Three and a half stars.

Pippa Munro has helped her long-term boyfriend Alex turn his family farm into a successful business, so when he says he wants to discuss something important with her she is expecting an engagement ring so that they can finally start the family she's been dreaming off at the heart of Hurt Bridge, the Yorkshire village in which she grew up. Unfortunately, what Alex wants to discuss is something very different. Now Pippa is single, homeless and jobless, sleeping on her cousin Frankie's sofa.

Pippa is informed that the current owner of Squires House, Wolfie Squires, needs a live-in caretaker urgently since his current caretaker needs to take care of his wife who is suffering from early onset dementia. Pippa remembers Wolfie and his sister from when she was a child and their grandfather hosted an annual Summer Fair which culminated in a series of Wheelbarrow Races. Woflie and his sister always held themselves aloof from the village kids and it seems nothing has changed, now he's some big city hotshot and rarely visits Squires House.

Despite having never lived or worked in a stately home, Pippa gets the job, but its only a short-term thing because Wolfie is in the process of selling the house; something Pippa can't understand, she thinks even in its slightly dilapidated state it is still an amazing home. However, despite their initial antipathy, there may just be a spark between Wolfie and Pippa if the two of them can let go of the past.

When the local school needs a new roof urgently Pippa and her friends decide the only way to raise the necessary £8,000 is to revive the Summer Fair, ticket sales and pitch fees should easily net them what they require.

I did enjoy this but I felt that Wolfie in particular seemed to be stuck in a bit of a loop of feeling that Pippa had rejected him/got back together with Alex - I mean once is okay but he seemed to default time and time again. Also, Wolfie's motives for selling Squires House seemed a bit muddled, two reasons were given and all I kept thinking about was his father's wine collection gathering dust in the cellars. On the positive side, there's a fabulous pig with a mind of her own :)

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

The best way to describe my experience reading "The House Sitter" is that the novel represents the romantic dream scenarios I make up inside my mind before I go to sleep at night. Those kind of dreams tend to take on a life of their own. That was exactly what this novel felt like to me.

Pippa, the novel's protagonist, goes through a breakup with her long-time boyfriend at the beginning of the book and is left to her own devices. This results in Pippa needing to establish a life for herself from scratch. While the novel is a romance novel, to me, it was also a novel of self-discovery and healing. This journey led her to work as a "house sitter" for the Squire family mansion.

Pippa's emotional journey felt reflected through the state of the mansion, whether or not it be intentional I found it to be a welcome coincidence. This is shown from the novel's beginning when it starts with a throwback describing how lively, stunning, and inviting the Squires' mansion is while simultaneously painting Pippa as a young woman blinded by her wishes and love. After the initial description of the mansion and Pippa, the story is moved to the present time where Pippa is losing herself after her break-up and gets a job at the now falling-apart mansion for the Squires.

"It smelled different; dank and abandoned. Yet there was something vital underneath that scent, a sense of promise."

In addition to the novel reflecting on Pippa's emotional journey, I also appreciated how the author took time to establish Pippa as the person she is which contributed to a complex character whose development I, as the reader, as rooting for.

The romance in the book is of course also worth mentioning. Wolfie, the heir of the Squire mansion, and Pippa seem to find each other throughout the book, with their connection found through mutual understanding. With the main trope being grumpy x sunshine I was expecting banter to create tension, however, the result of the banter created a more hostile feeling as opposed to tension. The romantic aspect of the novel only really took off after the halfway mark, and I suspect that has to do with me connecting more to Pippa's friendships when reflecting on the book. However, it is not to say I did not smile or feel a little giddy while reading the book, I seem to be drawn to questionable men too, but I do wish the establishment of their romantic relationship had been more prominent throughout the entirety of the novel. While I sometimes felt like their romance was chaotic, a bit rushed, and somewhat overwhelming through countless arguments and lack of communication, I was ultimately still rooting for them. I was pleased to see the romance blossom between the two.

I was contemplating what rating to give, and while I ultimately had a good time reading the novel, flying through it within a matter of hours, and loved the characters - Frankie and Mae specifically - I was still left feeling as though the romantic plot line was a bit too chaotic and confused by itself.

