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A French Affair
A French Affair [Paperback] Katie Fforde
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
325 people are currently reading
1786 people want to read
About the author
Katie Fforde
96 books2,312 followersCatherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."
Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
November 4, 2019
All the Katie Fforde books I’ve read are great and this one was no exception. It was a sweet story and I read it very quickly. Based in the Cotswolds the story reads a bit like Bargain Hunt but that’s not a bad thing.
I always enjoyed Katie’s books and look forward to reading more.
I always enjoyed Katie’s books and look forward to reading more.
December 12, 2016
Whenever I'm stuck, or cannot take all the 'excitements' (of other books/genre), I always look for one of Katie Fforde's books. They have soothing effects for me. She has many, and as still actively writing, so l'm not worried about running out of hers haha.
Katie Fforde's books usually take on a theme, and this one is about antiques dealers. So there you go. Now I know a little bit more about antiques world and how a PR worked, as the case should be.
What I loves most about Ms Fforde's books, is her positive, cheery and most importantly, courteous characters.
Katie Fforde's books usually take on a theme, and this one is about antiques dealers. So there you go. Now I know a little bit more about antiques world and how a PR worked, as the case should be.
What I loves most about Ms Fforde's books, is her positive, cheery and most importantly, courteous characters.
March 14, 2013
ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. This is no way influenced my review.
What worked: I'm a big fan of Katie Fforde! Practically Perfect and Flora's Lot are both on my favourite bookshelf....as much as it pains me to say it, I really didn't like A French Affair in the slightest.
What irked: I couldn't find any of the usual Katie Fforde magic in this book. The conversations were just a dumping ground of information and they didn't seem natural at all. Everything felt too stiff and disjointed, from the interactions to the journeys to the descriptions. It's like there was an impenetrable barrier that stopped me from enjoying A French Affair in any way at all.
I seriously need to reiterate that I've loved her other books and have such a massive amount of respect for Katie Fforde. This book was like a very poor imitation of Flora's Lot and it took all of my energy to finish it. Desperation dragged me through each page because I was searching for a ray of hope that Katie could redeem it for me.
There is one particular part of the book that gave me all of the rage. This is an adult book, adults have sex but in A French Affair, it felt like I was reading a kids book. Romantic scenes are completely glossed over and at one point, this lovely piece of narrative pops up, "A little while later, after a very happy time". (Quote taken from an uncorrected ARC)
I can't even go on.
Writing a low-rated review makes me feel like a terrible human being and I really don't like writing them but there were so many chances where Katie Fforde could have brought it back from the precipice.
Recommended to: Even though this book was a huge disappointment to me, personally, my love for Katie Fforde still remains. I would highly recommend you check out Flora's Lot because that is where she shines the brightest!
What worked: I'm a big fan of Katie Fforde! Practically Perfect and Flora's Lot are both on my favourite bookshelf....as much as it pains me to say it, I really didn't like A French Affair in the slightest.
What irked: I couldn't find any of the usual Katie Fforde magic in this book. The conversations were just a dumping ground of information and they didn't seem natural at all. Everything felt too stiff and disjointed, from the interactions to the journeys to the descriptions. It's like there was an impenetrable barrier that stopped me from enjoying A French Affair in any way at all.
I seriously need to reiterate that I've loved her other books and have such a massive amount of respect for Katie Fforde. This book was like a very poor imitation of Flora's Lot and it took all of my energy to finish it. Desperation dragged me through each page because I was searching for a ray of hope that Katie could redeem it for me.
There is one particular part of the book that gave me all of the rage. This is an adult book, adults have sex but in A French Affair, it felt like I was reading a kids book. Romantic scenes are completely glossed over and at one point, this lovely piece of narrative pops up, "A little while later, after a very happy time". (Quote taken from an uncorrected ARC)
I can't even go on.
Writing a low-rated review makes me feel like a terrible human being and I really don't like writing them but there were so many chances where Katie Fforde could have brought it back from the precipice.
Recommended to: Even though this book was a huge disappointment to me, personally, my love for Katie Fforde still remains. I would highly recommend you check out Flora's Lot because that is where she shines the brightest!
August 29, 2013
This is typical Katie Fforde. Light and amusing and total escapism for a few hours. It’s like indulging in chocolate.
