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A Riviera Retreat
When a holiday is more than just a holiday…
When Retreat owner Amy offers three lucky competition winners a holiday on the Cote d’Azur, she has no idea that this act of kindness will have life changing repercussions on her own life and those who join her…
Young entrepreneur Chelsea, is still grieving the tragic loss of her mother and has just been subjected to a very public relationship breakup. She needs to get away and lick her wounds.
MP’s wife Victoria is at a crossroads in her life now that the children have left home. Much to her husbands shock, she realises she has ambitions of her own and is desperate to reconnect/find her own identity. She needs some ‘me time’.
Recently widowed Matilda, is assessing life without her beloved husband. Their dream had always been to retire to France.Can she find the courage to follow their dream on her own?
Over the course of the ten days they spend together, the four women, despite their differences, support and bond, making memories and forming friendships that will last for years.
When Retreat owner Amy offers three lucky competition winners a holiday on the Cote d’Azur, she has no idea that this act of kindness will have life changing repercussions on her own life and those who join her…
Young entrepreneur Chelsea, is still grieving the tragic loss of her mother and has just been subjected to a very public relationship breakup. She needs to get away and lick her wounds.
MP’s wife Victoria is at a crossroads in her life now that the children have left home. Much to her husbands shock, she realises she has ambitions of her own and is desperate to reconnect/find her own identity. She needs some ‘me time’.
Recently widowed Matilda, is assessing life without her beloved husband. Their dream had always been to retire to France.Can she find the courage to follow their dream on her own?
Over the course of the ten days they spend together, the four women, despite their differences, support and bond, making memories and forming friendships that will last for years.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2020
2106 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bohnet
38 books285 followersSixteen years ago Richard and I, with our then dog, 14 year old Holly in a trailer attached to Richard's bike, cycled down through western France via the canal paths, arriving in Antibes in July. With the exception of two fleeting visits back to the UK we have lived in France ever since.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
March 15, 2024
Four and a half stars.
Amy Martin inherited Belle Vue Villa from Aunt Tasha five years ago. It gave her the perfect chance to start a new life. She has turned it into a retreat for artists and writers. But this time she wants to give some others a new start and so comes up with a competition where three people can win a holiday staying at Belle Vue on the beautiful Côte d’Azur. That simple act of kindness ends up having life changing effects. The three women who win the holiday are Chelsea, who has just experienced a very public and humiliating breakup. There is Vicki whose husband is an MP and she is looking to change her life. Then there is recently widowed Matilda who is still struggling to come to terms with life without her beloved husband William.
This is a gentle feel good story about the friendship that springs up between these four women. The setting is stunning and the characters believable and engaging. There is romance as well but it is certainly not the main theme.
The author bases it on a film called Enchanted April where four women are brought together in an Italian castle. I had not heard of the film before this book but will definitely give it a look.
But back to the book. From its gorgeous cover this book is a delight. Maybe a little neatly tied up at the end but I still adored this book. This is the third book I have read by this author and loved all three.
Amy Martin inherited Belle Vue Villa from Aunt Tasha five years ago. It gave her the perfect chance to start a new life. She has turned it into a retreat for artists and writers. But this time she wants to give some others a new start and so comes up with a competition where three people can win a holiday staying at Belle Vue on the beautiful Côte d’Azur. That simple act of kindness ends up having life changing effects. The three women who win the holiday are Chelsea, who has just experienced a very public and humiliating breakup. There is Vicki whose husband is an MP and she is looking to change her life. Then there is recently widowed Matilda who is still struggling to come to terms with life without her beloved husband William.
This is a gentle feel good story about the friendship that springs up between these four women. The setting is stunning and the characters believable and engaging. There is romance as well but it is certainly not the main theme.
The author bases it on a film called Enchanted April where four women are brought together in an Italian castle. I had not heard of the film before this book but will definitely give it a look.
But back to the book. From its gorgeous cover this book is a delight. Maybe a little neatly tied up at the end but I still adored this book. This is the third book I have read by this author and loved all three.
January 19, 2020
This was a sweet read which calmed my mind. The descriptions were detailed and the women warm hearted.
Amy ran a creative retreat, she chose 3 women from the competition and invited them to the retreat on a holiday. Vicky, Chelsea, and Matilda were the lucky ones, and it was fun to see the 4 women bonding over the next 10 days.
My first book by author Jennifer Bohnet, she was a delight. I found her words cleverly chosen to give a vivid picture of the story. Emotions of friendship between the women were warm, they made my heart glow with the strength in their hearts. All of them have gone through life's trails, so seeing them come out of the past was beautiful.
