she has a hot flush 😂
I loved the other characters around them, the Sheridan family, the farm and the community. I didn't realise this is book 5 in the Pepper Bay series, though it reads really well as a standalone. I'm thrilled now that I can go back and visit the Pepper Bay characters even more!
The main characters, Tilly and Rory, have an instant attraction but their romance isn't always an easy one. Rory's past haunts him and threatens to ruin his chances of a new life. Tilly is perimenopausal and just hilarious! Look out if she has a hot flush 😂
I loved the other characters around them, the Sheridan family, the farm and the community. I didn't realise this is book 5 in the Pepper Bay series, though it reads really well as a standalone. I'm thrilled now that I can go back and visit the Pepper Bay characters even more!
August 6, 2022
I've been on board with this series from book one and I absolutely love revisiting the residents of Pepper Bay, it also transports me home as I'm an Island girl myself.
This book is my absolute favourite of the series so far, Tilly and Rory are so cute together aren't they?
With the picturesque Isle of Wight as a backdrop, some lovely, realistic and relatable characters, there was nothing to dislike about this book.
The strawberry lubricant scene was hilarious, Tilly's menopause struggles relatable.
I loved reading The Post Office Shop and I'm already excited for my next journey home to Pepper Bay!
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is my absolute favourite of the series so far, Tilly and Rory are so cute together aren't they?
With the picturesque Isle of Wight as a backdrop, some lovely, realistic and relatable characters, there was nothing to dislike about this book.
The strawberry lubricant scene was hilarious, Tilly's menopause struggles relatable.
I loved reading The Post Office Shop and I'm already excited for my next journey home to Pepper Bay!
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 1, 2022
What a lovely refreshing story of love.
Tilly is hilarious and I could relate to her so much going through the menopause myself currently.
The banter between her and Rory was adorable.
This is so well written.
If I didn’t have my own book to get finished I wouldn’t have put this down.
It was a cute read which I’ve really enjoyed and now want to read the rest of the series.
Tilly is hilarious and I could relate to her so much going through the menopause myself currently.
The banter between her and Rory was adorable.
This is so well written.
If I didn’t have my own book to get finished I wouldn’t have put this down.
It was a cute read which I’ve really enjoyed and now want to read the rest of the series.
August 4, 2022
Great holiday read!
Love this series! Its publication date was timed perfectly for my holiday! Looking forward to the next in the series already. This book tells a story of kindness, love and second chances!
Love this series! Its publication date was timed perfectly for my holiday! Looking forward to the next in the series already. This book tells a story of kindness, love and second chances!
August 5, 2022
Fabulous
I couldn't put this book down, I loved Tilly and Rorys story so much. It had me holding my breath, gasping with relief and laughing. Just as fantastic as the rest of the pepper bay books . Well done K.T.Dady
I couldn't put this book down, I loved Tilly and Rorys story so much. It had me holding my breath, gasping with relief and laughing. Just as fantastic as the rest of the pepper bay books . Well done K.T.Dady
November 6, 2025
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this one with it being new characters, but I was very happy to be proven wrong!
As usual, lots of drama, twists and laughs along the way and a happy ending.
Each book makes me want to move to Pepper Bay too!
As usual, lots of drama, twists and laughs along the way and a happy ending.
Each book makes me want to move to Pepper Bay too!
August 2, 2022
Really lovely
I loved the story about Tilly and Rory. Rory starting over having served a prison sentence and Tully thinking her life was same old as everyday until Rory starts work on the family farm.
I loved the story about Tilly and Rory. Rory starting over having served a prison sentence and Tully thinking her life was same old as everyday until Rory starts work on the family farm.
July 27, 2022
Really enjoyed this and the rest of the series.
August 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about second chances and romance. Tilly lives on Dreamcatcher farm, the family farm, and runs the post office shop. Her late husband Lucas had worked with an organisation called ‘Shine’ that helps newly released prisoners find their feet. Some came and stayed and worked on the farm. After Lucas is stabbed and dies the family decide not to take on anyone else but then Nic from Shine asked them to take on Rory……….
