Escape to Pumpkin Cottage by Anna and Jacqui BurnsSynopsis: “Pippa Mason is ready for a fresh start. She has bought Pumpkin Cottage in the picturesque Wye Valley village of Riverdean, where her late mother grew up, and plans to renovate a run-down bed and breakfast. Despite the complications of the project and a very surly builder, Pippa is settling into village life and starting to fall for the charms of local Jake when problems start coming thick and fast …

Jenny Foster has enough on her plate running Riverside Lodge as well as managing her husband Phil’s diagnosis of early-onset dementia. She didn’t need the threat of another B&B on her doorstep. When the spat between them escalates and an autumn storm brings matters to a head, Pippa and Jenny will have to see if Riverdean is big enough for the both of them.”

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My Review

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. 

Thanks so much to Allison and Busby and NetGalley for my digital ARC.