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Un'estate in Provenza
Quando il matrimonio tra Fern e Aiden entra in crisi, le loro reazioni non potrebbero essere più diverse. Fern è convinta che la soluzione sia un anno di relax, lontano dalla vita frenetica. Aiden, invece, desidera vedere il mondo e vivere una grande avventura. Un compromesso non sembra possibile e così i due sposini prendono una decisione drastica: trascorrere separatamente il proprio anno “da sogno” per poi dedicarsi al loro rapporto di coppia, con le idee più chiare. Aiden parte per l’Australia, la prima tappa di un viaggio intorno al mondo, mentre Fern si lascia conquistare dal fascino romantico della Provenza, dove ha intenzione di trascorrere un anno indimenticabile allo Château de Vernon, un’incantevole residenza immersa nella campagna francese. Una volta arrivata, Fern si offre subito di dare una mano nei lavoretti di tutti i giorni in cambio di lezioni di pittura da parte del proprietario, Nico. Prima che se ne accorgano, Fern e Aiden si trovano così immersi nella loro nuova quotidianità. Saranno sufficienti queste esperienze indimenticabili per capire cosa desiderano veramente?
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2020
2086 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Coleman
16 books273 followersLucy Coleman always knew that one day she would write, but first life took her on a wonderful journey of self-discovery for which she is very grateful.
Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.
'It's only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy - and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!'
If she isn't online she's either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds, or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied!
Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.
'It's only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy - and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!'
If she isn't online she's either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds, or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
April 28, 2020
A lottery win, a marriage gap year, a retreat in Provence. Lucy Coleman writes captivating stories with gorgeous settings. When Fern and Aiden win the lottery you’d think this would be a happy event but... Fern and Aden have very different ideas about what they want to do with this money, and this leads to them confronting how different their dreams are. Aidan wants to travel the world and Fern is afraid of flying. This leads to Aiden proposing a marriage gap year where they both follow their individual dreams. Fern decides to go along even though she’s not crazy about the idea. Always wanting to pursue her artistic side Fern decides to volunteer at a art retreat in a Château in Provence.
Loved the setting of this gorgeous retreat. Also loved all the characters at the Château especially brooding artist Nico. I also really liked Fern’s siblings Owen and Hannah and was confused why her parents were so distant (although that does make sense later in the book). Fern was a great character and I really loved her growth throughout the book. It was fun seeing her realize her artistic talents and learn to relax a little. Nico what is a compelling character and I really liked the friendship that formed between Fern and him. This was one of those books where I wasn’t quite sure what direction it was going to take, and I was a little worried. But I did not need to worry because The story really went in the perfect direction. Wasn’t necessarily the direction I was thinking it would go in but I think it was lovely. A beautiful feel good heartwarming story with the perfect ending and even some bonus content.
This book in emojis 🖌 🎨 🧑🏼🎨 🌍 🇫🇷
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Loved the setting of this gorgeous retreat. Also loved all the characters at the Château especially brooding artist Nico. I also really liked Fern’s siblings Owen and Hannah and was confused why her parents were so distant (although that does make sense later in the book). Fern was a great character and I really loved her growth throughout the book. It was fun seeing her realize her artistic talents and learn to relax a little. Nico what is a compelling character and I really liked the friendship that formed between Fern and him. This was one of those books where I wasn’t quite sure what direction it was going to take, and I was a little worried. But I did not need to worry because The story really went in the perfect direction. Wasn’t necessarily the direction I was thinking it would go in but I think it was lovely. A beautiful feel good heartwarming story with the perfect ending and even some bonus content.
This book in emojis 🖌 🎨 🧑🏼🎨 🌍 🇫🇷
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
April 3, 2020
5☆ An Enchanting and heart warming, A Perfect Read for a lil bit of Escapism!
Summer in Provence is a delightfully heart warming read. A perfect bit of escapism!
Fern has just matched her lottery draw raffle numbers and is set for a pretty big windfall.
But all she can think about is how after 7years of marriage Aiden has changed, she believes he had fallen out of love with her!
But really he just feels trapped, like he's missing out on finding himself.
So he suggests they take a year apart. So he can discover who he is outside their marriage and get the travel bug out of his system! Nice hey! Never mind poor Fern and how she feels about a trial separation!
Whilst Aiden sets off to go travelling, Fern checks herself into Le Château de Vernon, a retreat in Provence. Where she plans to volunteer and learn new skills.
But will the year apart Aiden so desperately craves bring him back to Fern, or is the start of a new chapter for the both of them?
I loved Fern's Character and her story, she is strong, relatable, brave and incredibly understanding and patient. I'm not sure I would cope or be pleased if my hubby decided he wanted to jet set off for a year and expect everything to be normal afterwards!
Summer in Provence is an Enchanting and heart warming story of self discovery, love, learning new skills, realisation, relationships and moving on.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gorgeous book. The characters were an eclectic and loveable bunch and their backstories were interesting and fitted together perfectly.
The setting was tranquil and rustic.
Lucy Coleman has created the perfect piece of escapism with all this uncertainty we are facing at the moment.
Lucy Coleman is one of my favourite Authors and once again she has written a Gem of a book, I have absolutely no problem highly recommending!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Summer in Provence is a delightfully heart warming read. A perfect bit of escapism!
Fern has just matched her lottery draw raffle numbers and is set for a pretty big windfall.
But all she can think about is how after 7years of marriage Aiden has changed, she believes he had fallen out of love with her!
But really he just feels trapped, like he's missing out on finding himself.
So he suggests they take a year apart. So he can discover who he is outside their marriage and get the travel bug out of his system! Nice hey! Never mind poor Fern and how she feels about a trial separation!
Whilst Aiden sets off to go travelling, Fern checks herself into Le Château de Vernon, a retreat in Provence. Where she plans to volunteer and learn new skills.
But will the year apart Aiden so desperately craves bring him back to Fern, or is the start of a new chapter for the both of them?
I loved Fern's Character and her story, she is strong, relatable, brave and incredibly understanding and patient. I'm not sure I would cope or be pleased if my hubby decided he wanted to jet set off for a year and expect everything to be normal afterwards!
Summer in Provence is an Enchanting and heart warming story of self discovery, love, learning new skills, realisation, relationships and moving on.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gorgeous book. The characters were an eclectic and loveable bunch and their backstories were interesting and fitted together perfectly.
The setting was tranquil and rustic.
Lucy Coleman has created the perfect piece of escapism with all this uncertainty we are facing at the moment.
