Rachel’s Homemade Holiday (Pudding Pantry, Book 2)

Caroline Roberts

Oct 2019 · Pudding Pantry Book 2 · Sold by HarperCollins UK

About this eBook

This Christmas, home is where the heart is . . .

The first snow is falling over Primrose Farm, the mince pies are warming, and Rachel Swinton is looking forward to a well-earned break over the holidays. It’s time to settle down with family, and cosy up with her gorgeous new flame, Tom, from the farm next door.

If only it was all comfort and joy . . . The arrival of Tom’s ex brings an unwelcome chill to the farm. And with Rachel feeling the absence of her late dad, she feels unsettled when her mum starts to get close to someone new.

With a cupful of goodwill with friends, and her messy, wonderful family by her side, can Rachel make this a Christmas to remember?

Why readers love cosying up with Caroline Roberts’ gorgeous novels:

‘Family, friendships and fabulous food . . . perfect!’ Sunday Times bestseller Heidi Swain

‘Cosy and uplifting – a real treat!’ Debbie Johnson

‘A delightful, life affirming story’ Ali McNamara

‘Such a wonderful book, heart-wrenching and uplifting and joyful!’ Cressida McLaughlin

Ratings and reviews

Obsessed with all writers British and their women’s fiction and romance titles, I’d heard wonderful things about Caroline Roberts, and this was my first chance to give her books a whirl – and I’ll admit – I’m hooked! Rachel, her mother Jill and her five year old daughter Maisy have had a rough couple of years after her father’s death. Running the farm and coping with all of that, an absentee father for Maisy and the ever-increasing bills. Trying to make ends meet and find money everywhere they can, extensive renovations of the old cow byre were made, and they’d opened a very popular small café, specializing in home made bakes and treats. But, in the run-up to the holidays, with the decrease in tourists, things are tighter than ever and Rachel is worried that this idea may be one too many. What emerges in this lovely story is a family, doing everything to cope with changes and challenges, and always trying to move forward. As unexpected as her father’s death was, and even in their grief, the Swinton women have banded together and are working every hour sent to make things work. From the aging Granny Ruth to the pet sheep that ‘starred’ in the school nativity play – there are moments to laugh and others where things feel a bit overly focused on ‘getting through’ the to-do list. But, when one understands the pressure that the very young (she’s only 24) Rachel has – from being a single parent, to grief, to the farm work and her worries about finances, it’s pretty easy to see HOW she’s not that great at opening up and sharing, or that days seem to be filled with busywork – because they really are. Adding in her neighbor and friend Tom as a romantic interest added another level of understanding Rachel and her own personal insecurities, as she really put him through it at times. Overall, the story was warm and cozy, and with several recipes that feel very traditional and brought back memories of my gran’s own holiday baking, as well as a solid focus on using the Pudding Pantry to bring people together to chat about bakes, meet one another, and actually sample different bakes as well as share tips and tricks, the story felt very much like a romance meets Great British Bake Off – without the judge, Paul. But it was sweet and relaxing, a non-confrontational book that lead up to the holiday and through it – sharing traditions, treats and a few surprises that bring everyone together in a way that felt meant to be. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

About the author

Caroline Roberts is the Kindle bestselling author of the Cosy Teashop and Pudding Pantry series. She lives in the wonderful Northumberland countryside with her husband and credits the sandy beaches, castles and rolling hills around her as inspiration for her writing. She enjoys writing about relationships; stories of love, loss and family, which explore how beautiful and sometimes complex love can be. A slice of cake, glass of bubbly and a cup of tea would make her day – preferably served with friends!