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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
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Gillian Harvey
20 books336 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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey was a bit of a mixed read for me. The slow-burn pacing suited the reflective nature of the story, but at times it did feel overly drawn out. I also found some of the themes became repetitive, particularly around Sarah being so young when she fell pregnant and the ongoing frustrations surrounding Hal not pulling his weight as much as he could have. These repeated internal monologues from both Sarah and Hal started to feel a little tiresome after a while.
That said, I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the French countryside, which brought the setting to life beautifully and gave the book a warm escapist feel. So while I didn’t fully connect with all aspects of the story, it was still an easy read with an atmospheric backdrop
That said, I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the French countryside, which brought the setting to life beautifully and gave the book a warm escapist feel. So while I didn’t fully connect with all aspects of the story, it was still an easy read with an atmospheric backdrop
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Road Trip to the Riviera is an utterly charming, sun‑soaked escape—full of heart, humour, and the kind of unexpected tenderness that sneaks up on you somewhere between the winding country roads and the lavender‑scented air of rural France. What begins as a logistical nightmare for Sarah, stuck with a broken leg and desperate to reach her son’s wedding, becomes a journey she never realised she needed.
With flying off the table and trains a near impossibility, there’s only one person she can turn to: Hal, her teenage sweetheart and the father of her son. Their relationship has long been defined by mismatched expectations—Sarah the steady parent, Hal the carefree “fun uncle”—and the tension between them is beautifully drawn. You can feel the old frustrations simmering beneath the surface, softened only slightly by time.
The battered VW camper van becomes the perfect stage for their slow, reluctant reconnection. The scenic route Hal insists on taking winds them through the French countryside, and the author captures that sense of gentle adventure so well: the unexpected stops, the quiet conversations, the moments where old wounds brush against new possibilities. It’s warm, funny, and threaded with a lovely emotional honesty.
What makes the story so engaging is how naturally the characters unfold. Sarah’s vulnerability, Hal’s charm, the shared history they’ve never fully unpacked—it all blends into a journey that feels both nostalgic and hopeful. By the time they near the Riviera, it’s clear that the road ahead isn’t just about reaching a wedding, but about rediscovering what they once were… and what they might still be.
Heartfelt, uplifting, and irresistibly escapist, Road Trip to the Riviera is a gorgeous reminder that sometimes the longest route leads exactly where you’re meant to be.
With thanks to Gillian Harvey, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
With flying off the table and trains a near impossibility, there’s only one person she can turn to: Hal, her teenage sweetheart and the father of her son. Their relationship has long been defined by mismatched expectations—Sarah the steady parent, Hal the carefree “fun uncle”—and the tension between them is beautifully drawn. You can feel the old frustrations simmering beneath the surface, softened only slightly by time.
The battered VW camper van becomes the perfect stage for their slow, reluctant reconnection. The scenic route Hal insists on taking winds them through the French countryside, and the author captures that sense of gentle adventure so well: the unexpected stops, the quiet conversations, the moments where old wounds brush against new possibilities. It’s warm, funny, and threaded with a lovely emotional honesty.
What makes the story so engaging is how naturally the characters unfold. Sarah’s vulnerability, Hal’s charm, the shared history they’ve never fully unpacked—it all blends into a journey that feels both nostalgic and hopeful. By the time they near the Riviera, it’s clear that the road ahead isn’t just about reaching a wedding, but about rediscovering what they once were… and what they might still be.
Heartfelt, uplifting, and irresistibly escapist, Road Trip to the Riviera is a gorgeous reminder that sometimes the longest route leads exactly where you’re meant to be.