Lucy Coleman is one of my favourite Authors and once again she has written a Gem of a book, I have absolutely no problem highly recommending!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
December 20, 2021
Mislila sam da bi ovo mogla biti puno jednostavnija prica od onoga sto me na kraju docekalo. Od samog pocetka ne skroz tipicna, puna recenica koje su me osobno bas dotakle, lagano predvidljiva, ali to mi ni najmanje nije smetalo. Zamjerila sam joj nedostatak opisa Provanse, bas ih je moglo biti vise.
April 5, 2020
Although the book’s title is Summer in Provence, events take place over the course of a year (and beyond). I really enjoyed how the author conjured up the effect of the changing seasons on the landscape around the Château and there are some particularly charming scenes as the team and their guests celebrate Christmas. Bûche de Noël, anyone?
Fern’s discovery of, and growing confidence in, her artistic talent is really heart-warming to follow. But maybe it’s not only her creativity that will be kindled? When you have a man described as having mesmerizing dark brown eyes, being instantly magnetic and being well cast as Mr Darcy and that person turns out to be Fern’s mentor and founder of the establishment, Nico Gallegos, surely we know what will happen? Throw in the fact he is a bit of a tortured soul and you have the perfect romantic hero. Ah, but in the skilled hands of the author I can assure you it’s not as simple as that.
I loved the way Fern’s innate empathy and intuitive instincts allowed her to bond with some of the guests at the retreat such as Kellie, a young woman with a troubled past. Like me, you may well give a little cheer at the course of a particular Skype call concerning Kellie’s future. Patricia was another lovely character who, as it turns out, holds the key to solving an important problem. As for Fern herself, she tends to underestimate her qualities resulting in one rather lovely moment involving a sheet of paper.
Aiden appears infrequently in person and, for that reason, initially I found it a little difficult to understand Fern’s continued devotion to him given the upheaval he has visited on their lives. His protestations of affection didn’t seem quite consistent with his behaviour and lack of communication during their time apart. Again, the author has some unexpected twists and turns up her sleeve to wrongfoot the reader’s expectations.
There are lovely little touches such as the apposite chapter headings and the author’s parting gift, as it were, giving the reader a glimpse of possible futures for the main characters in the book. Does absence make the heart grow fonder for Fern and Aiden? I’m sure you don’t expect me to tell you! You’re just going to have to read the book to find out.
Summer in Provence, with its heart-warming story set in glorious scenery, is the ideal pick-me-up for the times we’re living through. “When good things happen to good people, it leaves such a warm feeling in your heart.” Amen to that.
Fern’s discovery of, and growing confidence in, her artistic talent is really heart-warming to follow. But maybe it’s not only her creativity that will be kindled? When you have a man described as having mesmerizing dark brown eyes, being instantly magnetic and being well cast as Mr Darcy and that person turns out to be Fern’s mentor and founder of the establishment, Nico Gallegos, surely we know what will happen? Throw in the fact he is a bit of a tortured soul and you have the perfect romantic hero. Ah, but in the skilled hands of the author I can assure you it’s not as simple as that.
I loved the way Fern’s innate empathy and intuitive instincts allowed her to bond with some of the guests at the retreat such as Kellie, a young woman with a troubled past. Like me, you may well give a little cheer at the course of a particular Skype call concerning Kellie’s future. Patricia was another lovely character who, as it turns out, holds the key to solving an important problem. As for Fern herself, she tends to underestimate her qualities resulting in one rather lovely moment involving a sheet of paper.
Aiden appears infrequently in person and, for that reason, initially I found it a little difficult to understand Fern’s continued devotion to him given the upheaval he has visited on their lives. His protestations of affection didn’t seem quite consistent with his behaviour and lack of communication during their time apart. Again, the author has some unexpected twists and turns up her sleeve to wrongfoot the reader’s expectations.
There are lovely little touches such as the apposite chapter headings and the author’s parting gift, as it were, giving the reader a glimpse of possible futures for the main characters in the book. Does absence make the heart grow fonder for Fern and Aiden? I’m sure you don’t expect me to tell you! You’re just going to have to read the book to find out.
Summer in Provence, with its heart-warming story set in glorious scenery, is the ideal pick-me-up for the times we’re living through. “When good things happen to good people, it leaves such a warm feeling in your heart.” Amen to that.
January 29, 2021
This one was a struggle to get through. It's the first Lucy Coleman I've read so I don't know whether it is indicative of her writing style or if this one is just an off one. I thought the premise seemed like quite a good one but then as it dragged on I was really frustrated with it. I didn't really like any of the characters. I couldn't picture the love interest, Nico at all. I didn't have a clear picture in my mind of what he was like either personality or looks-wise. Fern the leading lady was OK. The other characters I didn't feel were developed enough and so I found them quite forgettable. So much so that the cute round up at the end (to let you know what happened to everyone after the book was finished) didn't make much sense to me as I couldn't remember who was who.
There was something odd about all of the dialogue, it seemed really formal and forced. English wasn't Nico's first language as he is a Spanish speaker in France but he spouted some sentences which I didn't think seemed natural. I couldn't imagine a native English speaker talking like that!
When I read the reviews before I bought the book, people were raving about how you felt like you were in Provence but unfortunately that fell flat for me as well, I was not whisked away at all.
Overall? It was dull and slow. I've given it two stars because with a bit of skipping I did manage to make it to the end. It did not make me want to rush out and buy any more Lucy Coleman or even take a trip to France.
There was something odd about all of the dialogue, it seemed really formal and forced. English wasn't Nico's first language as he is a Spanish speaker in France but he spouted some sentences which I didn't think seemed natural. I couldn't imagine a native English speaker talking like that!
When I read the reviews before I bought the book, people were raving about how you felt like you were in Provence but unfortunately that fell flat for me as well, I was not whisked away at all.
Overall? It was dull and slow. I've given it two stars because with a bit of skipping I did manage to make it to the end. It did not make me want to rush out and buy any more Lucy Coleman or even take a trip to France.
February 25, 2020
Please can I move to Provence and live at The Haven? I'm utterly enchanted with the setting of this book, a Chateau in Provence which offers various retreats and a chance to learn new creative skills, or start a new hobby. It offers volunteer positions too, and everyone that lives and works there has a real community and family dynamic. It sounded like a marvellous way of life.
It was a brave decision that after having a decent lottery win that Aiden and Fern decide to take a year out of their regular lives. Aiden has always wanted to travel and explore the world, where Fern is more of a homebody, happy worrying about her family and being there for them continually.
But once she reluctantly agrees to let Aiden spread his wings, she decides to indulge in a forgotten love of drawing and thus goes to volunteer at this retreat. What neither of them could have predicted is in what ways a year apart would change them both.
