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The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach
A gorgeous summer read to escape with this summer!
A Greek island solves all life’s problems…doesn’t it?
Winnie, Stella and Frankie have been best friends forever.
When their lives unexpectedly unravel, they spontaneously decide to buy a gorgeous B on a remote Greek island.
Drenched in hot sun, Villa Valentina is the perfect escape
from reality. But when Winnie meets Jesse, their brooding
neighbour, she finds that Greece is full of its own complications – not least how attractive he is…
Meanwhile, Frankie and Stella are discovering that Villa Valentina has its own secrets – starting with the large supply of gin in the cellar and the arrival of a famous rock band. A band with one very good-looking member who just might distract Frankie from thoughts of her husband…
A Greek island solves all life’s problems…doesn’t it?
Winnie, Stella and Frankie have been best friends forever.
When their lives unexpectedly unravel, they spontaneously decide to buy a gorgeous B on a remote Greek island.
Drenched in hot sun, Villa Valentina is the perfect escape
from reality. But when Winnie meets Jesse, their brooding
neighbour, she finds that Greece is full of its own complications – not least how attractive he is…
Meanwhile, Frankie and Stella are discovering that Villa Valentina has its own secrets – starting with the large supply of gin in the cellar and the arrival of a famous rock band. A band with one very good-looking member who just might distract Frankie from thoughts of her husband…
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2017
163 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Kat French
20 books260 followersRomantic comedy writer, disorganised mum, fairy light lover, and champion wine drinker.
Slightly less smutty alter-ego of Kitty French, USA Today bestselling smut fictionista.
Twitter ~ @katfrench_
Slightly less smutty alter-ego of Kitty French, USA Today bestselling smut fictionista.
Twitter ~ @katfrench_
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 30, 2021
"- Well, I need a job, a man and a ticket back to normality asap.
- Will a business, a donkey and a ticket back to an island you can't remember the name of do in the meantime?"
This book is pure, unadulterated escapism.
Minus 1 star for 1 of the love interests, an unappetizing, obnoxious byronic-bullshit-hero (and my pet peeve).
Winnie, Stella & Frankie -thirty-something women and best friends since childhood - arrive to the small, Greek island of Skelidos for an impromptu weekend, escaping bad British weather and even worse problems of private life. Seduced by the amazing atmosphere and the fabulous G&Ts offered by the B&B owner, who is wild to escape to the mainland, they suddenly find themselves owners of the shabby-chic, slightly dilapidated Villa Valentina; a reluctant donkey with character and an underground (in all senses of the word) gin distillery with a secret recipe and mysterious ingredients.
After the first shock and the effects of the G&T wear off, they bite the bullet, leave everything (cheating husband, crumbling marriage, lost jobs) behind and try to make the most of a new life under the Greek sun.
I loved the story and the main characters: the strong friendship that ties them together is lovely to witness. They are aware of their shortcomings and are not afraid to laugh at themselves, yet they support each other to the end.
The writing is easygoing and there are a lot of funny, laugh-out-loud moments. I also liked that the plot is not only occupied with the romance, but also how the women get on with building something new for themselves.
My only complaint is that as the story progresses, suddenly Stella's and Frankie's narratives get rather overshadowed by Winnie's: we get every detail of hers, while the others' just get glossed over. This could have been more balanced. Still, the book as whole is utterly enjoyable.
Highly recommended for everyone in search for the perfect summer read.
Netgalley Arc provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
- Will a business, a donkey and a ticket back to an island you can't remember the name of do in the meantime?"
This book is pure, unadulterated escapism.
Minus 1 star for 1 of the love interests, an unappetizing, obnoxious byronic-bullshit-hero (and my pet peeve).
Winnie, Stella & Frankie -thirty-something women and best friends since childhood - arrive to the small, Greek island of Skelidos for an impromptu weekend, escaping bad British weather and even worse problems of private life. Seduced by the amazing atmosphere and the fabulous G&Ts offered by the B&B owner, who is wild to escape to the mainland, they suddenly find themselves owners of the shabby-chic, slightly dilapidated Villa Valentina; a reluctant donkey with character and an underground (in all senses of the word) gin distillery with a secret recipe and mysterious ingredients.
After the first shock and the effects of the G&T wear off, they bite the bullet, leave everything (cheating husband, crumbling marriage, lost jobs) behind and try to make the most of a new life under the Greek sun.
I loved the story and the main characters: the strong friendship that ties them together is lovely to witness. They are aware of their shortcomings and are not afraid to laugh at themselves, yet they support each other to the end.
The writing is easygoing and there are a lot of funny, laugh-out-loud moments. I also liked that the plot is not only occupied with the romance, but also how the women get on with building something new for themselves.
My only complaint is that as the story progresses, suddenly Stella's and Frankie's narratives get rather overshadowed by Winnie's: we get every detail of hers, while the others' just get glossed over. This could have been more balanced. Still, the book as whole is utterly enjoyable.
Highly recommended for everyone in search for the perfect summer read.
Netgalley Arc provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2017
5☆ Fabulous Feel Good, Fun, Compelling Read! - Loved It!!
When Winnie, Stella and Frankie escape to the gorgeous Greek Island Skelidos for a girls holiday. They really do end up getting more than they bargained for!
They never expected in their wildest dreams to become the new owners of Villa Valentina. A rundown bed and breakfast.
Villa Valentina has plenty of charm and hidden depths. Not to mention a gin distillery. So expect plenty of Alchol and lots of fun. Oh and did I forget to mention the loveable donkey!
Each of the women have problems back home and really have nothing to lose by accepting the challenge and returning to the sun drenched island of Skelidos, to make a go of the bed and breakfast.
I absolutely loved all three of the lead women characters. Each was on a personal journey that I'm sure lots of us can relate too. For example, failed marriages, being made redundant.
Each of the women were very strong female leads and each bought a special quality to the running of the b&b.
I loved watching their friendships grow in strength and the budding new relationships they are about to discover.
Not to mention the local community, a famous rock band and a few Sexy men.
The girls journey really doesn't run quite so smoothly with plenty of laugh out loud moments, mishaps, trouble, crazy traditions, plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked.
The Bed and Breakfast on the beach really is the Perfect Beach/Summer read.
It's fun, Feel good, plenty of alcohol, sizzling sexual encounters, lots of humour, everlasting friendships, romance, poignant moments, interesting community characters and their unusual superstitions.
It really is Escapism at its very best!!
I loved every single minute of this fresh, exciting, loveable, charming read!
I really didn't want it to end!
This is my first book by Kat and I'm excited to read more!
Would I recommend this book.....Most Definitely.....YES!!!
The perfect read for those who love Chick Lit, Rom Com's,Comedy, books featuring bed and breakfast, Sun drenched beach islands, Escapism, Friendship and Romance, New Beginnings, Perfect Summer Read!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
When Winnie, Stella and Frankie escape to the gorgeous Greek Island Skelidos for a girls holiday. They really do end up getting more than they bargained for!
They never expected in their wildest dreams to become the new owners of Villa Valentina. A rundown bed and breakfast.
Villa Valentina has plenty of charm and hidden depths. Not to mention a gin distillery. So expect plenty of Alchol and lots of fun. Oh and did I forget to mention the loveable donkey!
Each of the women have problems back home and really have nothing to lose by accepting the challenge and returning to the sun drenched island of Skelidos, to make a go of the bed and breakfast.
I absolutely loved all three of the lead women characters. Each was on a personal journey that I'm sure lots of us can relate too. For example, failed marriages, being made redundant.
Each of the women were very strong female leads and each bought a special quality to the running of the b&b.
I loved watching their friendships grow in strength and the budding new relationships they are about to discover.
