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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 Village Vicar by Julie Houston #Review

 

I am thrilled to introduce Julie Houston's latest novel, The Village Vicar. It is published on January19th by Aria.


Three devoted sisters... One complicated family.

When Rosa Quinn left her childhood home in Westenbury, she never expected to return over a decade later as the village vicar. But after a health scare and catching her boyfriend cheating, Rosa jumps at the chance to start over and live closer to her triplet sisters Eva and Hannah.

But Rosa's isn't the only old face in the village, and when her role in the parish throws her into the path of her ex, she begins to wonder if she's made a terrible mistake. Meanwhile, Eva and Hannah face their own troubles, as secrets about their family threaten to emerge.

Can Rosa make a life for herself in Westenbury? Or will the sisters discover you can't run away from the past?


Praise for Julie Houston

A warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep' Sheila O'Flanagan

'Warm, funny and well written, with a page turning plot, this book has everything! I loved it!' Katie Fforde'

Julie Houston at her best –heartfelt and hilarious' Sandy Barker

'Laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming!' Mandy Baggot

'This book is an absolute gigglefest with characters you'll fall in love with!' Katie Ginger

My Thoughts

This tale of three sisters us an enjoyable read . Although triplets, Rosa, Eva and Hannah are so different in personality but so close. Family dynamics are complicated but at the same time, there is an acceptance of what is important in blending a family together. You get a lovely insight into life in the village through the church volunteers and I liked the community feel that runs through the story.

    Rosa, as the new vicar, turns out to have a surprising backstory which makes her decision to become a vicar credible and you always sense her sincerity. Eva is dissatisfied with her home life but on the face of it is an extremely successful professional woman and parent. Hannah seems the most troubled and is torn between what she knows to be right and her competing desires. There are some real surprises at the end of the story but the sisters support each other through them. This is a feelgood read with interesting characters and a plot which keeps you involved. 

In short: heartwarming story of family and love

 

About the Author

Julie Houston lives in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire where her novels are set, and her only claims to fame are that she teaches part-time at 'Bridget Jones' author Helen Fielding's old junior school and her neighbour is 'Chocolat' author, Joanne Harris. Julie is married, with two adult children and a ridiculous Cockerpoo called Lincoln. She runs and swims because she's been told it's good for her, but would really prefer a glass of wine, a sun lounger and a jolly good book – preferably with Dev Patel in attendance. 

 

You can follow Julie here: Twitter   | Facebook   |  Website 

Book links: Amazon UK   |  Waterstones  
 

 Aria Books: Website  |  Twitter  |   Facebook  |  Instagram
 
Head of Zeus:  Twitter  |  Instagram |  Facebook  |  Website

Thanks to Julie Houston and Amy Watson and Aria Books for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out the rest of the tour!
 
 

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