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See the Stars by Eleanor Ray #Review

  See the Stars by Eleanor Ray will be  published on February 5th 2026 by Piatkus .  Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?   When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.  Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?  Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel...

Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page #Review

 

I am pleased to be on the tour for Jennifer Page's latest novel, Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe which was published on 6th Jume by Aria.

 
The next warm and uplifting instalment in The Little Board Game Cafe series, is perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Christie Barlow.

In the cosy Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, single mum Taylor dreams of a fashion design career, but she spends her days fixing zips, hemming skirts and worrying about her son, Max.

At the local board game cafe, railway enthusiast Harry, still recovering from a painful breakup, dreams of fatherhood. When Taylor and Harry cross paths, sparks fly, but Harry's confidence issues and Taylor's concerns for Max threaten their budding romance.

Can they find a second chance at love where they least expect it?


 My Thoughts

This is one of those warm and uplifting stories which is full of friendship and community. That is not to say that everything goes smoothly for Taylor and her son, Max. Max is an interesting character in his own right. Intelligent, he struggles with fitting in at school and seems to be being bullied for his difference, on a daily basis. His love of all things train related gives him comfort and a feeling of security. Harry shares his love of order. He too struggles with friendships and relationships. However, his kindness and care for others shines through.

    Taylor has had to become self- sufficient after being abandoned by Max’s father. You get the feeling that she is very lonely, as is Harry, but wants to protect her son and is wary of new relationships. Taylor has had to compromise her ambitions to be a fashion designer but you see her talent shining through as the story evolves. The Board Game Cafe is a great meeting centre and a sociable hub for people who are drawn there. You are invested in the possibility of Taylor and Harry’s romance and rooting for them to communicate how they feel. 

In short: second chance at romance

About the Author

Jennifer Page wrote her first novel – a book about ponies – when she was eight. These days she prefers to write romance. When she isn't writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games which are the inspiration for her first novel. She has worked as a television producer, a music teacher and has even run a children's opera company. She now lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband and his large collection of games.

 

You can follow Jennifer here: Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

 Purchase link   |  

 

Thanks to Jennifer Page, Aria and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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