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French Summer
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Newly divorced and bought out of her company, Nathalie rents a holiday home in the South of France. After years of hard work and a failed marriage in Chicago, she’s looking for some peace and quiet, a place to clear her mind and figure out her future.
Lena loves women, her dog, and landscaping, but that’s about as complicated as it gets. When she meets her new tenant for the summer, it proves hard to stay professional as a caretaker, especially when that tenant turns out to be everything she ever wanted and more.
As time passes and boundaries blur, the moment of goodbye becomes inevitable. Nathalie isn’t looking for a new love, especially not in the form of a woman, and Lena has no desire to get her heart crushed again.
Is it possible to find home in a place you’ve never been? And is it worth the risk, giving up everything for someone you’ve only just met? They say home is where the heart is…
Newly divorced and bought out of her company, Nathalie rents a holiday home in the South of France. After years of hard work and a failed marriage in Chicago, she’s looking for some peace and quiet, a place to clear her mind and figure out her future.
Lena loves women, her dog, and landscaping, but that’s about as complicated as it gets. When she meets her new tenant for the summer, it proves hard to stay professional as a caretaker, especially when that tenant turns out to be everything she ever wanted and more.
As time passes and boundaries blur, the moment of goodbye becomes inevitable. Nathalie isn’t looking for a new love, especially not in the form of a woman, and Lena has no desire to get her heart crushed again.
Is it possible to find home in a place you’ve never been? And is it worth the risk, giving up everything for someone you’ve only just met? They say home is where the heart is…
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2018
208 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Lise Gold
50 books688 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 23, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 because I really liked Lena :) the story is about fresh starts and change .. the setting is in France which is obviously extremely sexy so the book is quite enjoyable.. a bit predictable but enjoyable :)
July 4, 2018
Loved it!
Nathalie comes to France to escape her life in Chicago. She needs some alone time and time to recharge but when she meets the caretaker, her life becomes more complicated. She is not looking for love but the sparks between them can't be ignored. Slowly she discovered the joy of friendship and the power of true passion. But what will happen if their time together comes to an end? It is obvious from her writing that the author loves France. The details of the environment and the atmosphere was sublime and made me feel like I was there basking in the sun and drinking wine. The characters were well-defined but Lena is the kind of character that draws me in. The writing is excellent and well-paced. I could feel all the emotions; from happiness to sadness, from hope to heartbreak and the tension emanates off the pages. It was pure pleasure to read and I highly recommend it.
Nathalie comes to France to escape her life in Chicago. She needs some alone time and time to recharge but when she meets the caretaker, her life becomes more complicated. She is not looking for love but the sparks between them can't be ignored. Slowly she discovered the joy of friendship and the power of true passion. But what will happen if their time together comes to an end? It is obvious from her writing that the author loves France. The details of the environment and the atmosphere was sublime and made me feel like I was there basking in the sun and drinking wine. The characters were well-defined but Lena is the kind of character that draws me in. The writing is excellent and well-paced. I could feel all the emotions; from happiness to sadness, from hope to heartbreak and the tension emanates off the pages. It was pure pleasure to read and I highly recommend it.
June 19, 2019
3.5 Stars. Cute and not overly complicated love story. One thing I especially liked was the setting of this romance.
July 30, 2018
Sexy Nathalie meets resident landscaper, Lena, in the South of France. This story is a page-turner; I couldn't put it down.
Very few errors in this one. Kudos to the editors.
Very few errors in this one. Kudos to the editors.
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed listening to this book. I could definitely identify with Lena: love for landscaping, my dog and a woman. Enjoyed the relaxed setting in France. And that’s unusual because I did not have good vacation experiences in France villages 😂 quite the opposite actually.
Solid writing, a nice romance to read or listen to when you won’t go on vacation this summer 😉
Solid writing, a nice romance to read or listen to when you won’t go on vacation this summer 😉
March 25, 2020
My first book from this author and it won't be the last, the setting stole my heart, this is set in France and the author did a good job here, the scenery, the attention to detail, I might as well be in France or Monaco cause it capture the imagination of this places.
