I have really enjoyed the previous 2 books in this series and this was no disappointment. We all love a happy ending and this certainly has it. It shows the true ups and down that can happen before a wedding but what a magical day it can be. Can’t wait for the 4th book!

Northumberland is one of my favourite places, and this series captures the essence of it. The third book in the popular Pudding Pantry series, it combines adversity, community spirit and romance in a heartwarming and uplifting way.

Rachel is off on her hen weekend before her Summer wedding to neighbouring farmer Tom. Their romance fraught with difficulties had a slow start, but love grew, and now they deserve their happy ever after. This story features a charmingly authentic cast of characters who want Rachel's day to be memorable. Like all weddings, it's full of dramas, and last-minute nerves, some caused by external interference others a result of an internal struggle.

This engaging story captures the lead up to the wedding in a relatable way. The reader empathises with Rachel as she appreciates the importance of family, friends and the power of love.

This is a family-orientated story with a sense of place that makes it a perfect escapist read.

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

I have been a fan of Caroline’s work for a while now. I love the way in which she writes light hearted, fun and feel good stories. I have loved the ‘Pudding Pantry’ series. The latest instalment of the ‘Pudding Pantry’ series is called ‘Summer At Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ and it was released on 23rd July 2020. It’s another corker of a read from Caroline, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.

I absolutely love the character of Rachel and I warmed to her from the start. In fact, it felt like I had reunited with an old friend in Rachel. As the story begins in this book, Rachel is preparing to marry her boyfriend and next door neighbour, Tom. They make a really lovely couple. Rachel is a single mother and she lives with her daughter and her mother at a farm. Life hasn’t been easy for Rachel but she has rolled her sleeves up, dusted herself down and made the best of things. She runs the ‘Pudding Pantry’ which has been a huge success. The ‘Pudding Pantry’ is my idea of heaven….and hell. Heaven because I have a sweet tooth and hell because I am currently trying to lose weight. Not a good combination. Anyway back to Rachel. Rachel is kind, caring, compassionate, feisty, determined, tenacious, a doting mother and ever so slightly stubborn on occasion. I kept everything crossed that her and Tom would get the happy ever after ending that they so deserved. What happens? Well guess what you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.

Oh my goodness, Caroline has done it again and written one hell of a book. It took me no time at all to get into this story. In fact the title of the book was enough to grab my attention, the synopsis drew me in and the story between the covers of the book was the icing on the cake as it were. I picked this book up at the right time for me. I was feeling a bit low and in need of a distraction- well ‘Summer At Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ was certainly a distraction and then some. In fact reading this book felt like I was on the receiving end of a mahoosive hug. I fell under this book’s spell when I first picked the book up and the spell lasted until I read the last word on the last page. This was one of those books that you are desperate to finish because you need to know how the story ends but at the same time, you are enjoying the story, the characters and the author’s writing style so much that you just don’t want the book to end. That’s how I felt at any rate. By the time I got to the end of this book I had a happy smile on my face but at the same time I felt quite sad because it meant that I had to say goodbye to Rachel, Tom and the other characters.

‘Summer At Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is superbly written but then I have thought that to be true of all of Caroline’s books. In fact the only problem I have with Caroline’s books is that I end up feeling hungry, practically drooling and craving all the delicious sounding desserts and chocolate. Not good for somebody supposedly on a diet. Lol. Caroline has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of her books feels more like a chat between friends rather than an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Caroline has one of those writing styles that grabs the reader’s attention and draws you into the story. In fact I felt as though I was part of the story myself, which is all down to Caroline’s superb writing and storytelling.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Summer At Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ and I will definitely be recommending this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Caroline’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I have enjoyed this series so far. In this book though I would have preferred there to have been more about the main characters and the Pudding Pantry. It is still lovely escapism.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Such a pleasurable read from Caroline Roberts, another fabulous Pudding Pantry book.
This time around Rachel and Tom are getting married, but will they ever make it down the aisle with Tom’s ex back on the scene and Rachel the centre of the village gossip.
I loved this book from start to finish and made me so nostalgic about my own wedding day.
Fantastic book - five stars!

