When baking brings people together

Synopsis

Now in his seventies, Robert Parkin is stunned to find himself the unlikely sex symbol of the village gardening club.

Living in happy solitude with his cat Isaac Mewton in the Devon village of Millbrook, entertained by his mischievous chickens and goats, Robert has never figured out the rules of romance. But as the local ladies vie for his company, it soon becomes clear that Robert’s Victoria Sponge cake is the lure, and as his baking prowess grows, so does his confidence.

Cheesecakes, meringues, puddings, Robert can do it all, but his real masterpieces are his scones – ginger, rosemary, coconut, fruit, his recipes are inspired and soon come to the attention of the local media. Which county does the best cream tea – Devon or Cornwall? It’s time for an age-old debate to be settled with a competition.

Robert’s sisters Bunty and Hattie are both at crossroads in their lives, so news of their brother’s baking competition is the perfect excuse to bring them to Millbrook. And as the siblings relish each other’s company, and Robert relishes being at the heart of his community, a summer of scones may just light the way to long-lasting happiness for them all.

Enjoy Judy Leigh’s wonderful world of family, friendship and feasting in this perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

My review

In Devon village Millbrook, Robert finds himself suddenly subject of the desire of all the local ladies. While he enjoys his solitude with his animals, his baking skills are becoming legendary and the women, single and not, are all seeking his attention. It even goes that far that the local media pick up the buzz and a good old fashion bake off between counties is being organized. Which county bakes the best scones? Is it Devon or Cornwall?
As Robert finds himself in a situation he didn’t really want, luckily he can count on the help of his sisters Bunty and Hattie. Not only are they more than willing to help with the contest, but also to play as buffer between him and all the ladies.
But the sisters aren’t only staying with Robert for helping him out, as they are also at crossroads in their lives, at the verge of making important decisions. And with all the siblings once again all together, it’s the perfect opportunity to not only come closer once again, but also to have each other to rely on and have a voice of reasoning. And the three will also realize that baking truly brings people together, in more than just one way.

If there is one thing I do when I am stressed, it’s baking. Just the fact of breaking the eggs, mixing everything (eat some of the raw dough too  of course 🤣) truly calms me.
And I absolutely enjoy watching the Flemish version of Bake Off! So having a book of an author I absolutely like and it has baking in it, of course I have to read it!

This story was hilarious, heart – warming but also a bit frustrating at the same time!

I found Robert’s sudden popularity so funny to read about! And it’s not that he did something special to gain that popularity, as all he did was minding his own business, and bake delicious creations.
Seeing all those women ‘fighting’ over him, to have his attention, for sure made me laugh out loud, as it was so weird to see adult women, married and not, swooning over Robert 🤣

But I also felt sorry for Robert, as he was truly on his own, looking after his animals. Animals with the funniest possible names! I wish I had Robert (or rather, Judy Leigh’s!) inspiration to come up with such clever names.
And while he has his sisters, the contact with them isn’t that easy, and they all have their own issues in their lives.

So has Hattie finally fought for her own freedom and divorced her rather dominant and even abusive husband. But being on her own is more difficult than imagined, and after years of degrading, she can still hear her husband’s voice in her head.
With Bunty crashing at her place, Hattie decides to ‘escape’ to Robert’s.
Of course it saddened me to read how unhappy Hattie has been in her life. But she inspired me also in a way, as even at her age, she finds the courage to open up to new challenges.

Bunty was a bit more difficult to like from the start. But that is also because we don’t know her complete background.
I found it a bit disturbing how she just left her husband and wanted to figure out if there was something with a new person.
A person who I would have kicked in his *ss without a doubt!

Yet slowly I got to understand Bunty better, and I felt sorry for her and her past, as it was a devastating one. Her story shows us that grief can last for years and that we all have a need to grieve together with those the closest to us.

But the more I got into the story, the more wonderful it  became. Not only we see the three siblings getting more and more out of their shelves, but we also see clearly how age truly is just a number. And that you are never too old for a challenge, to start with something new, to meet new people, and to  allow love (back) in your heart.

That is the beauty of this story, as we do not only have three siblings, but a whole community somehow waking up, and seeing that the world is still their oyster and there are still plenty of possibilities and opportunities for them.
Judy Leigh wrote once again a marvelous story, about relatable people, recognizable people, and their perhaps even unknown search for happiness.
And that baking truly is good for the heart and the soul, as in an unique way brings people (back) together!
I enjoyed reading this book from the first page until the very last one! 😊