This was a starting over,age gap and straightish or a coming out romance, well written characters with believable chemistry ,steady pace with alot of hot sex 😁, and the HEA wasn't rushed, I hate it when they do that, I love this one
This was a starting over,age gap and straightish or a coming out romance, well written characters with believable chemistry ,steady pace with alot of hot sex 😁, and the HEA wasn't rushed, I hate it when they do that, I love this one
June 4, 2021
A beautiful story about starting over and finding someone you didn't know- yourself.
I have loved the Compass series so I am loving these amazing books by Lisa Gold. This story of Nathalie whose marriage and the business they built coming to an end for her is so touching. The courage to move continents and try to regroup as she moves on. Lena owns this wonderful Villa that is in France. The walls both women have put over the years have been keeping them hostage in a life that can be so much more. The courage it takes to open up let a vision for a different life take front and center. The way scenery and the French countryside come to life is so good. The characters are so loveable. A way of life unfolds that is so different but so spectacular I want to move too. This is a great story. I love the start over courage and self discovery we all need to do. A great read.
I have loved the Compass series so I am loving these amazing books by Lisa Gold. This story of Nathalie whose marriage and the business they built coming to an end for her is so touching. The courage to move continents and try to regroup as she moves on. Lena owns this wonderful Villa that is in France. The walls both women have put over the years have been keeping them hostage in a life that can be so much more. The courage it takes to open up let a vision for a different life take front and center. The way scenery and the French countryside come to life is so good. The characters are so loveable. A way of life unfolds that is so different but so spectacular I want to move too. This is a great story. I love the start over courage and self discovery we all need to do. A great read.
January 29, 2019
Ratings: 3.5 ⭐️
An ok read for me. Story is about a high-powered straight lady who just divorced her husband, sold her company that she built with her husband and went on ‘sabbatical’ in France just so she can figure out what she wants to do next. Lena came along and they fell in love - of course along the way, some angsty scene; going on separate ways before coming together with HEA.
An ok read for me. Story is about a high-powered straight lady who just divorced her husband, sold her company that she built with her husband and went on ‘sabbatical’ in France just so she can figure out what she wants to do next. Lena came along and they fell in love - of course along the way, some angsty scene; going on separate ways before coming together with HEA.
May 23, 2021
Evidently Lise Gold's writing has made a major leap between 2018 and 2020.
This is a good read and the story is interesting, but it doesn't have the depth her later works have. It still sticks too closely to the well known tropes.
If you are not looking for anything more satisfying as a well written, sexy romance this is for you, but I think Lise Gold has spoilt us readers for her earlier works with books like Living, The Scent of Rome and Blue, all of which are a full class better still.
Not a disappointment at all, but only a 4star by comparison.
This is a good read and the story is interesting, but it doesn't have the depth her later works have. It still sticks too closely to the well known tropes.
If you are not looking for anything more satisfying as a well written, sexy romance this is for you, but I think Lise Gold has spoilt us readers for her earlier works with books like Living, The Scent of Rome and Blue, all of which are a full class better still.
Not a disappointment at all, but only a 4star by comparison.
May 11, 2021
OK to be fair, I picked this up after reading an absolutely phenomenal book that very far from the lesfic realm, so it would be hard to hold a candle to most reads. But it's Lise Gold, and I save those because they are usually strong. This one though was just ok. I did like it, but maybe was still coming down from the twists and turns from the previous drama book.
This one puttered at the pace of a reliable family sedan. The two MC didn't hold my interest, there was nothing that unique about them or their story. They have fractured relationships and loss in their past, but nothing that went too deep. The secondaries didn't add much oomph, and I'm still scratching my head at the art class. But I did love the setting in France, the small town square, the villa, and Gumbo the dog. Ms. Gold is stellar with the descriptions, that's for sure, and I wanted to drink all the French rose from my local liquor store while I read this.
Overall an ok read but just didn't grip me like some of her others.
This one puttered at the pace of a reliable family sedan. The two MC didn't hold my interest, there was nothing that unique about them or their story. They have fractured relationships and loss in their past, but nothing that went too deep. The secondaries didn't add much oomph, and I'm still scratching my head at the art class. But I did love the setting in France, the small town square, the villa, and Gumbo the dog. Ms. Gold is stellar with the descriptions, that's for sure, and I wanted to drink all the French rose from my local liquor store while I read this.
