Book Review - Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 31st October 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

*Doors open at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry again for Christmas!*
Cosy up with the new novel in the Pudding Pantry series, full of love, laughter, kisses under the mistletoe, and plenty of delicious pudding!

The first snow is falling over Primrose Farm, the mince pies are warming, and Rachel can’t wait to share a kiss under the mistletoe with her gorgeous new flame, Tom.

If only it was all comfort and joy . . . The arrival of Tom’s ex brings an unwelcome chill to the farm. And despite Master Baker Mum Jill’s valiant efforts, the new pudding pantry business is feeling the pinch.

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

Within a chapter or two I was fully back on board with life at Primrose Farm  and it was like I hadn't even been away.  I am absolutely loving these four generations of women who are fighting to keep the farm solvent and hoping that their newly set up Pudding Pantry will help do just that. 

We have Grandma Ruby, who's Christmas pudding is legendary and is generally a wonderful baker.  Mum Jill, who loves baking and is still feeling the loss of her husband this festive season.  Rachel who the book focuses around who is doing her best at keeping the farm and pudding pantry running, while looking after daughter Maisie (who is adorable), and seeing if she can keep her fledgling relationship with Tom on track. 

Please don't read this like I did when recovering from dental extraction surgery when I could barely eat anything myself... but yet was being made extra super duper hungry from the mentions of all the wonderful puddings in this book.   If you are a fan of puddings, tarts, crumbles etc.. there will be plenty in here for your mouth to water over.   

Plus there are also the 12 bakes of Christmas complete with recipes, for those that like to indulge in a bit of baking themselves. 

There are many ups and downs in this book and I found myself completely absorbed by life on the farm.  I felt for the animals, I loved Maisie's nativity play, I enjoyed the creation of the Pudding Pantry Club and getting to know all the different people attending that. 

I really just loved everything, all wrapped up in Caroline Roberts wonderfully heartwarming and comforting writing style, that made me hungry,  had me laughing, awwing, worried at times and generally just had me on the side of the Swinton family, hoping everything would work out. 

This was a joy to read,  and I can't wait to see what happens in the next Pudding Pantry book that was hinted at in the acknowledgements.    It is a fabulous series and one I am very keen to continue reading.   Just wish I didn't need to wait for the author to write it first!! 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Please do follow along with all these fabulous bookbloggers on this blog tour

Book Review - Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Rachel's Pudding Pantry

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 18th April 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

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!

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. 

Please do follow along with all these other fabulous bloggers. 

Book Review - The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop by Caroline Roberts

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title:  The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 28th June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

When Emma opened her gorgeous little chocolate shop in the harbour village of Warkton-by-the-Sea, she realised a lifelong dream. Love is also blossoming with her hunky beau, Max, who’s slowly healing her fragile heart.

Summer is here and life has never felt so sweet. Until the rainclouds start to gather…

A rival sweet shop and killjoy landlord give Emma a headache, and when a face from the past turns up unannounced, Emma finds herself spiralling down memory lane. With Max’s crazy work schedule driving him to distraction, Emma’s in danger of making some choices she might regret . . .

With close friends, spaniel Alfie, and the whole village behind her, can Emma get the chocolate shop and her love life back on track?

Only time will tell in this deliciously romantic novel of love, loss, hope and second chances.

I've been hungry permanently for two days as I have been reading this book, the chocolates, oh the chocolates, I wish I could go to Warkton-by-the-Sea, walk into Emma's shop and just buy all the delectable sounding goodies.  

In fact I made the mistake of reading the start of this just as I was going to bed, and then struggled to sleep as I was craving sugary treats and was really hungry! 

It really is such a cosy seaside chocolate shop and the village is wonderful too. This is the sequel to the Christmas book  and I was able to re-pick up on not only the story but the warmth of the writing, the location, and of course the chocolates really quickly. 

This is a book that just gave filled me with a warm fuzzy feeling and its filled with drama as nothing goes smoothly at all. 

The landlord of the chocolate shop is up to his normal obnoxious tricks, a blast from the past appears for Emma, and there is a new sweet shop in town too.   The other people working in the shop Bev and Holly are both great and between them all come up with new initiatives for the shop and I do agree with them Prosecco and Chocolate sounds like a great combination. 

There is so much packed into these pages,  it is impossible not to be enthralled and entertained, and it was always with great reluctance that I had to take a break from reading to re-enter the real world  from time to time, purely to get some work done! 

I may be fixated on the chocolate but it all just sounds all good, and well it is the main location in the book.  I thoroughly enjoyed all elements of the book though and really do recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable romance, or those of course with sweet tooth. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Recipe - Bev’s Raspberry-Gin Chocolate Truffles from Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour - Bookish World Cup - England

Today I am bringing you a recipe from Bev, Emma's friend and assistant in The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop. They sound delicious and my review for this fabulous book is up on 10th August, so try to remember to come back for that too! 

Bev’s Raspberry-Gin Chocolate Truffles

 (Makes approx. 24)

Ingredients:

125ml double cream *

250g of good quality (at least 70%) dark chocolate, finely chopped

2 tablespoons raspberry gin (or why not try sloe gin, elderflower gin – whatever takes your fancy!)

125g dark, milk or white chocolate to decorate

Method:

1. Bring the cream just to the boil in a small pan. Remove from heat and stir in the dark chocolate until melted.

2. Stir in the gin. Pour into a bowl and chill until firm (in a fridge for around 4 hours).

3. Scoop out a teaspoon of mixture, roll into a ball with your hands – this is the messy bit! – and place onto greaseproof paper. Repeat.

4. Melt your preferred decorating chocolate gently in a bowl over hot water (white or dark – both work really well).

5. Using a fork or cocktail sticks dip the truffle balls into the melted chocolate to coat all over. Transfer to greaseproof paper to set.

*As these truffles are made with cream, store in a fridge and eat within one week.

Perfect served with prosecco and friends!

Amazon UK

When Emma opened her gorgeous little chocolate shop in the harbour village of Warkton-by-the-Sea, she realised a lifelong dream. Love is also blossoming with her hunky beau, Max, who’s slowly healing her fragile heart.

Summer is here and life has never felt so sweet. Until the rainclouds start to gather…

A rival sweet shop and killjoy landlord give Emma a headache, and when a face from the past turns up unannounced, Emma finds herself spiralling down memory lane. With Max’s crazy work schedule driving him to distraction, Emma’s in danger of making some choices she might regret . . .

With close friends, spaniel Alfie, and the whole village behind her, can Emma get the chocolate shop and her love life back on track?

Only time will tell in this deliciously romantic novel of love, loss, hope and second chances.

And for more chocolate shop goodies, please do follow along with the rest of this blog tour.  I am very curious to see just how much chocolate is involved!

Book Review - My Summer of Magic Moments by Caroline Roberts - #HolidayReading Book 26

Book 26 of 30 that I read on my holiday to Fuerteventura in December 2017

Amazon UK

Title: My Summer of Magic Moments

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 1st June 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

When a seaside escape spells a little romance . . .

Claire is ready for a bright new chapter. Winding her way to the coast for a cosy cottage retreat, she prays that three weeks of blissful peace and summer sunshine will wash away the pain of the last year.

Claire’s a survivor – she’s growing proud of the scars that prove it – and she’s determined to make the most of each and every day, to seize those little magic moments that give life its sparkle.

Her plan for peaceful solitude goes awry when handsome, brooding Ed turns up in the cottage next door. Will a little summer romance prove the worst distraction? Or might it be the perfect remedy?

Lovely story that makes you really think about the small pleasures you have in your life.

Its a rather gentle book that I enjoyed the writing of, and especially loved Claire's willingness to keep trying to bake new breads that sounded delicious. 

I also loved the early morning swims of her rather hard to get to know neighbour in the cottage she rented for a few weeks,  especially his rather magnificent physique. 

Its another lovely book from Caroline Roberts, which feels a bit different from the previous once I've read by her. Some absolutely fabulous moments including the whole muddy assault course which was a delight to read about, in addition to some moments of drama and tension too.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop by Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title:  The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 2nd November 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

The snow is falling, the hot chocolate’s warming, and hearts are melting . . .

