What do you think?
Rate this book
Summer at the French Olive Grove
Could love be the biggest adventure of all?
Filmmaker Lily's life is all about work and adventure. So when she suffers an accident on her travels and finds herself recuperating in the quiet French seaside village where she spent her childhood, she can't wait to escape. Not least because Olivier - Lily's childhood friend and former crush, who she has spent the last thirteen years avoiding - is staying next door . . .
Strong-minded masterbaker Olivier is happily settled in St Pierre, preparing to marry and put down roots. But Lily's return to the village risks turning his carefully-laid plans upsidedown, and as the pair rediscover their familiar rivalry and fun, sparks fly.
Is Lily really as fearless and independent as she seems on the surface - or is she just running from the past? And what if Olivier is the only one who can teach her what it really means to be brave?
Filmmaker Lily's life is all about work and adventure. So when she suffers an accident on her travels and finds herself recuperating in the quiet French seaside village where she spent her childhood, she can't wait to escape. Not least because Olivier - Lily's childhood friend and former crush, who she has spent the last thirteen years avoiding - is staying next door . . .
Strong-minded masterbaker Olivier is happily settled in St Pierre, preparing to marry and put down roots. But Lily's return to the village risks turning his carefully-laid plans upsidedown, and as the pair rediscover their familiar rivalry and fun, sparks fly.
Is Lily really as fearless and independent as she seems on the surface - or is she just running from the past? And what if Olivier is the only one who can teach her what it really means to be brave?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2021
88 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Claire
9 books99 followersSophie Claire writes emotional stories set in England and in sunny Provence, where she spent her summers as a child.
She has a French mother and a Scottish father, but was born in Africa and grew up in Manchester, England, where she still lives with her husband and two sons.
Previously, she worked in marketing and proofreading academic papers, but writing is what she always considered her ‘real job’ and now she’s delighted to spend her days dreaming up heartwarming contemporary romance stories set in beautiful places.
She has a French mother and a Scottish father, but was born in Africa and grew up in Manchester, England, where she still lives with her husband and two sons.
Previously, she worked in marketing and proofreading academic papers, but writing is what she always considered her ‘real job’ and now she’s delighted to spend her days dreaming up heartwarming contemporary romance stories set in beautiful places.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 9, 2021
This is my first read by this author and I loved it! The author writes emotional stories coming right to you from the heart.
A young woman is injured while doing her dream job of filming and must take time off to recover.
She goes home to recover to the quiet French seaside village where she spent her childhood and all the happy memories are and where Grandma is. It feels natural coming here, as though she hasn't even been away. Unknown to her her former crush who she's been avoiding for more than ten years is staying right next door to Grandma.
What happens when her former crush realizes she has come back for awhile and it abruptly changes what he thought he had planned out for life, like settling down with someone else and being content at his job? Unexpected twists in this heartfelt story that was a surefire win in my book.
Pub Date 27 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A young woman is injured while doing her dream job of filming and must take time off to recover.
She goes home to recover to the quiet French seaside village where she spent her childhood and all the happy memories are and where Grandma is. It feels natural coming here, as though she hasn't even been away. Unknown to her her former crush who she's been avoiding for more than ten years is staying right next door to Grandma.
What happens when her former crush realizes she has come back for awhile and it abruptly changes what he thought he had planned out for life, like settling down with someone else and being content at his job? Unexpected twists in this heartfelt story that was a surefire win in my book.
Pub Date 27 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 24, 2021
Summer at the French Olive Grove is a lovely feel good romance set in the idyllic sun-soaked French countryside. The author beautifully describes the scenery and conjures up the sights and smells of France with the aroma of home cooking intermingled with the scent of lavender and rosemary. The dramatic start to the book pulled me straight in to the pages.
I loved the relationship Lily had with her grandmother, Mamie, and the relationship she had with her Olivier certainly kept us guessing. There is undeniably an attraction here but they both want different things in life and you wonder if they will ever work out their differences. I found their dynamics a little frustrating, because as adults they could have sat down together and talked this through without all the dithering about in between. Lily came across as a little too stubborn and unbending and at times I found her selfishness really exasperating, however she had a lot of issues to work through and at the end of the book we discover a little bit more about why she is constantly running away from the past.
This is an enjoyable and easy page-turning story with some wonderful characters and the perfect light summer read. The writing although simple is full of warmth and uplifting and will put a smile on your face. An addictive read which will transport you to all the sights and aromas of the French countryside.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley.
