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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 ...

My Year of Saying No by Maxine Morrey #Review

This is another great read from Maxine Morrey. My Year of Saying No was published by Boldwood Books on April 16th. 

Lottie Wentworth has never been more pleased to hear Big Ben ring in the new year and wave goodbye to The Year of Saying Yes!

When a long-term relationship ended, her best friend’s scheme to get Lottie back in the swing of things seemed like a good idea. She’s kept her promise to Jess to see it through but, as a lover of the quiet life, Lottie couldn’t be happier to say hello to a brand new year – The Year of Saying No! 

Unfortunately, the one thing she still seems unable to say no to is the crush she has on her best client and now friend, Army veteran, Seb Marshall. But she’s working on it, and with rescue dog Humphrey at her side, she knows that she’ll manage just fine.
Lottie’s decision to stop trying to please everyone has brought a sense of relief beyond what she had expected. Her actions and determination have also begun to send ripples throughout her life and those closest to her, bringing about changes none of them could have expected.

But will all those changes be for the good?

 
                                                                                

                                                                                    My Thoughts

 I always enjoy Maxine Morrey's books and this one is no exception. There are some likeable characters in My Year of Saying No, none more so than Lottie. She gets your sympathy from the beginning and shows herself to be an independent and determined character with a kind streak and she shows all her feelings on her face. Her decision to take on a little rescue dog underlines her thoughtful side. 

    However, Lottie is not the only character who you feel empathy for. Seb is pretty unscrutable at times and it takes time to get inside his thoughts, but you always feel that there is a selfless and kind side to him. Jess and Harry are lighter characters but they have their issues to work through. With family relationships and friendships to discover, this is an enjoyable and feelgood read. 

 

In short: Time to move on from the past.

                                                                              About the Author

 

Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten.
 
As time went by, she continued to write, but 'normal' work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a local history book on Brighton. However, novels are her first love.
 
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK's 'Write Christmas' competition with her first romantic comedy, 'Winter's Fairytale'.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read, sew and listen to podcasts. Being a fan of tea and cake, she can (should!) also be found doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
 
You can follow Maxine here:  Website  |  Twitter  | Instagram
​                                                 Facebook    |  Pinterest

Book links: Amazon UK    
 
Thanks to Maxine Morrey, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the event.


Check out the rest of the tour!

 

 

 


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