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
nothing will ever be the same again. Will she finally get an answer to the
mystery of her childhood? And can she embrace the fresh start she so deserves –
but which means she’ll have to take one enormous and brave leap of faith?
An uplifting novel about fresh starts, family secrets and
finding love when you least expect it.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed getting to know Natalie as she turned out to be quite a complicated character who had been conditioned by her grandmother and mother not to ask questions and to stay close to home. There was obviously a mystery brewing in the background which turned out to be the case. Natalie herself slowly came to a realisation which threw all her opinions into disarray.
Zeb appears in the story, sent by Natalie’s mother to look into the business to maximise profit. Starting up a new business, it is soon clear that his heart is not in it and he seems to take to life in Natalie’s herb business like a duck to water. He is a rather closed off character at times, but he does observe quite closely and soon has his suspicions about Natalie’s past. Life in the herb gardens is further disrupted with the arrival of a band who want to use it as the setting for their latest video. There are quite a few unconventional characters among them and their appearance leads to some huge surprises for Natalie.
I appreciated the humour which was to be found from Natalie’s petting area animals and how different people reacted to them. Family relationships are complex and at times frustrating but beneath Natalie’s frustrations with her life, you sense a healing environment and a hopeful outcome.
In short: mysteries, romance and laughter
About the Author
Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic
comedy writer who won the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2023 with A
Cottage Full of Secrets. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers
terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.
You can follow Jane here: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Bookbub | Newsletter Sign up
Thanks to Jane Lovering, 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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