With thanks to Gillian Harvey, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Editor
I'm giving Road Trip to the Riviera a 3-star review. ⭐⭐⭐
When Sarah breaks her leg right before her son’s wedding in the South of France, she’s forced into the one situation she never wanted: a cross-country road trip with Hal, her son’s father and the "fun uncle" ex who left all the heavy lifting of parenting to her.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author Gillian Harvey, and the publisher Boldwood Books for providing this eARC! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The Review
The dynamic between Sarah and Hal is the engine of this story. Sarah is (rightfully) furious and stressed, while Hal is his usual oblivious, laid-back self, insisted on taking a "scenic route" in a battered VW camper van. It’s a second-chance romance with twenty years of history and baggage packed into one very small space.
The Good
The Atmosphere: Gillian Harvey is a master at making you feel like you are actually in France. The scenic route, the cafes, and the French countryside are gorgeously rendered. 🥖🍷
Hal’s Charm: Even though you want to shake him for being an "oblivious dad" for two decades, his "fun uncle" energy and genuine desire to help Sarah make him a very lovable (if frustrating) MMC.
The Second Chance Arc: Seeing two people who have only been connected through their child finally see each other as individuals again was a really sweet journey.
The Not So Good
The Pacing: Because it’s a "scenic route," the story feels very slow-burn—sometimes a bit too slow. I found myself getting a little restless for them to actually reach the wedding.
Sarah’s Frustration: While her anger is valid, the constant tension in the first half of the book made it a bit heavy to read at times. I wanted a little more of that "cozy" feeling earlier on.
The VW Van: As a plot device, the "battered van" felt a little predictable for a road trip trope
When Sarah breaks her leg right before her son’s wedding in the South of France, she’s forced into the one situation she never wanted: a cross-country road trip with Hal, her son’s father and the "fun uncle" ex who left all the heavy lifting of parenting to her.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author Gillian Harvey, and the publisher Boldwood Books for providing this eARC! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The Review
The dynamic between Sarah and Hal is the engine of this story. Sarah is (rightfully) furious and stressed, while Hal is his usual oblivious, laid-back self, insisted on taking a "scenic route" in a battered VW camper van. It’s a second-chance romance with twenty years of history and baggage packed into one very small space.
The Good
The Atmosphere: Gillian Harvey is a master at making you feel like you are actually in France. The scenic route, the cafes, and the French countryside are gorgeously rendered. 🥖🍷
Hal’s Charm: Even though you want to shake him for being an "oblivious dad" for two decades, his "fun uncle" energy and genuine desire to help Sarah make him a very lovable (if frustrating) MMC.
The Second Chance Arc: Seeing two people who have only been connected through their child finally see each other as individuals again was a really sweet journey.
The Not So Good
The Pacing: Because it’s a "scenic route," the story feels very slow-burn—sometimes a bit too slow. I found myself getting a little restless for them to actually reach the wedding.
Sarah’s Frustration: While her anger is valid, the constant tension in the first half of the book made it a bit heavy to read at times. I wanted a little more of that "cozy" feeling earlier on.
The VW Van: As a plot device, the "battered van" felt a little predictable for a road trip trope
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another fabulous story by Gillian Harvey!
This second-chance story takes place in a pretty much vintage VS campervan called Betty, as the two MCs travel from England to France.
The little twist is that the two travellers are on their way to their son's wedding; however, they are not together and have not been since their son was born when they were both very young.
Sarah is in a bind. She's hurt her leg and cannot fly, but needs to get to France for her son's wedding. Trains are too much faff with a leg in an (ugly) boot. The only other solution that comes to mind is to go with Hal, her son's father. Only he's planning to take the scenic route in his beloved 20-year-old camper van, Betty.
I loved the slow burn in this story, as the route is travelled. You can feel there is an underlying chemistry between the two. It's the epitome of the right people, wrong time for them, the first time around, and you find yourself vying for them to make it the right time for them now.
As always, Gillian transports her readers to France as she describes the different places Hal and Sarah drive through on their way.
This second-chance story takes place in a pretty much vintage VS campervan called Betty, as the two MCs travel from England to France.
The little twist is that the two travellers are on their way to their son's wedding; however, they are not together and have not been since their son was born when they were both very young.
