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Summer at the Château
Every end has a new beginning...
When Pixie Sampson's husband tragically dies, she inherits the beautiful Château Quiltu in Brittany, Northern France.
But unbeknown to her, she also inherits a mysterious lodger, Justine Martin and her 4-year-old son Ferdie.
Heartbroken and with her adventurous Mum, Gwen in tow, they travel to France to put the Château on the market but are soon drawn into a quest to seek the Château's secrets.
Who is Justine? Why is she living at the Château? How did she know her husband?
Over the Summer months, the Château fills with family and laughter and secrets are discovered and old wounds begin to heal.
When Pixie Sampson's husband tragically dies, she inherits the beautiful Château Quiltu in Brittany, Northern France.
But unbeknown to her, she also inherits a mysterious lodger, Justine Martin and her 4-year-old son Ferdie.
Heartbroken and with her adventurous Mum, Gwen in tow, they travel to France to put the Château on the market but are soon drawn into a quest to seek the Château's secrets.
Who is Justine? Why is she living at the Château? How did she know her husband?
Over the Summer months, the Château fills with family and laughter and secrets are discovered and old wounds begin to heal.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2021
824 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bohnet
39 books288 followersSixteen years ago Richard and I, with our then dog, 14 year old Holly in a trailer attached to Richard's bike, cycled down through western France via the canal paths, arriving in Antibes in July. With the exception of two fleeting visits back to the UK we have lived in France ever since.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 21, 2021
This gem was JUST what I needed. A fantastic whirlwind of a tale involving new and old family, forgiveness, true love, and most importantly, old French houses. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
June 20, 2021
This is a sweet story about secrets and surprises.
Pixie and Frank had dreams of moving to France, to live in a château they'd purchased. Unfortunately, he died before that happened. Pixie figures her dream of living in the French countryside has ended, so she decides to sell the château. Before selling, she and her mom decide to spend the summer there. What ensues is a summer of surprises and unraveling of secrets.
Upon arriving at the château, Pixie is in for some big surprises:
🔅 The château on the property is vacant, but the cottage isn't; Frank has been allowing a woman and her young son to live in the cottage.
🔅She finds some of Frank's personal belongings in the château; clearly he'd been staying there and lying about all the business travel he was doing.
Pixie expected this to be a relaxing summer and the end of her French countryside dream. Instead, this turned out to be the summer that changed her life. I really enjoyed this heartwarming story about family and new beginnings.
I highly recommend the audiobook. The narration is fantastic, and probably the reason I enjoyed this story so much 🙂.
Pixie and Frank had dreams of moving to France, to live in a château they'd purchased. Unfortunately, he died before that happened. Pixie figures her dream of living in the French countryside has ended, so she decides to sell the château. Before selling, she and her mom decide to spend the summer there. What ensues is a summer of surprises and unraveling of secrets.
Upon arriving at the château, Pixie is in for some big surprises:
🔅 The château on the property is vacant, but the cottage isn't; Frank has been allowing a woman and her young son to live in the cottage.
🔅She finds some of Frank's personal belongings in the château; clearly he'd been staying there and lying about all the business travel he was doing.
Pixie expected this to be a relaxing summer and the end of her French countryside dream. Instead, this turned out to be the summer that changed her life. I really enjoyed this heartwarming story about family and new beginnings.
I highly recommend the audiobook. The narration is fantastic, and probably the reason I enjoyed this story so much 🙂.
August 20, 2021
Oh, goody! Another disappointing contemporary romance.
Summer at the Chateau is about a recent widow, Pixie, married over 30 years to Frank, who leans on family and new friends, as she uncovers her husband’s secrets and moves forward with her life.
Mainly set in Brittany, France at the dream home Pixie and Frank loved. Told in the present by Pixie but with narration from three other characters. This was a fast read for me, mainly because the writing was so readable, but I also wanted to find out why Pixie’s husband Frank kept secrets. For years, he and Pixie had been making payments on owning this chateau, but it seems that Frank never told her the sale had gone through 16-months previously. Or that he allowed a woman, Justine, and her young son to live at the cottage on the grounds. Or that his weekly business trips had frequently taken him to this town. Or that he kept extra clothes and panty items at the chateau. It seems Frank had omitted telling Pixie quite a lot of things. “When had he planned to tell her?”
I anxiously read yet dreaded what I may uncover. But I had hopes this would turn out as airy and sweet as the book cover suggested. Snippets in the text gave me more hope that an explanation fit for a romance book would be found. Something cleaver and inspiring. After all, Pixie was a tenderhearted and kind character whom readers would wish her the best. Alas, it was not the case.
Lately, I’ve been disappointed by contemporary romance – shallow stories, cheesy characters/writing, unworthy/unappealing MCs – that’s why I have been turning to the good ole’ classics where you read a story and come away feeling recharged rather than more stressed. If my spoiler is acceptable to you, this book has some lovely characters you may enjoy reading about.
Summer at the Chateau is about a recent widow, Pixie, married over 30 years to Frank, who leans on family and new friends, as she uncovers her husband’s secrets and moves forward with her life.
Mainly set in Brittany, France at the dream home Pixie and Frank loved. Told in the present by Pixie but with narration from three other characters. This was a fast read for me, mainly because the writing was so readable, but I also wanted to find out why Pixie’s husband Frank kept secrets. For years, he and Pixie had been making payments on owning this chateau, but it seems that Frank never told her the sale had gone through 16-months previously. Or that he allowed a woman, Justine, and her young son to live at the cottage on the grounds. Or that his weekly business trips had frequently taken him to this town. Or that he kept extra clothes and panty items at the chateau. It seems Frank had omitted telling Pixie quite a lot of things. “When had he planned to tell her?”
I anxiously read yet dreaded what I may uncover. But I had hopes this would turn out as airy and sweet as the book cover suggested. Snippets in the text gave me more hope that an explanation fit for a romance book would be found. Something cleaver and inspiring. After all, Pixie was a tenderhearted and kind character whom readers would wish her the best. Alas, it was not the case.
Lately, I’ve been disappointed by contemporary romance – shallow stories, cheesy characters/writing, unworthy/unappealing MCs – that’s why I have been turning to the good ole’ classics where you read a story and come away feeling recharged rather than more stressed. If my spoiler is acceptable to you, this book has some lovely characters you may enjoy reading about.