It was really good to read about ‘older’ people finding love and I absolutely adored all the characters in this (except for a couple of Rory’s old acquaintances!). It was easy to get into and flowed well.
It was really good to read about ‘older’ people finding love and I absolutely adored all the characters in this (except for a couple of Rory’s old acquaintances!). It was easy to get into and flowed well.
September 2, 2022
Everyone can change, despite their past
Rory Murphy didn’t have an easy life and he is the first to admit that he has made mistakes in the past. Now he has finished his fifteen – year sentence for robbery, and he isn’t the same man anymore. In prison he had a mentor that changed his life, and being a free man again, Rory hopes he can integrate back into society. With the help of the organisation Shine, with its focus to help ex – criminals, Rory ends up in Pepper Bay, helping on the Sheridan’s farm. Working on a farm means long days and hard work. But what Rory didn’t expect was to meet Tilly Sheridan. She runs the small shop on Dreamcatcher farm in her dungarees. Tilly is fifty, widowed, premenopausal and the last thing on her mind is to fall in love, especially with an ex – criminal. But the heart wants what it wants, so will these two people have their own happily ever after, even after their past?
It’s not a secret that I love returning to Pepper Bay. But for me, this was the sweetest, funniest book of the whole series!
I loved the positive message in this story. Because no matter what mistake you made in your past, the people of Pepper Bay don’t hold it against you if you have changed your life. Especially the whole Sheridan family shows how to give second chances without any prejudice. And Tilly even proofs that everyone deserves love in their lives.
From the start, it’s obvious what an amazing person Tilly is. Not only because of her acceptance of Rory in Pepper Bay, but also how she is independent and strong on her own. She has loved but also lost and she doesn’t need a new man by her side. She is easy on welcoming new people, she doesn’t judge someone based on their past. She sees you for who you are now. And seeing how she accepts Rory and easily befriends him, shows again what a great character Tilly is.
I have to admit, Tilly is a very sweet and kind person, but also a very funny one, even if it’s unintentional. Each time she has a hot flush, her ways to cool down are so awkward for her but so hilarious for us to read! I can understand her embarrassment, but I couldn’t stop laughing when one of those flushes came!
And Rory… he for sure changed his life around. He didn’t have an easy young life, which obviously made him made mistakes, for which he has paid his dues. I liked it how he turned that page and has changed his life for the better. Even if I don’t agree with his past actions, I could understand where he was coming from, and obviously seeing how he redeemed himself, warmed my heart. He is a selfless man, not afraid to risk his own life for others. I just loved reading how these two lovely people are getting closer. They deserve to be happy together. It was marvellous to see how people, even after a certain age can fall deeply in love. Add a level of hilarity over needing some help at the more passionate moments, honestly, this book couldn’t be any better!
Of course, there are some moments that were saddening and heart – breaking, because somehow Rory’s not totally freed from his past. And wrong assumptions and decisions are being made, making me a bit angry. I understood where those assumptions and decisions came from, but they were just wrong!
This was a wonderful return to Pepper Bay, with unexpected main protagonists. But these characters were very quickly in making me fall in love with them. This book is filled with lovely people, but also with love, hope and showing us that everybody makes mistakes, some on a bigger scale than others. But it’s important to learn from those mistakes and change your life. And with people with an open mind and heart, you can find a place to call home, even if you never had it before. And love can come at any age and in any shape, even in an unexpected way. But it’s up to us to dare to open our hearts again and even dare to fight for our love.
Maybe this book is the furthest away from my own situation/ life, but I think that this may be my favourite until now of the whole series! It’s such a positive book, putting a smile on my face!
Rory Murphy didn’t have an easy life and he is the first to admit that he has made mistakes in the past. Now he has finished his fifteen – year sentence for robbery, and he isn’t the same man anymore. In prison he had a mentor that changed his life, and being a free man again, Rory hopes he can integrate back into society. With the help of the organisation Shine, with its focus to help ex – criminals, Rory ends up in Pepper Bay, helping on the Sheridan’s farm. Working on a farm means long days and hard work. But what Rory didn’t expect was to meet Tilly Sheridan. She runs the small shop on Dreamcatcher farm in her dungarees. Tilly is fifty, widowed, premenopausal and the last thing on her mind is to fall in love, especially with an ex – criminal. But the heart wants what it wants, so will these two people have their own happily ever after, even after their past?