From the moment Fern sets foot in the Chateau and we meet who she will be spending time with, I felt incredibly relaxed, very comfortable and was just happy to sit back and absorb myself within the pages.
It is a fabulous cast of characters and the story lines were so engaging. I loved Nico and his backstory, I enjoyed seeing Kellie come out of her shell, I enjoyed seeing how Fern's relationship with her family changed the more time she spent in Provence.
And the grounds, and sights even just around the Chateau were vividly described, as were some of Nico and Fern's paintings. I could picture the studio and some of the various canvases. It felt as though there is something for everyone within this feel good story.
I felt incredibly peaceful as I was reading, was gutted when it ended as I was so enraptured, but the way Lucy Coleman finished it all off, was rather special and felt like we had almost bonus material from the DVD.. which will make more sense once you read it yourself!
Another truly wonderful book from this author that always manages to make me smile.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
It was a brave decision that after having a decent lottery win that Aiden and Fern decide to take a year out of their regular lives. Aiden has always wanted to travel and explore the world, where Fern is more of a homebody, happy worrying about her family and being there for them continually.
But once she reluctantly agrees to let Aiden spread his wings, she decides to indulge in a forgotten love of drawing and thus goes to volunteer at this retreat. What neither of them could have predicted is in what ways a year apart would change them both.
From the moment Fern sets foot in the Chateau and we meet who she will be spending time with, I felt incredibly relaxed, very comfortable and was just happy to sit back and absorb myself within the pages.
It is a fabulous cast of characters and the story lines were so engaging. I loved Nico and his backstory, I enjoyed seeing Kellie come out of her shell, I enjoyed seeing how Fern's relationship with her family changed the more time she spent in Provence.
And the grounds, and sights even just around the Chateau were vividly described, as were some of Nico and Fern's paintings. I could picture the studio and some of the various canvases. It felt as though there is something for everyone within this feel good story.
I felt incredibly peaceful as I was reading, was gutted when it ended as I was so enraptured, but the way Lucy Coleman finished it all off, was rather special and felt like we had almost bonus material from the DVD.. which will make more sense once you read it yourself!
Another truly wonderful book from this author that always manages to make me smile.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
March 29, 2020
If you'd won a million pounds on the lottery, what would you want to do? Fern and Aiden have very different ideas - she wants to pay off their mortgage whilst he wants to go travelling the world for a year without her! He's off, starting his travels backpacking in Australia whilst she decides to volunteer at a retreat in Provence where she'll have the opportunity to explore and develop her own artwork. Just what happens to them is told in this fantastic read . . . . Will their very different experiences during this year bring them closer together or drive them apart?
In amid the current chaos that is our world, this book is a haven of tranquility and brilliant book to escape into. The Château de Vernon truly sounds like a haven from our current reality, please can I go there now? The eclectic mix of diverse characters all have their own reasons for being at the Château, their diverse backstories and interactions are skilfully interwoven into a moving, engaging read which I thoroughly enjoyed and really can't recommend highly enough.
The author's descriptions are superb at painting vivid pictures in the imagination of the reader, making it easy for me to feel like I was really exploring the buildings and beautiful scenery, meeting and chatting with the folks there and seeing some of the stunning art work being created. It is a story about families, relationships, love and dreams, an unforgettable, amazing read - and I loved the extras at the end, but you need to read it for yourself to discover what I mean by that!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being totally blown away by how great it is. I really hope you all get to read it and enjoy it as much as I did. This one is definitely a keeper for me.
In amid the current chaos that is our world, this book is a haven of tranquility and brilliant book to escape into. The Château de Vernon truly sounds like a haven from our current reality, please can I go there now? The eclectic mix of diverse characters all have their own reasons for being at the Château, their diverse backstories and interactions are skilfully interwoven into a moving, engaging read which I thoroughly enjoyed and really can't recommend highly enough.
The author's descriptions are superb at painting vivid pictures in the imagination of the reader, making it easy for me to feel like I was really exploring the buildings and beautiful scenery, meeting and chatting with the folks there and seeing some of the stunning art work being created. It is a story about families, relationships, love and dreams, an unforgettable, amazing read - and I loved the extras at the end, but you need to read it for yourself to discover what I mean by that!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being totally blown away by how great it is. I really hope you all get to read it and enjoy it as much as I did. This one is definitely a keeper for me.
May 24, 2020
Author Lucy Coleman has done it again, written a book with an extremely strong and likable character in Fern.
Fern and husband Aiden decided to take a year off backpacking. Aiden moved to Australia and Fern to a château in Provence where she received art lessons from Nico.
I loved Fern, she was bold and kind and talented too. It was wonderful to see her discovering herself. The story was not just about marriage but about friendships and enjoying life.
The story was heart warming, the characters eclectic. The book was everything a Lucy Coleman book ought to be. Simply brilliant. Nobody can capture the strength of a woman like her.
Fern and husband Aiden decided to take a year off backpacking. Aiden moved to Australia and Fern to a château in Provence where she received art lessons from Nico.
I loved Fern, she was bold and kind and talented too. It was wonderful to see her discovering herself. The story was not just about marriage but about friendships and enjoying life.
The story was heart warming, the characters eclectic. The book was everything a Lucy Coleman book ought to be. Simply brilliant. Nobody can capture the strength of a woman like her.
April 4, 2020
This is the second book of Lucy Coleman that I had the pleasure of reading and just like the previous on, I felt myself transported to a beautiful place and an amazing story.
As we follow Fern through her year in Provence, we are taken to Château de Vernon and the beauty of painting, since Fern volunteers to help out the place in return for painting lessons from the owner, Nico. I loved the take of the story, the characters we got to met and the uncertainty I felt about Fern and Aiden's relationship. The novel felt like a true and emotional representation of life, because things happen, people grow, relationships develop.
Lucy Coleman brings gorgeous scenes to live with her vivid and appealing descriptions. The magic in the words and images the author gives us was definitely one of this aspects I loved about the book, since it transported me to that place and moment.
It as an exciting storytelling, with a good pace and that appealing flow that made me very stay glued to the pages, reading scenes after scene. It was just like watching a movie with all it's colors and I could almost heard music and smell the paint, since the book called my senses.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and I truly recommend it. If you are as curious as I was about the book after reading the synopsis, then I suggest you check it out. A wonderful book and if I wasn't already curious for more of the author's books, I certainly am now.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lucy Coleman for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
As we follow Fern through her year in Provence, we are taken to Château de Vernon and the beauty of painting, since Fern volunteers to help out the place in return for painting lessons from the owner, Nico. I loved the take of the story, the characters we got to met and the uncertainty I felt about Fern and Aiden's relationship. The novel felt like a true and emotional representation of life, because things happen, people grow, relationships develop.
