Book Review - A Midwinter Match by Jane Lovering

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Title: A Midwinter Match

Author: Jane Lovering

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 19th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Ruby Oldbridge needs to learn to take her own advice. 

A brilliant counsellor at work in York, she is however floundering in her own life. Her romantic track record is woeful, her finances are in a pickle, and she’s back in a house-share after splitting up with her useless ex.

But one thing Ruby is brilliant at, is helping other people find a way through their problems, and she excels at the job she loves, doing just that. 

Happy-go-lucky, Mr Positivity, Zac Drewe also loves his job – the trouble is, it’s the same as Ruby’s, and the management have decided to ‘rationalise’ their department. There’s only room for one of them.

As the snow and winter close in on York, Ruby and Zac have everything to lose, and Ruby starts to wonder if the happy face Zac shows the world, might be disguising a sadder secret. 

Set against one another, they are unlikely friends. But perhaps, if they could take the time to understand each other, they might discover that rather than rivals, they could be the best thing that ever happened to one another… 

Funny, fresh and fantastically warm-hearted, discover Jane Lovering’s unforgettable new cast of characters and irresistible, feel-good story. Perfect for fans of Julie Houston, Beth O’Leary and Kate Forster

It's been at least a few years since I last read a Jane Lovering book, and having just finished A Midwinter Match, I can't for the life of me work out why I left it so long to read another!  For this is fabulous. 

The characters are incredibly real, they really do jump off the page and into your hearts, their struggles become yours and I found myself hoping things would improve for them. 

There is a huge mental health theme in this book, which is dealt with sensitively and that is just one of a few trickier topics that are covered, adding to the grit and realism of this story. 

Ruby and Zac are basically up against each other for the same job after a merger in their companies, and have very different ways of doing their job.  They are counsellors to help people work out how go get themselves back into the workplace.  And I loved Ruby's huge compassion throughout the book. 

And their big "problem" client I really liked, and loved seeing how Ruby tried to help her. 

Set to a Yorkshire winter backdrop, this was a great snapshot at Ruby and Zac's lives, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them both.  This really was a book with heart and grit, and had me smiling for the conclusion. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.