May 19, 2021
This was a lovely, summery read and I felt truly whisked off to the French countryside with Bohnet’s story. Falling in love with the setting, I yearned to join Pixie and Gwen at the Chateau and create the perfect summer break.
Pixie’s return to the Chateau brings a swirl of emotions. Following the recent death of her husband, Pixie has returned in order to get the Chateau in some sort of state that she can sell and return to England. Although she and Frank had plans to move out to France, Pixie no longer feels she can uphold this dream without Frank by her side. However, when Pixie discovers that a young woman and her son are living at the Chateau’s side cottage, and that Frank was completely aware of it, Pixie soon realises that there is more to this property than she realises. What follows are some tough decisions and discoveries that has Pixie questioning the truths of her marriage.
There are three main characters in this story: Pixie, Gwen (Pixie’s mother) and Justine (living in the cottage). Bohnet shifts the focus to the different women throughout the story, allowing us to discover more about each of these characters. Significantly, all three have some sort of secret that they are hiding and I think it is here that Bohnet could have capitalised on this further. I was really hoping for a shift in time frame to explore more about Pixie, Gwen and Justine. They each have an interesting past and I was a bit disappointed that this was only revealed through conversation in the narrative. Instead, I yearned to be transported back to the past to fully see events unfolding and how they informed the present day situation.
Despite this never happening, it was still a lovely story with a growing character list along the way! Sometimes I felt it a bit tricky to keep track of all the characters and their connections, but it certainly did not stop me from enjoying the story. Overall, it felt like an extended family holiday and I liked how Pixie grows over the story to embrace new challenges. Even though she is constantly deliberating whether to sell the Chateau is actually the right decision, she remains determined to create some wonderful family memories in the process.
Another element to this story is the presence of Frank. His ghost haunts the narrative – unsurprising considering that Pixie is still grieving for him. However, I also liked the supernatural touch that Bohnet weaves into the narrative. It was not a chilling haunting, but more for reassurance and to help guide Pixie into making the absolute correct decision over the fate of the Chateau. I liked this element and thought it added another dimension to the story.
Although this book did not have a shift in time frame, I think it will delight many readers. The story provided perfect escapism and I could vividly picture myself on the terrace with Gwen and Pixie, indulging in some wonderful French cuisine. It is presented in a truly idyllic way and, although several characters have ghosts in their closets, the end result is a tight family that is even tighter than before.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pixie’s return to the Chateau brings a swirl of emotions. Following the recent death of her husband, Pixie has returned in order to get the Chateau in some sort of state that she can sell and return to England. Although she and Frank had plans to move out to France, Pixie no longer feels she can uphold this dream without Frank by her side. However, when Pixie discovers that a young woman and her son are living at the Chateau’s side cottage, and that Frank was completely aware of it, Pixie soon realises that there is more to this property than she realises. What follows are some tough decisions and discoveries that has Pixie questioning the truths of her marriage.
There are three main characters in this story: Pixie, Gwen (Pixie’s mother) and Justine (living in the cottage). Bohnet shifts the focus to the different women throughout the story, allowing us to discover more about each of these characters. Significantly, all three have some sort of secret that they are hiding and I think it is here that Bohnet could have capitalised on this further. I was really hoping for a shift in time frame to explore more about Pixie, Gwen and Justine. They each have an interesting past and I was a bit disappointed that this was only revealed through conversation in the narrative. Instead, I yearned to be transported back to the past to fully see events unfolding and how they informed the present day situation.
Despite this never happening, it was still a lovely story with a growing character list along the way! Sometimes I felt it a bit tricky to keep track of all the characters and their connections, but it certainly did not stop me from enjoying the story. Overall, it felt like an extended family holiday and I liked how Pixie grows over the story to embrace new challenges. Even though she is constantly deliberating whether to sell the Chateau is actually the right decision, she remains determined to create some wonderful family memories in the process.
Another element to this story is the presence of Frank. His ghost haunts the narrative – unsurprising considering that Pixie is still grieving for him. However, I also liked the supernatural touch that Bohnet weaves into the narrative. It was not a chilling haunting, but more for reassurance and to help guide Pixie into making the absolute correct decision over the fate of the Chateau. I liked this element and thought it added another dimension to the story.
Although this book did not have a shift in time frame, I think it will delight many readers. The story provided perfect escapism and I could vividly picture myself on the terrace with Gwen and Pixie, indulging in some wonderful French cuisine. It is presented in a truly idyllic way and, although several characters have ghosts in their closets, the end result is a tight family that is even tighter than before.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2021
This was such a lovely book to read. I love books like this one which you can escape into. It was interesting and I found I just kept wanting to keep on reading so I finished it very quickly. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 2, 2021
I've read several of this author's books and was so looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. With so much stress and bad news in the world right now, I thought this would be "an escape" book. A widow starting over in France while fulfilling her dreams. It sounded so promising. Finding out her dead husband had an affair with her best friend 20 years ago and had a child while she struggled with infertility just isn't my definition of a "sweet escape" even if Pixie did manage to find it in her heart to forgive them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2021
A very well written book, set in a beautiful and superbly described location. A feel good read, dealing mainly with themes as forgiveness, family and second chances. Very likeable characters of all ages, and a nice "mistery" plot. It makes you think whether in real life such a heartwarming outcome of a painful situation could be possible, but, luckily, in books it is.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2021
Jennifer Bohnet’s newest novel, “Summer At The Chateau,” explores the lengths we’ll go to protect and provide for family as well as the gift of second chances.
When Pixie Sampson’s husband dies tragically, she inherits a chateau in Brittany, northern France. Never having lived in it and planning to quickly sell it, she heads to Brittany to get the house ready for market. When she arrives with her mom, Gwen, to stay in the chateau over the Easter holidays, she discovers a mysterious lodger, Justine Martin, and her 4 year old son, Ferdie. Why are they there? How do they know her husband?
This is a beautiful, quick, easy read that will fill your heart and make you smile. I love a novel featuring family dynamics. We can all relate! Bohnet has written to show the trickle effect that secrets, lies of omission and regrets can have, not only on the current generation, but on future ones, too. You’ll be quickly flipping pages to see how the issues get resolved and see how working together, being gracious and forgiving, can be instrumental in healing old wounds. Every end has a new beginning.
