Once Upon a Thyme: An uplifting novel about fresh starts, family secrets and finding love from Jane Lovering

The perfect pick-me-up from bestseller Jane Lovering. For all fans of Katie Fforde, Jessica Redland, Beth Moran and Veronica Henry 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.

Readers love Jane Lovering:

‘Jane's books are always an autobuy for me - subtle, nuanced, and full of emotion… Beautifully done. There's vulnerability, learning to move on while not dismissing the past, and there's also a lot of humour as well as the bits that made me well up. Thoroughly recommended.’

‘I had no idea what to expect from this book but I absolutely loved it and could not put it down once I started it.’

‘I’ve smiled and cried in equal measures, the loveliest of characters in a wonderful setting, the end of the story concludes beautifully with an unexpected ending… Just glorious!’

‘Another wonderful book from Jane Lovering… I don’t know what it is about her writing but she draws me in every time and I feel so emotionally invested in her characters.’

‘This really was quite wonderful writing… Such an emotionally engaging read – and one I really couldn’t recommend more highly.’

‘OMG!!! Jane does it yet again!! I absolutely LOVED this absolutely gorgeous page turner and I cannot WAIT to get stuck into Jane's next book and see what other gorgeous stories she has come up with… If you are ever looking for a feel good book then ladies and gentleman, Jane Lovering is a go to author for just that!!!!’

Praise for Jane Lovering:

'I adored the dual timeline aspect of this gorgeous story and discovering the secrets from the past. Beautifully written and both heartbreaking and heartwarming' Jessica Redland

'A funny, warm-hearted read, filled with characters you'll love.' Matt Dunn on A Country Escape

© 2025 Boldwood Books (Ebook): 9781835332528

Release date

Ebook: 24 June 2025