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An Escape to Provence

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Where there's a will, can love find a way?

When cynical divorce lawyer Daisy Jackson unexpectedly inherits a ramshackle farmhouse in Provence, she sets off for the French countryside to oversee renovations herself.

But Gabriel Laforet has other ideas. A local builder with ties to the property, Gabriel is determined to see Daisy off and preserve the characterful, charming farmhouse - which, but for a missing will, he knows is rightfully his.

When the two meet, it's clear they couldn't be more different: Gabriel has lived in the small country village all his life; Daisy is a city girl whose career means everything. He is laid-back and messy; she is used to being in control. As they begin to work together, sparks fly. Yet they're inexplicably drawn to each other and, in the heat of the Provence sun, secrets begin to spill. Perhaps Daisy can trust him with her carefully guarded heart after all?

But Gabriel is still searching for the missing will that proves the farmhouse belongs to him - and in doing so, risks upturning everything he and Daisy have started to build together . . .

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2022

62 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

About the author

Sophie Claire

9 books99 followers
Sophie 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.

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5 stars
276 (42%)
4 stars
239 (36%)
3 stars
105 (16%)
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24 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Katie Phillips.
354 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2023
Really liked this book such a fun romantic book, can’t wait to read more from this author 📚
Profile Image for Karen.
479 reviews70 followers
May 19, 2022
I requested this ARC hoping for some lovely summer escapism and that is exactly what the book delivered. It is a light-hearted and fun read and perfect for transporting you to a sun-drenched and beautiful rural setting. I enjoyed reading the lovely descriptions of the French countryside and in particular the culinary aspects mentioned. The writing is quite captivating and you can almost feel the sun on your face and the intoxicating smell of lavender. My mouth was watering with all the food mentions and I was delighted to find some of the recipes in the back of the book, which I can’t wait the try. Provence is somewhere in France I have not yet visited and I am now even more eager to visit.

Daisy and Gabriel are great characters, they are complete opposites but have an undeniable attraction and oodles of chemistry in their slow burn romance. The side characters are delightful and there is a lovely sense of friendship and community in this small French village.

An Escape to Provence is a well paced read and, although somewhat predictable, with the incorporation of the gorgeous food descriptions and recipes sets it slightly apart from the usual romance story. This book will undoubtedly transport you to a beautiful location with fabulous characters and a wonderful romance.

TWISTED IN PAGES BLOG
Profile Image for Sharon Goodwin.
868 reviews146 followers
July 26, 2022
Daisy, workaholic, hasn’t taken any time off for a very long time. She drops everything to go to Provence and sort out the builder renovating her inherited cottage in La Tourelle.

Gabriel Laforet won’t commit to a date to start work on the renovations, hoping Daisy will get fed up waiting and give him time to find Jeanette’s missing will.

And OMG, these two really couldn’t be more different. Daisy living life as fast as she can in the city as opposed to Gabriel savouring every aspect of life and finding pleasure from the smallest of things in his village.

The sparks do fly both verbally and with a sizzling chemistry. I thought this quote describes the attraction perfectly:

“ she felt as if she was clinging to the cork of a bottle of champagne, trying to hold it down while the pressure inside is steadily building.”

An Escape to Provence has one of the best romance relationships I’ve read this year. Not only do we really dig deeper into the characters (Gabriel and Daisy have their own narrations) but their developing friendship opens them both up to realisations. I love to watch how a character grows and develops and these two face their fears and become the best they can be because they push each other with conflict and truths. And the intimacy is awesome too 🙂 I fell in love with Gabriel myself!

Another thing I really loved about this story is the community and belonging. Daisy has only ever had acquaintances and business colleagues that want her for what she can give them. La Tourelle is an awakening for her.

Sophie Claire is skilled at helping her readers experience settings using all senses and this story is no exception. Sun-drenched days, the sun setting, flora, food, wine, the village fete and more all come alive.

If you’re looking for a role model in how to incorporate mindfulness and slow living into your life, Gabriel is your man.