There's something about the lovely Pudding Pantry series that I just really enjoy. It's warm, cosy and as saccharine as all the cakes and sweet treats everyone is constantly making. But it's also wholesome, and the combination of farming community and baking business is just one that really appeals to me.

Title: Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry

Author: Caroline Roberts
Pages: 400
Publisher: One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK
Publication Date: 23rd July 2020
Series: Pudding Pantry #3
Ownership: eARC


Rating: 3.5 stars


It's summer at Primrose Farm and Rachel and Tom's wedding is only weeks away. There's still lots to organise but with plenty of hands on deck, it should be a piece of cake, right ...?

I really like how this series has come together - it's been a lovely escape to follow pragmatic and stubborn Rachel in coping with the loss of her Dad, maintaining the farm, setting up the Pudding Pantry business, raising her daughter with the support of her mum and finding romance in the farm next door. 

The sugary sweet conversations (everything is "bless" or "I'll put the kettle on" or little girls talking about cake and unicorns and dresses) is generally quite well balanced with stresses and responsibilities of farming or of running a business that depends on customer satisfaction. If you want wholesome in a beautiful Northumberland setting, then that's exactly what you get.

I thought I would like the addition of a second voice in this story - it's rare that the best friend gets to play anything but a supporting role, so it was good to join Eve's struggle (as well as enjoying her crafting business), rather than it all just being on Rachel. However, ultimately this still ended up playing an antagonist/supporting role to the main character, which was a little disappointing - although good to have a roving eye problem in this kind of cosy romance.

The whole plot unfolds gradually and steadily in such a calmly written way - you know what you've come from, and you trust the author to deliver.

3.5 stars - but I have to round down to 3.

Oh, to live within a Caroline Roberts’ novel! Awash with humour, happiness, plenty of love, and the trials and tribulations of preparing to be wed, Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts was a superbly written, uplifting and smile-inducing story, full of friendly faces, and an exciting plot which I absolutely devoured. This is the third book in Carolines’ Pudding Pantry series. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet had the chance to read the first and second books, although after reading this, I can tell that Rachel, along with her family and friends, are a group of character which readers will easily love and want to follow for a very long time to come. I already want to know what came before Rachel and Tom’s wedding, so I will, at some point, definitely be heading back to the first book in order to be introduced to these wonderful characters and their lives properly.

In Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts, readers join Rachel as she prepares to marry man of her dreams, Tom. Amongst the chaos and excitement of organising their big day, there are the ups and downs common of most bride-to-bes, those of which made me enjoy this story all the more. Caroline has such a fantastic ability of drawing her readers into the pages. In only a chapter or two, you become so involved and wrapped up in the situation that it’s impossible to take yourself away, and you become emotionally invested in the story and all that the characters experience.

Focusing on friendship, love and family, this was such a warm-hearted story that felt very much like being wrapped up in a huge hug. Caroline’s characters are all so likeable and inviting, it’s very much like being invited into their lives to walk alongside them as they deal with everyday issues, just like us. Rachel was fantastic, and I particularly enjoyed her hen-do, which made me want to get together with my own friends for a secluded Scottish celebration.

Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts is certainly one to add to your reading lists, even if, like me, you’ve not read the first and second book, as Caroline brings you up to date on what has happened previously in Rachel’s life, and in regards to her much-loved pudding pantry. This was a totally uplifting, romantic and enjoyable story which I enjoyed from first page to last, and I know many more readers will also! Caroline’s writing always leaves me feeling snug and happy, much like visiting an old friend for a cup of tea and a catch up.

With thanks to the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book, that of which has no reflection on me providing a fair and honest review.

Oh my gosh, what great comfort food!

Ahem, sorry, did I say comfort food? I was meant to say comfort read! What a great comfort read! Although, while we are on the subject of food, did anyone else want to jump in the book and snaffle all of the treats? I’m so glad that the author decided to put recipes in there too!