It’s not a secret that I love returning to Pepper Bay. But for me, this was the sweetest, funniest book of the whole series!
I loved the positive message in this story. Because no matter what mistake you made in your past, the people of Pepper Bay don’t hold it against you if you have changed your life. Especially the whole Sheridan family shows how to give second chances without any prejudice. And Tilly even proofs that everyone deserves love in their lives.
From the start, it’s obvious what an amazing person Tilly is. Not only because of her acceptance of Rory in Pepper Bay, but also how she is independent and strong on her own. She has loved but also lost and she doesn’t need a new man by her side. She is easy on welcoming new people, she doesn’t judge someone based on their past. She sees you for who you are now. And seeing how she accepts Rory and easily befriends him, shows again what a great character Tilly is.
I have to admit, Tilly is a very sweet and kind person, but also a very funny one, even if it’s unintentional. Each time she has a hot flush, her ways to cool down are so awkward for her but so hilarious for us to read! I can understand her embarrassment, but I couldn’t stop laughing when one of those flushes came!
And Rory… he for sure changed his life around. He didn’t have an easy young life, which obviously made him made mistakes, for which he has paid his dues. I liked it how he turned that page and has changed his life for the better. Even if I don’t agree with his past actions, I could understand where he was coming from, and obviously seeing how he redeemed himself, warmed my heart. He is a selfless man, not afraid to risk his own life for others. I just loved reading how these two lovely people are getting closer. They deserve to be happy together. It was marvellous to see how people, even after a certain age can fall deeply in love. Add a level of hilarity over needing some help at the more passionate moments, honestly, this book couldn’t be any better!
Of course, there are some moments that were saddening and heart – breaking, because somehow Rory’s not totally freed from his past. And wrong assumptions and decisions are being made, making me a bit angry. I understood where those assumptions and decisions came from, but they were just wrong!
This was a wonderful return to Pepper Bay, with unexpected main protagonists. But these characters were very quickly in making me fall in love with them. This book is filled with lovely people, but also with love, hope and showing us that everybody makes mistakes, some on a bigger scale than others. But it’s important to learn from those mistakes and change your life. And with people with an open mind and heart, you can find a place to call home, even if you never had it before. And love can come at any age and in any shape, even in an unexpected way. But it’s up to us to dare to open our hearts again and even dare to fight for our love.
Maybe this book is the furthest away from my own situation/ life, but I think that this may be my favourite until now of the whole series! It’s such a positive book, putting a smile on my face!
June 14, 2022
Inspiration for Rory came from the many kids who I grew up with in the East End of London. Everyone has a backstory, but those who grow up in the poorest communities often have a tough time, especially if they have no solid role models to guide them.
My heart is with Rory all throughout this story. I hope yours will be too.
My heart is with Rory all throughout this story. I hope yours will be too.
February 2, 2023
Book 5 in The Pepper Bay series and I am so invested in this lovely community and it’s inhabitants. Tilly 50 runs The Post Office Shop, she is a widow and not looking for love. Rory has been released from prison after 15 years and the charity Shine secures him a job on Tilly’s dads farm. Drama, families, friendships and second chances make this an engrossing enjoyable read.
June 11, 2025
absolutely fabulous
I love this one, the best so far. It made me laugh a lot and cry a little, just wonderful.
I love this one, the best so far. It made me laugh a lot and cry a little, just wonderful.
July 22, 2025
This is the first one I didn't love. It was ok but think they fell for each very fast. It wasn't as believable
May 17, 2024
Loved it but still wish the whole story came as one book as I have short term memory problems so by the time the next one is out I haven't a clue what happened previously!
November 8, 2022
Great story around Tilly at her Bakery, and an excon working at her fathers farm. Love romance and some unsavoury characters brings it all together.
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