Not to mention the local community, a famous rock band and a few Sexy men.
The girls journey really doesn't run quite so smoothly with plenty of laugh out loud moments, mishaps, trouble, crazy traditions, plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked.
The Bed and Breakfast on the beach really is the Perfect Beach/Summer read.
It's fun, Feel good, plenty of alcohol, sizzling sexual encounters, lots of humour, everlasting friendships, romance, poignant moments, interesting community characters and their unusual superstitions.
It really is Escapism at its very best!!
I loved every single minute of this fresh, exciting, loveable, charming read!
I really didn't want it to end!
This is my first book by Kat and I'm excited to read more!
Would I recommend this book.....Most Definitely.....YES!!!
The perfect read for those who love Chick Lit, Rom Com's,Comedy, books featuring bed and breakfast, Sun drenched beach islands, Escapism, Friendship and Romance, New Beginnings, Perfect Summer Read!
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
June 22, 2017
5 -
There was something about Villa Valentina that felt... magical.
Stars!
Its LIVE!
Amazon UK - http://amzn.eu/4PKTeYi
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Kat French epitomizes pure reading perfection when it comes to her chick-lit-contemporary titles, I had hugely high expectations for The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach, and she delivered, and then some.
Take three women, all at a crossroads in their lives, and all for different reasons, stick them on an out of the way Greek Island, and watch them flourish while getting to grips with the running of a Bed & Breakfast, while meeting and getting to know various other islanders, and this was just joyous reading escapism.
"You will stay. Skelidos does that to people…"
I loved Winnie, Stella and Frankie, one recently unemployed, the other two coming to terms with being divorced but for different reasons. All three are suffering with confidence and self-esteem issues, and the author gave them the right plot-lines to pull themselves back together again, with the aid of a lot of the Islands specialty gin, women after my own heart in that respect.
"I’d have had you down as a plain white girl. Hot pink lace was a shock."
Nothing was overdone in this story, the drama when it occurred was necessary, the resolution usually swift and well-played out, the characters all developed at their own speeds, with some getting their stride back faster than the others. Winne was the mainstay in this story though and her relationship with ornery artist Jesse, just kept me reading. Another character I just fell in love with, Kat gives good hero and Jesse, Mmm mmm just hit all the right spots!
"If you ever have to run, run to me…"
I could gush on, but this is one of those books that you need to read to understand just how awesome it is. Kat took three women, gave them all their own voices, and shortcomings, added in an entertaining cast of secondary characters and put them on the island of your dreams, with lots of Gin! I may have mentioned that before, but being a G&T aficionado myself, it just made me smile with how much weight everyone on the island placed on their own special version of it.
"Some people, they just seem to shine… You’re one of those people."
If you hadn’t already guessed, I absolutely adored this book, it wouldn’t be summer in the UK anymore, without a read from Kat French to bring out the sun!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
Its LIVE!
Amazon UK - http://amzn.eu/4PKTeYi
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Kat French epitomizes pure reading perfection when it comes to her chick-lit-contemporary titles, I had hugely high expectations for The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach, and she delivered, and then some.
Take three women, all at a crossroads in their lives, and all for different reasons, stick them on an out of the way Greek Island, and watch them flourish while getting to grips with the running of a Bed & Breakfast, while meeting and getting to know various other islanders, and this was just joyous reading escapism.
"You will stay. Skelidos does that to people…"
I loved Winnie, Stella and Frankie, one recently unemployed, the other two coming to terms with being divorced but for different reasons. All three are suffering with confidence and self-esteem issues, and the author gave them the right plot-lines to pull themselves back together again, with the aid of a lot of the Islands specialty gin, women after my own heart in that respect.
"I’d have had you down as a plain white girl. Hot pink lace was a shock."
Nothing was overdone in this story, the drama when it occurred was necessary, the resolution usually swift and well-played out, the characters all developed at their own speeds, with some getting their stride back faster than the others. Winne was the mainstay in this story though and her relationship with ornery artist Jesse, just kept me reading. Another character I just fell in love with, Kat gives good hero and Jesse, Mmm mmm just hit all the right spots!
"If you ever have to run, run to me…"
I could gush on, but this is one of those books that you need to read to understand just how awesome it is. Kat took three women, gave them all their own voices, and shortcomings, added in an entertaining cast of secondary characters and put them on the island of your dreams, with lots of Gin! I may have mentioned that before, but being a G&T aficionado myself, it just made me smile with how much weight everyone on the island placed on their own special version of it.
"Some people, they just seem to shine… You’re one of those people."
If you hadn’t already guessed, I absolutely adored this book, it wouldn’t be summer in the UK anymore, without a read from Kat French to bring out the sun!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.
June 13, 2017
I'm rather fond of Kat French's writing. And by rather fond I mean I bloomin' love. If I were to fangirl, she'd be the one I fangirled over. But being the stereotypical Brit I am, I don't do that.
Pack your bags peeps, this time you'll need your passport.
Combine a stunning quiet little island setting, with three amazing women, a brooding gorgeous Aussie bloke, a Greek Adonis, a 90's boy band, and island residents who worship a bush, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect read. And it was: Kat French is rom-com royalty as far as I'm concerned, bringing her reader a gloriously funny, heartwarming and uplifting journey of friendship, love and new beginnings.
"Why are you fondling my donkey?"
I loved Winnie, Stella and Frankie, I experienced all their highs and lows with them and the fact that they could so easily be any one of us is what made this the read it was for me. And whilst this story belongs to them all, it's Winnie who perhaps has the biggest romantic journey with Jesse, a gorgeous man inside and out, but who is also a complete contradiction of himself and a bit of a mystery.
"You stormed into my life on a flurry of bad temper and beautiful eyes, and you completely, utterly blindsided me."
Kat has taken several characters, each travelling their own individual paths, and woven them together flawlessly to create an overall story worthy of every single star. I could read her books time and time again, I have done, and as long as she continues to do that, she'll have a happy reader in me. I'm saying no more other than The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach is one you don't want to miss out on.
"If you ever have to run, run to me."
Copy received courtesy of Avon Books UK via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Pack your bags peeps, this time you'll need your passport.
Combine a stunning quiet little island setting, with three amazing women, a brooding gorgeous Aussie bloke, a Greek Adonis, a 90's boy band, and island residents who worship a bush, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect read. And it was: Kat French is rom-com royalty as far as I'm concerned, bringing her reader a gloriously funny, heartwarming and uplifting journey of friendship, love and new beginnings.
"Why are you fondling my donkey?"
I loved Winnie, Stella and Frankie, I experienced all their highs and lows with them and the fact that they could so easily be any one of us is what made this the read it was for me. And whilst this story belongs to them all, it's Winnie who perhaps has the biggest romantic journey with Jesse, a gorgeous man inside and out, but who is also a complete contradiction of himself and a bit of a mystery.
"You stormed into my life on a flurry of bad temper and beautiful eyes, and you completely, utterly blindsided me."
Kat has taken several characters, each travelling their own individual paths, and woven them together flawlessly to create an overall story worthy of every single star. I could read her books time and time again, I have done, and as long as she continues to do that, she'll have a happy reader in me. I'm saying no more other than The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach is one you don't want to miss out on.
"If you ever have to run, run to me."
Copy received courtesy of Avon Books UK via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
July 6, 2017
This book is about 3 women, who are in the midst of various crises, who purchase a B&B in Greece! I love it! I've never been to Greece, but I felt like the wind was in my hair and the water and sand were on my feet. This is a darling (and sexy) story about the three women and the men they encounter on their adventure. The story held my attention and the characters (especially Winnie) held my heart. A great beach read or for just reading out on your screened in porch!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2017
I fell in love with the island of Skelidos and all of its inhabitants in this gorgeous summery story.