With the setting being a small town, yet in a stunning mansion, this felt very 21st-century gothic in the best way. It is quite a great read if you are looking for a charming, but slightly chaotic romance, with characters of emotional complexity.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished this book and while the cover and blurb seemed reasonably good, I can't say the same about the plot tbh. The premise was interesting but the execution was poor. There were so many exaggerated details in the first half and Pippa was with her ex boyfriend in the first few chapters. She meets Wolfie (it's a ridiculous name that top for an MMC) just after her break up and we are supposed to believe that she's over her feelings for her ex in the span of just a few days. I did not feel any chemistry between her and the MMC and both of them were so immature. Pippa failed to set boundaries between her and her ex and he kept popping up to get her back. While Wolfie constantly kept misunderstanding her and behaved like a temperamental manchild. On top of that, there were a lot of endless and boring scenes which slowed down the story even further. So overall, I really couldn't enjoy this book. The plot wasn't interesting enough to keep me engaged, the writing was unnecessary detailed and the characters though had their own share of past trauma and difficulties, felt bland and had no depth. So I just could not connect with them. The only good part of this book was Pippa's friend Mae and her cousin Frankie, the rest was just all awful. I'm sorry but I feel like I wasted my time reading this book till the very end.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

This was a cute romance from Elizabeth Drummond.

Pippa, the protagonist, is at loose ends. The man she has been living with, and essentially supporting, for over a decade has lots his mind. He sold their home/farm, bought a new parcel of land, and expects her to move along with him. Oh, and he is not proposing as she expected.

What's a girl to do? She applies for a job as a house sitter/caretaker of one of the most historic houses in town, Squires House. Unbeknownst to her, Wolfie Squires is simply looking to sell and move on from the town and the memories that plague him.

As Pippa tries to navigate her heartbreak and her caretaking, and Wolfie tries to navigate the sale and these pesky feelings that are cropping up as he remembers the town, the two grow closer together. But, as we know, the course of true love doesn't run that smoothly.

"The House Sitter" is a romance written by Elizabeth Drummond.

I loved this book! Light, funny and extremely cozy, it entertained me a lot! I was won over by the beautiful setting, the captivating story, and the sweet and complicated characters. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started it, but it ended up being a great read!

The element that convinced me the least, for my personal taste, is the style used. In fact, the novel is written in third person, and unfortunately, I am not a fan of romance written in third person. I do not know why, but often the third person, only in romance, causes me a feeling of detachment, making it difficult for me to connect with the story and the characters. However, in this specific case, I admit that I felt less of the negative influence of this specific narration. I enjoyed everything else so much that yes, even the third person caused me less problems and I am really happy about it!

The setting is wonderful! The story takes place in the small village of Hurst Bridge, in Yorkshire, and gosh, it is so quaint and cozy! Seriously, I was enchanted by this small town, with its lovely stone cottages, surrounded by nature and particularly by the vast and desolate moorland. The author's writing vividly portrays the place, making it seem like a picturesque landscape. In addition, I loved the community atmosphere among the villagers, the way people know and help each other. And what about Squires House, the grand old brick mansion, a landmark of the town? A once majestic mansion, with huge well-kept gardens and a maze, currently abandoned to neglect and the ruin of time. Simply wonderful and at the same time wistful!

I really liked Pippa, the protagonist with her only third person pov. Pippa is a girl born and raised in Hurst Bridge, deeply fond of her village. A sunny, hard-working, caring and determined girl, who suddenly finds herself without work, without money, without a home and without a boyfriend. All because Alex, her boyfriend of more than a decade, has decided to sell the family farm. That same farm that she helped make rich and profitable, with years of hard work, taking care of the entire business. Only to find it sold, without a say in the matter. And she who had hoped for a marriage proposal! Abandoned and heartbroken, Pippa spends a few weeks in utter despondency at her cousin's house until a new opportunity presents itself: a role as house sitter for the ancient Squires House. Pippa is a protagonist I loved! Hurt and disappointed, she still manages to pick herself up, not giving up in the face of life's difficulties!

And then there is Wolfie Squires, owner of Squires House. A dark, grumpy, cold and reserved man, with an unhappy and at times wistful air, surrounded by an aura of mystery. Wolfie wishes to sell Squires House, but in the meantime, due to family problems of the old house sitter, he needs a replacement to take care of the mansion. And here steps in Pippa, whom he decides to hire, despite her poor housekeeping skills. Wolfie is a deeply tormented and complex character, closed behind high walls, who hides a sensitive, fragile and uncertain soul. He won me over with his tenderness, his caring nature and I admit that I would have liked to have his pov as well. The relationship that develops between Pippa and Wolfie is funny and at the same time sweet, and it certainly does not get off to the best start. Pippa is a ray of sunshine, Wolfie is grumpy. Pippa loves Hurst Bridge and Squires House, Wolfie wants to sell it and leave. At first they find themselves arguing repeatedly, between attempts at sabotage against interested potential visitors and various provocations, but slowly they begin to grow closer, get to know each other and open up. In my opinion they are really cute and yes, maybe there were a little too many misunderstandings between them, but overall I really appreciated them.

All in all, it is an extremely cozy and sweet romance that I absolutely adored!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An adorable and cozy read - Pippa and Wolfie are a great match!

