*Brand new from the bestselling author of Villa of Sun and Secrets*
What will be will be…Belinda Marshall’s idyllic teenage life in Brittany, France, fell apart when her parents dramatically separated and her mother took her back to England.Fast forward thirty-five years when Belinda’s world is once again turned upside down. It’s the week before Christmas and Belinda’s employer ’surprises’ her … down.
It’s the week before Christmas and Belinda’s employer ’surprises’ her by asking for her help to rejuvenate their latest investment, a run-down campsite in Brittany.
Memories and anxieties that had lain dormant for years suddenly begin to resurface.
As secrets from a lost life threaten to overwhelm her, there is a realisation that maybe she wasn’t told the whole truth by her mother all those years ago.
Can Belinda reconcile her emotions and find happiness once more in the place she so loved and called home?
Praise for Jennifer Bohnet:
‘A gorgeous and captivating read that made me want to jump straight on a plane to the south of France.’ Samantha Tonge
‘Unputdownable, a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship in the glorious south of France. What’s not to love!’ Lucy Coleman
‘This was the first Jennifer Bohnet book I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last. A beautifully written and heart-warming tale of family and friendship, I was completely transported to the south of France’ Jessica Redland, author of The Secret to Happiness
‘A perfect summer read! I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages and read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!’ Alison Sherlock, author of A House To Mend A Broken Heart
What readers are saying about A French Affair:
‘An absolute treat to read’
’It is a lovely story to escape into with fantastic characters, a beautiful setting, strong friendships and, of course, romance. It is another enchanting read from this highly talented author.’
’An uplifting and emotional tale of secrets, renewal and second chances’
’The author really is a wonderful storyteller, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way this one unfolded – perfectly paced, a few surprises along the way, that strong focus on family and friendship, a couple of satisfying romances, and the vividly drawn setting.’
’It makes me want to rent a cabin in the mountains and sit by the fire looking up at the stars while roasting marshmallows.’
’The plot was interesting and the love interest was perfect. All in all, a pure escapism read.’more
I enjoyed the world of the French this author offers. Everything turns out very well.
A good read but a bit shallow in parts. Still worth reading.
Really great easy read. Perfect for a vacation book.
Simply an enjoyable and lovely read.
Great read that makes you entertain the thought of living n France.
One of my favorite books from a favorite author! Love everything she writes. Really enjoy that the characters are of different ages. Makes for a good read.
A French Affair by Jennifer Bohnet is a delightful romance featuring older lovers as well as the story of transitions, regrets, and moving forward. It has been 35 years since Belinda left Brittany and frankly, she is terrified. Not only is she returning to her childhood home, but also she is to work at a campground, a campground, after these past years as a troubleshooter for a small hotel chain. Things aren’t bad enough, but when she arrives, the man with whom she is to partner for this endeavor is a jerk. The only consolation to be found is the auberge in which she arranges to stay and a lovely woman named, Fern, who owns and runs it. The campground is in a shambles and Alain, the man she found there, disagrees on every item on her list. It is beyond frustrating as they make a fragile truce and move forward with renovations.
There are all kinds of side stories in this novel. Some, although interesting, don’t seem to come to a conclusion or contain sufficient motivation. None-the-less, this is a pleasant novel of several middle-aged women moving forward in their loves, not only with love affairs, but also with coming to terms with their pasts. The story is lovingly told, and generally not only entertaining, but satisfying. Belinda is a slightly damaged character; between her divorce and the secrets her mother kept about Brittany, but is certainly alert and ready for change when it comes. Fern is less so, but has a ninety-year-old mother-in-law who pushes, so she grows, kicking and screaming into a bright future as well. It is a gentle and loving story. I enjoyed it and recommend it to you.
I was invited to read a free ARC of A French Affair by Net galley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #afrenchaffair
New starts for everyone! Lovely setting with friends, family and a little feud?
4-4.5stars
I really liked the characters in this story set in rural Brittany. I am a big fan of novels that offer romance and new adventures to the over 50 set and this story has a majority of its main and key secondary characters who’ve experienced life and heartache and are ready to turn the page and begin a new chapter of living.
Divorced grandmother Belinda has career choices and a fractured past to address, plus she arrives in Brittany to find a brusque, confrontational Frenchman who challenges her constantly as she settles in her new assignment: quickly getting a dilapidated camping ground into shape for her hotelier bosses. Belinda aims for modernization to expand their pool of likely visitors; Alain favors the nostalgia of a more rustic, family-oriented refurbish.
Widowed Fern and her ninety year-old mother-in-law are trying to regroup after Laurent’s sudden death eighteen months earlier in a car crash. Fern’s been through two marriages but now, running a none too busy Auberge that she’s put all of her assets into remodeling, she’s a bit lost and lonely.
Belinda’s story is deepened by her sad memories of ties to Brittany and the wrenching separation of her parents. Her return to Brittany after over three decades away churns up old hurts and disconcerting questions. Fern faces pressure from her son-in-law to upend her life for his family’s benefit.
The plot has a good variety of action, emotion and introspection that keeps it moving at a good pace. Yes, there are quite a few sad moments and at times Fern seems to beat the brunt of them, but it’s not unrealistic, especially the way her bosses make major decisions that affect her and THEN bring her in the loop, But I think the good food, fond friends and close family moments sprinkled with some clean, sweet romance make it in toto a happy story of reconciling with change and moving forward. I totally enjoyed the book and will be looking in future for others by its author.
Thanks to publishers Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy; this is my voluntary and honest review.