An Escape to Provence was such a quick read for me. I took every opportunity to dip back into this world. I couldn’t get enough!

An easy 5 star read. Simply outstanding.

https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
Profile Image for Aube_Sage.
36 reviews
September 13, 2024
~⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️~

At first, it was hard to get into this book. The way the characters were introduced and the way they were always butting heads made me horribly misjudge the book and its trajectory. However I couldn't have been more wrong. After 100 pages I was adamant on dropping the book and moving on to another; but something compelled me to continue. I believe that something was how much of myself I see in Daisy. The hard-working, independent driven woman who doesn't believe in relationships and that people can betray you resonated with me. I felt frustrated with her inability to just go with her heart and see things from a non-logical standpoint, consequently making me feel frustrated about myself because we are the same. This book to me was a significant contributor to my self-reflection on how I should be honest with myself and address my problems by admitting that I do need help. Gabriel also taught me that perfection doesn't exist and that my perfectionist self should come to terms with that. Their love was symbolic that chasing the perfect "book romance" is unrealistic and you are just setting yourself up for failure. But having honest conversations with each other and meeting at a half way point can make an imperfect situation or person perfect for you. I honestly did not expect this book to be one of my favourites, but here I am. It is a book I don't think I will forget as it deeply altered my way of thinking, and I hope to apply the lessons learned from Daisy and Gabriel's love story in my own personal or love-life.
Profile Image for Sally.
203 reviews
March 2, 2023
Really wanted to enjoy this book but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. I did not like Daisy at all and even later on in the book when she starts to change I still didn’t like her. She didn’t have any soul, she just annoyed me so much. The story did drag on and I found it rather dull at times. It also felt very Mills and Boons which I read as a teenager! The two stars are for ease of the writing and for feeling a little summer sun in dark grey February.
Profile Image for Hannah Boult.
4 reviews
June 3, 2025
extra star because I'm in Provence and I enjoyed myself reading this - really not my kind of book in reality though 😂
Profile Image for Susan Doherty.
61 reviews
November 22, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book but felt it was quite slow and repetitive at times, in terms of the growing relationship between the two main characters.
However, it did make me think of how lovely it would be to escape to Provence and live a similar life away from the materialistic world we live in today, and the aspects of our lives we should value most.
Profile Image for Suzanne Rogerson.
Author 9 books125 followers
July 24, 2022
Updated review 24th July 2022 - taking part in the blog tour with the publisher
My review:
I love the tag line - Where there's a will, can love find a way?

It sums up the story perfectly and gives a hint at the troubles to come. As soon as Daisy and Gabriel meet, it's clear there's chemistry between them but they are from different worlds and are wildly different people. Daisy is a cynical workaholic and Gabriel is a romantic who enjoys a slower pace of life. Neither of them have plans to change their views of the world and seem so incompatible despite the obvious attraction between them.

Daisy is completely single-minded in her ambition to modernise the farmhouse she's inherited, desperate to turn it into a holiday let and return to her job in London. Gab applies underhand tactics to see her off, wanting to retain the memories of the old farmhouse which he believes should be his.

The issue of the will hangs over any budding relationship and they have other hurts that must be overcome if anything meaningful is to develop between them. I loved the slow reveals, the steamy passion, and the developing romance between them. They are perfect for each other, if only they could see it too! But they are also as stubborn as each other and refuse to acknowledge the truth even to themselves.

Gab is a swoon worthy hero and Daisy is a feisty heroine. As a reader you're behind them all the way, willing them to see beyond their differences and grab the chance of happiness even if it means changing the future they'd originally envisaged for themselves. So much stands in the way of love, at times it seems impossible for them to reach the happy ever after they deserve.

I loved the setting in Provence, the village and the people, and inheriting an old farmhouse is on top of my wish list!

It's an entertaining, emotional journey of self discovery and learning to open hearts and minds to others. I enjoyed every page and didn't want the story to end. It's a book I can't wait to revisit and one I will be recommending to all the romance readers I know.

