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Ontsnap naar de Provence
Een droombestemming, heerlijk eten en hartveroverende romantiek: dat is Jo Thomas!
Del en haar man Ollie zijn verhuisd naar een schattig klein dorpje in de Provence. Voorbij zijn hun ruzies, voorbij de zware jaren, vanaf nu gaan ze een zonnige toekomst tegemoet! Tenminste, dat was het plan. Maar het leven loopt nooit zoals je had gepland, of wel?
Nog geen zes weken na aankomst staan ze opnieuw de verhuiswagens in te pakken. Tot Del beseft dat in de Provence blijven – zonder Ollie – haar echt gelukkig zou maken. En terwijl Ollie op de terugweg is naar Engeland, moet Del in haar eentje de torenhoge hypotheek van hun vervallen boerderij afbetalen, en dat van de opbrengst van een handjevol lavendelplanten. Hoe krijgt ze dit in godsnaam voor elkaar? Dan komt ze op een lokaal marktje de niet-onaantrekkelijke Fabian tegen, die haar een oud receptenboek verkoopt. Del raakt volledig in de ban van het boek en bakt de ene heerlijkheid na de andere. Zou haar nieuwe passie haar kunnen helpen om eindelijk het verleden los te laten en een nieuw begin te maken?
Del en haar man Ollie zijn verhuisd naar een schattig klein dorpje in de Provence. Voorbij zijn hun ruzies, voorbij de zware jaren, vanaf nu gaan ze een zonnige toekomst tegemoet! Tenminste, dat was het plan. Maar het leven loopt nooit zoals je had gepland, of wel?
Nog geen zes weken na aankomst staan ze opnieuw de verhuiswagens in te pakken. Tot Del beseft dat in de Provence blijven – zonder Ollie – haar echt gelukkig zou maken. En terwijl Ollie op de terugweg is naar Engeland, moet Del in haar eentje de torenhoge hypotheek van hun vervallen boerderij afbetalen, en dat van de opbrengst van een handjevol lavendelplanten. Hoe krijgt ze dit in godsnaam voor elkaar? Dan komt ze op een lokaal marktje de niet-onaantrekkelijke Fabian tegen, die haar een oud receptenboek verkoopt. Del raakt volledig in de ban van het boek en bakt de ene heerlijkheid na de andere. Zou haar nieuwe passie haar kunnen helpen om eindelijk het verleden los te laten en een nieuw begin te maken?
288 pages, ebook
First published May 7, 2020
1247 people are currently reading
1934 people want to read
About the author
Jo Thomas
60 books533 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/JoThomasA...
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
May 7, 2021
If you know me you know I love Jo Thomas. I often say she's my favourite author because her books always put smile on my face and warm my heart.
What I appreciate the most about Thomas' novels is that they are filled with hope.
They are always stories about women who start again, and find the love/success.
Escape to the French Farmhouse is not an exception. It follows our main character Del who leaves her husband and starts again, and eventually finds hope, love, new friends and starts new business.
However, even though it sounds similar to other books written by Jo Thomas, it was pretty different than them.
It has more perspective on side characters that make this novel unique.
However, I felt like Del wasn't the one who was building the story, but like everything that was happening in the story just happened to her, for her benefit.
It was like the plot was based around her, instead driven by her.
I really didn't like how her husband was pictured as a bad guy. I mean, even there she had to be the victim, wouldn't it be enough to leave him out of the picture once he was gone?
Also, I don't agree with the moral of the story.
We could argue on that, and I think both sides would be right and wrong, but in the end, I didn't change my mind.
I was on "bad character's" side, and that is probably the biggest reason why I feel the way I feel.
The writing was great, as always.
In the end I still want to encourage you to read Escape to the French Farmhouse because so many readers enjoyed it and I hope you will too.
I still can't wait to read Jo Thomas' next book because she is still my number 1 author.
What I appreciate the most about Thomas' novels is that they are filled with hope.
They are always stories about women who start again, and find the love/success.
Escape to the French Farmhouse is not an exception. It follows our main character Del who leaves her husband and starts again, and eventually finds hope, love, new friends and starts new business.
However, even though it sounds similar to other books written by Jo Thomas, it was pretty different than them.
It has more perspective on side characters that make this novel unique.
However, I felt like Del wasn't the one who was building the story, but like everything that was happening in the story just happened to her, for her benefit.
It was like the plot was based around her, instead driven by her.
I really didn't like how her husband was pictured as a bad guy. I mean, even there she had to be the victim, wouldn't it be enough to leave him out of the picture once he was gone?
Also, I don't agree with the moral of the story.
We could argue on that, and I think both sides would be right and wrong, but in the end, I didn't change my mind.
I was on "bad character's" side, and that is probably the biggest reason why I feel the way I feel.
The writing was great, as always.
In the end I still want to encourage you to read Escape to the French Farmhouse because so many readers enjoyed it and I hope you will too.
I still can't wait to read Jo Thomas' next book because she is still my number 1 author.
May 16, 2020
Lavender and love. Jo Thomas has woven together a beautiful tale of second chances, scrumptious baking, and charming characters. Del and her husband Ollie moved to a charming farmhouse in Provence for a new start. When things don’t go quite to plan Ollie decides to move back to the UK. But Del decide she needs a fresh start away from Ollie and stays behind in France. Determined to assimilate to the French Village life Del begins baking with local Lavender and takes in a villager in need. What follows is a delightful story about Del rediscovering herself. Sweet and satisfying with a sprinkling of romance.
