I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Jane Lovering, Once Upon a Thyme, and sharing my review. Published on 24th June by Boldwood Books, it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited), as an audiobook, and also in paperback and hardcover. My thanks, as always, to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading copy (provided via netgalley).
Every year, it’s such a challenge to work out which one of Jane’s books will take its place on my Books of the Year list – I don’t think I’ve ever read a book from her that I haven’t loved, and I’ve been reading them from the very beginning. Pop her name into my search bar, you’ll find all my many reviews – she writes the most wonderful characters, her stories are always so original, and I love that perfect balance of laughter and tears. Last year, The Start of the Story (available free with Kindle Unlimited) was my personal favourite – in fact, perhaps the best book she’s ever written (so far!) – so emotionally engaging as her main characters grappled with the complexities of life and their impact, with a particular depth of connection but plenty of humour too (you’ll find my full review here). And this year started particularly well with Happily Ever After – every individual so well-drawn, the unpredictable twists and turns of the story, and a pitch perfect ending with the real possibility of a happy ever after, but that’s only after lots of fun along the way and an unexpected touch of particularly well-written drama (you’ll find my review here – and it’s also available via Kindle Unlimited).
So, let’s take a closer look at her latest…
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.
Natalie (she prefers Tallie) enjoys running the family herb farm – now owned by her – living her solitary life, taking real pride in everything she does. If only her mother wasn’t such a drain on her time – the constant phone calls and last minute demands, all handled with patience, resignation and sympathy knowing that she’s housebound with an undiagnosed illness. She wishes she knew more about her own past and her mysterious father – but questions only upset her mother, so she doesn’t ask them.
And then there’s the interference – Zeb’s stay, arranged by her mother, is initially particularly unwelcome. He’s apparently there to help with promoting the business – but it might just be that there’s another agenda entirely. But then things take a bit of a turn with the arrival of a folk band, intent on filming their latest video at the herb farm – the perfect opportunity for some real publicity, a touch of glamour and excitement, and one member of the band who makes her heart beat rather faster. But their visit brings a few surprises too – and, in time, some answers to Tallie’s unanswered questions.
The characters, as always, are quite wonderful. Tallie is a little bit broken, and immensely sympathetic – but with a lovely wry take on her world, an increasing bravery to take on life’s challenges, and a self-deprecating humour that so often brought a smile to my face. And Zeb turned out to be someone I really loved too – also a bit damaged by life and others’ expectations, unexpectedly finding the same peace as Tallie in the day-to-day running of the herb farm, and proving to have a particularly gentle touch with its troublesome animals and its owner.
It’s a story full of surprises – some delightful, some life changing – with more than a few twists and turns, and so many emotional moments. And the balance of the story couldn’t be more perfect – laugh-out-loud set pieces followed by a moment so poignant it brings a tear to the eye – no-one does it better. And the storytelling is simply wonderful – I had no idea where the story was going, but I was only too happy to immerse myself in everyone’s lives and see how things turned out. The romance? And the hoped for happy ending? It honestly couldn’t have been better.
With characters I really took to my heart, a perfectly drawn setting, a fantastic story filled with surprises, laughter, tears, and the loveliest romance, this was a book I really loved. My new favourite? But of course it was!
About the author
Jane Lovering is a bestselling and multi-award winning romantic comedy writer. Most recently Jane won the RNA Contemporary Romance 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.
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