The author made the story come alive, it made me walk slow down its pages, trying to grasp the emotions that the ladies felt. It showed me how friendships could be made over 10 days which would last forever. Even though they were from varied walks of life and different age groups, their lives enmeshed gracefully with each other.
I liked what the author tried to show in this book - Take time out to find out what makes you happy. The book was slightly slower than my thrillers, but that was what I needed over the slow weekend.
A beautiful read about life and friendships.
Amy ran a creative retreat, she chose 3 women from the competition and invited them to the retreat on a holiday. Vicky, Chelsea, and Matilda were the lucky ones, and it was fun to see the 4 women bonding over the next 10 days.
My first book by author Jennifer Bohnet, she was a delight. I found her words cleverly chosen to give a vivid picture of the story. Emotions of friendship between the women were warm, they made my heart glow with the strength in their hearts. All of them have gone through life's trails, so seeing them come out of the past was beautiful.
The author made the story come alive, it made me walk slow down its pages, trying to grasp the emotions that the ladies felt. It showed me how friendships could be made over 10 days which would last forever. Even though they were from varied walks of life and different age groups, their lives enmeshed gracefully with each other.
I liked what the author tried to show in this book - Take time out to find out what makes you happy. The book was slightly slower than my thrillers, but that was what I needed over the slow weekend.
A beautiful read about life and friendships.
August 2, 2020
The perfect getaway!
A delightful story of friendship, taking chances, and being open to new opportunities ... and where better than the magical French Riviera?
A delightful story of friendship, taking chances, and being open to new opportunities ... and where better than the magical French Riviera?
April 23, 2021
I’ve just simply adored this book you feel as if you are there in France the setting is amazing the story plot is outstanding and you just don’t want to put the book down and to keep reading as so many twists and turns. It’s full of friendship being away and moving forward and being happy and such a heartwarming read.
Amy owns a regret in France and decides to offer three people the change to win a holiday there and she will choose three people. She has Chelsea who harms a very good business and has just had a very public break up so needs to get away and then Victoria has a husband who is an MP but her life is going know where as the children are off her hands so she wants a break and Matilda who has recently lost her husband and they never got the chance to live her dream with him. The four ladies form a bond that is so special and can all see a way to move forward but how will they do it and what surprises will come along the way.
Well worth more than five stars.
Amy owns a regret in France and decides to offer three people the change to win a holiday there and she will choose three people. She has Chelsea who harms a very good business and has just had a very public break up so needs to get away and then Victoria has a husband who is an MP but her life is going know where as the children are off her hands so she wants a break and Matilda who has recently lost her husband and they never got the chance to live her dream with him. The four ladies form a bond that is so special and can all see a way to move forward but how will they do it and what surprises will come along the way.
Well worth more than five stars.
January 24, 2020
If you are after an easy read then can always rely on Jennifer's books. They are normally cosy up books or holiday reads.
This one is no different but certainly not my favourite of her titles. It's about three women from different generations who meet up in France after winning a competition to win a holiday. Each woman has secrets they are trying to find. However, as the women begin to bond they reveal their skeletons and become close friends.
As always with Jennifer's books it is well written but for me this story is not her best.
This one is no different but certainly not my favourite of her titles. It's about three women from different generations who meet up in France after winning a competition to win a holiday. Each woman has secrets they are trying to find. However, as the women begin to bond they reveal their skeletons and become close friends.
As always with Jennifer's books it is well written but for me this story is not her best.
June 24, 2024
*A Random Act of Kindness*
This story is about an act of kindness that sees four women of different ages come together. This really warmed my heart and each woman is going through something in their lives that needs addressing.
Amy
She inherits the property in France and decides to turn it into a retreat. She has been through a disaster of a marriage and is keen to get out of it. Her ex husband to be is a liar in the first degree and is not making her life easy. She decides to do a competition for four winners for ten days and the prize would mean a free holiday.
Chelsea
She has a budding catering business that has seen her go through a large loss due to a client getting her own back re a relationship that should never have happened that cost Chelsea dearly. Sadly worse is to come. So she is in need of a change of scenery.
Victoria
She is the wife of an mp who is not shy about coming forward re sticking up for his constituents. Her life decisions did not include her husband being an mp and with the children grown up she wants something for herself. Trouble is she is knee deep in doing some work for him and he never even asks her how she is feeling.
Matilda
She is widowed and has always wanted to live in France but is she bold enough to do so. What would her son think? A friend enters her into the competition and tells her after the fact, Matilda never dreams she would win….
The break has come at the right time and the ladies all end up making decisions that they may not have had the courage to make before this break, will they follow through towards their dreams?
I really enjoyed getting to know the women and I routed for each one of them. I just love to see women championing each other.
This story is about an act of kindness that sees four women of different ages come together. This really warmed my heart and each woman is going through something in their lives that needs addressing.