After their Aunt Rainey dies, Sally and Gina inherit a share in the French House - an antiques centre set in the English countryside. Only problem is neither of them know nothing about antiques. They have to rely on the surly Matthew Ballinger to help them out and work with him till they find their feet. Of course, you expect that the relationship between him and Gina, who initially finds him a bore, will change as time goes on.
I liked Gina. She is an enthusiastic PR person. Nothing daunts her for long and she is always ready to try new ideas. Most of the time, her sister Sally is happy to go along with her. With a young family, Sally is a stay- at- home mum who has a creative bent of being able to make things out of odd and ends and turn them into something new.
Matthew took me a bit longer to warm to. I did like Matthew’s old friend Nicholas.
This is pure escapism which at times is all you what in a book. My biggest criticism was the occasional use of the F word which sounded just plain wrong in this book and out of place in the mouths of these characters. It’s almost like the author felt she needed to sprinkle a few around to keep up with the times, which I thought was a shame.
After their Aunt Rainey dies, Sally and Gina inherit a share in the French House - an antiques centre set in the English countryside. Only problem is neither of them know nothing about antiques. They have to rely on the surly Matthew Ballinger to help them out and work with him till they find their feet. Of course, you expect that the relationship between him and Gina, who initially finds him a bore, will change as time goes on.
I liked Gina. She is an enthusiastic PR person. Nothing daunts her for long and she is always ready to try new ideas. Most of the time, her sister Sally is happy to go along with her. With a young family, Sally is a stay- at- home mum who has a creative bent of being able to make things out of odd and ends and turn them into something new.
Matthew took me a bit longer to warm to. I did like Matthew’s old friend Nicholas.
This is pure escapism which at times is all you what in a book. My biggest criticism was the occasional use of the F word which sounded just plain wrong in this book and out of place in the mouths of these characters. It’s almost like the author felt she needed to sprinkle a few around to keep up with the times, which I thought was a shame.
June 17, 2017
I normally adore Katie Fforde and can’t get enough of her books. I loved Second Thyme Around and Life Skills, Wild Designs even more, and Stately Pursuits is one of my favorite books — the romance novel for people who think they can’t stomach a romance novel. Yet, Fforde seems to be phoning it in with A French Affair.
Due to their Aunt Rainey’s eccentric will, sisters Gina Makepeace (the single practical one) and Sally (the artistic married one) are thrown together with handsome but austere antiques dealer Matthew Ballinger to make a go of Aunt Rainey’s antiques business. Needless to say, readers will immediately register that Gina and Matthew are destined to be together; however, the real problem is that Fforde doesn’t make the journey to the predestined destination the least bit interesting.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
Due to their Aunt Rainey’s eccentric will, sisters Gina Makepeace (the single practical one) and Sally (the artistic married one) are thrown together with handsome but austere antiques dealer Matthew Ballinger to make a go of Aunt Rainey’s antiques business. Needless to say, readers will immediately register that Gina and Matthew are destined to be together; however, the real problem is that Fforde doesn’t make the journey to the predestined destination the least bit interesting.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2017
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic feel-good read! I love books like this one that can make me laugh out loud, and my heart both twist with pain and swell with joy. Katie Fforde has a gift for writing relatable, warm characters that you simply enjoy reading about and spending time with. This book was no exception. I was sad when my time with Gina, Matthew & Sally came to an end. If you are looking for a heartwarming story, look no further. Highly recommended!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy to honestly review**
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic feel-good read! I love books like this one that can make me laugh out loud, and my heart both twist with pain and swell with joy. Katie Fforde has a gift for writing relatable, warm characters that you simply enjoy reading about and spending time with. This book was no exception. I was sad when my time with Gina, Matthew & Sally came to an end. If you are looking for a heartwarming story, look no further. Highly recommended!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy to honestly review**
July 13, 2017
I liked this book, but in parts I definitely struggled to get through it. The plot just didn't move very quickly, nor did I identify with the characters. Honestly, I really cannot say anything more. It was blah reading all the way through. I've enjoyed other books by this author so I have to believe that it was put together too quickly or that I was just not in the mood for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.