Thank you to Jennifer Bohnet, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this advance copy. It was given freely with no obligation for a review.
Publication May 13, 2021
When Pixie Sampson’s husband dies tragically, she inherits a chateau in Brittany, northern France. Never having lived in it and planning to quickly sell it, she heads to Brittany to get the house ready for market. When she arrives with her mom, Gwen, to stay in the chateau over the Easter holidays, she discovers a mysterious lodger, Justine Martin, and her 4 year old son, Ferdie. Why are they there? How do they know her husband?
This is a beautiful, quick, easy read that will fill your heart and make you smile. I love a novel featuring family dynamics. We can all relate! Bohnet has written to show the trickle effect that secrets, lies of omission and regrets can have, not only on the current generation, but on future ones, too. You’ll be quickly flipping pages to see how the issues get resolved and see how working together, being gracious and forgiving, can be instrumental in healing old wounds. Every end has a new beginning.
Thank you to Jennifer Bohnet, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this advance copy. It was given freely with no obligation for a review.
Publication May 13, 2021
April 30, 2022
I'm not going to lie, I picked up this book due to the French setting looking for a lighter read.
That it is, a little read that you can finish off in a day. The main characters were a bit two dimensional and the plot line predictable. The French characters English moved in and out of the accents. The French setting of the chateau and surrounding village could have been any small town in Europe.
I was intrigued during the first part of the book, but then the writing got bleak and at times I felt I was reading a wattpad fiction.
That it is, a little read that you can finish off in a day. The main characters were a bit two dimensional and the plot line predictable. The French characters English moved in and out of the accents. The French setting of the chateau and surrounding village could have been any small town in Europe.
I was intrigued during the first part of the book, but then the writing got bleak and at times I felt I was reading a wattpad fiction.
September 11, 2021
I don't understand the good reviews for this book. It is so ridiculous. This book is not good and is so farfetched and saccharine. Basically Frank gets a pass for cheating and knocking up another woman because he's dead. Give me a break. I don't think I'll read anything else by this author. Suffice to say I thought this booked really sucked and and I won't waste anymore time on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
A bit far fetched but satisfying.
August 14, 2024
Feelgood bok.
March 13, 2022
I loved this story, the setting was an absolute dream and it has such amazing and intriguing characters. With a wonderful storyline, full of emotion and drama, this is a delightful story that I thoroughly recommend.
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
June 6, 2021
Pleasant, easy read with a happy ending !
May 14, 2021
I discovered Jennifer Bohnet about 18 months ago and always look forward to picking up one of her new books. I loved getting to go back to Brittany with her and how a few characters from previous books also made a cameo in this one.
A story that grabs your attention and doesn't let it go until the last page. Pixie is a wonderful character full of warmth who is still struggling to adjust to life without her husband. Her recent loss has created a writer's block and when she realises that the dream home they bought in Brittany was sitting empty she books the ferry to pay it one last visit.
A story brimming with family love with a touch of romance sprinkled on top. Another story packed with characters that are well described and easy to connect with, set against the stunning backdrop of a part of France I love to read about. I loved this book from the first few pages until the very last one.
Grab yourself a coffee, a croissant and curl up in the sun and join Pixie and her family on an adventure she never saw coming.
A story that grabs your attention and doesn't let it go until the last page. Pixie is a wonderful character full of warmth who is still struggling to adjust to life without her husband. Her recent loss has created a writer's block and when she realises that the dream home they bought in Brittany was sitting empty she books the ferry to pay it one last visit.
A story brimming with family love with a touch of romance sprinkled on top. Another story packed with characters that are well described and easy to connect with, set against the stunning backdrop of a part of France I love to read about. I loved this book from the first few pages until the very last one.
Grab yourself a coffee, a croissant and curl up in the sun and join Pixie and her family on an adventure she never saw coming.
April 3, 2021
How I do love a Jennifer Bohnet novel, without fail I feel transported with a location in France, and feel as though I am really there.
And with Summer at the Chateau, set in the Brittany countryside, I felt that with abundance. We get to see the French markets, a gorgeous chateau, and get a feeling for the laidback pace of French country living.
With Gwen and Pixie being our focal characters, but whether Pixie wants to live in the Chateau forever or just sell it on, now that her beloved Frank has died, is open for discussion.
I love how Gwen is in her 80s and Pixie in her 60s as its rather refreshing to have two older characters as the leads, and leads to us having many generations of the family present, which really helped bring the story alive.
And then there is the mystery behind just who Justine Martin is, and why she is living in the cottage in the Chateau's grounds. What was it that Frank had clearly been hiding from his witfe Pixie, while she was still alive.
There is a whole lot going on in this story, but at the same time it felt like quite a gently paced story, that I was really enjoying. Once Pixie's family come over to France for part of the summer, I felt the who book picked up a gear and from then on I think I read the second half in one sitting.
It is just a really enjoyable slice of French life, perfect to have your dreaming of your own escape to the sun, from the comfort of your armchair while at the time of reading it is still impossible.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 10, 2021
This book was so lovely from the story to the settings in France! This book is all about forgiveness, family secrets, kindness and second chances. I wasn't expecting that, and it was a really good suprise! I really enjoyed this book and I am very glad i read it (as to be honest I had some doubts if I would like it or not). I warmy recommend this book, it will be perfect to read it when you will need a bit of an escape or a vacation!!!! 4 stars out of 5!
September 7, 2021
I borrowed this book from the Amazon library as it felt like summer was drawing to a close (never mind we suddenly started actually have a bit of summer now) and I felt I should at least read a summer type book - nothing too heavy, just a light read to finish off the summer. In that respect this book met that - I was able to read relaxing in the garden. I really liked the book to start with but towards to the end it just became OK. I guessed quite early on exactly who Justine was and I am a terrible guesser when it comes to books and I honestly don't think I have improved, so there was an element of predictability creeping in. It did irk me a bit about one character becoming pregnant after a one night stand - the last book I read had that too. Maybe if I'd read the books in a different order it wouldn't have irked me so much, but it still added to my increasing feeling of things getting a tiny bit boring. However, as I stated it was OK and it met my needs of wanting to read a light end of my summer book (even though my summer hasn't ended - sure it will a couple of days!)