Amy
She inherits the property in France and decides to turn it into a retreat. She has been through a disaster of a marriage and is keen to get out of it. Her ex husband to be is a liar in the first degree and is not making her life easy. She decides to do a competition for four winners for ten days and the prize would mean a free holiday.
Chelsea
She has a budding catering business that has seen her go through a large loss due to a client getting her own back re a relationship that should never have happened that cost Chelsea dearly. Sadly worse is to come. So she is in need of a change of scenery.
Victoria
She is the wife of an mp who is not shy about coming forward re sticking up for his constituents. Her life decisions did not include her husband being an mp and with the children grown up she wants something for herself. Trouble is she is knee deep in doing some work for him and he never even asks her how she is feeling.
Matilda
She is widowed and has always wanted to live in France but is she bold enough to do so. What would her son think? A friend enters her into the competition and tells her after the fact, Matilda never dreams she would win….
The break has come at the right time and the ladies all end up making decisions that they may not have had the courage to make before this break, will they follow through towards their dreams?
I really enjoyed getting to know the women and I routed for each one of them. I just love to see women championing each other.
April 28, 2020
Amy inherited a beautiful villa in southern France and decides to share her good fortune, offering a free holiday to 3 competition winners. 3 women from different background and generations win. This holiday changes the lives of those 3 winners as well as Amy herself.
A beautifully written story I got swept away in the beauty of France and the stories of these 4 women. The only problem with reading it is - now I really want to go on holiday 😫😫
A beautifully written story I got swept away in the beauty of France and the stories of these 4 women. The only problem with reading it is - now I really want to go on holiday 😫😫
February 5, 2021
I haven’t read anything by this author before, but I enjoyed the book. Set in the South of France, it is a relaxing read, with enough description of the setting to allow you to feel that you are in another country, without it being too much like a guidebook. The plot is not too contrived, and the characters are quite likeable. I have ordered another of her books now.
January 28, 2020
A super easy to read, sun kissed tale, of 4 women coming together on holiday each with a decision on what to do next with their life.
After reading Jennifer Bohnet's previous book I couldn't wait to be whisked back to the sunny French Riviera again and read of how these four women come together.
Receiving inspiration from her favourite film, Amy decides to hold a competition for 3 people to win a stay at her Retreat near Cannes. The 3 women who come to stay are all at a time in their life where they have a choice to make. Carry on as they are or make a change.
The youngest competition winner, Chelsea has received an unexpected surprise , and a very public one at that! She flies off to Cannes in a state of shock, without even telling her Dad where she has gone. Keen to make the most of this holiday, she soon starts to make friends with the others and shares her love of cooking with them all. Victoria, closet to Amy's age, has always wanted to write and now is her chance, but how will her husband feel about that? She uses this time on her own to start her book, and if things go well decides how she will explain to him that this time is now her time. Matilda and her late husband had always dreamed of moving to France, but now he's gone is she brave enough to do it on her own? With the encouragement from the others and new friends she meets at the retreat, she finds her answer.
I enjoyed all of the characters mentioned above but it is Amy's story we learn most about. How she came to have been left the retreat by her Aunt and as she too starts to tie up loose ends, the three other women prove to be more than just guests.
As with The Villa of Sun and Secrets the setting is a major part of the book. The descriptions of Cannes and its surroundings are spot on and add on the setting of the retreat and its gardens it all makes for some glorious escapism.
An uplifting tale that has you breakfasting on coffee and croissant before taking a dip in the pool!
After reading Jennifer Bohnet's previous book I couldn't wait to be whisked back to the sunny French Riviera again and read of how these four women come together.
Receiving inspiration from her favourite film, Amy decides to hold a competition for 3 people to win a stay at her Retreat near Cannes. The 3 women who come to stay are all at a time in their life where they have a choice to make. Carry on as they are or make a change.
The youngest competition winner, Chelsea has received an unexpected surprise , and a very public one at that! She flies off to Cannes in a state of shock, without even telling her Dad where she has gone. Keen to make the most of this holiday, she soon starts to make friends with the others and shares her love of cooking with them all. Victoria, closet to Amy's age, has always wanted to write and now is her chance, but how will her husband feel about that? She uses this time on her own to start her book, and if things go well decides how she will explain to him that this time is now her time. Matilda and her late husband had always dreamed of moving to France, but now he's gone is she brave enough to do it on her own? With the encouragement from the others and new friends she meets at the retreat, she finds her answer.
I enjoyed all of the characters mentioned above but it is Amy's story we learn most about. How she came to have been left the retreat by her Aunt and as she too starts to tie up loose ends, the three other women prove to be more than just guests.
