One Night at the Château

by Veronica Henry

Escape to beautiful Provence with the dazzlingly romantic new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Veronica Henry!

'Gorgeously romantic, sweet as French pastries and the perfect read!' MILLY JOHNSON

'A delight from start to finish, being swept away to Provence, like sipping wine on lazy summer days, a perfect summer read' CAROL KIRKWOOD

'Utterly enchanting! I was spellbound from the very first page. A gloriously romantic read!' HEIDI SWAIN

One night to fall in love.
One summer to change everything...

Over the last few months, Connie's whole world has fallen apart. Her husband's run off with an older woman, the magazine she works for has gone bust and she's having to sell the family home. So when her beloved godmother, Lismay, begs her to help run the beautiful Château Villette, it couldn't come at a better time...

No one knows the château quite like Connie. She spent a blissful summer there in her twenties, learning to cook delicious French food for the guests, ironing the lavender-scented sheets - and trying to resist the very handsome neighbour, Remy.

As soon as she arrives, it's clear that the château is close to crumbling and Connie knows she's going to have her work cut out. Could it be the fresh start she didn't even know she needed - and will she find a way to save the château, before it's too late?

Your favourite authors love Veronica
'Magical, romantic, fantastique' MILLY JOHNSON
'Summer, secrets, an impossible love story. I absolutely adored it!' CATHY BRAMLEY
'Captivating and romantic' HEIDI SWAIN
'A wonderful treat of a read!' SUE MOORCROFT
'A story filled with so much heart. Simply gorgeous!' LIZ FENWICK
'Warm, wise, and completely wonderful' ALEX BROWN

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Summer, Womens Fiction, Chick Lit, France

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

About the author

Veronica Henry was a television script writer before turning her hand to fiction. She has published sixteen novels which she describes as realistic escapism - her setting are gorgeous, but her characters have problems and dilemmas everyone can identify with.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Cutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story but no plot twist nothing exciting happening all a bit predictable. Little bit bland for my tastes. I used to enjoy Veronica Henry's books but they are starting to get a bit dull.

[Michaela Hopkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you could gobble a book up in one go but also try to read slower as you never want it to end? Well, this is how I felt about ‘One Night at the Chateau’!
This is Henry at her very best; a warm hug of a book - I absolutely loved, loved, loved it!

Connie been having a tough old time lately - her husband has left her, her kids are grown up and independent, she was recently made redundant, and on top of all that she’s still grieving her mother’s death. So, her godmother’s call of help is perfectly timed, and just what she needs to kick-start her life again!
Her godmother, Lismay, just happens to run a chateau in Provence!

Connie is such a wonderful protagonist who I fell a little bit in love with, I was rooting for her and cheering her on throughout, especially when it came to her rat of a husband! I actually screamed “yes!!!” out loud at one point, when she started fighting back! I adored Lismay too and got completed wrapped up in the back story of how they came about owning the chateau.

Anyway I don’t want to give too much away but this book is so wholesome, I adored it so much! I laughed out loud and cried too - actually sobbing at the ending! It’s the perfect holiday read and I can’t recommend it enough!

Favourite Quote from the book - ‘Nothing stays the same. Everything changes. So you have to hold on to the golden moments.’

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story in a beautiful setting. This just flowed along at a great pace and I enjoyed the dual timeline which gave me an insight into how the characters ended up in a French chateau. I love Veronica 's books which always seem to be an easy read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Paula Louise Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Would highly recommend 👌 x

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.6⭐︎ rounded up
An uncomplicated, easy read - perfect for a lazy, rainy Sunday evening.

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

this year's summer book by Veronica Henry is set in Provence, and is told in two time frames. One starts in the mid 1980s, when Lismay and her husband Piers buy a chateau in Provence on impulse after their life plans take an unexpected and sad turn, instead they focus on turning a run down chateau into a luxury home from home for holidaymakers, and fairly successful it is too, but in the 2nd time frame, set in the present day, it's starting to look a bit rundown, the reviews aren't very good and something has to be done and fast. So Lismay asks her god daughter Connie if she'll babysit the chateau, and perhaps do it up a bit, whilst she and Piers are in London where he's having hip replacement surgery. Connie is at a crossroads herself, her long term relationship has just imploded when her partner leaves her for a younger more glamourous woman, her job has fallen through and their children are forging their own lives at uni. So she reluctantly agrees to sell the family home, and moves to Provence to look after and regenerate the chateau. She has happy memories of childhood holidays there, as her late mother was French and was best friends with Lismay, so the connection to the chateau runs deep. And that's basically the story, although of course there is a hunk called Remy involved ,with whom Connie had a brief fling back in their younger days - he's now also returned to Provence, to help run his parents' vineyard nearby, but what will happen when he meets Connie again? No prizes for guessing how it all pans out, it's a nice enough book but everyone is a bit too good to be true, or maybe I'm just too cynical! A pleasant holiday read but not her best book. 6.5/10

[Bethany smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story in a beautiful setting

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Veronica Henry book, I have several on my TBR list but this was the one that made it to the front. What a fantastic book to start with. I was hooked right from the beginning, I loved the different view points and the time jumps to fill in the blanks. I loved watching the Chateau come to life and was fascinated in how Lismay organised it all and healed her heart in the process.

