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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 ...

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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