Okay, okay, as much as the synopsis makes this seem like the story is predominantly about Robert, it's not! Yes, he's a key player, but his siblings share the spotlight equally as much, if not more so...and that's just the way we like it.

This is a character driven story...that is to say there's a story/plot line, but without this fascinating sibling trio, it'd be just another story. Robert is the brother that was always there, but more so in the background. He is a lovely man with a kind heart, knowledge to share, and great baking as well as gardening skills. What he lacked was more in the presence department. He didn't speak up, stand out, or rock the boat...for better or worse, or in this case, for the worst of his sister Hattie. No, she was pressed into a doomed marriage because no one had the gall to stand up for her, let alone would she stand up for herself. Which brings us to Hattie...whom I was rooting for from the very start. I love how we meet her, though the emotional turmoil she's in isn't pleasant, because we can see that while her sparkle may have been dimmed by the louse she was married to for so long, she was still there shining like a diamond underneath. All she needed for a little care, and her moment to shine...which THANK GOODNESS she gets in spades. In the mean time, her soft heart allows more shenanigans from her younger sister, Bunty, but it's not a kindness that goes completely to waste. Realizations are made, progress is reached for, and when the cards eventually fall, everything is as it should be. As for Bunty, she came off as the spoiled younger sibling that she was, not taking anything too seriously unless it was all about her, and yet she still had some redeeming qualities even if they were harder to find.

So you see, they were all STRONG characters, and they certainly left their mark on me, which can be a hard task considering I read so much! It's hard enough at times to remember the character names, let alone specific traits, after a book ends, but I have a feeling this trio will stick with me for a while. If you're looking for your next read this holiday season, or perhaps a gift for the Women's Fiction fan in your life, this is definitely a book I wouldn't pass over, and an author I'd make room for in your reading world!

The three Rankin siblings are all at a bit of a crossroads in their lives. Hattie has recently been divorced from her husband of nearly 50 years. He was a very objectionable man who right from the beginning has demeaned Hattie and reduced her self confidence to nothing. Now that she is free from him, she is beginning to realise how badly he had been treating her and is relieved that he ran off with Linda from the bowling club.

When her sister Bunty turns up completely out of the blue with a new lover in toe, Hattie's life is turned upside down. Bunty has always been a bit of a whirlwind, but Hattie is surprised to find out that she has left her husband. It soon becomes very clear that three is a crowd and something has to give so Hattie decides to go and visit their brother in Devon.

Robert is a retired head teacher who enjoys growing his own produce and then cooking up a storm. Recently, he has come to the attention of a number of women in town who find the idea of a man who can cook VERY appealing, although he is a bit oblivious to the fact that he has suddenly become so attractive to the opposite sex. It's definitely not something he is used to.

Soon Hattie is beginning to fit in the community, and her confidence is growing. Bunty is re-evaluating some of her choices and Robert's baking skills come to the attention of a local journalist. Before he knows it he is involved in a bake off against a skilled baker from Cornwall. After all, this is a chance to answer the age old question of whether you put jam and then cream on a scone (as they do in Devon) or the other way around (Cornwall). For me, it is a no brainer. It is always jam first! Every time!!

I have read a number of Judy Leigh books now, and this is my favourite! I loved the way we saw the characters growing (especially Robert and Hattie), and the sense of community coming together that we saw throughout the book. If I was going to use one word to describe the book it would be fun. And you can tell that the author has had a bit of fun with this book too. For example, all the animals that Robert has all have cute names. Two of the goats are called The Great Goatsby and Vincent Van Goat, and the cat is Isaac Mewton!

Which brings me to a recipe to share. Given that there is a scone bake off, it might have been more obvious to share a scone recipe. There were some truly delicious non-traditional scone flavours in the book which might come in handy for International Scone week later in the year. For example there is a ginger scone that Robert makes. Instead I am going to bring you something different.

Tomorrow night we are having Christmas family dinner with the kids (most of them anyway). Our menu is prawns for starters, then pork roast with caramelised apple (based on this recipe) and a roast chicken (based on this recipe) with various side dishes, and then for dessert I am going to attempt to make the following recipe.