This was such an easy breezy beautiful story that put a big smile on my face. Del was a likable character and I was rooting for her the entire story. I loved all the baking with lavender. My mom makes the most delicious cookies with lavender and macadamia nuts, I’m thinking I might need to get her a copy of this book with all these recipes. I have to admit it took me about 20 pages to realize that Del was baking cookies with lavender not what we call biscuits in America, the cookies sounded much more scrumptious. There is romance in the story and I did like the love interest Fabian, but I really thought it took a backseat to Del really finding her way to herself. A lovely escapist read that made me happy, hopeful, and hungry.
This book in emojis 🐶 🍪 🍰 💜 👩🏻🍳
*** Big thank you to Transworld for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was such an easy breezy beautiful story that put a big smile on my face. Del was a likable character and I was rooting for her the entire story. I loved all the baking with lavender. My mom makes the most delicious cookies with lavender and macadamia nuts, I’m thinking I might need to get her a copy of this book with all these recipes. I have to admit it took me about 20 pages to realize that Del was baking cookies with lavender not what we call biscuits in America, the cookies sounded much more scrumptious. There is romance in the story and I did like the love interest Fabian, but I really thought it took a backseat to Del really finding her way to herself. A lovely escapist read that made me happy, hopeful, and hungry.
This book in emojis 🐶 🍪 🍰 💜 👩🏻🍳
*** Big thank you to Transworld for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 6, 2020
Every now and again it's nice to read a happy, sun-filled novel where people are kind and courageous and take care of each other. Escape to the French Farmhouse is just such a book.
After failing several rounds of IVF, Del and her husband Ollie moved to Provence to start a new life. Six weeks later, with nothing working out the way Ollie expected, they are packing to move back to England. But when it's time to say goodbye to the farmhouse they've bought, Del realises she doesn't want to go back and instead stays behind to give try living in a small French village on her own.
The village is everything you could wish it to be, with kind and friendly people who welcome and help Del. The farmhouse was originally a lavender farm, so when Del finds an old Provencial cookbook of lavender based recipes she starts baking biscuits and cakes to sell at the markets. Along her journey of finding her place in the village she makes friends, including the handsome young man at the recycled furniture store and even helps some less fortunate people find a better life.
So while the novel may be painting a slightly unrealistic, romantic picture of life in a small French village, it makes for a lovely heartwarming story with some ups and downs along the way, a little romance and a happy ending. Perfect escapist reading for lockdown, the beach or for those of us daydreaming of sunny days filled with the scent of lavender while huddled next to a wintery fireside.
With thanks to Random House and Netgalley for a digital copy to read
After failing several rounds of IVF, Del and her husband Ollie moved to Provence to start a new life. Six weeks later, with nothing working out the way Ollie expected, they are packing to move back to England. But when it's time to say goodbye to the farmhouse they've bought, Del realises she doesn't want to go back and instead stays behind to give try living in a small French village on her own.
The village is everything you could wish it to be, with kind and friendly people who welcome and help Del. The farmhouse was originally a lavender farm, so when Del finds an old Provencial cookbook of lavender based recipes she starts baking biscuits and cakes to sell at the markets. Along her journey of finding her place in the village she makes friends, including the handsome young man at the recycled furniture store and even helps some less fortunate people find a better life.
So while the novel may be painting a slightly unrealistic, romantic picture of life in a small French village, it makes for a lovely heartwarming story with some ups and downs along the way, a little romance and a happy ending. Perfect escapist reading for lockdown, the beach or for those of us daydreaming of sunny days filled with the scent of lavender while huddled next to a wintery fireside.
With thanks to Random House and Netgalley for a digital copy to read
May 10, 2020
I'm torn by this novel, the grumpy cynical side of me says this is a typical rose-coloured glasses view of living in a foreign country where the locals are only too happy to help out a complete stranger, just because they smile and attempt to speak the language. Even the attempts at showing that not everything is picturesque is done in a soft-focus way.
And yet the other half of me, the one that wells up when she sees a 99 year old man walking round his garden to raise money for the National Health Service, tells the cynical side to back off bi-yatch because we loved this. The chance to start a new life, albeit at the eleventh hour, in rural Provence, France against a backdrop of lavender (even though I can't stand the smell of the stuff) comes to Della just as she realises her marriage to Ollie is over. As he returns to the UK, as so many expats do after only a short time, Del chooses to stay. Del and Ollie's life in Provence had been about eating at the fancy bistro and meeting the other expats in the pub for a quiz night, it had nothing about becoming part of the local community. On her own Del quickly makes friends with a young man at the local brocante (half junk shop, half antiques shop, half flea market - hey, I'm an accountant I can make numbers do whatever I want), the local estate agent and a local restauranteur and her mission to find a new career to pay the mortgage on the crumbling French farmhouse they bought leads her to start baking biscuits and cakes infused with the local lavender.
This was feel-good stuff, the sort of novel where everyone is friendly and helpful, the only nasty people are the British expats who don't see the irony of trying to push people out 'who don't belong' in their idealised version of Provence. The descriptions of the food that Del bakes are really mouth-watering (despite the addition of lavender) and I am only sorry that the ARC did not have the nine pages of recipes which are promised for the final book.