As with The Villa of Sun and Secrets the setting is a major part of the book. The descriptions of Cannes and its surroundings are spot on and add on the setting of the retreat and its gardens it all makes for some glorious escapism.
An uplifting tale that has you breakfasting on coffee and croissant before taking a dip in the pool!
July 25, 2023
4.4 ⭐️
A great light read and summer escape!
4 women come together spontaneously and support each other through a hardship in each of their lives.
A reminder of how life can change in unexpected ways and that kindness is often the best way to react.
A great light read and summer escape!
4 women come together spontaneously and support each other through a hardship in each of their lives.
A reminder of how life can change in unexpected ways and that kindness is often the best way to react.
November 19, 2025
Kako pa paše sem ter tja prebrati čisto sproščeno, pozitivno knjigo s srečnimi konci! Sploh če se dogaja na Azurni obali in nam avtorica mimogrede pričara utrip Cannesa, Monaca in Antibesa, poleg tega pa omeni kar nekaj znamenitosti in otočkov tod okoli.
Amy je podedovala tetino gostišče. Spremeni ga v gostišče, namenjeno bolj umetniško usmerjenim gostom. Ker pa se ji zdi, da bi morala svojo hvaležnost do takšnega darila še posebej obeležiti, priredi nagradno igro na Facebooku. Trem naključnim ženskam, ki izpolnijo njene zahteve po tem, da so prebrale določeno knjigo, si ogledale film po njem in napišejo zakaj menijo, da bi si zaslužile počitnice, omogoči, da deset dni brezplačno preživijo v njenem gostišču še preden se začne poletna sezona.
Tako se štiri ženske povežejo. Vsaka ima svoje tegobe za seboj, vsaka svoj razlog, zakaj potrebujejo takšne počitnice. Seveda se vse skupaj lepo in srečno poveže in življenja vseh štirih se spremenijo, saj naključna prijaznost to pač omogoča.
Zagotovo je avtorica v svojem rodnem jeziku dobro spisala zgodbo. Najverjetneje zveni precej bolje kot v našem, slabem slovenskem prevodu, pri založbi, ki nima niti svoje spletne strani, niti ne moreš najti ene same fotografije naslovnice ali opisa knjige. Tudi napakic kar mrgoli, kar bi se zagotovo dalo odpraviti z vsaj enim dodatnim branjem. A navedena nista ne lektor in ne urednik, zgolj prevajalka. Torej še ena tistih založb, ki hlepi po... zaslužku s prodajo knjižnicam? Te pa nam omogočajo, da pridemo do sicer zgledne vsebine, a s slabim prevodom in ogromno napakami.
Kakorkoli, pri kakšni knjigi se pač odločim, da vse tole namenoma prezrem in skušam brati preko teh neumnosti in se osredotočiti na luštno zgodbo, ki tu nedvomno je. Simpatična zgodba štirih ženskih usod in veeeeliko cukrčka, a takšnega smetanastega, ne grenkosladkega. Očarljiva Azurna obala, ki očara.
Amy je podedovala tetino gostišče. Spremeni ga v gostišče, namenjeno bolj umetniško usmerjenim gostom. Ker pa se ji zdi, da bi morala svojo hvaležnost do takšnega darila še posebej obeležiti, priredi nagradno igro na Facebooku. Trem naključnim ženskam, ki izpolnijo njene zahteve po tem, da so prebrale določeno knjigo, si ogledale film po njem in napišejo zakaj menijo, da bi si zaslužile počitnice, omogoči, da deset dni brezplačno preživijo v njenem gostišču še preden se začne poletna sezona.
Tako se štiri ženske povežejo. Vsaka ima svoje tegobe za seboj, vsaka svoj razlog, zakaj potrebujejo takšne počitnice. Seveda se vse skupaj lepo in srečno poveže in življenja vseh štirih se spremenijo, saj naključna prijaznost to pač omogoča.
Zagotovo je avtorica v svojem rodnem jeziku dobro spisala zgodbo. Najverjetneje zveni precej bolje kot v našem, slabem slovenskem prevodu, pri založbi, ki nima niti svoje spletne strani, niti ne moreš najti ene same fotografije naslovnice ali opisa knjige. Tudi napakic kar mrgoli, kar bi se zagotovo dalo odpraviti z vsaj enim dodatnim branjem. A navedena nista ne lektor in ne urednik, zgolj prevajalka. Torej še ena tistih založb, ki hlepi po... zaslužku s prodajo knjižnicam? Te pa nam omogočajo, da pridemo do sicer zgledne vsebine, a s slabim prevodom in ogromno napakami.