I loved the relationship Lily had with her grandmother, Mamie, and the relationship she had with her Olivier certainly kept us guessing. There is undeniably an attraction here but they both want different things in life and you wonder if they will ever work out their differences. I found their dynamics a little frustrating, because as adults they could have sat down together and talked this through without all the dithering about in between. Lily came across as a little too stubborn and unbending and at times I found her selfishness really exasperating, however she had a lot of issues to work through and at the end of the book we discover a little bit more about why she is constantly running away from the past.
This is an enjoyable and easy page-turning story with some wonderful characters and the perfect light summer read. The writing although simple is full of warmth and uplifting and will put a smile on your face. An addictive read which will transport you to all the sights and aromas of the French countryside.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley.
June 9, 2021
This really is the perfect summer read, full of romance and longing, and with a deeply satisfying ending.
Lily has to dig deep to find the courage to face up to her past and then choose love...but she has the wonderful Olivier to help her.
Lily has to dig deep to find the courage to face up to her past and then choose love...but she has the wonderful Olivier to help her.
April 12, 2021
This is my first Sophie Claire book, and I was not disappointed, at all.
Lily has been transported back to her grandmother's home to recuperate, after a nasty accident during work.
Back to where she spent idyllic childhood times before her world crumbled around her.
But not a place she calls home, herself.
Though they say home is where the heart is, and her heart seems to be pining for someone, equally attached to that same place.
Olivier grew up with Lily. Craving a family of his own, and that anchor that makes you feel at home, he is constantly pulled back to where his parents live, despite being a successful baker in Paris, with a chain of bakeries.
This was a love story, but not as traditional as some. It involved a whole lot of accepting yourself, and self-love, as well as the romantic kind.
Lily is a character damaged, physically and emotionally by the events of her past.
Olivier's own experiences growing up and coping with knowing no one was really 'his', shape him to be the man he is today, and the dreams he holds for the future.
And then we have Mamie. Lily's grandmother. She is an anchor for both these lost souls and wants to use her power over them to protect them in a way only she knows how.
A beautiful story, a compelling read and definitely recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lily has been transported back to her grandmother's home to recuperate, after a nasty accident during work.
Back to where she spent idyllic childhood times before her world crumbled around her.
But not a place she calls home, herself.
Though they say home is where the heart is, and her heart seems to be pining for someone, equally attached to that same place.
Olivier grew up with Lily. Craving a family of his own, and that anchor that makes you feel at home, he is constantly pulled back to where his parents live, despite being a successful baker in Paris, with a chain of bakeries.
This was a love story, but not as traditional as some. It involved a whole lot of accepting yourself, and self-love, as well as the romantic kind.
Lily is a character damaged, physically and emotionally by the events of her past.
Olivier's own experiences growing up and coping with knowing no one was really 'his', shape him to be the man he is today, and the dreams he holds for the future.
And then we have Mamie. Lily's grandmother. She is an anchor for both these lost souls and wants to use her power over them to protect them in a way only she knows how.
A beautiful story, a compelling read and definitely recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2022
one word: misogyny
May 8, 2021
Gotta love a book that gets off to a dramatic start, and this really did have that. Had me interested in the story right from the first few pages, and I was curious as to what would happen next.
I loved the dynamics between Lily and Olivier especially when they are reminiscing about their childhood antics. But yet they are very different people, want remarkably different things from life, however there is clear chemistry between them, even if neither seem to want to notice it!
The further we get, the more understanding I had of Lily and her motivations for her various choices. It was good to see her try to settle into life back in France while her arm recovers, and it is clear she cares for Mamie a lot.
At a time where it felt like I had completely lost my concentration to read, the further I crept into this story the more I wanted to read and the more I was happily reading for longer, as I really cared about the characters and wanted to know how the plot would unfurl.
At times I had tears in my eyes, such is the brilliance of the writing that I was getting rather emotional, and by the end I was smiling! It's another incredibly enjoyable story from Sophie Claire.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
I loved the dynamics between Lily and Olivier especially when they are reminiscing about their childhood antics. But yet they are very different people, want remarkably different things from life, however there is clear chemistry between them, even if neither seem to want to notice it!
The further we get, the more understanding I had of Lily and her motivations for her various choices. It was good to see her try to settle into life back in France while her arm recovers, and it is clear she cares for Mamie a lot.
At a time where it felt like I had completely lost my concentration to read, the further I crept into this story the more I wanted to read and the more I was happily reading for longer, as I really cared about the characters and wanted to know how the plot would unfurl.
