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Once Upon a Thyme by Jane Lovering #Review

  It is a pleasure to feature Jane Lovering's  Once Upon a Thyme which was published by Boldwood Books on June 24th.   All her life, Natalie Fisher has been taught not to ask questions. Why risk uncovering uncomfortable truths, when you can stay in the safety of blissful denial? Since taking over the family herb farm, Natalie has stuck with what she knows, rarely venturing much further than the nearby village where her invalid mother now lives. But then, one day, everything changes with the arrival of unexpected visitors. First comes Zeb, employed by Natalie’s mother to help with the business but soon hinting at other motives. Then comes Simon with the famous band he manages, wanting to film in Natalie’s beautiful garden. The band causes chaos and the attitude of one particular member throws Natalie’s ordered life into confusion. Over one magical summer of revelations and of uncovering secrets, Natalie starts to blossom and by the time autumn arrives she knows n...

Christmas Ever After by Jaimie Admans #Review

 

We return to Ever After Street for some lovely festive reading. Christmas Ever After by Jaimie Admans was published by Boldwood Books on September 2nd.


A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open... But there’s one man standing in her way - expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.

Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth that Raff continues to exploit, much to Franca’s annoyance! But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn't know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff's magical snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!

Franca’s determined to prove Raff’s business is built on lies. But when disaster strikes, and she’s left unable to make anything, she needs help. It’s just very frustrating that the only person offering is her gorgeous, annoying, nemesis himself!

As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. . But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…

But maybe it's not too late for them to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?

My Thoughts

This is a classic 'enemies to lovers' scenario where Franca has let her past grievances colour her view of current events. There is a real festive feeling to the story which starts with lots of humour and takes you on a lovely journey through the run-up to Christmas.  Franca is a sympathetic character who seems rather lonely and ready for a change. Raff's character is revealed more slowly as it is to Franca and the more you see of his family, the starkest Franca's circumstances stand in relief. 

    I loved the descriptions of the Christmas nutcrackers and Raff's snow globes which capture the season so well. The fellow shopkeepers all form a strong community and add to the joy of the time. I loved the names of the various shops with their puns and whimsy.   Franca is determined to find out the secret behind Raff's magical snow globes but all is not as it seems. This is a gentle story which captures the season beautifully. 

About the Author

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. Her new series for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales.

You can follow Jaimie here: Website  |  TwitterFacebook  |  Instagram  |  Newsletter sign up  |  Bookbub

Book links: Purchase links   |  

Thanks to Jaimie. Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 
 

 

 


 


 

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