Overall, if you are looking for an escapist romance where the sun always shines and you change your life on a whim this is definitely the novel for you. It's warm, gentle, life-affirming and just the sort of thing to read on the beach (or in lockdown) or even on a cold winter's day when the idea of sunshine and warmth seems a distant memory.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
And yet the other half of me, the one that wells up when she sees a 99 year old man walking round his garden to raise money for the National Health Service, tells the cynical side to back off bi-yatch because we loved this. The chance to start a new life, albeit at the eleventh hour, in rural Provence, France against a backdrop of lavender (even though I can't stand the smell of the stuff) comes to Della just as she realises her marriage to Ollie is over. As he returns to the UK, as so many expats do after only a short time, Del chooses to stay. Del and Ollie's life in Provence had been about eating at the fancy bistro and meeting the other expats in the pub for a quiz night, it had nothing about becoming part of the local community. On her own Del quickly makes friends with a young man at the local brocante (half junk shop, half antiques shop, half flea market - hey, I'm an accountant I can make numbers do whatever I want), the local estate agent and a local restauranteur and her mission to find a new career to pay the mortgage on the crumbling French farmhouse they bought leads her to start baking biscuits and cakes infused with the local lavender.
This was feel-good stuff, the sort of novel where everyone is friendly and helpful, the only nasty people are the British expats who don't see the irony of trying to push people out 'who don't belong' in their idealised version of Provence. The descriptions of the food that Del bakes are really mouth-watering (despite the addition of lavender) and I am only sorry that the ARC did not have the nine pages of recipes which are promised for the final book.
Overall, if you are looking for an escapist romance where the sun always shines and you change your life on a whim this is definitely the novel for you. It's warm, gentle, life-affirming and just the sort of thing to read on the beach (or in lockdown) or even on a cold winter's day when the idea of sunshine and warmth seems a distant memory.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
November 15, 2020
Always a wonderfully warm read from Jo Thomas set in Provence. Del's move to the farmhouse takes an unexpected turn and she tries to turn her life around. She finds a wonderful book full of lavender recipes and builds up her fields, alongside filling her new home with hope and happiness. I really felt as though I could have moved in and enjoyed the book from the inside!
November 2, 2022
The first part of the book is so warm, lovely and enjoyable, but the second one seems to me a little stretched. All those events that happens thick and fast make the story a bit predictable and unbelievable.
Any way it's a good book and worth reading.
Any way it's a good book and worth reading.
Read
May 12, 2020This is the first I have read by Jo Thomas and I have certainly been missing out on something with this hugely talented author. Yet again it is another case of me walking around in a bubble – I really must get out of that much-loved bubble I love her easy escapist, up-lifting and heart-warming writing. The story is like an unmarked chocolate box, inside is full of delicious surprises.
Doesn’t everyone have the dream of leaving your city life behind and moving to the beautiful French countryside? Well, Del and Ollie do just that, after years of heartbreak with infertility issues they decide that now is the time for a fresh start, now is the time to maybe get their relationship back on track and find their love for each other again. They find themselves in the beautifully rustic and charming little village in Provence, the perfect setting for a whole new start, right? Well, not quite! After six weeks Ollie decides that that’s it for him, he packs up the van and basically buggers off, this is where Del must make the choice that will change her life.
Does she follow her husband, and return to the life that they had left behind?
Does she say goodbye and farewell to the man who has driven out of her life and embrace her knew happier one?
She knows that Ollie and she weren’t happy, so she is left alone with a heap load of trouble; a crumbling farmhouse massive debt, a few Lavender plants and an old recipe book and she has never felt happier or more liberated. This is the start of the new Del. With that she starts to make her way through her new life, as she bakes, laughs and she lives…does that also mean new love?
I won’t tell you too much, you may be able to guess some of the stories but no spoilers will escape through my lips, you really need to grab a copy settle into your favourite reading chair and fall in love. I can tell you now you will fall in love, the rustic French life will get under the skin and you will dream of Lavender fields.
You know, I think this may be the first review I have done in ages where I didn’t go on a long-winded waffle about the hero.. hmm?! Interesting, but I found Del and her journey far more satisfying than any handsome Frenchman – this time at least
I really liked Del, she has great vision, once she finds the thing that makes her happy she is determined to make her new life work and she works hard to achieve it. She hasn’t had the best of luck, but she is such a lovely woman you want everything to go right for her.
This is essentially a romance, yet I saw it as a book of self-discovery or finding your feet in what is an uncertain world, that if you have a dream no matter how small then you can achieve anything with perseverance, determination and good friends. It’s a simple story at heart one of second chances and love, one that we may know, but I loved just how well crafted this is, how it is full of sunshine and smiles, in other words reading this will make you happy, it will fill your heart with positivity and hope which I think we all need that in these uncertain days.
Escape to the French Farmhouse is a magical, captivating and heart-warming story, full of rustic charm and wonderful characters who you will instantly warm to, it will leave you feeling comforted and full of happiness.
Doesn’t everyone have the dream of leaving your city life behind and moving to the beautiful French countryside? Well, Del and Ollie do just that, after years of heartbreak with infertility issues they decide that now is the time for a fresh start, now is the time to maybe get their relationship back on track and find their love for each other again. They find themselves in the beautifully rustic and charming little village in Provence, the perfect setting for a whole new start, right? Well, not quite! After six weeks Ollie decides that that’s it for him, he packs up the van and basically buggers off, this is where Del must make the choice that will change her life.
Does she follow her husband, and return to the life that they had left behind?
Does she say goodbye and farewell to the man who has driven out of her life and embrace her knew happier one?
She knows that Ollie and she weren’t happy, so she is left alone with a heap load of trouble; a crumbling farmhouse massive debt, a few Lavender plants and an old recipe book and she has never felt happier or more liberated. This is the start of the new Del. With that she starts to make her way through her new life, as she bakes, laughs and she lives…does that also mean new love?
