4 “Oh Crumbs!!!” Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was such an enchanting love story so full of heart and family! Because if you fall in love with Abby you not only get her but her dad, her four sisters, and of course her dog Pat... this book would make such a heartwarming movie and I could just see actresses fighting over the part of Abby... she would be a lot of fun to play!

Abby has put her dreams on hold to take care of her family after her mother’s death... abby is the oldest of five spirited girls, so she absolutely has her hands full.... her sisters certainly added some laughs and touching moments to this book... her father was a kind loving man who really wanted the best for Abby, but was quite overwhelmed with all these girls!

Abby gets a job at a biscuit/cookie company and that’s where she meets Douglas.... Douglas is her boss and his family owns the company... I loved that Douglas adored Abby even though she spoke before she thought... something Abby and I have in common! He also saw her for the smart, caring, and quirky girl she was.... The relationship between them was sweet and I loved the mutual respect they had for one another... although I must admit Douglas and his insecurities drove me crazy! Good thing he had a good friend to talk some sense into him! The final outcome in this book was perfect! Although I was thinking “Oh crumbs!!!” when it was over, because I wanted more!

Absolutely recommend this delightful romance that will leave you with a smile on your face and hope in your heart💕

*** many thanks to Choc Lit for my copy of this book ***

I don't read a lot of chick lit these days but I can always find time in my busy reading schedule for Kathryn Freeman. It is only through my love of Formula 1 that I discovered Kathryn Freeman's books when I spotted Monaco's Fairmont Hairpin on the cover of her book set in the world of motor racing: Before You. Needless to say, I absolutely loved Before You but I have to say that Oh Crumbs has just overtaken on the straight and has become my new favourite chick lit book.

My heart was squeezed to breaking point as we are introduced to the Spencer family on what is probably the worst day of their lives at Abby's mum's funeral. Abby gave up going to university to look after her four younger sisters and has learnt to curb her expletives by saying 'oh crumbs' instead of something stronger, so when a job comes up at prestigious biscuit company, Crumbs, it seems like fate. It is fate indeed when Managing Director Douglas Faulkner's piercing blue eyes meet Abby's pools of molten chocolate. Doug hires Abby on the spot as his PA and there's an attraction there that neither of them can deny but Doug never lets anyone get close to him. Thankfully, Abby isn't just anyone!

Abby and the whole Spencer clan are THE most colourful set of characters I have ever come across. They each have individual traits that had me smiling from ear to ear when I wasn't laughing out loud at their antics. Abby is so scatty sometimes but she has an amazing business brain and, with a houseful of children, knows a thing or two about biscuits. Abby often engages her mouth before her brain but I found myself admiring her ability to tell Delectable Doug or his frightful father just what she thinks.

Doug is such a tortured soul, doing a job he hates for a father he despises and I have never felt such an attraction to a literary character since Mr Darcy. Doug's dark and brooding manner coupled with underlying insecurities does make him similar to Darcy so it's no wonder I felt my heart defrosting when Doug was around. Doug is carrying a secret around like a weight around his neck and he can't risk destroying his family if it gets out, so he continually pushes Abby away, however, Abby thinks he's worth fighting for. Will he ever let his guard down? More like will he still have a guard to let down once Abby takes a battering ram to it!

Oh Crumbs really is a ray of sunshine; although it starts off in a very sad place, I felt my heart repairing bit by bit as I watched the Spencer family grow up. Each and every one of them staked a claim on my heart so I read most of the book with a smile on my face and I simply could not contain my tears of happiness at the end. Tremendously heartwarming, poignant and often hilarious, Oh Crumbs is most definitely a book you will want to read this year.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This is my first book of Kathryn Freeman and I'm not disappointed. First, if you read the blurb you may be curious about what secret Doug is hiding, and also what will happen to Abby, since in the blurb she's described as "as an airhead – she talks too much and is a bit of a klutz – but there’s more to her than that". And I was one of the ones that got curious by those two things.

