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Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky
As one door closes, another one opens…
When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.
At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.
Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.
As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?
An wonderful tale of hidden secrets and true love winning the day.
Perfect for the fans of Jill Mansell and Fern Britton.
Praise for Jennifer
'Unputdownable, a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship in the glorious south of France. What’s not to love!' - Lucy Coleman
'I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages and read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!' - Alison Sherlock
A beautifully written and heart-warming tale of family and friendship' - Jessica Redland
'There is much joy in this story, tempered with some bittersweet memories, but I can promise that you’ll be left feeling both joyous and uplifted. Highly recommended.' - Reader Review
'No surprises here. Just two sweet romances in a dream-come-true story. Not soppy sweet, just charmingly so. Perfect for a rainy day on the couch or a sunny day on a patio.' - Reader Review
'I absolutely love Jennifer’s stories, the characters and storyline’s are superb and she always leaves us wanting more.' - Reader Review
' I couldn't put it down it's definitely a page turner.' - Reader Review
'What a lovely, happy story. Full of the ups and downs of life, but with a happy ending full of love and promise . Thank you.' - Reader Review
When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.
At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.
Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.
As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?
An wonderful tale of hidden secrets and true love winning the day.
Perfect for the fans of Jill Mansell and Fern Britton.
Praise for Jennifer
'Unputdownable, a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship in the glorious south of France. What’s not to love!' - Lucy Coleman
'I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages and read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!' - Alison Sherlock
A beautifully written and heart-warming tale of family and friendship' - Jessica Redland
'There is much joy in this story, tempered with some bittersweet memories, but I can promise that you’ll be left feeling both joyous and uplifted. Highly recommended.' - Reader Review
'No surprises here. Just two sweet romances in a dream-come-true story. Not soppy sweet, just charmingly so. Perfect for a rainy day on the couch or a sunny day on a patio.' - Reader Review
'I absolutely love Jennifer’s stories, the characters and storyline’s are superb and she always leaves us wanting more.' - Reader Review
' I couldn't put it down it's definitely a page turner.' - Reader Review
'What a lovely, happy story. Full of the ups and downs of life, but with a happy ending full of love and promise . Thank you.' - Reader Review
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2025
869 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bohnet
39 books289 followersSixteen years ago Richard and I, with our then dog, 14 year old Holly in a trailer attached to Richard's bike, cycled down through western France via the canal paths, arriving in Antibes in July. With the exception of two fleeting visits back to the UK we have lived in France ever since.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 4, 2025
Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a heartwarming exploration of family bonds, resilience, and the long shadows of the past, set against the sunlit backdrop of the French Riviera. The story follows three generations of women—Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine—as they journey to confront long-buried family secrets.
My favourite element of the book was the intertwining perspectives of the three women, which added depth to the unfolding drama and offered a poignant glimpse into how their pasts continue to shape their relationships. Themes of resilience, reconciliation, and second chances shine through, leaving a hopeful and uplifting impression.
While the Riviera setting initially drew me to the book, I would have loved more vivid descriptions to truly immerse myself in the atmosphere. I also felt that the emotional weight of certain experiences could have been explored more deeply to heighten the impact of the story’s themes.
Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is an enjoyable, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of contemporary women's fiction and multi-generational stories about rediscovering the past and finding hope in second chances.
My favourite element of the book was the intertwining perspectives of the three women, which added depth to the unfolding drama and offered a poignant glimpse into how their pasts continue to shape their relationships. Themes of resilience, reconciliation, and second chances shine through, leaving a hopeful and uplifting impression.
While the Riviera setting initially drew me to the book, I would have loved more vivid descriptions to truly immerse myself in the atmosphere. I also felt that the emotional weight of certain experiences could have been explored more deeply to heighten the impact of the story’s themes.
Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is an enjoyable, fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of contemporary women's fiction and multi-generational stories about rediscovering the past and finding hope in second chances.