Emma is the proud owner of The Chocolate Shop by the Sea, nestled in the heart of the cosy seaside village that’s become her home. With Christmas right around the corner, she and her assistant Holly are busy cooking up the locals’ festive favourites.

From cinnamon hot chocolates to reindeer lollipops, Christmas wouldn’t taste the same without a little cocoa magic. And for Emma it’s the perfect distraction from her romantic pains of the past. So when the shop’s miserly landlord threatens to hike up the rent, Emma’s Christmas and New Year suddenly look a lot less cheerful.

With the whole village rallying behind her – and loyal spaniel Alfie by her side – Emma’s determined to hold onto her chocolate-box dream.

The chocolate calendar countdown is on. Can Emma rescue her business and her broken heart?

Christmas, a cute dog, a chocolate shop and a gorgeous man - what more could a girl wish for in a book? Well for me absolutely nothing, this was such a sumptuous story,  I just didn't want it to end. 

I don't think there was a second reading this book where I wasn't really hungry and craving some of Emma's exquisitely hand crafted chocolates. The flavours popped off the page, as did the shapes and designs. I really wanted to eat all of them, or just visit the shop for its spectacular window displays.  

Without a doubt this is a chocolate lovers paradise of a book, just make sure you have some of your own on hand as a snack, although I doubt it would taste as nice as Emma's.  

So not the largest chocolate fan? Don't worry there is more than enough story in the book too, for Emma isn't having the best time of it, something happened in her past that makes her not really want a man, and her landlord keeps putting her rent up, making her finances a problem. 

I loved Emma's best friend Bev and her assistant Holly, as well as Emma's willingness to help anyone she can. This book takes place over a year so although a fair amount of it is festive, it could be read pre or post festive season quite easily. 

In a nice change from books by the sea being set in Devon or Cornwall, this one is in Northumberland which has a different feel to it, and you get to know the location really well,  and it was so nice to be on the coast.  

I adored this book, it really is quite cosy, its definitely Christmas and without a doubt there is a chocolate shop which all combines into a fabulous novel that I would highly recommend. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Q&A with Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour

1. Was there anything about My Summer of Magic Moments that you found difficult to write?

No – not difficult, but at times it was an emotional book to write. When I fully engage with my characters I really feel the emotions with them and I was at times crying at the laptop, especially the scene in the park where Ed reveals the truth of his past.

Bamburgh beach on publication day

2.  Besides your editor, who is the first person you show your work to and why?

I have a close friend Isabel, who has read a lot of my books. She’s an avid reader and likes contemporary fiction. I would trust her to be honest in her opinion too. Although, I don’t like to show my work to anyone too soon; I need to work it all out myself first, up to a completed first edit.

Caroline's Back Garden

3.  Please could you tell us something that isn’t commonly known about you?

I was literally surrounded by books as a child. My dad used to work for a book distribution company in the South West Of England, so on my school holidays I would often go to the depot or sit in the van with books all around me, sometimes thousands of books. So I really have been brought up with books!

4. Could you describe your perfect day?

A leisurely breakfast in the sun - coffee, croissants, juice - then go for a walk on the beach with my family and our spaniel, Meg. After that a lunch out, then chill out for a while reading a book or magazine, by late afternoon I’d have some friends round for a glass of prosecco, again out in the sunshine in my back garden which overlooks the beautiful Northumberland countryside, which would then run into some Mediterranean style supper al fresco; I love tapas, or Greek or Italian food. Bliss!

Greek Island Holiday

5.  Summer finally seems to have arrived! What are you top destinations for a romantic summer escape?

• Northumberland is beautiful, with a gorgeous coastline and rolling hills. Staying over in a country hotel would be so nice. 
• The Greek Islands are lovely. We have had some great holidays there when my children were younger. I particularly like Corfu; hiring a boat, swimming in the sea, visiting pretty villages, eating out in tavernas. 
• The Maldives are very special - I have been lucky enough to go there twice – just amazing , clear blue seas, fabulous snorkelling, wonderful beach hotels. The perfect island escape.
• A safari in South Africa. My magic moment of this year so far was watching a herd of giraffes peacefully grazing, whilst I was stood with a G&T watching the sun go down over the African hills – stunning.