In the book Robert makes a pavlova to take to the gardening club meeting so I am not going completely rogue. He is happy to hand whisk his eggs. I, however, am more than happy to let my mixer do all the hard work

Raspberry Swirl Pavlova Wreath (Donna Hay)

Pavlova

225ml egg whites (about 6 eggs)
1½ cups (330g) easter sugar (Superfine)
1½ tspn white vinegar
2 tspn cornflour (cornstarch)
1½ cups (375ml) single (pouring) cream
250g raspberries
2 tbspn shelled pistachios, finely chopped
1 tbspn freeze-dried raspberries, finely crushed (optional)

Raspberry swirl

½ cup (65g) frozen raspberries
2 tbspn caster (superfine) sugar
1 tspn vanilla extract


To make the raspberry swirl, place the raspberries, sugar and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes or until slightly reduced. Strain into a heatproof bowl, discarding the seeds, and refrigerate until cool.

Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Draw a 22cm circle on a sheet of non-stick baking paper and place it on a baking tray. Place the egg white in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking for 30 seconds before adding more. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and whisk for a further 6 minutes or until stiff and glossy. Place the vinegar and cornflour in a small bowl and mix to combine. Add to the meringue and whisk for 2 minutes or until glossy and combined.

Place 12 heaped spoonfuls of the meringue mixture on the tray around the inside of the circle to create a ring. Drizzle the raspberry mixture over the meringue and use a teaspoon to create a swirled effect. Reduce the oven temperature to 120°C (250°F) and bake for 1 hour or until crisp to the touch. Turn the oven off and allow the pavlova to cool completely in the oven with the door closed.

Place the cream in a clean bowl of the electric mixer and whisk until soft peaks form.

Place the pavlova wreath on a cake stand or plate. Top with the cream and sprinkle with the raspberries, chopped pistachios and freeze-dried raspberries to serve. Serves 6–8


We will be skipping the pistachios due to the nut allergy in the house, or maybe I should put some on the side. We'll see. I am crossing everything that my version looks somewhat like Donna Hay's version.

Here's a video showing what it should look like.

While I wanted to love this book as a huge fan of this genre I just couldn't get into it and I DNF'd at 40% in.

I just love books about older adults! Probably because I am 51 and feel as if I am entering into a different stage of my life. Reading about these elderly characters still finding themselves and continuing to learn about life is very endearing. It's never too late!
This was a bit of a slower building story about family relationships in a small village of friends. And who doesn't love a good scone and maybe some romance?
I will have to try more of this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

Another great read from Judy championing the more mature characters in a fun, positive and relatable way.
Such a great diverse range of characters , a beautiful Devon setting, tantalising food and baking especially scones, family dynamics, community spirit and second chances!
Siblings Bunty,Hattie and Robert are all very different in character and life experiences but come together to support each other when needed and in doing so gain so much and a second chance at love and living.
A beautiful, endearing , charming feel good read, would highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for this early read.

I always fall upon Judy Leigh’s books with glee and she has once again outdone herself with her gorgeous new novel, The Vintage Village Bake Off.

Robert Parkin is in his seventies and is perfectly content living alone in the Devon village of Millbrook with his cat Isaac Mewton and his chicken and goats to keep him company. Having never got to the grips with the rules of romance, Robert is surprised to find the local ladies all vying for his company and it soon transpires that it is his baking prowess that is luring them all like moths to a flame. Robert quickly begins to give Mary Berry a run for her money with his meringues and puddings and he has hit the jackpot with his scones. As his fame grows so too does his confidence and when the local media come calling, a competition to judge which county does the best cream tea soon has everyone running to their ovens.

