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The French Guesthouse
Sometimes the only way to rebuild is to face the past you tried to escape...
On the night Fliss loses everything - her beloved hotel ravaged by fire and fiancé exposed as a cheat - she receives devastating her estranged mother has died. They hadn't spoken in fifteen years and Fliss has stayed away for her own self-preservation.
Summoned to a dilapidated guesthouse in France for the reading of the will, Fliss is stunned to discover she has been left all her mother's possessions. But the inheritance comes at a price - both literal and emotional. Sharing the house is Etienne, her mother's grief-stricken, wine-soaked partner, and his guarded yet magnetic nephew, Benoit.
As Fliss begins restoring the guesthouse, she unearths long-buried secrets about her mother, their past and the true cost of her long absence. But to move forward, cure her guilt and claim the love and happiness she's never thought she deserves, Fliss must first reckon with the hardest question of can she forgive?
A deeply poignant, richly compelling novel of complex relationships, generational trauma and our capacity to forgive, from the acclaimed author of The Summer Trip.
On the night Fliss loses everything - her beloved hotel ravaged by fire and fiancé exposed as a cheat - she receives devastating her estranged mother has died. They hadn't spoken in fifteen years and Fliss has stayed away for her own self-preservation.
Summoned to a dilapidated guesthouse in France for the reading of the will, Fliss is stunned to discover she has been left all her mother's possessions. But the inheritance comes at a price - both literal and emotional. Sharing the house is Etienne, her mother's grief-stricken, wine-soaked partner, and his guarded yet magnetic nephew, Benoit.
As Fliss begins restoring the guesthouse, she unearths long-buried secrets about her mother, their past and the true cost of her long absence. But to move forward, cure her guilt and claim the love and happiness she's never thought she deserves, Fliss must first reckon with the hardest question of can she forgive?
A deeply poignant, richly compelling novel of complex relationships, generational trauma and our capacity to forgive, from the acclaimed author of The Summer Trip.
- GenresFiction
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
About the author
Isabelle Broom
20 books465 followersIsabelle Broom also writes as Izzy Broom. She is the award-winning author of 13 novels and is published in 14 overseas territories. Having left heat magazine in 2018, where she’d spent over five years as book reviews editor, she began writing full-time alongside continued freelance work. She lives in Suffolk, surrounded by books, family, unruly dogs, and a rooster from the farm next door, which has inexplicably fallen in love with her. Her latest novel, The House Of Hidden Letters (published under the name Izzy Broom) is out now.
You can follow Izzy on Instagram/Threads @Isabelle_Broom or find her on Facebook under Isabelle Broom Author.
You can follow Izzy on Instagram/Threads @Isabelle_Broom or find her on Facebook under Isabelle Broom Author.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 8, 2025
Isabelle Broom is one of my go to Authors and always delivers in taking you to magical destinations.
Fliss gets the news her estranged mother has passed away and has to go to the house, I immediately felt transported to France, beautiful descriptions.
A wonderful story which I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the guesthouse full of interesting characters.
If you need a perfect escapism read then this is for you!
A pleasure to read and review thank you for giving me the opportunity.
Fliss gets the news her estranged mother has passed away and has to go to the house, I immediately felt transported to France, beautiful descriptions.
A wonderful story which I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the guesthouse full of interesting characters.
If you need a perfect escapism read then this is for you!
A pleasure to read and review thank you for giving me the opportunity.
March 1, 2026
Great choice Ellie thank you!! Very easy & lovely read. Slow paced too which I actually really enjoyed. Makes me want to go back to France asap & frolic & meet my lover
November 10, 2025
Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for the opportunity to read a digital proof copy of The French Guesthouse by one of my favourite authors, Isabelle Broom.
I’ve enjoyed escaping the autumn UK weather to travel virtually to France, to spend time with Fliss, Benoit, Etienna and their four legged visitor, Madame. Fliss had spent years estranged from her mum but now has to deal with the secrets she left behind. Will knowing why her mother had an addiction to alcohol help?
The story is an emotional roller coaster ride as Fliss deals with her past, present and future over just a few months. A beautifully written book that will have you craving a holiday in France.
I’ve enjoyed escaping the autumn UK weather to travel virtually to France, to spend time with Fliss, Benoit, Etienna and their four legged visitor, Madame. Fliss had spent years estranged from her mum but now has to deal with the secrets she left behind. Will knowing why her mother had an addiction to alcohol help?
The story is an emotional roller coaster ride as Fliss deals with her past, present and future over just a few months. A beautifully written book that will have you craving a holiday in France.
January 28, 2026
Beautiful story & didn’t guess the twist
October 28, 2025
A gorgeous story mof family, hope and new beginnings set against the backdrop of the beautiful French countryside. Meet Fliss, who in one night loses everything. The hotel she sunk her life savings into is ravaged by fire, she finds her fiance has been cheating on her and her estranged mother has passed away. She hadn’t spoken to her mother since she was 18 but it’s still a shock. She’s summoned to France for the reading of the will and finds she’s been left all her mother’s possessions, but it seems her inheritance comes at a price. Beautifully written, this novel will stay with you long after you turn the lady page. Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
January 10, 2026
A beautiful book including themes of love, loss, addiction and a life journey for almost all of the characters.
This was a lovely read that in the moments of non reading made you think about the story and the characters.
I’d also like a Mille feiulle at this moment in time!!
This was a lovely read that in the moments of non reading made you think about the story and the characters.
I’d also like a Mille feiulle at this moment in time!!
November 14, 2025
Couldn’t put it down, loved it. This is exactly what a Broomie book should be!
February 25, 2026
I really felt for Fliss, what an opening to the book she has. Her hotel being set alight, discovering the cause of that involves her fiancée cheating, and then hearing that her mother has died all at the same time.
Now Fliss hasn't been in contact with her mother for many years with good reason, as you discover when you learns more about her, but regardless as per instructions she sets off to France for the will reading, and discovers she has inherited a property.
Just that she has to share it with Benoit, and Benoit's uncle is a sitting tenant. Etienne is heartbroken over the death of Fliss's mum, and Fliss initially struggled with Etienne, and the idea she may need to stay in France for a while to get this property saleable.
What follows is a story of Fliss learning more than she ever knew about her mother, which included the heart breaking truths of just why Lilah was like she was. And Fliss needs to learn to come to terms with so much, all the while fighting attraction for Benoit, while she is still engaged to a scumbag (not that she quite sees it like that).
I really enjoyed getting to know all of these characters and their back stories so much. I did at times struggle with Fliss, but ultimately did like her in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the town in France, in addition to the people that are helping on the house.
There are some lovely characters, and this was a highly enjoyable book.
Thank you to Hodder and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Now Fliss hasn't been in contact with her mother for many years with good reason, as you discover when you learns more about her, but regardless as per instructions she sets off to France for the will reading, and discovers she has inherited a property.
Just that she has to share it with Benoit, and Benoit's uncle is a sitting tenant. Etienne is heartbroken over the death of Fliss's mum, and Fliss initially struggled with Etienne, and the idea she may need to stay in France for a while to get this property saleable.
What follows is a story of Fliss learning more than she ever knew about her mother, which included the heart breaking truths of just why Lilah was like she was. And Fliss needs to learn to come to terms with so much, all the while fighting attraction for Benoit, while she is still engaged to a scumbag (not that she quite sees it like that).
I really enjoyed getting to know all of these characters and their back stories so much. I did at times struggle with Fliss, but ultimately did like her in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the town in France, in addition to the people that are helping on the house.
There are some lovely characters, and this was a highly enjoyable book.
Thank you to Hodder and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 6, 2025
I really wanted to like this book as I am a big fan of Broom's but sadly for me there was something missing from this that meant I did not enjoy it as much. As the title suggests this is set in France and Broom, as always, paints a glorious picture of French rural life. I could imagine myself there but did I wish I was in Greece where Broom's books usually are? Well yes I did.
The plot is okay, there are some different elements to it, although some plot points are very obvious. For me, the biggest issue was Fliss. I really could not warm to her. I found her to be an unsympathetic character and there was something about her that I could not gel with. Other characters were good but as Fliss is the main character she set the tone for me.
Broom writes about some very sensitive, difficult topics throughout this and does so sensitively.
I only wish I enjoyed this more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
The plot is okay, there are some different elements to it, although some plot points are very obvious. For me, the biggest issue was Fliss. I really could not warm to her. I found her to be an unsympathetic character and there was something about her that I could not gel with. Other characters were good but as Fliss is the main character she set the tone for me.
Broom writes about some very sensitive, difficult topics throughout this and does so sensitively.
I only wish I enjoyed this more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
November 12, 2025
Rich in language and beautiful language this book rewards with every page.
The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, surprises and wisdom.
Felicity works too hard at her boutique hotel with her fiancé in London when one night a fire breaks out which exposes her cheating boyfriend for his weakness and addictions. When she receives news of her estranged mother from France there is no option but to go to France whilst her hotel is being fixed up. Although Fliss fights against her past, the future is beginning to grow.
My first Isabelle Broom book was a joy to read. The use of language unusual and rich, the characters full of magic and life. Much appreciated and will follow for more!! This is a book to get immersed in and such a page turner as so eager to find out what happens next.
Exquisite and wise, beautiful and heartfelt, and above all hugely enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder for the early read, I spent too long deliberating and savouring every page!
The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, surprises and wisdom.
Felicity works too hard at her boutique hotel with her fiancé in London when one night a fire breaks out which exposes her cheating boyfriend for his weakness and addictions. When she receives news of her estranged mother from France there is no option but to go to France whilst her hotel is being fixed up. Although Fliss fights against her past, the future is beginning to grow.
My first Isabelle Broom book was a joy to read. The use of language unusual and rich, the characters full of magic and life. Much appreciated and will follow for more!! This is a book to get immersed in and such a page turner as so eager to find out what happens next.
Exquisite and wise, beautiful and heartfelt, and above all hugely enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder for the early read, I spent too long deliberating and savouring every page!
January 20, 2026
This book is a stunning combination of contemporary fiction, domestic drama and romance with an underlying hint of mystery throughout. The first line hooked me and the chapters following kept me there until the very end, transporting me to a beautiful French landscape and a dilapidated guesthouse.
This is a character driven novel with an emotional journey at its heart, not just for the main characters but those around them too. It has an atmospheric setting and a focus on grief, forgiveness, growth and second chances.
There's humour, warmth, angst and heartbreak, and, of course, Madame, the dog. It's an escapist and immersive read, dealing with some very delicate topics and themes at times but bringing in enough setting and light-hearted moments to soften the edges.
If you enjoy destination reads, where the emotional landscape is as rich as the physical one this novel delivers a comforting and engaging journey.
This is a character driven novel with an emotional journey at its heart, not just for the main characters but those around them too. It has an atmospheric setting and a focus on grief, forgiveness, growth and second chances.
There's humour, warmth, angst and heartbreak, and, of course, Madame, the dog. It's an escapist and immersive read, dealing with some very delicate topics and themes at times but bringing in enough setting and light-hearted moments to soften the edges.
If you enjoy destination reads, where the emotional landscape is as rich as the physical one this novel delivers a comforting and engaging journey.
October 21, 2025
The French Guesthouse is a gentle romance, set in rural France. Isabelle Broom evocative descriptions transport readers to Libourne, complete with its quintessentially French charming buildings and town square.
The story follows Felicity, who heads over to France after learning of her estranged mum's death. The author deals with alcoholism and grief in such a sensitive manner, as Felicity learns more about her mother and uncovers family truths from the past.
I was really excited to read this after reading some of her other novels, but despite some really relatable and loveable characters it didn't quite captivate me to the same extent. Many thanks to Isabelle Broom, her publishers and Netgalley for the chance to review.
The story follows Felicity, who heads over to France after learning of her estranged mum's death. The author deals with alcoholism and grief in such a sensitive manner, as Felicity learns more about her mother and uncovers family truths from the past.
I was really excited to read this after reading some of her other novels, but despite some really relatable and loveable characters it didn't quite captivate me to the same extent. Many thanks to Isabelle Broom, her publishers and Netgalley for the chance to review.
December 31, 2025
I may be being a bit harsh on this book with my score. I did enjoy it but I just didn't somehow bond with the characters and I felt that some of their actions and reactions were a little out of character.
That said, the overall plot against the background of dealing with issues of alcoholism and being set in France did make it quite an alternative take on romantic literature.
That said, the overall plot against the background of dealing with issues of alcoholism and being set in France did make it quite an alternative take on romantic literature.
October 19, 2025
A wonderful novel set in France. A romantic read full of past secrets and ones which will shape Fliss’ future. A real page turner for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. It was a real delight.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. It was a real delight.
March 19, 2026
Escape to France
Isabelle Broom is a magician with words. She lyrically plays with her images and characters. I love anything she writes from short stories to the pictures she paints for us in the guesthouse.
Can’t wait for the next one…please. 🙏
Isabelle Broom is a magician with words. She lyrically plays with her images and characters. I love anything she writes from short stories to the pictures she paints for us in the guesthouse.
Can’t wait for the next one…please. 🙏
December 16, 2025
This was an ok book, not my usual read so probably why I didn’t enjoy it a much as others,
April 9, 2026
The title of this book was captivating but unfortunately the book itself was not. I found it quite difficult to get a feel for the characters as lot of them lacked personality.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews