Natalie Fisher has taken over the running of her family's herb farm. Whilst that keeps her busy Tallie is also at her mother's beck and call for everything she needs, which is a lot particularly given her long term health issues. Tallie has learned over the years that it is best to keep the peace with her mother, and to never challenge her in any way. After her father's death when she was a very young child her mother and grandmother raised Tallie and she knows that she owes them everything,
However, mum isn't averse to sticking her nose into the business and the latest way she has done this is to employ a business analyst, Zebedee McAuley-Wilson without letting Tallie know. He gets quite the introduction to the herb farm.
There was a pig in the kitchen, with its trotters on the table and its snout in the fruit bowl. but this was fine - well maybe not fine. I wasn't happy about it, but at least the pig was a known quantity. The man, on the other hand, standing watching the pig eat a satsuma, was not.
"There's a pig in here," he said, as though observing a strange scientific phenomenon. "Eating an orange."
"It's a satsuma," I said, helpfully pedantic.
"Oh." He eyed the pig again. "Is that a rare breed?"
"I meant the orange, not the pig. She's a Tamworth." Then I regained my sensibilities, like suddenly putting on a pair of glasses and being able to focus. "But who are you and why are you in my kitchen."
This is such a fun opening line to the book and shows the humour that is threaded throughout the story, something that is present in all of Jane Lovering's books. And that pig gets up to all sorts of shenanigans
The next unexpected group to turn up is a folk-rock-meets-prog-meets-acid-psychedelia rock band who want to film their next videos in the gardens. Soon Tallie finds herself out of her depth and is grateful for Zeb's business acumen. But she is curious about why the band chose her herb farm for farming, and so for the first time in her life she starts asking questions. One thing she doesn't question is her immediate attraction to Mika who plays the viola and the washboard in the band. Maybe she should have.
The problem with starting to ask questions for the first time in your life is that it leads to more questions, and then to answers that might completely change who you think you are, and what your story actually is.
All the while, Zeb is trying to figure out his own story. He is very honest with Tallie about his personal story, about the mistakes he made, and with how he is trying to reinvent his life, but he is also searching for what his future might look like. Could it be here at Drycott farm?
I really enjoy Jane Lovering's books and this was no exception. In this book the family secrets were hidden deep and so took some digging to expose, but there was no doubt in my mind that Tallie bloomed once the truth was revealed. And Zeb was very patient and understanding as he gently encouraged Tallie to look beyond the obvious and question things more.
One odd thing. I think the universe is trying to tell me something. I have now read three gardening/plant related stories in quick succession. Gardening is so not my thing normally!
I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews and with British Isles Friday hosted at Joy's Book Blog. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.
Rating 4/5
Once Upon a Thyme
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.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/UponAThyme
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.
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