The Vintage Village Bake Off by Judy Leigh- women's fiction
Hattie was married to Geoffrey for forty nine years. Now he’s gone she has finally realised that it’s her time. Geoffrey wasn't a nice man to the point that family and friends wouldn't visit because of him and Hattie now wonders how she put up with him for so long. She is slowly changing her mindset and looking forward to doing all the things she wasn't able to previously because of his harsh criticisms. One day her sister Bunty arrives, suitcase in hand- she’s left her husband and wants to stay for a while to sort herself out. When it turns out that Bunty isn’t quite telling the whole story, Hattie ups and leaves to go to her brother Robert’s. Robert has been single all his life and loves his animals, gardening and baking which appears to attract the ladies of the village he lives in. Maybe baking could lead to romance finally, but he wants someone to love him for him and not just his scones. When there is a possible scone competition he is unsure whether he wants the limelight or to stay in the shadows as he always has.
This is another one of Judy’s terrific reads that is more than thoroughly enjoyable. It's more than a story- it's perhaps a message to all of us about “ Carpe Diem” and taking hold of life with both hands whilst we can. The characters are wonderful and leap from the page like old friends. There are plenty of smiles and of course lots of baking and cakes. There are a few wise words amongst the story about such things as “ breathing in hope and breathing out insecurities and fears”. An uplifting read that left me with a smile and more. I’m off to investigate raspberry and white chocolate scones! Loved it.
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The Vintage Village Bake Off Now in his seventies, Robert Parkin is stunned to find himself the unlikely sex symbol of the village gardening club. Living in happy solitude with his cat Isaac Mewton in the Devon village of Millbrook, entertained by his mischievous chickens and goats, Robert has never figured out the rules of romance. But as the local ladies vie for his company, it soon becomes clear that Robert’s Victoria Sponge cake is the lure, and as his baking prowess grows, so does his confidence. Cheesecakes, meringues, puddings, Robert can do it all, but his real masterpieces are his scones – ginger, rosemary, coconut, fruit, his recipes are inspired and soon come to the attention of the local media. Which county does the best cream tea – Devon or Cornwall? It’s time for an age-old debate to be settled with a competition. Robert’s sisters Bunty and Hattie are both at crossroads in their lives, so news of their brother’s baking competition is the perfect excuse to bring them to Millbrook. And as the siblings relish each other’s company, and Robert relishes being at the heart of his community, a summer of scones may just light the way to long-lasting happiness for them all. Enjoy Judy Leigh’s wonderful world of family, friendship and feasting in this perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James. Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/villagebakeoffsocial
Thank you so much for this gorgeous, perceptive review. I so appreciate your kind words. Sending warmest wishes xx
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