What do you think?
Rate this book
Road Trip to the Riviera
An utterly escapist story about a journey to remember through the French countryside, from the bestselling author of
The Bordeaux Book Club
.
When Sarah breaks her leg, her only thought is how on earth she'll get to the south of France for her beloved son's wedding. She's been told not to fly, and the train route involves many changes – not ideal when you can barely walk.
There's only one person she can turn to. Her son's father, Hal. The pair were teenage sweethearts when Sarah fell pregnant, and he's always been in his son's life. Only his parenting style is more 'fun uncle' than serious dad; all the 'proper parenting' has been left to Sarah. He's oblivious. She's furious.
But she's out of options. And Hal is happy to drive her, with one they're taking the scenic route, in his battered VW camper van.
Now, two people – whose lives have only been intertwined through their child for more than twenty years – are about to find out there is far more of a journey ahead for them than either could possibly anticipate…
An unmissable story, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Veronica Henry and Faith Hogan
When Sarah breaks her leg, her only thought is how on earth she'll get to the south of France for her beloved son's wedding. She's been told not to fly, and the train route involves many changes – not ideal when you can barely walk.
There's only one person she can turn to. Her son's father, Hal. The pair were teenage sweethearts when Sarah fell pregnant, and he's always been in his son's life. Only his parenting style is more 'fun uncle' than serious dad; all the 'proper parenting' has been left to Sarah. He's oblivious. She's furious.
But she's out of options. And Hal is happy to drive her, with one they're taking the scenic route, in his battered VW camper van.
Now, two people – whose lives have only been intertwined through their child for more than twenty years – are about to find out there is far more of a journey ahead for them than either could possibly anticipate…
An unmissable story, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Veronica Henry and Faith Hogan
- GenresRomanceContemporary
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Gillian Harvey
23 books351 followersI'm a British author and freelance writer, currently living in Norfolk, England with my husband and 5 children. I write contemporary, uplifting and emotive fiction, often set in France where I lived for 14 years.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 2, 2026
Twenty years ago, Sarah and Hal had a relationship which ended with her getting pregnant and having a son. They decided that they wouldn't marry, as they were too young, and Sarah raised Louis with help from her mother. Hal was around when Louis grew up, but was more like the fun uncle, not doing any of the day to day child rearing, but he totally oblivious to that as Sarah never told him how she felt. Now Louis is getting married in the south of France, and Sarah has broken her leg. How will she get to France. She is told she can't drive and a train would be too many changes, so, she calls Hal. Hal is happy to drive her, with one stipulation, they're taking the scenic route, in his battered VW camper van, Betty. Although they have been in each others lives for over twenty years, they have not spent time in close proximity. Will the journey ahead help heal the rift and anger that Sarah feels toward Hal? Will they make it to the wedding in time?
This was such a fun story. Proximity and Second Chance romance are two of my favourite tropes. I enjoyed getting to know both Sarah and Hal. They had some humorous moments on their trip but also some scary ones. I loved that Hal loved Betty so much. They has spent a lot of time together and had many miles under their belt. It was great to see Sarah begin to like Betty. Hal had planned some fun things for them to do together on their trip and some were hilarious, others not so much. Once they arrive, and they do get there in time, some things are resolved and suddenly Hal and Sarah see each other in another light, and realize that there was more involved in their breakup than they had originally believed. I enjoyed this story of family, forgiveness, reconciliation, and secrets. If you enjoy a good second chance romance, a story of reconciliation, then you should pick up Road Trip to the Riviera.
This was such a fun story. Proximity and Second Chance romance are two of my favourite tropes. I enjoyed getting to know both Sarah and Hal. They had some humorous moments on their trip but also some scary ones. I loved that Hal loved Betty so much. They has spent a lot of time together and had many miles under their belt. It was great to see Sarah begin to like Betty. Hal had planned some fun things for them to do together on their trip and some were hilarious, others not so much. Once they arrive, and they do get there in time, some things are resolved and suddenly Hal and Sarah see each other in another light, and realize that there was more involved in their breakup than they had originally believed. I enjoyed this story of family, forgiveness, reconciliation, and secrets. If you enjoy a good second chance romance, a story of reconciliation, then you should pick up Road Trip to the Riviera.
July 26, 2026
Free courtesy of Netgalley
Another new author to add to my must read file. I really enjoyed this book, it was right up my street, with middle aged people, travelling through France in a campervan, what's not to like.
Sarah's son is getting married at her mother's home in the riviera but Sarah has a huge issue, she has broken her leg and cannot fly. She looks at her options of getting there and dismisses going by train as she wouldn't be able to manage alone. The only thing she can think of to do is reach out to her ex-boyfriend Hal, who is her son's dad, and ask if he can give her a lift in his campervan.