At times I had tears in my eyes, such is the brilliance of the writing that I was getting rather emotional, and by the end I was smiling! It's another incredibly enjoyable story from Sophie Claire.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
January 26, 2024
I'm in two minds about this book. The ML eventually comes around to compromise at the end of the book but throughout proves judgemental, self-absorbed and pushy without show of what qualities have kept the FL in love with him for 13 years except that he's hot? He repeatedly tells the FL off for life choices (with what authority?) proceeds to tell her what he thinks she's thinking; sending her into spirals of self-doubt and anxiety. Her change of heart over settling down is eerily reminiscent of Stockholm and it's only when she does just about stand her ground on doing her job, he finally relents on making her live his dream and making her compromise her life's work to fit around him; does he then compromise around her. It feels like a poor base for a relationship. On the other hand as a dramatic romance not meant to be looked into too deeply it hits the right flag points and may only be a little repetitive going between perspectives in which all is really thought is 'I love him/her but I/She can't give me the life I want'
April 3, 2024
I love a small-town romance, especially when the small town is a nice French country village. Add in a friends-to-lovers romance and things are coming along very nicely.
Lily is a filmmaker, she spends her life moving around the world, not putting down any roots and rarely coming home to see her beloved Mamie (grandmother) as often as she would like. She also hasn’t seen her old childhood friend Olivier and still remembers how he rejected her when she kissed him as a young girl.
They fall back into their friendship, but Lily’s feelings for Olivier are clearly still there, especially when she feels jealous about his engagement to someone new, even though his fiancee is very sweet and kind towards her and everyone else.
I think a lot of the tension between Olivier and Lily could have been worked out if they stopped projecting their own doubts onto each other and just had a conversation with each other instead of always assuming and then arguing.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read from Sophie Claire.
Lily is a filmmaker, she spends her life moving around the world, not putting down any roots and rarely coming home to see her beloved Mamie (grandmother) as often as she would like. She also hasn’t seen her old childhood friend Olivier and still remembers how he rejected her when she kissed him as a young girl.
They fall back into their friendship, but Lily’s feelings for Olivier are clearly still there, especially when she feels jealous about his engagement to someone new, even though his fiancee is very sweet and kind towards her and everyone else.
I think a lot of the tension between Olivier and Lily could have been worked out if they stopped projecting their own doubts onto each other and just had a conversation with each other instead of always assuming and then arguing.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read from Sophie Claire.
May 23, 2021
Beautiful read
May 29, 2021
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/roman...
I love a good prologue and Summer at the French Olive Grove has a dramatic one! It’s a great reflection of who Lily believes herself to be … As a result, she recuperates with her grandmother ‘Mamie’ in St Pierre. Childhood pal Olivier is there to pick her up at the airport and it’s obvious how uncomfortable she feels.
Olivier seems to have his life all mapped out and although he has some major life changes coming up, I couldn’t help but see it as very much regimented, bland and certainly lacking in emotions. I didn’t think he was being true to himself. But then neither was Lily …
Sorting out Mamie’s art work together in the studio gives them plenty of opportunities to rekindle the friendship they had growing up. Even though they seem opposites and both want something different from life, there are glimmers of that reckless childhood pair. Such mischief simmering below the surface!
The food and settings are fantastic. I loved Mamie’s home and could picture myself there. Lil filming Olivier working his magic in the bakery is very sensory. It’s an important scene in more ways than one.
This isn’t your usual romantic read. It’s not a will they or won’t they but more of a discovery of themselves. I enjoyed how their friendship prompts them to evaluate who they are and what they want from life and relationships.
Lil doesn’t trust herself. Her emotions are so big from the trauma she experienced that she’s never learned how to manage them. But then Olivier is just as much a lost soul… I loved the character development for them both.
Summer at the French Olive Grove is the perfect escape. One for your lists.
I love a good prologue and Summer at the French Olive Grove has a dramatic one! It’s a great reflection of who Lily believes herself to be … As a result, she recuperates with her grandmother ‘Mamie’ in St Pierre. Childhood pal Olivier is there to pick her up at the airport and it’s obvious how uncomfortable she feels.
Olivier seems to have his life all mapped out and although he has some major life changes coming up, I couldn’t help but see it as very much regimented, bland and certainly lacking in emotions. I didn’t think he was being true to himself. But then neither was Lily …
Sorting out Mamie’s art work together in the studio gives them plenty of opportunities to rekindle the friendship they had growing up. Even though they seem opposites and both want something different from life, there are glimmers of that reckless childhood pair. Such mischief simmering below the surface!
The food and settings are fantastic. I loved Mamie’s home and could picture myself there. Lil filming Olivier working his magic in the bakery is very sensory. It’s an important scene in more ways than one.
This isn’t your usual romantic read. It’s not a will they or won’t they but more of a discovery of themselves. I enjoyed how their friendship prompts them to evaluate who they are and what they want from life and relationships.
Lil doesn’t trust herself. Her emotions are so big from the trauma she experienced that she’s never learned how to manage them. But then Olivier is just as much a lost soul… I loved the character development for them both.
