Pumpkinnapper by Linda Banche my review

Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth

This wonderfully funny story is superb and unique, perfect for Halloween. A sweet romance, I totally adored it and couldn’t put it down. Henry the goose is hilarious and Emily and Hank are both truly wonderful. I loved the story and the atmosphere. A must read.

Opening Scene:

Lindsell, Essex, England

Late September, 1816

“You-you-pumpkinnapper!”

The Review:

Someone is trying to steal the widowed Mrs. Emily Metcalfe’s pumpkins. She is certain that it is her childhood nemesis and the secret love of her youth, Henry, nicknamed Hank, who she hasn’t seen in ten years. After all, he arrives back and the same night someone tries to steal her pumpkins.

Henry, Baron Grey, has never forgotten the girl he loved and couldn’t pursue so long ago decides he will catch the pumpkin would-be thief for her. After all it does mean he gets to spend time with her. What he doesn’t bank on is a jealous pet goose biting him in an embarrassing place.

Notable Scene:

Hank pressed his lips together to prevent himself from roaring out his laughter. Never in his life had he seen a woman look as flabbergasted as Emily did now. He tipped his top hat. “And good afternoon to you, too, Mrs. Metcalfe.”

She shut her mouth with a snap. “Good afternoon, Lord Grey. How may I assist you?” She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot. “Are you here to torment me more?”

“No, I am not. Please, Emily, we are no longer children playing pranks on each other.”

“The last time we met you were seventeen and I was fourteen. We were not children, and yet you still pulled my plait.”

“And I regretted it.” No I did not. Pulling your hair was the only way I could touch you. “I had no idea that was the last time I would see you until today.”

The apology appeared to soften something in her, because her foot stopped, and she lowered her arms to her sides. “I was sorry I never saw you again, either,” she said, her voice quiet. Then she stiffened again. “If only to pay you back.”

He laughed. Her lips quivered as she attempted to retain her anger, but then she laughed, too. Still smiling, she stepped back into the narrow hall and beckoned him into the parlor. “Sit down while I make tea.”

“Please do not trouble yourself over me, Emily. I can come to the kitchen.” Hat in hand, he followed her down the hall past the stairway to the upper floor. The kitchen, a large airy room with windows on three sides, spanned the entire back of the house.