August 11, 2021
This is the story of a recent widow and her mother who travel to the chateau in France where she and her late husband had planned to move to create a retreat center for writers and other creative types. To her surprise her husband had "rented" (for free) the cottage on the property to a young woman and her child quite a while before. She is suspicious at first but eventually a lovely relationship develops. For those of us who live abroad or have an ambition to live abroad, it's a familiar dream. I enjoyed the way the family integrates into the community and finds a home there. 3.5 stars
May 18, 2021
Jennifer Bohnet’s books are always one of my favourite ways to escape from life – her books are always guaranteed to make me feel I’ve been away on a really enjoyable holiday with their wonderfully drawn locations, the stories gently told but with plenty of intrigue to keep the pages turning, with characters I can really identify with and believe in, filled with friends and family, and a few surprises along the way.
I was particularly delighted that this book took us once more to Brittany: I remember a special holiday, camping in Finistère in the early 70s, and there was so much I recognised about the setting, a slice of French life perfectly recreated. And it was set in the same area as the last book I read from her, A French Affair, so there were also opportunities to meet up again with friends I remembered – that’s something I always so much enjoy – but if this is your first visit, both books are entirely standalone, and those characters are only part of the supporting cast, nothing that will spoil your enjoyment.
Pixie and Frank had always planned to move to France, running a retreat for writers, living an idyllic life in the château they’d been looking forward to owning – taking advantage of the complex system of “viager” they’d made a down payment, followed by monthly payments for the vendor’s lifetime, awaiting the time when they could finally take ownership and begin their new life. But Frank’s sudden death has rather made that dream an impossibility – we join Pixie as she’s dealing with her grief, considering her future, contemplating too whether it might be a good idea to invite her elderly mother Gwen to live with her, ready to make a start on finalising Frank’s affairs.
And that’s when she comes across the first of many surprises, a secret Frank has inexplicably kept from her – the château is theirs, the vendor already having passed away, so she’s faced with the task of putting it back on the market. With her mother in tow – and what a great character she is – they decide they can at least have a holiday while she makes the necessary arrangements. But the secrets then begin to multiply – the cottage in the grounds has a tenant, a young woman with a child, who pays no rent and might be an obstacle to the sale. But the bigger question is over her relationship with her husband – might the child be his? – when she finds that he visited the area a few times entirely without her knowledge.
That central mystery largely drives the narrative, but this is also the loveliest multi-generational story – Pixie is in her 60s, Gwen in her 80s (she has a few secrets of her own – and it’s so lovely to have older characters carrying the story so well), and when they decide to settle in for the summer they’re then joined by their sprawling family, every individual so very well drawn and developed. The storytelling is just wonderful, the pace gentle at first, focusing on Pixie’s feelings and the practicalities of living at the château, exploring their new way of life – then it increases with the family’s arrival, with new friendships and relationships, as those layers of secrets are slowly and satisfyingly resolved.
The book’s whole sense of place is simply wonderful – like Pixie and Gwen, you soon become entirely immersed in their rural idyll, with the château and its surroundings vividly drawn, gaining a strong feeling of being “home”. The background detail is excellent too – the countryside, the markets, the food and drink, the excursions to nearby towns. The characters are really excellent, and there’s a perfect emotional touch too – you can really feel Pixie’s loss and concerns for the future, her hurt at the secrets Frank kept, his possible betrayal and whether it can be forgiven, and the love there was between them.
Don’t think for one moment that the book is no more than a light read, a chance to enjoy some armchair travel with a few intriguing story lines to follow – it’s so much more than that, an entirely absorbing story that touches your heart. And you know one thing I particularly liked? I wondered where the romance would come in, and really hoped we wouldn’t see Pixie moving on too quickly, leaving her memories of Frank behind – and I was so pleased that we don’t, and the romance develops elsewhere, although the book ends with a perfect note of hope and happiness for the future.
I really loved this one, perhaps my favourite of all the author’s books I’ve read – a perfectly drawn setting, a sure touch with all the family dynamics and the emotional content, a compelling read as all the threads are untangled, and a palpable warmth to the story’s telling. One that fills your heart, the perfect escape – and highly recommended.
I was particularly delighted that this book took us once more to Brittany: I remember a special holiday, camping in Finistère in the early 70s, and there was so much I recognised about the setting, a slice of French life perfectly recreated. And it was set in the same area as the last book I read from her, A French Affair, so there were also opportunities to meet up again with friends I remembered – that’s something I always so much enjoy – but if this is your first visit, both books are entirely standalone, and those characters are only part of the supporting cast, nothing that will spoil your enjoyment.
Pixie and Frank had always planned to move to France, running a retreat for writers, living an idyllic life in the château they’d been looking forward to owning – taking advantage of the complex system of “viager” they’d made a down payment, followed by monthly payments for the vendor’s lifetime, awaiting the time when they could finally take ownership and begin their new life. But Frank’s sudden death has rather made that dream an impossibility – we join Pixie as she’s dealing with her grief, considering her future, contemplating too whether it might be a good idea to invite her elderly mother Gwen to live with her, ready to make a start on finalising Frank’s affairs.
And that’s when she comes across the first of many surprises, a secret Frank has inexplicably kept from her – the château is theirs, the vendor already having passed away, so she’s faced with the task of putting it back on the market. With her mother in tow – and what a great character she is – they decide they can at least have a holiday while she makes the necessary arrangements. But the secrets then begin to multiply – the cottage in the grounds has a tenant, a young woman with a child, who pays no rent and might be an obstacle to the sale. But the bigger question is over her relationship with her husband – might the child be his? – when she finds that he visited the area a few times entirely without her knowledge.
That central mystery largely drives the narrative, but this is also the loveliest multi-generational story – Pixie is in her 60s, Gwen in her 80s (she has a few secrets of her own – and it’s so lovely to have older characters carrying the story so well), and when they decide to settle in for the summer they’re then joined by their sprawling family, every individual so very well drawn and developed. The storytelling is just wonderful, the pace gentle at first, focusing on Pixie’s feelings and the practicalities of living at the château, exploring their new way of life – then it increases with the family’s arrival, with new friendships and relationships, as those layers of secrets are slowly and satisfyingly resolved.