August 14, 2025
I did the audio book here, and that definitely influenced the experience as the reader as a beautiful and very thick accent. It was a slower moving story that intrigued me enough to finish, but.... not a favorite.
March 9, 2025
t grabs you from the start to the finish. Easy read, great characters. Would recommend
Thank you to Jennifer Bohnet, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc of this book.
Thank you to Jennifer Bohnet, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc of this book.
May 2, 2025
Wonderful characters and a beautiful setting on the Riviera. A sunny escape to France from the comfort of my armchair. A definite beach/ holiday read.
March 12, 2025
Jennifer Bohnet’s "Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky" was a delightful and enjoyable read, offering a charming escape to the picturesque French Riviera. While the novel had some shortcomings, its strengths in storytelling, setting, and character development made up for them, creating a pleasant and engaging experience overall.
One of the standout aspects of this book was its sweet and heartfelt storylines. The novel followed three generations of women—Agnes, her daughter Francine, and her granddaughter Zazz—each navigating their own personal journeys. Their individual arcs were well-developed without becoming overwhelming or difficult to follow, which can sometimes happen with multiple perspectives. Bohnet did a great job intertwining their stories in a way that felt seamless and natural, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
The setting was another highlight. The vivid imagery of the French Riviera truly transported me into the world of the novel. Bohnet’s descriptions of the landscape, atmosphere, and culture painted a beautiful and immersive picture, making the book feel like a mini getaway. However, while the use of French vocabulary throughout the story contributed to the authenticity of the setting, it occasionally made the narrative feel choppy. For readers familiar with the language, this addition might enhance the experience, but for those less fluent, it could interrupt the flow of the story.
Despite these strengths, the novel did have some weak points, particularly in its dialogue. There were moments where conversations felt rushed or understated, especially when characters were relaying key information to one another. This sometimes diminished the emotional weight of significant plot developments, as major turns in the story were often glossed over rather quickly instead of being given the depth they deserved. If these moments had been explored more thoroughly, they could have added more substance and impact to the narrative.
While the book leaned heavily into fluff, it was nonetheless a very pleasant read. The light and uplifting tone made it easy to get through, and despite my critiques, I found myself enjoying the journey. It was a quick read for me, it could easily be finished in two or three sittings. Ultimately, while this specific story may not be one I’d typically gravitate toward, I appreciated its warmth, likable characters, and satisfying conclusion. For those who enjoy feel good contemporary fiction with a scenic backdrop, Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is certainly worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for ARC
One of the standout aspects of this book was its sweet and heartfelt storylines. The novel followed three generations of women—Agnes, her daughter Francine, and her granddaughter Zazz—each navigating their own personal journeys. Their individual arcs were well-developed without becoming overwhelming or difficult to follow, which can sometimes happen with multiple perspectives. Bohnet did a great job intertwining their stories in a way that felt seamless and natural, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
The setting was another highlight. The vivid imagery of the French Riviera truly transported me into the world of the novel. Bohnet’s descriptions of the landscape, atmosphere, and culture painted a beautiful and immersive picture, making the book feel like a mini getaway. However, while the use of French vocabulary throughout the story contributed to the authenticity of the setting, it occasionally made the narrative feel choppy. For readers familiar with the language, this addition might enhance the experience, but for those less fluent, it could interrupt the flow of the story.
Despite these strengths, the novel did have some weak points, particularly in its dialogue. There were moments where conversations felt rushed or understated, especially when characters were relaying key information to one another. This sometimes diminished the emotional weight of significant plot developments, as major turns in the story were often glossed over rather quickly instead of being given the depth they deserved. If these moments had been explored more thoroughly, they could have added more substance and impact to the narrative.
While the book leaned heavily into fluff, it was nonetheless a very pleasant read. The light and uplifting tone made it easy to get through, and despite my critiques, I found myself enjoying the journey. It was a quick read for me, it could easily be finished in two or three sittings. Ultimately, while this specific story may not be one I’d typically gravitate toward, I appreciated its warmth, likable characters, and satisfying conclusion. For those who enjoy feel good contemporary fiction with a scenic backdrop, Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is certainly worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for ARC
November 18, 2025
This read ticked all the boxes for me, bright, beautifully written and one that will appeal to all ages of women.
