That French Summer

by Sienna Waters

Who needs perfection? Reeling from a very public scandal, Delia Holland takes refuge in a run-down French chateau. She’s determined to stay out of the lime-light, to rebuild her life, and most of all, to be happy. Guillotining her husband would be the icing on the cake, if only she could find him. After an accident and a surprise breakup, Paris Bennett finds herself alone on her longed-for French vacation. Her characteristically immaculate plans have fallen apart, and she’s barely holding herself together. Plus, the novelty of being Paris in Paris is rapidly starting to wear off. But when a thunderstorm brings the two together for a night, something begins to sparkle. Delia’s heart starts to fill with happiness again, and Paris suddenly finds that her carefully laid out plans aren’t as necessary as she thought. Grumpy neighbors, interfering English teachers, a housekeeper who’s more than she seems, a battered car, an even more battered moped, rats and spiders galore, and a chateau that could fall on their heads at any moment come together to prove that the perfect love story doesn’t have to be perfect at all. Sometimes happiness is there for the taking, as long as you can persuade yourself to choose it. That French Summer is a lesbian romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Hotel Inspector, Crossing the Pond, and A Quiet Life.

Genres: Lesbian, Contemporary, Romance, Lesbian Romance, Queer, LGBT

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2023

Reviews

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving her husband, whilst another leaves her girlfriend and Whallop! Car crashes into moped and off on another Sienna Waters adventure. Fun.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sienna Water's latest romance features Delia and Paris both escaping personal turmoil. They meet through circumstances propelled by a break-up, vacation in France, con-man scumbag, thunderstorm, dilapidated French chateau and forced proximity.

Who knew that financial mix-ups, dismal living conditions and meddling neighbours would lead to such fun and there's the hot instant attraction too! But will the romance flourish or fizzle??

Nothing more to say other than escape with this fun, steamy holiday romance......

[Lyn Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a satisfying read and everything you would expect from Sienna Waters. I loved the characters, both main and supporting, and when you add a great plot and an interesting setting, you have a book you can’t put down. I have no hesitation in recommending it.

[Denise Ruttan · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF @ 30%. I think this book had a lot of potential, I was intrigued by the idea of a scandalized celebrity hiding out in the French countryside meeting a woman on vacation who drives everyone away with her hyper-planning. I was like, possibly intriguing tension there. But then it was instalove from day 1 and they were constantly thinking of how they wanted to get in the other’s pants and they barely knew each other.

I was trying to think of why I tend to prefer MM books over sapphic books; I’m bi after all. I always give sapphic books with an interesting premise a shot. But a sapphic romance tradition is instalust without building any chemistry or the beats of falling in love with low stakes and not much character development. I have read far too many sapphic books like this. It may be perfect for some people but I want something more from my romances.

Anyway, I dnf’ed this when Delia was looking at her love interest outside the window in an upstairs bedroom in her crumbling estate and instantly came. I fully admit I laughed out loud and couldn’t keep reading without thinking of how weird that scene was.

I could not get into the story but this may be the perfect sweet, sexy vacation romance for others who don’t share my weird quirks.

[Holly Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and easy read!

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a lot of fun. The're a lot of laughter and humor. For me it's a rom com with English humor and a French twist.

[Jessica Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
🧳🛵🇫🇷🇬🇧🇺🇸

That French Summer is about a British woman, named Delia, who has fled to France to get away from publicity because of something her soon-to-be ex-husband has done that has shocked the country and an American woman named Paris who has traveled to France with her girlfriend to travel her namesake.

But things don't go according to plan for Paris when she gets broken up with by her girlfriend and then gets knocked back down again by Delia; literally.

Delia invites her back to her French Chateau that she has fled too, and together they help patch up a couple of rooms so Delia can open a bed and breakfast because Paris is forced to stay once her Credit Card has been blocked. Cue our queen Sienna's forced proximity, age-gap, and a bit of grumpy vs sunshine sapphic romance and we get this beautiful book.

I love Sienna's work always. It's my guilty pleasure to read. They are always well written, quick to read and always makes my hear warm.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book from Ms Waters, who continues to produce such great books on a regular basis.
This one is about Delia, whose husband is a con-man and has disappeared. Delia knew nothing about her husbands dodgy dealings and has to flee to France to escape the press hounding her. Most of her monies were in here husband or joint names, but there was a property in France in just her name, which she flees to. The property is in a state of disrepair, but she decides to stay and try and make a go on it. Following a small car accident she meets Paris, who ends up staying with her due to a financial miscommunication with her bank. Romance blossoms, but there is always the fact that Paris has to go back home. This book is well written, with interesting main characters and background characters. Well worth a read.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delia Holland takes refuge at a rundown French chateau , determined to stay out of the limelight and her husband. Paris Bennet , after an unexpected breakup finds herself alone and on a much needed and yearned for French vacation . When a thunderstorm forces the two women together for a night it’s Delian’s delight…. With a battered car , an even more decrepit moped a crumbling Chateau that is threatening to collapse around them, the foundations of a new exciting relationship begins to build a new future full of chaos and despair but most of all love that’s full of promise. Perfect! A brilliant lesbian story . English humour frenched up. Great writing , truly inspirational a compelling read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely

Another sweet story from Waters. You kinda know what to expect by now from this author and this book had it all, and then some.
Likeable main characters, sweet side characters and a HEA. This one also has a bit of mystery and a husband! I was kinda hoping the mystery was going to be more than what it was, but then again it would have taken away from the main story and it did help with things as well so I can’t be disappointed really.
I’m still giggling at sheep butts, and I have no idea why. So many English sayings in a book based in France, but I haven’t heard some of them in a long time. Made me smile.
I look forward to reading the next book by Waters, always a pleasure.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great story from Sienna. Both Paris and Delia were warm and endearing characters and the setting of the story in France made me want to cross the channel and visit again. Sienna’s books are classic romances and I love this book especially. It might even make it into my top five. Although there’s quite a lot of competition and my top five might contain double that number of books already lol.
This is the perfect book to read on a hot summers day or a cold winters night to remind you what summer feels like.
Tres bien.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Doug Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

That French Summer is a lighthearted summer romance turns serious tale. Delia and Paris have opposing views on long term planning which provides fodder for much of their banter throughout the story. Their relationship begins with a traffic accident meet-cute and quickly morphs into serious romance. The speed with which their feelings deepen is a little suspect but consistent with the summer romance concept. The plot is low angst with quick side steps to deal with possibly illicit solar panels and a con-man husband on the run. This is a fun read with the expected HEA.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely light and funny read with some great characters and an enjoyable plot. Not too much angst and a complete HEA.
Paris travels to Paris with her girlfriend and has very detailed plans for their trip. Obviously that all goes out the window as best laid plans tend to!

Funny and well paced with clearly defined & believable characters this is another winner from SW and I recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ness Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it had me hooked from the start.
Delia is fleeing the UK press from a scandal and Paris's dream vacation to Europe is NOT going to her best laid plan and she is determined to stick to the plan even if it kills her, as it turns out it just slightly beats her up.
Can a "fly by the seat of your pants woman" put a hold on Paris's precious plans.
This book had everything, slow burn, age gap, romance, mystery and mopeds. Highly recommended.

[Kim Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Paris (not Hilton lol) and Delia’s chemistry is hot and proves that all the plans in the world can’t stop true love. What Delia has been through was enough to break her, but she remains positive and strong. Another great book by Sienna that you don’t want to miss. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another lovely story from Sienna Waters. I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. I was right there with Delia and Paris at the chateau, rooting for them. The story is interesting and engaging, the characters likeable, and the writing consistent with what I've come to expect from this author.
I definitely recommend this book.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming page turner. I love location books and Sienna puts you right there with her writing. The interaction and chemistry between the main characters are electric. The support makes you laugh. For a nice page turner relaxing read please read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsay Ottens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed several of the authors other books but this one was a struggle for me. The chemistry was lacking for me and the whole mystery of the back property was very anticlimactic and not to mention very corny. The spice was a miss… I skipped through several parts just to get to something with substance.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best laid plans can ho awry, and sometimes that can - eventually- become a wondrous and wonderful thing

two women feel they way past some serious bumps in their roads, as they find themselves once again smitten with France, and possibly each other

[Ashleigh Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two women, both in a foreign country, less than ideal circumstances for why they find themselves at the chateau, but a perfect outcome nonetheless. Another stellar romance from this author's pen. Bravo!

[Elizabeth M. Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet vacation reading

I took this story on vacation with me, and when I was ready to relax and enjoy a romance I picked it up and relaxed. A sweet story with characters you like and circumstances that are fun. Enjoy!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a bright, joyful book and just what I needed.

[Kathy Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet love at its best

Loved this French English American romance if you like easy sweet complicated romance this one’s for you totally enjoyed it you will to I promise

[Alison Hine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Go Wrong

Seems like I just can't go wrong with a Sienna Waters novel. I loved this one. A large, run-down French chateau, an unexpected and painful breakup, a scary motor scooter crash, an evil ex-husband, and a sneaky, hostile small town population. Two women, neither of whom are in a place emotionally to get involved in a romance. What could go wrong?

Heh heh. Just trust Ms. Waters, that's what I say. And have big gay old time.

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

France is for lovers

Delia and Paris may have opposite personalities, but they compliment each other perfectly. These women are drawn to each other and fighting the attraction is impossible. I love the small town and it's slightly quirky residents. Low angst, sweet romance. I loved it.

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delia is running from her old life, and has run to a chateau in France. Paris has Planned a holiday of a lifetime in France with her girlfriend of one year.
Delia’s life fell apart a few months before, and she has come to France to escape the questions, the suspicion, and the press intrusion. This is her safe space, away from everybody, time to think, and to re-evaluate her life.
Paris came for the break with Clare, and to surprise her with a proposal. But it doesn’t go according to Plan at all. It really is a break in many senses of the word!
Through a series of events including a stereotype moped ride, the women meet, and the attraction is undeniable. But they both have reasons why this is a bad idea.
This is a light-hearted, warm story, full of typical tropes for a summer fling in continental Europe, including a mystery, and a really weird variation on the ‘race to the airport’ trope. It’s so much fun and really worth reading, a bit like ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ meets any airport love scene movie!