Skip to main content

Featured

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 ...

Making Waves at River View Cottage, by Jennifer Bohnet, #Review

 

I am so delighted to be on the tour to celebrate Jennifer Bohnet's romance, Makung Waves at River View Cottage,  which was published by Boldwood Books on 21st September.  

 
Cassie Lewis, a widow for over 20 years has begun to realise there must be more to life.

In-between working at the family boatyard in picture perfect Dartmouth and raising two children, she wonders where the years have gone.

Both her children, Tom and Polly, have inherited their father’s love of sailing and currently Tom is preparing for a gruelling round the world race. When an accident forces Tom to pull out, Polly, to Cassie’s horror, insists she is capable of taking his place.

As Polly prepares for the race, Cassie unexpectedly finds herself with two keen and eligible men vying for her love.

With her BIG 5-0 birthday approaching Cassie knows she has some big decisions to make but will the worry over Polly’s safe return, cloud her judgement?

Originally published in 2003 as Call of the Sea


 My Thoughts

I very much enjoyed this read. The action alternated between life at home and on the round the world race. Storylines were centred around different generations in the same family which was a good contrast. Cassie has spent years hiding from life in many ways and through the story, you see her beginning to venture out of her comfort zone. Grief and loss have enveloped her although you sense that her family have wanted her to have more self belief. Tom and Polly are close siblings but the circumstances of the race create a few issues, especially for Tom. It is Polly who gets the opportunity to really prove herself but in doing so she discovers what she really wants for her future.

    This is a heartwarming story, with highs and lows which really grabs the interest. The setting on the coast makes it a great summer read and I particularly liked the extracts from Polly's journal which gave you an insight into how she was actually coping with the challenging race.  

In short a skilful blending of storylines within a feelgood read

    

    

    


About the Author

Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.

You can follow her here: Twitter  | Facebook 
              |  Instagram   |  Website  |  Boldwood Books Author Profile
              |  Jennifer's newsletter   |   Bookbub profile

Book link:  Amazon UK 
 
Thanks to Jennifer Bohnet and Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 Catch up with the rest of the tour!
 

Comments