Second, I always love when a book makes me connect with the characters and makes me have those fun moments when I laugh a lot and have to stop reading for a moment, of just a small chuckle that just lights up the mood. And Kathryn gave that touch of humor and interesting characters that make us connect to the story and stay concentrated in the book.

I really liked Abby. First of all, I could connect to her since she's an older sister, and I know how much responsibility sometimes we (older sisters) may have because of our younger sibling. Even right now that I'm almost 24 and my brother will be 17, I still see my brother as my baby brother, and I feel responsible for him, and my mom trust me to help out at home and with my brother.

Besides that fact and similarity, I liked how Abby is honest and genuine, she made me laugh,and be excited to know more about her life or (specially) what she would say. I felt like I could be her friend in real life and that's always something I think it's always fun when it happens.

Then there is Doug, and he's an intriguing character. Then he's first described it got me very curious, I could imagine him and I thought that if he had the looks and a great personality this could go smooth, but I knew that would happen because it wouldn't make it as fun to read. And his personality... honestly it made me laugh a couple of time, especially the interactions, because of different they could be for one another, and that just made things much more interesting.

And reading in his POV it was different and, even thought not as much as with Abby, I could connect with him too. Which means that the characters are believable and the storyline perfect and that goes in a good pace that makes it interactive.

From the title, to the cover, the blurb and finally the epic, sweet and yummy story... Kathryn gave us a book to enjoy and ask for more. One of those book that you know you will reread in the future and still love it after the 20th time reading it.

I totally recommend it to everyone that wants to warm up and enjoy a good afternoon, relax and with your beverage and snacks of choice.

Laughter, characters that make you both swoon and want to punch them (this is obviously theoretical – I would never punch them in real life), and luuuuurve…….

Abby is a little crazy but, having been dealt the hand she has in life, who can blame her? Doug is a strong character and not used to the kind of chaos that Abby brings into the workplace. Or the chaos she brings to his heart…

With strong character- and scene-setting, vivid descriptions, fresh plot, and sprinkles of humour, this is one delicious read. Highly recommended!

I loved every bit of this story (yes, even the more graphic bits, because they were quite tastefully done). Please can I have a sister like Abby? She was a total delight. And as for Doug, the tortured silent type? Gimmee, gimmee, gimmee!!

This book is funny, and uplifting, and has a couple of twists and turns that I didn't anticipate, and all in all is a good solid chick lit.

A book with biscuits in it, written by Kathryn Freeman? What more could anyone want? As a massive, massive fan of both Kathryn Freeman AND biscuits, I had a pretty good feeling about 'Oh Crumbs'!

I have to quickly admit though, at first I did find myself a little bit unsure about the book as it didn't make me go 'oooohhhhh' straight away like previous books by Kathryn Freeman have. However, after making a cuppa to go with the biscuits my sub-conscience was going to snaff pretty soon, 'Oh Crumbs' took me under its wing like a packet of chocolate chip digestives (aka, TWG's favourite biscuit). This book is, in my opinion, a little bit of a slow starter, but trust me when I say that it more than makes up for it as the story progresses.

To look at, Abby Spencer is a woman some males may call......typical, yet surprisingly enough, Abby makes their jaw drop in shock when she shows them that she is more than blonde hair and curves. Of course not everyone Abby comes across in the book believes her, and she finds herself in a bit of a pickle due to assumptions and anger which has been wrongly dumped on her. As a woman in her mid-twenties, Abby has had to grow up pretty fast due to the life shattering cards which life itself chose to deal her, and she realises that she needs to do something for her before she finds herself resenting her situation, even though it wasn't anyone's fault.

I ADORED Abby. I found her to be such a genuine, warm-hearted and fiery character, the uncertainty of knowing what would come out of her mouth filled me with excitement as I knew it was either going to make me laugh, or make me think 'you go girl!'. I'm not as fabulous as Abby, ahem, but I couldn't help but see a little bit of myself in the way that she carried herself. She is absolutely brilliant. I reckon a lot of readers will be able to relate to her not only due to her personality, but because of the way she has dealt with the challenges in her life.