Hal has organised a full holiday in his campervan, before getting to his son's wedding. He has booked all the campsites along the way and has an itinerary of activities to do at each stop. After his call with Sarah, will he have to change is plans, as she is a direct, scary kind of person, who wouldn't approve of his laid back plans.
After getting pregnant at 17, both Hal and Sarah deal with raising a baby and what involvement Hal will have in his life. Sarah has a difficult relationship with her mother, who is keen to keep them apart. Can they find a way to be on the road together, after a lifetime of just exchanges on the doorstep as they split the custody of their son.
I really enjoyed the book, the characters were well written, and you really felt you were travelling along with them through France. This is a good book to have on your TBR summer pile.
Another new author to add to my must read file. I really enjoyed this book, it was right up my street, with middle aged people, travelling through France in a campervan, what's not to like.
Sarah's son is getting married at her mother's home in the riviera but Sarah has a huge issue, she has broken her leg and cannot fly. She looks at her options of getting there and dismisses going by train as she wouldn't be able to manage alone. The only thing she can think of to do is reach out to her ex-boyfriend Hal, who is her son's dad, and ask if he can give her a lift in his campervan.
Hal has organised a full holiday in his campervan, before getting to his son's wedding. He has booked all the campsites along the way and has an itinerary of activities to do at each stop. After his call with Sarah, will he have to change is plans, as she is a direct, scary kind of person, who wouldn't approve of his laid back plans.
After getting pregnant at 17, both Hal and Sarah deal with raising a baby and what involvement Hal will have in his life. Sarah has a difficult relationship with her mother, who is keen to keep them apart. Can they find a way to be on the road together, after a lifetime of just exchanges on the doorstep as they split the custody of their son.
I really enjoyed the book, the characters were well written, and you really felt you were travelling along with them through France. This is a good book to have on your TBR summer pile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey is a soon-to-be-released contemporary fiction. Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley, for the review copy! I read the blurb and thought it would be an interesting read, and I’m happy to report, I was not disappointed!
The first thing I noticed when I began reading was the casual conversational style of writing that made reading that much easier. The blurb is descriptive enough, and I would recommend you read the book for the exciting details. I would not dream of robbing you, the reader, of the pleasure of getting to know both Hal and Sarah.
Road Trip to the Riviera is a well-paced and entertaining read. The story is not your regular sugary romance. The characters of Hal and Sarah are mature, and they are relatable as real-life people who, being estranged, have faced the challenge of bringing up a child between them. And then when they decide to go to the wedding together, it’s not the usual sparks-flying-in-an-instant scenario. The warmth and the forgotten love take time to build up as the plot progresses, and it is such an inquisitive pleasure to find out what happens next, which rarely happens in a romance. There are no expectations set right at the beginning from either of the characters that this situation has anything to do with rekindling an old romance. The story allows for the romance, or the realisation, rather, to grow organically, and that makes this book a unique read.
This book is not just about the romance. It is also about the relationship between Hal and Betty, his battered VW, Vivian’s relationship with them, and the lovable connection they have with their son, Louis. The book portrays them as concerned parents and their inhibitions thereof. As a parent myself, I found certain lines to resonate, like this one here:
“The only reason we feel crap is because we want to do our best so much. But nobody’s perfect. Our boy is loved. He’s in love. He’s building his own family. You know what, I think we did OK.”
I’m a fan of the authors’ writing. It’s a welcome break from the regular chatter, and I especially loved the way she developed her characters and situations to put them in. This is my first time reading the author’s work, and I can’t believe I read it in one go, all in one day! I haven’t done that in a long time.
I love travel-related romances and hence picked this book, but I did not expect Road Trip to the Riviera to exceed my expectations.
Highly recommended.
The first thing I noticed when I began reading was the casual conversational style of writing that made reading that much easier. The blurb is descriptive enough, and I would recommend you read the book for the exciting details. I would not dream of robbing you, the reader, of the pleasure of getting to know both Hal and Sarah.
Road Trip to the Riviera is a well-paced and entertaining read. The story is not your regular sugary romance. The characters of Hal and Sarah are mature, and they are relatable as real-life people who, being estranged, have faced the challenge of bringing up a child between them. And then when they decide to go to the wedding together, it’s not the usual sparks-flying-in-an-instant scenario. The warmth and the forgotten love take time to build up as the plot progresses, and it is such an inquisitive pleasure to find out what happens next, which rarely happens in a romance. There are no expectations set right at the beginning from either of the characters that this situation has anything to do with rekindling an old romance. The story allows for the romance, or the realisation, rather, to grow organically, and that makes this book a unique read.
This book is not just about the romance. It is also about the relationship between Hal and Betty, his battered VW, Vivian’s relationship with them, and the lovable connection they have with their son, Louis. The book portrays them as concerned parents and their inhibitions thereof. As a parent myself, I found certain lines to resonate, like this one here:
“The only reason we feel crap is because we want to do our best so much. But nobody’s perfect. Our boy is loved. He’s in love. He’s building his own family. You know what, I think we did OK.”
I’m a fan of the authors’ writing. It’s a welcome break from the regular chatter, and I especially loved the way she developed her characters and situations to put them in. This is my first time reading the author’s work, and I can’t believe I read it in one go, all in one day! I haven’t done that in a long time.
I love travel-related romances and hence picked this book, but I did not expect Road Trip to the Riviera to exceed my expectations.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed Gillian Harvey’s latest book. Like many of her books it’s set in France, and this time the main characters, Sarah & Hal, are on a road trip.
Sarah & Hal were childhood sweethearts; although they’re no longer together they keep in touch because they share parenting of their son Louis. It seems impossible that Louis is now 22 & about to get married at his grandmother’s home near Nice. Sarah has just broken her leg in an accident & it is now in a boot. This means she cannot fly to Nice as planned, so she asks Hal for a lift. He agrees, but he’s travelling in Betty, his elderly but much loved & restored camper van, & has planned a road trip through France. Sarah is glad of the lift but is unsure about the road trip - but it turns out to be more fun than she expected & Hal does a (mostly) good job of taking care of her on the road. Spending all this time together rekindles their friendship & reminds them both of why they were attracted in the first place. In addition, Sarah is eventually brave enough to confront her mother about some past issues & there is the beginning of healing & understanding between them over some past experiences.
Set in the summer sunshine of the South of France, this is a delightful story of family, healing, love & second chances, that also tackles some strong family issues. It’s a great read, with some fun along the way. I recommend this as a great summer read.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for an arc of this book. I have reviewed this voluntarily & all opinions are my own.
Sarah & Hal were childhood sweethearts; although they’re no longer together they keep in touch because they share parenting of their son Louis. It seems impossible that Louis is now 22 & about to get married at his grandmother’s home near Nice. Sarah has just broken her leg in an accident & it is now in a boot. This means she cannot fly to Nice as planned, so she asks Hal for a lift. He agrees, but he’s travelling in Betty, his elderly but much loved & restored camper van, & has planned a road trip through France. Sarah is glad of the lift but is unsure about the road trip - but it turns out to be more fun than she expected & Hal does a (mostly) good job of taking care of her on the road. Spending all this time together rekindles their friendship & reminds them both of why they were attracted in the first place. In addition, Sarah is eventually brave enough to confront her mother about some past issues & there is the beginning of healing & understanding between them over some past experiences.
Set in the summer sunshine of the South of France, this is a delightful story of family, healing, love & second chances, that also tackles some strong family issues. It’s a great read, with some fun along the way. I recommend this as a great summer read.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for an arc of this book. I have reviewed this voluntarily & all opinions are my own.
May 31, 2026
Throw together two former teenage sweethearts now approaching 40, confine them to a camper van and let the sparks fly!
Road Trip to the Riveria is the perfect beach read. Sarah needs to get to the French Riveria for her son’s wedding, but she’s broken her leg and can’t fly. Hal, her son’s father, is taking his sweet time getting to the wedding, meandering across France in his usual laid-back style, in his beloved wreck of a camper van, Betty.
This is a really fun and funny premise to set up this lovely story. Books are described as laugh-out-loud all the time, but it really takes a lot to make me laugh out loud and it happened repeatedly with this book. There are hilarious scenes featuring an emergency pee involving a coffee cup, the loss of swimming shorts at a public pool and the funniest of all, picking up a backpacker on the trip who sits in the back of the camper van, head pushed between Sarah and Hal like a labrador!
But what really struck me about the story was the main characters. Sarah and Hal are completely relatable. Sarah has spent twenty years co-parenting with Hal, so is aware of his many foibles. Gillian Harvey really captures the difference between how men approach issues versus how women approach them, and it leads to some great sparring between the two characters. The point of view of each chapter changes between Hal and Sarah, so you get their wildly differing perspectives on the same situations. I really enjoyed Road Trip to the Riveria and highly recommend it as a fun, escapist but relatable summer read.
Road Trip to the Riveria is the perfect beach read. Sarah needs to get to the French Riveria for her son’s wedding, but she’s broken her leg and can’t fly. Hal, her son’s father, is taking his sweet time getting to the wedding, meandering across France in his usual laid-back style, in his beloved wreck of a camper van, Betty.