Overall an ok read but just didn't grip me like some of her others.
March 8, 2020
Previously read and enjoyed this book, so was pleased to get a free code for the audiobook. Just as enjoyable the second time around. Loved the setting, south of France and the environment was well described and easy to visualise. The romance between Lena and Nat simmered for a while then exploded into passion. Some angst, but all's well that ends well!
July 27, 2019
The first half wasn't bad. Being very well-acquainted with the Provence some descriptions rubbed me the wrong way because they were clichéd (the obligatory rude/xenophobe French, or the over-the-top charming women-chasing waiter)
and sometimes plain wrong (like, there are no cows and pigs anywhere in Provence because it's too dry) but I can look past that. The first half was okay, and then the MCs had sex.
The sex scene wasn't very believable because it paid no attention to the fact that it was one MCs first time with a woman. Even if the attraction is there it's weird if if's an all-out, no holding back steamy sex scene. At least IMO.
But it got worse. They had sex and it's earthshattering and of course it's the big love and they've never felt anything like that ever before and SUUURE! Let's all make lifechanging decisions within 4 weeks of hooking up for the first time. What could possibly go wrong? ... I'm not buying it. The getting together part was okay, but everything after that was clichéd and read like a Y/A romance.
These protagonists are in their mid30s and all I can do is roll my eyes at them. There's a fine line between romance and stupidity and guess where I think this couple lands... The book started out as a solid 3 - 3.5 star candidate but once it got coupley and everyone got stupid IMO it quickly sank down to a 2.
and sometimes plain wrong (like, there are no cows and pigs anywhere in Provence because it's too dry) but I can look past that. The first half was okay, and then the MCs had sex.
The sex scene wasn't very believable because it paid no attention to the fact that it was one MCs first time with a woman. Even if the attraction is there it's weird if if's an all-out, no holding back steamy sex scene. At least IMO.
But it got worse. They had sex and it's earthshattering and of course it's the big love and they've never felt anything like that ever before and SUUURE! Let's all make lifechanging decisions within 4 weeks of hooking up for the first time. What could possibly go wrong? ... I'm not buying it. The getting together part was okay, but everything after that was clichéd and read like a Y/A romance.
These protagonists are in their mid30s and all I can do is roll my eyes at them. There's a fine line between romance and stupidity and guess where I think this couple lands... The book started out as a solid 3 - 3.5 star candidate but once it got coupley and everyone got stupid IMO it quickly sank down to a 2.
February 22, 2020
First Lise Gold book I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.
July 10, 2018
My first book by Lise Gold was Lily's Fire. I loved it. I've read every single book she's written as she became one of my favorite authors. I thought she was an excellent author, but with French Summer, she has surpassed all previous books. French Summer is amazing. I literally couldn't put it down. It takes place in the South of France, which in itself is a beautiful area. I have visited the area, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze and towns in between. What a magical place to fall in love. Add the locale to the main characters, one discovering her sexuality, the other discovering her vulnerability as she falls madly in love after many years, and of course, the little terrier, Gumbo. The combination is fantastic. I highly recommend this book. I so look forward to Gold's next one.
October 28, 2018
Loved it!
I have read most of Lise Gold books and love them. This was no different. It's a slow burn romance but not too slow. The relationship between Nathalie and Lena is very believable as well as the characters themselves. The setting descriptions are very well written. I could easily imagine myself driving through the mountains with Nathalie or working in the garden with Lena. Of course you can't have a good romance without a little drama but again it was just the right amount. It's just an all around great book that I definitely recommend.
I have read most of Lise Gold books and love them. This was no different. It's a slow burn romance but not too slow. The relationship between Nathalie and Lena is very believable as well as the characters themselves. The setting descriptions are very well written. I could easily imagine myself driving through the mountains with Nathalie or working in the garden with Lena. Of course you can't have a good romance without a little drama but again it was just the right amount. It's just an all around great book that I definitely recommend.
February 6, 2019
*Note: this review is also for the Audio version of this book.