Kakorkoli, pri kakšni knjigi se pač odločim, da vse tole namenoma prezrem in skušam brati preko teh neumnosti in se osredotočiti na luštno zgodbo, ki tu nedvomno je. Simpatična zgodba štirih ženskih usod in veeeeliko cukrčka, a takšnega smetanastega, ne grenkosladkega. Očarljiva Azurna obala, ki očara.
June 24, 2025
This was a very easy read, but I’m traveling to France soon and wanted to read something set the area. A really intriguing, storyline, with lots of thoughtful artistry.
I enjoyed the themes of female friendship and travel. I would recommend this to anybody who’s looking for an easy beach, Reed, or something to help them feel nostalgic about their amazing female friendships.
I enjoyed the themes of female friendship and travel. I would recommend this to anybody who’s looking for an easy beach, Reed, or something to help them feel nostalgic about their amazing female friendships.
April 28, 2022
A perfect get-away-when-you-can't-get-away escapist read. I enjoyed the setting and the romance wasn't overdone. A tidy ending if you like those.
June 29, 2021
Easy reading. Light hearted.
January 25, 2020
The setting for A Riviera Retreat is evoked so effortlessly that it does not take much for you to imagine yourself there, lapping up the sunshine and strolling down through the beautiful gardens. I loved the format for the story with four disparate women who come together by chance but who find that they have some things in common. They each seem to draw something different from the experience and the story explores female friendship along the way.
As each of the women's stories is revealed, you get to glimpse the people in their lives. I enjoyed how some of the stories became intertwined and how different generations found they had things in common, seen through Chelsea and Matilda's friendship. Just as the women took time out of their lives to regroup and reappraise, the reader also relaxes into the novel. It turned out to be a warm and rewarding read.
In short: friendships bloom on the Riviera.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
As each of the women's stories is revealed, you get to glimpse the people in their lives. I enjoyed how some of the stories became intertwined and how different generations found they had things in common, seen through Chelsea and Matilda's friendship. Just as the women took time out of their lives to regroup and reappraise, the reader also relaxes into the novel. It turned out to be a warm and rewarding read.
In short: friendships bloom on the Riviera.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
September 2, 2020
I recently discovered Jennifer Bohnet’s books and I really enjoyed this one. Her beautiful descriptions of the French coast are enough to make me pack up and move! The story is sweet. A woman inherits a villa from her beloved aunt, who used it as a bed and breakfast, and has been successfully running it as an upscale retreat for creatives for five years. She feels very fortunate and wants to “pay it forward,” so she runs a social media contest. The three women who win the contest will receive a complimentary 10 day stay at the retreat.
The book is very loosely based on The Enchanted April, by Elizabeth Von Arnim, which is the innkeeper’s favorite book and movie. The interactions between the four women are fun, and I enjoyed seeing how their vacation formed a bond between them. This is a great book to enjoy with a cup of tea in front of the fire, or a cold martini on the porch swing on a beautiful spring day, like I did.
The book is very loosely based on The Enchanted April, by Elizabeth Von Arnim, which is the innkeeper’s favorite book and movie. The interactions between the four women are fun, and I enjoyed seeing how their vacation formed a bond between them. This is a great book to enjoy with a cup of tea in front of the fire, or a cold martini on the porch swing on a beautiful spring day, like I did.
August 17, 2020
I previously reviewed another book by Jennifer Bohnet and was delighted to hear about this title. I’d hoped that it was maybe a continuation of Villa of Sun and Secrets but, I wasn’t disappointed to meet new characters and a different location.
As this book falls under romantic fiction, I knew that the story would soon turn into tales of the heart and I was only slightly wrong. Jennifer took the time to explore each character and build their personalities as individuals before any love interests appeared. It was refreshing to see a different way of building the stories.
For once, I didn’t find a favourite character, all of the women were beautifully created and I was able to identify with each one of them on some level.
Once again, I am left with a strong desire to visit the Riviera and explore the towns that Jennifer writes about, like Tilly, I’d love to live there.
As this book falls under romantic fiction, I knew that the story would soon turn into tales of the heart and I was only slightly wrong. Jennifer took the time to explore each character and build their personalities as individuals before any love interests appeared. It was refreshing to see a different way of building the stories.
For once, I didn’t find a favourite character, all of the women were beautifully created and I was able to identify with each one of them on some level.
Once again, I am left with a strong desire to visit the Riviera and explore the towns that Jennifer writes about, like Tilly, I’d love to live there.
April 27, 2023
Forever feeling bad for rating poorly, but truthfully, this could have been so improved. The premise for escapism was so promising, but the content drags: "Amy thought about Vicky. Vicky thought about Matilda. Matilda thought about Chelsea. Amy thought about Chelsea. Vicky thought about Chelsea...." Etc. Etc. Etc. Monotony more than escapism.