Goodness me, Doug is a bit of a marmite character is he not?! He obviously has the looks (thanks to Kathryn Freeman's wonderfully descriptive writing, I was able to create a rather vivid image in my mind!), yet he also has the arrogance to boot. Harsh? Possibly. Like Abby, Doug hasn't had it easy, but it doesn't excuse him for speaking and acting without thinking, hurting people in the process. Maybe he does that because it is all he has ever known? All I know is, is that Doug has a lot of pent-up anger and I hope he finds the release he so desperately needs. Well, he certainly released something alright -fans self-.

Kathryn Freeman has done it once again and I am OVER THE MOON that she has! This author writes the types of books I could quite happily read time and time again, and now she has added 'Oh Crumbs' to that selection. I know me and the biscuit book were unsure of each other to begin with, but Freeman pulled it out of the bag, kept the biscuits intact, and gave me a story which left me grinning from ear to ear. I would LOVE to see Abby and Doug back again as I reckon they have a lot more story to tell. Yes, I am majorly hinting for a sequel! Oooooh, maybe even a book with Doug's mother as the character of the moment, I'm sure that she has a few more stories to tell! Either way, more please!!!

'Oh Crumbs', like Peter Kay once said about a certain type of biscuit, isn't an 'f-ing one dip', nor is it a book which doesn't fit. Instead, 'Oh Crumbs' is the creme de la creme, a book which, thanks to Peter Kay again, would probably say 'DIP ME. AGAIN'. There was nothing I didn't like about this book as I loved every single crumb the author wrote. I laughed out loud, became hot under the collar, felt empathy towards certain characters, felt anger towards another bunch of characters, and had my face ache due to smiling like a BN biscuit. 'Oh Crumbs' is such a heart-felt, laugh out loud, free-spirited, and romantic novel which will make the most judgemental of people, remove the metal rod from their youknowwhat. Another cracking read from an author who just gets better and better, every single time. What a delight.

Kathryn Freeman deftly blends humour, pathos, emotion and romance in Oh Crumbs, a deliciously compelling treat readers will find absolutely impossible to resist.

Abby Spencer has been a surrogate mother to her four younger sisters since the age of thirteen after the sudden death of their own mum. Having made great sacrifices for the sake of her family, Abby’s life revolves around the needs of her siblings and their father. She might have had to put her dreams on the back burner and make so many compromises, she had lost count, but Abby wouldn’t have it any other way. Although life is hard, she counts her blessings and is thankful to have the love and support of her family. Now in possession of a business degree, Abby hopes to put all her skills and knowledge to good use and she is absolutely delighted when she lands a job at biscuit company Crumbs. Abby hopes that this will the be the start of a brand new life for her and her family, but working as a personal secretary to Doug Faulkner, the managing director, brings with it a set of problems she hadn’t initially foreseen – mainly that her boss is the most gorgeous man she has ever clapped eyes on! Abby had already fallen in love with her former boss and lived to regret it, so she is adamant that she will not let history repeat itself and make the same mistake twice. But that is easier said than done…

Doug Faulkner hates Crumbs and all it represents with a passion. He would much rather be anywhere else and do something other than be the managing director of a company which he feels stifles him daily. Having always had a difficult relationship with his father, Doug gets increasingly frustrated with having to work with him and he cannot imagine ever walking through the company doors with a spring in his step – but all that changes when Abby Spencer comes to work for him. Abby is not only efficient, kind-hearted and the best personal assistant he has ever had, but she is also the first woman in a very long time who has managed to breach the walls he had built around himself. Despite knowing that he should give Abby a very wide berth and keep things strictly professional with her, the more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself falling madly in love with her.

However, Doug is not all that he seems. He is a man with a very troubled past and with secrets in his heart. Secrets that could forbid him from ever hoping to have a decent future with someone as sweet as Abby. Is Doug going to let Abby slip through his fingers? Or will he take a leap of faith and a chance on love?