I won’t tell you too much, you may be able to guess some of the stories but no spoilers will escape through my lips, you really need to grab a copy settle into your favourite reading chair and fall in love. I can tell you now you will fall in love, the rustic French life will get under the skin and you will dream of Lavender fields.
You know, I think this may be the first review I have done in ages where I didn’t go on a long-winded waffle about the hero.. hmm?! Interesting, but I found Del and her journey far more satisfying than any handsome Frenchman – this time at least
I really liked Del, she has great vision, once she finds the thing that makes her happy she is determined to make her new life work and she works hard to achieve it. She hasn’t had the best of luck, but she is such a lovely woman you want everything to go right for her.
This is essentially a romance, yet I saw it as a book of self-discovery or finding your feet in what is an uncertain world, that if you have a dream no matter how small then you can achieve anything with perseverance, determination and good friends. It’s a simple story at heart one of second chances and love, one that we may know, but I loved just how well crafted this is, how it is full of sunshine and smiles, in other words reading this will make you happy, it will fill your heart with positivity and hope which I think we all need that in these uncertain days.
Escape to the French Farmhouse is a magical, captivating and heart-warming story, full of rustic charm and wonderful characters who you will instantly warm to, it will leave you feeling comforted and full of happiness.
January 7, 2021
Enjoyed the first half, very feel good and happy but found the second half too cheesy, predictable and trashy
May 5, 2020
A beautiful book of rolling countryside filled with lavender boughs where each scene brought a twinkle to the eye and a smile on my face. Author Jo Thomas was brilliant in the book where she dipped her quill in the ink of hope and second chances and wrote this lilting tale of redemption and finding oneself. The book was pure happiness.
Del moved with her husband Ollie to the village in Provence, but after 6 weeks, they decided to return home. But Del saw the end of the line of her relationship and stayed put. She began the journey of self discovery, and every single day became special.
I love a Jo Thomas book, and this one was mighty special. She weaved magic into her words which showered its happiness on me as I flipped the pages. The story might seem familiar, the scenes known, but the journey was new and sprinkled with inspiration. I knew nothing of how my life would be when I started this book, but I knew that the end saw me sighing, with dreams in my eyes.
Life is stranger than fiction, and ours at the present times seemed to be in crisis. But we all need breathing time, time to reflect and be sane. This book made those moments a little special when it gave me the space to dream of a new life, a new beginning, where things might start anew like the shooting buds of the lavender plant.
The theme of lavender was well entrenched in the book, and the story was like lavender oil, bringing peace and calm to my soul as I read the story. A must read during turbulent times.
Del moved with her husband Ollie to the village in Provence, but after 6 weeks, they decided to return home. But Del saw the end of the line of her relationship and stayed put. She began the journey of self discovery, and every single day became special.
I love a Jo Thomas book, and this one was mighty special. She weaved magic into her words which showered its happiness on me as I flipped the pages. The story might seem familiar, the scenes known, but the journey was new and sprinkled with inspiration. I knew nothing of how my life would be when I started this book, but I knew that the end saw me sighing, with dreams in my eyes.
Life is stranger than fiction, and ours at the present times seemed to be in crisis. But we all need breathing time, time to reflect and be sane. This book made those moments a little special when it gave me the space to dream of a new life, a new beginning, where things might start anew like the shooting buds of the lavender plant.
The theme of lavender was well entrenched in the book, and the story was like lavender oil, bringing peace and calm to my soul as I read the story. A must read during turbulent times.
July 30, 2022
Del och hennes man köpte en liten gård i Frankrike för att försöka starta om efter att IVF-behandlingarna misslyckats. Men nu 6 veckor senare är de på väg att flytta tillbaka till England igen. Men plötsligt får Del en insikt och bestämmer sig för att stanna kvar i Frankrike, utan sin man.
Utan möbler, pengar eller inkomst vet hon inte riktigt hur hon ska klara sig. Men vänner och kärlek kan man hitta i de mest osannolika personerna och snart är Del i full gång med att baka kakor innehållandes lavendel som hon säljer på marknaden.
Det är en mysig bok som handlar om att bryta upp från invanda mönster och våga satsa på sig själv. Den innehåller några av de klassiska klyschorna som t.ex. "Du är äldre än mig så det kan aldrig bli vi" eller missförstånd som baseras på att en av personerna antar någonting istället för att bara fråga rakt ut. Det tycker jag har gjorts lite för många gånger tidigare.
Men överlag är det en feelgood som i slutändan ändå ger mig lite fjärilar i magen och ett leende när jag avslutar boken.
Utan möbler, pengar eller inkomst vet hon inte riktigt hur hon ska klara sig. Men vänner och kärlek kan man hitta i de mest osannolika personerna och snart är Del i full gång med att baka kakor innehållandes lavendel som hon säljer på marknaden.
Det är en mysig bok som handlar om att bryta upp från invanda mönster och våga satsa på sig själv. Den innehåller några av de klassiska klyschorna som t.ex. "Du är äldre än mig så det kan aldrig bli vi" eller missförstånd som baseras på att en av personerna antar någonting istället för att bara fråga rakt ut. Det tycker jag har gjorts lite för många gånger tidigare.
Men överlag är det en feelgood som i slutändan ändå ger mig lite fjärilar i magen och ett leende när jag avslutar boken.
June 4, 2020
A treat for all the senses as were a transported to a French farmhouse, which is situated on a lavender farm, filled with delicious bakes, lavender infused cooking and for the heart a potential new romance.
It's a story filled with friends old and new, and a rather brave lady Del who decides she will stay in Provence alone, instead of going back with her husband, having realised the relationship has run its course.
