Skip to main content

Featured

The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous #Review #EmptyNesterSeries

On 10th July, The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous was published by All Ways Books Ltd. They’re off for the time of their lives. But are you? Book #1 in The Empty Nesters Series. Single parent Heather isn't neurotic (honest!) - she's simply dreading the day her only child leaves for university - so her meticulous checklists grow longer by the hour. When she seeks advice on a parents' forum, she clashes with They're Scott, a single dad whose "helpful" statistics and assertions about “helicopter parenting” leave her fuming. Move-in day delivers the ultimate surprise: their daughters aren’t just roommates – they are self-declared "besties for life". Suddenly, Heather and Scott are thrown into a begrudging alliance. As they navigate the new status quo, Heather's instinct to organise meets Scott's philosophy of letting go. Their practical text messages about mattress toppers and emergency supplies evolve into conversations about dream job...

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.

Check out these brilliant bloggers!


 

 


Comments