Portobello Book Blog

It’s publication day today for Jane Lovering’s latest, There’s No Place Like Home, and I’m pleased to be helping start the blogtour today. Jane joined me as my last #AuthorInTheFestiveSpotlight just before Christmas where she spoke a bit about this book as well as some of her Christmas plans and traditions. You can read that post here. There’s No Place Like Home is published by Boldwood Books and last time I looked was available for the bargain price of just £1.89. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me as part of the tour and for providing an e-copy for review.

About the book

Isabel, Izzy to her friends, has got nothing left to lose when she makes the bravest decision of her life.

A month living under canvas on the Yorkshire Moors with five strangers wouldn’t normally be her idea of a good time, even if there is prize money to be won at the end of it, but she’s all out of options.

Joining her in this wild goose chase, being filmed for a TV show, are farmer Seb, whose marriage is creaking but who is desperate not to lose his family. Sheltered Ruth who needs an opportunity to show she can make her own decisions. Glamorous socialite Kanga, who has been living a lie. American Junior who has his own secret that has led him there. And last but not least, mysterious and brooding Mac, who Izzy can’t help but be drawn to.

As the fickleness of nature tests them all to their limits, this disparate group come together to face the challenge. But when Izzy finally tells them the truth that has brought her out on the Moors, will that be the end of their adventure, or the beginning of her future? Because what Izzy really needs is a place to call home, and someone to share it with could be even better…

My Thoughts

There’s No Place Like Home features a very diverse group of people on what seems like a wild goose chase. Or should I say a wild cat chase! This was a reality show challenge with a difference and you wouldn’t have caught me sleeping up on the Yorkshire Moors in a tent in winter, no matter how much money was involved.

Inevitably, some of the contestants are more likeable than others but I found I warmed to them all as I got to know them. They all had their own reasons for taking part in the show and these reasons were as varied as the people themselves. They all had secrets they perhaps didn’t want to reveal initially. It was interesting following the interaction between them and how that dynamic changed as they got to know each other better. As well as finding out about each other, I think it’s fair to say that they all made some discoveries about themselves too.

It was amusing how Izzy seemed to become the agony aunt and confidante of the camp even though she probably felt she was the least together of them all. There is of course a very nicely done romance in the book but it’s not the central theme. As the author said in my festive spotlight feature, none of her leading ladies (or men for that matter) need saved by love but, like us all, they do thrive with a bit of love in their lives.

There’s No Place Like Home makes you think about what really makes a home and the importance of family and friends. But it’s also about resilience, new beginnings and finding out what matters to each individual. There’s No Place Like Home is another warm, uplifting and often funny story from Jane Lovering.

Buying Link: There’s No Place Like Home

About the Author

Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Novel of the Year Award in 2012 with Please Don’t Stop the Music. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

Follow Jane

Website URL: www.janelovering.co.uk

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-lovering

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