Pippa’s life is falling apart - her (terrible, inconsiderate, awful) boyfriend of 10 years has decided to sell his farm that Pippa has lovingly and successfully managed for years without giving her any notice. After a few weeks of doing some wallowing at her beloved cousin’s apartment, Pippa is motivated to find a new job. She lands one as a house sitter for the Squires estate - a once grand home she admired as a child. Despite clashing with the owner of the estate, Wolfie, Pippa finds herself drawn to him and wanting to understand how anyone could have let this gorgeous home fall into disrepair.

I so enjoyed this (minus a miscommunication or two) - Pippa is lovable and her chemistry with Wolfie is evident. This is a slow-burn romance with plenty of tension, heartbreaking moments, and also comic relief in the form of Juniper (the pig next door).

Thank you very much to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this advanced copy! This book was fun. It felt very homey, emphasizes the beauty of small towns and hometowns, and love after getting your heart broken. While a bit predictable at times, I did enjoy Wolfie’s shyness and Pippa’s can-do attitude.

Loved this grumpy/sunshine. The tension was great and supporting characters were lovely.

Thanks Net Galley and HarperCollins for the temporary ARC to review.

Pippa has her life all planned out - marry Alex, together turn his family farm into a thriving industry, live happily ever after. When her plans are pulled from under her, Pippa seeks respite as a custodian of the Squire estate in her small country town. There she encounters Wolfie, the owner of the estate that he can’t wait to part with.

I loved this cosy read. It was full of heart and humour, with heartwarming characters. Pippa was so genuine, earnest and endearing that I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the setting of the country manor, and felt immersed in the descriptions of the local landscape. Wolfie had depth and compassion, and I felt the author took time and care to create a beautiful connection between him and Pippa. Pippa’s friends and family were warm, supportive and cheeky, which built a beautiful sense of hope for Pippa’s and Wolfie’s story.

As a side note, I especially loved what felt like a gentle homage to books like The Secret Garden, or any by the Brontë’s- the once beloved grounds left to ruin and rescued by the protagonist, the rolling moors, and the brooding and mysterious estate owner. Overall the moodiness and mystery were perfectly balanced with the humour and sparks of the developing relationship between Pippa and Wolfie.

Thank you One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book. I think this is a new favourite.

in all honesty, i went into this book quite blind. i was a bit disappointed in it being in third person as its not my favourite but besides from that it was a good book!

I really liked this book. It reminded me very much of Katie Fforde's writing and the characters were well developed.
I initially thought that their would be a rushed connection between Wolfie and Pippa but it was a nice slow burn that built up nicely.
I originally wasn't sure about this author but I'm definitely going to read her debut novel now.
Really enjoyable and light-hearted, for the most part.
5 stars.

Our protagonist, Pippa, is left jobless and homeless after realizing that she wasted 13 years of her life with her high school boyfriend when he decides to sell the farm where they both lived and that she had been in charge of running. This is how she ends up working as a caretaker at the Squire house, where she meets Wolfie, the owner of the property who is desperately trying to sell it.

It took me a little while to get through the first section of the book but God, it had me hooked until the end. I really like how Pippa and Wolfie's relationship developed little by little, and that they had these moments where they allowed themselves to get to know more about each other (+) the scenes where she'd make the possible buyers run away were so funny. Pippa is a great main character, I loved to see her growth and how she got to moved on and prove to herself that she didn't need anyone to fulfill her happiness. I would've love a few Wolfie chapters to get to know him a little better, but overall he was great.

My only problem with the book is that the descriptions were immense and most of them not very necessary, there were many moments where I considered abandoning the book or I simply ended up skimming entire paragraphs because otherwise I wouldn't make any progress. I also feel that in the last 20-15% a lot happened and from one moment to the next the protagonists already loved each other and would leave everything for each other, that part I feel was kind of unreal + the mini drama with the miscommunication was mid

Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth Drummond, and Harper Collins UK for allowing me to review this ARC!

Pippa lives in a cute, quaint village and has been with the same boyfriend for 10 years. Thinking he was going to propose she was so happy until he drops a bomb that ends their relationship. With nowhere to go she finds out that an estate that she loved as a child needs a keeper and she applies, getting the job. Come to find out the owner is now a handsome man she knew from her childhood, Wolfie, who inherited the home. As Pippa starts to grow stronger after her breakup, she realizes that she may have feelings for Wolfie and he may feel the same.

This book was so adorable! It was sweet, mild spice and it was an easy read. I'd recommend this book to readers of Abby Jimenez and for those that was a warm, cozy romance without too much spice!

The House Sitter by Elizabeth Drummond is a delightful romantic comedy that unfolds when Pippa Munro, facing unexpected challenges, becomes an unlikely house sitter for Wolfie Squires' ancient family home. The clash between their backgrounds sets the stage for a charming story filled with humor, heated debates, and hidden aspirations. As Pippa and Wolfie navigate through differences, the story explores whether they can uncover shared dreams beneath the surface of their bickering.