Oh Crumbs is a wonderful contemporary romance I absolutely loved! Kathryn Freeman writes wonderfully believable, absorbing and tender-hearted novels with characters you simply cannot help but fall in love with and in Oh Crumbs, she has created a fantastic heroine who is kind, funny, resourceful and who never lets things get on top of her or allow life to get her down. I also loved Doug and thoroughly enjoyed seeing him slowly break down the walls which he had built around himself.

A terrific romantic read that will make you laugh and cry, Oh Crumbs is a highly enjoyable tale that is simply sensational!

From the very start I was rooting for Abby after having such a terribly sad thing happen to her I loved her positive and bubbly personality. Then you have Doug who is pretty much Abby's opposite and hiding a few secrets that I couldn't wait to discover. Abby and Doug always managed to make me smile as there was such a fabulous balance of sizzling chemistry and humour as the pair interacted.

I loved Abby's family and even though I felt for her character as she had to shoulder a lot of responsibility her family is so close and this really shines through in the story. Abby says exactly what she thinks which makes for some amusing moments especially when she says "oh crumbs" and I loved seeing Doug's reactions!

Oh Crumbs has endearing characters that will make you smile along with seeing the many sparks that fly when Abby and Doug are together. If you are in the need of a pick me up or a story that will brighten your day then look no further Oh Crumbs will be perfect!

This is a wonderful story about love and family. I enjoyed every moment!

Five stars from me!

With thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources and Choc Lit for my copy.

Abby Spencer has been dealt a pretty tough hand in life, having lost her mum when she was just a teenager. She's supported her dad and her sisters, stepping up to be a replacement mum and housekeeper to them all. She watched as her friends left town to follow their dreams at university while she quietly accepted her lot, taking temping jobs through the secretarial agency in order to help support the family. She had worked hard to achieve a business degree through the open university, studying away in her evenings after a day's work then making sure the family were fed and prepared for what life was throwing at them that day. Her diligence pays off when she lands herself a PA role to the MD of the world famous biscuit factory Crumbs.

Despite Abby's rather clumsy performance at interview, there is something about her that MD Doug Faulkner rather likes - and the feeling is mutual. We follow the two of them as they learn about what makes each other tick; Doug is a closed book and rarely lets his guard down during working hours. Abby is rather smitten with him but knows she has to keep her feelings in check, yet can see a sadness in him and wonders how anyone with a fantastic job, flash car and the heir to a fortune can be anything but happy.

I really enjoyed reading how Abby and Doug's relationship developed, each of them struggling with their own inner demons. The story bobs steadily along with plenty of comical moments from Abby and her zany sisters, Doug stepping upon more than one occasion and showing himself to be the hero Abby imagines him to be yet what is it that is holding him back from relaxing and letting himself be truly happy? Slowly but surely secrets are surrendered and the pair gradually come to realise that they can support each other with their insecurities, their polar opposite life experiences so far giving them the ability to see things from different perspectives.

This is a great book for teaching life lessons without overbearing sermons; we all deserve to be happy, and sometimes you have to step up and speak out in order to achieve that happiness. Material things and social status may make some people happy but for others happiness is far more than the trappings of what money can buy. We just have to decide what we want more in life and what we are prepared to sacrifice in order to get it.

I would definitely recommend this book as the characters are very real as are the scenarios the characters find themselves in. A bit of a Cinderella story yet with so much more depth to the Prince than his dashing good looks.

This review will appear on my blog www.sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.co.uk as part of the blog tour.

When Abby's mother dies when she is 12 she finds she is suddenly leaving childhood behind and becoming mother to her 4 younger sisters. Unable to fulfil her dream and go to university she does a business degree with the open university and eventually goes for a job as PA to the managing director of biscuit company Crumbs. Doug is the managing director and when Abby comes into his office it is like a breath of fresh air, she is totally dizzy and can talk for England but at the same time sharp, efficient and full of good ideas, but he can't let himself fall for her....... not with the problems that he has got......... but can he stop himself!