Hearing about their brother’s competition has sisters Bunty and Hattie – who are both at a crossroads in their lives – deciding to go visit Robert. As the siblings enjoy getting closer and spending more and more time together, they soon realise that happiness might be within all of their reach – but only if they stop hiding in the shadows and take a leap of faith and a chance on themselves…

Judy Leigh is just fabulous. I was smiling, laughing and thoroughly enjoying myself from the second I picked up her latest novel, The Vintage Village Bake off. A heartwarming, uplifting and feel-good tale about stepping out of your comfort zone, the power of community, friendship, love and laughter, The Vintage Village Bake Off is a delicious, delightful and delectable charmer from a writer who never disappoints: Judy Leigh.

The book The Vintage Village Bake Off was an enjoyable read. I would recommend any book written by Judy Leigh. Happy Reading!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

Lovely book which was a warm hug from start to finish. A good mix of characters and each well thought out. Recommended to family and friends

A gentle feelgood read. It is a slow burn but that is all part of the charm being a slightly old fashioned with a slower pace of life. Delightful characters, with a couple of rogues along with a touch of humour in the mix. Maybe a little sugary and too cosy for some but occasionally one needs a book like this to lift the spirits and reinforce belief in intergenerational village community.

I love a good book by Judy Leigh and this was no exception. I love Robert Parkin who now in his seventies and is a sex symbol in his gardening club. Right off the bat that makes me laugh. But he bakes and who can resist a man who bakes. Not me!

What a fun and heart-warming book this is. I love every moment of it and I read it so quickly and easily. Sweet, cosy, fun, quirky and an overall great read. Enjoy it, have fun with it and definitely read it. 4 1/2 stars from me for sure.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I loved this quirky and fun story of Robert and his baking where all the ladies were interested in him. This was so enjoyable and to have his sisters come back home and join him in the festivities. A really good story.

What a sweet story. Such a warm satisfyingly great read. I love books about baking although it makes me hungry. The story was good and well written and I enjoyed the outcome. Makes you think about relationships. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is my first Judy Leigh book but I will certainly be reading more. It was lovely to read about the older generation enjoying life and having the same issues in life that everyone faces but also overcoming them and showing that life can be fun even when older. . It was also wonderful that this was about siblings Bunty, Robert and Hattie who come back together following Hattie’s divorce from her abusive bullying Husband, Bunty’s fling due to her feeling her Husband loves the horses more than her and Robert becoming a magnet for all the women in his village due to his wonderful baking. There is a mixture of humour and serious topics in this book and the story moved at a lovely pace with cross generational interactions as well as such descriptive writing of the village I could easily imagine it and would love to move to a village like that in my retirement. The fact that the siblings hadn’t seen each other for a while but had the loving bond made me smile. A charming read that I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwoods books for an advance copy of this book however my opinions is completely my own.

Favorite Quotes:

She stood grimly between Aunt Maud and Aunt Dorothy, who sported matching sour faces, pillar-box-red lipstick and jackets with fur collars that looked as if rats had died simultaneously around their necks.

Robert was perplexed. Women were an unknown land that he’d seldom visited and he didn’t know where to buy a map.


My Review:

One, Two, Three, Four - There's going to be a SCONE WAR!

Another fun and delightful read from Judy Leigh, I can always count on her for giggle-snorts as well as several good belly laughs during perusal. This missive has three senior citizen siblings reconnecting after a lifetime of poor choices for one, lack of choices for another, and handfuls of missed opportunities for the third. They fell into their second chances and found “gardening groupies” at seventy, we should all be so lucky!

Ms. Leigh’s clever humor and observant insights sparkled throughout with quirky villagers, battling journalists, vamping widows, and witty monikers given to chickens such as Hen Solo, Jabba the Cluck, Princess Lay-a, and Dora the Eggs-plorer; goats named Vincent Van Goat and The Great Goatsby; and a cat named Isaac Mewton. I dare anyone to keep a straight face while reading. In fact, I’m tossing out a double-dog dare!

Time for a second chance at life for three siblings in beautiful Devon. This book is a gem to enjoy.. It makes for delicious and thoughtful reading.

