A twenty-six year old newlywed on the path to a prestigious legal career in London buys a decrepit, revolutionary-era ruin in the tiny Burgundian village of Magny-les-Villers. Was that split-second, life-altering decision profoundly wise or utterly insane? Find out in My Grape Escape – a story for anyone who’s imagined taking a U-Turn in life to seize their joy.
I recently read the first three books in this series, and I am now an addict!
Laura and Franck return to Burgundy after completion of her law degree. A surprise inheritance allows them to begin a new chapter in their lives as property developers, and a series of characters aid them in the renovations of “Les Deux Cloches.” But will it be ready on time for their first holiday rental?
I was charmed by the authors descriptions of life in rural Burgundy and I am now planning a visit…
A well-written wonderful escape
A windfall leads Laura to make major changes to her planned career, and instead of beginning her Masters at Oxford, she decides to buy and renovate a property in Burgundy. Under a ridiculously short deadline, and battling snakes, mad builders and a limited budget, they battle to get everything ready before the first paying guests arrive. Filled with French food, rustic villages and the charming way that Laura describes everything, this is another great book in an excellent series.
I loved reading about Laura’s realization and journey in France. I loved reading the very real depictions of her anxiety, and how she learned to cope with it. Seeing how she shed societal expectations to follow her dream was awesome. I also loved reading about their experience in a small French village. Very uplifting and fun armchair travel!
Meh. I didn’t realize I was reading someone’s true story. I thought I was going to get a romantic mystery. So, a bit disappointed
Fun and a good read to unwind with at the end of a long work day! I feel like I’ve lived in France for a bit.
The story had me hooked. A couple turns ramshackle buildings in Italy into a bed and breakfast, overcoming many obstacles. Would they be able to finish on schedule? A tribute to hard work and determination.
This is a factual account of the Author’s attempt to purchase and renovate a property in France with her French husband. There have been many books like this written, but nevertheless it was entertaining, informative and very easy to read; it engaged you from the start, and you just wanted to know if they succeeded in achieving what they set out to do! A good read!
Loved this series. Likable characters and captivating story lines.
A must read for people flirting with the idea to move to France. It is an eye-opening about French bureaucratie
Lovely book and very enjoyable to read.
Found it hard at first to get interested but fell in as it went on
Pleasant read. Nonsensical at times. Would a law school graduate and her also educated huband really buy a vacation home in the French countryside when they don’t have jobs and wind up with a fraction of an investment? God watches over some people, that’s all I can say.
Moved a bit slow at times; build up to conclusion gradual, but then actual ending came up suddenly and seemed not well explained.
I actually learned a great deal about French culture and appreciated the author’s life lessons. She seemed real and familiar. Holly Darwin
I only finished the book because I had committed so much time to it.
I thought it was slow moving and boring. I would not recommend it
I enjoyed read this book very much. It was excellent.
I enjoyed it so much I read the series
I just loved this book–there was a part of me that thought I didn’t / shouldn’t like it (weird, huh?) and I found I really wanted to learn more about living in a small village in France. It hooked me !
An unexpected and delightful memoir! I will definitely read others in the series.
I didn’t realize this book was based on the authors own experience. The book kept my interest throughout. I’m interested in reading the other books in the series.