‘Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry’ is book three in the series, and whilst I’m sure there will be a lot of people reading the series in various different orders, I wholeheartedly recommend that you do read the books in order, just so that you can appreciate the natural growth of the bigger picture and the various characters personalities. Trust me – there are a fair few colourful personalities in this book, and they need to be understood in their own way!

I really do love this series! It is such a comforting, homely series, and the addition of the third book kept that heartwarming momentum brilliantly. Despite there being a break between each book, everything flowed seamlessly between each new book, as though there had never been a break.

My only irk about this book was the fisticuffs scene because I felt that the ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhhh’ were a bit pantomime and a teeny bit immature for the situation at the time. You know in a comic when someone gets lumped and there’s a ‘kapow’ in a bubble? It felt a bit like that to me. I’m not saying that the person didn’t deserve being hit, because they did haha.

It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with Rachel and the gang at the Pudding Pantry, and of course ‘seeing’ the animals that had been there since the beginning like Mossy. What a cutie!

Grab a warm drink, a blanket and your comfy clothes, and lose yourself in this tantalising, mouthwatering read that will no doubt leave you warm, comforted, and incredibly hungry. A really, really enjoyable read.

Rachel is planning her wedding to Tom,the pudding pantry is doing well - what can go wrong? Another feel good book to curl up with on a rainy day, with a touch of drama and the usual romance. Lovely.

I apologise to Caroline Roberts - I think I must be a fair-weather romance reader.

I’ve really enjoyed the first two books in the series, but in all honesty I was there for the farm, the family and the puddings - the romance was an added bonus. In the third book, things are a little more stressful- the focus is firmly on Rachel and Tom’s relationship, with pre-wedding misunderstandings, non-communication and ex-partners galore. The couple’s closest friends Eve and Ben are also having relationship difficulties.

Much as I enjoy spending time with these characters, I did skim this a little, got frustrated with the fact that only the gossips seemed to be speaking to each other, and missed the cosyness of the earlier books. Having said that, if another book were to appear (this feels quite like the end of the series), I’d happily pick it up.

As always another excellent book from Caroline Roberts. I have read all the pudding pantry books and love revisiting all the characters. A series that you can escape to a place of love and comfort. I highly recommend this book.

I love Rachel's Pudding Pantry. It's a comforting place to come back to, and the books are the same. A somewhat old fashioned and cosy style of writing. It's all about the characters. If at times it reads like a People's Friend story, to me that adds to the charm. I was so willing Rachel and Tom to sort out their differences and make it to their wedding day - they are a couple beset with so many hiccups along the way that could all be ironed out if they would only talk. Some more lovely recipes to have a go at - I love that part of the book. The lemon and blueberry muffins are first on my list. Hoping there's more adventures to come. #netgalley #summeratrachelspuddingpantry

Thank you to One More Chapter for my copy of this book via NetGalley. I loved the first two books in this series so when Caroline asked if I would take part in this tour I jumped at the chance!

We return to the Pudding Pantry in the run up to Rachel and Tom's wedding. These two are really put through the wringer in this one. There are lots of ups and downs throughout the book and I really felt for these two. It just seemed like they couldn't catch a break at times.

This book also had some chapters from Eve's POV which I really enjoyed. It's always interesting to see another POV and Eve has a lot going on in this book too.

Caroline does an amazing job of setting the scenery for this book. Set in a lovely village in Northumberland I'd defiantly love to visit. If only I could visit the Pudding Pantry too! I also loved the log cabin the girls visit too! I do love a cabin with a hot tub!

The book is of course also filled with lots of delightful recipes for you to try out. I'm pretty tempted to try the cheesecake myself! It sounds gorgeous! I also loved the little nod to Caroline's other books with the castle and the chocolate shop.

This book is a perfect read full of sweet treats and escapism romance. It's a great summery read!

