"Falling for a French Dream" is an enjoyable romp through Provence. Having read a number of Jennifer Bohnet's novels I found that this one has more substance than some of the others. For me that makes it a better book as it isn't so lightweight. It does see the French lifestyle and the acquisition of property through slightly rose tinted glasses, but hopefully this doesn't mislead too many people. A good holiday read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Marc, Nicola’s ex- husband has recently passed away, although they were divorced, the relationship was unchanged after he came back from his humanitarian work that he did when and where he was sent.

Then his father Henri, send an invite for her and Oliver, her son to visit. As Marc’s relationship with his father wasn’t on good terms, they’ve not been visiting regularly. Her ex-husbands twin aunts, Odette and Josephine who live on the farm with his father, welcome Nicola and Oliver.

During this visit, she’s given an ultimatum by Henri, that is to live there with her son, or he’ll dis-inherit him, blaming her. But the truth of this ultimatum is revealed later in the story.

Nicola decides to sell her house and she buys a small cottage with a plot near the farm, as she wants to be independent and not be dominated by Henri.

Henri, although not totally, giving up doing things his way, begins to build his relationship with Oliver.

A unhappy story, but it’s enhanced by the peace that both Nicola and Oliver feel in the Provençal countryside, trying to make a new home, and coming to terms with their grief.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It really made me feel like I was on vacation!

I had read this before under its old title but this didn't stop me enjoying it. The books that Jennifer Bohnet writes make me want to go and live in France and then to Monaco for lunch and sip wine watching people go buy. I enjoy the stories of second chances and happy ever after.
This book was really enjoyable. The bringing together of families after years of bad feeling between then. Another great read from the author.

Nicola gets a note from her son's grandpa in France. He wants them to come visit from England as they are going to scatter her ex's ashes. She agrees and ends up being tricked into staying in France. She and her 13 year old son soon get acquainted into small town Provence, and she finds a place and starts her own dream. She even finds a nice guy that gentle sparks fly. Overall a sweet story, the tragedy of the accident made me sad, as I hoped Andrew and Agnes would have had a chance, but still, a hard book to put down. Would highly recommend this one.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

Interesting, I would recommend reading it.

Really enjoyable book, Nicola and her son Oliver make the move to France after the death of her estranged husband Marc to move closer to his family. Plenty going on in this book to keep you hooked right to the end, well rounded, likeable characters with just the right amount of description. Totally recommend

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this story.

Nicola’s ex-husband Marc has recently passed away. Although they divorced on his wish, their relationship remained mostly unchanged when he returned from his humanitarian work around the world.

When his French farmer father Henri invites Nicola and her son Oliver to come to visit, it’s only the third time that they are meeting as Marc didn’t have a god relationship with his father. Marc’s twin unmarried aunts Odette and Josephine live on the farm with Henri and welcome Nicola and Oliver.

When Henri gives Nicola an ultimatum to bring 13 year old Oliver and come live on the farm, she decides to sell up in Britain and buy the smallholding and cottage next door.

Despite Henri’s chauvinism, he accepts Nicola and takes the opportunity build a strong relationship with Oliver.

This is a sad story that is improved by the peace that both Nicola and Oliver find in the Provençal countryside, making a new home and dealing with their grief. A charming read that is reminiscent of a Peter Mayle story.

Henri Jacques has blackmailed his recently widowed daughter-in-law, Nicola, into moving to the family olive farm, La Prouveresse, in the hills above the French Riviera. On the surface, it’s a stipulation for his grandson’s inheritance, but it’s really an effort to get to know his grandson, Oliver, better since Marc, Oliver’s dad, tragically died. Henri meddled too much in Marc’s life and drove him away, resulting in Henri having no relationship with his grandson. Nicola may have been forced to uproot from everything she knew, but in an effort to maintain her independence from the controlling patriarch, Nicola decides not to move in with Henri and his twin sisters, Josephine and Odette, and instead buys a pépinière on edge of Henri’s olive farm. This story features new beginnings, forgiveness, family dynamics and secrets, second chances and loss.

I’m a fan of Jennifer Bohnet’s books, many set in Southern France. She has a great sense of location, full of vivid descriptions that allow me to imagine I’m along for a ride with the characters. She infuses her well-paced plots with strong characters that I care about and provides just enough information to get me to the next scene; it’s as if her characters are slowly revealed like peeling an onion. I always care about them and want a good outcome for them. Bohnet’s books center around an emotional conflict and have multiple points of view, allowing readers to become invested in the story.

I was so absorbed in the story that when the doorbell rang, I was hoping it was Gilles with coffee and croissants!

Originally published as The French Legacy, it’s been re-edited and lengthened by 23,000 words and given a new title and cover! I’m really hoping that there’s a sequel in the works, because I wasn’t ready to say ‘goodbye’ to the characters....like Nicola, I've really fallen for the French dream!

Publishes September 9, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Jennifer Bohnet, Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Nicola wants to help carry on her family’s legacy, but she wants to do it on her own terms, putting some distance between herself and her bossy grandfather. Her solution is to purchase a dilapidated cottage on the edge of her family’s olive farm; with her teenage son Oliver’s help, she’ll restore the property and make money by farming the plot of land that came with it. This is a lovely novel of family and tradition

What a beautiful read. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It ended far too soon. I think a sequel is needed ! Loved the setting, loved the characters, especially the sideline story of Josephine and Pascal. A delightful book!!

I received an advance copy of, Falling for a French Dream, by Jennifer Bohnet. This is a good story about families and friendship, and secrets. Set in France, this book has great characters and a great setting.