Lucy Coleman brings gorgeous scenes to live with her vivid and appealing descriptions. The magic in the words and images the author gives us was definitely one of this aspects I loved about the book, since it transported me to that place and moment.
It as an exciting storytelling, with a good pace and that appealing flow that made me very stay glued to the pages, reading scenes after scene. It was just like watching a movie with all it's colors and I could almost heard music and smell the paint, since the book called my senses.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and I truly recommend it. If you are as curious as I was about the book after reading the synopsis, then I suggest you check it out. A wonderful book and if I wasn't already curious for more of the author's books, I certainly am now.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lucy Coleman for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
December 26, 2025
*Revelations*
This delightful book was thoroughly enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the satisfying conclusion and the resolution of each character’s story. It was a pleasure getting to know the characters at the chateau.
We begin with Fern and Aiden, childhood sweethearts now married. Their lives take a turn when they have a lottery windfall.
Fern, who doesn’t fly, prefers driving, while Aiden has always longed for more adventure. He proposes a year apart, (A marriage gap year) allowing them to pursue their desires without regrets.
Fern is initially resistant, accustomed to managing the her siblings and parents. This temporary separation seems to be going ahead, but she’s stuck in her role, always putting herself last. Fern, worries about the impact of the distance on their relationship.
Aiden embarks on his travels, while Fern chooses a retreat in Provence to try her hand at painting.
She meets Nico, the brooding owner of the chateau, whose troubled past adds to the intrigue.
Fern hopes Aiden will find peace and closure. Their sporadic contact leaves her pondering each conversation.
As the year draws to a close, Fern and Aiden must confront their feelings and determine if they can overcome the distance. Will they make it through the year and emerge changed? If so, what will they learn about themselves? and what does the future hold?
This delightful book was thoroughly enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the satisfying conclusion and the resolution of each character’s story. It was a pleasure getting to know the characters at the chateau.
We begin with Fern and Aiden, childhood sweethearts now married. Their lives take a turn when they have a lottery windfall.
Fern, who doesn’t fly, prefers driving, while Aiden has always longed for more adventure. He proposes a year apart, (A marriage gap year) allowing them to pursue their desires without regrets.
Fern is initially resistant, accustomed to managing the her siblings and parents. This temporary separation seems to be going ahead, but she’s stuck in her role, always putting herself last. Fern, worries about the impact of the distance on their relationship.
Aiden embarks on his travels, while Fern chooses a retreat in Provence to try her hand at painting.
She meets Nico, the brooding owner of the chateau, whose troubled past adds to the intrigue.
Fern hopes Aiden will find peace and closure. Their sporadic contact leaves her pondering each conversation.
As the year draws to a close, Fern and Aiden must confront their feelings and determine if they can overcome the distance. Will they make it through the year and emerge changed? If so, what will they learn about themselves? and what does the future hold?
April 6, 2020
I have been a fan of Lucy's work for quite a while now. I love the way in which she writes feel good, romance novels that whisk you away to delightful sounding places. I read the synopsis for 'Summer In Provence' and it certainly sounded like another amazing read from Lucy Coleman. I wasn't wrong either because it really was an amazing read and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it, but more about that in a bit.
Once again, I was drawn to this book by the author's name alone, the bright and vibrant cover and the story was just the icing on the cake. To say that 'Summer In Provence' was addictive reading seems a massive understatement. As soon as I could grab a copy of this book, I squirreled myself away until I finished the story. Part of my addiction was in part down to the fact that this book proved to be the distraction that I so needed at that moment in time. I had got myself into a tizzy over various things and I needed something to take my mind off things. Well this book certainly did that and more. I managed to read the book over the course of a day, which is good going for me. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as I raced my way to the end of the book. I just had to know what fate had in store for Fern. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to know how the story concluded grew and grew.
'Summer In Provence' is extremely well written but then I think that to be true of all of Lucy's books. She has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Lucy has the ability to whisk you away to Provence without you having left your sofa. In fact had I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine that I was in Provence with the sun beating down on my face. I genuinely felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to Lucy's very vivid and realistic descriptions.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Summer In Provence' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Lucy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Once again, I was drawn to this book by the author's name alone, the bright and vibrant cover and the story was just the icing on the cake. To say that 'Summer In Provence' was addictive reading seems a massive understatement. As soon as I could grab a copy of this book, I squirreled myself away until I finished the story. Part of my addiction was in part down to the fact that this book proved to be the distraction that I so needed at that moment in time. I had got myself into a tizzy over various things and I needed something to take my mind off things. Well this book certainly did that and more. I managed to read the book over the course of a day, which is good going for me. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as I raced my way to the end of the book. I just had to know what fate had in store for Fern. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to know how the story concluded grew and grew.
'Summer In Provence' is extremely well written but then I think that to be true of all of Lucy's books. She has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Lucy has the ability to whisk you away to Provence without you having left your sofa. In fact had I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine that I was in Provence with the sun beating down on my face. I genuinely felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to Lucy's very vivid and realistic descriptions.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Summer In Provence' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Lucy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
March 31, 2020
A new Lucy Coleman novel never fails to brighten up my day – regardless of all the horrible and scary things going on in the world – and this outstanding writer of contemporary women’s fiction is back with an escapist, enjoyable and emotional tale written with plenty of heart and flair that kept me entertained from beginning to end: Summer in Provence.
When Fern and Aiden receive news of an unexpected windfall, they end up surprising one another with their reactions which are worlds apart. While sensible Fern is all for paying off the mortgage, building a nest egg and having enough money saved for when they decide to start a family, Aiden is nowhere near as practical. He wants to use the money to travel the world and fritter away the money on enjoying himself and doing things that might have previously been denied to him. Fern is immediately taken aback. She has never been the kind of person who enjoyed travelling much, but seeing that her husband is in the grips of wanderlust, together they decide on a marriage gap year where they have three hundred and sixty five days to make their dreams a reality. While Aiden heads off to Australia, Fern opts for the more sedate charms of Provence, but although the couple might be continents apart, little do they realise that both of their lives are going to change…forever!
In Provence and the breath-taking Chateau de Vernon, Fern finds herself able to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of her daily life and indulge in taking some much-needed time to smell the roses, rest, regroup and enjoy having the freedom to please herself without having to worry about the mortgage or paying the bills. At the Chateau, Fern also finds herself lending a hand in exchange for some painting lessons from troubled painter Nico and as the two find themselves getting closer and closer, Fern cannot help but wonder whether she might have found herself a new place she can call home…
Will this year apart end up bringing Fern and Aiden closer? Or will they end up being torn apart for good?