The ex is a textbook villain which is frustrating - as are all the characters, come to think of it - Amy 'collapses' after her ex shows up. Come on now. Where is the strong women power in this book? Yes the friendship they make is empowering, but they can empower themselves, yet they're all really rather pathetic. And the secondary characters, eg. Pierre also lack any kind of development.
I'm not against clichés and archetypes in easy-reading, but this crosses the line to lazy writing.
The ex is a textbook villain which is frustrating - as are all the characters, come to think of it - Amy 'collapses' after her ex shows up. Come on now. Where is the strong women power in this book? Yes the friendship they make is empowering, but they can empower themselves, yet they're all really rather pathetic. And the secondary characters, eg. Pierre also lack any kind of development.
I'm not against clichés and archetypes in easy-reading, but this crosses the line to lazy writing.
January 23, 2020
An interesting and heartwarming story of female friendship that made me crave for summer and sea.
It's a well written and enjoyable book, it kept me hooked till the end, and I liked the well written cast of characters and the vivid setting.
I read other books by this author and always liked them, I look forward to reading the next one.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a well written and enjoyable book, it kept me hooked till the end, and I liked the well written cast of characters and the vivid setting.
I read other books by this author and always liked them, I look forward to reading the next one.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
August 1, 2022
Oplæser: Grete Tulinius. God oplæsning.
Denne roman er hyggelig sommerferielæsning med indbygget garanti for en "happy ending".
Jeg er faktisk blevet ret glad for Jennifer Bohnets bøger. Når nu jeg ikke kom på ferie i Frankrig i år, så er det da skønt at læse om andres ferieophold i smukke Provence.
4 kvinder mødes og venskaber opstår. Livet bliver vendt og drejet og fremtiden falder (måske) på plads. Og så er der et nydeligt drys kærlighed ud over historien.
Denne roman er hyggelig sommerferielæsning med indbygget garanti for en "happy ending".
Jeg er faktisk blevet ret glad for Jennifer Bohnets bøger. Når nu jeg ikke kom på ferie i Frankrig i år, så er det da skønt at læse om andres ferieophold i smukke Provence.
4 kvinder mødes og venskaber opstår. Livet bliver vendt og drejet og fremtiden falder (måske) på plads. Og så er der et nydeligt drys kærlighed ud over historien.
April 13, 2020
Enchanted June
In the hills above Cannes Amy runs Belle Vue as a retreat for writers and artists. Reflecting on how inheriting Belle Vue has changed her life, she decides to offer three women the chance to change their lives by winning a completion for week's stay. She bases the competition on her favourite book; Enchanted April.
Since her husband's death, two years ago, Matilda 's life had lost its direction. Now a silly accident to her ankle has incapacitated her forcing her to sit and reflect on their dreams for this latter part of their lives, dreams which died with William.
With her children leaving home Vicky's life is changing. Despite supporting her husband's political career she does not want it to shallow the rest of her life. She still loves him but he is absorbed in his work. Now is the time to reconnect herself with her own needs, but how?
Chelsea has started up a catering company with her best friend. Everything in her life seemed to be going well until a big revelation makes her just want to get away for a while.
All three winners gather at Belle Vue to relax and reassess their options.
At first, this seemed like others of this genre. I enjoyed the scenery of the Core d'Azur, an area I have visited and was the reason I was drawn to this book, I could relive visiting places and walking through its towns. The blossoming friendship between the four women seemed a bit too quick. But as the story progressed there were enough 'reveals' to prevent it being too predictable.
Having read this I'm looking to read Enchanted April, I saw the BBC production years ago but only vaguely remember it.
In the hills above Cannes Amy runs Belle Vue as a retreat for writers and artists. Reflecting on how inheriting Belle Vue has changed her life, she decides to offer three women the chance to change their lives by winning a completion for week's stay. She bases the competition on her favourite book; Enchanted April.
Since her husband's death, two years ago, Matilda 's life had lost its direction. Now a silly accident to her ankle has incapacitated her forcing her to sit and reflect on their dreams for this latter part of their lives, dreams which died with William.
With her children leaving home Vicky's life is changing. Despite supporting her husband's political career she does not want it to shallow the rest of her life. She still loves him but he is absorbed in his work. Now is the time to reconnect herself with her own needs, but how?
Chelsea has started up a catering company with her best friend. Everything in her life seemed to be going well until a big revelation makes her just want to get away for a while.
All three winners gather at Belle Vue to relax and reassess their options.
At first, this seemed like others of this genre. I enjoyed the scenery of the Core d'Azur, an area I have visited and was the reason I was drawn to this book, I could relive visiting places and walking through its towns. The blossoming friendship between the four women seemed a bit too quick. But as the story progressed there were enough 'reveals' to prevent it being too predictable.