Natalie is a 30 something woman who has just had to leave her prestigious job at a renewable energy company that she helped build from the ground up with her ex husband. While she decides what she is going to do with her life and waits for her ex-Husband to buy her out of her share of the company, she decides to take a holiday to the south of France where she rents out an entire holiday home to spend some time self reflecting and relaxing after spending her entire working life being a workaholic.
Lena is a landscaper and is quite renowned in her area. After trying to come out to her parents as a young adult and finding that they couldn’t handle her sexuality, moved to live with her Grandfather on his property in France. After he passed away and the property was left to her, she decided to turn the main house into a holiday house and live in the annex. After a few disapproving reviews she decides not to tell her clients that she is the owner and instead tells them she is the caretaker.
We travel through their stories with them as Natalie goes on a journey of self discovery and finds that she is capable of falling for this beautiful woman who is Lena. They undergo a rollercoaster of emotions while being afraid to tell each other how they really felt but all the while flirting with each other. Lena on the other hand struggles with the loss of her ex-girlfriend who broke her heart by promising a long distance relationship would work and running off with another woman. Will these two be able to work through their own trauma and end up giving the other a chance? What happens when Natalie has to go home from her long holiday?
I really enjoyed this story, it is light and has strong characters that are well thought out and have been well built from the get go. The author builds a clear picture in the readers mind and each character that enters the story has their own distinct personality. I especially like Gumbo the dog who had a personality all of his own. I felt the author did a good job with her descriptive writing and gave the reader a great feel for the French and Italian countryside, enough to transport the reader in their minds eye. The story flows easily and I didn’t feel at any stage that I needed to stop the book. The love scenes were very passionate and gave me more than a slight blush as I listened on my headphones on the train to and from work.
As I listened to this as an audio book I felt that the narrator was not the exactly best choice for the book. I felt her voice was not as strong as some of the other narrators I have listened to in the past. She wasn’t terrible but I’m sure if I read this book myself and not had the influence of someone else’s voice shadowing my perception of the story it would have been a vastly different feeling as the characters voices were different in my head. I imagined Lena having a much deeper voice and sometimes I felt there wasn’t enough distinction between each voice and also that of the actual narrator. I don’t think it detracted from the story too much but I feel that because I am reviewing the audio book that I need to take half a star away for that where as if I had read the book myself or someone with more variation in their voice, it would have rated higher. Maybe this is something both you he author and the narrator can keep in mind for future reference. As a book I give it 4&1/2 stars and as an audio book I give it 4 stars. Well done Ms Gold.
Natalie is a 30 something woman who has just had to leave her prestigious job at a renewable energy company that she helped build from the ground up with her ex husband. While she decides what she is going to do with her life and waits for her ex-Husband to buy her out of her share of the company, she decides to take a holiday to the south of France where she rents out an entire holiday home to spend some time self reflecting and relaxing after spending her entire working life being a workaholic.
Lena is a landscaper and is quite renowned in her area. After trying to come out to her parents as a young adult and finding that they couldn’t handle her sexuality, moved to live with her Grandfather on his property in France. After he passed away and the property was left to her, she decided to turn the main house into a holiday house and live in the annex. After a few disapproving reviews she decides not to tell her clients that she is the owner and instead tells them she is the caretaker.
We travel through their stories with them as Natalie goes on a journey of self discovery and finds that she is capable of falling for this beautiful woman who is Lena. They undergo a rollercoaster of emotions while being afraid to tell each other how they really felt but all the while flirting with each other. Lena on the other hand struggles with the loss of her ex-girlfriend who broke her heart by promising a long distance relationship would work and running off with another woman. Will these two be able to work through their own trauma and end up giving the other a chance? What happens when Natalie has to go home from her long holiday?
I really enjoyed this story, it is light and has strong characters that are well thought out and have been well built from the get go. The author builds a clear picture in the readers mind and each character that enters the story has their own distinct personality. I especially like Gumbo the dog who had a personality all of his own. I felt the author did a good job with her descriptive writing and gave the reader a great feel for the French and Italian countryside, enough to transport the reader in their minds eye. The story flows easily and I didn’t feel at any stage that I needed to stop the book. The love scenes were very passionate and gave me more than a slight blush as I listened on my headphones on the train to and from work.
