Such a lovely book

From Provence with Love is the 2nd book in a lovely series about sisters who inherit a small house in Provence (starting with Falling for Provence. I can't wait for the next installment! What's to love about this book? Well-drawn characters with challenges in their past which contribute to their reaction to challenges in their current lives, a beautiful setting that is described so well that you can smell the lavender and taste the truffles, a plot that is full of uncertainties for the characters along with swoony romance.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Last year I read Falling for Provence by Alison Roberts and at the end of it I was really hoping that we would get to read more about the sisters in the story. Luckily for me, we do, and this is Laura's story.

Laura Gilchrist is a woman in control. She's a successful real estate agent who is charge of her own life, organised and efficient, and who knows what she wants and what she doesn't. After inheriting a share in a run-down cottage in France, what she wants right now is to get it done up and sold. If that means that she has to be in communication with the absolutely gorgeous, motor bike riding French realtor Noah Dufour then so be it. And if that communication turns into flirtation, and that flirtation turns into a whirlwind weekend affair, then again, c'est la vie.

Whilst their weekend affair is brief, it is also intense and they cover a variety of subjects including the fact that neither of them want children. So when Laura realises that she has accidentally fallen pregnant she isn't looking forward to telling him, especially not over the phone, and she also needs to come to terms with her own change in priorities as well.

When Laura has to travel to France for a family celebration, she has the opportunity to tell him face to face, and he pretty much reacts as expected. However, while I realise that sentence probably makes him sound a bit insensitive, which he is, he also has his reasons and as he works through his past traumas and heartbreaks hopefully he will see sense.

Noah is depicted as a successful bad boy. He knows all the best restaurants for wining and dining, but he is not afraid to share his favourite places with Laura, so he is not just a one dimensional characters. One other thing about Noah. When we first meet him he is a smoker. Ugh...so horrible to even read about. Just shows how ingrained the anti-smoking message is these days.

The book is broken into three parts. The first few chapters are in effect a recap of the last book, but told from Laura's perspective, rather than Ellie's. At the same time, we are seeing what is going on with Laura and Noah. I recall Ellie having some kind of thought in the first book but boy, it was much more intense than she thought. The second part are the weekend and the immediate aftermath, and then the final act is about dealing with the fallout after the announcement.

In fiction there is something about Provence. I did go there many years ago but I would love to go back now and see if I could catch the magic that so many other people do. In the mean time, I will just have to make do with feeling the magic through the pages of books like this. At one point Noah says



"The South of France is like a sigh, n'est-ce pas?" he asked. "Like breathing out slowly because you've found what you've been looking for all along, even if you didn't know what it was that you were looking for."


It certainly made me sigh.

Alison Roberts again brings the medieval villages, the lavender fields and the food and restaurants to life in the pages of this book. Bonus points that some of the book is set at Christmas so we get some festive descriptions as well. She did live in the location that these books are set in, and it shows in the writing. Roberts also has written many straight romance novels, and I do think that there are times when that shows as well, but I am okay with that!

The stage is all set for us to find out now what the story is with Fiona Gilchrist, why she has been estranged from her family and only on the very edges of the story for the last two books. I am looking forward to seeing what her story is!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

A feel-good romance, that anyone seeking escapism will enjoy.

From Provence, With Love is a well crafted story with lovable characters. The descriptions make you, the reader, fall in love with the landscape, and it is easy to see why people would want to hop on a plane after reading this one.

Here is the partner book to Falling for Provence, which is younger sister Ellie’s story. This second book focuses on older sister Laura, a highly successful career-driven real estate agent. On impulse she takes off on the back of Noah’s motorbike to see the vibrant countryside of the South of France. Events take a turn, actions have consequences. How will they handle them? An interesting and engaging read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Boldwood. I am writing a voluntary, honest review

This second book in the series set in Provence is really nice. The story is about Laura Gilchrist who goes to Provence to spend time away and to regroup with her sister Ellie. They have a house that was inherited from an uncle. Ellie has been renovating the house so that it can be sold. The other main character is Noah Dufour who has an estate agency. It is a sweet story of struggle and new beginnings. To find a way and live life to the fullest and differently from before. The story takes us back on a tour to Provence and also a little bit of the surroundings in the lovely area of the south of France. It is definitely a big difference between Tourrettes-sur- Loup and Oban, Scotland. The book was a pleasant read and just picturing the views described takes the reader to Provence.
I'm grateful to have read this book and can definitely recommend it.
Charlotte N

From Provence, With Love
by Alison Roberts

I encountered several challenges while connecting with this story, especially regarding certain characters and their dialogue. This made it quite difficult for me to maintain my interest and ultimately finish the book. The plot unfolded as fairly predictable, it was a very slow-burn romance, featuring charming yet somewhat one-dimensional characters. The narrative felt drawn out at times, causing a lack of emotional engagement. The one standout element was the exquisite setting of Provence, which vividly painted the backdrop with its sun-drenched landscapes, adding a layer of beauty to the story. Despite my reservations, I found the premise intriguing, as it held the potential for deeper exploration of themes like love and self-discovery.