Lucy Coleman continues to get better with every book she writes and Summer in Provence is the latest in a long line of spellbinding and captivating novels which readers will find themselves completely and utterly enchanted by. A gripping tale of finding yourself, the unexpected twists and turns of fate, falling in love and finding the courage to go after what you really want in life, Summer in Provence is a heart-warming, compulsive and terrific read with wonderful characters that come instantly to life and plenty of drama, pathos, humour and charm to keep readers hooked throughout.
Lucy Coleman sweeps readers to a magnificent French chateau and will have them laughing, crying and sighing with her latest fabulous page-turner: Summer in Provence.
When Fern and Aiden receive news of an unexpected windfall, they end up surprising one another with their reactions which are worlds apart. While sensible Fern is all for paying off the mortgage, building a nest egg and having enough money saved for when they decide to start a family, Aiden is nowhere near as practical. He wants to use the money to travel the world and fritter away the money on enjoying himself and doing things that might have previously been denied to him. Fern is immediately taken aback. She has never been the kind of person who enjoyed travelling much, but seeing that her husband is in the grips of wanderlust, together they decide on a marriage gap year where they have three hundred and sixty five days to make their dreams a reality. While Aiden heads off to Australia, Fern opts for the more sedate charms of Provence, but although the couple might be continents apart, little do they realise that both of their lives are going to change…forever!
In Provence and the breath-taking Chateau de Vernon, Fern finds herself able to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of her daily life and indulge in taking some much-needed time to smell the roses, rest, regroup and enjoy having the freedom to please herself without having to worry about the mortgage or paying the bills. At the Chateau, Fern also finds herself lending a hand in exchange for some painting lessons from troubled painter Nico and as the two find themselves getting closer and closer, Fern cannot help but wonder whether she might have found herself a new place she can call home…
Will this year apart end up bringing Fern and Aiden closer? Or will they end up being torn apart for good?
Lucy Coleman continues to get better with every book she writes and Summer in Provence is the latest in a long line of spellbinding and captivating novels which readers will find themselves completely and utterly enchanted by. A gripping tale of finding yourself, the unexpected twists and turns of fate, falling in love and finding the courage to go after what you really want in life, Summer in Provence is a heart-warming, compulsive and terrific read with wonderful characters that come instantly to life and plenty of drama, pathos, humour and charm to keep readers hooked throughout.
Lucy Coleman sweeps readers to a magnificent French chateau and will have them laughing, crying and sighing with her latest fabulous page-turner: Summer in Provence.
October 23, 2020
Absolutely loved this book!! The descriptions make you believe you are actually in Provence!!
June 29, 2023
I thought this would be a bit 'vanilla' for me, sometimes I like something light and romancy, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I want to go to the Haven and be an artist!!! Loved all the characters, and love d seeing the personal growth amongst them, especially Kelly. Lovely litte summer read.
March 26, 2020
Please can I move to Provence and begin a life of relaxation at The Haven? This book is so idyllic and perfect to just submerge into during all the chaos going on in the world at the moment. I couldn't have picked up a more perfect book to read at this time.
Fern and Aiden have won the lottery but that doesn't mean that life is perfect. It's anything but for Fern when husband Aiden asks to spend a year apart travelling and discovering themselves. Fern is anything but overjoyed at this new revelation but sets her sights on painting in Provence, when really it's the last thing she wants to do. She is used to spending her life worrying about all of her family and trying to be the glue fixing everyone's problems with no regard for her own.
When Fern agrees to allow Aiden to have a year away from their normal lives, she couldn't have anticipated how different their lives would become. Aiden decides to travel and volunteer for charities whereas Fern volunteers at a retreat. From the moment her car pulls up to the chateau, you know that this story is going to be fantastic.
Lucy Coleman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her romance books are second to none with stunning scenery, loveable characters and gripping plots. She seems to have a way of making you feel as though you've been transported into her book and you're right there experiencing it all with the characters.
A wonderfully tranquil story that deserves nothing less than five stars.
Fern and Aiden have won the lottery but that doesn't mean that life is perfect. It's anything but for Fern when husband Aiden asks to spend a year apart travelling and discovering themselves. Fern is anything but overjoyed at this new revelation but sets her sights on painting in Provence, when really it's the last thing she wants to do. She is used to spending her life worrying about all of her family and trying to be the glue fixing everyone's problems with no regard for her own.
When Fern agrees to allow Aiden to have a year away from their normal lives, she couldn't have anticipated how different their lives would become. Aiden decides to travel and volunteer for charities whereas Fern volunteers at a retreat. From the moment her car pulls up to the chateau, you know that this story is going to be fantastic.
Lucy Coleman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her romance books are second to none with stunning scenery, loveable characters and gripping plots. She seems to have a way of making you feel as though you've been transported into her book and you're right there experiencing it all with the characters.
A wonderfully tranquil story that deserves nothing less than five stars.
July 22, 2024
“O vară în Provence” - cartea care mi-a încălzit sufletul și mi-a colorat trăirile! 📖💜
💍 Mariajul lui Fern și Aiden se zdruncină în momentul în care au parte de un câștig neașteptat la loterie. 💰 Pe când ea visa să-și achite ipoteca și să-și amenajeze cuibul pentru întemeierea unei familii 🏡, soțul decide că e momentul perfect să vadă lumea 🗺️
📌 Ce nu știți voi, dar veți afla dacă citiți cartea, Fern nu era pasionată de călătorii, așa că dumnealui dânsul simte că a fost ținut pe loc de a sa consoartă.
Drept urmare, Aiden îi propune scumpei sale soții …🥁….o pauză de 1 an de la căsnicie! În final, el alege să exploreze Australia 🇦🇺🦘, iar ea alege relaxanta Provence 🥐🇫🇷.
Oh well, de aici începe cea mai frumoasă poveste a verii 🌞. Din momentul în care Fern pășește în castelul renumitului pictor Nico 🏰👨🏻🎨🎨, cartea ia o direcție care o să vă cutremure sufletul. Veți face cunoștință cu arta, vă veți împrieteni cu diversitatea de personaje, veți afla poveștile lor de viață, veți râde și vă veți întrista în egală măsură, veți fi învăluiți în atmosfera încântătoare a Provence-ului și veți trăi o simfonie de emoții.
💌 Iar scrisoarea lui Nico și finalul sunt de excepție! Unde mai pui că după terminarea poveștii, există o secțiune specială unde autoarea ne răspunde la întrebarea 💭“Ce s-a întâmplat după aia?!”.
Recunosc, e ceva unic, ceva ce n-am mai întâlnit într-o altă carte și mi-a vibrat sufletul de bucurie când am aflat ce le-a rezervat viața personajelor mele preferate 🥹.
Nu există urmă de îndoială, autoarea Lucy Coleman ✍️ m-a cucerit complet și cu siguranță nu mă voi opri la cele 2 titluri parcurse vara aceasta.
✈️🧳 Vă rog să puneți cartea asta în bagajul de vacanță. Îmi veți mulțumi mai târziu 🤗.
💍 Mariajul lui Fern și Aiden se zdruncină în momentul în care au parte de un câștig neașteptat la loterie. 💰 Pe când ea visa să-și achite ipoteca și să-și amenajeze cuibul pentru întemeierea unei familii 🏡, soțul decide că e momentul perfect să vadă lumea 🗺️
📌 Ce nu știți voi, dar veți afla dacă citiți cartea, Fern nu era pasionată de călătorii, așa că dumnealui dânsul simte că a fost ținut pe loc de a sa consoartă.
Drept urmare, Aiden îi propune scumpei sale soții …🥁….o pauză de 1 an de la căsnicie! În final, el alege să exploreze Australia 🇦🇺🦘, iar ea alege relaxanta Provence 🥐🇫🇷.
Oh well, de aici începe cea mai frumoasă poveste a verii 🌞. Din momentul în care Fern pășește în castelul renumitului pictor Nico 🏰👨🏻🎨🎨, cartea ia o direcție care o să vă cutremure sufletul. Veți face cunoștință cu arta, vă veți împrieteni cu diversitatea de personaje, veți afla poveștile lor de viață, veți râde și vă veți întrista în egală măsură, veți fi învăluiți în atmosfera încântătoare a Provence-ului și veți trăi o simfonie de emoții.
💌 Iar scrisoarea lui Nico și finalul sunt de excepție! Unde mai pui că după terminarea poveștii, există o secțiune specială unde autoarea ne răspunde la întrebarea 💭“Ce s-a întâmplat după aia?!”.
Recunosc, e ceva unic, ceva ce n-am mai întâlnit într-o altă carte și mi-a vibrat sufletul de bucurie când am aflat ce le-a rezervat viața personajelor mele preferate 🥹.
Nu există urmă de îndoială, autoarea Lucy Coleman ✍️ m-a cucerit complet și cu siguranță nu mă voi opri la cele 2 titluri parcurse vara aceasta.
✈️🧳 Vă rog să puneți cartea asta în bagajul de vacanță. Îmi veți mulțumi mai târziu 🤗.
July 17, 2020
Am I the only one who didn’t particularly like this book? Fern got on my nerves and I don’t know of any woman who would let her husband disappear for a year without a lot to say! I asked my female friends and the answer was a big resounding “NO”. It read like Aiden needed an excuse to go off on a jolly and used his poor tortured soul and the lottery win to do it. I skipped bits of the book to get to the end and it was very predictable. That’s two books by this author that I have not particularly enjoyed. I don’t think I will try a third.
July 19, 2020
Draggy
Too much going on with too many people. Hard to keep up. The idea of Fern and Aiden splitting for a year is ludicrous. Nico was somehow hard to like. I just never warmed up to him. And Fern was this 10 plus woman whom everyone liked with an amazing talent for art that she could only discover after she left her husband. Did not ring true for me. So sorry!
Too much going on with too many people. Hard to keep up. The idea of Fern and Aiden splitting for a year is ludicrous. Nico was somehow hard to like. I just never warmed up to him. And Fern was this 10 plus woman whom everyone liked with an amazing talent for art that she could only discover after she left her husband. Did not ring true for me. So sorry!
August 17, 2020
It’s very lightweight and totally predictable. Very peculiar writing throughout, for example the main character felt like a “hapless moth”, she threw a “mirthful glance”, she was a “hapless dauber”, she bats “ her eyelashes”, and “ traipses through the door”. Many more examples of odd vocabulary choices. I can’t say I’m a fan.
April 1, 2020
This book really was the perfect read for these difficult times – and I honestly don’t think Lucy Coleman’s (or Linn B Halton’s!) writing has ever been better. I love escaping into the world inside a book’s pages – in fact, it’s often the form of travel I most enjoy – and my stay at Château de Vernon in Provence was pretty near perfect. As she always does, the author brings the setting vividly to life – the retreat and its beautiful surroundings, the buildings where its guests stay or spend their days, all those activities they take part in as we watch them relax, learn new skills and get to know themselves (and each other) a little better.
The cast of characters is wonderful, every single person interesting and complex, all with histories and previous lives, sometimes bringing with them a few secrets. But at the book’s heart is Fern – unable to travel with her adventurous husband for reasons of her own, she volunteers her services at the château, leading small groups in some of the activities, turning her hand to anything else that might be needed. And it’s also her opportunity to find out if she has what it takes to become an artist – mentored by Nico, taken under his wing, sharing his studio into the early hours as she finds out what she might be capable of.
I loved her character, and I really loved watching her grow and develop – with her love for her family, her understanding of her husband’s need for adventure, her nurturing of others around her, her daily increase in confidence, and the way we sometimes get to see her through others’ eyes. But she’s by no means the only character I took to my heart – the whole story is told with immense warmth, and I felt totally involved in the lives of every single person I met, seeing beneath their surfaces as they find their own paths to resolving their issues and finding what makes them happy.
I really liked the way the story was structured – a year, dipped into, seen through the seasons. And I really enjoyed the activities, from weeding the herb gardens, through the workshops, to the creative endeavours: and I particularly loved the art, every canvas vividly real, something I could see, with the act of its creation totally involving, and sometimes surprisingly moving.
I must also say a word about the book’s unusual ending, which I thought was so perfectly done, particularly when I’d been so immersed in the lives of the characters who’d become my friends – but I’m certainly not about to spoil it for anyone. I will mention too that I always had my own plan for how Fern’s story would work out – and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed in that either.
My thanks to the author – I really feel I’ve been away for a while. I relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even if I might now miss the company of the characters. This book was just wonderful – and travelling from the comfort of your armchair might just be something you’d enjoy as very much as I did.
The cast of characters is wonderful, every single person interesting and complex, all with histories and previous lives, sometimes bringing with them a few secrets. But at the book’s heart is Fern – unable to travel with her adventurous husband for reasons of her own, she volunteers her services at the château, leading small groups in some of the activities, turning her hand to anything else that might be needed. And it’s also her opportunity to find out if she has what it takes to become an artist – mentored by Nico, taken under his wing, sharing his studio into the early hours as she finds out what she might be capable of.