When a seaside escape spells a little romance . . .

Claire is ready for a bright new chapter. Winding her way to the coast for a cosy cottage retreat, she prays that three weeks of blissful peace and summer sunshine will wash away the pain of the last year.

Claire’s a survivor – she’s growing proud of the scars that prove it – and she’s determined to make the most of each and every day, to seize those little magic moments that give life its sparkle.

Her plan for peaceful solitude goes awry when handsome, brooding Ed turns up in the cottage next door. Will a little summer romance prove the worst distraction? Or might it be the perfect remedy?

A gorgeous, heartwarming novel to make your heart soar from the author of The Cosy Teashop in the Castle.

Purchase on Amazon UK

Don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour stops. 

Book Review - The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop by Caroline Roberts

Amazon UK

Title: The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 14th October 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

From sleigh bells to wedding bells . . .

After a rocky start, Ellie Hall baked her way into everyone’s hearts at Claverham Castle – even the miserly Lord Henry was won over – and the run-down teashop regained its old sparkle.

Now Ellie has upgraded cupcakes for fairytale masterpieces as the proud caterer for an ever-growing list of weddings at the castle. The teashop team love baking to the tune of happy ever afters, but can they pull together when a certain bridezilla pushes them all to boiling point?

Christmas is just around the corner, and a last minute booking threatens to snow the team under. Ellie and her hunky hubby Joe have their own Christmas dreams to chase, but they’re determined to pull through and give this special couple the winter wonderland wedding they deserve.

Will Christmas at the Cosy Teashop be a showstopper to remember?

The Cosy Tea Shop gets even better in this festive sequel. Set 5 years after the first book, Claverham Castle are now offering weddings, and Ellie is starting to cater for some of them, as well as be a wedding organiser. She and Joe are also really hoping to hear the sound of tiny feet in the near future, but that side of things aren't going as smoothly. 

Food is a big part of this book, from the delicious cakes in the tea shop, to the main courses being created for some of the wedding parties. However the cakes that really stick in my mind are two very specific wedding cakes. One of them was for a bridezilla who was very hard to please, and with very little time left to the wedding demanded a change of cake, and rainbow layered cake just sounds incredibly colourful. 

The other cake featured towards the end, in a wedding that had me in tears of happiness, as we have got to know the couple getting married throughout the book, and they are down to earth lovely people, and the cake was just exquisite. 

In both cases the writing had me being able to vividly see the cakes in my imagination, and could almost taste them, which is a sign of just how good the descriptions were in this book. In fact all of the story, not just the edible side of it, was  treated to the same level of details, and I felt as thought I really got to know the castle and Ellie and Joe even better with this book. 

If you haven't read the first book, besides missing out on a fabulous story, you will still be able to read The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop, as the timeline has jumped so much, there are things referenced from the first book and I do think it should be enough for you to read as a standalone. 

For a book filled with Christmas cheer, a Christmas fayre, a few weddings including the over the top hilarious bridezilla - seriously just look out for how they deal with the request for a mythical creature, an unexpected Father Christmas, and some heartache and emotional ups and downs, and you have a simply marvellous book. 

The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop is a very easy to read book, and I found time melting away as I was absorbed in the story, and just enjoyed it from cover to cover. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for my copy of the book. This was my honest opinion. 

Guest Post - Caroline Roberts talks about her new release The Cosy Christmas Teashop

Hi Rachel,

Thank you so much for hosting me on your fabulous Rachel’s Random Reads! Today is rather special as there is only one day to go to the publication of The Cosy Christmas Teashop (e-book available on the 14th October) - so it’s feeling rather like Christmas Eve to me.

I’m really excited about this book release. I loved writing Ellie and Joe’s story in The Cosy Teashop in the Castle, and it’s been lovely to revisit them and Claverham Castle for this sequel. I loved the setting so much and could just picture it being even more magical in the Winter time, and it has been great to meet up again with the characters from the original book; it felt like going to visit old friends. In the Cosy Christmas book, Ellie and Joe have now been married three years, and have new trials and tribulations to face, as well as lots of fun, love and laughter. I won’t say too much about the plot, I’ll let you find out the storyline for yourselves, but it should make you laugh, smile and occasionally bring a tear to your eye.