Laura is the older of the Gilchrist sisters, responsible, organised, and in control until she meets Noah, the estate agent who advises on preparing the sisters' inherited cottage for sale. Noah has a bad-boy vibe and appears to be her opposite, but the attraction is undeniable and mutual. The sizzling romance builds to a short-lived but passionate affair. The couple both had issues in their childhood that made trusting others challenging. It explores grief loss and trust. It is the second in this series of books set in Provence, and it's emotional and heartbreaking but ultimately heartwarming and hopeful. Laura and Noah's romance is passionate, but the emotional commitment is slow-burn and full of angst. The Provence setting is integral to the story and lyrically described. I like the characters, the family drama and the lovely setting.
.I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Laura Gilchrist is a controlled young woman...Noah Dufour not controlled, yet rather on the wild side. Going to France to sell the stone she house she has inherited from an uncle she didn't even know she had, she meets Noah who is a real estate agent, as is she. Noah is a biker as well as charming, while Laura is lives life with restraint. Is this a short holiday romance, or will Laura let loose and enjoy life for a change? A fast and easy read, one that is satisfactory as you along with the two on their journey in the South of France. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC and the opportunity to read this novel.

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

I loved reading this book.

Laura travels to France with her sister, they’ve inherited a cottage, which they’re now selling.

She meets Noah who is going to handling the sale, and he offers to show her some places before she returns home.

When Laura goes back home, she finds out that she’s pregnant, but, she also knows that Noah isn’t interested in having a relationship or even children.

I loved the setting, the descriptions of the buildings, scenery and the food.

I highly recommend this book.

This is the second in a trilogy about the Gilchrist sisters and is just as romantic and delightful as the previous book. Laura Gilchrist has always been very sensible but after meeting real estate agent Noah Dufour all that goes out of the window. Drawn to Noah she starts to be spontaneous and embarks on a fling with Noah. After returning to Scotland Laura’s life then takes on another twist when two blue lines appear on a pregnancy test……….. I found that I really liked the characters in this and couldn’t wait to find out how it was all going to develop and end. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

I did enjoy this French romance, however, as I don't speak French, I often had to stop and translate what the characters were saying to follow along. For most of the book, I wasn't sure if these characters were going to have a happy ending, but I was so pleased with how it turned out!

In From Provence With Love, Alison Roberts invites readers on a romantic journey filled with charm and spontaneity. Laura Gilchrist, known for her sensible choices, embarks on a trip to Provence to sell an inherited stone house, only to have her life turned upside down when she meets Noah Dufour, the irresistible and adventurous real estate agent. Instantly captivated by his wild spirit, Laura makes an impulsive decision to embrace the moment by riding on the back of his motorbike, experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the South of France through his eyes.

Their passionate fling leaves a lasting impression on Laura, who returns home hoping to resume her ordinary life. However, she soon discovers that some experiences cannot be easily forgotten, especially when she sees two blue lines that indicate her unexpected pregnancy. The whirlwind romance with Noah has left its mark, and Laura realizes that this news could deeply affect him, especially given the fleeting yet intense nature of their connection.

Determined to confront her feelings and the reality of her situation, Laura returns to Provence, where she must navigate the delicate balance between love and responsibility. From Provence With Love is a delightful exploration of taking risks for love and the transformative power of embracing spontaneity. Roberts' evocative storytelling captures the magic of romance and the courage it takes to leap into the unknown, making this a heartwarming read for anyone who believes in second chances and the beauty of unexpected love.

🌄Gorgeous setting, enticing romance😍

Laura and Noah, two real estate professionals from either side of the English Channel with a definite desire to escape the bonds of love and marriage, made a great couple.

I read the earlier book about Laura's younger sister Ellie and found her romantic match a bit more likable, but author Alison Roberts has provided a sexy, handsome, Harley-riding hero and, kicking and screaming along the way or not, he kept the "will he or won't he" quandary about succumbing to love going just fine. The story is emotion driven, the main protagonists in their thirties and old enough to know their own minds, and I really enjoyed the read.

Plus, Noah escorts Laura on jaunts around Vence and the Provence countryside. The descriptions, as I am sure the author anticipated, made me want to sample me a bit of the Provencale life, too.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared 2/17/25 with Waterstones, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble. To be shared on kobo and Google Play upon publication.

I loved this book from beginning to end. Laura goes to France as part of her job as an estate agent to sell an inherited cottage. Whilst there she meets the enigmatic Noah Dugout who shows her round and enchants her..
The writing transports you to beautiful rural France
.. wonderful descriptions of villages, scenery, lavender fields, restaurants..
After being romanced by Noah, Laura returns home to find that she is pregnant by Noah...who incidentally doesn't want a relationship or indeed any children .
I was totally engrossed in the storyline, the setting and the characters. Highly recommend. Will be looking for more by this author.

This is a charming romance filled with personal growth, emotional depth, and the beauty of Provence. A sequel to Falling for Provence, this novel shifts focus to Laura, a driven real estate agent, and her unexpected romance with the carefree Noah Dufour. Their whirlwind relationship takes a dramatic turn when Laura discovers she’s pregnant, forcing both to confront their fears about love and commitment.