A lovely fun book, you take to Abby immediately and are rooting for her but want to shake her sisters for not doing more, she still has to do everything for them when the youngest is the same age as she was when she took charge! A great light summer read perfect for the beach.

This book has is all, fun, flirting, seriousness, romance, boundaries, secrets, sassiness, it's just brilliant. There is so much more to this book than meets the eye and I couldn't get enough of it.
I immediately became quite invested in Abby being a young girl and losing her mum. She had to take on the role of her mum and do everything. As soon as she walks into the room for her job interview you know there is a sparkle of 'interest' between both Abby and Doug.
This book will be given a 4/5 rating. I loved the ups ands downs of the lives of everyone in this book and that they will all help each other, no matter what. This for me is about family and how strong a family unit can be. It wasn't just about the romance, it was the strength of Abby and her sisters. A truly beautiful read that had me laughing out loud and crying at their loss.

Abby has been Mum to her four sisters for the past 12 year. Now, after earning her business degree, she is about to become PA to the emotionless Managing Director of Crumbs biscuits, Doug Faulkner
This is a funny well written story with lovely characters in one family and emotionally challenged ones in another. A very pleasant read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Oh Crumbs this was good!! Sorry I couldn't resist!! But I found this to be such fun to read, as well as now having a new book boyfriend to swoon over - where do I go to find my own Doug???!

Abby is the main character and she is a complete sweetheart! She lost her mum at an early age, so that meant she took over the mum role at home to help out her dad with her younger siblings, and she's always put them first over herself. When she finds herself looking for a new job, she goes for an interview for a PA position at the local biscuit company and this is where Douglas enters her life!
He's the boss who is looking for a new PA. He's not keen on the biscuit industry and would rather be following his main passion of painting, but his family have placed expectations on his shoulder so he's doing his bit! Due to a rather strained relationship with his family, especially his father, he's not one for forming strong bonds with people, and is a little shocked by his new PA in her mannerisms and her way of dealing with life. He likes order and calm, she's more chaotic and messy! I just loved the spark between these two from their first meeting! She soon thrives in her new role and becomes an essential element to Doug and the business of moving the company forward.
The family of Abby were also an absolute treat! So much fun and they like to say what they feel, no matter the company they are in! It is obvious how much they all care for Abby considering all she had done for them - a really supportive family, unlike the family environment Doug was used to.
There are a few bumps in the road for the relationship between Doug and Abby, through work and family issues, and it was fascinating to see how they faced these problems and work things out.

Loved it!!

Oh Crumbs is a delightful tale of family, love, taking chances, making choices with a whole lot of laughter tossed in for very good measure. Abby will win your heart right away. She’s the eldest of the sisters, and it’s Abby who will take on the mothering role when their mother dies. Suddenly this teen has a grieving father, sisters in confusion and morning as well as her own dreams now filled with sadness to cope with. Yet, she doesn’t complain she simply gets on about life and cares for her family putting herself a far distant last in need. As time passes and her sisters grow up Abby can finally reach out for her own dreams… she just didn’t expect to be more than her usual klutzy, self during the interview, and still get the job in spite of herself.

I was a little slower to warm up to Doug. Oh, he’s handsome and a bit of a man of mystery with his secret looming over him. The contrast between their families couldn’t be further apart. Doug is getting through the day, his passion certainly isn’t a biscuit company yet he will toe the family line… for now. Abby is not only a lovely young lady that Doug is attracted to, but she’s also a breeze of fresh, clean air in the life he’s living. He certainly didn’t expect to fall for his PA, but tell that to the emotional heart. Now about those secrets…

Oh Crumbs has everything that I’ve come to expect in a Kathryn Freeman story. Lots of heart, a few complications, laugh out loud moments, a vile villain to contend with and a couple that despite their differences do work well together. The road to a happy ending isn’t smooth by any means for Doug and Abby – but it is well worth the journey to get there in the end. If you love a humorous love story, one that will grab not only your heart but your emotions as well, then this is a story that you’ll want to pick up… soon. I had fun with Oh Crumbs, and that is why I read romance.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

As I was reading the prologue I was unsure what to make of this book initially,, but what it did do was set the scene perfectly for a great insight into Abbie's past and what makes her the woman she is today.