***
(Review from May 2022)
I loved this ARC from netgalley. I just didn't want the story to end. I loved the characters and the location, everything about it!
A more detailed review to follow.
Profile Image for Linda Hill.
1,529 reviews75 followers
July 31, 2022
Daisy Jackson has inherited a run down house in Provence.

My goodness, An Escape to Provence was a delight to read. Sophie Claire whisks the reader away to her Provençal setting just perfectly, with the heat, the aromas, the weather, the food and just enough smatterings of simple French to make to story feel completely authentic. Reading An Escape to Provence made me want to be in the region immediately and I certainly felt transported to the setting.

The plot in An Escape to Provence is very much a ‘will they, won’t they?’ romance, but that only enhances the enjoyment of reading the book as it is sheer escapism. I think I found myself as much in love with Gabriel Laforet as any fictional character I’ve ever read about. He embodies the perfect fantasy hero so that there’s real interest in how his relationship with Daisy might develop – and not a little day-dreaming on my part too! That isn’t to say he is stereotypical or two dimensional. Far from it. He has his stubbornness, his intractable sense of morality and his temper too that add to the layers in his personality, making him all the more vivid.

Daisy works so well as a character because there is genuine change and development over the course of the narrative. Her demons from the past are satisfyingly, gradually, revealed giving her a complexity that makes her all the more real. I think the pressure she feels to exceed her own expectations is something so many women feel and I found myself increasingly drawn to her as a person as I read.

Because An Escape to Provence is so clearly set in a warm, vibrant and realistic community, the story seems to unfold more convincingly. I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters, and especially the catalyst of the deceased Jeanette, every bit as much as Daisy and Gab.

An Escape to Provence crackles and fizzes with sexual tension in the heat of the summer and yet there is genuine romance here too that engages the reader. I loved the underpinning themes of moral and legal right, family and community, self-preservation, truth and self-knowledge that gave An Escape to Provence added layers of interest alongside a smashing summer read.

An Escape to Provence is a lovely summer story and you need to pack it in your suitcase immediately! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
15 reviews
August 15, 2022
slow

Slow, not a great read and quite poorly written. I wouldn’t recommend it. No story and very predictable all in all very disappointing
Profile Image for Julie.
2,656 reviews42 followers
October 24, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars

An Escape to Provence is the charming, romantic and immensely enjoyable new novel by Sophie Claire readers are going to fall in love head over heels in love with.

Divorce lawyer Daisy Jackson cannot believe that she has just inherited a ramshackle farmhouse in the Provencal countryside. With the house currently being overhauled, city girl Daisy swaps her designer shoes for wellies and sets off to France to oversee the renovations. However, Daisy soon realises that she’s inherited a major headache alongside her new home – local builder Gabriel Laforet who hasn’t exactly welcomed her with open arms!

Gabriel cannot believe that the charming farmhouse has been left to Daisy! The property would have been his had it not been for a will which had gone missing and left him with his nose firmly out of joint. Still, Gabriel refuses to be defeated. He will secure the property he has set his heart on and he will use every weapon in his arsenal to make sure that the farmhouse is returned to its rightful owner. However, Gabriel hadn’t counted on just how stubborn and tenacious Daisy could be!

Sparks soon start flying between the two of them and although Daisy and Gabriel are polar opposites, the more they work together, the more they realize that actually they’ve got more in common than they initially thought. When they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another, Daisy and Gabriel begin to wonder whether they could put their differences aside and focus on the attraction that has flared between them.

However, Gabriel hasn’t given up searching for the missing will. Will he realise that the biggest prize of all isn’t the farmhouse, but the woman who has come to mean everything to him?

Sophie Claire has done it again and penned a gorgeous romantic escape that whisks readers off to France on an enchanting adventure they are simply going to love. An Escape to Provence is a brilliantly written page-turner set in a beautiful part of the world that cannot fail to bring a smile to readers’ faces. Feel-good, whimsical and brilliantly romantic, An Escape to Provence is a superb tale about life’s unexpected surprises, fresh starts and falling in love that hits all the right notes.