I loved her character, and I really loved watching her grow and develop – with her love for her family, her understanding of her husband’s need for adventure, her nurturing of others around her, her daily increase in confidence, and the way we sometimes get to see her through others’ eyes. But she’s by no means the only character I took to my heart – the whole story is told with immense warmth, and I felt totally involved in the lives of every single person I met, seeing beneath their surfaces as they find their own paths to resolving their issues and finding what makes them happy.
I really liked the way the story was structured – a year, dipped into, seen through the seasons. And I really enjoyed the activities, from weeding the herb gardens, through the workshops, to the creative endeavours: and I particularly loved the art, every canvas vividly real, something I could see, with the act of its creation totally involving, and sometimes surprisingly moving.
I must also say a word about the book’s unusual ending, which I thought was so perfectly done, particularly when I’d been so immersed in the lives of the characters who’d become my friends – but I’m certainly not about to spoil it for anyone. I will mention too that I always had my own plan for how Fern’s story would work out – and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed in that either.
My thanks to the author – I really feel I’ve been away for a while. I relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even if I might now miss the company of the characters. This book was just wonderful – and travelling from the comfort of your armchair might just be something you’d enjoy as very much as I did.
August 8, 2021
Lucy Colemanová nám dala krásně okusit přemýšlení dvou rozdílných povach. Zatímco Fern hluboce prožívala, že Aidenovi nestačí dosavadní život, který spolu vedou, Aiden se ocitl na životní křižovatce a sám nevěděl, co vlastně od života chce. Musím velmi pochválit autorku, jak hezky dokázala vykreslit jejich manželskou krizi. Oba hrdiny jste pochopili a vlastně jste docela nestranně pozorovali, jak se bude příběh odvíjet, aniž byste jednomu fandili více než druhému.
Od příběhu jako takového neočekávejte žádnou extrémně promyšlenou zápletku. Je to takový jednodušší, řekla bych snad i snadno odhadnutelný příběh.
Přestože se mi líbil vhled do přemýšlení hlavní hrdinky a bylo pro mne příjemné, že jsem jí rozuměla, dialogy mezi postavami se mi zdály poměrně plytké. Čekala bych něco více, což mi trošku ovlivnilo můj dojem z knihy.
Celý příběh byl rozdělený do 35 kapitol a na závěr si pro nás autorka připravila bonus v podobě dodatku, ve kterém hezky napsala, jak dopadly jednotlivé postavy příběhu.
Knize dávám spíše průměrné hodnocení, protože mi v ní něco scházelo. Při čtení jsem nezažívala žádný “wow efekt”. Ba dokonce jsem měla někdy pocit, že mne ty plytké dialogy krapet nudí. Od knihy jsem čekala prostě více, ale určitě dám autorce ještě další šanci, pokud v Česku vyjde nějaká její další kniha.
Knihu mohu doporučit těm, kteří mají chuť na něco jednoduššího, odlehčeného a odpočinkového.
Od příběhu jako takového neočekávejte žádnou extrémně promyšlenou zápletku. Je to takový jednodušší, řekla bych snad i snadno odhadnutelný příběh.
Přestože se mi líbil vhled do přemýšlení hlavní hrdinky a bylo pro mne příjemné, že jsem jí rozuměla, dialogy mezi postavami se mi zdály poměrně plytké. Čekala bych něco více, což mi trošku ovlivnilo můj dojem z knihy.
Celý příběh byl rozdělený do 35 kapitol a na závěr si pro nás autorka připravila bonus v podobě dodatku, ve kterém hezky napsala, jak dopadly jednotlivé postavy příběhu.
Knize dávám spíše průměrné hodnocení, protože mi v ní něco scházelo. Při čtení jsem nezažívala žádný “wow efekt”. Ba dokonce jsem měla někdy pocit, že mne ty plytké dialogy krapet nudí. Od knihy jsem čekala prostě více, ale určitě dám autorce ještě další šanci, pokud v Česku vyjde nějaká její další kniha.
Knihu mohu doporučit těm, kteří mají chuť na něco jednoduššího, odlehčeného a odpočinkového.
March 28, 2020
This review first appeared at sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com
*I read an review copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review*
I am in serious danger of repeating myself in this and future reviews for any book I read by Lucy Coleman or Linn B.Halton. How many times can I say I absolutely love Lucy/Linn’s books! If you’ve visited my goodreads page recently, you will know I reviewed A Springtime to Remember and loved it. Well, guess what? I loved Summer in Provence too!
I read Summer in Provence before we all had to stay at home and I was captivated for hours. If I picked it up now, I would be so grateful to Lucy Coleman for transporting me to Provence and helping me escape the current situation for a few hours. This book gave me hope and warmed my heart.
I like the storyline for Summer in Provence. Fern and Aiden have been together since their late teens and married for seven years. When they win some money on the lottery, Aiden has an itch he needs to scratch: to backpack around the world and discover more about himself…alone. He suggests to Fern that they both take a year out of work and use the time to each do their own thing. So, Aiden goes around the world and Fern goes to Château du Verdon, a retreat in Provence. The story then follows Fern on her year at the retreat and the people she mets. She goes on quite a journey of self discovery. There is a real sense of community at the retreat. Each person has their own reasons for needing the escape and the solace the retreat provides, including Fern.
Summer in Provence has some good messages about finding yourself, taking a step back to reflect, and discovering what it is you truly want in life.
I instantly connected with Fern, as I do with all Lucy’s female protagonists. I really cared about her from the first page. For me, a writer possesses a great skill to provoke this reaction in a reader.
There is no question that Lucy Coleman knows how to tell a story and to draw her reader in from the beginning. She always goes much deeper than I am expecting and knows how to pull on my heart strings. Summer in Provence is no exception.
Thank you to Lucy Coleman for writing such beautiful stories that I devour in hours.
*I read an review copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review*
I am in serious danger of repeating myself in this and future reviews for any book I read by Lucy Coleman or Linn B.Halton. How many times can I say I absolutely love Lucy/Linn’s books! If you’ve visited my goodreads page recently, you will know I reviewed A Springtime to Remember and loved it. Well, guess what? I loved Summer in Provence too!
I read Summer in Provence before we all had to stay at home and I was captivated for hours. If I picked it up now, I would be so grateful to Lucy Coleman for transporting me to Provence and helping me escape the current situation for a few hours. This book gave me hope and warmed my heart.