The book’s whole sense of place is simply wonderful – like Pixie and Gwen, you soon become entirely immersed in their rural idyll, with the château and its surroundings vividly drawn, gaining a strong feeling of being “home”. The background detail is excellent too – the countryside, the markets, the food and drink, the excursions to nearby towns. The characters are really excellent, and there’s a perfect emotional touch too – you can really feel Pixie’s loss and concerns for the future, her hurt at the secrets Frank kept, his possible betrayal and whether it can be forgiven, and the love there was between them.
Don’t think for one moment that the book is no more than a light read, a chance to enjoy some armchair travel with a few intriguing story lines to follow – it’s so much more than that, an entirely absorbing story that touches your heart. And you know one thing I particularly liked? I wondered where the romance would come in, and really hoped we wouldn’t see Pixie moving on too quickly, leaving her memories of Frank behind – and I was so pleased that we don’t, and the romance develops elsewhere, although the book ends with a perfect note of hope and happiness for the future.
I really loved this one, perhaps my favourite of all the author’s books I’ve read – a perfectly drawn setting, a sure touch with all the family dynamics and the emotional content, a compelling read as all the threads are untangled, and a palpable warmth to the story’s telling. One that fills your heart, the perfect escape – and highly recommended.
September 19, 2022
This is the first book I've read by Jennifer this was a wonderful book.I loved getting to know pixie and her family.after pixies husband Frank tragically passed away.after being hit by joy riders pixie inherited a beautiful chateau in Brittany in the north of France.pixie and her mum Gwen went to stay at the chateau for easter.pixie was determined to put the château up for sale.she decided before she would do that she and her mum and family would spend the summer at the château so they could make some family memories and have a holiday together have fun.When pixie got to the chateau she discovered she had a mysterious lodger called Justine who has a son called ferdie.pixie couldn't understand why Frank hadn't mentioned this mysterious lodger and why she was living in the cottage rent free.Pixie thought her husband had a secret and that Justine was his mistress and thought Ferdie was Frank's son as it turned out as they were getting to know one and another pixie accused Justine of having an affair with Frank.Justine laughed and then yelled saying she wasn't having an affair but Frank was her dad and ferdie was Frank's grandson.after this had all come out pixie decided she didn't want to sell the chateau after seeing Frank and promising Frank she wouldn't sell the chateau but when pixie woke up the bed was empty.pixie had dreamed Frank was with her.charlie pixies nephew was asked by pixie if he would become her partner and run a retreat and cooking classes at the chateau.Pixie told Justine and ferdie they could continue living in the cottage pixie was hurt that her husband hadn't told her about Justine and ferdie.but was thankful she had been given the family she had always dreamed of and was a grandma.Pixie asked Justine and her mum and Gwen and Charlie to go with her to scatter Frank's ashes by the willow tree on the chateaus grounds. I adored getting to know pixie and her family and I'm so glad pixie decided she could still live her dream at the chateau with her nephew her mum her step daughter and grandson I'm so glad that pixie decided to keep the chateau and found it heartwarming how pixie wanted to make sure Justine and ferdie were financially secure by setting up a trust fund and giving Justine cash.Justine reminds me of my self with hobbies where Justine made baskets and turned her hobbies into a business I have a lot of different hobbies I enjoy.i will definitely be getting more of Jennifer's books this was a beautiful book set in a beautiful chateau in North France and this is a boon I will re read when I'm feeling glum its a book I highly recommend 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood for a copy of "Summer at the Château in exchange for my honest review.
The story begins 10 years ago at a Notaire's office in Carhaix Plouger, Brittany in France. Pixie Sampson and her husband Frank purchase un petit château Français. They buy it on a viager - a real estate transaction, where the buyer makes a down payment and then a series of payments for as long as the seller is alive. After the death of the seller, the buyer owns the property.
In the present we learn that Pixie is a widow. Frank had died 3 weeks prior after 35 years of marriage after a teenager joy rider in a stolen car caused an accident. At 59 Pixie is a widow. She decides to travel to France with her mother Gwen for Easter and make arrangements to sell Château Quiltu. She and Frank had planned to start a retreat centre there but without Frank she doesn't want to keep the château.
Once in France she learns from the Notaire that the viager was actually up 16 months ago when the owner died and they have been the sole owners since. Only Frank never told her. He also never told her that he allowed a young woman (Justine) and her 4 year old son (Ferdie) to live in the cottage next to the château. Who is she? Why didn't he tell her any of this. As with many things in life, Frank thought that he would have time. But time ran out. Pixie decides to spend one last summer in France because selling the château. She will need Justine to move out because no one will want to buy the place with someone living on the property.
The second part of the book brings much joy and many answers. Pixie's nephew Charlie arrives soon followed by Pixie's twin brother Gus and his wife Sarah with their daughter Annabelle and her daughter Mimi. Ferdie and Mimi soon become fast friends. As do Charlie and Justine. There are many surprises in the second half of the book. One of them being a partnership between Charlie and Pixie to start up Château Quiltu retreats.
Ms. Bohnet has written such a wonderful story, it was incredibly sad when the last page of it was turned. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
The story begins 10 years ago at a Notaire's office in Carhaix Plouger, Brittany in France. Pixie Sampson and her husband Frank purchase un petit château Français. They buy it on a viager - a real estate transaction, where the buyer makes a down payment and then a series of payments for as long as the seller is alive. After the death of the seller, the buyer owns the property.
In the present we learn that Pixie is a widow. Frank had died 3 weeks prior after 35 years of marriage after a teenager joy rider in a stolen car caused an accident. At 59 Pixie is a widow. She decides to travel to France with her mother Gwen for Easter and make arrangements to sell Château Quiltu. She and Frank had planned to start a retreat centre there but without Frank she doesn't want to keep the château.
Once in France she learns from the Notaire that the viager was actually up 16 months ago when the owner died and they have been the sole owners since. Only Frank never told her. He also never told her that he allowed a young woman (Justine) and her 4 year old son (Ferdie) to live in the cottage next to the château. Who is she? Why didn't he tell her any of this. As with many things in life, Frank thought that he would have time. But time ran out. Pixie decides to spend one last summer in France because selling the château. She will need Justine to move out because no one will want to buy the place with someone living on the property.