Summer at the French Olive Grove is the perfect escape. One for your lists.
February 21, 2022
I struggled to get through this book but as I always feel the need to finish books I ploughed my way through as quickly as possible despite how much I didn’t enjoy it!
Full of cliched situations, ridiculously old fashioned characters, painfully slow and so, so predictable.
Not one I’d ever recommend!
Full of cliched situations, ridiculously old fashioned characters, painfully slow and so, so predictable.
Not one I’d ever recommend!
February 14, 2022
This is a beautiful story about love, family and community, set in the South of France. Although at tim s I found it a little predictable , it didn’t affect my enjoyment at all reading this. The characters are well developed , the story beautifully written and I thought it was an enjoyable read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
July 22, 2024
The struggle to overcome trauma is real. I liked the diverse characters in this small village. There is a lot to like about a small village in a foreign country and the ability to work out issues.
May 31, 2021
The writing is well above average for this type of book, and the characters have real, deep issues to resolve. A lovely, moving read.
May 26, 2021
With a broken arm to heal, filmmaker Lily Martin is forced to leave her current project in Columbia and return to her Grandmother’s (Mamie) house in France for the summer. Mamie is a reminder of her happy summers as a child, with best friend Olivier by her side; memories she has worked hard to push to the back of her mind for many years now. With the knowledge that Olivier is also home for the summer, she is determined to keep her focus, get better and get back on the road with her camera.
Lily and Olivier were interesting characters, and right from the beginning of the book there was so much bubbling under the surface, I just knew there would be tension and turbulence as their stories were revealed. Lily is feisty and fiery, Olivier is calm and calculated, and together they bring out the best and the worst in each other, with the friction between them making for a great read.
With a bit of help from Mamie, Lily and Olivier are thrown into daily contact once more and they try to re-establish their shared bond of childhood friendship. However, lots has passed in the intervening years, from a disastrous teenage kiss to family traumas that have left both physical and psychological scars, resulting in them wanting very different things from life. Can they reach an understanding of each other’s point of view, or with the heat of a summer in Provence, will things spiral out of control? I can honestly say I had no idea how this book would end.
I fell in love with Sophie’s writing when I read her first novel A Forget-me-not Summer and now I’ve finished her fourth book, I’m an even bigger fan.
With Summer at the French Olive Grove, Sophie has done it again; this is a book full of passion that really packs a punch of heart-hammering emotions as you read it.
For a hot summer read, that brings alive the villages of Provence, look no further.
Lily and Olivier were interesting characters, and right from the beginning of the book there was so much bubbling under the surface, I just knew there would be tension and turbulence as their stories were revealed. Lily is feisty and fiery, Olivier is calm and calculated, and together they bring out the best and the worst in each other, with the friction between them making for a great read.
With a bit of help from Mamie, Lily and Olivier are thrown into daily contact once more and they try to re-establish their shared bond of childhood friendship. However, lots has passed in the intervening years, from a disastrous teenage kiss to family traumas that have left both physical and psychological scars, resulting in them wanting very different things from life. Can they reach an understanding of each other’s point of view, or with the heat of a summer in Provence, will things spiral out of control? I can honestly say I had no idea how this book would end.
I fell in love with Sophie’s writing when I read her first novel A Forget-me-not Summer and now I’ve finished her fourth book, I’m an even bigger fan.
With Summer at the French Olive Grove, Sophie has done it again; this is a book full of passion that really packs a punch of heart-hammering emotions as you read it.
For a hot summer read, that brings alive the villages of Provence, look no further.
May 22, 2021
🎬🎥Old friends, opposing views of happiness, gorgeous setting🌄
4.5🌟 stars
Another excellent Sophie Claire novel with a beautiful setting in Southern France, layered characters, an emphasis on family and a principal character with alot to offer but major issues to confront. I wouldn't categorize this as a breezy romance because the female lead has heavy unresolved trauma that colors the whole story. The opening is exciting; the rest of the story then proceeds at a more leisurely pace.
Lily Martin, the photographer/film producer female lead, has both physical and emotional scars that she attempts to ignore but that never actually works. Her feelings for Olivier, the next door neighbor and best friend from her childhood visits to her grandmother's country cottage, roil and discomfort her. Lily was a somewhat difficult character for me because she is constantly in denial and sabotaging close relationships in the name of her career. She does not want to be like her cold, career-driven mother but she's SO moving in the same direction. She loves Mamie, her grandmother, but even has difficulty fitting that relationship into her globetrotting schedule.
I found Olivier, successful baker and good son/supportive neighbor, a much more sympathetic character. He at least is comfortable in himself and what he wants from life.