Nested just between the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos is Skelidos, a fictional Greek island, that is unspoilt by mass tourism. And it is on that island that three ladies went for a weekend, after all enduring massive changes in their lives. On their return, their bank balances are significantly emptier.
Don't worry, there was no con-men or theft involved, the ladies somehow managed to buy a pink B&B on the beach! Within a couple of weeks they were back out in Skelidos to try to make the best of their new business venture, learn some Greek and see just how their new lives would turn out.
It soon becomes apparent that Villa Valentina contains more hidden features than first encountered when they bought it. I won't let you in on them, but they are quite integral to the story.
Winnie, Stella and Frankie all have their own reasons for wanting this venture in Skelidos to work out, from failed marriages to recently being made redundant. Yet as you may have guessed things don't necessarily pan out as planned, and I loved every second of seeing just what journey Winnie, Stella and Frankie would take.
There is a gorgeous nearby neighbour, there is plenty of Gin and Tonics to be made and drunk, there are irritable Greek men, a set of famous guests, some lovely locals, a great location and romance is in the air... all this and more in an amusing summery story that I couldn't stop thinking about. It is easy and quick to read, and I was so enamored by Skelidos that I had to google to check if it was real or not!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Nested just between the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos is Skelidos, a fictional Greek island, that is unspoilt by mass tourism. And it is on that island that three ladies went for a weekend, after all enduring massive changes in their lives. On their return, their bank balances are significantly emptier.
Don't worry, there was no con-men or theft involved, the ladies somehow managed to buy a pink B&B on the beach! Within a couple of weeks they were back out in Skelidos to try to make the best of their new business venture, learn some Greek and see just how their new lives would turn out.
It soon becomes apparent that Villa Valentina contains more hidden features than first encountered when they bought it. I won't let you in on them, but they are quite integral to the story.
Winnie, Stella and Frankie all have their own reasons for wanting this venture in Skelidos to work out, from failed marriages to recently being made redundant. Yet as you may have guessed things don't necessarily pan out as planned, and I loved every second of seeing just what journey Winnie, Stella and Frankie would take.
There is a gorgeous nearby neighbour, there is plenty of Gin and Tonics to be made and drunk, there are irritable Greek men, a set of famous guests, some lovely locals, a great location and romance is in the air... all this and more in an amusing summery story that I couldn't stop thinking about. It is easy and quick to read, and I was so enamored by Skelidos that I had to google to check if it was real or not!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Read
July 8, 2017Dnf. Too chick-lit for me, trying too hard to be funny. My search for a good read continues...
June 6, 2017
Release Date: June 22, 2017
Genre: Chick Lit
The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach is a magical summer read! With characters who will make you laugh to a setting so beautiful you will want to visit yourself, this book a must have for everyone's beach bags! I loved being able to escape to the Greek Islands with Winnie, Stella, and Frankie! They are like the best friends I have never had. So while I was sad to see them go, I am glad I got to "meet" them, if only for a little while!
Filled with friendship, laughter, magical gin and tonics, and a little bit of romance, this book is going to be a must have for all chick lit fans! You will love the setting just as much as the characters, and you are sure to fall in love with this little B&B, hoping to one day visit one just like it!
I highly recommend French's latest novel and I can't wait to go back and read her previous books based on this one and read many (if not all) of her upcoming releases as well! It's amazing to find another chick lit author who writes fantastic books that put a smile on her readers face, and I have with this author! I very much recommend this quick and lighthearted read!
4 stars
Genre: Chick Lit
The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach is a magical summer read! With characters who will make you laugh to a setting so beautiful you will want to visit yourself, this book a must have for everyone's beach bags! I loved being able to escape to the Greek Islands with Winnie, Stella, and Frankie! They are like the best friends I have never had. So while I was sad to see them go, I am glad I got to "meet" them, if only for a little while!
Filled with friendship, laughter, magical gin and tonics, and a little bit of romance, this book is going to be a must have for all chick lit fans! You will love the setting just as much as the characters, and you are sure to fall in love with this little B&B, hoping to one day visit one just like it!
I highly recommend French's latest novel and I can't wait to go back and read her previous books based on this one and read many (if not all) of her upcoming releases as well! It's amazing to find another chick lit author who writes fantastic books that put a smile on her readers face, and I have with this author! I very much recommend this quick and lighthearted read!
4 stars
May 18, 2018
I really enjoyed reading 'The bed and breakfast on the beach' So much I devoured it pretty quickly, I even found myself picking it up between work breaks because I just desperately wanted to keep experiencing the hypnotic writing about paradise, following the journey of three strong, relatable, LIKEABLE female leads!
It was a real feel good book, dealing with real life problems and facing them head on - in a different country!!.
Following Stella, Winnie and Frankie through their Greek journey in paradise was fun, heart wrenching at times and had some hilarious laugh out loud moments. With the twists and turns and some handsome men (Obviously!) it made this the perfect book to escape the reality of the real world and join in the Grecian dream!
I loved how the book ends with a little snippet into the future. Letting you know exactly how they're all getting on with life, leaving you completely satisfied with all the ends tied up!
An absolute must read beach book, Or even for reading while you're wishing for a paradise holiday.. (Like me!) Perfect for anyone who enjoys a little romance. This is a real feel good Chick Lit.
It was a real feel good book, dealing with real life problems and facing them head on - in a different country!!.
Following Stella, Winnie and Frankie through their Greek journey in paradise was fun, heart wrenching at times and had some hilarious laugh out loud moments. With the twists and turns and some handsome men (Obviously!) it made this the perfect book to escape the reality of the real world and join in the Grecian dream!
I loved how the book ends with a little snippet into the future. Letting you know exactly how they're all getting on with life, leaving you completely satisfied with all the ends tied up!
An absolute must read beach book, Or even for reading while you're wishing for a paradise holiday.. (Like me!) Perfect for anyone who enjoys a little romance. This is a real feel good Chick Lit.
August 31, 2017
This was a perfect beach read to close out the summer. French tells a story of friendship and finding a place to belong, and a community. This was a really fun read, and I enjoyed it.
Best friends Stella, Winnie, and Frankie's lives are in shambles and on vacation, end up buying a bed and breakfast on a small Greek island, and find themselves responsible for the island's supply of special gin. Their first summer on the island is full of ups and downs, and is fun to read about.
There are times when the narrative grew a bit too melodramatic for my tastes, but overall, I liked the book. I hope there might be a follow-up book at some point featuring Seth.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
Best friends Stella, Winnie, and Frankie's lives are in shambles and on vacation, end up buying a bed and breakfast on a small Greek island, and find themselves responsible for the island's supply of special gin. Their first summer on the island is full of ups and downs, and is fun to read about.
There are times when the narrative grew a bit too melodramatic for my tastes, but overall, I liked the book. I hope there might be a follow-up book at some point featuring Seth.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
March 13, 2019
A witty, breezy, chic-lit summer read. Fun-filled escapism, like watching a Hallmark romantic comedy. A lighthearted look at women coping with the disappointments in their lives.
Not bad writing either.
Not bad writing either.
July 11, 2017
So Kat French (or Kitty French if reading her other books) has very quickly become a firm favourite of mine. Her books are endless buckets of fun and I was really looking forward to this latest one. To be fair when I started reading it I wondered what on earth was going on? A couple of chapters and we already had three women with a whole new adventure ahead of them? Where was the explanation and the background? Well, you see this is where the delectable Kat French comes into her own. She doesn't need all that because what she does is then slowly reveal each character and the reasons for how they got to the beautiful island of Skelidos.
