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!