The novel’s vivid descriptions of Provence—its lavender fields, quaint villages, and delicious cuisine—create an immersive setting that contrasts beautifully with Laura’s emotional journey. While the romance follows some predictable paths, Laura’s transformation is engaging, and her chemistry with Noah remains compelling, if occasionally frustrating.

For fans of slow-burn romances with rich settings and heartfelt character growth, From Provence, With Love is an enjoyable, quick read perfect for a cozy afternoon.

Laura heads to Provence to sell the stone house her and her sisters have inherited. she has a brief affair with the real estate agent. when she gets home, she realizes she is pregnant. she must return to Provence to tell him

I haven't read the first book in this series. I'm a sucker for needing to read book in series order so I'm surprised at how much of a non issue it was. And I quickly.caught up enough to follow perfectly fine. There was though a definite need to go back and fill the gap of the first book.
This books supplied me with all the good feels. The cover, the blurb, it all fits the blurb for certain type saga romance genre I love the most.
And the originality of it only added to praise.

Laura is ne of the sisters from this book series. She's the sensible one. She plans, she organises and she likes to know where she is and what she's doing. Safe. She jad to.grow up fast and now she jist needs certainty. No fun. No love. Just order.
So when she has to go and sell their inherited property and meet Noah she's wary. Noah is carefree and a smile that has entered her life. And he brings it out in her.
So what harm can a fling with this gorgeous man do? Just for short time. Just a holiday romance then home to order and normality. Right?
Nope. Because arriving home Laura finds out she's pregnant.
So taking a giant leap Laura heads back to France. Can she find a home there so her child can jave a family? Will there actually be anything substantial between her and Noah? It's time to find out.

Laura started to hold.my heart more and more in this book. I felt so sorry for her feeling like she did. How much she had to keep tied up or be something she thought she needed to be to survive. I was backing these two from the start. Even with such a.giant leap which might usual cast me cynical, ha.
The setting and description of the places had me right there in the thick of it.
Great book.
I hear there is another sister. So I can't wait to see her side of this arc series.

This is the second book in a trilogy about three sisters from Scotland. I have read the first but you could easily read this as a standalone.
It’s definitely in the romance genre, it’s sad but hopeful story, set in a beautiful location- you could almost smell the lavender fields.
Unfortunately, I did find the end part during the storm in Scotland a bit far fetched., so it’s a 3.5 for me.

4 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming

Laura Gilchrist makes sensible choices and follows the rules. She doesn’t have time for fun and is wary of love after having to grow up fast. However, the laidback and irresistible Noah Dufour, the real estate agent who handles their inherited property makes her be a little more impulsive.
Laura decides a weekend romance fling would get it out of her system. Back home, she tries to return to her routine only to find out that the fling led to an unexpected pregnancy. Now, Laura goes back to South France to see if there’s more to their connection and whether it can survive the new developments.
The story comes in Laura (more %) and Noah’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series
It is divided into three parts. The first part and a solid portion of the second occur parallel with the first book. They share the same timeline but here the focus is on the other sister. There might be a bit of repetition but since we see it from Laura’s POV, it works (and fills the gaps for those who didn’t read book #1).
I love, love the description of the setting. South France sounds so beautiful with its old-world charm and nature's bounty. The scene at lavender fields is my favorite; the descriptions were so vivid that I could feel myself breathing in the scent of lavender. While we also get details of food, the location takes the spotlight.
Laura’s arc in the first book, especially at the beginning doesn’t do her much favor. We see her soft side later but this one reveals her layers wonderfully. Seeing her love for her little sister is like a warm hug. Her vulnerability is well presented, making it easy to empathize with her.
Noah is easy enough to like though he does make you want to whack sense into his head at times. However, he is a good guy and he steps up when necessary. He has a sad backstory which shows he is not an idiot; just someone afraid.
While the romance is a bit insta, there’s no pretense about it. Moreover, enough emotions are woven into the scenes to slightly slow the pace. I appreciate this decision.
I’m a bit surprised that there’s no real progress on the overarching plot. I thought there would be some development. Maybe it’ll have more focus in book three. Also, we know almost nothing about the other sister, Fiona, so her book will be interesting.
To summarize, From Provence, With Love is a heartwarming story set in a beautiful location. While it is primarily a romance, the parts that appealed the most to me were family bonds and personal growth.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

From Provence with Love is a dreamy, escapist romance I couldn't put down. I loved this book. It was like a chick-flick you can watch again and again! I just didn't want it to end.

The Gilchrist women have inherited a quaint stone house in Provence. Laura Gilchrist is a level headed, impulse free woman that barely deviates from her routine. So when she heads to Provence to sell the inherited house and is instantly bewitched by the oh so irresistible estate agent - Laura deviates from her norm and accepts the spontaneous offer of seeing the South of France with Noah on his motorbike! Neither Noah or Laura can seem to forget about each other as they try and get back to their own lives! Will they both take the leap of faith or realise that a brief encounter is just too much of a risk?

It's so hard to find romance novels like these where there is so much more depth and it's not all superficial. The book is a mixture of being character and plot driven. You really get to know the main characters well as there is a very strong character development throughout.