Witty, captivating and uplifting, An Escape to Provence is another winner by Sophie Claire.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sarah (blissbubbley).
379 reviews
July 3, 2023
Sophie Claire’s “An Escape to Provence” whisks readers away on a delightful journey to the idyllic French countryside. With its enchanting setting, engaging characters, and heartwarming story, this book offers a much-needed escape that will leave readers longing for their own Provencal adventure.

The story follows Grace, a woman who embarks on a spontaneous trip to Provence, hoping to find solace and a fresh start after a difficult period in her life. As she immerses herself in the beauty and tranquility of the region, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, forms unexpected friendships, and discovers the healing power of love and community.

One of the standout features of “An Escape to Provence” is Sophie Claire’s skillful depiction of the setting. The vivid descriptions transport the reader to the sun-soaked landscapes, aromatic lavender fields, and charming villages of Provence. The author’s attention to detail and evocative prose create an immersive experience, allowing readers to feel as though they are right alongside Grace, savoring the sights, sounds, and flavors of this captivating region.

The characters in the book are well-drawn and endearing. Grace is a relatable and resilient protagonist, and her personal journey of self-discovery is inspiring. The supporting characters add depth and warmth to the story, each with their own unique quirks and backstories that enrich the narrative. The relationships that develop throughout the book feel genuine and heartwarming, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

The pacing of the story is well-balanced, capturing the relaxed and leisurely pace of life in Provence while also maintaining enough intrigue and plot development to keep the reader engaged. The gradual unraveling of Grace’s past and the obstacles she encounters during her time in Provence add depth to the narrative and create a sense of anticipation.

In conclusion, “An Escape to Provence” is a charming and enchanting read that transports readers to the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of Provence. Sophie Claire’s evocative writing, lovable characters, and heartwarming storyline make this book a delightful escape. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that will transport you to the sun-drenched beauty of the French countryside, “An Escape to Provence” is a perfect choice. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Provence and inspired by the power of love, friendship, and new beginnings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anne.
2,206 reviews
August 2, 2022
Daisy’s only thought when she inherits a farmhouse in Provence – from a distant relative she never knew – is to get the renovations done as quickly as possible so that she can let it to summer visitors. But “quickly” is apparently a rather alien concept to her builder Gabriel, and she decides that the only way to get things moving is to be on-site for a while. And at the book’s beginning, she’s very difficult to like – she arrives with her business wardrobe and her Louboutins (and her severe clear-lensed glasses…), brandishing her mobile phone and the spreadsheets on her laptop, ready to throw money at the problem (while also throwing her weight about) and return to her busy life as soon as she possibly can.

But laid-back Gabriel won’t be rushed – and she discovers that the reasons for his reluctance are rather more complicated than she thought. If a will had been found, he’d expected the farmhouse to be his – it was his former home, and he’s emotionally attached to the property in a way Daisy couldn’t possibly understand. But when they reluctantly begin to work together, things start to change – she softens around the edges a little, begins to see the beauty of the house and its setting, and to slowly understand the builder with a complex past. And her own secrets begin to surface too, her own difficult past that made her what she now is, as they slowly grow closer.

The chemistry that develops between these two very different individuals is simply stunning – a romance I really believed in, with a growing warmth and emotional depth I could really feel. Daisy’s personal journey – facing up to her own issues, opening up, letting her guard down, being won over by the warmth of the community and the simpler life – entirely transformed her from the brittle and hard-edged person I disliked so much at first encounter, and I became entirely invested in her finding happiness and a place to belong. And as for Gabriel – perhaps an unconventional romantic lead, but he certainly made my heart beat rather faster. I really liked his complexity – his damaged past, his old-fashioned sense of morality, his innate gentleness (his messiness and stubborn resistance perhaps rather less so…) – and the way he was so much part of the close local community where he’d lived his whole life.

