The Vintage Village Bake Off

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. 'What a happy, uplifting book this is. Set in Devon with a skilful look at village life, second chances and finally finding happiness in unexpected places, Judy Leigh conjures up a wonderful story and some unforgettable characters. Highly recommended!' Maddie Please 'I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle romantic comedy which made me laugh a lot and cry a little. No one says it better than Judy - it's never too late to find love.' Julia Jarman Readers love Judy Leigh: 'I have been a fan of Judy's work for quite a while now. I love the way in which she writes such fun, feel good, heart-warming and uplifting stories.' 'Judy Leigh is a refreshing writer that writes about older characters... and I have to say that I do not hesitate to pick up a book when Judy has written it. They are always such delightful reads that teach us that life doesn't have to become boring when you get old... A true pleasure to read.' 'Judy Leigh's writing is special. She understands people and relationships; she writes of strong, authentic, inspirational women. She realises that becoming older brings health concerns but it's not all doom and gloom, the women in her books shine! They don't have perfect lives, but they are survivors, they keep going and achieve new things.' 'What an absolutely heart-warming story about lifelong friendships set in a wonderful community in a delightful village. The central characters are strong but gentle who support each other through life's ups and downs as well as supporting others in need. This was such a great story that I would save and read again.' 'The Golden Oldies' Book Club is an entertaining read, written with warmth, humour and a message not to let chances slip by. Themes of friendship, community and navigating life and its opportunities run throughout.' 'A lovely warm read about family and closeness. This author never disappoints, always a joy to find one of her books which I haven't read.' Praise for Judy Leigh: 'Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting' Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List 'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life... a wonderful escapade' Fiona Gibson