I like the storyline for Summer in Provence. Fern and Aiden have been together since their late teens and married for seven years. When they win some money on the lottery, Aiden has an itch he needs to scratch: to backpack around the world and discover more about himself…alone. He suggests to Fern that they both take a year out of work and use the time to each do their own thing. So, Aiden goes around the world and Fern goes to Château du Verdon, a retreat in Provence. The story then follows Fern on her year at the retreat and the people she mets. She goes on quite a journey of self discovery. There is a real sense of community at the retreat. Each person has their own reasons for needing the escape and the solace the retreat provides, including Fern.
Summer in Provence has some good messages about finding yourself, taking a step back to reflect, and discovering what it is you truly want in life.
I instantly connected with Fern, as I do with all Lucy’s female protagonists. I really cared about her from the first page. For me, a writer possesses a great skill to provoke this reaction in a reader.
There is no question that Lucy Coleman knows how to tell a story and to draw her reader in from the beginning. She always goes much deeper than I am expecting and knows how to pull on my heart strings. Summer in Provence is no exception.
Thank you to Lucy Coleman for writing such beautiful stories that I devour in hours.
December 12, 2021
Fern finds herself in Provence.
After Fern becomes a lottery millionaire her husband Aiden announces that he’d like to have a gap year - from her - in order to follow his dreams of seeing the world (not an option with Fern because of her flying and floating fears). She is quite surprised but agrees and decides to have her own gentler adventure at a retreat in Provence, finally exploring her artistic side.
Fern is her family’s rock and she does wonder how they’ll manage without her.
Within hours of arriving at the retreat, Fern becomes a valued member of staff and is able to discover a love of and real talent for painting. She is so very likeable that I enjoyed sharing in her ‘journey.’
Interesting and varied selection of characters, well drawn.
Beautiful descriptions of the countryside - you can almost smell the lavender!
Gentle pace and meanderings kept me interested throughout and wondering how things would turn out.
I’ll definitely look for more Lucy Coleman books.
After Fern becomes a lottery millionaire her husband Aiden announces that he’d like to have a gap year - from her - in order to follow his dreams of seeing the world (not an option with Fern because of her flying and floating fears). She is quite surprised but agrees and decides to have her own gentler adventure at a retreat in Provence, finally exploring her artistic side.
Fern is her family’s rock and she does wonder how they’ll manage without her.
Within hours of arriving at the retreat, Fern becomes a valued member of staff and is able to discover a love of and real talent for painting. She is so very likeable that I enjoyed sharing in her ‘journey.’
Interesting and varied selection of characters, well drawn.
Beautiful descriptions of the countryside - you can almost smell the lavender!
Gentle pace and meanderings kept me interested throughout and wondering how things would turn out.
I’ll definitely look for more Lucy Coleman books.
April 10, 2024
I actually give this book 3.5 rating.
The story was beautifully written and transported me to a beautiful place where family and friends take centre stage. I loved all the characters (except Aiden!). It was mostly a heartwarming read. However, the plot was slightly predictable, and it was a little repetitive in parts.
The storyline:
An unexpected windfall changes the lives of Fern and her husband Aiden as they agree (kind of) to a marriage gap year in which they each embark on individual adventures. For Fern, it is a journey of self-discovery and love.
My opinion goes like this....
What woman in their right mind allows her husband to go gallivanting around the world for a whole year on his own? It's a strong no from me 🙃
It's worth a read still.
The story was beautifully written and transported me to a beautiful place where family and friends take centre stage. I loved all the characters (except Aiden!). It was mostly a heartwarming read. However, the plot was slightly predictable, and it was a little repetitive in parts.
The storyline:
An unexpected windfall changes the lives of Fern and her husband Aiden as they agree (kind of) to a marriage gap year in which they each embark on individual adventures. For Fern, it is a journey of self-discovery and love.
My opinion goes like this....
What woman in their right mind allows her husband to go gallivanting around the world for a whole year on his own? It's a strong no from me 🙃
It's worth a read still.
March 8, 2020
Summer in Provence set in a stunning location at a retreat where Fern finds herself after her husband has decided he would like a year's sabbatical from their marriage.
I loved reading about Fern as she discovered herself without being the other half of Aiden and learnt to slow down and stop worrying about everyone else and look after herself.
The concept of the retreat really appealed to me as sometimes we all need to switch off and move away from the norm for a few days to give ourselves some quality uninterrupted time. Set in a gorgeous location with lots of time spent outdoors, your once again treated to some stunning views and descriptions from Lucy Coleman.
She is quickly becoming a goto author for me as her destinations are stunning and the descriptions are vivid and colourful and so easy to visualise.
I loved reading this book and am excited to see what she releases next as her books just whisk me off and provide some gorgeous away time from the real world.
I loved reading about Fern as she discovered herself without being the other half of Aiden and learnt to slow down and stop worrying about everyone else and look after herself.
The concept of the retreat really appealed to me as sometimes we all need to switch off and move away from the norm for a few days to give ourselves some quality uninterrupted time. Set in a gorgeous location with lots of time spent outdoors, your once again treated to some stunning views and descriptions from Lucy Coleman.
She is quickly becoming a goto author for me as her destinations are stunning and the descriptions are vivid and colourful and so easy to visualise.
I loved reading this book and am excited to see what she releases next as her books just whisk me off and provide some gorgeous away time from the real world.
June 2, 2021
A lovely light hearted and easy read. I found myself totally swept away and it was the perfect sunny evening book.
And I absolutely loved that it had what happened to the characters after the book finished at the end! I wish more authors did this!!
And I absolutely loved that it had what happened to the characters after the book finished at the end! I wish more authors did this!!
August 24, 2021
A bit flat in places but you have to persevere because you want to know what happens to everyone. Not the ending I was expecting in a way. The final chapters which bring everything up to date is a nice final touch. Do people actually take a year off their marriage in real life?
July 5, 2022
A nice light, cheerful sort of read. A few heart-warming and emotional moments. Pleasant, but didn't make enough of an impression for me to feel inclined to read it again, so I will probably pass it onto someone else for them to enjoy.
October 15, 2022
Kniha, která mi zasadila brouka do hlavy, kam se dál v životě posunout a co doopravdy chci.
+ propracovanost postav
+ "doslov – a co bylo s postavami dál"
+ vtáhnutí na místo, kde se příběh odehrává
+ zásadní téma
+ ztotožnění se
- zdlouhavější pasáže
+ propracovanost postav
+ "doslov – a co bylo s postavami dál"
+ vtáhnutí na místo, kde se příběh odehrává
+ zásadní téma
+ ztotožnění se
- zdlouhavější pasáže
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