Being set in the quaint Castle Teashop, as well as there being some fabulous wedding events featured too, there was lots of room for festive cakes and bakes in this book. I had a ball thinking up mouth-watering ideas, from rainbow-layered Wedding cakes to mint-choc brownies, gingerbread stars, mince pies, crumbly shortbread, Christmas cakes, crunchy-chewy meringues, homemade fudge for the Christmas Craft Fayre, and much more. There are also two recipes for readers to find at the back of the book: Ellie’s Snowy Christmas Cupcakes, and Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble (one of my winter favourites, it’s so warming and homely) which both feature in the storyline too.

Here’s an extra recipe for you to try out:

Ellie’s Mini Chocolate-chip Shortbreads:  Makes 12

(Ideal to bag up as Christmas gifts, or to share over a cup of coffee or mugs of warming hot chocolate)

Oven Gas 3 or 170C

150g plain flour
100g butter
50g caster sugar 
½ teaspoon vanilla essence
Pinch of salt
50g chocolate chips (dark ones are lovely in this!)


Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla essence.
Using a fork gradually stir in flour and a pinch of salt, then add the chocolate chips, and mix to a firm dough with your fingertips.
Roll out (between two sheets of cling film helps!)to a rectangle approx 1cm deep and cut into 4cm squares. Transfer squares to a baking sheet lined with baking parchment.
Place on baking tray for 17-20 mins and cook until a pale straw colour. 
Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container (unless they’ve all been eaten!). Delicious!

Thanks for having me here,

Caroline x

You are very welcome Caroline. I really am looking forward to reading The Cosy Christmas Teashop and those short bread look delicious. I hope you have a wonderful publication day tomorrow.

About Caroline Roberts

Caroline Roberts lives in the beautiful Northumberland countryside with her husband. The sandy beaches, castles and rolling hills around her inspire her writing. She enjoys writing about relationships; stories of love, loss, friends and family - stories to make you laugh, smile and sometimes shed a tear or two. A slice of cake, glass of bubbly, and a cup of tea, would make her day – preferably served with friends! She believes in striving for your dreams, which led her to a publishing deal with Harper Collins (yippee!) after many years of writing. The Cosy Christmas Teashop is her third novel.

If you’d like to find out more about Caroline, visit her on Twitter, Facebook and her blog – she’d love to hear from you!

Twitter  @_caroroberts
Facebook  www.facebook.com/CarolineRobertsAuthor
http://carolinerobertswriter.blogspot.co.uk

Amazon link for The Cosy Christmas Teashop  https://t.co/Li4tJNaUNl

Amazon link for The Cosy Teashop in the Castle https://t.co/4oSo0o3EDD

From sleigh bells to wedding bells . . .

After a rocky start, Ellie Hall baked her way into everyone’s hearts at Claverham Castle – even the miserly Lord Henry was won over – and the run-down teashop regained its old sparkle.

Now Ellie has upgraded cupcakes for fairytale masterpieces as the proud caterer for an ever-growing list of weddings at the castle. The teashop team love baking to the tune of happy ever afters, but can they pull together when a certain bridezilla pushes them all to boiling point?

Christmas is just around the corner, and a last minute booking threatens to snow the team under. Ellie and her hunky hubby Joe have their own Christmas dreams to chase, but they’re determined to pull through and give this special couple the winter wonderland wedding they deserve.

Will Christmas at the Cosy Teashop be a showstopper to remember?

Book Review - The Cosy Teashop in the Castle by Caroline Roberts

Amazon UK

Title: The Cosy Teashop in the Castle

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 25th February 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

Can Ellie bake her way to a happy ever after? A deliciously heartwarming novel for fans of Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson.

When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna’s brilliant baking legacy.

When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie’s showstopping bakes look set to go down in castle history!

Now all that’s missing in Ellie’s life is a slice of romance – can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie’s dream?

Alert - This book will make you hungry. Make sure you read it with cake nearby to eat as you read!