Then the modern day view of Connie who I could identify with as an a woman of a certain age and grown children, it’s hard to find your identity again, even harder when your partner decides to leave you for an older woman. Connie still has a lot to give but feels like she has no purpose, once again the Chateau works its magic and she takes everything in hand and breathes new life into it along with herself.

The side characters really added to the story and loved how they all helped each other be the best versions of themselves. Christmas in the Chateau was magical and Connie dug deep to realise her worth and find her new dream.

Amazing from start to finish, I think I might have to shuffle my TBR pile a bit and read another one very soon.

[steph gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmm very on the fence with how i felt about this book. the vibes were so cute and perf - it was set in the south of france and england so perffff book for me to start while i was away. howevs it started getting a bit boring as there was no shocking climax. so kind of felt like a year 10 creative writing assignment 😢 but characters were cute but just needed a punchy climax and resolution which there wasn’t #dissapointing and that meant that i started skimming the book towards the end which is ALWAYS a sign of bad writing unforch 🙂‍↕️ but other than that i loved the premise of the book!!!! but just a bit disappointing. BUT bonus points for the cover being cute

[Rachel Galbraith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent rom com set in a chateau in Provence, France, next to a vineyard. Easy to read & good story within a lovely setting.

[Eddie Hillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time, for me, reading anything by Veronica Henry. One of our Book Club books and quite a change to my usually favoured Crime novel. However, thoroughly enjoyed this as a pleasant read that I actually wanted to finish. Loved the characters, I anticipated the ending but not quite how it got there!
Would definitely read another book by this Author 👍

[Zoe Radley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally… this one was ok. It didn’t shout nor did it whimper but I I didn’t quite get sucked into the story. It was sweet but also felt a bit too light and predictable. It’s a good book to take on holidays but I wouldn’t keep it on my shelf… it’s one to read and fly away for a time and then pass it on to someone else who needs it. Though I do now have a craving to visit France.

[Jayne Windsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant read, leaning towards Chic Lit but easy to read. Enjoyed the French cookery bits but would have liked these to be expanded.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over the last few months, Connie's whole world has fallen apart. Her husband's run off with an older woman, the magazine she works for has gone bust and she's having to sell the family home. So when her beloved godmother, Lismay, begs her to help run the beautiful Château Villette, it couldn't come at a better time...

Everything about this book screamed 'Summer read' which is exactly what I was looking for... but it's set in Autumn and finishes at Christmas/New Year, disappointing. It's an easy enough read but a few edit errors and typos which drives me nuts at the best of times! Overall... it was okay. Worth the 99p Kindle price for a quick read. Just not in Summer.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely beautiful story that I just never wanted to end.
Connie’s life is falling apart, her husband has left her and she is just totally overwhelmed until her godmother Lismay calls and asks for her help. The timing couldn’t be more perfect and she goes straight to Provence to stay in her godparents chateau while they come back to the UK temporarily.
The setting was absolutely stunning I could just imagine myself sitting outside with a glass of wine and some tasty French cheese.
The characters are beautifully written and I just felt like I knew them all so well. I loved how Connie and Lilou grew so much as characters as the story progressed.
It was nice that there was a romantic storyline but it didn’t take over the book as this was so much more than just a romance novel.
It was also nice to go back in time to when Lismay and Piers first bought the chateau and the reason behind this.
A 5 star read I would recommend to everyone and I’m hoping for a sequel to see what happens next for the Chateau Villette and Connie.
Thanks to NetGalley, Veronica Henry and Orion Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! This is an absolutely wonderful totally charming new classic book from Veronica Henry. What a joy to read!! Gorgeous escapism in Provence, France, full of delicious French classic food, vineyards and wine, chic and fabulous fashion, multi generational families and so much more. This book is full of ‘la quintessence!’ Love and romance at its very best, loved this tale!! Beautifully written, great characters, utterly absorbing and compelling reading!
Connie is feeling lost after the death of her beloved mother, losing her job, her children spreading their wings in the world and her husband leaving for an older woman���..
Lismay and Piers are now in their seventies and are beginning to find running their dream home and Chateau in Provence too hard to keep up, Lismay asks her goddaughter Connie if she can help, which is actually a huge blessing for them both!
New beginnings, overcoming obstacles, kindness and generosity! The story entwines and weaves across the years just brilliant!
Thank you NetGalley and Orion books for the chance to read early. An easy 5 stars but should be 10! A truly first class story.

[Saffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Veronica Henry’s novels and she is one of my go to authors. One Night at the Chateau was a gorgeous read that I did not want to end.
Connie is coping with the death of her mother and the end of her marriage when she has the opportunity to go to Provence to run her godmother Lismay’s chateau for three months. Lismay and her husband Piers purchased the chateau in the 1980s and turned it into a hotel, now decades later it’s in need of a refurbishment. Alongside Connie’s story is the dual timeline storyline following Lismay and Pier’s relationship and purchase of the chateau in the 1980s.
I adored this novel, Connie is a fantastic character and the secondary characters are all interesting and likeable. I loved the setting and longed to visit Provence and the chateau as I was reading. It was quite an emotional read and I did have some happy tears by the end. I feel bereft now I’ve left Connie and the chateau and would love it if Veronica Henry wrote a sequel !
Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC,

[Ana Connelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t for me, it was a book club pick and although it’s intended to be a light hearted easy read, I found it a little boring and need something with more substance, if you looking for a light hearted easy summer read then this might be for you, it just wasn’t for me.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set around BARLES, PROVENCE

Connie is suffering from empty next syndrome, compounded by the departure of her partner of 23 years, which has left the stuffing roundly knocked out of her. Her mother also recently died, so her life is in full flux. Her Godmother, Lismay – with whom she is close – is in a pickle and she needs someone to help out running Château Villette in Barles. It is a building with significant history, including a rumour that it may have been built for Pauline, Napoleon’s frivolous sister (where, it is mooted, she would meet her lovers).

Lismay and her husband have let their château B&B slide, their reviews have been plummeting, the gate is hanging off when Connie arrives and they keep their Nutella in the fridge, for goodness’ sake (you should never do that under any circumstance!). She, of course, will have to ease herself into the role of fixer upper and get things back on track, now she has time on her hands, something she will relish. It is something she will relish, given she was the editor of the magazine “The Heart Of The Home”.

We also know that in Barles her heart was stolen a good 20 years ago by Rémy Gaspard, all round hunk, professional rugby player and vintner. They had a brief affair and now, all these years later, she is very aware that his family’s vineyard is next door to the B&B.

Her Godmother returns to London on a lengthy errand and Connie is left to run the business – a few weekend guests are scheduled. Of course she meets her paramour and you will have to buy the book to find out whether things develop between them.

The novel is beautifully set in Provence, with visits to Aix and l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, in the company of a newly acquired female friend. Back in London, the “destination” restaurant 45 Jermyn Street gets a good look in and the city at Christmas is nicely evoked. This is an easy-to-read and feel good novel that will delightfully transport you to the South of France.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect book to counter our dreary winter skies. Veronica Henry's writing is balm for the soul. Who could resist those deep blue Provence skies? The amazing food, which she describes so well?
As always there's a sensitive and sympathetic story, this time centred on a 50 year old woman whose husband has gone off with another woman. "I had burned so bright, I thought sadly, but I'd been extinguished, stamped on until I barely showed a glimmer."
Deciding at short notice to help her godparents out, running their luxury Chateau, Connie is immediately back in her mileu. I was cheering when she stood up to her husband, and when she dealt with a ghastly guest. I liked how the older folk, Lismay, her husband Piers and Connie's father, are treated with respect, rather than out of touch or decrepit, as usually happens in novels.
Henry is always up to date with contemporary trends which gives her books a relevance and delightful charm.
Heavenly!

[Lindsey Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her losing her job and her husband leaving her for an older woman, Connie is left wondering what to do with her life. She then gets a call from her godmother asking for help running their chateau business in France while her husband has a much needed hip replacement.
Chateau Villette is the main character throughout this whole story which covers Lismay and Piers discovering and renovating it in the 1980s and Connie bringing it back to life 40 years later.
Brilliant characters, descriptions and story from Veronica Henry. You really feel immersed in the French way of life.
Of course being in the romance genre there is a handsome Frenchman who Connie remembers from her time visiting during her youth however the biggest love story is between Chateau Villette and her residents over the years.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[andshe.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book I've read by Veronica Henry I've absolutely loved and this was no different. The title had me captured immediately, how lush does One Night At The Château sound?! 😍

The descriptions are perfect they capture the setting so beautifully it was easy to imagine such a lush place.

The dual timeline was a great addition, as we got to find out how the characters ended up with the château from the very beginning. The different points of view answered any questions I had and I really enjoyed getting to know both Lismay and Connie.

