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Heart Restoration Project
In Provence, a burned-out reality show star embarks down a path of self-renovation in a witty and enlightening novel about celebrity, love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human heart.
Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know.
Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.
Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself—a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II—that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.
The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing.
Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know.
Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.
Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself—a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II—that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.
The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
435 people are currently reading
6454 people want to read
About the author
Beth Merlin
12 books174 followersBeth is a native New Yorker who loves rom-coms, Broadway, and a good maxi dress. She was introduced to her husband through a friend she met at sleepaway camp and considers the eight summers she spent there to be the most formative of her life. One S’more Summer is Beth's debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 13, 2024
⭐3.7
'Heart Restoration Project' by Beth Merlin is an empowering and engaging contemporary romance set in charming provincial France.
'Heart Restoration Project' presents an engaging and seamless plot set against the picturesque backdrop of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The novel transports the reader to the idyllic village of Maubec, where our heroine, Plum Everly, is tasked with restoring the dilapidated Château Mirabelle.
Beth Merlin’s writing is contemporary and evocative, striking a perfect balance between plot progression and rich, descriptive prose. The lush depiction of the historical landscape immerses readers in the charm and beauty of rural France.
Plum Everly is a deeply sympathetic protagonist, burdened by the fame thrust upon her in childhood. Though she has many hurdles to overcome, she demonstrates resilience, kindness and a tremendous capacity for personal growth. The supporting cast brings further heart to the plot - the true nature of each character is revealed gradually, enriching the story with relationships that develop in an organic manner.
Plum’s journey within is both poignant and uplifting as she navigates the complexities of fame, public scrutiny, and the search for trustworthy allies. The novel offers a thoughtful commentary on the darker side of celebrity culture, exploring the challenges of maintaining one’s identity amidst relentless media attention.
Overall, 'Heart Restoration Project' is a satisfying contemporary romance, each twist ensuring readers are eager to see how Plum’s story unfolds. This charming tale of personal and physical restoration is perfect for a holiday read. I look forward to exploring future works by this author.
Genres:
-Contemporary romance
-Contemporary fiction
Tropes:
-Reality TV show
-Renovation
-Celebrity
-Forced proximity
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Heart Restoration Project' by Beth Merlin is an empowering and engaging contemporary romance set in charming provincial France.
'Heart Restoration Project' presents an engaging and seamless plot set against the picturesque backdrop of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The novel transports the reader to the idyllic village of Maubec, where our heroine, Plum Everly, is tasked with restoring the dilapidated Château Mirabelle.
Beth Merlin’s writing is contemporary and evocative, striking a perfect balance between plot progression and rich, descriptive prose. The lush depiction of the historical landscape immerses readers in the charm and beauty of rural France.
Plum Everly is a deeply sympathetic protagonist, burdened by the fame thrust upon her in childhood. Though she has many hurdles to overcome, she demonstrates resilience, kindness and a tremendous capacity for personal growth. The supporting cast brings further heart to the plot - the true nature of each character is revealed gradually, enriching the story with relationships that develop in an organic manner.
Plum’s journey within is both poignant and uplifting as she navigates the complexities of fame, public scrutiny, and the search for trustworthy allies. The novel offers a thoughtful commentary on the darker side of celebrity culture, exploring the challenges of maintaining one’s identity amidst relentless media attention.
Overall, 'Heart Restoration Project' is a satisfying contemporary romance, each twist ensuring readers are eager to see how Plum’s story unfolds. This charming tale of personal and physical restoration is perfect for a holiday read. I look forward to exploring future works by this author.
Genres:
-Contemporary romance
-Contemporary fiction
Tropes:
-Reality TV show
-Renovation
-Celebrity
-Forced proximity
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2024
2.5 stars
My god was I bored to tears. I could not bring myself to care about these characters or the Chateau.
I went in thinking this was going to be a sweet and cute little romance instead I got dumped with so much French resistance history.
And up to about 94% of the book the woe-is-me FMC was with a different guy and only ended up with him because she was lied to and betrayed by the other guy.
Honestly, the only reason I did not DNF and suffered through this was because its an ARC!
Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC!
My god was I bored to tears. I could not bring myself to care about these characters or the Chateau.
I went in thinking this was going to be a sweet and cute little romance instead I got dumped with so much French resistance history.
And up to about 94% of the book the woe-is-me FMC was with a different guy and only ended up with him because she was lied to and betrayed by the other guy.
Honestly, the only reason I did not DNF and suffered through this was because its an ARC!
Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC!
August 20, 2024
Plum Everly accepts to shoot a new reality show in France to go away from the american paparazzi and to finally show her true self. When she arrives in Provence she finds out that the historic residence she has to restore, Chatau Mirabelle, hides some myteries and secrets that will make her job more interesting and valuable.
I really liked Plum, she is smart, witty and fun. I despised how the show biz wants to exploit her popularity without taking into account her feelings, but I liked to see her gaining more self-awareness and self-knowledge throughout her french trip.
I found the romantic aspect a bit lacking, even if Elliott is an adorable grumpy man.
Overall, Heart Restoration Project was a nice read, with an heroine desperate for proving her worth, and an enchanting landscape.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
July 18, 2024
Okay, this one was actually really really sad to me. The FMC is so sweet and really just trying to figure out her life and what she wants to do and they are all in on this big secret that will humiliate her. I love how they kept digging to find the truth about the town and worked to do what was best for them even if it wasn’t what was right for the show they were filming. There were plenty of funny moments with this clumsy FMC and the grumpy MMC, making for a sweet romance with a definitely feel good ending.
June 13, 2024
I thought the book was sweet and adorable. A fun love story with interesting characters. I loved the narrator! I tend to like dual narration the best, but she did a fabulous job. She read all the parts well without making cringy voices. I recommend to give this a listen. Especially if you are looking for something lighthearted!
December 5, 2024
I had very low expectations for this book. I tried it on a whim since it was on KU and quickly fell in love. The world is rich, the characters are complex, and the overall message is surprisingly human. I recommend this to fans of romance books, historical fiction, or general fans of French culture.
July 31, 2024
Plum Everly is a reality TV Star and has been for many years. She is burned out and head to Provence France for a bit of R&R. However, she has an opportunity to do a DYI reality project. Once she arrives and meets everyone and the townsfolk who are super welcoming. Elliot who is head of production and the project for Plum to renovate is a chateau know as Mirabelle and dates back to World War II. This is a historic chateau and knows as a Symbol of Courage. With so much history involved the show isn’t just renovating but it has to be restored properly.
This book not only focuses on how two restore the old girl back to her glory but there is also a story with Plum and Elliot and maybe a romance. Each of the characters have so much more to work out personally and now with each other. This is such a heartwarming story of love and new beginnings . It was like a make over for the heart and soul.
This book not only focuses on how two restore the old girl back to her glory but there is also a story with Plum and Elliot and maybe a romance. Each of the characters have so much more to work out personally and now with each other. This is such a heartwarming story of love and new beginnings . It was like a make over for the heart and soul.
July 10, 2024
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Brilliance Publishing.
Who is the real Plum Everly? Would not she like to know.
Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she is ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.
Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself—a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II—that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.
The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing.
Heart Restroration Project is a story about a burned-out reality show star who embarks down a path of self-renovation.This book is about a celebrity, love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human heart. This book gave such a great insight on what child reality Tv stars actually face and struggle. I also liked how this book was based in France and the authors did such a great job describing the setting. I loved how close all the residents felt in the story and it just really made you fell like they are family. Plum’s character development is so amazing to read and sub characters are written so well. You can feel who they are in how they are described and how they interact with Plum. The only downside was that the romance was a subplot and I just wanted more romance aspects. Now after reading this one, it just makes me want to travel to France.
Rating: 3.5/5
Who is the real Plum Everly? Would not she like to know.
Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she is ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.
Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself—a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II—that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.
The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing.
Heart Restroration Project is a story about a burned-out reality show star who embarks down a path of self-renovation.This book is about a celebrity, love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human heart. This book gave such a great insight on what child reality Tv stars actually face and struggle. I also liked how this book was based in France and the authors did such a great job describing the setting. I loved how close all the residents felt in the story and it just really made you fell like they are family. Plum’s character development is so amazing to read and sub characters are written so well. You can feel who they are in how they are described and how they interact with Plum. The only downside was that the romance was a subplot and I just wanted more romance aspects. Now after reading this one, it just makes me want to travel to France.
Rating: 3.5/5
March 28, 2025
I am in a season where it has been hard for me to sit down and read either a physical book or my Kindle and I was begging to think I was falling into a reading slump BUT I am so grateful I decided to read this book on a whim. I did not know what I was in for but I enjoyed every second of the journey. Heart Restoration Project filled me with this overwhelming need to visit the vineyards of France and truly experience and honor the history of the region. As a person with a Bachelor’s in history, I loved the elements of looking to the past and how understanding what came before can lead to healing and understanding in the present. I loved that the characters were so well thought out and really 3D in their thoughts, feeling and motives. I am definitely going to seek out more books from these authors as I love their writing style.
August 10, 2025
Not what I expected.
If you speak/read French and like history … this is a book for you. I do not understand French and not the biggest history buff so much of this book just felt … boring and I had to skim what I could translate.
If you speak/read French and like history … this is a book for you. I do not understand French and not the biggest history buff so much of this book just felt … boring and I had to skim what I could translate.
June 26, 2024
I didn't get this review written before the publishing date, but I absolutely enjoyed this book. If you didn't have a chance to read "Last Photo Booth in Manhattan" put it on your list because it's one of their books too!
What to Expect!
⭐ Second Chances
⭐ Starting over
⭐ Finding yourself
⭐ Reality TV Story Line
⭐ Wine in France
⭐ Historical Themes involving World War II & the Holocaust
⭐ a Touch of romance
This plot I felt gave us an insightful look into what reality TV children struggle with. Something I have always been so curious about. How much of the spotlight do they love? How much do they hate? Who are they really? In this case we get to see some of all of that from Plums story.
Her struggles to find herself is truly something I think ALL of us go through. Especially in our 30s. More now than ever with how much life changed after Covid.
I loved that this book was set in France. The story of the little town featured is so true to what those little villages are like. The closeness of the residents to one another, their history, their love of their village and all that comes with it. When you are emerged in these villages for longer than a tourist stop, you truly do become like family. If you haven't ever had a chance to travel there DO IT! You won't be disappointed! Also who wouldn't LOVE the chance to stay at a Chateau with a vineyard! Château Mirabelle sounds absolutely incredible!!
All that to say, There some more shallow components of this story I didn't love as much. The self sabotaging Plum does to herself feels a bit immature for someone her age. The weird relationship with the building foreman did feel forced and at times I actually felt uncomfortable. It gave me grooming/love bombing vibes. It's a personal trauma thing for me. So it may not bother others as much!
My final note, something I personally loved, was the underlying historical storyline. I was hoping they would mention it in the acknowledgements, but I want to know where it came from. Is it based off a loose true story? Is it derived from another storyline? I would love to hear more about how they decided to intertwine it to the story! Any time history gets intertwined I get pulled in to the overall story deeper!
Synopsis:
"Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know.
Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity arises: a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.
Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself―a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II―that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.
The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing."
Shout out to NetGalley + Montlake for the eARC! I am so grateful to you for allowing me the chance to read this and enjoy it!
What to Expect!
⭐ Second Chances
⭐ Starting over
⭐ Finding yourself
⭐ Reality TV Story Line
⭐ Wine in France
⭐ Historical Themes involving World War II & the Holocaust
⭐ a Touch of romance
This plot I felt gave us an insightful look into what reality TV children struggle with. Something I have always been so curious about. How much of the spotlight do they love? How much do they hate? Who are they really? In this case we get to see some of all of that from Plums story.
Her struggles to find herself is truly something I think ALL of us go through. Especially in our 30s. More now than ever with how much life changed after Covid.
I loved that this book was set in France. The story of the little town featured is so true to what those little villages are like. The closeness of the residents to one another, their history, their love of their village and all that comes with it. When you are emerged in these villages for longer than a tourist stop, you truly do become like family. If you haven't ever had a chance to travel there DO IT! You won't be disappointed! Also who wouldn't LOVE the chance to stay at a Chateau with a vineyard! Château Mirabelle sounds absolutely incredible!!
All that to say, There some more shallow components of this story I didn't love as much. The self sabotaging Plum does to herself feels a bit immature for someone her age. The weird relationship with the building foreman did feel forced and at times I actually felt uncomfortable. It gave me grooming/love bombing vibes. It's a personal trauma thing for me. So it may not bother others as much!
My final note, something I personally loved, was the underlying historical storyline. I was hoping they would mention it in the acknowledgements, but I want to know where it came from. Is it based off a loose true story? Is it derived from another storyline? I would love to hear more about how they decided to intertwine it to the story! Any time history gets intertwined I get pulled in to the overall story deeper!
Synopsis:
"Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know.
Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity arises: a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.
Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself―a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II―that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.
The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing."
Shout out to NetGalley + Montlake for the eARC! I am so grateful to you for allowing me the chance to read this and enjoy it!
March 4, 2024
(3.75 stars) A heartfelt story of a woman finding herself and her way forward by diving into the past.
Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a longtime reality TV star, as she takes on a new project renovating a chateau in a small French town. It reminded me of early 2000’s romantic comedies in the best way. There’s romance, small town charm, foreign language mishaps, and mouthwatering descriptions of delicious food, but the book’s true strength comes from unearthing the rich, important history of the chateau and the people connected to it.
I anticipated that a majority of the plot would focus on a love triangle and the reality show, and to some extent that is what it is, but within that framework you also get to learn about the bravery and strength the town’s families showed during World War II. The secrets of the past are still affecting the present. It’s rewarding to see Plum restore not only the heart of the town, but her own confidence and reputation.
As much as I truly enjoyed reading this, some aspects feel like they’re just shy of hitting their full potential. The romance feels almost like a subplot by the end and, while I didn’t mind, I think I may have been disappointed if that’s what I was most looking forward to. The pacing really hits its stride once we get to France, but the beginning set up is a little chaotic. There’s a lot going on, a lot of backstory to establish, and it felt a little rushed to me. The book has a ton of pop culture references that pulled me out of the story. Intentionally setting this in the real world made me think more critically about the accuracy of home renovation, the region in France, and the making of a reality TV show. I think it would have been beneficial to replace these with made up references so this world could exist in its own bubble. I can’t speak for the accuracy of the French dialogue but there is a lot of it and a French town of the same name does exist but the one in the book seems fairly fictional.
Overall, Heart Restoration Project has fun romcom energy in a beautiful setting with charming side characters and an unexpectedly deep plot. With great character development and a few surprises, it would make an excellent vacation read.
This ARC was provided through NetGalley from Montlake. All the above is my own, honest opinion.
Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a longtime reality TV star, as she takes on a new project renovating a chateau in a small French town. It reminded me of early 2000’s romantic comedies in the best way. There’s romance, small town charm, foreign language mishaps, and mouthwatering descriptions of delicious food, but the book’s true strength comes from unearthing the rich, important history of the chateau and the people connected to it.
I anticipated that a majority of the plot would focus on a love triangle and the reality show, and to some extent that is what it is, but within that framework you also get to learn about the bravery and strength the town’s families showed during World War II. The secrets of the past are still affecting the present. It’s rewarding to see Plum restore not only the heart of the town, but her own confidence and reputation.
As much as I truly enjoyed reading this, some aspects feel like they’re just shy of hitting their full potential. The romance feels almost like a subplot by the end and, while I didn’t mind, I think I may have been disappointed if that’s what I was most looking forward to. The pacing really hits its stride once we get to France, but the beginning set up is a little chaotic. There’s a lot going on, a lot of backstory to establish, and it felt a little rushed to me. The book has a ton of pop culture references that pulled me out of the story. Intentionally setting this in the real world made me think more critically about the accuracy of home renovation, the region in France, and the making of a reality TV show. I think it would have been beneficial to replace these with made up references so this world could exist in its own bubble. I can’t speak for the accuracy of the French dialogue but there is a lot of it and a French town of the same name does exist but the one in the book seems fairly fictional.
Overall, Heart Restoration Project has fun romcom energy in a beautiful setting with charming side characters and an unexpectedly deep plot. With great character development and a few surprises, it would make an excellent vacation read.
This ARC was provided through NetGalley from Montlake. All the above is my own, honest opinion.
March 24, 2024
This was such a sweet read.
Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a staple in the reality TV genre, whos is quickly fading into obscurity. When an offer to do a show in Provence, to restore Chateau Mirabelle, she jumps at the chnace, quickly sold by the idea that she will finally get to show the world who the real Plum Everly is. The only isuue is: she doesn't know exactly who that is. The more she finds out about the chateau, the more she becomes invested, and the more determined she is that this time, the world will see the real her.
This was a really enjoyable read. The descriptions of everything was so rich, that it really transports you to Provence, and it made me want to see it all for myself. The way it's made to look, feel and even smell was so detailed, that there were times I felt like I was lost there, which is one of my favourite things when reading. The characters were well written, even if for most of the book I had a deep mistrust of Bastien. (Sometimes when characters are too good to be true, run away.)
Plum was a really interesting character for me. The way that she is always aware that she doesn't fit the mould of her family, but doesn't make that her entire personality makes it more enjoyable. She might not know who she is, but the subtle suggestions throughout, the way that she almost without thinking uses her phone to capture things and knows how she wants things to look is really fascinating, The way her story ends makes perfect sense, and made me happy.
I wasn't entirely sold on the romance aspect, which for me was a shame, beacuse romance is my favourite genre to read, it felt a little bit insta-love which some people enjoy, but for me personally I'm not a massive fan, but it had some really sweet moments. I also am not a massive fan of love triangles, but again just because it isn't my favourite trope doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable to read.
I found myself far more interested in the history of Chateau Mirabelle, and I almost feel like that was the point, the show is sold as a restoration home make over show, but as the characters find out more about the role the chateau had in World War II, the more I wanted to know, (a lot of that is probably just my fascination and history in general), and when Plum has an idea to take the show in a different direction I was really rooting for her.
Overall, I really enjoyed Heart Restoration Project, I just always wanted a little more from it. 3 Stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake, for the opportunity to read this early copy. All thoughts are my own.
Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a staple in the reality TV genre, whos is quickly fading into obscurity. When an offer to do a show in Provence, to restore Chateau Mirabelle, she jumps at the chnace, quickly sold by the idea that she will finally get to show the world who the real Plum Everly is. The only isuue is: she doesn't know exactly who that is. The more she finds out about the chateau, the more she becomes invested, and the more determined she is that this time, the world will see the real her.
This was a really enjoyable read. The descriptions of everything was so rich, that it really transports you to Provence, and it made me want to see it all for myself. The way it's made to look, feel and even smell was so detailed, that there were times I felt like I was lost there, which is one of my favourite things when reading. The characters were well written, even if for most of the book I had a deep mistrust of Bastien. (Sometimes when characters are too good to be true, run away.)
Plum was a really interesting character for me. The way that she is always aware that she doesn't fit the mould of her family, but doesn't make that her entire personality makes it more enjoyable. She might not know who she is, but the subtle suggestions throughout, the way that she almost without thinking uses her phone to capture things and knows how she wants things to look is really fascinating, The way her story ends makes perfect sense, and made me happy.
I wasn't entirely sold on the romance aspect, which for me was a shame, beacuse romance is my favourite genre to read, it felt a little bit insta-love which some people enjoy, but for me personally I'm not a massive fan, but it had some really sweet moments. I also am not a massive fan of love triangles, but again just because it isn't my favourite trope doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable to read.
I found myself far more interested in the history of Chateau Mirabelle, and I almost feel like that was the point, the show is sold as a restoration home make over show, but as the characters find out more about the role the chateau had in World War II, the more I wanted to know, (a lot of that is probably just my fascination and history in general), and when Plum has an idea to take the show in a different direction I was really rooting for her.
Overall, I really enjoyed Heart Restoration Project, I just always wanted a little more from it. 3 Stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake, for the opportunity to read this early copy. All thoughts are my own.
June 25, 2024
I had a few problems with this book (hence the 3 star rating), but I did have a really enjoyable time overall. The book is categorized as a romance book, but I would recommend it to readers who like romance books that have a strong plot outside of the romance, as much of this book is about our main character finding herself while she uncovers the history of the house she is renovating.
Plum Everly is a celebrity from a reality TV family - think the Kardashians but with a health food fitness lifestyle hippie twist. After having her childhood and adolescence captured on the EVERLYday show, she has struggled to find herself as an adult the same way her siblings have, leading her to feel like the joke or failure of the family. So she takes an opportunity to star in a TV show where she renovates an old French manor, alongside a cast of characters from the French villagers, a handsome project lead and a grumpy camera man.
The first issue I had with the book is the first chapter. It tries to begin with throwing you into the moment - Plum is backstage about to compete in the finals of Dancing With The Stars. Unfortunately, a costume malfunction causes her to lose the finals, which not only humiliates her but puts her in a bad spot financially, as she was really banking on winning the season and the prize money and collaborations that would have come with it. However, something about the chapter and the writing was very awkward, which lead to me putting off this book for ages. Thinking back, it introduces a few characters that never appear again. I think this intro could have worked but we really needed to just focus on Plum and her emotions.
For me, the best part of the book was having Plum and Elliott investigate the history of the house. I appreciated learning a bit more about WWII through the book through this personal lens of one town, one family and one village. I'm not sure if the names of the village or family, etc. are fictional or borrowed, but I appreciated it a lot for being a realistic storyline and an introduction to the Dutch-Paris line (a resistance network that saved hundreds of lives during World War II).
I'm cautious that some romance readers will find the romance in here lacking. Additionally, this is a clean romance with no smut. It reminds me of a cleaner Emily Henry style of writing, one that isn't quite as trendy as the smutty KU style of books that tends to get hyped online. However, I still enjoyed it as I thought the romance was really organic, though I mainly enjoyed this book for the plot and side characters. As the book went on, I thought it painted a really holistic portrait of the town and its history and residents.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Heart Restoration Project is available now.
my links .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
goodreads
storygraph
instagram
blog
Plum Everly is a celebrity from a reality TV family - think the Kardashians but with a health food fitness lifestyle hippie twist. After having her childhood and adolescence captured on the EVERLYday show, she has struggled to find herself as an adult the same way her siblings have, leading her to feel like the joke or failure of the family. So she takes an opportunity to star in a TV show where she renovates an old French manor, alongside a cast of characters from the French villagers, a handsome project lead and a grumpy camera man.
The first issue I had with the book is the first chapter. It tries to begin with throwing you into the moment - Plum is backstage about to compete in the finals of Dancing With The Stars. Unfortunately, a costume malfunction causes her to lose the finals, which not only humiliates her but puts her in a bad spot financially, as she was really banking on winning the season and the prize money and collaborations that would have come with it. However, something about the chapter and the writing was very awkward, which lead to me putting off this book for ages. Thinking back, it introduces a few characters that never appear again. I think this intro could have worked but we really needed to just focus on Plum and her emotions.
For me, the best part of the book was having Plum and Elliott investigate the history of the house. I appreciated learning a bit more about WWII through the book through this personal lens of one town, one family and one village. I'm not sure if the names of the village or family, etc. are fictional or borrowed, but I appreciated it a lot for being a realistic storyline and an introduction to the Dutch-Paris line (a resistance network that saved hundreds of lives during World War II).
I'm cautious that some romance readers will find the romance in here lacking. Additionally, this is a clean romance with no smut. It reminds me of a cleaner Emily Henry style of writing, one that isn't quite as trendy as the smutty KU style of books that tends to get hyped online. However, I still enjoyed it as I thought the romance was really organic, though I mainly enjoyed this book for the plot and side characters. As the book went on, I thought it painted a really holistic portrait of the town and its history and residents.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Heart Restoration Project is available now.
my links .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
goodreads
storygraph
blog
May 9, 2024
3 stars - Thank you NetGallery for the eARC!
The Heart Restoration Project advertised a story of self discovery and a bit of romance - a story of a reality start stuck in a rut who goes to France to restore a crumbling chateau with a mysterious history. It sounds intriguing, but overall it is a book with great potential that fell short of that promise.
The main character is presented as growing and healing - a journey that is reflective of the renovation work that is being done on the mansion. But the story instead reflected the false veneer of the reality show at the mansion as what was presented on the blurb was not what the story truly contained. And to fully explain spoilers will be presented below.
The book was presented with a romance between reality start Plum and cameraman Elliot. It quickly became apparent that though those two may be end game, the main romance in the book was with Plum and Bastien (a character who was clear to readers early on was not to be trusted). Plum and Bastien’s relationship occupied the book until the 90% mark. This did not allow the authors to develop Plum and Elliot’s connection - they just suddenly came together. (The quick jump was also aggravating since Plum wanted to find herself outside of her prior relationship in the beginning of the book, but she never was really single). The balance of the romances in the story didn’t really work with the story, especially if it is to be classified as a romance.
Another aspect that was under utilized was the mystery of the previous owners. The few passages where the characters explore this and learn the history were intriguing. If the authors had focused more it would have helped keep the story more engaging throughout the book instead of in the last 15%. There was so much more there that could have been presented, more interactions with the people of the town, etc. Devoting so much of the story instead to the false romance and the reality show felt bland and hollow.
In the end I was left wishing for more. It was a cute story, just slightly disappointing.
The Heart Restoration Project advertised a story of self discovery and a bit of romance - a story of a reality start stuck in a rut who goes to France to restore a crumbling chateau with a mysterious history. It sounds intriguing, but overall it is a book with great potential that fell short of that promise.
The main character is presented as growing and healing - a journey that is reflective of the renovation work that is being done on the mansion. But the story instead reflected the false veneer of the reality show at the mansion as what was presented on the blurb was not what the story truly contained. And to fully explain spoilers will be presented below.
The book was presented with a romance between reality start Plum and cameraman Elliot. It quickly became apparent that though those two may be end game, the main romance in the book was with Plum and Bastien (a character who was clear to readers early on was not to be trusted). Plum and Bastien’s relationship occupied the book until the 90% mark. This did not allow the authors to develop Plum and Elliot’s connection - they just suddenly came together. (The quick jump was also aggravating since Plum wanted to find herself outside of her prior relationship in the beginning of the book, but she never was really single). The balance of the romances in the story didn’t really work with the story, especially if it is to be classified as a romance.
Another aspect that was under utilized was the mystery of the previous owners. The few passages where the characters explore this and learn the history were intriguing. If the authors had focused more it would have helped keep the story more engaging throughout the book instead of in the last 15%. There was so much more there that could have been presented, more interactions with the people of the town, etc. Devoting so much of the story instead to the false romance and the reality show felt bland and hollow.
In the end I was left wishing for more. It was a cute story, just slightly disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2024
2.5 Stars Rounded Up to 3
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it seems shallow in exploring a reality show star’s attempt to find redemption for poor career choices. Then in contrast, it delves into a historic town whose residents displayed extreme bravery and selflessness in the French Resistance during WWII. The juxtaposition of two such diverse themes was confusing as to the authors’ intent. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that I felt invested in the outcome.
Plum Everly, the youngest of five daughters, began her career at age eleven when her parents signed on for a family reality show. In the subsequent years, the family brand grew into multiple successful businesses and fame. However, Plum, now an adult, struggled to find her place, her passion, and stumbled from one ridiculous reality series after another. Her fame became infamy when a sex tape starring Plum and her long-time boyfriend was leaked. Desperate to reset the trajectory of her failing career, she accepts an offer to star in another reality series – this one focusing on the renovation of a chateau in the Provence region of France.
The descriptions of Chateau Mirabelle, the small town and the surrounding countryside are evocative and inspiring. I wish I could say the same for the character development. I never felt connected with Plum’s dilemmas and the love interests felt formulaic and thus predictable. I appreciated Plum’s shift from seeing herself as a victim to a strong woman with clear values, but overall, this is not a book I would recommend.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it seems shallow in exploring a reality show star’s attempt to find redemption for poor career choices. Then in contrast, it delves into a historic town whose residents displayed extreme bravery and selflessness in the French Resistance during WWII. The juxtaposition of two such diverse themes was confusing as to the authors’ intent. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that I felt invested in the outcome.
Plum Everly, the youngest of five daughters, began her career at age eleven when her parents signed on for a family reality show. In the subsequent years, the family brand grew into multiple successful businesses and fame. However, Plum, now an adult, struggled to find her place, her passion, and stumbled from one ridiculous reality series after another. Her fame became infamy when a sex tape starring Plum and her long-time boyfriend was leaked. Desperate to reset the trajectory of her failing career, she accepts an offer to star in another reality series – this one focusing on the renovation of a chateau in the Provence region of France.
The descriptions of Chateau Mirabelle, the small town and the surrounding countryside are evocative and inspiring. I wish I could say the same for the character development. I never felt connected with Plum’s dilemmas and the love interests felt formulaic and thus predictable. I appreciated Plum’s shift from seeing herself as a victim to a strong woman with clear values, but overall, this is not a book I would recommend.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
June 25, 2024
Though Heart Restoration Project by Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi is marketed as romance, I would say it's more of women's fiction where reality TV star Plum Everly has arrived in French village side to reinvent her messy life through a new home restoration TV show. It's a mix of rom com, drama and historical facts.
Let me tell you what I loved about this book. Plum and the production manager Elliot's adventure to know the history of the chateau from the world war era was the best part. It showed Plum has so many deep and beautiful sides other than the shallow drama princess the world thinks her to be. Elliot misunderstood and judged her too but these trips with little nuggets of history proved him wrong. I definitely loved the whole French country side set up with the amazing people and the cuisine and the nature. The description was very artistic. Plum herself is an amazing character. The Everly family is built like the Kardashians but they are a more wholesome and less vapid one. All her sisters have their own brand but she has been lost. Every time she holds onto something , she is betrayed and hurt. But this project gave her the inspiration and courage and support to be herself.
But what confused and distracted and took away from the beauty of the story is the unnecessary emphasis on Plum's romance with the site foreman Bastien. From Elliot and Plum's first meeting in plane, I thought they are the couple and yes they are but most of the book, we spend time with Bastien and Plum's romance. He was charming and way too sweet and yeah..he ended up being a snake. But except last few chapters, the authors showed their very real affair. I could understand if his appearance was to push Elliot to show his cards but nope..Bastien kind of played the main guy. It only showed Plum's gullible side who ended up trusting the immediately next guy showing her affection and attention..against everyone else's caution. So I didn't feel Plum and Elliot's connection.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Let me tell you what I loved about this book. Plum and the production manager Elliot's adventure to know the history of the chateau from the world war era was the best part. It showed Plum has so many deep and beautiful sides other than the shallow drama princess the world thinks her to be. Elliot misunderstood and judged her too but these trips with little nuggets of history proved him wrong. I definitely loved the whole French country side set up with the amazing people and the cuisine and the nature. The description was very artistic. Plum herself is an amazing character. The Everly family is built like the Kardashians but they are a more wholesome and less vapid one. All her sisters have their own brand but she has been lost. Every time she holds onto something , she is betrayed and hurt. But this project gave her the inspiration and courage and support to be herself.
But what confused and distracted and took away from the beauty of the story is the unnecessary emphasis on Plum's romance with the site foreman Bastien. From Elliot and Plum's first meeting in plane, I thought they are the couple and yes they are but most of the book, we spend time with Bastien and Plum's romance. He was charming and way too sweet and yeah..he ended up being a snake. But except last few chapters, the authors showed their very real affair. I could understand if his appearance was to push Elliot to show his cards but nope..Bastien kind of played the main guy. It only showed Plum's gullible side who ended up trusting the immediately next guy showing her affection and attention..against everyone else's caution. So I didn't feel Plum and Elliot's connection.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
July 12, 2024
Check out our full post for HEART RESTORATION PROJECT on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a good read. Although based on a reality show – with all the crazy that involves – actually at its heart is a very moving story about the previous owners of the building which is being restored.
Plum knows nothing but reality shows and knows it may be time to find a way to move on... but then is delighted when one takes her across the Atlantic to rural France. As we watch her wrestle with how to be herself – whether on or off screen – there are many things conspiring to derail her plans. Unexpectedly, Elliott is not one of them, and I really enjoyed how their mutual desire to work out the history of the château gives them a chance to be genuine and, one might even say, become friends.
There are quite a few romances which centre around a reality show, but this one definitely does a good job of changing the narrative and giving the reader more.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 18, 2024
🌟Sunshine/Grumpy
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟Played the Fool
🌟Lies
🌟Reality TV Show
🌟Desire to be Known
🌟🌶 1/5
Heart Restoration Project was a sweet, funny, and charming read that I truly enjoyed.
Plum wants to break free from the public’s perception of who she is. Having spent the majority of her life before the camera on Reality TV 📺, Plum is looking for new opportunities to showcase her true self. A leaked sex tape 📼 with her long term, but now ex, and appearing in a string of reality shows such as Star Spy House 🏠 , Celebrity Spelunking, and Celebrity Ballroom 💃🏼has left her feeling like a punchline.
It seems like the tides 🌊are turning when an opportunity to appear in a new reality show, Heart Restoration Project, comes her way. Plum would be the star ⭐️ , restoring an old château in France. Finally a show with substance. This is her opportunity to begin crafting her own redemption arc.
The handsome production supervisor, Elliott, knows very well who she is and has already crafted opinions about her character. Her very sexy French 🇫🇷 costar, Bastien, will serve as a nice distraction from Elliott’s cool aloofness. But this is reality TV, and it can be very tricky to distinguish between what is real and what is not.
France will offer Plum opportunities to explore what it means to be liberated from the past, and how to see beyond the narratives written about herself, and even ones she has crafted for others.
Her trust will be tested and breached, her heart crushed. But she is starting to write a new future for herself. One that she intends will include meaning, purpose, and ultimately love ❤️
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟Played the Fool
🌟Lies
🌟Reality TV Show
🌟Desire to be Known
🌟🌶 1/5
Heart Restoration Project was a sweet, funny, and charming read that I truly enjoyed.
Plum wants to break free from the public’s perception of who she is. Having spent the majority of her life before the camera on Reality TV 📺, Plum is looking for new opportunities to showcase her true self. A leaked sex tape 📼 with her long term, but now ex, and appearing in a string of reality shows such as Star Spy House 🏠 , Celebrity Spelunking, and Celebrity Ballroom 💃🏼has left her feeling like a punchline.
It seems like the tides 🌊are turning when an opportunity to appear in a new reality show, Heart Restoration Project, comes her way. Plum would be the star ⭐️ , restoring an old château in France. Finally a show with substance. This is her opportunity to begin crafting her own redemption arc.
The handsome production supervisor, Elliott, knows very well who she is and has already crafted opinions about her character. Her very sexy French 🇫🇷 costar, Bastien, will serve as a nice distraction from Elliott’s cool aloofness. But this is reality TV, and it can be very tricky to distinguish between what is real and what is not.
France will offer Plum opportunities to explore what it means to be liberated from the past, and how to see beyond the narratives written about herself, and even ones she has crafted for others.
Her trust will be tested and breached, her heart crushed. But she is starting to write a new future for herself. One that she intends will include meaning, purpose, and ultimately love ❤️
June 27, 2024
Heart Restoration Project-a standalone
By-Beth Merlin & Danielle Modafferi
Publication date 6/25/24 , read 6/27/24
📃 Page count: 302 kindle
🌎Setting: LA and Provence
Quick Summary: Plum Everly needs to get away from her famous family, her ex boyfriend Rhys, and the paparazzi. She is a D-list star doing any reality TV show that will take her to make ends meet. Jobs have dried up except another reality TV show, to DIY renovate Chateau Mirabelle in France. Reluctantly Plum agrees to film for six weeks where she meets Bastien, a wine maker who knows everything about Mirabelle, and Elliott Schaffer, the head of production. As Plum goes on a self discovery journey she confronts betrayal, her naiveté, and learning to trust again.
🤷🏾♀️ What to Expect:
⭐rom-com
⭐️celebrity romance
⭐️ grumpy/sunshine
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️ enemies to lovers
⭐women's fic
🤔 My Thoughts: I wanted more interaction between Plum and her four sisters. She believed she was the family outcast, and with all the family businesses, she could have found her way. Sometimes running away doesn't solve problems, and for Plum they just followed her. Rhys was a nasty piece of work, and she had to learn the hard way with Kate's narrative about her and Bastien. Elliott was the only saving grace for me. He was always honest with Plum and he protected her. They had a rocky start, but as Plum got herself together they made a dynamic team.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 2/5🔥🔥kissing only
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC 💛! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
By-Beth Merlin & Danielle Modafferi
Publication date 6/25/24 , read 6/27/24
📃 Page count: 302 kindle
🌎Setting: LA and Provence
Quick Summary: Plum Everly needs to get away from her famous family, her ex boyfriend Rhys, and the paparazzi. She is a D-list star doing any reality TV show that will take her to make ends meet. Jobs have dried up except another reality TV show, to DIY renovate Chateau Mirabelle in France. Reluctantly Plum agrees to film for six weeks where she meets Bastien, a wine maker who knows everything about Mirabelle, and Elliott Schaffer, the head of production. As Plum goes on a self discovery journey she confronts betrayal, her naiveté, and learning to trust again.
🤷🏾♀️ What to Expect:
⭐rom-com
⭐️celebrity romance
⭐️ grumpy/sunshine
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️ enemies to lovers
⭐women's fic
🤔 My Thoughts: I wanted more interaction between Plum and her four sisters. She believed she was the family outcast, and with all the family businesses, she could have found her way. Sometimes running away doesn't solve problems, and for Plum they just followed her. Rhys was a nasty piece of work, and she had to learn the hard way with Kate's narrative about her and Bastien. Elliott was the only saving grace for me. He was always honest with Plum and he protected her. They had a rocky start, but as Plum got herself together they made a dynamic team.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 2/5🔥🔥kissing only
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC 💛! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 1, 2025
This is my first time reading something by this author. It is a delightful and heartwarming novel that combines the glitz of reality television with the soul-searching journey of self-renovation. The story follows Plum Everly, a former reality show star who has become disillusioned with the superficiality of fame and is in desperate need of a life makeover. She must rebuild her life from the inside out.
Plum was raised in front of the cameras on a long-running family reality show, she’s spent years dealing with the fleeting fame, but now finds herself burned out and yearning for something real. Her character is immediately engaging, and her witty, self-deprecating narration makes her both relatable and endearing. When an opportunity to renovate a French chateau comes along, she sees this as a fresh chance to reconnect with her own authentic identity.
Elliott Schaffer is charming and flirtatious and provides both a romantic spark and a foil for Plum’s transformation. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their developing relationship, which is rooted in mutual respect and shared passion for the château’s history, gives the story a delightful tension.
Overall, I found this to be a deeply satisfying read, full of humor, warmth, and hope. The novel’s exploration of celebrity culture, love, sacrifice, and personal growth is compelling. Plum’s journey from celebrity burnout to self-discovery is uplifting, and her final act of reclaiming her own narrative makes for a gratifying and inspirational conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Plum was raised in front of the cameras on a long-running family reality show, she’s spent years dealing with the fleeting fame, but now finds herself burned out and yearning for something real. Her character is immediately engaging, and her witty, self-deprecating narration makes her both relatable and endearing. When an opportunity to renovate a French chateau comes along, she sees this as a fresh chance to reconnect with her own authentic identity.
Elliott Schaffer is charming and flirtatious and provides both a romantic spark and a foil for Plum’s transformation. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their developing relationship, which is rooted in mutual respect and shared passion for the château’s history, gives the story a delightful tension.
Overall, I found this to be a deeply satisfying read, full of humor, warmth, and hope. The novel’s exploration of celebrity culture, love, sacrifice, and personal growth is compelling. Plum’s journey from celebrity burnout to self-discovery is uplifting, and her final act of reclaiming her own narrative makes for a gratifying and inspirational conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 18, 2024
Plum Everly is the youngest of a family that became famous on a reality tv show. But making the jump to being an adult hasn’t gone smoothly. She is a low level celebrity and needs to make big changes after an intimate tape of hers is released. Needing a career boost she accepts an offer to star in a DIY reality tv show in France. The project is the restoration of Chateau Mirabelle which is in the Provence region of France.
I love France and am at the moment planning a trip through Provence and this just wetted my appetite for small French villages. This is correctly tagged as general fiction as romance is not the primary focus. It is Plum’s journey, overcoming her past, falling in love with the village of Maubec and her learning the history of the WWII resistors that were in the area. Along the way she is distracted by Bastian who is helping oversee the restoration. And she learns that tv makeovers aren’t as real as she thought. Cameraman Elliott is there to film all of it. Sadly her past mistakes are a big part of the story that she is trying to put behind her but others aren’t as willing.
I loved the village and the history of the chateau. I was less enthused about how much time was spent on Bastian who you know isn’t who she is going to end up with. And if a romance with Elliott is going to be believable it needs to be brought in earlier. The ending felt very rushed. It’s a likable story, but it didn’t really push into high recommendation levels for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I love France and am at the moment planning a trip through Provence and this just wetted my appetite for small French villages. This is correctly tagged as general fiction as romance is not the primary focus. It is Plum’s journey, overcoming her past, falling in love with the village of Maubec and her learning the history of the WWII resistors that were in the area. Along the way she is distracted by Bastian who is helping oversee the restoration. And she learns that tv makeovers aren’t as real as she thought. Cameraman Elliott is there to film all of it. Sadly her past mistakes are a big part of the story that she is trying to put behind her but others aren’t as willing.
I loved the village and the history of the chateau. I was less enthused about how much time was spent on Bastian who you know isn’t who she is going to end up with. And if a romance with Elliott is going to be believable it needs to be brought in earlier. The ending felt very rushed. It’s a likable story, but it didn’t really push into high recommendation levels for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
March 25, 2024
***ARC REVIEW***
"Heart Restoration Project" takes readers on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of France, where reality TV star Plum Everly finds herself amidst a unique opportunity for self-discovery and renewal. Tasked with the restoration of Château Mirabelle, Plum finds herself renovating the historical landmark, alongside Elliott Schaffer, the charismatic head of production. Plum navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery, as she uncovers layers of resilience and courage that resonate deeply with her quest for authenticity.
What sets "Heart Restoration Project" apart is its ability to infuse warmth and wit. Through Plum's witty narration and engaging interactions with the eclectic cast of characters, the novel strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and introspection. As Plum learns to embrace her true self and rewrite her narrative, readers are inspired to reflect on their capacity for growth and transformation.
Overall, "Heart Restoration Project" is a charming and uplifting tale that reminds us of the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances.
Personally, I did find that the banter did fall flat. But with its warm setting, endearing characters, and heartfelt storytelling, this novel is sure to provide a lighthearted escape for the readers.
"Heart Restoration Project" takes readers on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of France, where reality TV star Plum Everly finds herself amidst a unique opportunity for self-discovery and renewal. Tasked with the restoration of Château Mirabelle, Plum finds herself renovating the historical landmark, alongside Elliott Schaffer, the charismatic head of production. Plum navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery, as she uncovers layers of resilience and courage that resonate deeply with her quest for authenticity.
What sets "Heart Restoration Project" apart is its ability to infuse warmth and wit. Through Plum's witty narration and engaging interactions with the eclectic cast of characters, the novel strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and introspection. As Plum learns to embrace her true self and rewrite her narrative, readers are inspired to reflect on their capacity for growth and transformation.
Overall, "Heart Restoration Project" is a charming and uplifting tale that reminds us of the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances.
Personally, I did find that the banter did fall flat. But with its warm setting, endearing characters, and heartfelt storytelling, this novel is sure to provide a lighthearted escape for the readers.
March 17, 2024
Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While Heart Restoration Project might not have been my cup of tea, it definitely will be someone's. Personally, I would have preferred if the book focused more on the side story of finding out about the history of Chateau Mirabelle, rather than the so-called restoration of the chateau and Plum's relationship with Bastien. I don't think I ever really understood what Plum's role in the restoration was? To be honest, the naivety of Plum was also a real issue for me, as she took everything at face value despite the fact she was 'betrayed' (her words) so recently. I also found Plum to be a bit of a hypocrite, as she bemoaned about her family's success, but took advantage of it when it suited her.
I did however really enjoy the history and story around Chateau Mirabelle - I think I just would have appreciated it coming in sooner. Plum's realisation of her naivety at 72% was a God-send, and I was glad that Plum developed enough to see the issue with her trusting everyone's stories without listening to her gut instinct. The writing allowed the book to have a good pace, and it's an easily readable book.
While Heart Restoration Project might not have been my cup of tea, it definitely will be someone's. Personally, I would have preferred if the book focused more on the side story of finding out about the history of Chateau Mirabelle, rather than the so-called restoration of the chateau and Plum's relationship with Bastien. I don't think I ever really understood what Plum's role in the restoration was? To be honest, the naivety of Plum was also a real issue for me, as she took everything at face value despite the fact she was 'betrayed' (her words) so recently. I also found Plum to be a bit of a hypocrite, as she bemoaned about her family's success, but took advantage of it when it suited her.
I did however really enjoy the history and story around Chateau Mirabelle - I think I just would have appreciated it coming in sooner. Plum's realisation of her naivety at 72% was a God-send, and I was glad that Plum developed enough to see the issue with her trusting everyone's stories without listening to her gut instinct. The writing allowed the book to have a good pace, and it's an easily readable book.
May 10, 2024
♡ ⭐️⭐️/5 ♡
Heart Restoration Project left me wanting more. The idea of a down-on-her-luck star redoing a chateau that has seen better days? Sounds great, but the story just fell short for me.
The idea of the story immediately made me want to read it, but I struggled to connect with the characters or the story. I found the premise really interesting, but I just couldn’t get into the book.
I feel like a lot of the details that would have made me enjoy the story more were left until the last minute and weren’t explored enough. Plum and Elliott just didn’t connect for me. Their romantic connection felt kind of forced and underdeveloped. The story seemed to focus more on Plum’s other romantic experiences rather than her relationship with Elliott, which left me wanting more from their dynamic.
While the romance fell short, I was definitely more pulled by the descriptions of France and the history of Chateau Mirabelle. Those descriptions made me want to jump on a plane and head back to France.
I can see how others would love this story. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review of this book*
Big thank you to NetGalley, Beth Merlin, Danielle Modafferi and Montlake for the chance to read this book 💗
Heart Restoration Project left me wanting more. The idea of a down-on-her-luck star redoing a chateau that has seen better days? Sounds great, but the story just fell short for me.
The idea of the story immediately made me want to read it, but I struggled to connect with the characters or the story. I found the premise really interesting, but I just couldn’t get into the book.
I feel like a lot of the details that would have made me enjoy the story more were left until the last minute and weren’t explored enough. Plum and Elliott just didn’t connect for me. Their romantic connection felt kind of forced and underdeveloped. The story seemed to focus more on Plum’s other romantic experiences rather than her relationship with Elliott, which left me wanting more from their dynamic.
While the romance fell short, I was definitely more pulled by the descriptions of France and the history of Chateau Mirabelle. Those descriptions made me want to jump on a plane and head back to France.
I can see how others would love this story. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review of this book*
Big thank you to NetGalley, Beth Merlin, Danielle Modafferi and Montlake for the chance to read this book 💗
July 1, 2024
WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?
Heart Restoration Project is a "Second Chance" story of a woman who needs to restore her own reputation and grabs the opportunity to reinvent herself. Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi have woven together a fun, fast paced story of self discovery and romance with an intriguing component of historical fiction.
Plum Everly grew up on reality tv and after years of playing the part on various shows, she no longer knows who Plum Everly really is. She grabs the chance to spend the summer away from the limelight and in a small French village. Shifting gears as the star of a restoration tv show, she has been promised the chance to be herself instead of playing the part in a scripted "reality show". Although there is a love triangle subplot, the intriguing part of the story is the historical context. When Plum finds hears the history of the chateau, she and her cameraman feel compelled to research the secrets of the past. Along the way, she finds out more hidden truths than she bargained for. Although Marbec is a real French village, the chateau and it's history are fictional. However, this fiction is based on the real Dutch Paris line of the French resistance and its heroes.
I loved the authors' recent The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan"and was thrilled to receive a review copy from the publisher. This book did not disappoint. It was just as enjoyable and I couldn't put it down!
Heart Restoration Project is a "Second Chance" story of a woman who needs to restore her own reputation and grabs the opportunity to reinvent herself. Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi have woven together a fun, fast paced story of self discovery and romance with an intriguing component of historical fiction.
Plum Everly grew up on reality tv and after years of playing the part on various shows, she no longer knows who Plum Everly really is. She grabs the chance to spend the summer away from the limelight and in a small French village. Shifting gears as the star of a restoration tv show, she has been promised the chance to be herself instead of playing the part in a scripted "reality show". Although there is a love triangle subplot, the intriguing part of the story is the historical context. When Plum finds hears the history of the chateau, she and her cameraman feel compelled to research the secrets of the past. Along the way, she finds out more hidden truths than she bargained for. Although Marbec is a real French village, the chateau and it's history are fictional. However, this fiction is based on the real Dutch Paris line of the French resistance and its heroes.
I loved the authors' recent The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan"and was thrilled to receive a review copy from the publisher. This book did not disappoint. It was just as enjoyable and I couldn't put it down!
May 23, 2024
It took me a little while to get into this one, not because I wasn't enjoying it, or because it wasn't good. It's just a bit different to the kinds of things that I usually read. The first few setting-the-scenes chapters were a little slow going too.
I liked this finding yourself story, there is some romance here, but it's not really a romance book. It has more to do with Plum, our main character, finding what she wants from life and finding the courage to really go out and get it.
Who wouldn't want to go and spend time in France, working on the restoration of a tumble-down chateau? Even if it has to be for a reality TV show. It was a fun and interesting read as Plum tried to restore the fortunes of the small town, as well as her own.
There were a few twists and turns in this story, but nothing that took me completely by surprise, although the same can't really be said for the characters, which added to the enjoyment of the story.
This isn't my usual choice of book, but I enjoyed it all the same and I'm glad that I gave it a go.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I liked this finding yourself story, there is some romance here, but it's not really a romance book. It has more to do with Plum, our main character, finding what she wants from life and finding the courage to really go out and get it.
Who wouldn't want to go and spend time in France, working on the restoration of a tumble-down chateau? Even if it has to be for a reality TV show. It was a fun and interesting read as Plum tried to restore the fortunes of the small town, as well as her own.
There were a few twists and turns in this story, but nothing that took me completely by surprise, although the same can't really be said for the characters, which added to the enjoyment of the story.
This isn't my usual choice of book, but I enjoyed it all the same and I'm glad that I gave it a go.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
June 22, 2024
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a good read. Although based on a reality show - with all the crazy that involves - actually at its heart is a very moving story about the previous owners of the building which is being restored.
Plum knows nothing but reality shows, and knows it may be time to find a way to move on ... but then is delighted when one takes her across the Atlantic to rural France. As we watch her wrestle with how to be herself whether on or off screen, there are many things conspiring to derail her plans. Unexpectedly Elliott is not one of them, and I really enjoyed how their mutual desire to work out the history of the chateau gives them a chance to be genuine and, one might even say, become friends.
There are quite a few romances which centre around a reality show, but this one definitely does a good job of changing the narrative and giving the reader more.
This is a good read. Although based on a reality show - with all the crazy that involves - actually at its heart is a very moving story about the previous owners of the building which is being restored.
Plum knows nothing but reality shows, and knows it may be time to find a way to move on ... but then is delighted when one takes her across the Atlantic to rural France. As we watch her wrestle with how to be herself whether on or off screen, there are many things conspiring to derail her plans. Unexpectedly Elliott is not one of them, and I really enjoyed how their mutual desire to work out the history of the chateau gives them a chance to be genuine and, one might even say, become friends.
There are quite a few romances which centre around a reality show, but this one definitely does a good job of changing the narrative and giving the reader more.
March 7, 2024
What a delight! I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as i did. The first few chapters felt like a cheesy cookie-cutter rom com book but i was still enjoying it, i wanted to read something light and fun, but i was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth of the main character as the story developed. Plum Everly was so much more than meets the eye, just like this book, you think you have it figured out and then it surprises you with so much more emotion.
I loved the third act twist, I was sure something sus was happening and i literally couldn’t stop reading until it was revealed! Elliot and Plum were definitely a slow burn and I just wished this book was a little bit longer so I’d enjoy reading more about them together. This book had soul and it was heartwarming and as someone who is still figuring out what to do with my life i felt so deeply what plum was going through.
I’d recommend this to anyone that wants something short and sweet with so much more than meets the eye.
Thank you to netgalley, the authors and the publisher for the ARC
I loved the third act twist, I was sure something sus was happening and i literally couldn’t stop reading until it was revealed! Elliot and Plum were definitely a slow burn and I just wished this book was a little bit longer so I’d enjoy reading more about them together. This book had soul and it was heartwarming and as someone who is still figuring out what to do with my life i felt so deeply what plum was going through.
I’d recommend this to anyone that wants something short and sweet with so much more than meets the eye.
Thank you to netgalley, the authors and the publisher for the ARC
June 5, 2024
I'm a sucker for anything about Provence and have seriously considered buying one of those one Euro homes… needless to say this book brought me back down to earth enough to realize that I may not be able to afford that life.
The main character Plum reminds me of a Kardashian, or maybe Paris Hilton back in the day. As part of a large reality-star family where everyone is multi-millionaires, she’s struggling to find her spot after her most recent chain in reality shows. I struggled with Plum a bit… it’s hard to sympathize with someone who seems like their life is pretty good and minor inconveniences throw her completely off kilter, but she was still likeable enough to root for her during the story.
For me, the best parts of the book are in the descriptions of the town: the charm of the buildings, strolling through a farmers market, a cup of lavender ice cream, the smell of the soil in summer. Now I’m putting out flight alerts to head to Provence ASAP!
I received this as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
The main character Plum reminds me of a Kardashian, or maybe Paris Hilton back in the day. As part of a large reality-star family where everyone is multi-millionaires, she’s struggling to find her spot after her most recent chain in reality shows. I struggled with Plum a bit… it’s hard to sympathize with someone who seems like their life is pretty good and minor inconveniences throw her completely off kilter, but she was still likeable enough to root for her during the story.
For me, the best parts of the book are in the descriptions of the town: the charm of the buildings, strolling through a farmers market, a cup of lavender ice cream, the smell of the soil in summer. Now I’m putting out flight alerts to head to Provence ASAP!
I received this as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
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