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His Last Christmas Gift by Debra Borchert #Review

    His Last Christmas Gift by Debra Borchert will take you to a different country and season. It was published by Le Vin Press on 1st November 2025. Widowed, fired, and 50, Claire is one hot mess. This later in life romance hits like a snowball packed with grief and hope and mystery and the kind of second-chance that says, “I didn’t think I’d ever feel this again, and now I’m terrified, but… Hi.” Romance that’s frost melting off a windowpane. It’s “I forgot my heart could do this.” It’s love doesn’t have an expiration date. Twinkly lights, mulled wine and flaming crêpes so immerse you in Christmas markets—you’ll book a flight to France before the fares go up. A book club fiction favourite, Claire’s journey of self-discovery is perfect for fans of women’s fiction and stories about strong women over 50 navigating reinvention with inspiration, humour, with a delicious frosting of romance. “Give yourself the gift of a lush, romantic, French adventure and be swept away ...

The Start of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert #audiobook #Review


 Today we have an audiobook version for you to consider of the sparkling romcom, The Start of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert. In March, I reviewed the print form and you can read my thoughts here. 

It's never too late to follow your dreams....


Forty-year-old air stewardess Emily Forsyth thought she had everything a woman could wish for: a glamorous, jet-set lifestyle, a designer wardrobe and a dishy pilot boyfriend. Until he breaks up with her...


Catapulted into a midlife crisis she wishes she'd had earlier, she decides to turn her life upside down, quitting her job and instead beginning to chase her long-held dreams of becoming an actress!


Leaving the skies behind her, Emily heads for the bright lights of London's West End - but is it too late to reach for the stars?


My Thoughts

 This is a story full of wit and humour and having re-read my review of the book back in March, my comments resonate with me today. What the experience of listening to the audiobook version gives me is a sharpened awareness of the characters and the humour which seems so immediate. Jane Lambert narrates the story herself and her interpretation of the words make the story really come alive. She embodies the character of Emily beautifully, as well as adding personality to the secondary characters who she meets.

    The experience of listening to an audiobook seems so different to when you are reading a text. Reading a printed or digital copy seems a more solitary and self-centred activity, whereas when you listen to an audiobook, it is possible to move about, doing other tasks whilst listening to the words. There are sound effects which help to add to the descriptions and the opportunity to pause the story or repeat sections. In all, I found it a fun experience which brought out the warmth behind the writing.

In short: A skilful reading of a warm, humorous romance.

About the Author



Jane taught English in Vienna then travelled the world as cabin "Calendar Girls", "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time", "Deathtrap",  and most recently “True West” in London's West End.  She has recorded audiobooks for BBC AudioGo, Isis Publishing and HarperCollins. She is currently adapting “The Start of Something Wonderful” into a 6-part comedy drama for TV.
crew, before making the life-changing decision to become an actor and voiceover artist in her mid-thirties. She has appeared in


You can follow Jane here: Twitter |  Facebook


Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US

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

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Comments

  1. Hi Marianne, I just wanted to say a huge "Thank You" for taking part in The Start of Something Wonderful audio tour. Your lovely comments mean the world to me and give me the the self-belief to keep writing. If you have a moment, I'd so appreciate your posting your smashing review on the book's Amazon page. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Start-Something-Wonderful-fantastically-feel-good-ebook/dp/B0763F9C2N
    Thank you. Warmest wishes, Jane

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