Loved the setting of this book, at Claverham Castle, and its cast of staff. From the tour guides, to Ellie's new waitresses and of course Lord Henry, you have a great selection a people to work in a castle. 

Ellie manages to bluff her way into running the tearooms at Claverham Castle, knowing that her beloved Nanna would be willing her along all the way. She impresses Lord Henry and Joe, with her Nanna's Choffee cake, and variety of flavoured scones. But in private despite landing the job of her dreams, she is panicking with her own inexperience. 

As the summer season at the castle proceeds, Ellie, learns all manner of lessons, and even falls in love. 

This book like its title suggests is a warm and cosy read for a cold winters day, and will have you longing to be served in the tearoom. The selection of cakes, and paninis on offer sounded delicious, and I loved the easy to read writing of this story. 

The Cost Teashop in the Castle is a welcoming story, of Ellie's struggles to set out on her own, and run her own teashop. Ellie is a lovely girl, who is very determined, and it felt like someone who you would want as your own friend. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Guest Post - Top Ten Tips for a romantic weekend in Northumberland by Caroline Roberts - Blog Tour

Welcome to the start of the blog tour for The Cosy Tea Shop in the Castle by Caroline Roberts. I am delighted to welcome Caroline to the blog to share with us, her Top Ten Tips for a romantic weekend in Northumberland.

·         Bamburgh Beach and Castle – the scenery is stunning on this beach, and the village is lovely. It’s one of my favourite places in Northumberland! You could even stay at one of the lovely hotels or B&Bs. You’ll get a very special meal at The Mizen Head Hotel.

·         Book a cosy cottage and take some walks (and a picnic with you!) in to the Northumbrian hills – head for Ingram Valley, or there are wonderful walks in the Cheviots from Wooler Common, a lovely one for starters is Humbleton Hill.

·         Walk on Newton Links and Embleton Beach to the Ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle (this beach featured in my first book “TheTorn Up Marriage”). Then pop to either of the pubs at Newton-by-the-sea or Low Newton for a fabulous meal.

·         Warkworth village – such a pretty village, with some lovely quaint shops. Make sure you pop to the gorgeous patisserie Cabosse and the Fenwick gallery there.

·         Spend an afternoon in the town of Alnwick – try out The Chocolate Spa, Grannies Tea Rooms or Bari Tea for a treat.

·         Go to The Alnwick Gardens and you must visit The Treehouse there – a very romantic spot and unique indeed.

·         Visit Chillingham Castle  - an amazing place, and the castle that inspired The Cosy Teashop. The countryside around here is just beautiful.

·         The village of Craster. You can walk to the ruins of Dunstanburgh, or along the coast the other way towards Sugar Sands beach (Boulmer) both walks are fairly easy and have stunning views. Visit Mick Oxley’s Gallery in Craster, and have a spot of lunch at The Jolly Fisherman - on a nice day, you can sit in the garden there with a lovely sea view.

·         Go star-gazing at the Kielder Observatory. One of the finest and most magical places in Britain for watching the night skies.

·         Take a boat trip to The Farne Islands, and view puffins, and many varieties of seabirds, and watch out for the gorgeous grey seals. Late October to mid-Dec is a great time for seeing the seal pups.

About Caroline Roberts

Family, friends, food, a glass of bubbly and, of course, a good book make Caroline smile. She loves writing emotional stories about love, loss, betrayal, and family that explore how complex and yet beautiful love can be. She also likes to write romantic comedy, letting the characters have a bit of fun too! Caroline believes in following your dreams, which led her here to Harper Impulse and a publishing deal after many years of writing. Stunning Northumberland is her home – sandy beaches, castles and gorgeous countryside that have inspired her writing.   

Amazon UK

Can Ellie bake her way to a happy ever after? A deliciously heartwarming novel for fans of Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson.

When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna’s brilliant baking legacy.

When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie’s showstopping bakes look set to go down in castle history!

Now all that’s missing in Ellie’s life is a slice of romance – can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie’s dream?

Thank you so much for your tips Caroline. My review for The Cosy Tea Shop in the Castle is being posted tomorrow, so please check back to see it. And please do continue to enjoy the blog tour at all the other fab blogs. 

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