All the characters were well developed even the side characters and I just loved how Connie took Lilou under her wing and really nurtured her. Actually it seemed that all the characters complimented each other and encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves even after they'd experienced difficult times.

Overall a fabulous feel good read. This would make a great beach read too.

Thank you to Orion Books for the ARC ahead of release day.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally fell in love with the chateau that is in the heart of Provence and heart of this story.

It had been key in both Connie and Lismay's lives for a very long time, and and Lismay needs her goddaughters help, Connie drops everything to help out.

We get chapters from both women's perspectives including discovering just how they bought the chateau and in Connie's case just what happened in her summer there in her 20s.

In addition to getting to know all the staff and trying to come up with ways to keep the chateau experience running smoothly.

Both are women of a certain age or older and have truly lovely stories that i couldn't help but feel they were part of the family afterwards.

I really enjoyed this book and could really imagine the setting and the incredibly hot guy too. And the ending really made me smile.

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[LindyLouMac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica Henry is known for her escapist romantic, realistic and relatable stories. A prolific author she has 62 titles currently listed on Amazon. As this is only the second of her books that I have read I cannot count myself as a fan yet!

Set in two different decades to tell the protagonists individual stories we are transported to Château Villette. Lismay and Piers are the current owners but now in their seventies are starting to find that running such a beautiful place is rather hard work for them. Their god-daughter Connie comes to the rescue. Great timing for her, as a fifty something woman with marital problems causing her depression, life at the Chateau is just what she needs, to get her life back on track.

Recommended to anyone that loves France and enjoys a feel good read. I was certainly transported and found it to be perfect escapism from this current grey weather.

https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...

[Claire Mc Partlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Veronica Henry's writing and this book is no different, just a lovely bit of escapism into the French countryside!

Connie is at a crossroads in her life, personally and professionally, and not really sure what to do, when her godmother begs her for help in running their chateau in France whilst her husband has an operation back in the UK. Connie worked there years ago one summer and has very fond memories, so jumps at the chance to help them.

Once there she finds out there's much more work needed as the chateau is looking very tired, but it was just what Connie needed and she gets to work rejuvenating things and bringing everything up to date, along with rekindling a friendship with the very handsome Remy who runs the winery next door.

Very enjoyable, feel-good story.

[Val Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed One night at the Chateau by Veronica Henry, Its a delightful read that takes you right into its location - the French Provence. You almost feel like you are there in the Chateau and among the very well written characters.

written from two perspectives - Lismay and her god daughter Connie and flits between 1985 when Lismay and Piers bought the Chateau and now 40 years later when they need someone to help out when Piers needs an operation.

An uplifting story, beautifully written, perfect to curl up with on holiday. I've read about nine books by this author and they seem to get even better with each one.

A big thanks to Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book

[Kate Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable - a beautiful multi-generational story. Restoring a chateau saves Lismay and Piers; a generation later, helping there also has a huge impact on their goddaughter's life (and again a generation later). It's about love, about friendship, about the bonds between generations, about being brave, about negotiating tricky waters once you hit middle age, about rediscovering yourself. The characterisation is fabulous, and it's lovely to see the characters blossoming. It's a big warm hug of a read - Veronica Henry at her best.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Samyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was absolutely beautiful—one of those stories that completely pulls you in and makes you never want to leave. The setting? Breathtaking. I felt like I was right there in Provence, soaking up the sunshine, sipping wine, and just living in the moment. It had such a dreamy, atmospheric feel that made me wish I could book a flight immediately!

I loved how the story wasn’t just about romance but also about growth, healing, and fresh starts. The characters felt so real, and I was fully invested in their journeys. The way everything unfolded was just chef’s kiss—emotional, heartwarming, and so beautifully written.

This is definitely a five-star read for me. If you love books that transport you somewhere magical while delivering all the feels, you need this one on your TBR.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie's world has been turned upside down, so when her godmother Lismay needs her help at her chateau hotel in France, she rushes to her side. Can Connie help save the business, and soothe her broken heart at the same time?

Beautifully set, with some wonderful descriptions of the location. I loved the way the story interweaves between characters and times, revealing just enough of the history of the characters in each chapter. Some very emotive subject matter is handled very sympathetically. A lovely read.

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie's husband has blind sided her; she's lost her family unit, her dream house and is feeling stuck. So when her Godmother calls needed help, she goes straight away to The Chateau Villette.

This is a charming story to be enjoyed by francophiles with chateau dreams! It's got themes of friendship, interiors, determination, grief and love. I really, really enjoyed it. The characters are likeable and how Connie and Liam's stories are interwoven works well. Trigger warnings of infertility are needed but it's just a really enjoyable book.