Villa Valentina on the sun soaked Greek Island starts out as a holiday destination, but somehow ends up with them beiong the new owners of the B&B. What they don't realise is that by taking a leap of faith and starting a new adventure, it would also bring with it some added extras which they weren't quite prepared for! Stella, Frankie and Winnie have been friends since childhood, so the fact they start a whole new adventure and business together comes as no big surprise. I think in my eyes Winnie seemed to be more of a central character with Frankie and Stella playing more of a backseat. However as the story progresses each of the three women take their own journey and we go along for the ride.
With donkeys named The Fonz, a secret distillery in the cellar, pop stars turing up just to name a few this story is packed to the rafters with fun, frollicks and romance. I loved the additional male characters in the book especially Jesse their moody neighbour. I read this in a day and a half and just two sittings and it was a glorious read. This book was pure delight from start to finish and it had everything you could possibly want in a book like this. There were one liners that made me laugh out loud, ridiculously funny situations, romantic ones, terrible ones...you name it, it was there. Another outstanding read that I would definitely pick up for any upcoming travels you may have
Villa Valentina on the sun soaked Greek Island starts out as a holiday destination, but somehow ends up with them beiong the new owners of the B&B. What they don't realise is that by taking a leap of faith and starting a new adventure, it would also bring with it some added extras which they weren't quite prepared for! Stella, Frankie and Winnie have been friends since childhood, so the fact they start a whole new adventure and business together comes as no big surprise. I think in my eyes Winnie seemed to be more of a central character with Frankie and Stella playing more of a backseat. However as the story progresses each of the three women take their own journey and we go along for the ride.
With donkeys named The Fonz, a secret distillery in the cellar, pop stars turing up just to name a few this story is packed to the rafters with fun, frollicks and romance. I loved the additional male characters in the book especially Jesse their moody neighbour. I read this in a day and a half and just two sittings and it was a glorious read. This book was pure delight from start to finish and it had everything you could possibly want in a book like this. There were one liners that made me laugh out loud, ridiculously funny situations, romantic ones, terrible ones...you name it, it was there. Another outstanding read that I would definitely pick up for any upcoming travels you may have
September 7, 2018
A fab book. Loved the setting and the characters.
The third Kitty French book I've read this summer, all excellent!
The third Kitty French book I've read this summer, all excellent!
July 27, 2017
This was the epitome of a great summer romance read for me. Three thirty odd year old women are all in desperate need of a change - one has left her husband, one's husband left her, and the other had just been made redundant from her job. Booking a short stay at Villa Valentina B&B on a small Greek island they find sun and gin-a-plenty, and a little bit of respite from the harsh realties of life. Somehow they find themselves back in England having gone thirds on buying the B&B and soon after have packed up their lives in England for a new life in the sun. French managed to paint a perfect picture of the villa, the Greek way of life, and scenery - I could almost feel the blistering heat and see the sparkling ocean. Each of the three women were identifiable individuals with likability, and their love lives and how they healed from the hurts they'd experienced were at the core of this story, and each of them had great character growth. It didn't have laugh-out-loud humour for me, but gentle understated moments that made me smile, conversations the girls had were so typical of those I have with my best friends. I felt myself willing the women to get their happy ever afters and I wasn't disappointed with the outcome of each of their journeys at all. Well paced, not overdone in terms of drama/angst, French has found the perfect balance for a warm-hearted, fun, contemporary romance. I enjoyed her alter-ego's, Kitty French, erotic romance novels, but this was even better - I loved it and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books written under this pen name.
August 19, 2017
DNF @69%.
Seems I'm the only one bored by it but oy vey!
I love Kitty French, but seems Kat French is a hit-or-miss for me. Don't know why, it's the same person writing the books but guess the style is different.
It started out well. Blurb lured me in, story continued to keep my interest. We have three female protagonists moving to a Greek island after purchasing a B&B there. One was getting divorced, the second had already gotten divorced and the third had woken up sans job.
All's well.
But then one of the male protagonists popped up. And he confused me with all his back-and-forth and it got so annoying, I just rolled my eyes then started skipping pages whenever it was all Winnie and Jesse. Stella and Angelo I liked and I would have loved for the focus to be on them, not the first two. Frankie was okay too, I guess.
You know it's not going well when you keep checking the % and how much of the book you have left. You know you gotta call it quits when you'd rather do anything else than read the book. So yeah, in the minority, don't really care, didn't do it for me, but it might be perfect for you.
2 stars, DNF rating.
Seems I'm the only one bored by it but oy vey!
I love Kitty French, but seems Kat French is a hit-or-miss for me. Don't know why, it's the same person writing the books but guess the style is different.
It started out well. Blurb lured me in, story continued to keep my interest. We have three female protagonists moving to a Greek island after purchasing a B&B there. One was getting divorced, the second had already gotten divorced and the third had woken up sans job.
All's well.
But then one of the male protagonists popped up. And he confused me with all his back-and-forth and it got so annoying, I just rolled my eyes then started skipping pages whenever it was all Winnie and Jesse. Stella and Angelo I liked and I would have loved for the focus to be on them, not the first two. Frankie was okay too, I guess.
You know it's not going well when you keep checking the % and how much of the book you have left. You know you gotta call it quits when you'd rather do anything else than read the book. So yeah, in the minority, don't really care, didn't do it for me, but it might be perfect for you.
2 stars, DNF rating.
June 22, 2017
Winnie, Stella and Frankie book a trip to a lovely Greek Island and find themselves buying a pink bed and breakfast on the beach. Villa Valentina holds secrets and the girls find themselves in the midst of the whirl of a bed and breakfast and utilising their skills to make it a success. The bedrooms sound wonderful and the lifestyle along with plenty of gin and tonics make you feel that you have booked in for a wonderful holiday.
There is romance, wonderful village characters, gorgeous settings and a relaxing feel surround this book. There are village superstitions and some interesting guests arriving at the bed and breakfast that cause the girls untold trouble. It's like your own little package tour in a book.
I love Kat French's books and look forward to reading her next book.
There is romance, wonderful village characters, gorgeous settings and a relaxing feel surround this book. There are village superstitions and some interesting guests arriving at the bed and breakfast that cause the girls untold trouble. It's like your own little package tour in a book.
I love Kat French's books and look forward to reading her next book.
July 10, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Being set in Greece, I was half expecting Shirley Valentine to show her face on the Island! Although saying that, Stella reminded me of good ol’ Ms.Valentine, I could imagine her saying ‘well tickle my tits ’til Friday’! Don’t you agree?
I’m not sure what part of the novel I was sold on first; kick ass female characters, or a donkey named ‘ The Fonz‘. Could you get any more fab than that? Oh wait, the only thing that managed to score higher than the donkey was a certain Australian geezer, but I’ll leave that for you to read about yourself!
Ahhh, Frankie, Winnie and Stella; the three musketeers Greek style! I probably should have been shocked when I learnt how they managed to get the deeds for a B&B, but, I wasn’t. I actually laughed out loud. It was so bonkers! That’s what I adore about Kat French’s novels, she isn’t afraid to write about bonkers situations, sexual encounters, and kick ass female characters. The author holds absolutely nothing back and her care free, humorous attitude shines through this storyline like….oh I don’t know…Greek sunshine? Funny that!
Each of the three ladies have their own reasons for escaping to Villa Valentina, they’re using the Greek Island to their advantage with hope that their hearts are mended and their confidence levels re-built. I’m not going to go into detail about their backstories as it is a big part of the overall storyline and I wouldn’t like to give anything away.
Whilst the three best friends were united by one thing, their characters were incredibly different; Stella seemed to be a lot more blunt than the others, although I expected that she was using her bluntness to guard something. Frankie was the practical one of the group, managing to keep everything organised without a hair out-of-place. Lastly my favourite lady; Winnie, she was a complete mixture! One one hand she was fiery and incredibly honest, but on the other hand she came across as such an emotional person, with her heart shifting from her sleeve to her chest like a temporary tattoo. I adored her character as I warmed to her the quickest, she was SO much fun.