"The House Sitter" by Elizabeth Drummond is more than just a quick and engaging read; it's a literary gem that seamlessly blends an easeful writing style with the nuanced exploration of complex issues. The narrative skillfully pulls readers into its embrace, offering a compelling journey through the lives of its well-crafted characters.

Pippa and Wolfie take center stage with a dynamic that resonates with authenticity. The gradual evolution of their relationship is a testament to Drummond's storytelling prowess, creating characters that feel genuine and relatable. Wolfie's transformation from a grumpy protagonist to someone navigating his emotions, particularly with Pippa, adds layers of depth to the narrative. Notably, the book adeptly handles miscommunication, swiftly addressing conflicts and enhancing the overall reading experience.

The book's strengths lie not only in its engaging plot but also in its ability to delve into complex issues with sensitivity and respect. The writing effortlessly navigates these themes, making them accessible and relatable to readers.

For those in search of an easy yet profound read, "The House Sitter" stands out as a delightful choice. Elizabeth Drummond crafts a tale that goes beyond the surface, offering well-rounded characters, an inviting Yorkshire setting, and a compelling slow-burn romance. This book is a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre, providing a satisfying blend of entertainment and substance.

4.5 stars
After spending 13 years with boyfriend Alex making his family farm a success, Pippa Munro is shocked to discover he's sold it. Left jobless and homeless, Pippa ends up hired by Wolfie Squires as temporary live-in caretaker of the crumbling Squires House before he sells it.

'The House Sitter' is filled slow-burn sexual tension between two opposite personalities who sparkle and crackle whenever they're together. Elizabeth Drummond has created two interesting characters which made the book unputdownable.

Despite giving everything to someone who had disrespected her, Pippa is still optimistic, committed to staying in Hurst Bridge. As confining as small-town Yorkshire can be, she values her community. Wolfie, meanwhile, is a man with a painful past trying to find the strength and courage to open himself up to love. He's taciturn but actually caring, and clearly values Pippa.

The strength of this book is watching both characters undertake personal growth through their developing bond with each other. Pippa has to work through the grief from realising she spent over a decade being a doormat to someone who disrespected her in every way. Wolfie feels instinctively drawn to Pippa but has had little experience of home and being able to trust others.

Refreshingly, Drummond ensures misunderstandings were confronted and cleared up straight away. I also liked that the plot didn't delve into Pippa constantly interfering with the sale, as she annoyed me by insisting on Wolfie keeping the house despite him saying repeatedly the place is painful for him.

Another winner from Elizabeth Drummond, 'The House Sitter' is the best sort of read. There's well-rounded characters you wish were your friends, a small Yorkshire setting that you'd want to visit, and a delightful slow-burn romance you can't help but be swept up in.

Thanks to One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC. I've actually long pre-ordered a copy.

I loved this book so much. The banter was top tier and the banter was so cute. I loved the romance and it was very well done.

I really enjoyed this small town romance, it was also really refreshing to be set in Yorkshire, UK. This had all the cosy feelings and just made it so much more nostalgic.

It was a really quick read for me and I loved the writing, it has an ease that pulls you in and keeps you engaged while also dealing with some complex issues that are done in a relatable and respectful way.

I loved Pippa and Wolfie’s dynamic and how they slowly built their relationship. Wolfe was the perfect grumpy mmc who learnt to deal with his emotions and especially when it came to Pippa. The miscommunication part was dealt with quickly which I really loved as a reader.

I highly recommend if you’re looking for an easy and quick read that while dealing with some complex issues it still ends up being an endearing read.

Thank you to NetGalley and OneMoreChapter for this eArc.

This small town romance (Yorkshire, UK) warmed my heart and soul.
I love reading about small towns based in the UK. it's very nostalgic and so homey!

The writing is superb here. The story has many layers and deals with some complex issues.

What to expect:

🩷Small town Romance
🩷Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷Veteran
🩷Tramatic childhood
🩷Trust issues
🩷Forced Proximity
🩷Exes you wanna punch in the face

Pippa had been used her entire relationship, and I'm actually so pleased in the end that she had a backbone and got rid. I really felt for her, her whole life gone in one night. But she was resilient and strong and practical, and so damn likeable.

The miscommunication part of the story was over quickly - thankfully! As we all know how readers including me are hating on that trope.
Wolfie was a perfect grumpy MMC who was terrible at showing his true emotions but when he did it was so endearing.
These 2 together were the perfect forced proximity trope 👌

The story of home being a person, not a house or a place, is wonderful here. Home is where your love is.

Highly recommend this one!!