As I listened to this as an audio book I felt that the narrator was not the exactly best choice for the book. I felt her voice was not as strong as some of the other narrators I have listened to in the past. She wasn’t terrible but I’m sure if I read this book myself and not had the influence of someone else’s voice shadowing my perception of the story it would have been a vastly different feeling as the characters voices were different in my head. I imagined Lena having a much deeper voice and sometimes I felt there wasn’t enough distinction between each voice and also that of the actual narrator. I don’t think it detracted from the story too much but I feel that because I am reviewing the audio book that I need to take half a star away for that where as if I had read the book myself or someone with more variation in their voice, it would have rated higher. Maybe this is something both you he author and the narrator can keep in mind for future reference. As a book I give it 4&1/2 stars and as an audio book I give it 4 stars. Well done Ms Gold.
March 30, 2022
Gold doesn’t disappoint, again.
I enjoyed this story very much. Lise Gold writes so well, so smooth. I love that she can transport me to new locations and re-invigorate the sense of falling in love. I do recommend this book whole-heartedly.
However, I will say, my favorite by Gold, by far is “The Scent of Rome”. Okay, I should say why… I’m afraid I don’t have the time to do so, but I will try… In both books, a seemingly straight woman ends up falling for a lesbian who isn’t ready for a relationship (for differing reasons).
In French Summer, Nathalie, a recent divorce, rents out a vacation home run by Lena. According to the story, Lena is made out to be a womanizer or sorts; however, I never ever felt this really to be the case, even though the story seemed to suggest it. Maybe it’s me being shallow, but it just didn’t come across as strongly as perhaps Gold wanted it to. Rather, in this case, it was Nathalie, who was making the more overt overtures to woo her interests, but I never felt there was too much inter-conflict with her in deciding to be with a woman. As such, I don’t feel as if Lena really changed her ways, I felt like she simply found love. I never ever saw her as a womanizer. While this didn’t bother me at all during my journey with this book, I simply had read The Scent of Rome first.
In The Scent of Rome, Nadine is far more direct in her attempts to woo the very straight (LOL, I almost forgot the name of the other main character) Rome. Rome is her name. (LOL… it’s in the name of the book, come on!). The dance between these two before they get together is simply magic, and the magic stays through the whole book.
Now, I’m not saying that French Summer wasn’t enjoyable, because it was. Most certainly. So, in the end of this review, let me just say… read them both. French Summer first. Then The Scent of Rome.
I enjoyed this story very much. Lise Gold writes so well, so smooth. I love that she can transport me to new locations and re-invigorate the sense of falling in love. I do recommend this book whole-heartedly.
However, I will say, my favorite by Gold, by far is “The Scent of Rome”. Okay, I should say why… I’m afraid I don’t have the time to do so, but I will try… In both books, a seemingly straight woman ends up falling for a lesbian who isn’t ready for a relationship (for differing reasons).
In French Summer, Nathalie, a recent divorce, rents out a vacation home run by Lena. According to the story, Lena is made out to be a womanizer or sorts; however, I never ever felt this really to be the case, even though the story seemed to suggest it. Maybe it’s me being shallow, but it just didn’t come across as strongly as perhaps Gold wanted it to. Rather, in this case, it was Nathalie, who was making the more overt overtures to woo her interests, but I never felt there was too much inter-conflict with her in deciding to be with a woman. As such, I don’t feel as if Lena really changed her ways, I felt like she simply found love. I never ever saw her as a womanizer. While this didn’t bother me at all during my journey with this book, I simply had read The Scent of Rome first.
In The Scent of Rome, Nadine is far more direct in her attempts to woo the very straight (LOL, I almost forgot the name of the other main character) Rome. Rome is her name. (LOL… it’s in the name of the book, come on!). The dance between these two before they get together is simply magic, and the magic stays through the whole book.
Now, I’m not saying that French Summer wasn’t enjoyable, because it was. Most certainly. So, in the end of this review, let me just say… read them both. French Summer first. Then The Scent of Rome.