I loved how instead of Del mixing with the ex-pat community, she went out of her way to become a member of the French community, a real local. Actually Del's relationship with the ex-pat community was rather interesting to see.
Del is such a big hearted person, her relationship with Stefanie and Tomas was great to see, especially based on the beginnings it came from. Then there is Fabien, who runs the local broancte (flea market), and is determined to help Del settle into her new life, and there is clear chemistry between them.
There are so many wonderful subplots running through this novel and it was a joy to be a part of Del's life, and of those in the little Provence village.
Escape to the French Farmhouse has all the elements you would expect from a Jo Thomas novel and combined them into another truly wonderful story that I couldn't get enough of.
Thank you to Netgalley and Transworld for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
It's a story filled with friends old and new, and a rather brave lady Del who decides she will stay in Provence alone, instead of going back with her husband, having realised the relationship has run its course.
I loved how instead of Del mixing with the ex-pat community, she went out of her way to become a member of the French community, a real local. Actually Del's relationship with the ex-pat community was rather interesting to see.
Del is such a big hearted person, her relationship with Stefanie and Tomas was great to see, especially based on the beginnings it came from. Then there is Fabien, who runs the local broancte (flea market), and is determined to help Del settle into her new life, and there is clear chemistry between them.
There are so many wonderful subplots running through this novel and it was a joy to be a part of Del's life, and of those in the little Provence village.
Escape to the French Farmhouse has all the elements you would expect from a Jo Thomas novel and combined them into another truly wonderful story that I couldn't get enough of.
Thank you to Netgalley and Transworld for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
April 16, 2020
I was asked to read this book early and I’m so grateful that I did as it’s simply amazing such a great read and has you hooked and makes you feel are in the sunshine in France. It’s a warm heartwarming read and full of starting over and baking and romance and making new friends. The characters are brilliant.
Del and her husband Ollie have been living in a run down cottage in the Provence of France in a small village but after six weeks they decide to pack up and move back to England. As they are leaving the cottage Del says to Ollie she can’t stay with him and go back to England so stays in the cottage. She needs to start all over again and find a way to make a living. Can she do it and when she finds at a local market a recipe book and she starts baking again will she be able to be happy and make a living. She makes new friends along the way but will she find romance again and when her friends turn up from England does she think Ollie has sent them to make her go back but she is set on staying. Will she find romance and will she be able to make a new living for herself on her own.
Perfect read and believe you are there in France.
Del and her husband Ollie have been living in a run down cottage in the Provence of France in a small village but after six weeks they decide to pack up and move back to England. As they are leaving the cottage Del says to Ollie she can’t stay with him and go back to England so stays in the cottage. She needs to start all over again and find a way to make a living. Can she do it and when she finds at a local market a recipe book and she starts baking again will she be able to be happy and make a living. She makes new friends along the way but will she find romance again and when her friends turn up from England does she think Ollie has sent them to make her go back but she is set on staying. Will she find romance and will she be able to make a new living for herself on her own.
Perfect read and believe you are there in France.
April 17, 2021
There was a LOT happening in this book. It seemed like it just jumped from one thing to another and I felt that I was reading a completely different book at the end compared with at the start. It had a “nice” story throughout and is definitely one of those books you can read to pass the time. It’s not the kind of boom you can “get lost in”.
February 15, 2022
Anyone having been to Provence and seen the lavender fields will be happily transported back there. A warm, courageous and emotional story of perserverence to embrace the French way of life and help and guide others with true friendship. A comforting read!
May 9, 2021
3.5!
Really cute and heartwarming!
Really cute and heartwarming!
July 20, 2021
Så mysig så jag går sönder. älskar miljön och karaktärerna.
July 29, 2021
Very Provincial
A beautiful story of community and love told from a beautiful setting in France. Makes me want to go there!
A beautiful story of community and love told from a beautiful setting in France. Makes me want to go there!
May 1, 2020
Oh my! What a wondrous, sunshine-drenched, inspiring and wholly evocative read this was. From the glorious setting of Provence to the magnificent foodie delights and entertaining characters of this tale, I adored ‘Escape to the French Farmhouse’ and savoured every last page of it, much like I was eating a homely, delicious meal made by Henri in his gorgeous little bistro himself. If escapism is what you’re after, then there’s no need to look any further because this story has it all. Jo Thomas will whisk you far, far away from reality and take you somewhere much more pleasant, with the freedom to roam the lavender fields, the beautiful village nearby, and the river just a short walk away from the place you’ll be calling home. You’ll love your stay here, I promise.
In ‘Escape to the French Farmhouse’ by Jo Thomas, readers join the lovely Del as she discovers that life isn’t all about staying shtum to avoid rocking the boat. Her marriage to Ollie is not working. It’s as simple as that. And it’s while Del is looking up at the beautiful yet battered farmhouse they’ve only recently moved into but are now leaving, that she realises she’s followed Ollie’s dream rather than her own. It was Ollie’s idea to come here, for them both to have a ‘fresh start’, the place fitting Ollie’s ideal after he’d become rather addicted to A New Life in the Sun and Escape to the Chateau. Yet, it was only Del who’d had to make the sacrifices, who’d had to leave her job in the UK that she adored so much, was respected in, and it was Del who’d had to leave her friends behind. It quickly becomes apparent that the balance is not right in this relationship, and when it becomes clear that Ollie has no real concrete plan for when they return to the UK, I was genuinely baffled. What on earth was wrong with this man? Did he just plan to drag poor Del everywhere with him, until he found a decent wi-fi signal, because it certainly seemed that way. Coupled with the loss of Del’s mother, failed IVF treatment and Ollie being made redundant, it was clear that Del was troubled, and it’s no surprise really. But I think, sometimes, it’s in the way your partner reacts to things that really tells you all you need to know about them, and I was in agreement with Del when she decided to stay behind, and let Ollie return to the UK alone.