I am a huge fan of The Great British Bake Off tv show and was drawn to this book by the title. I love stories that feature baking. There were plenty of delicious sounding cakes and scones in this book.
This book's protagonist is an elderly gentleman which makes a nice change from the young female protagonists that are common in my usual reads.
This is an amusing and entertaining read. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my copy.

This was a fun little romp! A heartwarming diversion, though a little slowly paced for my usual reading taste. I liked the message behind the story, it's never too late to live your own life, so get out there and take chances when you can! As a bit of a people pleaser myself I was drawn to Hattie's character, and I loved seeing her blossom as the story progressed!

Really charming story, gorgeous setting, very well written, flowed well, great characters that i could really connect too, and it was a lovely read. I love Judys books, loved the silver series and this is another great story to get into.

The Vintage Village Back Off is such a cute story, but it was SO repetitive and went absolutely nowhere, that I had to finally abandon the book at the halfway mark.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.

ThisThis novel features siblings Robert, Bunty, and Hattie but, all in their 70's, it mostly features Robert and his cat Isaac Mewton.

Robert is a kind and gentle man in his 70s who lives in Devon village of Millbrook, happy to take care of his chickens and goats and also a bit of gardening but lately, he has become the center of attention amongst the ladies. His cooking/baking skills are to die for.

Hattie has finally come into her own after getting rid of a weight she has had to deal with, her husband. He has left Hattie to set up shop, if you will, with another woman. She is at a crossroads in her life, she knows that there is something out there to pursue but has yet to figure out what it is. Her husband always called her a fuddy duddy but she really isn't. He was just abusive mentally and she never thought much of herself. She is a totally different person after she got rid of her husband of 49 years.

Bunty has arrived at Hattie's home and intends to stay for the long haul, she has left her husband and brought along a new man in her life, a neer do well man by the name of Jacko. They take over Hattie's life and home so much so that Hattie goes to stay with Robert for a while, letting Buntie figure out what she wants. Is Jacko for her, or should she return to her husband?

This is a character-driven story, with the ladies of the village after Robert for his baked goods, which are numerous, he never considered himself a sex object but after a while he kind of likes the position he is in. Hattie finally realizes that she is not a fuddy-duddy as her husband had told her for 49 years. Bunty is finally able to figure out what it is that she wants out of the life that she has left. Not a better time for the siblings to go after what they want.

This is the second book I have read by this author, I love how she tells a story, with lots of humor and compassion for her characters, even the not-so-nice ones!

I give this book 5 stars!

Thanks go to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood for the copy of this book for review purposes only. I was not monetarily compensated for said review! novel features siblings Robert, Bunty, and Hattie but, all in their 70's, it mostly features Robert and his cat Isaac Mewton.

Robert is a kind and gentle man in his 70s who lives in Devon village of Millbrook, happy to take care of his chickens and goats and also a bit of gardening but lately, he has become the center of attention amongst the ladies. His cooking/baking skills are to die for.

Hattie has finally come into her own after getting rid of a weight she has had to deal with, her husband. He has left Hattie to set up shop, if you will, with another woman. She is at a crossroads in her life, she knows that there is something out there to pursue but has yet to figure out what it is. Her husband always called her a fuddy duddy but she really isn't. He was just abusive mentally and she never thought much of herself. She is a totally different person after she got rid of her husband of 49 years.

Bunty has arrived at Hattie's home and intends to stay for the long haul, she has left her husband and brought along a new man in her life, a neer do well man by the name of Jacko. They take over Hattie's life and home so much so that Hattie goes to stay with Robert for a while, letting Buntie figure out what she wants. Is Jacko for her, or should she return to her husband?

This is a character-driven story, with the ladies of the village after Robert for his baked goods, which are numerous, he never considered himself a sex object but after a while he kind of likes the position he is in. Hattie finally realizes that she is not a fuddy-duddy as her husband had told her for 49 years. Bunty is finally able to figure out what it is that she wants out of the life that she has left. Not a better time for the siblings to go after what they want.

This is the second book I have read by this author, I love how she tells a story, with lots of humor and compassion for her characters, even the not-so-nice ones!

I give this book 5 stars!