August 29, 2017
The French Affair was my first Katie Fforde book. I was so very delighted and taken away from the first chapter and knew right away it wouldn't be my last. She is definitely now one of my 'to watch' authors for feel-good, happy reads. I am absolutely unapologetic in my love for this genre so am always thrilled to be introduced to a 'new to me author' with an extensive backlist to explore.
Sisters Gina and Sally Makepiece unexpectedly inherit a stall in an antique store from their late aunt. The catch is they must work with the stores director Matthew, a young but curmudgeonly man and make a profit. Determined to succeed, Gina and Matthew forge an unlikely partnership, with Sally helping from her home with kids and husband in tow. As Gina learns more about both antiquing and Matthew sparks fly. But recent history makes her leery of any relationship, let alone one with a stodgy grump like Matthew. Will her efforts to transform and update the antique center rub off on Matthew? Will they find their way forward together? Will each of their pasts prove too complicated and damaging to overcome?
Love, romance, women finding ways to healthier relationships, cosy country setting, travel, and a happy ending. This book has absolutely all the elements of a great escapist read. Katie Fforde does a wonderful job creating characters I care about, I want to get to know, I'd love to sit down and have a glass of wine (or two!) with. This is the difference between a book that's simply 'okay', and a book I really enjoy. For me, this hits all the high notes. I'm sorry, but anyone that can use the word 'orgasmic' in a non-sexual way totally has my vote! I highly recommend The French Affair for lovers of romance, feel good stories, beach reads, and happy endings.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from Bookouture through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.
Sisters Gina and Sally Makepiece unexpectedly inherit a stall in an antique store from their late aunt. The catch is they must work with the stores director Matthew, a young but curmudgeonly man and make a profit. Determined to succeed, Gina and Matthew forge an unlikely partnership, with Sally helping from her home with kids and husband in tow. As Gina learns more about both antiquing and Matthew sparks fly. But recent history makes her leery of any relationship, let alone one with a stodgy grump like Matthew. Will her efforts to transform and update the antique center rub off on Matthew? Will they find their way forward together? Will each of their pasts prove too complicated and damaging to overcome?
Love, romance, women finding ways to healthier relationships, cosy country setting, travel, and a happy ending. This book has absolutely all the elements of a great escapist read. Katie Fforde does a wonderful job creating characters I care about, I want to get to know, I'd love to sit down and have a glass of wine (or two!) with. This is the difference between a book that's simply 'okay', and a book I really enjoy. For me, this hits all the high notes. I'm sorry, but anyone that can use the word 'orgasmic' in a non-sexual way totally has my vote! I highly recommend The French Affair for lovers of romance, feel good stories, beach reads, and happy endings.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from Bookouture through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.
June 16, 2021
3,5 estrelas
***
Everyone has a romantic side, they just don't want to acknowledge it.
***
Bem, a estrutura e desenvolvimento seguem sempre a mesma fórmula nos livros de Katie Fforde: protagonistas sem cheta mas sempre com ideias para negócios de sucesso que a nossa ASAE e Finanças iriam adorar visitar e auditar😁.
Em A FRENCH AFFAIR, uma relações públicas, Gina, sem sorte no amor jurou não querer saber mais de homens; vai para uma localidades nas Cotswolds (que eu amo de ❤, mesmo sem conhecer) para assumir o negócio de antiguidades da tia falecida. Conhece e apaixona-se pelo dono da French House, Matthew, que é onde a tia e outros negociantes alugam espaço para venda de antiguidades. Só que Matthew deve um monte de dinheiro à ex-mulher e a French House está em risco de ser vendida. Mas Gina tem ideias😉. Francamente, é melhor que Gina tenha ideias porque Matthew era mesmo chocho, oh que herói tão pouco heróico.
É tudo muito pateta mas, e daí? Vale a pena ser lido, pronto😊☺.
***
Everyone has a romantic side, they just don't want to acknowledge it.
***
Bem, a estrutura e desenvolvimento seguem sempre a mesma fórmula nos livros de Katie Fforde: protagonistas sem cheta mas sempre com ideias para negócios de sucesso que a nossa ASAE e Finanças iriam adorar visitar e auditar😁.