Three generations of the Agistini women, Agnes, Francine and Jasmine, although living a pleasant life in Devon have always had the undercurrent of their French past in the background. Agnes, has the painful and violent memories of her marriage to her husband, Oscar. Francine, her memories are of the control her absent father had over her. For her daughter Jasmine, the mystery of an unknown grandfather for whom her mother and grandmother refuse to discuss.
They receive news that Oscar has died and from the information from the French notary dealing with his will, it is necessary they travel to Cannes. This trip will reveal much more than ever anticipated when they learn about Oscar's secrets from his past and where from his grave his presence is felt.
The notary reveals that there is a challenge to Oscar's will that really shocks the three women.
The plot thickens when Agnes reveals that Oscar and her were never divorced which is news to Francine and Jasmine. The challenger to the will is revealed for whom Agnes seems to take it in her stride, considering her husband's well-known infidelities.
Jasmine is intolerable, has a bit of a bad attitude and is a bit of a dark horse finally revealing her secrets regarding her grandfather which puts a terrible strain on her mother, the two become estranged for a short time.
In the background is the ever-reliable Theo, Oscar's brother who was Agnes's first love but due to the narcissistic nature of Oscar determined to have Agnes for himself made events impossible for Theo and Agnes to be together. However, the love from Theo never diminished and in the end, Agnes and the family have the happy ending they deserve.
Three generations of the Agistini women, Agnes, Francine and Jasmine, although living a pleasant life in Devon have always had the undercurrent of their French past in the background. Agnes, has the painful and violent memories of her marriage to her husband, Oscar. Francine, her memories are of the control her absent father had over her. For her daughter Jasmine, the mystery of an unknown grandfather for whom her mother and grandmother refuse to discuss.
They receive news that Oscar has died and from the information from the French notary dealing with his will, it is necessary they travel to Cannes. This trip will reveal much more than ever anticipated when they learn about Oscar's secrets from his past and where from his grave his presence is felt.
The notary reveals that there is a challenge to Oscar's will that really shocks the three women.
The plot thickens when Agnes reveals that Oscar and her were never divorced which is news to Francine and Jasmine. The challenger to the will is revealed for whom Agnes seems to take it in her stride, considering her husband's well-known infidelities.
Jasmine is intolerable, has a bit of a bad attitude and is a bit of a dark horse finally revealing her secrets regarding her grandfather which puts a terrible strain on her mother, the two become estranged for a short time.
In the background is the ever-reliable Theo, Oscar's brother who was Agnes's first love but due to the narcissistic nature of Oscar determined to have Agnes for himself made events impossible for Theo and Agnes to be together. However, the love from Theo never diminished and in the end, Agnes and the family have the happy ending they deserve.
April 20, 2025
Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
As one door closes, another one opens…
When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.
At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.
Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.
As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?
My Opinion
From the beginning Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky had me hooked. A quick and easy read with lots of family drama and secrets. Jennifer Bohnet has written a stunning book with a great setting.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
As one door closes, another one opens…
When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.
At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.
Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.
As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?
My Opinion
From the beginning Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky had me hooked. A quick and easy read with lots of family drama and secrets. Jennifer Bohnet has written a stunning book with a great setting.
Rating 4/5
April 22, 2025
In Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky, Jennifer Bohnet weaves a charming story that delves into the lives of three generations of women - Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine. As they navigate their complex family dynamics and buried secrets.
I found this to be a little too lighthearted for my taste, but I can see how it’d be perfect for fans of lighter reads. The mature characters were a highlight for me. It’s not often we see stories centered on women of different ages, and I appreciated that the book focuses on three generations of women navigating family secrets. We get to see things from the perspectives of Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine, each bringing her own personal journey to the table. Their individual perspectives are beautifully woven together, and I loved how the book carefully explored how they each handle the same thing.
The setting in the Riviera is ideal. It offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing beach read, filled with sun-kissed days and picturesque views. However, the light and airy vibe can sometimes feel a bit too fluffy when you want more depth. While the lighthearted tone offers an easy escape, the real heart of the story lies in its exploration of family, identity, and the scars carried through generations. There’s a gentle exploration of family dynamics, with themes of healing, forgiveness, moving on and self-discovery playing out.
Despite its lightness, the story does manage to touch on the challenges of reconciling with the past and understanding family complexities, and I liked that it brought a sense of nostalgia while still looking forward.
Overall, Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a delightful read if you’re in the mood for a cozy, feel-good story with lovely scenery and complex family relationships. While it’s a bit more lighthearted than I prefer, it certainly has its charm, especially for readers looking for a heartwarming journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky!
I found this to be a little too lighthearted for my taste, but I can see how it’d be perfect for fans of lighter reads. The mature characters were a highlight for me. It’s not often we see stories centered on women of different ages, and I appreciated that the book focuses on three generations of women navigating family secrets. We get to see things from the perspectives of Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine, each bringing her own personal journey to the table. Their individual perspectives are beautifully woven together, and I loved how the book carefully explored how they each handle the same thing.
The setting in the Riviera is ideal. It offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing beach read, filled with sun-kissed days and picturesque views. However, the light and airy vibe can sometimes feel a bit too fluffy when you want more depth. While the lighthearted tone offers an easy escape, the real heart of the story lies in its exploration of family, identity, and the scars carried through generations. There’s a gentle exploration of family dynamics, with themes of healing, forgiveness, moving on and self-discovery playing out.
Despite its lightness, the story does manage to touch on the challenges of reconciling with the past and understanding family complexities, and I liked that it brought a sense of nostalgia while still looking forward.
Overall, Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a delightful read if you’re in the mood for a cozy, feel-good story with lovely scenery and complex family relationships. While it’s a bit more lighthearted than I prefer, it certainly has its charm, especially for readers looking for a heartwarming journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky!
July 12, 2025
In this charming new novel from Jennifer Bohnet, Agnes Agistini has just learned her estranged, abusive husband Oscar recently died in an accident, but his death forces her to return to the place (and time) forty years ago that she was desperate to escape. Traveling to Cannes with their daughter Francine and her granddaughter Jasmine, Agnes knows that whatever the notaire and Oscar’s will will drag up unpleasant memories, but she has no idea about the family secrets and Oscar’s posthumous vindictiveness in store for her even though Theo is there to help her start to make peace with the past. Emotional, intense, and occasionally challenging, readers will greatly sympathize with Agnes’s plight as they follow her on this emotional rollercoaster of a novel. The characters are the stars of the novel, especially given the complexity of the emotional storylines, and they are complex and detailed in ways which really bring them to life. The relationships between Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine are particularly interesting and well thought out, and they really help centralize the relevant threads and family secrets in this novel. Emotional and immersive, readers will love the characters and their individual strengths in this excellent new novel from Jennifer Bohnet.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
April 8, 2025
Family saga beach read🏖
3.5🌟 stars
Sunny skies, lovely French cuisine and pastries😋, and a front row seat for the swaths of humanity roaming the picturesque streets of Cannes: all pleasant elements as backdrop for a multi-generational saga set around the recent death of a selfish, manipulative Frenchman called Oscar. Family descends on Cannes to settle his estate and old wounds are reopened and some surprises are revealed.
It was an easy, quick read and the twists, not all that unexpected, provided some light drama. There's romance for several of the characters but no steamy stuff. The plot was fine but I just did not connect well with the characters. I also found the ending a bit too all sweetly wrapped up. It made me feel even further removed from the characters who seem to be living a charmed life.
I generally like the author's work, especially her French settings and the challenges her female characters face. I've read and greatly enjoyed quite a few and plan to continue seeking her books.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3.5🌟 stars
Sunny skies, lovely French cuisine and pastries😋, and a front row seat for the swaths of humanity roaming the picturesque streets of Cannes: all pleasant elements as backdrop for a multi-generational saga set around the recent death of a selfish, manipulative Frenchman called Oscar. Family descends on Cannes to settle his estate and old wounds are reopened and some surprises are revealed.
It was an easy, quick read and the twists, not all that unexpected, provided some light drama. There's romance for several of the characters but no steamy stuff. The plot was fine but I just did not connect well with the characters. I also found the ending a bit too all sweetly wrapped up. It made me feel even further removed from the characters who seem to be living a charmed life.
I generally like the author's work, especially her French settings and the challenges her female characters face. I've read and greatly enjoyed quite a few and plan to continue seeking her books.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 18, 2025
I enjoyed this emotional story, full of family drama and secrets that drew three generations of women back to the South of France, where their stories began. When Agnes receives news from her brother-in-law Theo that her estranged husband, Oscar, is dead, she feels only relief. Travelling to the South of France for the legal formalities is unavoidable for Agnes, daughter Francine and granddaughter Jasmine(Zazz), and it's a life-changing experience. The story revolves around family secrets with characters you invest in. Agnes' story is poignant, and you want her to have justice and the life she should have had. Francine is particularly emotionally fragile, and her character development as she comes to terms with her past life and the many changes that unfold is satisfying. Zazz is a contemporary woman who is not constrained by her upbringing, like her grandmother and mother; she challenges their perceptions and helps them move forward positively. I like the connection between the women, Theo's enduring love and the glamorous French setting of this story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 3, 2025
This was a beautiful story depicting romance and family secrets in a gorgeous Italian setting.
I liked the storyline of the book and the way in which the story followed three generations, as they navigated difficult circumstances and secrets from within the past. I really liked following each of them individually and I thought that the story progressed for each of them really well and I liked how things ended for them all. You could see cracks between them healing and I really liked seeing their relationships grow.
Theo for me was the perfect gentleman 😍. He was the ideal support for Agnes and my heart went out to him at the end when the twist was revealed, although I did suspect that would be revealed. He was the complete opposite of his brother, who I really did not like!
The setting of the book sounded so nice and I could picture myself sitting on the balcony and listening to the sea with morning pastries like Francine and Jasmine.
I liked the storyline of the book and the way in which the story followed three generations, as they navigated difficult circumstances and secrets from within the past. I really liked following each of them individually and I thought that the story progressed for each of them really well and I liked how things ended for them all. You could see cracks between them healing and I really liked seeing their relationships grow.
Theo for me was the perfect gentleman 😍. He was the ideal support for Agnes and my heart went out to him at the end when the twist was revealed, although I did suspect that would be revealed. He was the complete opposite of his brother, who I really did not like!
The setting of the book sounded so nice and I could picture myself sitting on the balcony and listening to the sea with morning pastries like Francine and Jasmine.
April 20, 2025
This is a story which spans the generations. We are introduced to Agnes, the matriarch her daughter, Francine and granddaughter Jasmine. Living in England at the beginning of the book, they receive some shocking news which takes them over to the French Riviera, to where Agnes lived as a young woman. As the title shows, there are some deeply buried secrets which will have a profound effect on all their lives.
each of the three women has an interesting tale to tell and the dynamics between the generations adds to the interest. Francine, in particular, find it difficult to tell Jasmine what she is feeling. The setting is absolutely gorgeous with all the glamour of the French Riviera and is so different to their home in England. There are second chances on offer and dew romances to follow and all in all, this is up to Jennifer Bohnet's great storytelling standard.
In short: new beginnings and second chances
Thanks to the publisher
each of the three women has an interesting tale to tell and the dynamics between the generations adds to the interest. Francine, in particular, find it difficult to tell Jasmine what she is feeling. The setting is absolutely gorgeous with all the glamour of the French Riviera and is so different to their home in England. There are second chances on offer and dew romances to follow and all in all, this is up to Jennifer Bohnet's great storytelling standard.
