This is my 3rd Judy Leigh book, and it definitely won’t be my last. The Vintage Village Bake Off is a feel-good, warm-hearted book about second chance love, sibling support, small town communities… and lots and lots of scones.

The main character, contrary to what the synopsis above implies, is not Robert Parkins, but his sister Hattie. Hattie’s bully of a husband ran off with another woman after fifty years of a miserable marriage. Newly divorced and on her own, Hattie is finally starting to reemerge from the protective shell she’d tucked herself into so long ago.

When Hattie’s sister Bunty arrives unexpectedly, having left her husband for a fling with another man who paid her some attention, Hattie’s patience wears thin. Finally fed up, she leaves Bunty and her ill-advised lover in her own home and heads to their brother Robert’s home in Devon.

Robert is delighted by Hattie’s arrival. The siblings hadn’t spent much time together while Hattie was married, and this is a chance for them to reconnect and simply enjoy one another’s company. Robert lives a peaceful bachelor life with his cat, goats, and hens, and has become a “babe magnet” (as the vicar describes it) thanks to the delicious desserts he brings to the local gardening club’s meetings.

When a reporter describes Robert’s scones as the best in the entire region, she inadvertently kicks off a war, as a rival reporter in Cornwall takes offense and challenges Robert to a showdown. The Scone Wars are on! While presented as a way to generate media buzz and some local pride, Robert is less than enthused about the idea of going to war over baking… but when he meets his opponent, a lovely teashop and bakery owner named Tressy, the competition becomes a lot more enticing.

Ah, this book is a delight! The Scone Wars storyline doesn’t actually kick in until much later, and meanwhile, it’s quite a lovely story following the three siblings — Robert, Hattie, and Bunty — with chapters from each of their perspectives, learning more about their lives, their disappointments, and their hopes for new beginnings. All three are in their seventies, and while they may each in their own way feel that they’ve missed out during their lives, they’re all ready for new adventures and are open to learning and changing their ways.

Hattie, especially, is wonderful. While it’s sad to see how diminished she became through her marriage to a domineering, emotionally abusive man, her road to self-discovery and empowerment is terrific. As Hattie rediscovers her love of music, allows herself to try new clothing, styles, and activities, and opens herself to new friendships, she finds courage and hope after a long, dismal stretch of years.

Bunty is flighty and harder to like at the start, but as we get to know her, we see too how her poor decision-making and silliness are just some aspects of her loving personality, so I did eventually warm up to her as well.

Robert is a gentle soul, lovably befuddled by the women who clamor for his attention and continually show up at his doorstep asking for jam or for help with recipes. He’s a dear man who’s live a solitary life, and is a great example of how it’s never too late to find love, even when least expected.

Judy Leigh once again delivers a story of sweetness, connection, and humor — I adore her gentle touch with a story and the mix of silliness with deeper emotions and the occasional sadder memories.

Phyllida Nash’s narration is spot on, providing the voices of the main characters as well as the cast of characters making up village life — each person is distinctive, and I love how well she brings the quirks and personalities to life.

Sweet and savory (just like Robert’s scones), The Vintage Village Bake Off is a tasty little treat that left me hungry for more (and yearning to savor some delicious home baking). I’m looking forward to enjoying more of Judy Leigh’s wonderful books in the coming year.