Cover Image: Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

After reading the first in the series and loving it, I knew I would have to read the second one. Not only is it a follow on from the first story and what makes it even better is that it is a Christmas story. I adore Tom and Rachel so couldn't wait to see what they were up to!

This is the perfect Christmas story and with the added bonus of a Christmas recipe with each chapter you will be craving Christmas treats very quickly!

Was this review helpful?

I haven't read the first in the series but that didn't matter at all. This was a lovely festive read about love, loss and life on a farm. Really liked our two heroines and was rooting for them to succeed. The recipes at the start of each chapter were a bonus and I'll definitely be trying some. Just a warm, cheery, feelgood story for Xmas.

Was this review helpful?

Well here we are with the second in the series of Rachel's Pudding Pantry and it certainly doesn't disappoint a reader. With plenty of recipes and a wonderful story all from the author Caroline Roberts. With the run up to Christmas what more could you want on a cold evening snuggled in a warm blanket with this book to enjoy. I really recommend you get a copy to enjoy as I have done. Can't wait for book three.

Was this review helpful?

Rachel is running a farm and her pudding pantry with her mum and daughter. The business is not making much money so she starts coming up with ideas on how to keep afloat. Soon she comes up with an idea of a pudding club. Will it be a success and what about the rest of her life and christmas.

This was such a perfect Christmas read. Theres not a lot of drama in this but the story itself kept me reading. The plot is steady and at times quite comical especially the nativity, The story is filled with recipes along the way that just added an extra touch. I love the relationships in this story and the detail to each character. Plus the budding romance between her and Tom was very cute. The only thing I wish it had was more detail about Tom's ex wife. The ending was very cute and finished the story perfectly.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely feel good love story with some cracking recipes included!! Really got the festive senses going and I can’t wait to try some of them out! Kind of typical happy ending but enjoyable none the less!

Was this review helpful?

There's nothing better than a Christmas read that is filled to the brim with festive baked treats and a rich dollop of romance served on the side. This book has everything you could possible want from a winter read and nestled between the pages is a sincere and joyous story that will sweep you away in its magic.

Rachel is back, better than ever, in this second glorious trip to the Pudding Pantry. As a standout character she certainly delivers the glittering festive moments in this story as she steps into the spotlight as leading lady. Life is throwing many curve balls in her direction and as a true heroine she is facing these trials and tribulations with true heart and passion and proving that you can overcome most obstacles with sheer determination, bravery and a little bit of help from friends and family.

As they say the course of true love never does run smooth, which is the case for our Rachel and Tom. Their new found feelings are put to the test in this installment and I found myself silently screaming into the pages of my paperback in the hope that they would see sense. I won't delve deeper than this for fear of giving away a spoiler or two but the will they, won't they journey is certainly worth the ride.

Christmas at the Pudding Pantry is a smorgasbord of festive delights that had me grinning from start to finish. Yet another truly magical visit to this glorious pocket of the world and I hope that this is not the last we will hear from such an incredible cast of characters.

Was this review helpful?

I adore Christmas, and so back in November, I had the idea that I could just write reviews of Christmas books in December! So, welcome to the first Christmas book review!

Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts is a lovely, cosy book, with lots of recipes throughout, which set the atmosphere even more for me!

The book starts in October, after Jill and Rachel opened their Pudding Pantry over the summer, and Rachel and Tom got together. The Pudding Pantry is starting to get quieter, and so Rachel and Jill start thinking about what could bring in more customers.

Rachel is busy with the farm, the Pudding Pantry, Maisy and so Tom feels a bit ignored. Then his ex-wife starts being spotted around.

Jill has been a widow for two years, and now might be the time that she starts to think about more than just looking after Maisy and Rachel.

There were lots of ups and downs in this, but overall the feeling of a cosy winter wasn't far away, and the book was very festive!

Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry was published on 31st October 2019, and is available to buy on Amazon and on Waterstones. I've found a link to where you can search for local bookshops, including independent!

You can follow Caroline Roberts on Twitter, or through her blog.

Here's my review of the first book in this series, Rachel's Pudding Pantry.

If you're interested in romance books, then here's some others I've reviewed:

Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I was given this book for free in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to HarperCollins UK (the publishers) for this book.

Check out my GoodReads profile to see more reviews!

Was this review helpful?

A very sweet Christmas tale. I didn't realise that this was one of series when I picked it up however it definitely worked as a standalone book. Follow the adventures of Ruth, Tom, Rachel, Maisy and Jill in the lead up to the Christmas period. From battling low customer numbers at the cafe to high levels of snowfall on the farms this is a good little read. Recommended as a feel good Christmas tale.

Was this review helpful?

Farmer turned cafe/bakery owner and her mother and daughter are getting over her father's death and the breakup of a relationship. Will the cafe/bakery be successful, will her new relationship flourish, will her daughter be ok with her deadbeat father.

Easy to read, cute, fun and with recipes to try! I really enjoyed this book - the characters were believable, their lives relatable and the story was good. The ending was just right :)

Was this review helpful?

A delicious ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ treat that will leave you craving for more.