The second part of the book brings much joy and many answers. Pixie's nephew Charlie arrives soon followed by Pixie's twin brother Gus and his wife Sarah with their daughter Annabelle and her daughter Mimi. Ferdie and Mimi soon become fast friends. As do Charlie and Justine. There are many surprises in the second half of the book. One of them being a partnership between Charlie and Pixie to start up Château Quiltu retreats.
Ms. Bohnet has written such a wonderful story, it was incredibly sad when the last page of it was turned. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
May 26, 2021
I was rather excited to be back in Brittany with another one of Jennifer Bohnet’s novels. It is obvious from her writing that this north-west corner of France holds a special place in Jennifer’s heart and Summer at the Château more than lived up to my expectations.
Pixie was having the worst of times; recently widowed, she then discovers her husband Frank had kept some significant things from her surrounding their plans to retire to France. Without him to answer her many questions, she has to find the strength to discover the truth behind his actions, and deal with the consequences. Her arrival at Château Quiltu in Brittany, with her Mum Gwen, raises more questions and doubts in her mind as another of Frank’s secrets, lodger Justine, is revealed.
I loved the intrigue and mystery around Justine’s presence in the château’s cottage and how her story was slowly drawn out, allowing my mind to keep second guessing what the truth would be. I was heart-broken for Pixie as her world was rocked and her emotions were all over the place, but I felt for Justine too.
Too many people have kept too many secrets for too long, but with the backdrop of a château, good family bonds and a bit of healing French magic, this summer will reveal all.
This book certainly had that something different, from the detail behind purchasing in France with the viager scheme, to the thoughtfully created, older, characters who grow as their stories unfurl, and it was also a great reminder that it is never too late to follow your dreams or open your heart to new adventures. The cameo catch-up with Fern, Scot and Anouk, who we met in A French Affair was a really nice touch too.
I really do think each one of Jennifer’s books I read becomes my new favourite. Summer at the Château left me with a contented feel-good feeling as wrongs were righted, people forgiven, and new plans for the future put into place.
If you are looking for your next read to give you that escape from reality, lockdown and life with Covid, that I think we all need right now, this is one for you.
Pixie was having the worst of times; recently widowed, she then discovers her husband Frank had kept some significant things from her surrounding their plans to retire to France. Without him to answer her many questions, she has to find the strength to discover the truth behind his actions, and deal with the consequences. Her arrival at Château Quiltu in Brittany, with her Mum Gwen, raises more questions and doubts in her mind as another of Frank’s secrets, lodger Justine, is revealed.
I loved the intrigue and mystery around Justine’s presence in the château’s cottage and how her story was slowly drawn out, allowing my mind to keep second guessing what the truth would be. I was heart-broken for Pixie as her world was rocked and her emotions were all over the place, but I felt for Justine too.
Too many people have kept too many secrets for too long, but with the backdrop of a château, good family bonds and a bit of healing French magic, this summer will reveal all.
This book certainly had that something different, from the detail behind purchasing in France with the viager scheme, to the thoughtfully created, older, characters who grow as their stories unfurl, and it was also a great reminder that it is never too late to follow your dreams or open your heart to new adventures. The cameo catch-up with Fern, Scot and Anouk, who we met in A French Affair was a really nice touch too.
I really do think each one of Jennifer’s books I read becomes my new favourite. Summer at the Château left me with a contented feel-good feeling as wrongs were righted, people forgiven, and new plans for the future put into place.
If you are looking for your next read to give you that escape from reality, lockdown and life with Covid, that I think we all need right now, this is one for you.
April 22, 2021
I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summer at the Chateau is a chance to briefly visit some of the characters that we met in A French Affair, as we travel back to Brittany. This story is a standalone tale which means that you will also enjoy it, if it’s your first visit.
Pixie and her Mum, Gwen, are delightful characters and I loved the way Jennifer Bohnet crafted them to be as much like best friends as mother and daughter. Recently bereaved, Pixie is a strong woman who is forced to question everything that she thought she knew about her marriage. Her pain as she discovers that her husband kept secrets from her, is tangible and it would be impossible not to feel moved by her torment.
Gwen is a joy and, despite it being clear that she is carrying a secret from her past, she is unfalteringly supportive of Pixie’s choices. She even gently prompts Pixie in her thought processes, ensuring that she doesn’t make any hasty decisions.
The greatest challenge for Pixie is identifying how her husband knew Justine and why she is living, rent free, in a cottage on the Chateau’s grounds. For the avoidance of spoilers, you will have to read the book to discover the answer to those questions.
Romance is definitely in the air, but Jennifer Bohnet respects the need for grieving and doesn’t follow the obvious route of matchmaking a new widow. That said, there is still room for happy endings including a surprise for Gwen.
This story could have easily followed a formulaic trope and sought out romance for all the characters, it was refreshing that the reader was left to muse what the future may hold instead of needing everything tied up with a romantic bow.
I loved escaping to Brittany, it was a real treat.
Summer at the Chateau is a chance to briefly visit some of the characters that we met in A French Affair, as we travel back to Brittany. This story is a standalone tale which means that you will also enjoy it, if it’s your first visit.
Pixie and her Mum, Gwen, are delightful characters and I loved the way Jennifer Bohnet crafted them to be as much like best friends as mother and daughter. Recently bereaved, Pixie is a strong woman who is forced to question everything that she thought she knew about her marriage. Her pain as she discovers that her husband kept secrets from her, is tangible and it would be impossible not to feel moved by her torment.
Gwen is a joy and, despite it being clear that she is carrying a secret from her past, she is unfalteringly supportive of Pixie’s choices. She even gently prompts Pixie in her thought processes, ensuring that she doesn’t make any hasty decisions.
The greatest challenge for Pixie is identifying how her husband knew Justine and why she is living, rent free, in a cottage on the Chateau’s grounds. For the avoidance of spoilers, you will have to read the book to discover the answer to those questions.
Romance is definitely in the air, but Jennifer Bohnet respects the need for grieving and doesn’t follow the obvious route of matchmaking a new widow. That said, there is still room for happy endings including a surprise for Gwen.
This story could have easily followed a formulaic trope and sought out romance for all the characters, it was refreshing that the reader was left to muse what the future may hold instead of needing everything tied up with a romantic bow.
I loved escaping to Brittany, it was a real treat.
May 10, 2021
Thanks NetGalley, author Jennifer Bohnet, and Publisher Boldwood Books for giving me a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
This book was a wonderful story full of likeable characters, grief, forgiveness, family, new beginnings, and second chances. The author did an amazing job transporting the to a chateau in Brittany, northern France. There was a great use of descriptive language of the location, food, and culture.
Pixie and her mother Gwen travel to a newly inherited chateau after the sudden death of Pixie. Upon coming across a mysterious tenant, Justine Martin and Ferdie, her four-year-old son, Pixie informs the tenant she has until the end of summer to find a new place. to live. Pixie is not only dealing with the loss of her husband, but also with the identity of Justine Martin. How did she know Pixie's husband? Who's the father of Ferdie?
The story swept me away with a very engaging story. I found myself invested in the characters and the mystery that surrounded Justine Martin and her son. I loved the family relationships between all of the characters Gwen and Pixie had such a close knit mother/daughter relationship. I liked how Gwen was able to talk her daughter in order to come up with the best outcome for the chateau and Justine.
There were a lot of secrets that came to the surface that spanned back to the previous generation into the future. I appreciated how much these secrets led to communication and HEA endings. Overall, I really enjoy my first book by this author and it certainly will not be my last.
I look forward to more books by this author in the future.
I would highly recommend this book to those who are looking to read a book about family, new beginnings, and second chances.
5 stars
This book was a wonderful story full of likeable characters, grief, forgiveness, family, new beginnings, and second chances. The author did an amazing job transporting the to a chateau in Brittany, northern France. There was a great use of descriptive language of the location, food, and culture.
Pixie and her mother Gwen travel to a newly inherited chateau after the sudden death of Pixie. Upon coming across a mysterious tenant, Justine Martin and Ferdie, her four-year-old son, Pixie informs the tenant she has until the end of summer to find a new place. to live. Pixie is not only dealing with the loss of her husband, but also with the identity of Justine Martin. How did she know Pixie's husband? Who's the father of Ferdie?
The story swept me away with a very engaging story. I found myself invested in the characters and the mystery that surrounded Justine Martin and her son. I loved the family relationships between all of the characters Gwen and Pixie had such a close knit mother/daughter relationship. I liked how Gwen was able to talk her daughter in order to come up with the best outcome for the chateau and Justine.
There were a lot of secrets that came to the surface that spanned back to the previous generation into the future. I appreciated how much these secrets led to communication and HEA endings. Overall, I really enjoy my first book by this author and it certainly will not be my last.
I look forward to more books by this author in the future.
I would highly recommend this book to those who are looking to read a book about family, new beginnings, and second chances.
April 20, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
Every time I read one of this author’s books I am transported to northern France to read a heart warming story. This book is about Pixie, a devoted wife whose husband, Frank, has died unexpectedly, about her coming to terms with his death and trying to figure out how to move on. Pixie is shocked to find out that the property they purchased in the town of Brittany in northern France by way of the viager system has been theirs for the last fourteen months and he never told her. Pixie and her mother, Gwen, go to the Chateau Quiltu with the intent to sell because she doesn’t feel like she could just up and move there, that was her and Frank’s dream, not hers alone. When Pixie gets there, she discovers that her husband has moved a young woman and her small child into the cottage on the property; her fears that maybe she didn’t know her husband as well as she thought. As she manoeuvres trying to decide what to do with the chateau, tries to figure out who this woman was to her husband, Pixie finds herself torn between what she thinks she should do and what her hearts wants her to do.
I was pleased to see the main characters being older women, Pixie and her mother, Gwen are lovely characters, I instantly warned to them and couldn’t wait to read more about them. We also meet up with characters from her previous book that were set in the same area; it was like seeing an old friend.
I cannot wait to read more books by this author. This was a quick read that left me smiling, a lovely read.
Every time I read one of this author’s books I am transported to northern France to read a heart warming story. This book is about Pixie, a devoted wife whose husband, Frank, has died unexpectedly, about her coming to terms with his death and trying to figure out how to move on. Pixie is shocked to find out that the property they purchased in the town of Brittany in northern France by way of the viager system has been theirs for the last fourteen months and he never told her. Pixie and her mother, Gwen, go to the Chateau Quiltu with the intent to sell because she doesn’t feel like she could just up and move there, that was her and Frank’s dream, not hers alone. When Pixie gets there, she discovers that her husband has moved a young woman and her small child into the cottage on the property; her fears that maybe she didn’t know her husband as well as she thought. As she manoeuvres trying to decide what to do with the chateau, tries to figure out who this woman was to her husband, Pixie finds herself torn between what she thinks she should do and what her hearts wants her to do.
I was pleased to see the main characters being older women, Pixie and her mother, Gwen are lovely characters, I instantly warned to them and couldn’t wait to read more about them. We also meet up with characters from her previous book that were set in the same area; it was like seeing an old friend.
I cannot wait to read more books by this author. This was a quick read that left me smiling, a lovely read.
June 8, 2021
This was a light, refreshing novel of relationships, families and second chances.
After the sudden death of her husband, writer Pixie discovers she owns a chateau in western France. Taking her elderly mother with her, she spends Easter, then the entire summer at the Chateau, unearthing and unravelling the threads of her husband's secrets and her mother's hidden past.
Some thoughts:
Firsty, the protagonist is not the usual demographic for this genre of story. Rather than being a typical 30-something at a crossroads of life, Pixie is in her late 50s,.widowed and childless. Not your usual heroine, and thats not a bad thing.
Secondly, its clear the author loves France, the lifestyle, the language, everything. We had aperitifs every time the characters stop to talk; French phrases and an approximation of accents thrown in. Having recently read another book set in France, with a very different feel, this felt a little too contrived.
Finally, there was SO MUCH going on: plots and subplots and hints and whispers and a cast of characters that made brief appearances then disappeared. Three hinted romances, secrets within secrets, comments and plots that started off as ideas but were left unresolved. It felt almost like the author had jotted down actual events ad conversations as they happened (with all the usual hanging threads that entails), and forgotten to weave them into the storh properly.
For all the criticism, it was an enjoyable book. It was a quick read, and would be a good one for vacation/holiday/lockdown.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
After the sudden death of her husband, writer Pixie discovers she owns a chateau in western France. Taking her elderly mother with her, she spends Easter, then the entire summer at the Chateau, unearthing and unravelling the threads of her husband's secrets and her mother's hidden past.