I was inspired reading Abbie's story at such a caring person whose heart is constantly torn and that had to grow up fast.

I loved and as amused by her variety of sisters and family members, And it was Abbie's new book Doug that I found myself warming to quite quickly.

Especially after he hires Abbie after a disastrous interview but one which really showed off the quirks in her personality to their fullest.

Doug has a great back story to him too, one with more facets than you may expect, and seeing all of his hidden talents and qualities was a lot of fun.

Abbie is just slightly clumsy and her favourite swear is Oh Crumbs! which makes working for a biscuit manufacturer called Crumbs that bit more amusing.

Unfortunately this book didn't leave me craving biscuits but did leave me smiling and incredibly entertained.

Thank you to Netgalley and Choc Lit for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This is a fun, easy romance set in lovely England. Abby, oldest of 5 girls and family caretaker since their mother died, is wants a permanent career where she can use her enthusiasm and education to help support the family. Doug is managing director of his family's biscuit company, a job which he thoroughly hates and gets no joy from. They first meet when she interviews for a job as Doug's assistant and they couldn't be more different... or could they? I love how both main characters are realistic and have depth to them. The book has a great, easy-flowing plot, with Abby and Doug getting to know each other better and learning more about each other as the story goes on. In typical romance form, there are hiccups and self-doubts, but nothing overly dramatic or unbelievable. The ending is quite satisfying and I could see myself reading this book again!

I received an advance copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

When Abby Spencer’s mum died, she left 5 young daughters behind. Abby is the oldest and now has the burden of caring for her sisters and her father.

Six Years Later

Abby is now 18 and still taking care of the house, her sisters, and her father. While she would love to attend university with her friends, she knows it’s impossible and has resigned herself to get a secretarial job in town as she continues to take care of her family.

Six Years Later

Abby is now 24 and has gotten a degree online. Today, she has an interview for a new job. It is as a personal assistant to the managing director. Doug Faulkner, age 30, is the man for whom she would be working at a well-known biscuit company called Crumbs. Doug’s father, Lord Faulkner, is the owner of the company. Doug hates his job and does not have a good relationship with his father. Doug is an artist at heart and enjoys painting.

Abby is constantly juggling things with her family to get everything done so she is nervous, a bit disheveled, and too talkative during the interview with Doug, but he hires her anyway. Abby quickly adapts to her job and takes it upon herself to learn more about the company and share her ideas with Doug. He is impressed with her initiative and allows her to make some presentations of her ideas to others in the company. When Doug’s father finds out that a female and a “secretary" has been allowed to do this, he berates Doug once again and scolds Abby too.

Doug and Abby get to know one another better and realizing her potential, he continues to support her participation and input in the company’s business. Doug gets to know Abby’s family and realizes the enormous amount of responsibility she is carrying. Before long, they give into the attraction between them. However, Doug is hiding a secret about his family and that is why his father continues to get away with being so harsh with him. Will Abby be able to continue to grow in the company even with Lord Faulkner’s view of her? Will Doug be able to open up to Abby and find his own happiness in life?

This is a very clever book. There is humor, family love and family hate, as well as a good look at women in the workplace today. This is the first book I have read by this author and I can honestly say I will be looking for more. Well done!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Okay, so I downloaded this book under false pretences. Yup. That’s right. You know that feeling when you buy something, expecting one thing and you’re dragged, kicking and screaming, into something else? I was expecting fluff, of the pink, sugar-coated kind. I’d just come out of reading a killer thriller (see previous review) and wanted to dilute the book hangover. In biscuit terms you could say I thought I was getting an Iced Gem and I ended up with a dark chocolate digestive. But the thing is I love digestives, they’re my favourite biscuits after all. What I expected demolished on page one, the prologue, when I was plonked Into the middle of a funeral. You can’t get less fluffy than grief to help set the tone of a book.

