Escape to Pumpkin Cottage: An uplifting, feel-good read about romance and rivalry: A feel-good read about romance and rivalry

I loved Poles Apart, this writing duo’s previous book, so when I had the chance to read this latest book I couldn’t resist!The story is told by both Pippa and Jenny, so we get both sides of this interesting dual between the B&B owners. I liked both Pippa and Jenny, but they did annoy me at times! I mean who buys an old bed and breakfast on impulse? Certainly not me or anyone I know.I felt for both characters as they did have serious issues they were both dealing with, as well running businesses that they put everything into.Jenny’s husband has early onset dementia which is getting worse, so the last thing she needs is a rival in the hospitality industry. Pippa is grieving for her mother and a failed relationship, and really hopes that Riverdean will be the new start she needs. What neither of them is expecting is nastiness and rivalry in a small community.Riverdean sounded lovely, and Pumpkin Cottage was somewhere I could imagine booking into, especially in autumn when the story this is set. I loved getting to know the residents, and enjoyed seeing it through both Pippa’s and Jenny’s eyes. The pub sounded great, the perfect place to wind down or have fun.The romance and chemistry between Pippa and Jake was so good, but also very natural, which made the story more realistic, especially when it wasn’t all plain sailing.I definitely recommend this if you enjoy a small town romance, and I’m looking forward to the authors’ next book.

Escape to pumpkin cottage by Anna Burns and Jacqui BurnsPublished by Allison & Busby on 19th September 2024A Feel-good heartwarming Read about romance, rivalry, renovation & community.Pippa Mason's Mum has recently passed away & she's split up with her boyfriend of 5 years.Seeking a fresh start, she purchases dilapidated run down B&B, 'Pumpkin Cottage' in the picturesque Wye Valley. She loads her car with the few sad boxes of possessions that she owns and heads to the village Riverdean, where her late Mum had grown up.Pippa bought the cottage without even viewing it in person, but when she first sees it, she thinks it's higgledy piggeldy perfection!It's the most dramatic life change she's ever made but if she's learnt anything in the last year, it's that life is too short to spend a second of it wasting time, sitting back, waiting for the future you want to come and find you.As she embarks on a journey to transform the cottage into a thriving bed and breakfast, she finds herself drawn into the local community and caught in a web of unexpected challenges & an unexpected romance with adventure mad Jake.The authors of this book (Mother & Daughter) alternate writing chapters from 'Pippa's' view & a lady called 'Jenny' Foster, who runs Riverside Lodge an already established B&B of 15 years.Jenny's husband Phil has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and she has doubts about how long she will be able to keep running the business. Jenny didn't need the threat of another B&B on her doorstep and the newcomer worming her way into the hearts of the community and her son!Anna and Jacqui have created a charming setting for this story. The idyllic Wye Valley provides a captivating backdrop, filled with charming villages, lush countryside, and a sense of tranquility. I for one wanted to be sitting by the roaring fire in 'The Trout' and having a glass of wine with Pippa!The characters are relatable and Pippa's determination and resilience are inspiring.Her interactions with the quirky locals add depth and humour to the story.The blossoming romance between Pippa and the local outdoorsy Jake is both sweet and believable, and the story offers a well-paced narrative with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged.Jennys character is a complex one. Her life is filled with stress and responsibilities, and she can often come across as gruff or irritable.Despite her tough exterior, Jenny has a kind heart. She is deeply committed to her business and her husband, and she is always trying to do what is best for them. However, her stress and fatigue can sometimes lead to conflicts with others, particularly Pippa.Jenny's character arc throughout the novel involves her learning to balance her personal and professional life, as well as finding ways to cope with her husband's condition. As she grows and develops, she begins to see the importance of community and friendship, and she learns to appreciate the simple things in life.Escape to Pumpkin Cottage is a delightful read that will leave you feeling cosy and content. It's a perfect choice for fans of cosy mysteries, romance, and heartwarming tales of small-town life. If you're looking for a book to curl up with in your hygge nook on a chilly day, this is definitely one to consider and I think we should all take on Pippa's tradition next year & mark the 1st of September with a pumpkin spiced latte!#EscapeToPumpkinCottage #AnnaBurns#JacquiBurns#CosyRead#Romance#SmallTownLife#Renovation#WyeValley#B&B#Dementia

From the front cover and the information, I knew this would be one of those reads that warms your heart.Escape to Pumpkin Cottage is such a fun read and the village and surrounding countryside sounded beautiful.Anna and Jacqui Burns have introduced us to a great set of characters, each of them important to this entertaining storyline.I’m all for the drama between the two landladies of the village’s bed abd breakfasts, and thought that Pippa was brave in moving down to start afresh. Her and Jake had chemistry from the start but as always things aren’t often as they seem.