And I must mention the author’s exceptional ability to paint a vivid setting – I’ve never been to Provence, but she really did make me fall in love with it, and the dilapidated farmhouse soaked in history and love. The whole book is infused with sunshine, and the region’s tastes, sounds and aromas – some wonderful descriptions, and the loveliest multi-sensory experience. I very much enjoyed her drawing of the local community too – Gabriel’s friends who at first close ranks against the newcomer, but slowly begin to embrace Daisy with the warmth of their friendship too.

This was the most perfect summer read – one that you really must pack in your suitcase – and I absolutely loved everything about it. Highly recommended by me!
652 reviews13 followers
December 18, 2021
I loved this so much! Its a real feel good summer read with great characters and story. We meet Daisy as she has inherited a house in France from a family member she didn't know she had. Work on the property is very slow going as it seems, locally, it was common knowledge there was a will where the house was left to Gabriel. Daisy needs Gabriel to work on the house but they are at odds over the future of the property. Daisy wants an ultra modern holiday home. Gabriel promised the owner he would look after it... which does not include drastic modernisation! Gabriel and Daisy are strong characters used to getting their own way.... but when what they want are complete opposites its going to get interesting!

Daisy has had a hard childhood - even as she comes to appreciate life in Provence, she is still influenced by her past. She doesn't believe in love... but can she overcome her past to let love in when it finds her??!! Gabriel on the other hand is a true romantic and knows exactly what he wants!

I just loved this book - Gabriel is an amazing character- confident, sexy, funny and determined. Daisy is a complex character and behind the hard exterior her vulnerability becomes obvious and I was desperately hoping she could overcome these issues and know herself better! Gabriel's friends are just lovely too. I feel like I know these people!

This is a lovely book that still tackles some big issues including parental death, suicide and emotional neglect but it's all done so sensitively - we see and feel the impact without dwelling on the events themselves. Its a book about friendship, hope and family - including the family you make, not just the one you are born with.

I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley with no promise of a favourable review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
375 reviews27 followers
May 12, 2022
Daisy is a hardened London divorce lawyer, in charge, independent and inflexible. She lives life in the fast lane and is used to getting her own way. French builder Gabriel prefers a slower, more considered pace of life. He is hurt, angry and grieving and has no time for Daisy and the plans she is proposing. Sometimes in life your path unexpectedly crosses with someone so different to yourself, you appear to have nothing in common and yet you are inexplicably drawn to each other. This is true for Daisy and Gabriel. Despite their pre-conceived ideas and lack of flexibility, there is no doubt there is chemistry between them and I couldn’t wait for the inevitable emotional fireworks.

This is a book of many parts. It is deliciously hot and passionate, but as the truth behind their damaged pasts slowly comes to light it is also emotional, heart-breaking and painful. The more time Daisy and Gabriel spend together, the more they learn about each other, and themselves. It took a while for me to warm to Daisy, but I loved watching the subtle changes that affected them both and I desperately wanted them to give in to the chemistry and in doing so, give themselves a chance of happiness. With neither willing to let go of what is holding them back, it seemed an unlikely outcome.

Aside from the heat, the passion and the emotions, this book is also packed with lots of lovely French descriptions and detail that took me to Provence. The people, the village community, the French customs and traditions, everything blended perfectly with a storyline that was easy to fall into, but not so easy to put down.

If you are looking for an escape to France this summer, add this latest book from Sophie Claire to your holiday reading pile, you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Stacy Miller .
7 reviews1 follower
Read
August 20, 2022
Wow what a beautiful journey that was……I was picked up and whisked away in the name of romance and I for one couldn’t be happier. As I have come to expect from a Claire creation, the setting was as much an integral part of the plot to pull you in with vivid descriptions of settings, sunsets and scenes to seduce your senses. This poetry in motion allowed the story to jump off the page and play out its melody in all its glory. And what a setting it was….I could almost feel the sun sizzling gently on my skin as I smelled the aromas drifting by from local cafes and markets. Yes with Provence setting the scene how could a story go wrong?