‘I’ve never felt more certain of anything. I’m not going back to my old life with him. We’re over. Finally, the cracks are wide open and the ceiling is on the floor. Now all I have to do is work out what kind of ceiling I want to put up.’
It is here, once Del makes this courageous decision, that her life changes course completely and I absolutely loved it. There is nothing more satisfying than a woman saying no to something, regardless of what everyone else will think of her decision. No, she doesn’t want to be unhappy anymore. No, she doesn’t want to eat in fancy, posh restaurants, and no, she doesn’t want to go back to the UK with Ollie because nothing will change. The same age-old issues will be there. She knows, in all certainty, that there is no saving their marriage, and so, she makes the decision for both of them, and I respected her for that. Sure, she’s scared and a little nervous about what she’ll do now, but it all becomes clear soon enough, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent beside Del as she discovers what it is that truly makes her heart sing, and it turns out that it’s nothing like what Ollie would have wanted.
This truly is an inspiring story with so much heart and soul at its centre. Thomas writes beautifully and with warmth, describing the farmhouse with its ‘lavender blue shutters’ and ‘peach-coloured stone walls’. I wanted to be there myself, to enjoy a glass of rose’ whilst looking out over the valley, to the lavender farm in the distance, perhaps as the sun set. It was dreamy and tempting and incredibly potent. Thomas had me falling under the spell of this place entirely and I wanted nothing more than to head there myself, spend a week or two beside Del as she figured out what she’d do next.
There was a real sense of adventure within this story, too. The unknown was a huge theme because once Ollie leaves, Del is left with only Ralph for company. She has no job, so of course this means no steady income, and no friends, either, so there’s no one she can turn to for help. Plus, she still has a mortgage to pay off, so it’s not like she can sit around, really, although in place like that, you’d be sorely tempted to. But as Del ventures further out, into the town and the market place, Thomas really highlights the community feel and the sense of new friendships on the horizon. As the novel progresses, we see Del join the community and it’s wonderful, watching her evolve and grow as a person, becoming brave and creating a life for herself, from practically nothing. From baking to helping friends in need, Del is no longer an outsider but one of the townspeople, and it lifted my heart immeasurably.
Jo Thomas provides readers with the most gorgeous sense of escapism in her latest release. It was everything I had hoped for and more. It opened up an entire new world not only for Del, but for me, too. I was excited for all that awaited Del, and felt truly inspired by her story. Because the truth is, life is far too short to force yourself to stay in something that no longer makes you happy. Do the things that make you feel alive, take the chances that make your heart race, and enjoy the moments you never saw coming.
This was a gorgeously uplifting, happiness-inducing tale of taking chances and being brave, of letting go of the past and looking forward to the future. I absolutely adored it, and ‘Escape to the French Farmhouse’ by Jo Thomas is receiving a five out of five rating from me. With thanks to the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book, that of which has no reflection in providing a fair and honest review.
In ‘Escape to the French Farmhouse’ by Jo Thomas, readers join the lovely Del as she discovers that life isn’t all about staying shtum to avoid rocking the boat. Her marriage to Ollie is not working. It’s as simple as that. And it’s while Del is looking up at the beautiful yet battered farmhouse they’ve only recently moved into but are now leaving, that she realises she’s followed Ollie’s dream rather than her own. It was Ollie’s idea to come here, for them both to have a ‘fresh start’, the place fitting Ollie’s ideal after he’d become rather addicted to A New Life in the Sun and Escape to the Chateau. Yet, it was only Del who’d had to make the sacrifices, who’d had to leave her job in the UK that she adored so much, was respected in, and it was Del who’d had to leave her friends behind. It quickly becomes apparent that the balance is not right in this relationship, and when it becomes clear that Ollie has no real concrete plan for when they return to the UK, I was genuinely baffled. What on earth was wrong with this man? Did he just plan to drag poor Del everywhere with him, until he found a decent wi-fi signal, because it certainly seemed that way. Coupled with the loss of Del’s mother, failed IVF treatment and Ollie being made redundant, it was clear that Del was troubled, and it’s no surprise really. But I think, sometimes, it’s in the way your partner reacts to things that really tells you all you need to know about them, and I was in agreement with Del when she decided to stay behind, and let Ollie return to the UK alone.
‘I’ve never felt more certain of anything. I’m not going back to my old life with him. We’re over. Finally, the cracks are wide open and the ceiling is on the floor. Now all I have to do is work out what kind of ceiling I want to put up.’
It is here, once Del makes this courageous decision, that her life changes course completely and I absolutely loved it. There is nothing more satisfying than a woman saying no to something, regardless of what everyone else will think of her decision. No, she doesn’t want to be unhappy anymore. No, she doesn’t want to eat in fancy, posh restaurants, and no, she doesn’t want to go back to the UK with Ollie because nothing will change. The same age-old issues will be there. She knows, in all certainty, that there is no saving their marriage, and so, she makes the decision for both of them, and I respected her for that. Sure, she’s scared and a little nervous about what she’ll do now, but it all becomes clear soon enough, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent beside Del as she discovers what it is that truly makes her heart sing, and it turns out that it’s nothing like what Ollie would have wanted.