Abigail (Abby) has had a tough childhood, if you can even call it that because from twelve-years she’s been both older sister and surrogate mother to her siblings. But that aside now at twenty-four she has a degree under her belt in addition to a fine repertoire of PC swears (Oh Crumbs). She manages to snag the attention of her new boss, Doug.

Doug hasn’t had such an easy childhood. If his parents bought biscuits they’d be shipped over from Fortnum’s before being layered onto a silver platter. I think you get the gist. But he likes Abby. Abby despite, or maybe because of, her upbringing is a breath of fresh air in his routine, pressure filled life. But Doug can’t take this golden opportunity to change his life…

This is the second book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last. Turning the opening pages was like finding an unexpected fiver in the zip of my purse, a surprise but not an unpleasant one. The writing is strong and the humour always present but more the quiet giggle than the LOL variety. I read this in one sitting when I really shouldn’t have but hey, that’s what a good book is meant to do. Superb

The book started out quite sad: with the funeral of the mother of Abby, leaving her to take care of her 4 younger sisters at age 13; her father having to work. Abby takes the responsibility and 12 years later she is still the 'mother' in the house.

When she applies for a job at 'Crumbs' she actually bumbles the interview but Doug, managing director, decides to hire her as his PA. I really liked Abby and her cheery personality. When Doug and Abby fall for each other, secrets Doug has kept about his family come to light and he has to decide what is more important to him.

This is a very entertaining and heartwarming choc lit. I love the British phrases and Abby's family. Enjoyed it very very much.

A delightfully comedic story, Oh Crumbs tickled me in all the right spots and brought a smile to my face when I most needed it! I love romantic comedies, and this book delivered on that and then some. I have often found that British humor can go over my head (Monty Python remains a complete mystery to me), but I found myself pleasantly surprised at how universal the humor was here. The two main characters had great banter, and the secondary characters lent a charming quality to the story. Even the villain was humorous, in his exaggerated yet totally believable evilness at every turn. And while the comedy definitely stayed front and center, the author also provided a dramatic element with some very sobering scenes. There is something for everyone here!

Abigail Spencer has delayed her career for years. When her mom died 12 years ago, she became the de facto mother for her three younger siblings and kept house while her father was at work. But now, at 24, she has her college degree and can finally pursue a job in the corporate world. And a job at a biscuit company called Crumbs is her ticket to her dream - if only she could keep her mind, and her hands, off of her handsome new boss, Doug Faulkner. Doug hates his job...and his life, and his bubbly new secretary could be just the thing he needs in an otherwise dreary workplace. While at first he manages to keep his distance, her good humor and kindness begins to carve away at the wall around his heart. Soon they're friends and then something more. If only the secrets of his past didn't matter so much.

Abby definitely stole the show in this book! I absolutely adored her, from her humble opinions about herself and her family to her general ability to make those around her smile, she was a character that is easy to fall in love with. For me, I had a personal connection with her in a phrase we both use a lot - "crumbs." Growing up while raising her sisters, she always tried to avoid cursing in front of them, so she used the word "crumbs" in place of curse words. While I didn't have such a motivation, I love saying "crumbs" instead of other, more vulgar words, mostly because I smile as do others around me when I say it. Abby had such a good heart, and it showed in everything she did. Then we had Doug. I have to say - I really liked Doug in the beginning, but it went downhill fairly quickly about halfway through the story. Doug means well. Doug has good intentions. But Doug is also flakey, needy, and insecure. His "big secret" was, while sad, seemed to completely defeat him, and he let it. As a match for Abby, I give two thumbs down. I didn't really understand how she put up with him, honestly. Must be love!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies! I could see this becoming a Hallmark movie or something, honestly. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!