In short: new beginnings and second chances
Thanks to the publisher
May 9, 2025
When Agnes gets a call from her brother-in-law, Theo letting her know that her husband Oscar, whom she’s been separated from for many many years has died from an accident, she is relieved. Agnes and her daughter Francine and granddaughter Jasmine head to the Riviera to handle Oscar’s estate. Things aren’t as simple as they thought they were going to be, and the three women have to stay to close up Oscar‘s estate.
All in all, this is a lovely story about family, friendship and never-ending love. This other stories always make me smile and they’re always in fabulous locations.
This author always writes a really good book. This is a great summary. I really enjoyed it; I always look forward to her books and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.
All in all, this is a lovely story about family, friendship and never-ending love. This other stories always make me smile and they’re always in fabulous locations.
This author always writes a really good book. This is a great summary. I really enjoyed it; I always look forward to her books and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.
April 21, 2025
This is a touching and fast-paced story that explores the lives of three generations of women bound by love, loss, and long-held secrets. I really enjoyed how the author switched perspectives between Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine—it gave the narrative a rich emotional core. The themes of healing and reconciliation were thoughtfully done, though I would have loved a bit more detail about the setting and emotional depth in key moments. Still, this was a moving, character-driven story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Perfect for fans of multi-generational family fiction with heart.
_____
Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
_____
Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2025
A summer reading delight!
Another brilliant easy read by Jennifer Bohnet. The characters all fun and friendly despite the trauma that they have experienced. The plot though fairly predictable is written with some intrigue and the reader gets fed little by little to keep it entertaining.
The author often writes about the towns of Cannes, Antibes and Juan les Pins, and knowing them well myself adds to my enjoyment as I picture the exact locations and areas from the descriptions, however anyone will fall in love with the area from the way it is described by Bohnet!
A vey pleasurable way to spend an afternoon reading!
Another brilliant easy read by Jennifer Bohnet. The characters all fun and friendly despite the trauma that they have experienced. The plot though fairly predictable is written with some intrigue and the reader gets fed little by little to keep it entertaining.
The author often writes about the towns of Cannes, Antibes and Juan les Pins, and knowing them well myself adds to my enjoyment as I picture the exact locations and areas from the descriptions, however anyone will fall in love with the area from the way it is described by Bohnet!
A vey pleasurable way to spend an afternoon reading!
September 1, 2025
Loved it.
It was hard to put down. It was a great story, albeit a bit sad in places. Wasted years, but it turned out well. Some secrets were easy to guess ahead of revealing them. The characters were good, one little annoyance for me was Jasmine being shortened to Zazz which didn’t really fit. Didn’t make sense why Oscar hadn’t used a strand of Francine’s hair years ago for DNA testing. I shall look for more books by this author, although the two I’ve read, both had abusive husbands who were very vindictive. I do like her epilogues though as she updates on everyone. Happy reading.
It was hard to put down. It was a great story, albeit a bit sad in places. Wasted years, but it turned out well. Some secrets were easy to guess ahead of revealing them. The characters were good, one little annoyance for me was Jasmine being shortened to Zazz which didn’t really fit. Didn’t make sense why Oscar hadn’t used a strand of Francine’s hair years ago for DNA testing. I shall look for more books by this author, although the two I’ve read, both had abusive husbands who were very vindictive. I do like her epilogues though as she updates on everyone. Happy reading.
April 13, 2025
If this is your first book by this fabulous author, I’m confident that it won’t be your last, as it has everything that a reader could hope for and delivers by the lorry load.
Agnes Agistini escaped from her abusive, controlling husband and loveless marriage when her daughter was still very young, and so she is horrified to learn that he has died and that she, her daughter, and her granddaughter are all mentioned in his will. However, they all need to return to the Riviera to receive their bequests.
Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside her daughter Francine and her granddaughter Jasmine. They each have reasons for feeling trepidation at the thought of returning but maintain their focus on the task at hand. What nobody could have imagined is the fallout from Jasmine’s confession or the shockwaves from learning about Agnes and Theo.
I loved all of the characters in this book but felt most drawn to Agnes and Theo. Their friendship had survived some painful challenges, and his support had given Agnes the strength to start over once she moved to the UK.
I found particular comfort in learning that Francine and her husband had forged a solid and lasting marriage. Despite this, I did expect a twist to appear and impact their happy ending. Meanwhile, granddaughter Jasmine or Zazz as she preferred, was a wildcard, and I certainly didn’t know what to expect from her. However, I did know better than to doubt Jennie’s excellent writing skills.
As usual, I was completely absorbed in this story of broken hearts and the impacts of toxic relationships. I can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Cannes; just remember to fasten your seatbelt.
Agnes Agistini escaped from her abusive, controlling husband and loveless marriage when her daughter was still very young, and so she is horrified to learn that he has died and that she, her daughter, and her granddaughter are all mentioned in his will. However, they all need to return to the Riviera to receive their bequests.
Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside her daughter Francine and her granddaughter Jasmine. They each have reasons for feeling trepidation at the thought of returning but maintain their focus on the task at hand. What nobody could have imagined is the fallout from Jasmine’s confession or the shockwaves from learning about Agnes and Theo.
I loved all of the characters in this book but felt most drawn to Agnes and Theo. Their friendship had survived some painful challenges, and his support had given Agnes the strength to start over once she moved to the UK.
I found particular comfort in learning that Francine and her husband had forged a solid and lasting marriage. Despite this, I did expect a twist to appear and impact their happy ending. Meanwhile, granddaughter Jasmine or Zazz as she preferred, was a wildcard, and I certainly didn’t know what to expect from her. However, I did know better than to doubt Jennie’s excellent writing skills.
As usual, I was completely absorbed in this story of broken hearts and the impacts of toxic relationships. I can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Cannes; just remember to fasten your seatbelt.
April 19, 2025
When Agnes Agostini receives a call from Theo, her ex-husband's brother, that he has died in an accident, she is initially relieved. At the request of her ex's notaire, she travels to Cannes, France, to deal with his will and affairs. She is relieved at first, but then finds that he has a lot of secrets he's been hiding. This story was told from three perspectives: Agnes, her daughter Frances, and her granddaughter Jasmine, who goes by Zazz.
It was an interesting story told from the perspectives of the 3 women as they dealt with the repercussions of Oscar's death. It was a great story of second chances, moving on, and reconnecting with family and friends. I enjoyed immersing myself in the descriptive language that drew us into the Riviera and each woman's personal journeys after their loss.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @rachelsrandomresources, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
It was an interesting story told from the perspectives of the 3 women as they dealt with the repercussions of Oscar's death. It was a great story of second chances, moving on, and reconnecting with family and friends. I enjoyed immersing myself in the descriptive language that drew us into the Riviera and each woman's personal journeys after their loss.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @rachelsrandomresources, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
April 27, 2025
A warm read of 3 generational woman and the impact that one man made in their life. There's a lot of emotional dealings in this book and as each secret is revealed, one other characters are impacted. The setting was beautiful, the supporting men were pretty amazing and the writing was engaging. What did not work for me was the emotional fallout was glazed over a bit.
#SecretsBeneathaRivieraSky #NetGalley
#SecretsBeneathaRivieraSky #NetGalley
July 24, 2025
Sweet Book
Author Jennifer Bohnet has written a beautiful book. It starts with a mean husband who just died, and his family reluctantly gather in Cannes to hear about his will. This evil guy leaves money to his relatives, except for his ex-wife. That’s not the main storyline, tho. People finding true love is. You know I love happy endings, so this was right up my alley. Highly recommend reading!