Some thoughts:
Firsty, the protagonist is not the usual demographic for this genre of story. Rather than being a typical 30-something at a crossroads of life, Pixie is in her late 50s,.widowed and childless. Not your usual heroine, and thats not a bad thing.
Secondly, its clear the author loves France, the lifestyle, the language, everything. We had aperitifs every time the characters stop to talk; French phrases and an approximation of accents thrown in. Having recently read another book set in France, with a very different feel, this felt a little too contrived.
Finally, there was SO MUCH going on: plots and subplots and hints and whispers and a cast of characters that made brief appearances then disappeared. Three hinted romances, secrets within secrets, comments and plots that started off as ideas but were left unresolved. It felt almost like the author had jotted down actual events ad conversations as they happened (with all the usual hanging threads that entails), and forgotten to weave them into the storh properly.
For all the criticism, it was an enjoyable book. It was a quick read, and would be a good one for vacation/holiday/lockdown.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
April 27, 2021
🍷Grief & secrets softened by family, friends and an idyllic location🌄
I found Pixie's story moving and uplifting. A new widow with nothing but change in front of her, Pixie rolls with the punches as she learns her beloved husband Frank kept some major secrets from her. Their plan for retirement to a picturesque small chateau in Brittany is ruined by Frank's death in a car crash, but the chateau remains. With her mom by her side 59 year-old Pixie crosses the Channel to inspect the property and finds complications and surprises come with her dream property. And is that Frank coming to her from the grave with advice?!
This story spoke to me through its glimpses into a relaxed French lifestyle adding a sunny atmosphere while focusing on family and handling grief colored with disappointment in the departed's actions. Pixie's not perfect, but her struggle to deal with Frank's death and subterfuge to come through her tunnel of grief and anger was inspiring. And Pixie's mom, who's guarded her own romantic secret for years, has a chance at reconciling with her past. Lots of happy energy in this story, including a lovely three year-old called Ferdie who unknowingly inspires a lot of acceptance and healing.
This is the second novel I've read by Bohnet (both of them centered on mature women and their realistic joys and disappointments) and won't be the last.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I found Pixie's story moving and uplifting. A new widow with nothing but change in front of her, Pixie rolls with the punches as she learns her beloved husband Frank kept some major secrets from her. Their plan for retirement to a picturesque small chateau in Brittany is ruined by Frank's death in a car crash, but the chateau remains. With her mom by her side 59 year-old Pixie crosses the Channel to inspect the property and finds complications and surprises come with her dream property. And is that Frank coming to her from the grave with advice?!
This story spoke to me through its glimpses into a relaxed French lifestyle adding a sunny atmosphere while focusing on family and handling grief colored with disappointment in the departed's actions. Pixie's not perfect, but her struggle to deal with Frank's death and subterfuge to come through her tunnel of grief and anger was inspiring. And Pixie's mom, who's guarded her own romantic secret for years, has a chance at reconciling with her past. Lots of happy energy in this story, including a lovely three year-old called Ferdie who unknowingly inspires a lot of acceptance and healing.
This is the second novel I've read by Bohnet (both of them centered on mature women and their realistic joys and disappointments) and won't be the last.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 20, 2021
A Jennifer Bohnet novel is always guaranteed to provide me with a holiday without leaving the house, new friends and cosy warm feeling all over. Summer at the Chateau gave me all of this and I thoroughly enjoyed reading every word of it.
Set in beautiful Brittany, I loved how some of the smaller characters are from A French Affair. It was like seeing old friends again and returning to a familiar place. The novel is stand alone though and there’s no need to have read A French Affair before. The setting is so idyllic and picturesque and although I have never been, I felt as though I have when reading.
Jennifer Bohnet always goes beyond a simple romance story, and this story is no different. She has woven layers of friendship, family, dilemmas and dramas throughout the story making it thought provoking and difficult to put down.
Pixie has a lot to deal with in such a short space of time and after the death of her husband and other revelations, she has a lot of soul searching to do in order to grieve and move on with her life. Her journey and how she navigates everything that is thrown her way makes for a really interesting plot and I was with her all the way. The drama is emotional but gentle and doesn’t detract from the cosy and heart-warming vibe of the overall story telling.
Lovable characters, a stunning setting and a plot with gentle tension and drama makes this great escapism and a wonderful book.
Set in beautiful Brittany, I loved how some of the smaller characters are from A French Affair. It was like seeing old friends again and returning to a familiar place. The novel is stand alone though and there’s no need to have read A French Affair before. The setting is so idyllic and picturesque and although I have never been, I felt as though I have when reading.
Jennifer Bohnet always goes beyond a simple romance story, and this story is no different. She has woven layers of friendship, family, dilemmas and dramas throughout the story making it thought provoking and difficult to put down.
Pixie has a lot to deal with in such a short space of time and after the death of her husband and other revelations, she has a lot of soul searching to do in order to grieve and move on with her life. Her journey and how she navigates everything that is thrown her way makes for a really interesting plot and I was with her all the way. The drama is emotional but gentle and doesn’t detract from the cosy and heart-warming vibe of the overall story telling.
Lovable characters, a stunning setting and a plot with gentle tension and drama makes this great escapism and a wonderful book.
May 20, 2021
Did you know that you can buy a house in France, make a downpayment and monthly payments until the current occupant dies or goes into assisted living, and then get the house free and clear when the occupant dies? If you can wait for your house, this is a much cheaper way to own property in the end. The protagonist of this novel buys a small chateau in Brittany with her husband while they are in France celebrating their fifitieth birthdays, with the idea if retiring to Brittany some day and running a writer's retreat in the six-bedroom house. Instead, the husband is killed in an auto accident and Pixie discovers the house has already been theirs for six months, although her husband hadn't told her. When she goes to visit the house and sign the final ownership docs, she discovers a young woman and an almost four-year-old boy living in the cottage on the grounds of the chateau. Who is she and why didn't Pixie's husband tell her about the woman or her son? A summer in Brittany holds all sorts of surprises and redefines the meaning of family for everyone involved, from the new owner and her brother, to her eighty-three year old mother, her niece and nephew and the little boy and his mom in the cottage. The true definition of friendship - and of love - become clear over the course of the summer. This is a heartwarming and complex family saga, spanning four generations in contemporary France.
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