Overall, a satisfying story with plenty of emotion and a promising conclusion.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Another excellent Sophie Claire novel with a beautiful setting in Southern France, layered characters, an emphasis on family and a principal character with alot to offer but major issues to confront. I wouldn't categorize this as a breezy romance because the female lead has heavy unresolved trauma that colors the whole story. The opening is exciting; the rest of the story then proceeds at a more leisurely pace.
Lily Martin, the photographer/film producer female lead, has both physical and emotional scars that she attempts to ignore but that never actually works. Her feelings for Olivier, the next door neighbor and best friend from her childhood visits to her grandmother's country cottage, roil and discomfort her. Lily was a somewhat difficult character for me because she is constantly in denial and sabotaging close relationships in the name of her career. She does not want to be like her cold, career-driven mother but she's SO moving in the same direction. She loves Mamie, her grandmother, but even has difficulty fitting that relationship into her globetrotting schedule.
I found Olivier, successful baker and good son/supportive neighbor, a much more sympathetic character. He at least is comfortable in himself and what he wants from life.
Overall, a satisfying story with plenty of emotion and a promising conclusion.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
May 31, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Summer at the French Olive Grove by Sophie Claire.
Sophie Claire’s book begins in Columbia where the protagonist, Lily, is making a film about the lives and careers of some Columbian women in a world where women don’t really have careers. Lily is attacked and suffers a broken arm, returning to her home village in France to recover. Moving back in with her elderly grandmother, Mamie, Lily catches up with her oldest friend Olivier and enjoys the slower pace of life in this peaceful place. Torn between returning to her nomadic lifestyle and spending more time with Mamie, Lily has a decision to make.
I love a story set in sunny, seaside villages with idyllic views and villagers who all know each other and this is no exception, The author takes us into the heart of the French village with her descriptions of the olive groves, the boats in the marina and the tantalising aromas of Mamie’s cooking, making us wish we were there.
Olivier and Lily both want very different things from life which seem to stem from their childhoods, and the author keeps us guessing throughout the novel how their past relates to their outlooks on the future, Both characters frustrated me and at times I just wanted to bang their heads together and simply tell them to talk to each other!
If you enjoy a delightful novel with a happy ending, then you’ll enjoy Summer at the French Olive Grove. Slip your sunhat on, grab a cold drink and settle under a shady tree. This is a lovely book for an afternoon in the sun.
Sophie Claire’s book begins in Columbia where the protagonist, Lily, is making a film about the lives and careers of some Columbian women in a world where women don’t really have careers. Lily is attacked and suffers a broken arm, returning to her home village in France to recover. Moving back in with her elderly grandmother, Mamie, Lily catches up with her oldest friend Olivier and enjoys the slower pace of life in this peaceful place. Torn between returning to her nomadic lifestyle and spending more time with Mamie, Lily has a decision to make.
I love a story set in sunny, seaside villages with idyllic views and villagers who all know each other and this is no exception, The author takes us into the heart of the French village with her descriptions of the olive groves, the boats in the marina and the tantalising aromas of Mamie’s cooking, making us wish we were there.
Olivier and Lily both want very different things from life which seem to stem from their childhoods, and the author keeps us guessing throughout the novel how their past relates to their outlooks on the future, Both characters frustrated me and at times I just wanted to bang their heads together and simply tell them to talk to each other!
If you enjoy a delightful novel with a happy ending, then you’ll enjoy Summer at the French Olive Grove. Slip your sunhat on, grab a cold drink and settle under a shady tree. This is a lovely book for an afternoon in the sun.
August 5, 2021
Summer at the French Olive Grove by Sophie Claire Pub Date 27/5/21
Filmmaker Lily's life is all about work and adventure. So when she suffers an accident on her travels and finds herself recuperating in the quiet French seaside village where she spent her childhood, she can't wait to escape. Not least because Olivier - Lily's childhood friend and former crush, who she has spent the last thirteen years avoiding - is staying next door . . .
Strong-minded master baker Olivier is happily settled in St Pierre, preparing to marry and put down roots. But Lily's return to the village risks turning his carefully laid plans upside down, and as the pair rediscover their familiar rivalry and fun, sparks fly.
Is Lily really as fearless and independent as she seems on the surface - or is she just running from the past? And what if Olivier is the only one who can teach her what it really means to be brave?
Lily's love for her grandmother and her childhood friends is immeasurable, and that is why this novel has so much depth to it; the characters are all convincing and engaging.
Love, loss and self-discovery are the themes running throughout the story.
A compelling read that I am happy to recommend.
I want to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and author Sophie Claire for a pre-publication copy to review.