Having read this I'm looking to read Enchanted April, I saw the BBC production years ago but only vaguely remember it.
June 2, 2020
Writing Style: 9/10
Storyline: 8.5/10
Ease of Reading: 10/10
Don't be fooled by my lower marks for the Storyline, this is purely because I would never have picked this book up, it's so far away from my usual reads. I'm so glad I've started to move away from the thriller/horror genre though, it has opened my eyes to some real hidden gems.
There wasn't really any OMG moments, it was all beautifully predictable, and I mean that. It was beautiful.
The setting was incredible, and I would love to visit somewhere like the villa the book describes. In lockdown, it really made me sad that I won't have a holiday abroad, but it suited the weather we've had in the North East of England at the moment.
The characters were such that you rooted for them. I feel as though I could be friends with most of them, however I felt a sort of disconnect to Vicky. It was as though she didn't quite fit in, and was more guarded than the others. I'm not sure if this was meant to be the case, if it was, it worked perfectly.
All in all a great book to read when I'd suffered an unfinished book, and if you need a book to whisk you away on holiday through the lockdown without having to travel, this is absolutely it. I will be making personal recommendations for this book to cheer some people up.
My blog where I keep reviews together is https://gianttortoisereads.blogspot.com
Storyline: 8.5/10
Ease of Reading: 10/10
Don't be fooled by my lower marks for the Storyline, this is purely because I would never have picked this book up, it's so far away from my usual reads. I'm so glad I've started to move away from the thriller/horror genre though, it has opened my eyes to some real hidden gems.
There wasn't really any OMG moments, it was all beautifully predictable, and I mean that. It was beautiful.
The setting was incredible, and I would love to visit somewhere like the villa the book describes. In lockdown, it really made me sad that I won't have a holiday abroad, but it suited the weather we've had in the North East of England at the moment.
The characters were such that you rooted for them. I feel as though I could be friends with most of them, however I felt a sort of disconnect to Vicky. It was as though she didn't quite fit in, and was more guarded than the others. I'm not sure if this was meant to be the case, if it was, it worked perfectly.
All in all a great book to read when I'd suffered an unfinished book, and if you need a book to whisk you away on holiday through the lockdown without having to travel, this is absolutely it. I will be making personal recommendations for this book to cheer some people up.
My blog where I keep reviews together is https://gianttortoisereads.blogspot.com
February 21, 2022
I've read several of this authors books and thoroughly enjoyed them, and this latest one certainly didn't disappoint, I absolutely adored it.
Amy Martin inherited Belle Vue Villa, when her Aunt Tasha passed away, and Amy decided to turn into a retreat for writers and artists.
Five years on, Amy feels it's definitely time to 'pay back' the gratitude she has for what her Aunt did.
Amy runs a competition on Facebook, and three lucky ladies win a ten day retreat at Belle Vue.
Vicky is an MP's wife whose children have left home she now needs some time to herself to figure a few things out.
Chelsea is a young entrepreneur, whose personal life has just blown up rather spectacularly and it is now affecting her professional life.
Then there is Matilda, who was widowed just two years ago, she is trying to live her life without her beloved husband.
Three very different women, who didn't know each other before they arrived in the South of France, end up becoming very firm friends.
Even though the book is set over quite a short time period - the ten days of the holiday - there is an awful lot packed into it, the descriptions of the area of France alone are just so vivid I felt as if I were there myself.
A heart warming and uplifting read.
Always ready for more from this talented author.
Amy Martin inherited Belle Vue Villa, when her Aunt Tasha passed away, and Amy decided to turn into a retreat for writers and artists.
Five years on, Amy feels it's definitely time to 'pay back' the gratitude she has for what her Aunt did.
Amy runs a competition on Facebook, and three lucky ladies win a ten day retreat at Belle Vue.
Vicky is an MP's wife whose children have left home she now needs some time to herself to figure a few things out.
Chelsea is a young entrepreneur, whose personal life has just blown up rather spectacularly and it is now affecting her professional life.
Then there is Matilda, who was widowed just two years ago, she is trying to live her life without her beloved husband.
Three very different women, who didn't know each other before they arrived in the South of France, end up becoming very firm friends.
Even though the book is set over quite a short time period - the ten days of the holiday - there is an awful lot packed into it, the descriptions of the area of France alone are just so vivid I felt as if I were there myself.
A heart warming and uplifting read.
Always ready for more from this talented author.
July 20, 2023
I was looking forward to reading this book. The reviews seemed positive, and being a Francophile, the storyline was one I just loved; four strangers getting together in the French Riviera. I also loved the idea of it being inspired by the book and film “Enchanted April” (which I found and rewatched on YouTube).