This truly is an inspiring story with so much heart and soul at its centre. Thomas writes beautifully and with warmth, describing the farmhouse with its ‘lavender blue shutters’ and ‘peach-coloured stone walls’. I wanted to be there myself, to enjoy a glass of rose’ whilst looking out over the valley, to the lavender farm in the distance, perhaps as the sun set. It was dreamy and tempting and incredibly potent. Thomas had me falling under the spell of this place entirely and I wanted nothing more than to head there myself, spend a week or two beside Del as she figured out what she’d do next.
There was a real sense of adventure within this story, too. The unknown was a huge theme because once Ollie leaves, Del is left with only Ralph for company. She has no job, so of course this means no steady income, and no friends, either, so there’s no one she can turn to for help. Plus, she still has a mortgage to pay off, so it’s not like she can sit around, really, although in place like that, you’d be sorely tempted to. But as Del ventures further out, into the town and the market place, Thomas really highlights the community feel and the sense of new friendships on the horizon. As the novel progresses, we see Del join the community and it’s wonderful, watching her evolve and grow as a person, becoming brave and creating a life for herself, from practically nothing. From baking to helping friends in need, Del is no longer an outsider but one of the townspeople, and it lifted my heart immeasurably.
Jo Thomas provides readers with the most gorgeous sense of escapism in her latest release. It was everything I had hoped for and more. It opened up an entire new world not only for Del, but for me, too. I was excited for all that awaited Del, and felt truly inspired by her story. Because the truth is, life is far too short to force yourself to stay in something that no longer makes you happy. Do the things that make you feel alive, take the chances that make your heart race, and enjoy the moments you never saw coming.
This was a gorgeously uplifting, happiness-inducing tale of taking chances and being brave, of letting go of the past and looking forward to the future. I absolutely adored it, and ‘Escape to the French Farmhouse’ by Jo Thomas is receiving a five out of five rating from me. With thanks to the publisher for the advanced reading copy of this book, that of which has no reflection in providing a fair and honest review.
October 1, 2022
Underbara Frankrike 💙
Del har tillsammans med sin man lämnat livet i England och flyttat till en liten by i Frankrike. Här ska de starta om och glömma allt det jobbiga som har varit. Men, det blir inte riktigt som tänkt och efter bara sex veckor är de på väg hem igen.
Men något i Del känns inte rätt. Det är inte platsen, det är hon och Ollie som är fel. Så hon låter honom återvända ensam och själv stannar hon i det slitna huset för att…göra vad?
Plötsligt inser hon att hon under sin tid i landet inte har lärt känna någon på orten. Nu behöver hon dock hjälp om hon ska kunna stanna.
”Hälsningar från den franska lavendelgården” är en underbar feelgood med alla dess rätta ingredienser. Vi får följa Del när hon lär känna nya människor och samtidigt genomgå lite av en inre kris. Mitt alter ego @hemmaiulvestorp älskar lavendelodlingarna och har fått egen inspiration.
Riktigt mysig!
💙💙💙💙 av 5 💙
#denfranskalavendelgården #hälsningarfråndenfranskalavendelgården @jothomasauthor @bokforlagetpolaris @storytelsverige #ljudbok #kerstinandersson #caritasläsning2022 #81
Del har tillsammans med sin man lämnat livet i England och flyttat till en liten by i Frankrike. Här ska de starta om och glömma allt det jobbiga som har varit. Men, det blir inte riktigt som tänkt och efter bara sex veckor är de på väg hem igen.
Men något i Del känns inte rätt. Det är inte platsen, det är hon och Ollie som är fel. Så hon låter honom återvända ensam och själv stannar hon i det slitna huset för att…göra vad?
Plötsligt inser hon att hon under sin tid i landet inte har lärt känna någon på orten. Nu behöver hon dock hjälp om hon ska kunna stanna.
”Hälsningar från den franska lavendelgården” är en underbar feelgood med alla dess rätta ingredienser. Vi får följa Del när hon lär känna nya människor och samtidigt genomgå lite av en inre kris. Mitt alter ego @hemmaiulvestorp älskar lavendelodlingarna och har fått egen inspiration.
Riktigt mysig!
💙💙💙💙 av 5 💙
#denfranskalavendelgården #hälsningarfråndenfranskalavendelgården @jothomasauthor @bokforlagetpolaris @storytelsverige #ljudbok #kerstinandersson #caritasläsning2022 #81
September 21, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This has a real feel good factor.
The characters are engaging and the story rolls along at a pleasant pace.
Well worth a read especially if you are feeling down in the dumps.
This has a real feel good factor.
The characters are engaging and the story rolls along at a pleasant pace.
Well worth a read especially if you are feeling down in the dumps.
April 11, 2022
Nä, men det här är precis varför jag inte är så förtjust i genren feelgood. Det blir alltid så himla bra och eventuella konflikter eller problem är lösta ett par sidor senare. Det hjälper inte att miljön är härligt franskt med blommande lavendel. Eller att Kerstin Andersson läser in den.
April 3, 2021
I feel like I have just spent the last few days in France. I was beautifully transported to Provence by the author's wonderful description of the lavender fields, the French market, Fabien's brocante and of course Henri's bistro. A lovely book.
August 21, 2020
‘I may not have everything I want in life, but I’ve got a lot that makes me smile. I have enough to be content.’
Every now and again you just need that ‘breather’ of a book. You know the type ... one that whisks you away where the sun is shining, people support each other and new ventures are undertaken. Escape to the French Farmhouse is just the fresh air I was searching for.
