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Once Upon a Thyme by Jane Lovering #Review

  It is a pleasure to feature Jane Lovering's  Once Upon a Thyme which was published by Boldwood Books on June 24th.   All her life, Natalie Fisher has been taught not to ask questions. Why risk uncovering uncomfortable truths, when you can stay in the safety of blissful denial? Since taking over the family herb farm, Natalie has stuck with what she knows, rarely venturing much further than the nearby village where her invalid mother now lives. But then, one day, everything changes with the arrival of unexpected visitors. First comes Zeb, employed by Natalie’s mother to help with the business but soon hinting at other motives. Then comes Simon with the famous band he manages, wanting to film in Natalie’s beautiful garden. The band causes chaos and the attitude of one particular member throws Natalie’s ordered life into confusion. Over one magical summer of revelations and of uncovering secrets, Natalie starts to blossom and by the time autumn arrives she knows n...

Christmas on Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale **Blog Tour Review**

Now we are into October, festive reading is on the cards and I am delighted to welcome Christmas on Lily Pond Lane to the blog today. Lily Pond Lane has become familiar this year and you can read my reviews on earlier books in the series here: New Beginnings   |  Summer Secrets   |  Autumn Leaves  |  Trick or Treat. 


Snow is falling in Little Pondale, lights are twinkling and the smell of pine trees and roasting chestnuts fills the air … 


But Mia Ward is in a bit of a jam. She’d planned to rent out Corner Cottage for Christmas but thanks to best friend, Ella Swann, it’s double-booked. Now Mia’s got to let one ‘party’ down, or find another cottage – fast.

Best friends and single mums, Cathy Cole and Christy Franks want their kids to have an old-fashioned Christmas. Ice-skating, carol singing, making decorations, and tobogganing are on their list of festive fun and Little Pondale is the perfect place. Especially as it has no mobile phone reception. That will make it harder for Cathy to be found.

City banker, Leo Hardman is wondering if renting a cottage for Christmas as an anniversary surprise for his parents, was such a good idea. Little Pondale may be where his parents met, but his mum doesn’t seem pleased to be back, and his brother, Hal isn’t happy that the village is so tiny and only has one pub. 

Meanwhile, Jenny Lake is settling in at her cousin’s bakery, having left her (broken) heart in Florence, but Christmas was never her favourite time of year. And Reverend Glen Fox has taken over at St Michael and All Angels. He’s glad it’s a temporary post because village life is not for him.

But luckily, for locals and visitors alike, there’s a sleigh-load of Christmas magic heading for Lily Pond Lane; enough to put a sparkle in everyone’s festive season. Although Christmas may not go quite as each of them has planned.
 


  My Thoughts

This standalone return to Lily Pond Lane is full of all things festive. It has all the sparkle and glitter of the Christmas season, with snow, reindeers, red coated visitors. Having read the Lily Pond Lane series, it was lovely to return there to see how they were all getting on. New characters are introduced with ease and are nicely linked in with parts of the community. It all feels so effortless. What a relaxing read!

    Both the families who stay in Mia's cottages for the Christmas period have their own back stories and secrets to hide. They couldn't be more contrasting and it was interesting to see how they fit in with the villagers. Little Pondale has its own traditions and oddities and I thought the Wishing Tree was a great addition. This is a heart-warming read, full of humour and romance.

In short: Christmas sparkle at Little Pondale. 
   
About the Author

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing... and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She's an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.



Emily says, "I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happy endings." When she isn't writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both.


You can follow Emily here:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram



 Book Links: Amazon UK 



Thanks to Emily Harvale and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.   

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