Em A FRENCH AFFAIR, uma relações públicas, Gina, sem sorte no amor jurou não querer saber mais de homens; vai para uma localidades nas Cotswolds (que eu amo de ❤, mesmo sem conhecer) para assumir o negócio de antiguidades da tia falecida. Conhece e apaixona-se pelo dono da French House, Matthew, que é onde a tia e outros negociantes alugam espaço para venda de antiguidades. Só que Matthew deve um monte de dinheiro à ex-mulher e a French House está em risco de ser vendida. Mas Gina tem ideias😉. Francamente, é melhor que Gina tenha ideias porque Matthew era mesmo chocho, oh que herói tão pouco heróico.
É tudo muito pateta mas, e daí? Vale a pena ser lido, pronto😊☺.
July 14, 2018
Tā kā sliktā svētdienas vakara filmā pa ltv1 - sākas ar garu meh, bet viss svarīgais notiek pēdējās 15 min (50 lappusēs).
April 6, 2014
Gina and Sally inherit a stall in The French House from their slightly 'out there' late Aunt Rainey. They show up to find Matthew difficult and set in his ways regarding their ideas to make The French House a bit more profitable.
First issue with this was that within I think 3 chapters Matthew had been referred to as 'like Mr Rochester' twice and not to mention on the blurb as well. Firstly, I'm not sure Mr Rochester is what you want in a hero, and secondly, if you do and you can't get it across without saying it 3 times, you're in trouble.
I will preface this by saying I like Katie Fford, despite how formulaic her books are, but this one had very little to spark. Nothing seemed to be happening for a lot of it, and when it did (eg when they went to France and you thought movement would happen) most of it was describing food or the atmosphere, not much actual story.
All in all not a great outing and if I'm honest after the decline with Recipe for Love and now this one, it seems like Katie is running out of ideas...
First issue with this was that within I think 3 chapters Matthew had been referred to as 'like Mr Rochester' twice and not to mention on the blurb as well. Firstly, I'm not sure Mr Rochester is what you want in a hero, and secondly, if you do and you can't get it across without saying it 3 times, you're in trouble.
I will preface this by saying I like Katie Fford, despite how formulaic her books are, but this one had very little to spark. Nothing seemed to be happening for a lot of it, and when it did (eg when they went to France and you thought movement would happen) most of it was describing food or the atmosphere, not much actual story.
All in all not a great outing and if I'm honest after the decline with Recipe for Love and now this one, it seems like Katie is running out of ideas...
August 29, 2017
I don’t often read romance novels, but I have been devouring Katie Fforde’s novels for almost two decades because I like the way they make me feel all cozy and at home; I especially like the way they make me feel transported to the English countryside where I wish that I were right now instead of brewing in the still triple digits of a Southern summer! They are just the right mixture of whimsical storyline and complicated romance to be the perfect quick, light, funny reads when in a reading slump or whenever one needs a palette cleanser after reading back to back thrillers and suspense as I have so recently been doing.
The reader is introduced to the two Makepiece sisters in A French Affair: Gina is a single, professional PR person, and Sally is married, young with two very small girls. The story begins when the two sisters learn they have inherited a small inheritance from their Aunt Rainey, an antique stall in The French House, a lovely antique center where other antique dealers rent stalls and sell their wares. The only problem is that neither sister has the slightest clue about antiques or how to run an antique business, so they question what motivated Aunt Rainey to leave them her stall and not just leave them the money she promises them if they agree to continue her business. Yet, Aunt Rainey is known to be eccentric and a bit wild, so they chalk up the inheritance as another one of her wild schemes.
Sally is one of those people who is up for anything even though she has no interest in old antiques or the antique center, so she quickly agrees to the prospect, especially since working at the center a few hours a week will give her much needed time from her girls. Since I used to be a young mother with two little boys only 2 years apart running around, I could definitely sympathize with Sally, but she really did start to irritate me as the book went on because she just came across as petty and selfish at times and not just a little overbearing and overly-emotional. I’m not sure if that is the way that Fforde meant for her to be, but I wanted to slap her at times. She did redeem herself in the end though, but still.
