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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 ...

Play: The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare

 

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Performed at the Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford Upon Avon and directed by Phillip Breen. 

It was wonderful to be able to go to the new, temporary Garden Theatre which has been built near the Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon and to experience a Royal Shakespeare Company production once more. We were lucky. The weather was kind to us and the whole evening was a delight! The Comedy of Errors was first performed in 1594. I have never seen it performed before but was struck by how lively and natural the dialogue seemed.

 

 

 

c. Books, Life and Everything
Despite the ever-present COVID restrictions with mask wearing and one way systems, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the theatres again- The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre. The following day, we walked past the Other Place and it all looked to be safe and sound, waiting to re-open. Watching a play outside is an experience in itself. We started in bright sunshine, by a miracle, and gradually saw the evening dusk come on and the lights go up. The stage looked totally different under the lights in the dark but each had their own atmosphere and the final reunion at sunset was doubly apt. You were always aware of the audience and it emphasised the connection between the actors and the people sitting so close.
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    Of course, you have to suspend belief and take at face value all the good luck, chance meetings and mistaken identity situations which fill the play, with its pair of separated twins.Separation and reunion was at its heart, with the emphasis not just on separated siblings, but also on searching within yourself for all elements of your true self. When the Antipholus pair find each other, you are struck by how unsure they seem about this, unlike the Dromios who embrace and reunite in joy. It was a true ensemble piece with everyone playing their part. The live music enhanced the action and at times, punctuated the story for you. It lived up to its title, with standout comic timing from the Dromios. 

All I can add is that we will be back!

c. Books, Life and Everything

 



 
 

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