March 20, 2020
I have been reading your wonderful books on my Kindle .The CARONA vIRUS has forced us to be so isolated giving me more time to read . I like the way you start off your stories talking about your main character and her present life . The way you take her along her journey to find herself and love with a woman is heartwarming. It reminds me of myself when I was just a teenager and starting college. The road along the way always has it's bumps as we know. You leave us craving to get to the resolution ! The many places and adventures you take us there through with them is great. I always loved traveling . I couldn't wait for retirement from teaching so I could do more. Six years ago I lost my left leg when I was hit on my motorcycle . The the loss of my leg along with being in my seventies have really curtailed my ability to travel. Now I do so through by the way you vividly describe so many places i wish I had the opportunity to see. The way you describe their sexual encounters is lovely and warm . Too realistic sometimes . As a comment or question why don't talk about SoixanteNeuf as a form of love making .What about a romance of 2 lesbians finding each other
October 27, 2018
Warming beautiful story
I was instantly transported to the south of France, I feel like I've journeyed along with these characters into the most idyllic romantic setting imaginable. I could almost smell the lavender and feel the warm of the sun. Their story was fun and flirty with the perfect mix of vulnerable insecurities to keep it dramatic. I definitely have a favorite author and Lise Gold is it! She takes you on an emotional journey with great locations. I only wish she could write faster because I seem to devour everything she writes. Take the journey you'll be glad you did.
I was instantly transported to the south of France, I feel like I've journeyed along with these characters into the most idyllic romantic setting imaginable. I could almost smell the lavender and feel the warm of the sun. Their story was fun and flirty with the perfect mix of vulnerable insecurities to keep it dramatic. I definitely have a favorite author and Lise Gold is it! She takes you on an emotional journey with great locations. I only wish she could write faster because I seem to devour everything she writes. Take the journey you'll be glad you did.
November 1, 2018
A straight divorced soon to be wealthier than she already is spends the summer in French villa and falls for its out and proud lesbian caretaker.
Well written, well edited, and as a voracious reader I enjoy a book that changes my reading chair into a seat in an IMAX movie theater; visually stunning with just the right amount of erotica.
I didn't write the book so I shouldn't question why a woman who has her heart broken by a straight woman who wants something different in life would let said woman back into her life...just sayin'.
I've enjoyed the author's other books and believe she should be read by lots more people!
Well written, well edited, and as a voracious reader I enjoy a book that changes my reading chair into a seat in an IMAX movie theater; visually stunning with just the right amount of erotica.
I didn't write the book so I shouldn't question why a woman who has her heart broken by a straight woman who wants something different in life would let said woman back into her life...just sayin'.
I've enjoyed the author's other books and believe she should be read by lots more people!
June 16, 2019
Never been to France but want to go now more than ever
This is my second book by this author and I really enjoy her books. Love the level of detail and definitely leaves you wanting more when the end is reached. I will be honest it took me a while to read this one because I was afraid that they would never find their way back to each other - sorry perhaps I was thinking of most lesbian films where someone dies or just moves on with their life. Too cynical on my part... perhaps. Although this book doesn't disappoint. Thank you Lise for sharing your characters and creativity with us. Keep creating and be well.
This is my second book by this author and I really enjoy her books. Love the level of detail and definitely leaves you wanting more when the end is reached. I will be honest it took me a while to read this one because I was afraid that they would never find their way back to each other - sorry perhaps I was thinking of most lesbian films where someone dies or just moves on with their life. Too cynical on my part... perhaps. Although this book doesn't disappoint. Thank you Lise for sharing your characters and creativity with us. Keep creating and be well.
October 31, 2018
Excellent Book - 5 Stars
With completing French Summer, I have now read all of Lise Gold's books. I have not been disappointed in any of her offerings. French Summer pulled at all of my emotions - I laughed, cried, and contemplated life's changes. Lena and Nathalie were extremely interesting characters who had both experienced loss in their lives. To witness these two grow together was exciting and their backdrop of the southern coast of France was described well. I also loved that Lise included Gumbo in the story.