This is a really fun and funny premise to set up this lovely story. Books are described as laugh-out-loud all the time, but it really takes a lot to make me laugh out loud and it happened repeatedly with this book. There are hilarious scenes featuring an emergency pee involving a coffee cup, the loss of swimming shorts at a public pool and the funniest of all, picking up a backpacker on the trip who sits in the back of the camper van, head pushed between Sarah and Hal like a labrador!
But what really struck me about the story was the main characters. Sarah and Hal are completely relatable. Sarah has spent twenty years co-parenting with Hal, so is aware of his many foibles. Gillian Harvey really captures the difference between how men approach issues versus how women approach them, and it leads to some great sparring between the two characters. The point of view of each chapter changes between Hal and Sarah, so you get their wildly differing perspectives on the same situations. I really enjoyed Road Trip to the Riveria and highly recommend it as a fun, escapist but relatable summer read.
June 22, 2026
4.5* rounded to 5
Potential spoilers ahead
This was my first Gillian Harvey book and I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this met those expectations and more.
Sarah has broken her leg and needs to get to France for her son's wedding. She can't fly or take the train so her only option is to ask her son's father, Hal, for a ride. Sarah and Hal were high school sweethearts but fell pregnant at 17 with their son. They never married and Sarah was the primary caregiver for their son, with Hal described as "fun uncle, rather than serious dad figure."
Hal obliges but he had his VW camper van (Betty) packed and ready to go for a road trip so Sarah has no choice but to go along for the ride! :)
What ensues is a funny, touching examination of both of their lives, the role each has played in their son's lives and where they are now. I have two things in common with Sarah; I have a son (only child) and my dad passed away. There were moments throughout this (audio) book where I was brought to tears as Sarah reflected on her life, her life without her dad, her son's life and how it all goes by too fast. Honestly, I was so moved by certain parts of this book that I wish I could reach out and hug the characters.
The ending took a bit of detour that was probably not completely necessary (or safe or legal), but all in all, I thought this book was a gem.
Potential spoilers ahead
This was my first Gillian Harvey book and I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this met those expectations and more.
Sarah has broken her leg and needs to get to France for her son's wedding. She can't fly or take the train so her only option is to ask her son's father, Hal, for a ride. Sarah and Hal were high school sweethearts but fell pregnant at 17 with their son. They never married and Sarah was the primary caregiver for their son, with Hal described as "fun uncle, rather than serious dad figure."
Hal obliges but he had his VW camper van (Betty) packed and ready to go for a road trip so Sarah has no choice but to go along for the ride! :)
What ensues is a funny, touching examination of both of their lives, the role each has played in their son's lives and where they are now. I have two things in common with Sarah; I have a son (only child) and my dad passed away. There were moments throughout this (audio) book where I was brought to tears as Sarah reflected on her life, her life without her dad, her son's life and how it all goes by too fast. Honestly, I was so moved by certain parts of this book that I wish I could reach out and hug the characters.
The ending took a bit of detour that was probably not completely necessary (or safe or legal), but all in all, I thought this book was a gem.
June 30, 2026
In this second chance romance from Gillian Harvey, readers follow Sarah, with a recently broken leg, as she turns to her son’s father Hal for help getting to the south of France for their son’s wedding. Teenage sweethearts turned single separated parents, the two have not spent much time together and have vastly different parenting styles -- which has worn on Sarah. Stuck in a battered VW camper van, the two have to find a way to get along for their slow trip across France and see if they can resolve some of this lingering tension and miscommunication before their son’s wedding. Emotional and complex, readers will love the dual perspective in the novel because the alternating chapters show Sarah and Hal’s different perspectives on their relationship and parenting duties, while the emotional range of the story balances humor with deep conversations about parenting load and the impact of generational experiences and patterns. The characters are really well-written and complex, while their evolving dynamic and the various obstacles on their trip really engage readers with the story. Emotional, romantic, and entertaining, readers will love this new novel from Gillian Harvey and the characters’ growth over the course of the story and their road trip.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
May 29, 2026
Really fun read
I always enjoy a Gillian Harvey novel, they are full of wit and charm, this one is no different. This was a second chance romance that seemed unlikely at the start of the story. As seventeen year olds, Sarah and Hal became parents and as a result, their hopes and dreams changed overnight and they stopped being a couple. Sarah became a working Mum with help from her parents and Hal became a weekend Dad.
Twenty-two years later their son, Louis, has decided to get married in the South of France at his grandmother’s home. Hal plans to drive slowly through France in his beloved 1970s VW Camper van, stopping to visit interesting places en route. Sarah planned to fly down for the weekend, that was until she broke her leg and was forbidden to fly. As a last resort she asked Hal if she could travel with him, he explained his route and the timescale but said that he was happy to take her.
