Under a Riviera Moon: An escapist, unforgettable novel from Saturday Kitchen's Helen McGinn

by Helen McGinn

Pre-order the BRAND NEW read from Saturday Kitchen's Helen McGinn Praise for Helen

'This is McGinn’s third novel and it’s her best yet. Packed full of emotional wisdom, heartbreak and hope and is particularly brilliant on the importance of friendship and taking things one day at a time. Wonderful — I loved it.' Daily Mail

'This is a lovely uplifting book that transported me away, firstly to the beautiful city of Rome and then to gorgeous Cornwall. It’s a moving and emotional story of families in all their messy wonderfulness, of people losing one another, and then coming together again - sometimes in unexpected ways. A hugely enjoyable family tale, it was exactly what I wanted to read at this time.' Louise Douglas

‘This Changes Everything is the perfect tonic. An uplifting, forget-about-everything-else read that I couldn’t put down. Romantic, emotional and page-turning, Helen McGinn’s debut novel can’t fail to cheer you up!' Zoe Folbigg

'I loved reading this book. I needed escapism and it gave me Rome, Cornwall and a family who immediately felt like old friends. I took it to the bath, to bed and had finished it within 24 hours. It was the perfect antidote to tough times.' The Daily Telegraph

Readers love Helen

‘The author has one of those writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She has a way of grabbing the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a read.’

‘This book was a breath of fresh air. I basically couldn't put it down. I love Italy so a sprinkle of Florence in the middle was just perfect.’

‘A beautifully written book packed with gorgeous characters who just come to life with their vivid description.’

‘A great read with twists & turns. Characters you can believe in, made me want to go to Florence! Look forward to the next book.’

‘I really enjoyed this book, Helen is such an authentic and genuine writer. Read it in one day, just loved all the twists.’

Genres: Chick Lit, Friendship

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2025

About the author

Helen McGinn is the author of The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club blog and book and spent almost a decade sourcing wines around the world as a supermarket buyer. She spent most of the next half-decade pregnant. She writes a weekly wine column for the Daily Mail and appears regularly on Saturday Kitchen and This Morning as a TV wine expert. Awards for her wine blog include Fortnum & Mason’s Online Drink Writer of the Year and Red Magazine’s Best Blogger. This Changes Everything is her debut novel.

Reviews

[LinaVer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read and enjoyed any of Lucinda Riley's books, you will love "Under a Riviera Moon" by Helen McGinn! It has a lot of similar vibes and topics. "Under a Riviera Moon" is a well-written great read to take with you on a vacation or (if you're like me and are not currently planning any trips, but would love to) to broaden your imagination and explore the streets of Paris and Riviera through the pages of the book.

Helen McGinn writes in a beautiful, easy to read and flowy style, guiding you through her story smoothly, so that you turn page after page without wishing to put the book down for a moment. I love these kind of books with dual, somewhat historical or historically inspired timelines, where you get to enjoy not one, but two or more stories of different characters.

Here, we get to meet Maggie, who is recently divorced and unfortunately quite stagnant and unhappy in her current job and life. Prompted by her caring mother, Maggie travels from the UK to the Cannes in the French Riviera (hence the name of the book) to meet Allegra, an older lady, a former friend of Maggie's grandmother, an American living in the Cannes. This short visit to the beautiful Riviera is going to change both Maggie's and Allegra's lives. And while we are enjoying a week of warmth, sun and beautiful nature together with Maggie, we also read through the second timeline - 1960's in France, Paris, exploring Allegra's story, her youth, student years and first love.

Like I've already mentioned before, I really enjoyed this book and these two timelines. The characters are vivid and quickly become close to you like real family members. I do wish we had more of an opportunity to see more of Maggie's second-chance-in-love relationship, instead the book skipped a whole year and turned it into a sort of insta-love relationship, which I do not usually enjoy. It either has to be a very charismatic quick building and well written love story, or it quickly becomes unconvincing, and sadly this was the case. It felt like we just got introduced to Nico and then suddenly they got married.

I also wish we could have also gotten to explore more of Maggie's grandmother's story. The premise is very interesting - she is in love with a slightly older man, who is a student taking part in 1960's protests against war in Algeria. There is such an important story about the Algerians and France (google "Paris massacre of 1961" if you want to know more), and their relationship could have been such a deep, potentially even tragic, and definitely an engaging story to read about.

Instead, we heard very little about that, and also only got glimpses into Allegra's relationship with Etienne. And while that story of a somewhat fatal once-in-a-lifetime love is really interesting and sweet... well, SPOILER there was not much of it either! We were given a year of them falling in love, and then she had to come back to New York, and he wrote to tell her that he changed his mind and does not love her (lies!!!) and she should not come back to France?! I was really really confused and not convinced we really needed this. I understand it was meant to make us long and grieve their lost love, but if you are not yet convinced about it, you are not going to care much about it either. At least I didn't.

Anyway, all of that aside, I still had a lot of reading pleasure and great time with this book. And if you're looking for an easy and enjoyable read, it will do the trick for sure.

Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. My review is based solely on my honest opinion.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is dealing with the breakup of her marriage and her mother gives her a task to get her to do something. She is sent to Cannes to meet an old friend of her grandmother's. Allegra Morgon has found a box of Elizabeth's things, lots of pictures, and has asked if someone can come and retrieve them. Allegra is looking forward to telling Maggie all about the time she and Elizabeth spent together in Paris, in the 60s, when it was the city of love. Not only does she learn about her grandmother's love, Luke, but about Allegra's life and first love. Etienne's family were vintners and he had a dream of running his own vinyard. When Allegra's parents make her come home to see her mother, who has just been diagnosed with cancer, she promises to return, and he promises to write. Allegra's story spans years moving from Paris to New York, then to Cannes. Maggie is entranced with the life and just maybe, this could be a new start for her.

Under a Riviera Moon is a lyrical story, one that pulled me into the magical life of Allegra, Elizabeth, Luke and Etienne. It sounded like such a wonderful time to be alive, single and in Europe. As things change and their responsibilities change, something always feels missing. I enjoyed the relationship that Allegra and Maggie developed. They were like mother and daughter, as well as best friends. The story is told in dual timelines, which I always enjoy. I liked both timelines, which isn't always the case. The storylines meshed nicely, and moved back and forth from the past to the present effortlessly. I did think Maggie's romance was a bit quick, especially as she was still heartbroken when she arrived, but it was a nice addition to the story. If you enjoy armchair travel, the settings are well described and someday, I hope to visit both Cannes and Paris to see them for myself. This is a story of family, friendship, lost love, and new beginnings, so if you enjoy those themes, I recommend this story to you.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of this book contained sadness, wistfulness, and happiness.
Maggie goes to Cannes to retrieve a box of her grandmother’s things from her old friend Allegra.
That trip changed her life.
My favorites chapters were the ones in Paris in 1961 because the vibe was just electric.
My heart broke for one couple and what never was but it was mended when the two strings from the past found each other and forged a new beginning.
A poignant and touching read about second chances and going after what you want.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance read.

[Penny Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute summer read

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this heartwarming new novel, readers follow Maggie as she copes with her grandmother Elizabeth’s death and travels to Cannes to retrieve a box of photos from Allegra Morgon, her grandmother’s glamorous friend desperate to tell Maggie about the year they spent in Paris in the 1960s. As Maggie learns about Allegra and Elizabeth’s adventures in the 60s and the story that began in Paris and continued in New York and on the French Riviera, she begins to feel inspired and wonders if everything has brought her to this moment to teach herself to stop living in the past. Bringing three incredible stories and locations to life, McGinn has really committed to the world-building in this charming new novel, and the settings act as characters themselves, bringing this novel to life in fantastic detail. Maggie, Elizabeth, and Allegra are excellent characters, and their relationships and dynamics help build out the story. The character development and the balancing of different perspectives and narratives really help this novel convey its larger messages about love, family, and peace with the past. A great summer read for readers looking to (mentally) travel to some beautiful locations, the emotional tones and charming characters will keep readers immersed in this excellent story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Samantha]

Under a Riviera Moon is the incredibly sweet story of love both past and present. As a favor to her mother, Maggie sets out on a trip she doesn't want to be on in order to retrieve some old photos belonging to her grandmother. While on this trip she makes some unexpected friendships, learns of long kept secrets, and begins healing from the past.

