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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 ...

Life's a Beach by Portia Macintosh #Review

 

Portia Macintosh's latest romcom, Life's a Beach was published by Boldwood Books on 6th May. It is certainly an escapist read.


Sun, sea and inescapable exes...

Peach is excited to hear that her sister, Di, is getting married. Of course, she would have preferred her little sister to be engaged to someone she's known longer than a week - and the fact that his name is Charles doesn't bode well - but who is she to judge?! Afterall, her own love life is non-existent, and who doesn't love a destination wedding...?

Whisked away to the gorgeous Italian coast, Peach assumes her role as chief bridesmaid and, despite her reservations about the groom, she tries to ensure everything goes to plan.

But weddings are never straightforward affairs... throw in some unexpected guests in the form of ex-boyfriends and one night stands, and soon enough there is more drama than a reality tv show.

Can Peach keep the show on the road, or might she end up in a whirlwind romance of her own...?

Escape to the stunning Italian coast with bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald and Mhairi MacFarlane.


My Thoughts

 I really loved this romcom. Its slightly whimsical tone made me smile throughout and the setting made it a truly escapist read. Family is an important part of the story. I must say that Peach's parents did make me smile, especially their reaction to their empty nest after Peach and her sister left home. As each new character arrives at the Italian villa where Peach's sister Di was staying before her wedding to Charles (!), relationships become more and more complicated. It is certainly fun trying to work out just what is going on with them all.

    There are some hilarious episodes in this story which truly deserves the term, romcom. As soon as Vanessa arrives, you know they are going to multiply but there is also more to people than it appears at first sight. This is a great escapist summer read. From the moment that Peach met Matt, I was hooked -but was he?

In short: Sun, sea and romance 

About the Author


Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 16 novels, including The Plus One Pact and My Great Ex-Scape. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real-life experiences.

 

You can follow Portia here: Website  |  TwitterInstagram   |  Facebook

Book link: Amazon UK 

 Thanks to Portia Macintosh, Boldwood Books, and Rachel of Rachels Random Resources  for copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out the rest of the tour!


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