Reviews: Once Upon a Thyme (6)
“Thoroughly enjoyable read!”
(Paperback)
Tally is a woman in her late twenties who runs a herb farm. It has always been a part of her family, first belonging to her grandma, then her mother, before Tally buys it outright from her mum.
It's a tough gig, especially as she has caring responsibilities for her mother, unwell with an unknown illness, but she loves being with the plants, and her guinea pigs, and especially Big Pig, her sow.
She ends up with Zeb, a marketing consultant appointed by her mother, tagging along as she goes about her life.
A chance visit from an up-and-coming band who want to use the farm to shoot videos gives Tally the chance of some more income, much-needed funds to continue her small, struggling business, and under the guidance of Zeb, she hesitantly agrees.
But there are lots of things going on, with thinking about a certain band member, as well as looking out for her mother, and trying to quell feelings that are building about someone else.
It's a slow-rumbling romance, with a slightly darker moment when secrets are uncovered; however, it's a lovely summer read.
A gorgeous story filled with love, a twist of mystery and a lot of hope.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
“A delight to read”
(Paperback)
Natalie Fisher has never been able to choose for herself. When she was still very young, she was taking care of her mother who spent most of her time in bed. Later one, she took over running the family herb farm. Choices like going away to college weren't on the menu for her.
Her life changed when a young man (Zeb) showed up, sent by her mother to help her increase the business. Shortly afterwards, she was asked to allow a musical group to create their new album at her farm. It would be good publicity for the farm and they were also going to pay her. Her life had been an unending round of planting, weeding and harvesting and suddenly the world opened up a little for her.
She had always been told not to ask questions about her family situation - her mother bed-ridden most of the time, even her father's full name. Now she wanted the answers, no matter how painful. This book is one I won't soon forget and I highly recommend it.
I received an e-arc from the publisher Boldwood Books and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
“Outstanding”
(Paperback)
Another masterpiece from the very talented Jane Lovering. I keep saying this but she’s done it again, she’s outdone herself and delivered the most enjoyable story. Masterful use of the language as always. Witty irony, deep knowledge of the human soul and its woes. Down-to-hearth and relatable characters. The occasional pig ( well done! ). Yes, I did guess part of the outcome but the story is not that predictable.
She’s one of the best novelists around, I’ll never say this enough.
With many thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood and the author for an early copy.
“An original romantic tale.”
(Paperback)
The clever balance of humour and poignancy, coupled with the unusual setting, makes this an entertaining story. Tallie runs a herb farm practically single-handedly after buying the family business from her mother. She is an isolated individual who soon finds herself out of her comfort zone when new people invade her quiet life. The humorous moments are many, and the opening scene with one of her resident animals is particularly comical. Tallie's family life is challenging, with unanswered secrets. The romance with Zeb is gentle, believable and instrumental in her growth as a person. I enjoyed the originality, the humour and the romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
“A really enjoyable read”
(Paperback)
A lovely read. Natalie runs a herb farm a family buisness she has taken over, she loves her job but her past is full of secrets and she can never get any answers from her mum who is almost an invalid but all is not what it seems with her and when she finally finds out abouts her past it comes from someone she least expects. A well written book and a lovely story with a beautiful ending which I loved.
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Once Upon a Thyme
Fiction, General Fiction
Jane Lovering (author) , Rose Robinson (read by)
Paperback Published on: 24/06/2025
Price: £10.99