Filmmaker Lily's life is all about work and adventure. So when she suffers an accident on her travels and finds herself recuperating in the quiet French seaside village where she spent her childhood, she can't wait to escape. Not least because Olivier - Lily's childhood friend and former crush, who she has spent the last thirteen years avoiding - is staying next door . . .
Strong-minded master baker Olivier is happily settled in St Pierre, preparing to marry and put down roots. But Lily's return to the village risks turning his carefully laid plans upside down, and as the pair rediscover their familiar rivalry and fun, sparks fly.
Is Lily really as fearless and independent as she seems on the surface - or is she just running from the past? And what if Olivier is the only one who can teach her what it really means to be brave?
Lily's love for her grandmother and her childhood friends is immeasurable, and that is why this novel has so much depth to it; the characters are all convincing and engaging.
Love, loss and self-discovery are the themes running throughout the story.
A compelling read that I am happy to recommend.
I want to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and author Sophie Claire for a pre-publication copy to review.
May 29, 2021
Lily is an intrepid filmmaker with a conscience. Whilst filming at a coffee cooperative run by women in Columbia filming Lily is courageous in protecting the women when they are threatened but doesn't come out of the incident unscathed. Returning to her grandmother in Provence has bittersweet memories, especially when she is met at the airport by Olivier, her best friend and teenage crush.
The friends to lovers romance between Lily and Olivier is conflicted. It develops realistically with many heartwarming, humorous and heartbreaking moments. Lily's grandmother is a lovely character who has always positively influenced her life. The story flows well with an absorbing setting and believable cast of supporting characters.
The romantic tension is intense, and the reader realises how important the couple's friendship is. Lily and Olivier undergo significant character development until they reach a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
Friendship, family romance and self-realisation make this an engaging summer read.
I received a copy of this book from Hodder and Stoughton via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The friends to lovers romance between Lily and Olivier is conflicted. It develops realistically with many heartwarming, humorous and heartbreaking moments. Lily's grandmother is a lovely character who has always positively influenced her life. The story flows well with an absorbing setting and believable cast of supporting characters.
The romantic tension is intense, and the reader realises how important the couple's friendship is. Lily and Olivier undergo significant character development until they reach a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
Friendship, family romance and self-realisation make this an engaging summer read.
I received a copy of this book from Hodder and Stoughton via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 27, 2021
Summer at the French Olive Grove by Sophie Claire is a breezy read. The book revolves around Lily, a filmmaker, Olivier, a pastry chef and franchise owner and her grandmother. Its a good second chance romance and how they meet after 15 years and have completely transformed into different people but still find that they instantly fall back into their childhood relationships. The setting is of an idyllic French village in the south so perfect if you want to get lost in the beautiful descriptions.
CW: Abortion
There are some instances of how Oli's previous relationships had gone haywire because of abortion and he seems to hate his ex for choosing that which to be fair i found a little offputting since i am staunchly pro-choice. It makes the woman seem as a career hungry person who only cares about money which i find nothing wrong with. But if you can move past this its honestly a book you can use as a filler since it gets you invested in the characters quite early on. Thank you netgally for providing me with this ARC copy and letting me review it honestly.
CW: Abortion
There are some instances of how Oli's previous relationships had gone haywire because of abortion and he seems to hate his ex for choosing that which to be fair i found a little offputting since i am staunchly pro-choice. It makes the woman seem as a career hungry person who only cares about money which i find nothing wrong with. But if you can move past this its honestly a book you can use as a filler since it gets you invested in the characters quite early on. Thank you netgally for providing me with this ARC copy and letting me review it honestly.
Read
June 7, 2021Such a good read!
I loved this story, it had everything I look for in contemporary fictions, laughs, tears, family and love.
Our main character Lily is a conflicted soul, for as much as she loves her family in France, her past haunts her and she rarely returns, that is until she is injured whilst working.
After years of burying herself in her job, she is like a fish out of water when she has to rely on others whilst she heals. Her discombobulation intensifies the moment she lands in France when her childhood best friend Olivier meets her and all the feelings, she has been avoiding return.
The pull and push between Lily and Olivier is magnetic, even when the stars look aligned, Olivier has history of his own.
It’s a problem that many of us can relate to, especially after the last 18 months but Lily needs a break to understand a work/life balance, which gives her time to learn to trust and grieve.
My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review #SummerAtTheFrenchOliveGrove by Sophie Claire
I loved this story, it had everything I look for in contemporary fictions, laughs, tears, family and love.
Our main character Lily is a conflicted soul, for as much as she loves her family in France, her past haunts her and she rarely returns, that is until she is injured whilst working.