A Kat French wouldn’t be a Kat French book without a bit of ‘ooooo matron’ and kinky antics. Without giving anything away, Winnie found herself in a certain situation which was incredibly sensual, and severely hot. Oh how I would have loved to trade places with Winnie! That particular situation even taught me a thing or two! Very tasteful.
Frankie, Stella, and Winnie go on such a journey in ‘The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach’, it really was wonderful to see their personalities flourish, and their confidence soaring. Certain characters came out of their shell on the Greek island as well, much to the annoyance of others!
There really was nothing about this novel that I didn’t like! Even though the storyline is incredibly light and humorous, there were several hidden messages within the book which were beautifully incorporated into the overall storyline, earning more brownie points when I came across them.
I adored this book from the moment the ladies visited the Greek Island for a second time, until the very last page. So many funny and on point moments mixed in with many incredible characters, what’s not to love? If I could read Kat French’s novel for the first time, every time, it really would be a dream come true.
Another fantastic book from the incredible, Kat French. I highly recommend this summery, loveable, sizzle-fest of a book, 100%.
Thanks Avon.
Being set in Greece, I was half expecting Shirley Valentine to show her face on the Island! Although saying that, Stella reminded me of good ol’ Ms.Valentine, I could imagine her saying ‘well tickle my tits ’til Friday’! Don’t you agree?
I’m not sure what part of the novel I was sold on first; kick ass female characters, or a donkey named ‘ The Fonz‘. Could you get any more fab than that? Oh wait, the only thing that managed to score higher than the donkey was a certain Australian geezer, but I’ll leave that for you to read about yourself!
Ahhh, Frankie, Winnie and Stella; the three musketeers Greek style! I probably should have been shocked when I learnt how they managed to get the deeds for a B&B, but, I wasn’t. I actually laughed out loud. It was so bonkers! That’s what I adore about Kat French’s novels, she isn’t afraid to write about bonkers situations, sexual encounters, and kick ass female characters. The author holds absolutely nothing back and her care free, humorous attitude shines through this storyline like….oh I don’t know…Greek sunshine? Funny that!
Each of the three ladies have their own reasons for escaping to Villa Valentina, they’re using the Greek Island to their advantage with hope that their hearts are mended and their confidence levels re-built. I’m not going to go into detail about their backstories as it is a big part of the overall storyline and I wouldn’t like to give anything away.
Whilst the three best friends were united by one thing, their characters were incredibly different; Stella seemed to be a lot more blunt than the others, although I expected that she was using her bluntness to guard something. Frankie was the practical one of the group, managing to keep everything organised without a hair out-of-place. Lastly my favourite lady; Winnie, she was a complete mixture! One one hand she was fiery and incredibly honest, but on the other hand she came across as such an emotional person, with her heart shifting from her sleeve to her chest like a temporary tattoo. I adored her character as I warmed to her the quickest, she was SO much fun.
A Kat French wouldn’t be a Kat French book without a bit of ‘ooooo matron’ and kinky antics. Without giving anything away, Winnie found herself in a certain situation which was incredibly sensual, and severely hot. Oh how I would have loved to trade places with Winnie! That particular situation even taught me a thing or two! Very tasteful.
Frankie, Stella, and Winnie go on such a journey in ‘The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach’, it really was wonderful to see their personalities flourish, and their confidence soaring. Certain characters came out of their shell on the Greek island as well, much to the annoyance of others!
There really was nothing about this novel that I didn’t like! Even though the storyline is incredibly light and humorous, there were several hidden messages within the book which were beautifully incorporated into the overall storyline, earning more brownie points when I came across them.
I adored this book from the moment the ladies visited the Greek Island for a second time, until the very last page. So many funny and on point moments mixed in with many incredible characters, what’s not to love? If I could read Kat French’s novel for the first time, every time, it really would be a dream come true.
Another fantastic book from the incredible, Kat French. I highly recommend this summery, loveable, sizzle-fest of a book, 100%.
Thanks Avon.
Read
June 18, 2021Tegemist on fantastilise lugemisvaraga hilisteks öötundideks, kui aju on juba suht koomas ja lugemine toimub ilma mõistuse osavõtuta. Hästi põnev oli igatahes, teate ju küll seda lugu, kus ühel blondil, ühel brünetil ja kolmandal ka juustega naisel on kõik pekkis, nad lähevad soojale maale reisile, ostavad sobivalt olemas oleva vaba raha eest villa ja siis hakkavad mõtlema, mis edasi (üks on ise veel ärinaine enda arvates). Üllatus-üllatus, nad avavad hotelli, täitsa juhuslikult on üks daam maailma parim kokk, teine kunstnik ja kolmas müügiinimene, nii et suurema osa ajast saab kaanida džinni toonikuga ja hotell peab end praktiliselt ise. Loomulikult on mängus ka mehed, kes on kõik väga seksikad ja väga isased, siis räägitakse üksteisest mööda ja kõik on hästi pahased ja toimub see mäng, et me ikka ei saa koos olla, sest ma pole seda väärt, nii et jääme parem sõpradeks ja sõpruse kinnituseks lähme kahekesi vaatama romantilist filmi ja flirdime, nii et sädemed lendavad. Lõpuks elavad kõik muidugi õnnelikult elu lõpuni. Aga mul natuke nagu hakkas tekkima kahtlus, et see on vist ikka välja mõeldud kõik. Kes see jõuab palavaga nii palju kanget alkoholi juua?! Kui on üle 20 kraadi sooja, siis normaalne inimene lesib põõsa taga varjus ja peab ise minema eluga riskides Maximasse kalja järele.
March 3, 2025
makes me want to go to Greece
Loved it! Little bit of spice, little bit of laughter and a whole lot of love! Perfect tribute to true friendship and true love.
Loved it! Little bit of spice, little bit of laughter and a whole lot of love! Perfect tribute to true friendship and true love.
June 21, 2017
What a gloriously summery read. Best mates Frankie, Stella and Winnie escape the problems of their English lives and head over to a small Greek island where, somehow, they end up buying a ramschackle Bed and Breakfast - that holds an inordinate amount of Gin! After a shaky start, their lives become entwined with the local community. However, fate throws many challenges their way, including the arrival of an ex-husband and famous rock band. The three women must also deal with their enigmatic neighbour, caddishly cute Jesse, and grumpy guest, Angelo.
This really is the perfect beach read, with its picture postcard setting and continental taste. French cleverly combines dry wit and laugh out loud humour, with emotional and moving scenes that keep the reader involved right until the last page. Make sure you pack this gem alongside your aeroplane tickets and sun cream. It's packed with all the ingredients necessary for a PERFECT holiday!
This really is the perfect beach read, with its picture postcard setting and continental taste. French cleverly combines dry wit and laugh out loud humour, with emotional and moving scenes that keep the reader involved right until the last page. Make sure you pack this gem alongside your aeroplane tickets and sun cream. It's packed with all the ingredients necessary for a PERFECT holiday!
August 29, 2017
A great sunshine read that kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed meeting Frankie, Stella and Winnie and living their new lives in Greece with them. Recommended!
June 24, 2017
Another perfect summer read from Kat French.
I've been a big fan of Kat (and alter ego Kitty) French for a while and always look forward to a new book from her. This time we're off to a B&B on a little known Greek Island with three thirty something women who are at a bit of a cross roads in their lives. Stella has lost her job, Frankie has split from her husband now that their children are grown up and Winnie has found out her husband has been unfaithful.
When they take a short break to Villa Valentina on the sun soaked Greek Island of Skelidos and are plied with numerous G&T's by the B&B's charming owner they somehow find themselves the new owners of the B&B and a few other things. They decide to make a go of it but can the B&B offer a new start or is it one adventure too far.
I liked this story a lot. It's light and fluffy with a little bit of romance, a few touching moments and more than a few laughs. I loved the setting of the shabby chic villa on Skelidos and I think French's descriptions of the island and the locals were the real highlight of the story. I could almost imagine myself relaxing on the beach or beside the pool with one of the Island's special Gin and tonics in one hand and a book in the other.
The relationship between the three friends Stella, Frankie and Winnie was also wonderfully portrayed. They had been friends since childhood and despite being very different you got a real sense of closeness and camaraderie between them. I loved how they teased each other but were always there to support each other, even when there was the odd disagreement.
With three main characters and at times three different storylines going on it did feel a bit much to me. The pov switched between characters quite a lot, particularly in the beginning, and for this reason I didn't think enough time was spent on certain characters of plot lines. I would have preferred if the story had focused on one of the three women and their relationship, allowing a little more depth and emotion. This is however a personal preference as I'm not generally a fan of romances with more than one couple. It may have been for this reason that I didn't feel any particular spark between any of the couples.
Snarky Australian next door neighbor Jessie did bring the phwoar factor but he just wasn't there enough for me and the other guys were a little bit meh. French can write some really great steamy scenes and has proven before that she can bring real emotion into a rom com so I'm not entirely sure why I didn't get it from this book. It's very possible I was just not in the right frame of mind when I was reading it.
Overall, it is a great read and perfect for lying on the beach by the pool (or if you're in Scotland like me, hiding from the rain). There are a lot of funny moments and a few really sweet ones so I did enjoy it, I just didn't quite love it as much as some of her others.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all views are my own.
I've been a big fan of Kat (and alter ego Kitty) French for a while and always look forward to a new book from her. This time we're off to a B&B on a little known Greek Island with three thirty something women who are at a bit of a cross roads in their lives. Stella has lost her job, Frankie has split from her husband now that their children are grown up and Winnie has found out her husband has been unfaithful.
When they take a short break to Villa Valentina on the sun soaked Greek Island of Skelidos and are plied with numerous G&T's by the B&B's charming owner they somehow find themselves the new owners of the B&B and a few other things. They decide to make a go of it but can the B&B offer a new start or is it one adventure too far.
I liked this story a lot. It's light and fluffy with a little bit of romance, a few touching moments and more than a few laughs. I loved the setting of the shabby chic villa on Skelidos and I think French's descriptions of the island and the locals were the real highlight of the story. I could almost imagine myself relaxing on the beach or beside the pool with one of the Island's special Gin and tonics in one hand and a book in the other.
The relationship between the three friends Stella, Frankie and Winnie was also wonderfully portrayed. They had been friends since childhood and despite being very different you got a real sense of closeness and camaraderie between them. I loved how they teased each other but were always there to support each other, even when there was the odd disagreement.
With three main characters and at times three different storylines going on it did feel a bit much to me. The pov switched between characters quite a lot, particularly in the beginning, and for this reason I didn't think enough time was spent on certain characters of plot lines. I would have preferred if the story had focused on one of the three women and their relationship, allowing a little more depth and emotion. This is however a personal preference as I'm not generally a fan of romances with more than one couple. It may have been for this reason that I didn't feel any particular spark between any of the couples.
Snarky Australian next door neighbor Jessie did bring the phwoar factor but he just wasn't there enough for me and the other guys were a little bit meh. French can write some really great steamy scenes and has proven before that she can bring real emotion into a rom com so I'm not entirely sure why I didn't get it from this book. It's very possible I was just not in the right frame of mind when I was reading it.
Overall, it is a great read and perfect for lying on the beach by the pool (or if you're in Scotland like me, hiding from the rain). There are a lot of funny moments and a few really sweet ones so I did enjoy it, I just didn't quite love it as much as some of her others.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all views are my own.
June 26, 2017
Book Review - The Bed & Breakfast on the Beach by Kat French - 5 dreams of lazy days Stars
So I’d like to blame this book for my tardy review - I mean the ladies have just taught me the Island way of life and I’m just getting around to things when I can *drinks gin, twirls hair*. Ok not really. I read a page of this book a few weeks ago, realised I absolutely was not in the right frame of mind to read this and went and read some M/M instead. Because absolutely the last thing I ever want to do with a book is not give it the love it deserved because my brain wants something else. And my brain is a little like a drunk with the munchies, sometimes it’s crisps, sometimes it’s chocolate and sometimes it’s a dirty burger…. My book reading is very similar. Anyway, random ramblings away and on to this beaut of a book which was worth the wait.
To package this up as chick lit for me would be to do this book a huge injustice, because there is so much weight behind the scenes and for me chick lit = light. Now before you start thinking this is a huge heavy piece, let me remind you that it’s lovely lady writer is someone who regularly makes me chuckle and this book has it’s fair share of scenes that made me laugh. It’s also got a few steamy scenes (although they are steamy lite as this is trad published fiction and the trad publishers seem to think we will all swoon if there is too much sex in a book that isn’t marked up as erotica - note to publishers - we like the sex thing, it’s how most of us made the babies - we aren’t going to faint if you let the authors ramp it up a little in the next one.)
However for me, the thing that made this book are the relationships. Firstly, it’s lovely to witness a solid three way (not like that, dirty buggers) friendship without unnecessary drama between the friends. How lovely to see how each character had her own distinct personality and how they all balanced each other out and celebrated their differences. Each lady comes with a story of why the beach hotel is the perfect choice for them at that moment in time and my heart followed each one on their own special journey, whether it was to find their self worth again, to lower their guard or to rediscover what was thought to be lost, each had a special journey to take in the gorgeous surroundings of Villa Valentina.
Beautifully wrapped up with a bow, this is a perfect piece of pure escapism. My body is firmly in the grey and dreary UK but my head and heart are still in Skelidos. Sigh. This book is like the perfect G & T on a hot barmy night - it proper hit the spot.
Φέρασα καρπούζι
So I’d like to blame this book for my tardy review - I mean the ladies have just taught me the Island way of life and I’m just getting around to things when I can *drinks gin, twirls hair*. Ok not really. I read a page of this book a few weeks ago, realised I absolutely was not in the right frame of mind to read this and went and read some M/M instead. Because absolutely the last thing I ever want to do with a book is not give it the love it deserved because my brain wants something else. And my brain is a little like a drunk with the munchies, sometimes it’s crisps, sometimes it’s chocolate and sometimes it’s a dirty burger…. My book reading is very similar. Anyway, random ramblings away and on to this beaut of a book which was worth the wait.
To package this up as chick lit for me would be to do this book a huge injustice, because there is so much weight behind the scenes and for me chick lit = light. Now before you start thinking this is a huge heavy piece, let me remind you that it’s lovely lady writer is someone who regularly makes me chuckle and this book has it’s fair share of scenes that made me laugh. It’s also got a few steamy scenes (although they are steamy lite as this is trad published fiction and the trad publishers seem to think we will all swoon if there is too much sex in a book that isn’t marked up as erotica - note to publishers - we like the sex thing, it’s how most of us made the babies - we aren’t going to faint if you let the authors ramp it up a little in the next one.)
However for me, the thing that made this book are the relationships. Firstly, it’s lovely to witness a solid three way (not like that, dirty buggers) friendship without unnecessary drama between the friends. How lovely to see how each character had her own distinct personality and how they all balanced each other out and celebrated their differences. Each lady comes with a story of why the beach hotel is the perfect choice for them at that moment in time and my heart followed each one on their own special journey, whether it was to find their self worth again, to lower their guard or to rediscover what was thought to be lost, each had a special journey to take in the gorgeous surroundings of Villa Valentina.
Beautifully wrapped up with a bow, this is a perfect piece of pure escapism. My body is firmly in the grey and dreary UK but my head and heart are still in Skelidos. Sigh. This book is like the perfect G & T on a hot barmy night - it proper hit the spot.
Φέρασα καρπούζι
May 29, 2017
Oh, what a beautiful fun-filled, sun-kissed summer read..
The story starts with best friends Winnie, Stella and Frankie, going for a weekend trip to the B&B, the Villa Valentina, on the island, Skelidos. They find themselves gently persuaded to become one-third owners of the B&B and then the fun begins...
All of them are going through emotional upheavals in their personal life so they decide to take a break and make a go of running the B&B.
Winnie, who is divorcing a cheating husband, meets neighbour Jessie, hunky Australian and the chemistry between them is so palpable. The subtext of their dialogues and their interactions, makes the reading interesting and flirty hot.
Stella, who has been made redundant from her job, finds herself attracted to Angelo, a hotshot playboy businessman. Both of them are well suited to each other and their anger, soon turns to passion.
Frankie, who has already divorced her husband, Gavin, finds an admirer in Seth. Then Gavin visits the island to woo his ex-wife back. Whom will Frankie choose???
The friendship between these three women is the core of the story, they have been with each other through childhood and adulthood. It's fun to read about the relationships forged by these women with their men, with other islanders, including their donkey, The Fonz. And there is also gin making in a secret distillery...
Kat French writes beautifully in good English, she makes all the characters come alive. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me dance, she made me long to become a part of this B&B, enjoying my life with my best friends.
Ms. French writes a complete book, there is humour, there is warmth, there is love, there are emotions and there are steamy scenes.. What more could I ask for??
Thank you, Kat French for writing this book...
I received an ARC from netgalley and my review is totally unbiased and honest.
The story starts with best friends Winnie, Stella and Frankie, going for a weekend trip to the B&B, the Villa Valentina, on the island, Skelidos. They find themselves gently persuaded to become one-third owners of the B&B and then the fun begins...
All of them are going through emotional upheavals in their personal life so they decide to take a break and make a go of running the B&B.
Winnie, who is divorcing a cheating husband, meets neighbour Jessie, hunky Australian and the chemistry between them is so palpable. The subtext of their dialogues and their interactions, makes the reading interesting and flirty hot.
Stella, who has been made redundant from her job, finds herself attracted to Angelo, a hotshot playboy businessman. Both of them are well suited to each other and their anger, soon turns to passion.
Frankie, who has already divorced her husband, Gavin, finds an admirer in Seth. Then Gavin visits the island to woo his ex-wife back. Whom will Frankie choose???
The friendship between these three women is the core of the story, they have been with each other through childhood and adulthood. It's fun to read about the relationships forged by these women with their men, with other islanders, including their donkey, The Fonz. And there is also gin making in a secret distillery...
Kat French writes beautifully in good English, she makes all the characters come alive. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me dance, she made me long to become a part of this B&B, enjoying my life with my best friends.
Ms. French writes a complete book, there is humour, there is warmth, there is love, there are emotions and there are steamy scenes.. What more could I ask for??
Thank you, Kat French for writing this book...
I received an ARC from netgalley and my review is totally unbiased and honest.
July 11, 2017
In this romantic comedy, three women who have been lifelong friends have come to a crossroads in their lives marked with quite a bit of pain and frustration. Two of the women have ended long term relationships, and the third has been let go from a job that was her life. These are not amusing happenings by a long strength; however, when they move to a small Greek island to recover from life’s downturns, much hilarity ensues.
Frankie was married with twin boys at a very young age; she and her husband, Gav, drifted apart so that once the children grew up and left home, there was nothing left of their marriage. Winnie also had a marriage go belly up when her cheating husband broke her heart. Stella was wedded to her work and so after being essentially fired, she was also set adrift. The three friends, in support of one another, visit this enchanted isle and decide to chuck it all buying the shabby chic Villa Valentina.
Winnie is attracted to their artist neighbor, Jesse, an Aussie expat with a secret heartache of his own, who gives her very mixed signals. Frankie blossoms as the B&B chef and gets a chance to reinvent herself while Stella turns her talents to the marketing side to attract customers. A handsome Greek businessman who is staying with them to recover from an injury may just be her intellectual match.
In this case of things going awry, when life gives these women lemons, they make pink gin which is a local island secret drink that holds the key their success or failure as innkeepers. Kat French excels at writing romantic comedy; I always finish her books feeling like I had a good time with her characters and their often Lucille Ball type of situations. This is a fun summer read especially for anyone lucky enough to be at the beach.
Frankie was married with twin boys at a very young age; she and her husband, Gav, drifted apart so that once the children grew up and left home, there was nothing left of their marriage. Winnie also had a marriage go belly up when her cheating husband broke her heart. Stella was wedded to her work and so after being essentially fired, she was also set adrift. The three friends, in support of one another, visit this enchanted isle and decide to chuck it all buying the shabby chic Villa Valentina.
Winnie is attracted to their artist neighbor, Jesse, an Aussie expat with a secret heartache of his own, who gives her very mixed signals. Frankie blossoms as the B&B chef and gets a chance to reinvent herself while Stella turns her talents to the marketing side to attract customers. A handsome Greek businessman who is staying with them to recover from an injury may just be her intellectual match.
In this case of things going awry, when life gives these women lemons, they make pink gin which is a local island secret drink that holds the key their success or failure as innkeepers. Kat French excels at writing romantic comedy; I always finish her books feeling like I had a good time with her characters and their often Lucille Ball type of situations. This is a fun summer read especially for anyone lucky enough to be at the beach.
May 27, 2017
What a lovely, chilled, laid-back, fun book, just perfect for reading on a holiday, or even for making you feel as if you were on holiday, just getting away from it all. It's set in a crumbling pink-washed B&B villa right on a beautiful beach and just down the road from a little village with two shops, a restaurant and a bar, perfect!
The three main characters, Winnie, Frankie and Stella, have each hit a turning point in their lives (men/jobs) and visited the island for a short break to get away from things and, somehow - probably to do with the amount of gin they were plied with! - ended up buying the B&B between them and setting off on a new adventure.
Over the course of the summer they come to realise what they really want and settle into island life - of course notwithstanding some bumps along the way! They find out that as the new villa owners they are now custodians of the island's famous gin recipe and they are expected to carry on the tradition of making it (instructions and lots of bottles already in the cellar!), there's the arrival of the grumpy brother and businessman of a friend they've made, along with the arrival of an resurrected boy band wanting to stay for the whole summer to write their new album, and their new Aussie neighbour who is an artist/sculptor. It certainly made for a wonderful summer! I especially loved the scene with Stella and Angelo at the airport towards the end, so romantic.
An absolutely lovely book that I whizzed through as it was so enjoyable, I really didn't want it to end. It makes you want to pack your bags and jet off to join them on their Greek island!
The three main characters, Winnie, Frankie and Stella, have each hit a turning point in their lives (men/jobs) and visited the island for a short break to get away from things and, somehow - probably to do with the amount of gin they were plied with! - ended up buying the B&B between them and setting off on a new adventure.
Over the course of the summer they come to realise what they really want and settle into island life - of course notwithstanding some bumps along the way! They find out that as the new villa owners they are now custodians of the island's famous gin recipe and they are expected to carry on the tradition of making it (instructions and lots of bottles already in the cellar!), there's the arrival of the grumpy brother and businessman of a friend they've made, along with the arrival of an resurrected boy band wanting to stay for the whole summer to write their new album, and their new Aussie neighbour who is an artist/sculptor. It certainly made for a wonderful summer! I especially loved the scene with Stella and Angelo at the airport towards the end, so romantic.
An absolutely lovely book that I whizzed through as it was so enjoyable, I really didn't want it to end. It makes you want to pack your bags and jet off to join them on their Greek island!
June 18, 2017
The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach is the first book that I have read by Kat French but it will definitely not be my last. This book is absolutely perfect for a beach or pool side read while sipping on Gin and Tonics which are a huge part to this book!
Three friends, Winnie, Stella and Frankie escape England to go on a girl's holiday on a remote Greek islands. We learn each of the girls are escaping something either its redundancy or divorce or cheating husbands and I really loved each of the girls in their own different ways. I loved the friendship between them all and how they all were there for each other despite them all going through something.
As the friends return to England, they are quickly packing their lives back up again as they are returning for good due to buying the B&B they stayed in!
What follows is some laugh out loud moments as they try and get adjusted to the Greek island way of life. We're introduced to a range of characters who I loved in each of their ways and as you might expect they have some ups and downs while trying to get the B&B up and running again. There are lots of G&Ts being drunk and I found myself craving some while reading this book! I fell in love with the character of Jesse, the grumpy Australian neighbour and I loved finding out why he's the way he is.
This book is perfect for the summer whether you're heading to a beach in Spain or staying at home in the garden as it is a light, quick read and you will fall in love with the island.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
Three friends, Winnie, Stella and Frankie escape England to go on a girl's holiday on a remote Greek islands. We learn each of the girls are escaping something either its redundancy or divorce or cheating husbands and I really loved each of the girls in their own different ways. I loved the friendship between them all and how they all were there for each other despite them all going through something.
As the friends return to England, they are quickly packing their lives back up again as they are returning for good due to buying the B&B they stayed in!
What follows is some laugh out loud moments as they try and get adjusted to the Greek island way of life. We're introduced to a range of characters who I loved in each of their ways and as you might expect they have some ups and downs while trying to get the B&B up and running again. There are lots of G&Ts being drunk and I found myself craving some while reading this book! I fell in love with the character of Jesse, the grumpy Australian neighbour and I loved finding out why he's the way he is.
This book is perfect for the summer whether you're heading to a beach in Spain or staying at home in the garden as it is a light, quick read and you will fall in love with the island.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
June 21, 2017
This book was such a sweet funny read. I'm a person who enjoys covers, and I thought this cover was gorgeous and very summery. This book sold me summer and it gave me summer. It made me feel like travelling to Greece and exploring the hidden places that I might find.
Truthfully, I was expecting a very sickly-sweet romance, but what I got was a very female empowering and liberating sweet romance. The three best-friends have different lives with different problems and priorities, and this book has shown how each will react to life and all that it entails and how each will reach, fight and find love.
Because of the 'Titanic' references, I became scared that a happy ending wouldn't be had, and the song "My Heart Will Go On" and "I Will Always Love You" was on stand by in my mind to start playing. I loved these 'Titanic' vibes, it made me very happy, and it made cross references the two, and it just added to the romantic feel of the novel.
There are other pop culture references, it made this book feel very accessible and new, and it helped make the character's personality shine through the pages for me.
I wish I wish I could have seen more of Stella and Frankie, their point of views and their romances. I'm very happy and satisfied with how their stories developed and ended, but I just wish there was a bit more of them.
Truthfully, I was expecting a very sickly-sweet romance, but what I got was a very female empowering and liberating sweet romance. The three best-friends have different lives with different problems and priorities, and this book has shown how each will react to life and all that it entails and how each will reach, fight and find love.
Because of the 'Titanic' references, I became scared that a happy ending wouldn't be had, and the song "My Heart Will Go On" and "I Will Always Love You" was on stand by in my mind to start playing. I loved these 'Titanic' vibes, it made me very happy, and it made cross references the two, and it just added to the romantic feel of the novel.
There are other pop culture references, it made this book feel very accessible and new, and it helped make the character's personality shine through the pages for me.
I wish I wish I could have seen more of Stella and Frankie, their point of views and their romances. I'm very happy and satisfied with how their stories developed and ended, but I just wish there was a bit more of them.
July 4, 2017
The Blurb :
A Greek island solves all life’s problems…doesn’t it?
Winnie, Stella and Frankie have been best friends forever.
When their lives unexpectedly unravel, they spontaneously decide to buy a gorgeous B on a remote Greek island.
Drenched in hot sun, Villa Valentina is the perfect escape
from reality. But when Winnie meets Jesse, their brooding
neighbour, she finds that Greece is full of its own complications – not least how attractive he is…
Meanwhile, Frankie and Stella are discovering that Villa Valentina has its own secrets – starting with the large supply of gin in the cellar and the arrival of a famous rock band. A band with one very good-looking member who just might distract Frankie from thoughts of her husband…
My Thoughts :
Meet three friends, Winnie, Stella and Frankie. They go on holiday to Greece after escaping England amd their cheating husbands or loss of job. They return home and decide to pack up their bags and return to Greece buying the lovely B&B they stayed in.
As we go on a journey with these friends, we learn more about them and their lives and delve into their personalities.
There are lots of funny moments and we certainly get lost in the Greek lifestyle, the food and surroundings.
The charactors were easily relatable and a joy to read about. Kat French has delivered this great story and I cant wait for her next book.
A Greek island solves all life’s problems…doesn’t it?
Winnie, Stella and Frankie have been best friends forever.
When their lives unexpectedly unravel, they spontaneously decide to buy a gorgeous B on a remote Greek island.
Drenched in hot sun, Villa Valentina is the perfect escape
from reality. But when Winnie meets Jesse, their brooding
neighbour, she finds that Greece is full of its own complications – not least how attractive he is…
Meanwhile, Frankie and Stella are discovering that Villa Valentina has its own secrets – starting with the large supply of gin in the cellar and the arrival of a famous rock band. A band with one very good-looking member who just might distract Frankie from thoughts of her husband…
My Thoughts :
Meet three friends, Winnie, Stella and Frankie. They go on holiday to Greece after escaping England amd their cheating husbands or loss of job. They return home and decide to pack up their bags and return to Greece buying the lovely B&B they stayed in.
As we go on a journey with these friends, we learn more about them and their lives and delve into their personalities.
There are lots of funny moments and we certainly get lost in the Greek lifestyle, the food and surroundings.
The charactors were easily relatable and a joy to read about. Kat French has delivered this great story and I cant wait for her next book.
June 22, 2017
I am slowly becoming a huge fan of Kat French! I discovered her books through the FBBF signings and have read a few of them since and none have disappointed me!
The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach, is a story of three, thirty-something women who all have their reasons for needing to get away from England for a short break. Frankie, Winnie, and Stella are lifelong friends who escape to the Island of Skelidos but end up buying the villa they are staying at!
This is such a fantastic light summer read!Perfect for reading on holiday, or sunbathing in your garden! It's full of laugh out loud moments and some emotional ones too! These three girls are so fab and you can really relate to them.
I definately recommend this book to anyone who enjoys easy going, summer reads with great characters and hot men!
The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach, is a story of three, thirty-something women who all have their reasons for needing to get away from England for a short break. Frankie, Winnie, and Stella are lifelong friends who escape to the Island of Skelidos but end up buying the villa they are staying at!
This is such a fantastic light summer read!Perfect for reading on holiday, or sunbathing in your garden! It's full of laugh out loud moments and some emotional ones too! These three girls are so fab and you can really relate to them.
I definately recommend this book to anyone who enjoys easy going, summer reads with great characters and hot men!
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