Sarah is in a bind. She's hurt her leg and cannot fly, but needs to get to France for her son's wedding. Trains are too much faff with a leg in an (ugly) boot. The only other solution that comes to mind is to go with Hal, her son's father. Only he's planning to take the scenic route in his beloved 20-year-old camper van, Betty.
I loved the slow burn in this story, as the route is travelled. You can feel there is an underlying chemistry between the two. It's the epitome of the right people, wrong time for them, the first time around, and you find yourself vying for them to make it the right time for them now.
As always, Gillian transports her readers to France as she describes the different places Hal and Sarah drive through on their way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A sweet and engaging story of a second chance after twenty years. The teen pregnancy of Sarah and Hal broke them apart, spurned on by her unforgiving mother. A broken leg forces Sarah to ask Hal for a ride to their son’s wedding in France. Hal has planned out a road trip of camping in his old VW camper which creates fun and adventures that bring them to a different reality even as doubts linger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
With Road Trip to the Riviera, Gillian Harvey wrote a funny and engaging story that would be perfect accompaniment on any summer road trip. It is scheduled to be published on May 29, 2026 and I recommend it.
Hal and Sarah have to take an unexpected road trip together to their son's wedding. They have never been married but have been successfully coparenting for two decades. Much happens along the way to bring elements of the past and feelings about the future to the forefront. This is all while dealing with a temperamental vehicle, unexpected detours, ill-fitting swimwear, and an unruly animal or two.
I have read several books by Gillian Harvey and while The French House Share continues to be my favourite of them, Road Trip to the Riviera has its own charm and reasons to recommend it. I liked that it was lighter without being unserious and fun without going completely off the rails. While some of the elements of the plot were a little bit far fetched in my opinion and I had to suspend some disbelief related to the ending, I really liked this book overall and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you very much to Gillian Harvey and publisher Boldwood Books for providing a digital advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Hal and Sarah have to take an unexpected road trip together to their son's wedding. They have never been married but have been successfully coparenting for two decades. Much happens along the way to bring elements of the past and feelings about the future to the forefront. This is all while dealing with a temperamental vehicle, unexpected detours, ill-fitting swimwear, and an unruly animal or two.
I have read several books by Gillian Harvey and while The French House Share continues to be my favourite of them, Road Trip to the Riviera has its own charm and reasons to recommend it. I liked that it was lighter without being unserious and fun without going completely off the rails. While some of the elements of the plot were a little bit far fetched in my opinion and I had to suspend some disbelief related to the ending, I really liked this book overall and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you very much to Gillian Harvey and publisher Boldwood Books for providing a digital advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a slow starter of a story but it did build up to a good finish a bit abrupt but I did enjoy it. The two main characters were strong Lawrence the person they picked up was annoying but I guess he was there to show Hal the truth he has found nobody else because he is hung up on Sarah. Some of the events as they travelled to the sons wedding were quite funny.
It was a nice relaxing read great for sitting on the beach.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
It was a nice relaxing read great for sitting on the beach.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
May 25, 2026
Sarah and Hal were teenage sweethearts, when she got pregant and parted ways. She did the proper parenting, while he was the fun uncle, more than the supportive Dad. Now their son is getting married and she's broken her leg and can't fly to the Riviera so she asks Hal for a ride to the wedding. So they embark on a roadtrip to the Riviera for their sons wedding.
- Takes place on a road trip through France on their way to the Riviera
- Second chance romance
- High school sweethearts, parted by a teen pregnancy
- Opposites attract
- Campervan road trip through France
- Reconnecting after years of co-parenting
Definitely a fun, beach read with great descriptions of the road trip through France.
Thanks @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
- Takes place on a road trip through France on their way to the Riviera
- Second chance romance
- High school sweethearts, parted by a teen pregnancy
- Opposites attract
- Campervan road trip through France
- Reconnecting after years of co-parenting
Definitely a fun, beach read with great descriptions of the road trip through France.
Thanks @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Sarah breaks her leg, the only way that she can get to her son's wedding in the South of France is in her ex's ancient camper van. She is initially frustrated by his meandering route through France. But as the journey continues she rediscovers herself and the relationship that led to her son's conception in the first place.
A sundrenched, lovely novel about redisovering who you were before life got in the way. I really enjoyed it.
A sundrenched, lovely novel about redisovering who you were before life got in the way. I really enjoyed it.
May 30, 2026
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
"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…"
I am a huge fan of Gillian Harvey's books, and this was no exception. It was a bit of a departure from her previous books, as it felt like a bit more of a romantic comedy - the Hal/ Susan relationship is full of misadventures and misunderstandings and has some very funny moments (as well as some frustration as the onlooker/ reader observing!). Sarah was a tough character to relate to, and after initially thinking I couldn't relate to Hal, I found myself rooting for him, the true underdog of the story.
A madcap trip to the south of France that would lend itself well to a movie :)
"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…"
I am a huge fan of Gillian Harvey's books, and this was no exception. It was a bit of a departure from her previous books, as it felt like a bit more of a romantic comedy - the Hal/ Susan relationship is full of misadventures and misunderstandings and has some very funny moments (as well as some frustration as the onlooker/ reader observing!). Sarah was a tough character to relate to, and after initially thinking I couldn't relate to Hal, I found myself rooting for him, the true underdog of the story.
A madcap trip to the south of France that would lend itself well to a movie :)
May 29, 2026
Road Trip to the Riviera by Gillian Harvey is everything I have come to expect from this author, and then some. Gillian describes her own work as "emotionally charged and written with humour and heart," and this novel delivers on both counts in the most sun-drenched, croissant-filled way possible.
Hal and Sarah have been co-parenting for over twenty years without ever really seeing each other. When a broken leg forces Sarah to accept a lift to Nice for their son's wedding, in Hal's battered VW camper van no less, what follows is funny, warm, and genuinely moving. The slow-burn romance feels completely earned because these are two fully realised people with history, habits, and blind spots. He is the fun one. She is the responsible one. Neither is entirely right about the other.
What Gillian does so beautifully is place her characters in France and let the landscape do some of the emotional lifting. The scenery, the pace of the road trip, the scrappy little French dog who inevitably steals several scenes, all of it creates a backdrop that makes you want to pack a bag immediately.
I have read every one of her novels and this sits comfortably among her best. A story about second chances, patience, and the version of yourself you might rediscover when you finally slow down enough to look.
Highly recommended, especially if you are about to go on holiday. Five stars.
Hal and Sarah have been co-parenting for over twenty years without ever really seeing each other. When a broken leg forces Sarah to accept a lift to Nice for their son's wedding, in Hal's battered VW camper van no less, what follows is funny, warm, and genuinely moving. The slow-burn romance feels completely earned because these are two fully realised people with history, habits, and blind spots. He is the fun one. She is the responsible one. Neither is entirely right about the other.
What Gillian does so beautifully is place her characters in France and let the landscape do some of the emotional lifting. The scenery, the pace of the road trip, the scrappy little French dog who inevitably steals several scenes, all of it creates a backdrop that makes you want to pack a bag immediately.
I have read every one of her novels and this sits comfortably among her best. A story about second chances, patience, and the version of yourself you might rediscover when you finally slow down enough to look.
Highly recommended, especially if you are about to go on holiday. Five stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Good escapism read for this time of year, or a good one to take on holiday with you if you are going somewhere sunny. It started quite slow for me, the second half was definitely more of a hook than the first half.
A fun and family orientated read. I enjoyed Hal and Sarah's story.
A fun and family orientated read. I enjoyed Hal and Sarah's story.
May 29, 2026
The road trip to the Riviera is a slow burning romantic read about second chances and self discovery set against the beautiful back drop of the French Riviera. Loved the characters and the chemistry between them and the elements of humour throughout. A fun summer read.
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