Gina is more cautious, especially since she has her full-time job and learning about antiques, not counting working the stall, will take considerable time and effort. But she is nothing but determined and extremely hard working, which I really liked about her character! Gina is the star of the book with her quick wit, feistiness, intelligence, and pure force of will. It’s very rare to read a romance novel with a strong, realistic female protagonists, but Fforde has never let me down by having all her main female character being exactly that way (I consider Sally the side kick in this one).
Plus, there is the matter of Matthew Ballinger, the owner of the French House...to learn about antiques, Gina must spend time under his tutelage, a prospect both daunting and enticing since he is taciturn and gorgeous. It was lovely to see the romance between these two blossom since it was not overnight, but actually develops along the course of the storyline as Gina falls not only in love with antiques, the French House, and with Matthew. And when Gina learns that the antique center is danger of being sold, she is absolutely brilliant with her ideas and schemes to keep it from happening since she wants to help the man she loves save his business and his home-and save what has become for her a passion just as her Aunt Rainey knew it would! I love how the storyline really takes off from there!
This was another lovely little read by Fforde! Fforde’s books are always great fun even if a little predictable at times and admittedly, this was not my favorite of her books, but that was only because I didn’t enjoy some of the characters. Still, her writing was beautiful and descriptive as always: I felt transported to France, the antique stalls, the French House, and the English countryside! And the storyline was wonderfully romantic. Fforde will always be a favorite author, and I look forward to her next novel! If you are looking for a lovely, cozy romance, then this is the perfect novel! You won’t be disappointed! 3.5 Stars!
**Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture, and Katie Fforde for an ARC in exchange for my honest and fair review. **
The reader is introduced to the two Makepiece sisters in A French Affair: Gina is a single, professional PR person, and Sally is married, young with two very small girls. The story begins when the two sisters learn they have inherited a small inheritance from their Aunt Rainey, an antique stall in The French House, a lovely antique center where other antique dealers rent stalls and sell their wares. The only problem is that neither sister has the slightest clue about antiques or how to run an antique business, so they question what motivated Aunt Rainey to leave them her stall and not just leave them the money she promises them if they agree to continue her business. Yet, Aunt Rainey is known to be eccentric and a bit wild, so they chalk up the inheritance as another one of her wild schemes.
Sally is one of those people who is up for anything even though she has no interest in old antiques or the antique center, so she quickly agrees to the prospect, especially since working at the center a few hours a week will give her much needed time from her girls. Since I used to be a young mother with two little boys only 2 years apart running around, I could definitely sympathize with Sally, but she really did start to irritate me as the book went on because she just came across as petty and selfish at times and not just a little overbearing and overly-emotional. I’m not sure if that is the way that Fforde meant for her to be, but I wanted to slap her at times. She did redeem herself in the end though, but still.
Gina is more cautious, especially since she has her full-time job and learning about antiques, not counting working the stall, will take considerable time and effort. But she is nothing but determined and extremely hard working, which I really liked about her character! Gina is the star of the book with her quick wit, feistiness, intelligence, and pure force of will. It’s very rare to read a romance novel with a strong, realistic female protagonists, but Fforde has never let me down by having all her main female character being exactly that way (I consider Sally the side kick in this one).
Plus, there is the matter of Matthew Ballinger, the owner of the French House...to learn about antiques, Gina must spend time under his tutelage, a prospect both daunting and enticing since he is taciturn and gorgeous. It was lovely to see the romance between these two blossom since it was not overnight, but actually develops along the course of the storyline as Gina falls not only in love with antiques, the French House, and with Matthew. And when Gina learns that the antique center is danger of being sold, she is absolutely brilliant with her ideas and schemes to keep it from happening since she wants to help the man she loves save his business and his home-and save what has become for her a passion just as her Aunt Rainey knew it would! I love how the storyline really takes off from there!
This was another lovely little read by Fforde! Fforde’s books are always great fun even if a little predictable at times and admittedly, this was not my favorite of her books, but that was only because I didn’t enjoy some of the characters. Still, her writing was beautiful and descriptive as always: I felt transported to France, the antique stalls, the French House, and the English countryside! And the storyline was wonderfully romantic. Fforde will always be a favorite author, and I look forward to her next novel! If you are looking for a lovely, cozy romance, then this is the perfect novel! You won’t be disappointed! 3.5 Stars!
**Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture, and Katie Fforde for an ARC in exchange for my honest and fair review. **
August 28, 2020
Ik ben fan van Katie maar dit boek vond ik echt het langdradigste ooit ❤️
September 25, 2023
zaliggggg
December 21, 2024
2,5 stars. A harmless, relaxing read. Just what my brain needed right now. I did not like the main male character and the ending was just silly.
August 21, 2017
A romatic, predictable novel with a beautiful setting of an antique center.
A quick summer read !
A quick summer read !
September 2, 2020
First off, this is not what I imagined from the title.
Gina Makepiece, a freelance PR agent, and her sister Sally inherit a stall in an antiques centre called the French House from their Aunt together with a very small sum of money to start off their antiquing careers. Sally quickly loses interest, preferring new things, but Gina soon gets the bug, assisted by the owner of the French House, Matthew Ballinger. The French House is very quiet and not trading as well as some of the rival antique shops in the town, but every time Gina suggests a way to drum up new business Matthew shoots her down, he really is a doom-and-gloom merchant!
But when a conniving, local shop owner colludes with Matthew's ex-wife and Gina's ex-boyfriend to buy the French House at a deep discount Gina rallies the troops to raise the necessary funds to pay off Matthew's ex and save the French House.
I'm sure it isn't, but this is the first Katie Fforde book I can recall which lets loose the F-bomb, not once but several times! Published in 2013 it feels more modern than some of her other books I have read and Matthew isn't one of her domineering, know-it-all, I love you but I won't tell you until the last 10 pages of the book, heroes that I loathe. Also he has a dog, so naturally he is a good hero ;)
Overall, despite the setting being somewhat different to what I had assumed, I really enjoyed this Katie Fforde romance.
Gina Makepiece, a freelance PR agent, and her sister Sally inherit a stall in an antiques centre called the French House from their Aunt together with a very small sum of money to start off their antiquing careers. Sally quickly loses interest, preferring new things, but Gina soon gets the bug, assisted by the owner of the French House, Matthew Ballinger. The French House is very quiet and not trading as well as some of the rival antique shops in the town, but every time Gina suggests a way to drum up new business Matthew shoots her down, he really is a doom-and-gloom merchant!
But when a conniving, local shop owner colludes with Matthew's ex-wife and Gina's ex-boyfriend to buy the French House at a deep discount Gina rallies the troops to raise the necessary funds to pay off Matthew's ex and save the French House.
I'm sure it isn't, but this is the first Katie Fforde book I can recall which lets loose the F-bomb, not once but several times! Published in 2013 it feels more modern than some of her other books I have read and Matthew isn't one of her domineering, know-it-all, I love you but I won't tell you until the last 10 pages of the book, heroes that I loathe. Also he has a dog, so naturally he is a good hero ;)
Overall, despite the setting being somewhat different to what I had assumed, I really enjoyed this Katie Fforde romance.
November 7, 2013
This wasn't my favourite Katy Fforde book. I found the hero - Matthew - dull and miserable. In other books by this author the surly hero has a little something about him or an underlying passion, but I didn't get that with Matthew. There was zero sizzle between Gina and Matthew.
There was of course the usual Katy Fforde plot line where the 'jolly good sort' single young female throws herself into organising some event to save the day and makes a really good job of it is getting really old. I found myself skimming over the tedious details around improvised flower arrangements, ticket sales and home decor, all to a backdrop of biscuits and gallons of wine. In short, I was a bit bored reading this really. Shame.
I've read every Katy Fforde book published to date and Stately Pursuits and Thyme Out are among my favourite books to re-read, but this one was a dud.
There was of course the usual Katy Fforde plot line where the 'jolly good sort' single young female throws herself into organising some event to save the day and makes a really good job of it is getting really old. I found myself skimming over the tedious details around improvised flower arrangements, ticket sales and home decor, all to a backdrop of biscuits and gallons of wine. In short, I was a bit bored reading this really. Shame.
I've read every Katy Fforde book published to date and Stately Pursuits and Thyme Out are among my favourite books to re-read, but this one was a dud.
September 3, 2021
So, this was not my cup of tea. It took at least 60 pages for the story to feel like it was moving at all. And even then there was very little movement. For me it felt like all that happened in the entire book was that Gina and Sally went to Matthew, they went to an antiques market, Gina and Matthew went to France and then Gina first threw a party and then a porcelain dog.
The romance part fell completely flat for me. It was a surprise when Gina all of a sudden had a thing for Matthew. There was next to no build up. Also, for me, they had zero romantic tension.
The ending felt a bit far-fetched and rushed. I'd rather have had slightly more of a conclusion and less repeated back and forth in the middle.
I've never read this author before and would try another of her books, but this one was not it for me.
The romance part fell completely flat for me. It was a surprise when Gina all of a sudden had a thing for Matthew. There was next to no build up. Also, for me, they had zero romantic tension.
The ending felt a bit far-fetched and rushed. I'd rather have had slightly more of a conclusion and less repeated back and forth in the middle.
I've never read this author before and would try another of her books, but this one was not it for me.
March 4, 2013
I received a copy of A French Affair by Katie Fforde in exchange for an honest review.
I thought A French Affair was a cute read, but a bit predictable and sometimes on the dull side. I never quite got fully invested in the story, but it was able to keep my interest enough to finish reading. Gina and Sally make a great pair, and their antics gave me a few laughs along the way. The romance was the predictable part, but sometimes that just is how it is. I liked the parts about the French House and how they are trying to learn the antique business. That seemed fun and original, but sometimes a few of the plot points didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. In all it was a cute book, but not a favorite of mine.
**3.5 stars**
I thought A French Affair was a cute read, but a bit predictable and sometimes on the dull side. I never quite got fully invested in the story, but it was able to keep my interest enough to finish reading. Gina and Sally make a great pair, and their antics gave me a few laughs along the way. The romance was the predictable part, but sometimes that just is how it is. I liked the parts about the French House and how they are trying to learn the antique business. That seemed fun and original, but sometimes a few of the plot points didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. In all it was a cute book, but not a favorite of mine.
**3.5 stars**
January 5, 2015
I have read 3 of Fforde's books and I loved them all. But this one, its a very boring one i must say. it didnt excite me as much and I barely finish it. it's a good thing that I got this book at a very cheap price.
January 4, 2016
I love Matthew and Gina
September 20, 2017
** ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review**
An enjoyable, light-hearted read, A French Affair by Katie Fforde delivers a slow building friends to lovers affair. This is a story about a new career adventure and discovering who you are. It is an emotional read with some added humor.
Gina and her sister Sally have inherited their late Aunt’s antique stall at the French House. Matthew, the owner of the French House is a bit grumpy and not too happy at all to have the sisters invade his business. As a favor to his friend, Matthew teaches Gina and Sally the trade of antique buying and selling. Gina with her degree in PR quickly makes it her mission to bring the French House back to life, slowly falling for the grouchy owner along the way.
"Doing her job was so much second nature to her, Gina wondered if it was a sort of obsessive/ compulsive disorder." --Gina
I can totally relate to Gina and her obsessive ways. When something comes naturally you find it hard not to do it. As easy as I connected with Gina, it was harder with Matthew. I did not like him at first. I thought he was flat and uninteresting. It wasn’t until the end that I felt the connection I was looking for. Once I made the connection I understood why his character was written the way it was, and how you needed to dislike him first before you could fall in love with him. Because this book is written in the third person, you get a little bit of everyone's thoughts and feelings, which makes the story an even more enjoyable read. I really enjoyed this romance and I hope you do to. It was a refreshing change of pace and I learned a thing or two about the antique trade. Four stars.
An enjoyable, light-hearted read, A French Affair by Katie Fforde delivers a slow building friends to lovers affair. This is a story about a new career adventure and discovering who you are. It is an emotional read with some added humor.
Gina and her sister Sally have inherited their late Aunt’s antique stall at the French House. Matthew, the owner of the French House is a bit grumpy and not too happy at all to have the sisters invade his business. As a favor to his friend, Matthew teaches Gina and Sally the trade of antique buying and selling. Gina with her degree in PR quickly makes it her mission to bring the French House back to life, slowly falling for the grouchy owner along the way.
"Doing her job was so much second nature to her, Gina wondered if it was a sort of obsessive/ compulsive disorder." --Gina
I can totally relate to Gina and her obsessive ways. When something comes naturally you find it hard not to do it. As easy as I connected with Gina, it was harder with Matthew. I did not like him at first. I thought he was flat and uninteresting. It wasn’t until the end that I felt the connection I was looking for. Once I made the connection I understood why his character was written the way it was, and how you needed to dislike him first before you could fall in love with him. Because this book is written in the third person, you get a little bit of everyone's thoughts and feelings, which makes the story an even more enjoyable read. I really enjoyed this romance and I hope you do to. It was a refreshing change of pace and I learned a thing or two about the antique trade. Four stars.
May 5, 2018
This book is ok and kept me fairly entertained in places but is not much to write home about.
When Gina's aunt dies, rather than leave her money, she wants her to become an antiques dealer to do it. Gina manages to practically master this tricky business within months and falls in love in the process.
I didn't feel that any of the characters were fully fleshed out. I didn't get why Matthew got so grumpy and didn't want to lift a finger to save his business and I don't know why Gina's relationship with her ex-boyfriend wasn't explored more and there were a few other details that could have done with more information.
I also turned against Gina when she argued that the shop should open on Sundays because it would make more money. But that may be because I am a former Retail worker.
Might be a good one to read if you are holiday and have nothing else.
When Gina's aunt dies, rather than leave her money, she wants her to become an antiques dealer to do it. Gina manages to practically master this tricky business within months and falls in love in the process.
I didn't feel that any of the characters were fully fleshed out. I didn't get why Matthew got so grumpy and didn't want to lift a finger to save his business and I don't know why Gina's relationship with her ex-boyfriend wasn't explored more and there were a few other details that could have done with more information.
I also turned against Gina when she argued that the shop should open on Sundays because it would make more money. But that may be because I am a former Retail worker.
Might be a good one to read if you are holiday and have nothing else.
February 28, 2025
A French Affair is a contemporary story loosely set around the antiques trade.
Sisters Sally and Gina are bequeathed a selection of antiques, and the local space in which to sell them. Neither of them know anything about antiques but their aunt requested that they were given guidance by one of her friends.
Matthew inherited his love of antiques and his business in the Cotswolds from his father, but he hadn’t anticipated being asked to help two newbies when he was going through his own financial difficulties.
While Sally is busy, Gina puts her PR background to work as she gets involved with both Matthew and the antiques business.
The setting in the Cotswolds was fictional, but I still enjoyed imagining it as one of the real towns that are popular with tourists. The story was amusing and the romance was predictable; it is the journey that matters most in these types of tales. I was a bit lukewarm about this yarn; I didn’t really connect with Gina and some of the story fell flat for me.
Sisters Sally and Gina are bequeathed a selection of antiques, and the local space in which to sell them. Neither of them know anything about antiques but their aunt requested that they were given guidance by one of her friends.
Matthew inherited his love of antiques and his business in the Cotswolds from his father, but he hadn’t anticipated being asked to help two newbies when he was going through his own financial difficulties.
While Sally is busy, Gina puts her PR background to work as she gets involved with both Matthew and the antiques business.
The setting in the Cotswolds was fictional, but I still enjoyed imagining it as one of the real towns that are popular with tourists. The story was amusing and the romance was predictable; it is the journey that matters most in these types of tales. I was a bit lukewarm about this yarn; I didn’t really connect with Gina and some of the story fell flat for me.
February 2, 2019
A French affair... Neither French nor affair... Takes you to the roller coaster ride through the life of antique dealer and a PR girl. The story of so ordinary that it becomes interesting. Overall a good experience...
June 20, 2023
Able to sit and read this easy, completely predictable book in a day and enjoyed it immensely, I do like Katie Fjord. This probably wasn’t one of her better books the story line being a little weak but it was well written and nice, selfish greedy people did not triumph and the good ones did- very satisfying.
January 28, 2018
Predictable but charming chick-lit, set in the Cotswolds. I do always enjoy Katie Fforde's books, this one was no exception. An easy, pleasant read.
April 1, 2018
Nice easy read escapism perfect book for a rainy day
April 30, 2019
Loved being in the world of antique furniture brilliant read 😊
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