After years of burying herself in her job, she is like a fish out of water when she has to rely on others whilst she heals. Her discombobulation intensifies the moment she lands in France when her childhood best friend Olivier meets her and all the feelings, she has been avoiding return.
The pull and push between Lily and Olivier is magnetic, even when the stars look aligned, Olivier has history of his own.
It’s a problem that many of us can relate to, especially after the last 18 months but Lily needs a break to understand a work/life balance, which gives her time to learn to trust and grieve.
My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review #SummerAtTheFrenchOliveGrove by Sophie Claire
March 22, 2021
A most beautiful love story set in picturesque France amongst the olive groves! You can almost smell the lavender in the air and feel the heat of the sun on your skin, not to mention the exquisite offerings of the bakery!
Lily a troubled independent soul grew up with her neighbour Olivier spending holidays playing amongst the olive groves but as adults they had grown apart following a tragic incident involving lily and her father.
On returning to France to stay with her Mamie following an incident that resulted in a broken arm lily has to face her demons, accept help and come to terms with the loss of her beloved Mamie and Olivier is there to help her along the way,long lost feelings surface, soul searching takes place and ultimately decisions are made that ensure love and happiness prevail!
I was invited to read this book and would thoroughly recommend it to all!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
Lily a troubled independent soul grew up with her neighbour Olivier spending holidays playing amongst the olive groves but as adults they had grown apart following a tragic incident involving lily and her father.
On returning to France to stay with her Mamie following an incident that resulted in a broken arm lily has to face her demons, accept help and come to terms with the loss of her beloved Mamie and Olivier is there to help her along the way,long lost feelings surface, soul searching takes place and ultimately decisions are made that ensure love and happiness prevail!
I was invited to read this book and would thoroughly recommend it to all!
Thank you netgalley for this early read.
June 24, 2021
This was a pleasant, easy read. But I did find it a little predictable and found Olivier slightly annoying with his insistence on trying to mould Lily into a life with him.
Film-maker Lily has had a life marked by tragedy and it has made her wary of letting anyone close to her. After a robbery and assault whilst filming a documentary in Colombia, she returns to her grandma's home in St Pierre to recuperate. Childhood friend and neighbour, Olivier is the one person who seems to see through her hard exterior. After a lot of will they, won't they, they finally admit they have feelings that extend beyond friendship. But Lily insists they don't have a future as they want different things, and she leaves for Belize to begin filming for a new project. Is their romance over before it has really begun?
Sweet and romantic, this was a pleasant escape but I just didn't connect with the characters as much as I'd like to.
Film-maker Lily has had a life marked by tragedy and it has made her wary of letting anyone close to her. After a robbery and assault whilst filming a documentary in Colombia, she returns to her grandma's home in St Pierre to recuperate. Childhood friend and neighbour, Olivier is the one person who seems to see through her hard exterior. After a lot of will they, won't they, they finally admit they have feelings that extend beyond friendship. But Lily insists they don't have a future as they want different things, and she leaves for Belize to begin filming for a new project. Is their romance over before it has really begun?
Sweet and romantic, this was a pleasant escape but I just didn't connect with the characters as much as I'd like to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
A lovely feelgood summer romance. Lilly is badly scarred after a traumatic incident as a child. She has been brought up by her grandmother Mamie in France. As an adult she has become an accomplished film maker and has travelled around the world making film documentaries. During filming for a women's co-operative in Columbia she is attacked and suffers a badly broken arm. She returns to France to recuperate at her grandmother's home where she spends a lot of time with her childhood friend Olivier. Olivier is now engaged and eager to buy a new home and start a family with his fiancee. Lily is desperate to return to Columbia. However Lily has always harboured a strong attraction to Olivier and struggles with her emotions, feeling that he rejected her when they were younger. The reader is swept along with the story as Olivier and Lily complete their journey of self-discovery. A thoroughly good read.
May 27, 2021
Following an incident whilst filming her latest documentary in South America Lily returns to her grandmother's house in France. There she meets up with her childhood friend and crush Olivier, who is staying with his parents next door.
I found it difficult at first to relate to the two main character's, Lily's need to be constantly away from home and Olivier who desperately wants a family. As the story develops the reasons for their needs is gradually revealed and I could start to understand what was driving them. It was frustrating how difficult it was for them to open up about their feelings for each other, but this is a reflection of real life. The setting certainly sounds idyllic and the closeness of the families something to appreciate.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
I found it difficult at first to relate to the two main character's, Lily's need to be constantly away from home and Olivier who desperately wants a family. As the story develops the reasons for their needs is gradually revealed and I could start to understand what was driving them. It was frustrating how difficult it was for them to open up about their feelings for each other, but this is a reflection of real life. The setting certainly sounds idyllic and the closeness of the families something to appreciate.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
February 18, 2021
This is a sweet love story. Set in France it really conjures up the sights, smells and taste of the area. I did find the writing protracted at times and wanted the story to move on. I also felt it jumped from one scene to another without a lead in which I found a little disconcerting at times too. Saying that though I did enjoy it.
Lily's conflicts in life which come from past events really come through. I liked her, though at times I did want to give her a shake. Olivier was lovely, kind, understanding and always there for Lily and her Grandmother, Mamie. The story really revolves around these three characters.
Overall this is an enjoyable read, with good characters and plenty going on.
Lily's conflicts in life which come from past events really come through. I liked her, though at times I did want to give her a shake. Olivier was lovely, kind, understanding and always there for Lily and her Grandmother, Mamie. The story really revolves around these three characters.
Overall this is an enjoyable read, with good characters and plenty going on.
June 23, 2022
Summer at the French Olive Grove
By Sophie Claire
Lily Martin, a documentary film maker suffers a horrendous attack while away in Columbia filming. Actually she tells everyone it was an accident and doesn’t want to reveal what really transpired. Lily always wanted to feel in complete control of her life, but with her injuries it was near impossible.
For the past 13 years she tried to stay form her Gran’s home in Seaside France due to some complicated circumstances with her old neighbour, Olivier Lacoste a professional baker. When she is forced to return to France and live with her dear Gran whom she loves she isn’t sure how she will handle being in close proximity with Olivier. When Lily returned to France after her accident, Olivier was engaged. This meant to Lily that she must repress any feelings for her old friend.
Both Lily and Olivier were extremely strong minded, in consequence hurting themselves and others. The exploits continued for both. This a great story, full of adventures and memorable times of the neighbours. Well worth reading.
By Sophie Claire
Lily Martin, a documentary film maker suffers a horrendous attack while away in Columbia filming. Actually she tells everyone it was an accident and doesn’t want to reveal what really transpired. Lily always wanted to feel in complete control of her life, but with her injuries it was near impossible.
For the past 13 years she tried to stay form her Gran’s home in Seaside France due to some complicated circumstances with her old neighbour, Olivier Lacoste a professional baker. When she is forced to return to France and live with her dear Gran whom she loves she isn’t sure how she will handle being in close proximity with Olivier. When Lily returned to France after her accident, Olivier was engaged. This meant to Lily that she must repress any feelings for her old friend.
Both Lily and Olivier were extremely strong minded, in consequence hurting themselves and others. The exploits continued for both. This a great story, full of adventures and memorable times of the neighbours. Well worth reading.
April 21, 2021
What a wonderful book about love, loss, friendship and self discovery.
Lily and Olivier are beautiful together, as friends and as a couple. The farm house and whole village are beautifully described and made me feel like I was there. The twists and turns in both Lily and Oliviers past kept me turning the pages.
The self discovery of Olivier admiring that he’d rather have Lily in his life that children so he chases her was beautiful, made even more so as Lily had similar thoughts and was on her way back to him. They are perfect together, both perfectly fine and independent on their own, but so much better together.
Lily and Olivier are beautiful together, as friends and as a couple. The farm house and whole village are beautifully described and made me feel like I was there. The twists and turns in both Lily and Oliviers past kept me turning the pages.
The self discovery of Olivier admiring that he’d rather have Lily in his life that children so he chases her was beautiful, made even more so as Lily had similar thoughts and was on her way back to him. They are perfect together, both perfectly fine and independent on their own, but so much better together.
March 3, 2021
This was my first book by Sophie Claire, but won't be my last. I loved the character of lily, so damaged by her past, but finding love and comfort back in France with her grandmother 'Mamie'. Still holding old feeling for her childhood friends olivier, she struggles to stay home and itches to get back to work, film making in sometimes dangerous places, but will her heart let her settle in France? A really moving story of hurt, heartbreak, love and belonging. It kept me captivated, a lovely book.
May 9, 2021
Thanks to Hodder& Stoughton and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
A lovely story of Lilli who is spending the summer back with her beloved grandmother in St Pierre after an accident at work forces her to slow down and take things a little easier but she has itchy feet and is finding an enforced stay difficult.
Really enjoyed this book and am quite sad that I can no longer feel the French sun emanating from the book on my face. This is my first read by Sophie Claire, but I feel sure it won't be the last.
A lovely story of Lilli who is spending the summer back with her beloved grandmother in St Pierre after an accident at work forces her to slow down and take things a little easier but she has itchy feet and is finding an enforced stay difficult.
Really enjoyed this book and am quite sad that I can no longer feel the French sun emanating from the book on my face. This is my first read by Sophie Claire, but I feel sure it won't be the last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews