I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour for Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page, and sharing my review: published on 6th June by Aria Fiction, it’s now available for kindle, in paperback, and as an audiobook. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading copy (provided via netgalley).
Jennifer’s very first book, The Little Board Game Cafe (available free via Amazon Prime), was a total delight from beginning to end – difficult to believe it was her debut, and thoroughly deserving of its place in my 2023 Books of the Year (you can read my review again here). Her second, Love Letters on Hazel Lane (also free via Amazon Prime), was the first book I read and reviewed this year – and my goodness, it was so delightful, heart-warming and uplifting, and guaranteed of a place on my 2024 list (you’ll find my review of that one here). And now – despite the distraction of the author’s guide dog puppy Pete – we have yet another to enjoy…
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?
The next warm and uplifting instalment in The Little Board Game Cafe series, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Christie Barlow.
Remember the Scrabble pinafore dress in the first book – and the one with the weebles in the second? They were the only dresses that seamstress/sewist Taylor has ever been commissioned to make from scratch – she dreams of seeing her designs on a catwalk, but all the work that comes her way is mending, shortening and broken zips that need replacing. She’s also trying to be the best mother she can be to young Max – finding life difficult at times, unhappy at school but fearful of change, struggling when he comes across anything new and different.
And then there’s Harry – he finds life a challenge at times too. He’s an accountant, dresses very conventionally in muted colours, and loves trains and board games. And he really wishes he could get to know Taylor rather better – but doubts she’d ever be interested in someone boring like him. But he has a heart of gold, and is only too happy to help her out – despite her reluctance to accept it – when her new home starts falling apart around her (he’s really such a lovely man!). Goodness, he’ll even try his hand at some clothes upcycling if it means the chance to send more time with her. The attraction is mutual, but her son might be an obstacle to any possibility of them growing closer – but Harry and Max have more in common than they realise at first, and the barriers might just not be as difficult to overcome as they expect.
The author writes so beautifully – a lovely touch with the emotional content, and two very real individuals who entirely win your heart as the story unfolds from both their perspectives. And then there’s the wider community – with wonderful characters who’ll already be friends if you read and enjoyed the first two books, but who you’ll enjoy spending time with just as much if this is your first visit to Hebbleswick and Essendale. There’s a major project at the book’s heart, drama at times, a villain who casts a shadow, and plenty of setbacks and challenges along the way – but the whole book is filled with warmth and love and kindness, with friendship and support found in unexpected places, and more than a sprinkling of sheer joy. Just gorgeous – this book should be on everyone’s summer reading list.
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 were 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.
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