The cast of characters that we meet are eclectic and glorious in their individual nature. The air of community spirit wove its way gently through the narrative to highlight this close knit village, showcasing kindness, generosity and heart that you would like to expect from a small rural village. It was charming and delightful

 Now I must admit that I didn’t fall head first for our romantic leads in the way that I normally do, I found that their stubborn ways and pig-headed attitude towards one another drove me to frustration……instead it was a slow burner. I was patient with them as they navigated their path to true love, albeit a rocky terrain, and witnessed their walls slowly break down as they opened themselves up to the idea of love. And I must say that the fall was certainly worth the wait for me. The swoon factor was out in spades and I was living my best happy ever after life.

An Escape to Provence is a delightful treasure trove that will brighten any day. It’s a jam packed journey for the senses and emotions and a perfect summer story.
Profile Image for Karen Kingston.
974 reviews17 followers
August 8, 2022
Thank you Oliver Martin of Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to join the blog tour for An Escape to Provence by Sophie Claire. I’ve read and enjoyed many of Sophie’s books and my last review is available to read here : https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho...

As I write my review, many people are stuck in Dover, trying to escape the passport queues to get on a ferry to France. I’m glad that I was able to enjoy a virtual visit, with no passport required.

Daisy is shocked to discover that she has inherited a house from a long lost relative she never met. Her current life revolves around her work as a divorce lawyer, a job that leaves her believing that there is no such thing as real love. As we get to know Daisy, we start to understand why she has created barriers to stop herself becoming attached to friends.

Gabriel is also shocked to discover that Daisy has inherited the house because he believed that it would be left to him, but no one has been able to find the will.

Sparks fly when Daisy and Gabriel meet, can they reach a compromise? Spending time in France starts to change Daisy, who hasn’t taken a holiday for years and has a strict daily routine, full of work and very little happiness. Both Daisy and Gabriel have experienced extreme sadness and grief during their teenage years, can they help each other to move forward?

Another beautiful and emotional book from Sophie Claire. Happy to recommend to the readers of my reviews – who may find themselves craving some French food and drink after reading this.
Profile Image for Amy's reading again.
103 reviews24 followers
August 4, 2024
2.75 ☆
Spice 🌶 mostly closed door / fade to black

Daisy is a divorce lawyer living in London. She values her spreadsheets and to do lists and likes regimented busy life. Until an unknown distant relative leaves her a run down farmhouse in France. When the builder who is meant to be doing the work on the house ignores her emails, she travels France to sort the situation out. And here, slowly over time, she learns to lover the slower pace of life, and the embrace of a community she never realised she was missing. She also, against her strongly held belief that love is not real, falls in love.

There is no mystery to this book. You know exactly what you are getting from this summery romance. You know they are going to end up together. You know she is going to leave her very structured life in London for the go with the flow life in France. You know there is something holding her back but that it will all be resolved in the end. You know there will be a happy ever after. And it all happens. Exactly as you expect it to.

Pros.
This is an easy read. Would be a good holiday read.
It is light hearted and summery. Characters are well written. However, I was never able to warm to Daisy. Descriptions are spot on and do transport you to Prevence, especially the sense of community

Cons
I found this sloooowww. And the length of time it took for them to finally get together was too long. For about 100 pages, I was thinking just sleep with each other already. I found this frustrating.

Overall, it was OK. I don't regret reading it. But can't see that I will remember it for long or want to read it again.
Profile Image for Noemi Proietti.
1,113 reviews55 followers
July 30, 2022
I also want to escape to Provence after reading this latest beautiful and enjoyable novel by Sophie Claire. I loved the characters, the setting, the food, and the story is emotional and heart-warming.