‘I get out my pastry and take a bite. I shut my eyes and enjoy the moment, which takes me back to a time when food was fun, when I wasn’t worried about what I ate, before food became a battle, not a pleasure.’
If you enjoy books set in France, rural France with loads of lavender, then this really is the book for you. You will find yourself immersed in lavender fields and scrumptious bakery goodies from macaroons to croissants - and that’s just the sweet items. The range of characters are good - I particularly enjoyed the author's social commentary on the English in France. Do you come just to make a ‘little Britain’ or are you there to contribute and immerse yourself in French culture? Once again our heroine is of an older age and it’s refreshing to see the journey she sees herself on.
‘I can’t help but think the people of the town must be laughing at the likes of me and Ollie. Another British couple moving here for the good life, wanting to make a Little Britain beyond the Channel, then packing up and moving back when it all goes wrong.’
This book had me to the very end when it seemed everything was tied up too quickly and too neatly. Of course this is pure escapism and who would not want to run away to a romantic and picturesque ‘lockdown’ in the French countryside! However, I just feel the ending was a bit rushed with some of the secondary characters' story arc tying together too neatly.
If you are after some pure escapism of sunny filled, lavender scented locales where your only decision is what delicacy to munch on next, then runaway to this small French village for a few hours.
‘... it’s just me, Fabien and a bottle of rosé, looking out over the valley to the setting sun. The smell of the pines and the lavender are all around us, and the cicadas are chirping in the trees. I don’t think there is anywhere I’d rather be right now,.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Every now and again you just need that ‘breather’ of a book. You know the type ... one that whisks you away where the sun is shining, people support each other and new ventures are undertaken. Escape to the French Farmhouse is just the fresh air I was searching for.
‘I get out my pastry and take a bite. I shut my eyes and enjoy the moment, which takes me back to a time when food was fun, when I wasn’t worried about what I ate, before food became a battle, not a pleasure.’
If you enjoy books set in France, rural France with loads of lavender, then this really is the book for you. You will find yourself immersed in lavender fields and scrumptious bakery goodies from macaroons to croissants - and that’s just the sweet items. The range of characters are good - I particularly enjoyed the author's social commentary on the English in France. Do you come just to make a ‘little Britain’ or are you there to contribute and immerse yourself in French culture? Once again our heroine is of an older age and it’s refreshing to see the journey she sees herself on.
‘I can’t help but think the people of the town must be laughing at the likes of me and Ollie. Another British couple moving here for the good life, wanting to make a Little Britain beyond the Channel, then packing up and moving back when it all goes wrong.’
This book had me to the very end when it seemed everything was tied up too quickly and too neatly. Of course this is pure escapism and who would not want to run away to a romantic and picturesque ‘lockdown’ in the French countryside! However, I just feel the ending was a bit rushed with some of the secondary characters' story arc tying together too neatly.
If you are after some pure escapism of sunny filled, lavender scented locales where your only decision is what delicacy to munch on next, then runaway to this small French village for a few hours.
‘... it’s just me, Fabien and a bottle of rosé, looking out over the valley to the setting sun. The smell of the pines and the lavender are all around us, and the cicadas are chirping in the trees. I don’t think there is anywhere I’d rather be right now,.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
April 27, 2020
MEET THE AUTHOR HERE ON LOCATION IN PROVENCE
VISIT THE LOCATIONS OF THE NOVEL HERE
What a lovely book. Quite serious topics explored but with the deft of hand and skillful writing that is Jo Thomas. You really need to get yourself to Provence. I was cheering Del on from the start! You go girl!
July 18, 2022
Droom je altijd weg bij de boeken van Nicky Pellegrino en zoek je naar een perfect alternatief? Pak dan vooral dit boek van Jo Thomas op. De auteur doet namelijk precies wat ze belooft met de titel: ze laat je met haar vele omschrijvingen van het gebied en de karakters ontsnappen naar de prachtige Provence waar de lavendel in volle bloei staat en inwoners je direct thuis laten voelen.
Ieder karakter is uniek en voegt mede daardoor weer heel iets anders toe aan het verhaal: of je het dan over de Engelse Del heeft die zomaar besluit om daar te blijven, Fabien die haar direct in zijn armen sluit, Stephanie en haar Tomas met wie je leeft of een van andere karakters.
Ja, Ontsnap naar de Provence nam me mee op reis en laat me nu bijna een traantje wegpinken omdat ik iedereen achter moet laten!
Ieder karakter is uniek en voegt mede daardoor weer heel iets anders toe aan het verhaal: of je het dan over de Engelse Del heeft die zomaar besluit om daar te blijven, Fabien die haar direct in zijn armen sluit, Stephanie en haar Tomas met wie je leeft of een van andere karakters.
Ja, Ontsnap naar de Provence nam me mee op reis en laat me nu bijna een traantje wegpinken omdat ik iedereen achter moet laten!
May 3, 2023
Super hyggelig læsning. Jeg læste den som lydbog på dansk og det var en rigtig god oplæser.
June 3, 2023
Lovely summer read
February 18, 2024
I really enjoyed it. A fun vacation book…light, positive and French. What’s not to like?
May 23, 2024
Again, what is up with trying to have a million plot twists? Too all over the place for me, & none of the twists were appropriately addressed.
December 1, 2022
My first Jo Thomas book (a book club choice) and I'm afraid it just wasn't my kind of book. It was all a bit 'twee' and sickly sweet. I also found the narrative far too repetitive, the warm sun on her face, the smell of the lavender, the walks by the Riverside and so on and so forth.
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