Back on Primrose Farm for a festive feast of puddings and all is not calm. Since our first visit to the Pudding Pantry, things have gotten a wee bit hectic for Rachel, single mother, farmer, girlfriend and café owner. As the holiday season drawers closer Rachel is being pulled in all directions, the tourist season is over and the Pantry’s customers are dwindling, Masie’s father is back on the scene, Tom, her boyfriend wants to see more of her and the farm is under threat.

It doesn’t end there, but I don’t wish to spoil anything, they are so many ingredients aka additional subplots stirred in this cozy story that you will be engrossed from cover to cover. So, wrap up warm, sit by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate to hand and enjoy this story which will leave you craving sticky toffee pudding :D

As always, my thanks to publisher #OneMoreChapter and #Netgalley for allowing me to read # ChristmasAtRachelsPuddingPantry

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Rachels-Pudding-Pantry-Book-ebook/dp/B07QGHH3Z7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4LCTLJVSD8ZZ&keywords=christmas+at+rachels+pudding+pantry&qid=1572708409&s=digital-text&smid=A1G3UP32AZJ14F&sprefix=Christmas+at+arc%2Cdigital-text%2C171&sr=1-1
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Rachels-Pudding-Pantry-Book-ebook/dp/B07QGHH3Z7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4LCTLJVSD8ZZ&keywords=christmas+at+rachels+pudding+pantry&qid=1572708409&s=digital-text&smid=A1G3UP32AZJ14F&sprefix=Christmas+at+arc%2Cdigital-text%2C171&sr=1-1
Also available on iBooks and Audible.

Was this review helpful?

I found this to be a very easy enjoyable read. Just what you need to get you in the Christmas spirit. I haven’t read the first book in the series but was able to read this one without feeling like I had missed out. Well rounded likeable characters and a story that keeps you interested. I definitely recommend this one. Thank you #net galley.

Was this review helpful?

Well worth a read with the inclusion of festive recipes providing a nice extra touch too. And, for me the book itself had all the ingredients for a perfect romcom:

• Budding romance
• Countryside village setting
• Close-knit family
• Cosy friendships
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Cute animals and children
• Christmas cheer

Yes like most chicklit it follows a tried and tested ‘recipe’ but it’s a formula that works and is one I love. However, this had more breadth than your typical sugar-coated romance. It was heart-warming but also real, embracing the ups and downs of life including illness, grief, single parenting, British farming and starting up a small business.

Essentially this was the story of the Swinton family - four generations of warm, strong women working together to make a success of their new business and keep their beloved farm. I loved the lead character, Rachel, a hard-working, driven, independent, kind, family-orientated young woman. Although I did find it hard to believe that Rachel was 24 – I mean being a young single mum is likely to make you grow up quickly but still the most mature, sensible 24 year old I’ve ever come across.

Five-year old Maisy, Rachel’s daughter, was obviously adorable too, providing many of the comedic moments. The best of these was undoubtedly the school nativity play where the farm’s overgrown lamb, Petie, played a supporting role alongside shepherd Maisy. Cue Petie lunging for a mouthful of hay, toppling Baby Jesus out of the crib, before leaping into the audience and galloping up and down only to poo on the floor on his way out.

As Christmas titles go this one was actually very festive, unlike many. It had Christmas puddings, the infamous nativity, snow storms, Christmas fairs and decorations galore. Although to be fair it also had fireworks and bonfires as it covered the run-up to Christmas too - so a real seasonal delight.

Seemingly this is the second novel in the Pudding Pantry series, with hints of a third to come. But, don’t let that put you off as it works perfectly well as a standalone too. All in all a great read which will certainly get you in the festive spirit (and make your mouth water will all the mentions of scrumptious sounding puddings).

Was this review helpful?

This was a sweet book about two farm owners, one a single mum who took over running the farm when her dad died. Tom owns the farm next to Rachel’s and although the two are dating, they don’t get enough time together.

Rachel and her mum Jill, open The Pudding Pantry, a place for people to meet for a hot drink and a slice of home made cake/pudding! Summer was busy but as the weather cools so does business! They come with ideas of how to make extra money, so Pudding Club starts and then after an article in the paper business picks up heading towards Christmas.

The problem is with Rachel so busy she rarely gets time with Tom, which doesn’t go down well, add ex partners to the mix and things could go either way for the couple.

With Christmas Day approaching, can Tom and Rachel figure things out, or has too much come between them.

I really did enjoy this book, it was an easy heartwarming read.

Was this review helpful?

A super sweet happyily ever after tale of two families learning to cope with sudden loss, responsibility and shifts in fortunes. Some decent recipes are a bonus.

Was this review helpful?

Another great read from Caroline Roberts.
A heartwarming tale with a sprinkling of Christmas festivities, familiar characters and a great storyline leaving me wanting more tales from the Pudding Pantry and more recipes too.
I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

The Northumberland setting is perfect for a festive edition of the pudding pantry. It is idyllic in many ways, but this story serves up a healthy portion of real life, with its picture-postcard Christmassy setting, and lovely comforting puddings.

After finding friendship can turn to romance Rachel and Tom are hoping for some festive romance, but farming is hard particularly in the winter months, and the pudding pantry is not making enough money now the tourists have gone home. Long hours and financial worries, mean romance is low down on the list, and even time together is hard to find.

The reappearance of ex-partners ramps up the tension, and make a happy ever after for Rachel and Tom further away than ever. The strong relationship between Rachel and her mother, grandmother and young daughter is the foundation of this story and makes it such a pleasure to read.

The festive touches are lovely and coupled with the twelve, simple but delicious-sounding recipes, you can visualise Christmastime at Primose Farm.so well.

Resourcefulness and romance triumph in the perfect ending.

I received a copy of this book from One More Chapter in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Christmas At Rachel’s Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts is the most delightful heart-warming contemporary novel that will really get you in the festive mood. It follows on from Rachel’s Pudding Pantry but can be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend reading both of these charming novels.
Christmas is a time for memories – remembering the old and making new. “Memories were catching up… the rawness of losing her Dad still a haunting feeling.” Loss is very acute. Rachel and her Mum, Jill ‘feel’ her father’s presence everywhere. Christmas heightens these feelings. Loss consumes but seems to hurt even more when suicide is involved. (I am not giving any plot away as this happened before the opening of book one)
Snow covers the ground as Christmas approaches but farm work must go on. Neighbours pull together when disaster threatens. The sense of community pervades the novel.
With holiday makers long gone, a new venture begins – the pudding club. This fosters an atmosphere of community as strangers become friends. “The Pudding Club… a place for community to meet up and … a sense of belonging.” The pudding club is “a little haven of friendship.”
The novel has the theme of fathers – not all are good role models but the losses are more than made up for by the care of the mothers and grandparents.
I loved the love, care and warmth that ran throughout the novel, enveloping the reader. With delicious descriptions from Caroline Roberts, the reader really ‘feels’ a part of the story as we journey through the action.
Peppered throughout are the mouth-watering recipes from the Pudding Club which I am dying to try.
Christmas At Rachel’s Pudding Club is a delightfully charming read infused with love, care and nostalgia. I adored it. I cannot wait to experience summer with Rachel and her family.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Rachel runs the pudding pantry with her mother Jill. They have the family farm and branched out after Rachel’s father died a short while ago. After the flurry of the summer tourists and visitors have gone and the Pudding Pantry needs to do more business to stay afloat. The Pudding club is born- a twice monthly evening of puds, recipes and discussion of all things pudding. What’s not to like. Rachel has a five year old daughter Maisy, whose father she has split from. Jake is not even good at his supposed weekly phone calls and lets his daughter down more often than not. Rachel has a new interest in her life in the shape of Tom someone she has known for many years and now romance is blossoming- or it would if she had more time. With the farm and the pantry time is something she has little of. A wonderful seasonal story interspersed with recipes for all things Christmas- from mince pies to fudge and whiskey and Orange christmas pudding. Whats not to like?
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

Was this review helpful?

I jumped at the opportunity to read this second in series - the first one was so good and incredibly delicious!

The Swinton family are looking forward to Christmas and all the delights the season brings; with Tom and Rachel's relationship blossoming things are looking promising on the romance front. When his ex-wife is spotted around the area, Rachel is a little put out that Tom doesn't mention her re-appearance. Then, of course, there is the worry that business has dropped in the Pudding Pantry affecting the farm's income - can she come up with a plan to turn things around?

Carrying on seamlessly from the first novel, this is an absolute delight to read but - trust me - you don't want to be hungry when you do! With delicious recipes throughout, your taste-buds are in for a real treat! Caroline Roberts develops the characters beautifully, creating a skilfully woven, feel-good story with so much going on! The farming details are really authentic, and there is love and humour throughout. Watch out for mention of Petie - guaranteed to make you laugh! Absolutely just the ticket to make you anticipate the festive season with warmth and a healthy appetite! I really hope there are more to come in this series, it is so charming and a truly wonderful read. Totally worth all five shining stars!

My thanks to publisher One More Chapter for my copy via NetGalley; this is my honest, original and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to One More Chapter for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I enjoyed Rachel’s story in the summer and I have been waiting ever since to get my Christmas fix at Primrose Farm.

Before you start this book I recommend doing some baking (or shopping for some bakes). This book is full of sweet treats and there are 12 recipes for you to try! I am definitely going to make the Toffee Apple Crumble. I quite like the sound of the Baileys cheesecake too.

Caroline has created 4 generations of Swinton women that are strong, hard-working and easy to love. From the eldest with Granny Ruth to the youngest with little Maisy. These women are fighters.

Not only do we see the ups and downs of the Pudding Pantry we also see how tough it is to run a farm. Especially at this time of year. Rachel and Tom go through some really tough times in this book. It’s something that most people wouldn’t even think about let alone experience.

The Swinton girls are still struggling with the loss of Robert, Rachel’s dad. Robert took his own life more than 2 years ago. Grief is a funny thing. One minute you are doing just fine and the next something sets you off. A memory, a smell and you are right back where you were when you first lost that person or animal.

This book is a deliciously festive treat. The Pudding Pantry is cosy and warm. I would love to spend a few hours there with a hot drink and a cake or two.

Was this review helpful?