The trip didn’t get off to a good start, they hadn’t spent any real time together over the previous 22 years and it showed, but hopefully the trip would pass quickly and they could get to the wedding and then never need to spend any more time together. But things don’t always work out the way you think.
I always enjoy a Gillian Harvey novel, they are full of wit and charm, this one is no different. This was a second chance romance that seemed unlikely at the start of the story. As seventeen year olds, Sarah and Hal became parents and as a result, their hopes and dreams changed overnight and they stopped being a couple. Sarah became a working Mum with help from her parents and Hal became a weekend Dad.
Twenty-two years later their son, Louis, has decided to get married in the South of France at his grandmother’s home. Hal plans to drive slowly through France in his beloved 1970s VW Camper van, stopping to visit interesting places en route. Sarah planned to fly down for the weekend, that was until she broke her leg and was forbidden to fly. As a last resort she asked Hal if she could travel with him, he explained his route and the timescale but said that he was happy to take her.
The trip didn’t get off to a good start, they hadn’t spent any real time together over the previous 22 years and it showed, but hopefully the trip would pass quickly and they could get to the wedding and then never need to spend any more time together. But things don’t always work out the way you think.
June 3, 2026
Of course when you read the title of this book, you immediately imagine sun-drenched holidaymakers basking on recliner lounges taking in the views, but Road Trip To The Riviera offers readers a lot more. This book is all about relationships, starting with the one between Sarah and Hal that went off the rails when she fell pregnant with Louis when they were seventeen. Although that is central to this story, there is also the frought relationship between Sarah and her mother, and the relationships she and Hal have with Louis, now a 22 year-old man about to get married. I loved the forced proximity situation that Sarah and Hal have after she breaks her leg and asks him for a lift to Louis’ wedding in his elderly campervan. As the story opens it is clear that these two tolerate each other for their son’s sake but are definitely not eagerly anticipating ten days together travelling through France. There are some heartwarming moments along the way, many hilarious ones includingn the coffee cup affair (read the book and you’ll laugh too), but it is the way these two grow together again as their journey progresses, rediscivering the things they loved about each other as teenagers that makes this book feel special to me. It has been a heartwarmingly touching story and I loved it.
May 29, 2026
This was laugh out loud funny during the road trip and the misadventures Sarah and Hal experience. As they get nearer to their destination and at their destination, it became emotional. I had all the feels reading this one. Highly recommend.
It is told from both Hal’s and Sarah’s point of view which gives a richer experience in my opinion. Although they have a child together, they were just 17. Hal did his share of taking Louis on weekends, supporting financially when able and doing what was asked. Sarah was the primary caregiver. They are very different. He is happy go lucky and she is uptight and in control. The catalyst for the trip,is Louis’s wedding in the French Riviera at his Grandmother’s house. After a fall, Sarah has a broken leg and told not to fly. She knows Hal will be driving. Her only option is to ask Hal if she can join him. He has planned a meandering road trip which he refuses to change at her behest. Can these 2 manage to get along for the duration?
I received a digital advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. This book is expected to be released May 29, 2026.
It is told from both Hal’s and Sarah’s point of view which gives a richer experience in my opinion. Although they have a child together, they were just 17. Hal did his share of taking Louis on weekends, supporting financially when able and doing what was asked. Sarah was the primary caregiver. They are very different. He is happy go lucky and she is uptight and in control. The catalyst for the trip,is Louis’s wedding in the French Riviera at his Grandmother’s house. After a fall, Sarah has a broken leg and told not to fly. She knows Hal will be driving. Her only option is to ask Hal if she can join him. He has planned a meandering road trip which he refuses to change at her behest. Can these 2 manage to get along for the duration?
I received a digital advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. This book is expected to be released May 29, 2026.
June 1, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
This was sweet and funny and bittersweet. Until the very end I wasn’t sure how the book was going to end — there were two ways it could have gone and I think both would have been satisfying. My only complaint about the ending was that it was rather abrupt - I think just a little bit more (a few pages) would have rounded it out better.
This is a second chance romance (0 spice) but has a lot of family dynamics going on. All the relationships are complex : the FMC & MMC; the FMC and her mom; the MMC and the FMC’s mom; the MC’s son and both of them. And despite a comedy of errors along the way, it all came off as very believable. This would make a great movie - and could be played very funny or very serious. I could see it as. Hallmark movie but also as a more serious family drama.
The characters are well-developed. Even the side characters are well developed for the roles they play — the mom, the son, the daughter in law, the random people along the drive.