Author Jennifer Bohnet has written a beautiful book. It starts with a mean husband who just died, and his family reluctantly gather in Cannes to hear about his will. This evil guy leaves money to his relatives, except for his ex-wife. That’s not the main storyline, tho. People finding true love is. You know I love happy endings, so this was right up my alley. Highly recommend reading!
July 26, 2025
Delightful!!??
Dysfunctional families are very common in this day and age. However, the reasons they become that way are many times unknown. The dynamics of this story tell how things happened, and by what cause. I enjoy the Bonnet Books, especially those that take place in the South of France.
Dysfunctional families are very common in this day and age. However, the reasons they become that way are many times unknown. The dynamics of this story tell how things happened, and by what cause. I enjoy the Bonnet Books, especially those that take place in the South of France.
July 29, 2025
Agnes receives a phone call from Theo, her ex-husband’s brother, who lives in the south of France: Oscar passed away. Regarding his will, the lawyer needs Agnes to travel to Cannes with her daughter Francine and grand-daughter Jasmine.
A family food of secrets and second chances.
I love the author’s description of the region, the food, wine and the people. I went to Cannes with my sister just after I graduated law school and we loved it!
A family food of secrets and second chances.
I love the author’s description of the region, the food, wine and the people. I went to Cannes with my sister just after I graduated law school and we loved it!
Want to read
September 28, 2025What a wonderful book! It has a unique and interesting plot and is exceptionally well written.
The story is about emotional and physical suffering, loss, strength, forgiveness, and love.
Characters:
- Hanwell, female firefighter/EMT medic whose mother left her and her father for another man on Cassie’s 16th birthday. Years later, Cassie moves to Massachusetts to help get estranged mother;
- Rookie, a young firefighter who begins at a small town fire department the same day Cassie does.
The story is about emotional and physical suffering, loss, strength, forgiveness, and love.
Characters:
- Hanwell, female firefighter/EMT medic whose mother left her and her father for another man on Cassie’s 16th birthday. Years later, Cassie moves to Massachusetts to help get estranged mother;
- Rookie, a young firefighter who begins at a small town fire department the same day Cassie does.
February 11, 2025
I’m biased... as Serbian publisher of Jennifer Bohnet... :) But what a pleasure I’ve felt while reading this book... Family secrets... Cannes... French Riviera... another page-turner... true pleasure...
April 16, 2025
An entertaining emotional journey with three very different women, who on returning to the Rivera, finds that it brings some unexpected changes to their lives.
So many secrets are discovered throughout this wonderful book which kept this story so scintillating and fast paced.
Gorgeous settings too that had me hankering for a trip to the South of France.
Oscar’s vengeance from the grave brought many dramatic moments and it was interesting to see how the women that it affected dealt with the results of his revelations.
Another fantastic family drama book, with characters that you care about and who you want to see achieve a happy ending.
So many secrets are discovered throughout this wonderful book which kept this story so scintillating and fast paced.
Gorgeous settings too that had me hankering for a trip to the South of France.
Oscar’s vengeance from the grave brought many dramatic moments and it was interesting to see how the women that it affected dealt with the results of his revelations.
Another fantastic family drama book, with characters that you care about and who you want to see achieve a happy ending.
July 21, 2025
so french and enjoyable
I love this area of France and it brought some much to life for me. Knowing how complicate french inheritance laws are it added some intriguing complications to a fascinating story.
I love this area of France and it brought some much to life for me. Knowing how complicate french inheritance laws are it added some intriguing complications to a fascinating story.
August 29, 2025
Sweet but predictable
I found this novel to be sweet but predictable. I enjoyed reading it but did find myself getting a little distracted and ready for it to end. It is still a good read
I found this novel to be sweet but predictable. I enjoyed reading it but did find myself getting a little distracted and ready for it to end. It is still a good read
September 11, 2025
This was a lovely escape for a summer read with its regrets for the past and how life's twists and turns bring us to places we never would have imagined. And then it happens to turn out when least expected! Charming writing, a nice diversion!
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