Daisy has inherited the farmhouse Le Mazet in Provence from a relative she didn’t even know she had and she plans to turn it into a rental house for tourists. The house needs a lot of work so she hires local builder Gabriel to transform it into a house more suited to her modern taste. However, Gabriel, who has his own personal attachments to the farmhouse and thinks he should be the rightful owner, has no intention to follow her instructions. When no other construction company accepts the job, Daisy has no choice but to take a few days off her work – for the first time in years! – and travel to Provence to convince Gabriel to do the job. After they finally reach an agreement, Daisy decides to stay for a few days to oversee the works, but, as her relationship with Gabriel turns into friendship and days turn into weeks, Daisy realizes that her life in London is not as perfect as she thought…

The story is told from the point of view of the two protagonists who couldn’t be more different. Daisy Jackson is a pragmatic and busy divorce lawyer in London who doesn’t do relationships and lives for her job. When she initially arrives in Provence, she finds it difficult to adapt to the slow pace of the village or to Gabriel long breaks from his work. Gabriel Laforet is more laid back, a builder with romantic views on life who is waiting to meet the love of his life and start a family. And yet the chemistry between these two characters is fantastic and I enjoyed how their relationship develops.

The setting is appealing, evocative, and very-well described and I could picture in my head the rundown yet charming farmhouse or the sleepy French village where everyone knows everyone.

An Escape to Provence is the third novel by Sophie Claire that I’ve read so far and, once again, I enjoyed every page of it. I read it in two days, so immersed in this well-written, entertaining, romantic story and its relatable, well-developed characters that I couldn’t help but love. Highly recommended!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
943 reviews12 followers
March 31, 2022
I discovered Sophie Claire a few years ago and since then she is one of the only authors I buy on release day. So when the opportunity to read her latest book early via netgalley came along I was very happy to be gifted with a copy. Thank you to the author, the publisher and netgalley for this advanced copy.

Our main character in An Escape to Provence is Daisy, a hard working and dedicated lawyer who inherits a house from a relative she never knew. Heading over to Provence she meets Gabriel the man who is responsible for the renovations on the house. The pair instantly rub one another the wrong way because Gabriel was promised the house himself and its only because of a missing will that Daisy has it in the first place.

I love the way Sophie Claire writes. She instantly grips your attention and makes you eager to learn more about the characters. The settings used are lovely as I get to feel like I'm travelling to these villages and towns abroad without actually being there in person.
Daisy and Gabriel are great characters and I found it easy to like them and care about their lives and it made the novel such a lovely one to sit and enjoy.

If you haven't tried any of this authors books I highly recommend them, I have not been disappointed by one yet.
Profile Image for J Lewis.
53 reviews11 followers
June 26, 2022
On a clear day
Rise and Look around you
And you'll see who you are…
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, 1970 Film Soundtrack

This honestly could have been named that. Except, of course, this Daisy doesn't have any past lives, and Gabrielle (The Hero) isn't a professor. It had a few similarities with the movie though. One being the heroine's name of Daisy! And because also the male leads are, of course, French.

The Hero challenged all of the heroine's convictions. I mean all of them and she had a lot! She had built up so many from past trauma, especially regarding her parents. Afraid to love. Afraid to trust. I was sure their relationship (the H and h) with each other was over several times, but no. He kept knocking down her walls one by one. The final resolution was cute too!

The only complaint I have is the length of the novel. It felt like some stuff was unnecessary, but I also understood where the author was coming from. I believe she wants the reader to savor the story, so you'll understand where the characters are coming from. You feel more connected to them. Overall this is a very good read. I enjoyed the food mentioned too. It is one of my favorite aspects of the book. I'm looking forward to what the author will come out with next.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,439 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2022
A very atmospheric love story.
Daisy inherits an old French farmhouse from a distant relative and reluctantly has to take leave from her high powered job as a divorce lawyer in London to see why her builder Gabriel is not going ahead with the repairs and finds out he was expected to inherit the farmhouse himself after being taken in by the owner years ago and treated as a son, but the will can not be found.
Gabriel and Daisy meet and Daisy fights against the attraction they have as they are totally opposite.

I loved the story it flowed well and you wanted to know how it ended even though you knew what was going to happen. All the characters you just loved and the description of the village was great you just wanted to move there and be their friends too.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the ARC
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books115 followers
July 20, 2022
Character-driven yet full of immersive location details, this enemy-to-lover romance has believably flawed characters, emotion, humour, passion and poignancy. Daisy inherits a rundown house in Provence from a distant relative; she leaves her high-powered career to oversee the renovations. Gabriel has lived in the house; after being taken in by its owner, he expected to inherit, but a missing will meant Daisy, not Gabriel, was the new owner.

The animosity and attraction simmer from the couple's first meeting. Proximity allows Daisy and Gabriel to get to know each other, challenging their preconceptions and emotional issues about love and relationships.

I like the sensitive balance of humour and heartbreaking moments, the character development and the vibrant setting that makes this a lovely Summer read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Profile Image for Annie Leadley.
490 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2021
A reasonably good Romance novel if rather predicable in places, but if you want some warm sunshine colours bringing into your Grey weather days than this Book is for You! #FB, #Instagram,#Amazon.co.uk,#Goodreads,#NetGalley , #100 Book Reviews, #Reviews Published, #Professional Reader!
Profile Image for Bookworm.
688 reviews23 followers
August 26, 2023
I absolutely love this book. I couldn't stand Gabriel at the beginning but ended up falling head over heels in love with him. Provence sounds divine. The writing was fantastic and the story, though slightly predictable, still gave me the sweet, sizzling feels I was looking for in a summer romance. This book feels special to me because I thought it got lost in the mail but it eventually found its way to me. That's magic. So far, I've read everything of Sophie Claire's (love them all) and can't wait to enjoy another of hers. There's something about her books that always tug at my heartstrings.

Orilium Academy Autumn Equinox Readathon 2023: Implings
Bookworm Reading Challenge 2023: Set in France
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,363 reviews570 followers
July 23, 2023
This was a very gentle slow burn romance, where you are never sure if the two rather different main characters are ever going to get together or not.

Gabiral and Daisy are total opposites in everything, and in Daisy's time in Provence, she starts to change.

There is a lot of character growth from them both, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters especially Gabriel's friends in the village.

I liked getting a glimpse of Provencal rural life, and getting a feel for that part of France.

It was a really enjoyable story that I was certainly entertained by.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Barbara.
549 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2022
Boring. I made it almost halfway (40%) and decided it would be more enjoyable to clean the litterboxes. She's uptight and driven. He's low-key and hunky. We get to read over and over and over about how attracted they are to each other. We also get to read excruciating sentences like these:

‘I don’t have time,’ she said, holding his gaze, her eyes glinting furiously like polished silver.

She remembered how his dark eyes had glittered furiously, like a starry night.

However, as he went home, his friends’ words trailed him, like a hungry animal.
Profile Image for Karen Antczak.
45 reviews
April 28, 2023
Such a great fun read. I love how the author described Provence in the French countryside all of its sunshine, greenery, and the smell of lavender. She really did a great job making you feel you want to get on the next plane to France. Loved how Gabriel taught Daisy how to cook simple French meals. So mouthwatering, it made me go online and download a recipe for coq au vin!!! First time, reading a book by Sophie Claire, I will definitely read another.
Profile Image for Abi Dunning.
8 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2022
3.5 stars. Like other Sophie Claire books, now after reading I have the urge to go visit Provence and one day it will happen. I loved the community feel of the book and the opposite attracts trope. Though I felt at points it was predictable and I did still have questions after I finished. I really enjoyed it and am so glad I got the opportunity to read it before release.
502 reviews11 followers
May 15, 2022
A brilliant romantic read set in beautiful Provence. I could almost feel the sun on my face whilst reading. I was totally captivated by the storyline and loved both the main characters. A well paced novel with engaging characters and lots of interest that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.
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