Highly recommend this as a vacation read - particularly if one is vacationing in France.
This was sweet and funny and bittersweet. Until the very end I wasn’t sure how the book was going to end — there were two ways it could have gone and I think both would have been satisfying. My only complaint about the ending was that it was rather abrupt - I think just a little bit more (a few pages) would have rounded it out better.
This is a second chance romance (0 spice) but has a lot of family dynamics going on. All the relationships are complex : the FMC & MMC; the FMC and her mom; the MMC and the FMC’s mom; the MC’s son and both of them. And despite a comedy of errors along the way, it all came off as very believable. This would make a great movie - and could be played very funny or very serious. I could see it as. Hallmark movie but also as a more serious family drama.
The characters are well-developed. Even the side characters are well developed for the roles they play — the mom, the son, the daughter in law, the random people along the drive.
Highly recommend this as a vacation read - particularly if one is vacationing in France.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love Hal and Sarah together!! Even though they have spent the last 22 years as barely friends, they are the proud parents to a wonderful young man, Louis, who will be getting married soon in romantic Nice, France. Who wouldn’t want to have their wedding on the French Riviera? Sarah would never let her son down, so when she became unable to travel to France by plane or train, she chose to ride in style in a 1970’s, orange and white, VW camper van? Who would be driving this blast from the past? None other than Hal, her son’s father, who had been her first love many years ago. Sarah is a brilliant lawyer who had argued many cases in her career, but now was not the time to argue the merits of spending time with Hal, a man she did not truly understand. Hal, of course, quickly agreed to chauffeur Sarah to their son's wedding as long they did it his way. Hal had planned a detailed itinerary, much to the dismay of Sarah. She would have preferred the direct route, but with her leg in a boot she had no choice but to grin and bear it, so off they went!! What ensues is a mad cap trip to the Riviera full of back and forth witty banter, unexpected serious conversations, and a bit of flirting between Hal and Sarah! Along the way, they realized that their forced proximity was exactly what they needed to become friends again, or maybe more.
June 7, 2026
I have read a few of Gillian Harvey's books lately, and I am really enjoying her work for both the wonderful destinations she showcases and the meaningful themes she explores. Road Trip to the Riviera is another fantastic 4-star addition to her collection.
The story follows Sarah, who breaks her leg right before her son's wedding in the south of France. Unable to fly or easily navigate trains, she is forced to rely on her ex, Hal. While Hal has always been in their son's life, his parenting style was always more "fun uncle" than serious father, leaving Sarah to handle the heavy lifting. Now, they are trapped together in a battered VW camper van, taking the scenic route.
This book is well-paced, entertaining, and goes much deeper than a standard romance. It is a delightful story of family, healing, love, and second chances that tackles genuine family issues. Told from alternating perspectives, it includes several hilarious scenes that kept me thoroughly entertained. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good read with real emotional depth!
The story follows Sarah, who breaks her leg right before her son's wedding in the south of France. Unable to fly or easily navigate trains, she is forced to rely on her ex, Hal. While Hal has always been in their son's life, his parenting style was always more "fun uncle" than serious father, leaving Sarah to handle the heavy lifting. Now, they are trapped together in a battered VW camper van, taking the scenic route.
This book is well-paced, entertaining, and goes much deeper than a standard romance. It is a delightful story of family, healing, love, and second chances that tackles genuine family issues. Told from alternating perspectives, it includes several hilarious scenes that kept me thoroughly entertained. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good read with real emotional depth!
July 30, 2026
Poor Hal. He was living a relatively contented life in Cambridge until his son with his ex-partner Sarah, announces that he is getting married on the French Riviera. Poor Sarah. A fall results in the successful attorney breaking a leg, and the doctor forbids her flying to France. Her solution is to catch a ride with Hal, who is driving his vintage VW camper van, Betty, along the scenic backroads through France. What follows is an often-hilarious series of mishaps for the perpetually uptight Sarah and the happy-go-lucky Hal. Along the way, often because of the pain from her leg, Sarah berates Hal on his lack of parenting skills and support for the child who was born when they were only 17-years-old. By the time they arrive at her mother's village in France, Hal was feeling pretty low and unsure of himself. The interaction with Sarah's mother and his son Louis as well as his former partner teach all of them lessons in love, communication, grief and loneliness. The final scene of the book is particularly laughable. Delightful book.
August 16, 2026
What struck me most was how the story balanced tenderness with levity. It’s a charming second‑chance romance set against the glorious French countryside, a perfect summer read that transports you to France for a delicious slice of escapist fiction. The pacing is patient, allowing the emotional beats to land with sincerity, and the characters feel relatable, vulnerable, and endearing.