There were many things to enjoy about the book: the setting, the storyline, the transformation of each of the characters. However, I found the writing lacked sparkle.
One of the joys (for me) of reading a book over watching a film is the opportunity to get inside the characters’ heads and learn more about them by what they think and feel, both about themselves and the people, events around them. Unfortunately, the author kept readers at a distance by only showing us the characters from the outside, meaning we could only get to know them by what they said and did. So I therefore didn't engage with any of the characters.
So, overall I was a little disappointed by this book. I wanted to love it a lot more than I did. However, I wouldn’t not recommend it. It’s still a very pleasant read.
There were many things to enjoy about the book: the setting, the storyline, the transformation of each of the characters. However, I found the writing lacked sparkle.
One of the joys (for me) of reading a book over watching a film is the opportunity to get inside the characters’ heads and learn more about them by what they think and feel, both about themselves and the people, events around them. Unfortunately, the author kept readers at a distance by only showing us the characters from the outside, meaning we could only get to know them by what they said and did. So I therefore didn't engage with any of the characters.
So, overall I was a little disappointed by this book. I wanted to love it a lot more than I did. However, I wouldn’t not recommend it. It’s still a very pleasant read.
July 28, 2025
A book about 3 contest winners
Author Jennifer Bohnet has narrator Amy start thinking about hosting an online contest and bringing her 3 chosen winners for a 16-day holiday to live in this gorgeous chateaux in the French countryside. Three different age groups, but oh my how they hit it off immediately. Vickie’s husband is a congressional member, but she wants some privacy so she uses her maiden name, not his. Matilda’s hubby William died 2 years ago, so she wrestles with sticking to their plan of maybe moving to France. And Chelsea, the youngest one, has a nasty pending divorce with Kit, plus her best friend Elsie runs away with Chelsea’s money for their combined business—something she discovers more than halfway thru the book. Interesting how it all works out. Great novel! Highly recommend reading!!
Author Jennifer Bohnet has narrator Amy start thinking about hosting an online contest and bringing her 3 chosen winners for a 16-day holiday to live in this gorgeous chateaux in the French countryside. Three different age groups, but oh my how they hit it off immediately. Vickie’s husband is a congressional member, but she wants some privacy so she uses her maiden name, not his. Matilda’s hubby William died 2 years ago, so she wrestles with sticking to their plan of maybe moving to France. And Chelsea, the youngest one, has a nasty pending divorce with Kit, plus her best friend Elsie runs away with Chelsea’s money for their combined business—something she discovers more than halfway thru the book. Interesting how it all works out. Great novel! Highly recommend reading!!
March 29, 2020
This book is loosely based on The Enchanted April, and is a lovely travel story about four women becoming friends at a villa near Cannes when the villa’s owner runs an online contest. The three winners and the owner of the villa, which she runs as a bed and breakfast writer’s and artist’s retreat, get to know one another and become friends quite quickly. There is a light romantic storyline, too, but the book focuses mainly on the four women’s new friendship, and that all of them are at turning points in their lives. The descriptions of the villa, the Riviera, Cannes, Monaco, and Antibes are well done and I felt almost like I was there. Now I want to go stay at an auberge in the South of France...
February 21, 2020
Four love stories.
What can I say that would explain how this book touched me. First I hope you have seen the movie "Enchanted April" the author writes about. If not, I suggest you do. It, like the book, follows the lives of four women from different walks of life who bond on a vacation in Italy at a rented villa. It is a magical just like this book. So nice to read about characters of different ages. Not many romance books feature people over 60 finding love. It gave me hope, though I am 72, that life can still hold surprises for us all if we leave the door open to them. Read this book! No matter your age, you will be better for it.
What can I say that would explain how this book touched me. First I hope you have seen the movie "Enchanted April" the author writes about. If not, I suggest you do. It, like the book, follows the lives of four women from different walks of life who bond on a vacation in Italy at a rented villa. It is a magical just like this book. So nice to read about characters of different ages. Not many romance books feature people over 60 finding love. It gave me hope, though I am 72, that life can still hold surprises for us all if we leave the door open to them. Read this book! No matter your age, you will be better for it.
June 10, 2020
The second I read the first page, I knew I would love this book. Amy is a former ballerina who inherits the gorgeous Belle Vue villa Set in the stunning Cote d'Azur, which she runs as a retreat for writers and artists. Keen to pass on her good fortune, she advertises a competition for free trip to the villa and finds three lucky winners: Matilda, Chelsea and Vicky. Like Amy, the three women have troubles of their own but the serenity of the villa and the growing friendships between helps them to make some important life decisions. Beautifully drawn scenery, relatable characters and an intriguing storyline - highly recommend it!
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