france | Suzanne Rogerson Fantasy Author

This is another great read from Jo Thomas. She is one of my favourite romance writers and her books never fails to make me feel emotional!

Blurb

Can Del find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier…a new life in France – without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? After discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill.

My review

The story starts as Del prepares to leave France with her husband but she realises their relationship is broken and she decides to stay on alone. It’s a very brave thing to do, especially where all her stuff is already on its way back to England!

Del is a strong character even if she doesn’t always see that about herself. I love being in her world, watching as she learns to trust herself and be self reliant.

The people in the nearby town make her feel welcome and she settles into her new life, finding friendship and possibly more in the process. She helps others, in particular a young mum along the way. These growing friendships really make the story something special.

The details of the farmhouse and the lavender are so immersive. I also love the details of the cooking. Del uses her love of baking to start providing for herself, incorporating the lavender from her farm into everything she cooks. Be warned, this book can make you hungry. Helpfully there are a few recipes at the back of the book, which is a nice little touch.

The chapters are very short and always draw you into the next. Many times I said to myself I’ll just read one more chapter only to find another half and hour had passed without me even realising.

If you like to be transported to beautiful places and enjoy heart-warming and feel good stories, then give Escape to the French Farmhouse a try.

My rating – 5 lavender scented stars!

Also see my reviews of Late Summer in the Vineyards and The Olive Grove.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

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As promised on my Fridaybookshare post, here’s my review of Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas.

Genre – Romance

Blurb

Emmy Bridges has always looked out for others. Now it’s time to put down roots of her own.

Working for a wine-maker in France is the opportunity of a lifetime for Emmy. Even if she doesn’t know a thing about wine – beyond what’s on offer at the local supermarket.

There’s plenty to get to grips with in the rustic town of Petit Frère. Emmy’s new work friends need more than a little winning over. Then there’s her infuriatingly brash tutor, Isaac, and the enigmatic Madame Beaumont, tucked away in her vineyard of secrets.

But Emmy will soon realise that in life – just as in wine-making – the best things happen when you let go and trust your instincts. Particularly when there’s romance in the air…

My Review

First thoughts

This is the first (and only) book I’ve won in a Goodreads competition. I was sent a Marketing Proof by the publishers. Although sadly it doesn’t have this cover, I was still really pleased to be a winner.

Summary

This is a perfect story for escapism. I’m sure in the middle of November, we’re all dreaming of heading off to hot and sunny France. I’d love to visit the vineyards, it all sounds so idyllic.

Main character

I really like Emmy. She’s a genuinely nice person who wants to help everyone and puts their best interests above her own. This has meant she’s put her entire life on hold to look after her dad and younger sister. Her need to look out for others gets her into some very sticky situations.

I did find Emmy’s self doubt a little over the top, but it was completely believable. At times I could have shaken some sense into her and by the end it was gratifying to see her development.

Writing style

It’s mainly told in first person, present tense from Emmy’s perspective. This style really helps to connect with Emmy and understand her thought processes. The situations she gets herself in become more plausible as well.

Issues

I found a part of the prologue annoying and improbable. If someone is telling you to get out their house or they’ll call the police, you don’t suggest a cup of tea (not when your a stranger and a debt collector at that!). It is a sort of comic moment, but it just stopped me believing in the story – thank goodness I carried on reading!

My only other issue would be the amount of simple errors that were present in this copy. As I received a marketing copy, I assume these have been spotted by a proof reader.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this book much, much more than I was expecting! I now have a new appreciation for wine, and desperately want to go and visit France. This book created a special feeling about the vineyards and the host of characters Emmy meets. I especially liked Madame Beaumont and her old horse, Henri. It’s a story that stays will you and I will miss reading it. I will definitely read more of Jo Thomas’ books when I want that feel good factor.

Rating 4.5 Stars

Recommend to: Romance readers who like to discover something a little different and want to be transported into another country.