This novel is a slow burn in the best way—heart‑warming, entertaining, and filled with laughter. It’s a sun‑drenched scenic route to second chances, a story about rediscovering yourself when you finally slow down enough to look. A wonderful mix of humour, warmth, and poignancy, it’s the perfect book to take on vacation because you won’t want to put it down.
For me, Road Trip to the Riviera is more than just a romance—it’s a touching exploration of family, love, and the beauty of second chances. Highly recommended, and destined to be a huge success.
This novel is a slow burn in the best way—heart‑warming, entertaining, and filled with laughter. It’s a sun‑drenched scenic route to second chances, a story about rediscovering yourself when you finally slow down enough to look. A wonderful mix of humour, warmth, and poignancy, it’s the perfect book to take on vacation because you won’t want to put it down.
For me, Road Trip to the Riviera is more than just a romance—it’s a touching exploration of family, love, and the beauty of second chances. Highly recommended, and destined to be a huge success.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just before Sarah’s son’s wedding, she breaks her leg and learns that she can’t fly to the French Riviera. The only other option is to take a train or ask her ex-boyfriend, Hal, for a ride. Hal is the father of their son, whom they had at the age of 17. Raising their son has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Reluctantly, Hal agrees to take them, but they’re traveling in his old VW camper, affectionately named Betty! Will they make it in time? Will this be a chance for them to reconnect?
Gillian Harvey’s heartwarming and entertaining writing draws you in from the very beginning. Her books are filled with laughter and relatable characters, making them incredibly entertaining. It’s the perfect book to take on vacation because you won’t want to put it down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Gillian Harvey’s heartwarming and entertaining writing draws you in from the very beginning. Her books are filled with laughter and relatable characters, making them incredibly entertaining. It’s the perfect book to take on vacation because you won’t want to put it down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 1, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. 4.5 stars. Lawyer Sarah breaks her leg days before her son Louis is due to get married in the South of France. And is wondering how she’ll now make the journey there as she can’t fly. She turns to Louis’ Father, Hal who is going to drive his beloved campervan Betty on a long detour taking in the delights of France on the way. Sarah and Hal had been teenage sweethearts and Sarah fell pregnant aged 17 but sadly their relationship ended. Hal is happy to take Sarah on his scenic tour but they are now very different people. How will they get on as they travel together? A lovely fun story, great characters, some laugh out loud moments.
August 7, 2026
nice read 3.5 out of 5
It was a pleasant read in most ways, but as a nurse myself, I found it very unrealistic that someone with a broken leg would go on a ten day VW road trip. The logistics would be too uncomfortable. As well as engaging in walks and activities. Then also self discharge only after a day or so of an infection & continue on a road trip.
The character of Hal was sweet (but the name 'Hal', is it common in the UK? It's an old man's name very American.) Should have been something like Sam. And the ending was again more of the same regarding injuries, running around with broken bones & discharging. The last couple of chapters were choppy, trains, chauffeurs, etc etc. But I was committed to finishing it.
It was a pleasant read in most ways, but as a nurse myself, I found it very unrealistic that someone with a broken leg would go on a ten day VW road trip. The logistics would be too uncomfortable. As well as engaging in walks and activities. Then also self discharge only after a day or so of an infection & continue on a road trip.
The character of Hal was sweet (but the name 'Hal', is it common in the UK? It's an old man's name very American.) Should have been something like Sam. And the ending was again more of the same regarding injuries, running around with broken bones & discharging. The last couple of chapters were choppy, trains, chauffeurs, etc etc. But I was committed to finishing it.
June 1, 2026
Sarah has broken her leg two weeks before her son Louis is getting married to his bride to be Summer at Sarah’s stuffy mums house in France.
Her plans go out the window when she asks Hal who is Louis Dad to let her tag along in Betty his camper van for a French road trip to get to the wedding.
Sarah and Hal get along and there has never been a huge falling out. They were 17 when Louis was born and have always co parented.
Sarah and Hal travel in Betty to get to Franchise but the journey has more discoveries than just travel.
This is a sweet story, lots of self discovery and friendship.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Her plans go out the window when she asks Hal who is Louis Dad to let her tag along in Betty his camper van for a French road trip to get to the wedding.
Sarah and Hal get along and there has never been a huge falling out. They were 17 when Louis was born and have always co parented.
Sarah and Hal travel in Betty to get to Franchise but the journey has more discoveries than just travel.