I enjoyed Under a Riviera Moon quite a bit. The story was really interesting. The way the author brought Maggie and Allegra was really well thought out and creative. The book is told in dual timeline which is one of my favorite things, especially when it's done this well. McGinn ties the past and present together seamlessly with captivating writing that allows the reader to glide back and forth effortlessly. My only issue with the book is Maggie's love felt rushed. I do get what it was done that way, it was just a little meh for me. Other than that, it was a really good story. I really enjoyed reading it.

This book is one for the lovers of love. It has family love, platonic love, new love, lost love, through thick and thin love. If you are a lover of love, I recommend this book to you.

Thank you to the author & Rachel's Random Resources for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start with this review. I read this book and was absorbed in to two women’s lives in different time periods and just went with the enjoyable flow.

I didn’t expect to be transported to 1960s Paris, yes the blurb mentions it but what I got was something atmospheric of a city that has a sweet spot in my heart. McGinn gave me a different side to the French capital that felt thoroughly authentic as Allegra was twirled around the jazz cafes and got an art education.

The life journey I went on with Allegra was emotional but I loved it. This woman was so genuine and loveable. Not that Maggie wasn’t. Maggie was equally the same but very different. She was brilliant in her line of work, could handle anything she was presented with on the TV set but life wasn’t her friend. I’ll admit her visiting Cannes got me a little green – I’d love to go there and McGinn’s depiction of the city deepened that desire to get to the French Riviera #oneday.

This is a beautifully written split timeline story of rebuilding life after it’s given you a lemon. I loved spending time with Allegra and Maggie. I escaped to different cities around the world with this pair and would do it all over again if i could! McGinn really has brought these women’s worlds alive and I loved it.

[Angie F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn is a lovely novel about family, friendship, and love. I really enjoyed it and would definitely read more from Helen McGinn. This novel is due to be published on April 12, 2025.

This is a dual timeline narrative that follows Maggie in the present timeline and Allegra in the past timeline. As the story unfolds we find out how their lives intersect in unexpected ways. It was a fun read that had genuine, heartwarming moments. I found myself genuinely connecting to the characters and caring about the outcome of the story.

The setting was also well described and I enjoyed this story very much overall. The only thing that prevented me from giving this book five stars is that it has not stuck with me very much since reading it. However, if you are looking for a nostalgic story with friendship, travel, and romance, this is the one for you.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing an early review copy via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving dual timeline story involving family
Where first dreams are thwarted dramatically.
However heartbreak is best left behind
For then a happier future you may soon find.

A traumatic past comes at a cost
As all Maggie's dreams seem to be lost.
Hearing her ex-husband's latest news,
Is unsettling, not what she'd choose.

When her Mum asks Maggie to complete a task
It wasn't something too onerous or big to ask.
She wants her to visit her grandmother's friend
To collect some things and holiday time to spend.

Meeting Allegra, going to Cannes, too,
Learning what happened, all she went through.
Finding out more about her grandmother's past
Maybe she'll stop living in the past at last?

A beautiful story with romances, too,
Where opportunities help give chances for things new.
A moving story with great characters and history,
Together with revealing a family mystery.

A heartwarming read, so moving, too,
I have no hesitation highly recommending to you!
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

The book follows Maggie’s journey in the present day, and Allegra’s story in the 1960s. In the present day, Maggie goes to France to meet Allegra, who has a box of treasured things that belonged to her grandmother, Elizabeth. Looking through the photographs and talking to Allegra, Maggie learns all about the time that Allegra and her grandmother spent together.

It was heartwarming to follow both Maggie and Allegra. Both of them were great characters, and I enjoyed the friendships between the characters. This romantic story swept me away, and I felt it delivered some inspiring messages too. This is a lovely feel-good read, ideal for when you want something to help you escape.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book. Dual timelines cover the lives of Allegra and Maggie. Totally absorbing and so heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Maggie is tasked with collecting and sorting through a box of her grandmother Elizabeth’s things. They are being looked after by Allegra the friend that Elizabeth made in the 1960’s in Paris. Travelling to Cannes Maggie stays with Allegra who tells her stories of how she met Elizabeth and the life they led. A beautiful friendship develops and Maggie’s life begins to change in a way that she never imagined. I just loved the characters in this, how the story developed, the intimacy of friendship and wonderful descriptions of Paris, vineyards and New York

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is asked to take a trip to Cannes to pick up a box of photos and other items that belonged to her late grandmother, Elizabeth. The box is with Allegra, Elizabeth's glamorous friend with whom she spent a year in Paris while they were students.

Under A Riviera Moon tells the story of Allegra and Elizabeth's time in Paris plus Allegra's life after Paris, mixed with Allegra helping Maggie to make sense of her own life. It is a story of love and romance, art and wine.

I loved this story - the Parisian setting of the sixties mixed with modern-day Cannes gave a depth to the characters and their lives. Allegra is the glamorous older friend that everyone needs in their lives!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this advance copy.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dual-timeline novel follows Maggie in the present and Allegra in the past, slowly unraveling the beautiful and unexpected ways their stories intersect. With heartfelt moments, relatable characters, and a vivid sense of place, it’s a touching read about friendship, love, and the journeys that shape us.

While it didn’t completely stay with me after finishing, I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. It’s a great choice for anyone craving a nostalgic and feel-good story with a gentle blend of romance and self-discovery.

_______

Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn was a beautifully written book from start to finish. I just love reading Helen's book's. She always writes with so much love and from her heart. This book was no different, you could just float away with it and dream of you, being in Rome or even Cornwall or even under a Riviera Moon snuggled under a blanket reading it. It was just magical. I have read all 3 of Helen's book but this one! WoW was magical and heartwarming. But, you will need tissues, I needed them.

I fantastic book for your holidays. Helen - You're amazing storyteller, and the best book so far.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous book.
This is the first one of Helen's I have read, but having enjoyed watching her on Saturday Kitchen talking about wine, I saw this book on offer and thought I'd give it a go, and I'm so glad I did.
The story follows Maggie a divorced TV producer who goes to Cannes to meet a friend of her Grandmother's and bring home a box of her Grandmother's possessions for her mum. While there, she learns about her Grandmother's early life in Paris. We follow the story through a mix of present day and the past, and the two work seamlessly together.
Loved this book and it won't be the last of hers I read.

[Lucy Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous ultimately uplifting read!

I've only just discovered Helen McGinn as an author and have now read every novel!! This latest story doesn't disappoint.

The beautifully woven story, against a historically accurate backdrop of unrest in Paris in the early 60s paints a vivid picture of life, love, loss and love again spanning 3 generations.

It's not all happy endings and the twists and turns along the way make it all the more engaging.

Well done Helen, another great read!!

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written dual timeline story of love, loss, friendship and finding peace and contentment in life. We learn about Paris in the early sixties, vineyard life in Provence, and the art world in New York. All the while we are enjoying the delights of current day Cannes. The interesting thing about this dual timeline is that Allegra from the sixties sits and talks through her life with Maggie from the ‘present day’! The interweaving of friends and relatives now and then makes this a joy to read. Highly recommend.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to read as the pressures of life mount. I found a much needed escape from life as I dove into the lives of the characters in the story.

Told in alternating voices bringing together both past and present, Maggie learns of her grandmother's life from her long-time friend Allegra. Set mostly in Paris and Cannes, there are beautiful descriptions of what it is like to live every day in far-off places (far from my own home, anyway!) I am grateful for the chance to read this charming book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely dual-timeline story set in modern-day Cannes and 1960s Paris. When Maggie travels to France to collect her late grandmother’s things, she uncovers a touching past through her grandmother’s friend, Allegra.

I really enjoyed the dual timeline - it flowed well and added depth without being confusing. This is an easy, feel-good summer read with gorgeous settings and a gentle, heartwarming story. Perfect if you’re after something enjoyable and not too taxing. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Under a Riviera Moon" by Helen McGinn is the first book I've read by this author, and it had me hooked from the very start. I immediately connected with the characters. The narrative flows smoothly between two different timelines.

In the present, we meet Maggie, a divorcée living in the UK, whose life is not what she expected it to be at this stage. The other timeline follows Allegra, who lives in Cannes today but shares her experiences as a student in 1960s Paris and later in New York.

The story explores themes of love, loss, second chances, acceptance of the past, hope for the future, and, most importantly, friendship. The two women are linked through the friendship of Maggie's grandmother. Maggie travels to Cannes to collect a box of her grandmother's belongings as a favor for her mother. This seemingly simple errand ultimately alters Maggie's life in ways she never anticipated.

The author paints vivid imagery, making you feel as if you are walking the streets of Paris, admiring art in both Paris and New York, and taking a dip in the waters of the Riviera.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fabulous story wrapped me up in a delicious hug and landed me comfortably back in the real world, but with an optimistic view of life in the present day. I really do encourage you to read this beautiful book and be transported through time to a memory of when the sixties were in full swing and free love was the phrase of the moment. Paris was filled with Art, Jazz and students and Maggie and Elizabeth were best friends.
In the present day, Maggie visits her grandmother’s Parisien friend who holds some vivid memories of their year spent in the company of two quite different men who introduced them to Jazz music and art. With a backdrop of the student uprising that saw battles breaking out on the streets between the authorities and the locals. The writing made me feel as though I was actually there.
The view of Paris in the sixties was decadent and felt like it touched on the hedonistic. Whilst keeping a firm grip on their morals, Elizabeth and her friend Allegra discovered love and excitement. I could almost hear the sounds of the jazz music on the air and envisage the artwork in the many galleries visited by Elizabeth.
As Maggie began to fall into the tempting pool of the past, reality returned to the fore, and armed with the knowledge that her grandmother had lived a life that she had never imagined, Maggie draws strength from the box of memories that Allegra has for her.
Leaving Paris behind, Maggie’s adventures see her in New York and then the Riviera, and perhaps that is where her opportunity to walk into the future becomes clear for her. This is a beautiful escapist story that leads the reader to reflect on their views of how our grandparents experienced life and that they were also young once.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I don't usually enjoy skipping back and forth in time, but it was quite an enjoyable journey. Three generations, but little about the middle one. Wonderful art, wine, and a visit to France. Lots of name dropping. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Mrs N J Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about several characters

Lovely stories with some great, strong characters which goes between the 60’s and the present day. Great descriptive writing about Paris, South of France and New York with themes on fine art and fine wine which has made we want to visit more galleries and take more holidays. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie's mom has tasked her with retrieving a box of photos from her grandma’s best friend on the French Riviera. Between jobs, she heads to France to recover the photos and learn more about her grandma and her friend.


This story was told from a dual perspective: Maggie in the present day and Allegra, her grandma’s best friend in the 1960s. I enjoyed the friendship between Maggie’s grandma and Allegra. This beautifully written story is about love, loss, second chances, and the magic of the French Riviera.


Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, @rachelsrandomresources, and the author for this arc

[Cora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story following Maggie's story in the present day and her Grandmother's friend Allegra's past story. I really enjoyed this, beautifully written and always nice to escape to a beautiful location in a book.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

[Ann Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book

Having read her previous books, this is the best. A very talented writer, super the way she incorporates her wine industry & geographical knowledge. Well done Helen, you are a star

[Jill Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read

The characters in the book were portrayed so beautifully, believably, and with such heart. The book described Paris and Cannes so well, it transports the reader there, among the sights, sounds and smells if these vibrant areas of France.

[Elaine M Cleaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Sunshine

A fab escapist read from a lovely author who is also my favourite wine expert
Great characterisation in a beautiful part of the world with a touching back story
Cannot wait to read her next one!
Recommended

[Claire Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, first of Helen McGinn’s that I’ve read but I’ll be back for more! Loved the transition between glamorous 1960s Paris and New York to present day. With a touch of wine, blue skies of the Med and a little romance. Great!

[Kristin]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Not for me.