A really lovely summer read .Following on from the other books in this series Tom and Rachel are preparing for their wedding but it's not without some drama.There are lots of problems that crop up and even some conflict between the happy couple will they even make it up the aisle. With the pudding pantry at the heart of the novel once again it has fantasic characters who you can warm to and the recipes are so amazing they make your mouth water its like visiting old friends, so make a cup of tea ,curl up and enjoy. A fabulous read

An enjoyable read continuing the story of Rachel and Tom and their family and friends. This book is so much more than planning their wedding. It’s about past and present relationships, gossip, secrets and accusations. It sends you on a rollercoaster of emotions where you feel the need to either give a hug or be hugged. Enticing cake or pudding descriptions and recipes have you reaching for sweet treats and a cup of tea whilst settling down to read this book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Caroline Roberts and Harper Collins for the advanced e book copy.

I really hope that this is not going to be the last book in this series as I have enjoyed them all, Caroline Roberts is a great author and knows how to hold the interest of the reader, her writing is to be commended. This has twists and turns, ups and downs so will things get their happy ending or not, you need to read this yourself to find out. I don't like to give the plot away and spoil the story for you the reader. I am giving this 5 stars and wish it could have more.

I’ve been a big fan of this series from the start, its setting, the characters and the storylines the have drawn me and made me believe I am part of the community. Through all the ups and downs, loves and heartbreak, I’m a firm fan. I’m also partial to drooling about the amazing cakes and goodies littered through each book. I don’t need much encouragement to have a little treat whilst I read but this book should come with the caveat you MUST be eating cake whilst reading!
Rachel is getting married, the happiest of happy times and oh.. this book gives you plenty to enjoy. I don’t want to give you spoilers but watch for some surprises in this one. The hen party is full of fun as you would expect and best friend, Eve, is around as ever with her amazing crafty ways. I was worried for her in this one, she wasn’t the Eve we have come to know and love.
I was so happy reading the whole community mucking in to share in the happy event. It captures community life no end and that’s what makes this series very special. Whilst we focus on Rachel, her family and her friends are really important.
Caroline Roberts writes beautifully, bringing these characters alive and bringing us heart-warming stories. (Plus the sweetest cravings ever known!) She isn’t one to shy away from difficult storylines either, and touches on some sensitive subjects. I would love to go back again, see what life holds for Rachel, Eve and co. Plus I’m sure we could discover more yummy cake recipes!
This is without a doubt a five star worthy book, a fantastic read that I wholeheartedly recommend.

I read the first two books and enjoyed them, but this one did not come up to expectations somehow. There seemed to be a lot of strife and ill feeling. Tom and Rachel are just not credible at times, behaving like sulky children,. Tom's ex wanting more money just felt like a red herring thrown in for drama.. Eve had her own story within the book which was a bit surprising. All a bit unsettling.
The descriptions of the delicious food were mouth watering, but it didnt make up for some very bitty plots during the book. I just feel the story has run its course now.
Thank you NetGalley for a review copy.

This is such a beautiful book.

This one is less about the pantry and more about Rachel and the run up to her wedding. It features many of the characters in the previous books as they (mostly) all rally around her for the prep of the day.

I love how the animals are all featured in this as well, from the dogs to the sheep! And the wedding present (no spoilers)...

This is a wonderful book and a great tonic to current times!

Returning to the Pudding Parlour was like visiting family and catching up with them with the added bonus of delicious cakes and puddings thrown in (okay so couldn’t actually eat them but at least I didn’t have to watch my waistline!).
This book, the third in the Pudding Parlour series, follows the lead up to Rachel and Tom’s wedding and all the problems and misunderstandings that happen before the big day.
I liked the fact that although Rachel and Tom were the main focus of the story we got to know more about Eve, Rachel’s best friend and the issues that she is facing.
The recipes are a lovely addition to the Pudding Parlour books (which can be read as standalone books if you wish but they are so good they are all worth reading) and I’m looking forward to making the tiramisu soon.
This book made me laugh, cry, feel frustrated and feel very hungry and I thought it was a wonderful read which I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.