With completing French Summer, I have now read all of Lise Gold's books. I have not been disappointed in any of her offerings. French Summer pulled at all of my emotions - I laughed, cried, and contemplated life's changes. Lena and Nathalie were extremely interesting characters who had both experienced loss in their lives. To witness these two grow together was exciting and their backdrop of the southern coast of France was described well. I also loved that Lise included Gumbo in the story.
November 7, 2020
The story was nice. It was just hard to read since the POV was not fixed into one. I would've felt the characters more if it was written in their POVs clearly. It felt like the author was not sure how to narrate it at some point. The pacing felt rushed too. I would love to see the depth of their emotions especially during those realization phase.
The story was engaging at some chapters that I don't want to put it down but some chapters felt unnecessary. Nevertheless, it was still a nice read. I want to go to France too and start anew.
The story was engaging at some chapters that I don't want to put it down but some chapters felt unnecessary. Nevertheless, it was still a nice read. I want to go to France too and start anew.
September 18, 2018
The time it took to read this was atypical. It was fabulous- a light and carefree type book. It wasn’t too heavy and that’s what makes it delightful. Lena and Nat were described, but not in too much detail so you could use your imagination to make them your own. I enjoy that. The drama was hard but not so heavy that it became depressing. I did get lost in time a few times (how long was she at her parents? How long was she away from France?) but otherwise I greatly enjoyed it!
July 27, 2020
Great read! Bery similar to my real life.
The story and writing are wonderful. There are many parallels to my real life. Except she is French and we met in the US. But we have spent a lot of time in and around Nice. I was transported through this story back to those times and could visualize the scenic route through Monaco and on to San Remo and it's just as described. In real life, after 14 years together, we are settled in the Vendee. We have the happily ever after.
The story and writing are wonderful. There are many parallels to my real life. Except she is French and we met in the US. But we have spent a lot of time in and around Nice. I was transported through this story back to those times and could visualize the scenic route through Monaco and on to San Remo and it's just as described. In real life, after 14 years together, we are settled in the Vendee. We have the happily ever after.
August 14, 2020
Just Beautiful!!
Lise Gold writing is something else, that’s why she is one of my favorites! This cute but at the same time deep romance will have you turning pages non stop! Chemistry between MC is 🔥, they are funny, confused and in love! The location is just perfect she makes you feel in France and you can even taste the Olives hehe. Honestly now that I think about it reminded me a little bit just a teeny tiny bit to Under the Tuscan Sun.
Lise Gold writing is something else, that’s why she is one of my favorites! This cute but at the same time deep romance will have you turning pages non stop! Chemistry between MC is 🔥, they are funny, confused and in love! The location is just perfect she makes you feel in France and you can even taste the Olives hehe. Honestly now that I think about it reminded me a little bit just a teeny tiny bit to Under the Tuscan Sun.
December 26, 2018
Four stars for being cute and enjoyable. The story is completely predictable, and a little draggy/repetitive towards the end but overall it was still an engrossing story with two main character who actually had chemistry together. The author does a wonderful job of bringing to life these two women, each with unique personalities and "voices". It's straight fluff--but it's sexy fluff!
February 18, 2019
Loved this book!
I love to read and I especially love a book that makes me feel...this book did just that. If you enjoy a good romance that's got likeable and relatable characters and just enough steamy sex scenes....this book is for you! You will not be disappointed...just get it if and enjoy!
I love to read and I especially love a book that makes me feel...this book did just that. If you enjoy a good romance that's got likeable and relatable characters and just enough steamy sex scenes....this book is for you! You will not be disappointed...just get it if and enjoy!
January 30, 2020
Couldn’t put it down! This is a book to set a standard by when looking for your next book. Enigmatic Lena and weary Natalie will engage you in their love story set enticingly in southern France. The satisfaction Lise Gold provides in this multifaceted love story will have you wanting to read it again.
April 9, 2021
Romance in a great setting.
I have read this book twice and enjoyed it even more the second time, when I picked it up after many months. LG's settings are always so good and her characters well developed. I am sure you'll love this hot story. There's very little angst and the conclusion is great.
I have read this book twice and enjoyed it even more the second time, when I picked it up after many months. LG's settings are always so good and her characters well developed. I am sure you'll love this hot story. There's very little angst and the conclusion is great.
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