This is a sweet story, lots of self discovery and friendship.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2026
Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey was a beautifully written book from start to finish all about new beginnings, new friendship and best of all a new relationship with someone special. This latest book was a joy to read and will give you a warm feeling in your belly when you finally read the last chapters, and it was another fabulous book by this author, especially if you love reading books about France this is a book for you and it will not disappoint it was a breath of fresh air.
I highly recommend Road Trip. Superb read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
I highly recommend Road Trip. Superb read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
July 3, 2026
Gillian Harvey’s Road Trip to the Riviera is a story told in two voices. Hal and Sarah were teenagers when they had their son, Louis. They are now on their way to his wedding in Nice but due to Sarah’s recently broken leg, she cannot fly according to her doctor’s orders. She asks Hal if she can catch a ride with him as he plans to drive his vintage VW camper to the south of France and stop at planned sites along the way. They are thrown together some 22 years later when they had only communicated over the years about their son. Will this trip be tolerable? Will they get along or will old wounds destroy the road trip? Pick up a copy and enjoy this yarn which has its share of ups and downs!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a sweet story set in the French countryside as Sarah reluctantly joins her ex partner Hal for a road trip to get to their son's wedding. The descriptive writing of all things French was perfect and the author made you feel like you were there, enjoying everything France has to offer.
The story itself was a good slowburn rom-com between uptight Sarah and funloving Hal, although Sarah's dour attitude and his almost complete lack of self awareness started to get repetitive after a while. Overall a nice book to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review.
The story itself was a good slowburn rom-com between uptight Sarah and funloving Hal, although Sarah's dour attitude and his almost complete lack of self awareness started to get repetitive after a while. Overall a nice book to read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Road Trip to the Riviera is a warm, slow-burn escape about second chances, family, and an unexpected road trip through France 🚐🇫🇷💕. The pacing is slow, but in a good way that lets the story breathe 🌿. Sarah and Hal’s dynamic feels realistic and gently engaging. The French countryside setting is beautifully immersive, and the journey itself is just as enjoyable as the destination ✨🌸. The ending was very satisfying and felt just right 📚💛.
Thank you to the author Gillian Harvey, NetGalley, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book 🌼✨📖
Thank you to the author Gillian Harvey, NetGalley, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book 🌼✨📖
May 28, 2026
Sarah's accident threatens her attendance at her son's wedding unless she can persuade Hal, his father, to give her a lift to the South of France. What follows is a life-changing road trip across France, where two people confront their pasts and discover they have more in common than just their son. It is a gentle journey full of vibrant details and vivid emotions. There are moments of humour, poignancy, understanding and the possibility of something more. It's an enjoyable, escapist story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this book & loved being transported through France in Betty the VW campervan. Seeing Sarah & Hal's characters develop as they ventured along & in the different scenarios they found themselves in was great. I love the way Gillian writes; her descriptions, her humour are brilliant & it really transports us along for the ride too. I don't think there was any character that didn't grow through the pages of this book & I shall miss them & the location!
July 8, 2026
An escapist tale travelling through rural France. Sarah - single mother whose son is getting married in the south of France, has broken her leg and needs a way to get to the wedding in time. Her only option - to travel with Hal, her son’s father, in his battered VW camper van via the scenic route.
The journey allows the two to reconnect and understand more about how the other operates and how they relate to their son.
The wedding itself brings family dilemmas to the fore and allows bridges to be built.
A delightful summer tale.
The journey allows the two to reconnect and understand more about how the other operates and how they relate to their son.
The wedding itself brings family dilemmas to the fore and allows bridges to be built.
A delightful summer tale.
August 14, 2026
4.5⭐️ This book had everything to keep me entertained - a great storyline, interesting characters, the odd adventure and enough tension and amusement to make me keep coming back for more. A great summer beach read or cosy up with a blanket and a cuppa while you wend your way through the French countryside.
May 30, 2026
A rollicking tale of family misadventures.
An enjoyable trip through France, following the lives of a couple rediscovering themselves and everything that has led them to their destination.
An enjoyable trip through France, following the lives of a couple rediscovering themselves and everything that has led them to their destination.
July 18, 2026
A Sweet Novel
This book has it all: flawed, insecure characters; a plausible storyline, rife with pratfalls, humor, what-ifs, introspection, misunderstandings, and overthinking. A good example of making assumptions without communicating.
This book has it all: flawed, insecure characters; a plausible storyline, rife with pratfalls, humor, what-ifs, introspection, misunderstandings, and overthinking. A good example of making assumptions without communicating.
July 22, 2026
A real page turner
There are not too many books that I have read in one day. An absolute page turner with interesting characters and events. I
would recommend this to anyone who loves happy endings.
There are not too many books that I have read in one day. An absolute page turner with interesting characters and events. I
would recommend this to anyone who loves happy endings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews