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Summer on the French Riviera

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Gabriella Jacques, is happy to be back in her childhood home, Villa Espoir in the South of France ready to embrace fresh experiences with friends new and old and to heal some deep family scars.
Recently widowed Harriet Rogers, hopes to rebuild her family life and reconnect with Elodie, the daughter she abandoned into her mother Gabby’s care to follow her heart. But when an acquaintance from the past seeks her out, Harriet fears a secret from her past will ruin her plans.
Elodie Jacques, adores her new life in her Grandmothers old home as a freelance journalist. Her relationship with her mother is tense as she struggles to understand why her mother won’t talk to her about the past, as until their past is resolved, there can be no future.
Will these three women, all living under the same roof after two decades adrift be able to put aside the past and find harmony in the present together?

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2023

535 people are currently reading
343 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Bohnet

39 books289 followers
Sixteen years ago Richard and I, with our then dog, 14 year old Holly in a trailer attached to Richard's bike, cycled down through western France via the canal paths, arriving in Antibes in July. With the exception of two fleeting visits back to the UK we have lived in France ever since.

For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!

I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.

I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.

I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.

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5 stars
1,350 (53%)
4 stars
761 (30%)
3 stars
291 (11%)
2 stars
84 (3%)
1 star
23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,630 reviews177 followers
September 4, 2023
When I picked this up, I had not realised this was a sequel to Bohnet’s Christmas novel, also set on the Riviera. Having now read this, I do think it best to have read the previous story as it helps so much with the different characters and their connections. Alas, however, I don’t think this book was one of Bohnet’s best and I was a bit bored by the gentle narrative.

In this story, Elodie has moved to the South of France to live with her estranged mother and her grandmother. Gabby raised Elodie and Harriet has only recently returned to Elodie’s life. With this combination, you can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the three women living together. After all, they all accept that they have a fractured family, so surely this is a time bomb waiting to explode?

However, I think it is the calming influence of the French Riviera and the sunny climes that help to ease the ladies back into more comfortable living. There are no arguments per se, but there is tension as Elodie is desperate for Harriet to reveal information about her father. Harriet has a few secrets under her hat and I liked how Bohnet reveals these to the reader before Elodie finds out this information for herself. This discovery between mother and daughter is the main element of the plot and I think it could have done with being a bit “spicier” because there really was no drama with the revelations.

Gabby, my more favoured character, tended to blend into the background with this story, it is as if her work is done. Observing the relationship between her daughter and grand-daughter, there is a small subplot about a discovered treasure in the villa basement, but otherwise, she is quite forgettable in this story. I found this a bit disappointing because I had enjoyed Gabby’s character so much from the previous story and wanted to see this developed further.

The setting was definitely the best bit of this novel: being transported to the French Riviera from the comfort of my home! Undoubtedly, Bohnet brings alive this tranquil, coastal area and I felt like I was walking along the seafront with the characters. It was my favourite part of the novel because it was portrayed as so relaxing, homely and welcoming.

I was disappointed with this book because it felt so bland. It is definitely perfect if you have a lot on your mind because Bohnet’s writing provides such easy escapism. Personally, I think I was hoping for more to get my teeth into and this narrative was too gentle for my current liking, making me feel bored and a bit relieved to reach the conclusion.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne.
2,205 reviews
April 4, 2023
Whenever I pick up one of the author’s lovely books, there’s a comfort in knowing what to expect – the friendships, the families, the very real characters spanning the generations, a touch of romance, the wonderfully drawn settings providing the perfect escape, and the loveliest reading experience as the stories unfold and the pages turn so effortlessly. And that’s not to suggest for an instant that her books are predictable – and there are certainly plenty of surprises and unexpected twists and turns as Gabby, Harriet and Elodie (grandmother, mother, and young woman) begin their new life in the neglected Villa d’Espoir in Juan-les-Pins. And this book is even more comforting than usual – it’s the sequel to the author’s last book, with characters I already knew and had already taken to my heart – although if it’s your first meeting, you’d have no problem at all, with the background woven into the story.

The villa was once Gabby’s family home, and her return allows her both to resume her relationship with the lovely Philippe and rediscover some more friends from her past along with revisiting her memories of her former life. Granddaughter Elodie plans to make her living as a freelance journalist, while picking up her own relationship with Philippe’s grandson Gazz. She was brought up by Gabby after her mother abandoned her, but Harriet is now back, feeling her way while trying to rebuild her relationship with both her mother and daughter. At the story’s core is the question mark over the identity of Elodie’s father and – as the women grow closer and move forward with their lives – that’s one secret it won’t prove possible to keep, for so many reasons. Then there’s the need for honesty about why Harriet walked away to start a new life in Australia, leaving Elodie behind – and until that full story is shared, there’ll always be an uneasiness about their new living arrangements. As the secrets are slowly disclosed, the development of the characters is just wonderful – and all three begin to move to a position where they can all focus on their happiness and look forward to what the future may bring.

There’s a great deal more to the story than that though – I really enjoyed the family history, the turning of the villa into a home, and the romance in the lives of all three women. The setting is quite wonderful – vividly brought to life, infused with sunshine, and I experienced the full flavour of the French Riviera. And each of the women confirmed their place in my heart – there’s such a warmth about the author’s gentle storytelling that I very much enjoy, real people being themselves, just living their lives, and allowing the reader to be part of it.

This was a read I thoroughly enjoyed, that entirely engaged me from the beginning to its lovely end, and is perhaps my favourite from the author so far – and one I’d very much recommend.
Profile Image for Kel.
597 reviews15 followers
March 24, 2023
I have been super excited to read this one, after reading another book by this author with the same amazing characters late last year and this story did not disappoint. It picks up a few months after we've last seen them as they make the final preparations to relocate to Gabby's childhood home. As soon as I picked this up, it felt like I hadn't been away and I absolutely loved getting to know Harriet and learn more about Gabby before she left France. This story is rich in romance and give glimpses into the past as well as carving out paths for the future for these lovely ladies. I can't wait to pop back and visit them all again, as between the fantastic characters and amazing back drop it's a wonderful fuzzy read.
Profile Image for Jill Long.
1,364 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2023
I didn't know there was a prequal to this book and that might have added to why I only gave it two stars. I felt something was missing. I think if I had read the prequal I would have connected with the characters more.
Profile Image for Book Escapes Babs.
662 reviews26 followers
March 26, 2023
Once again, I escaped to the French Riviera, this time to the beautiful town of Juan les Pins. The story follows the lives of three generations of the same family as they are reunited in the family home of Villa Espoir. Grandmother Gabby has been the main carer for the now-grown Elodie, who was abandoned by her mother, Harriet. There is a lot of history between the women and even more history that is missing from their lives. The main issue for Elodie is Harriet’s refusal to share the identity of her father. A secret that Harriet is determined never to reveal.
As the three women place a temporary bandage over their differences, as they leave the safety of the English Countryside and relocate to their family home, old wounds start to open. Gabby has never understood how Harriet could have left her daughter and started a new life in Australia with her husband. Elodie is determined to discover her father’s identity and cannot get beyond the feelings of abandonment caused by her mother’s departure. Harriet has the weight of her secrets slowly crushing her spirit. She knows what would be threatened by revealing her secrets, not just about the man she fell in love with, but the man she married and how he impacted her life.
It was wonderful to be back on the French Riviera and enjoying Jennifer Bohnet’s wonderful storytelling. I genuinely feel as though I would find my way around the streets and restaurants that are so wonderfully described. The landmarks and views are enchanting and don’t get me started on the food. The peaceful feeling that I experienced while reading was a pleasure and one that I have come to associate with this author.
I loved each of the women in this book, but in particular, I adored Gabby. Despite seeing the impact of her daughter’s secrecy, her ability to avoid being judgemental was a revelation. Sometimes, it’s tempting to form an opinion, even when patience would obviously be the better path to follow.
The character development was a joy to follow as we effortlessly learned more about them all, and I felt my sympathies move as more of their stories were revealed. I was so fully engaged, that I read the entire book in just two sittings, greedily turning the pages to learn more.
If you enjoy multi-generational stories, then this is simply one of the best I’ve read in some time. The sunshine certainly adds to the enjoyment, and did I mention the food?
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,052 reviews63 followers
March 25, 2023
Summer on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Gabriella Jacques, is happy to be back in her childhood home, Villa Espoir in the South of France ready to embrace fresh experiences with friends new and old and to heal some deep family scars.

Recently widowed Harriet Rogers, hopes to rebuild her family life and reconnect with Elodie, the daughter she abandoned into her mother Gabby’s care to follow her heart. But when an acquaintance from the past seeks her out, Harriet fears a secret
from her past will ruin her plans.

Elodie Jacques, adores her new life in her Grandmothers old home as a freelance journalist. Her relationship with her mother is tense as she struggles to understand why her mother won’t talk to her about the past, as until their past is resolved, there
can be no future.

Will these three women, all living under the same roof after two decades adrift be able to put aside the past and find harmony in the present together?

My Opinion

This was a lovely read that whisks you away to the French Riviera. Three generations of women are about to live together for the first time in a very long time - can they repair their relationship and learn to live together? A very easy, relaxing book to read that I struggled to put down. This would make a great book to read this summer.

Rating: 4/5
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,363 reviews570 followers
March 11, 2023
It was so good to be back in the French Riviera, and in Juan Les Pins to be precise with this sequel to Christmas on the Riviera.

I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Gabriella, Harriet and Elodie as they navigate moving to France, repairing fractured relationships and discovering if we will ever find out who Elodie's father might have been.

Add in some rather special love interests, a furry friend, and various blasts from the past, and you have a perfect combination for this rather charming story that I had to keep reading.

I loved these three generations of women, all living their best lives, and having a blast with this new life of theirs.

This was very well written and made me feel as though I was in the South of France alongside these ladies. Although this is a sequel it could easily be read as a standalone as plenty of background is supplied. But as a fan of the first book, I felt right at home within the first few pages of this book, and was eager to see how everything turned out.

I do wonder if this is the last we have seen of these characters, or whether Jennifer Bohnet may have another treat in store for us.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
937 reviews22 followers
March 5, 2023
This was another fabulous escapism read from this author. This story follows on from Christinas on the riviera but could be read as a standalone however for maximum enjoyment I recommend reading the other one first as it introduced the characters and family dynamics.

Once I had started reading this I couldn’t but it down and was great to have gabby and Elodie back and the beautiful setting of the French Riviera. I love how this author gets to the heart of real life issues and makes her characters relatable I felt like I was living their lives with them in the beautiful setting the authors descriptions of the food and the art make them jump of the page and make you feel as though you can see and taste the items described

I would love there to be another book in this series which gives the reader an update on how the characters lives pan out next.

This would make the perfect summer beach read.
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,447 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2023
This story of three generations of a family weaves together the different story threads in such an enjoyable manner. I was delighted to take up their lives again and to see how living on the French Riviera has been working out.

I found Harriet’s story the most interesting probably because she was recent addition to the story. The complicated dynamics between the women is skilfully shown as they try to learn to live together. As before, the glorious French Riviera lights up the story and offers an escape to the reader from the grey skies of home. As the secrets of the past filter to the surface, it is great to see the reactions of each of the women. This is a warm, uplifting story about three characters you come to feel that you know so well.

In short: sun, France, romance, family
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Profile Image for Allyson.
1,063 reviews
October 4, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This author's books always transport me to beautiful locations where I am lost in the lives of her warm and compelling characters. This book takes us back to the French Riviera where we learn more about Elodie and Gabby, as they settle into a living arrangement with Harriet, Elodie's estranged mother. Following these three genarations of women as they get to know one another more and learn that they are more similar than they thought was lovely. It's like catching up with old friends, her books always leave me smiling and fantasizing about sitting on a little balcony in the French Riviera sipping wine and eating baguettes and cheese. Hope to see more of thee women in future books.
1,145 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2024
Oplæser: Grete Tulinius. En virkelig god stemme til denne slags bøger.

Hvis man lige trænger til ren afslapning og garanti for romantik, så er en roman af Jennifer Bohnet ALTID et godt bud.

Forestil dig, at slænge sig ved poolen i sydfrankrig, med rosevin ad libitum, høj sol og fester med passende mellemrum! Hvem kan ikke lide den tanke? Jeg kan i hvert fald.

Der er naturligvis nogle forviklinger der skal udredes. Kærlighedsaffærer der skal falde på plads. Og naturligvis er det nødvendigt med lækker mad på fortovscafeer og i skønne restauranter. Men når alt det så er løst, så er der kun solskin og rosevin for resten.

Er det stor drama og fantastisk skrivekunst? Næ - nok ikke. Men skidt pyt. Bogen efterlader mig med solens varme og drømme og fantasier. Så det må da være 4 stjerner værd.
Profile Image for Valerie  Brown.
641 reviews7 followers
January 29, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book follows on fairly quickly from the previous one, starting as the 3 generations of women are almost ready to move to a new life in France. Some friction remains between Elodie and her mother, Harriet, and much is made of the secrecy around Elodie's father. I thought Harriet's behaviour was a little unrealistic at times, relating to sharing of secrets inappropriately and at times I wondered if she was swapping the controlling behaviour of her late husband for another man with the same trait. However, a somewhat predictable happy ending is achieved, as in all the best chicklit books.
Profile Image for WhatFrizRead.
211 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2023
The next part of the story, Summer on the French Riviera follows on from Christmas on the French Riviera... Now that Gabby, Elodie and Harriet have moved to France, will their family bond mend?

I enjoyed the book, largely because I enjoyed it's prequel and the chance to revisit the characters, tie up ends and learn how their story finishes. However, that feels very much just the purpose of this book - I'm not sure if you read it without having read 'Christmas' that you'd feel the same attachment to the characters or their story. It's a nice escapist read but is definitely recommend it's prequel over this one.
3,746 reviews43 followers
March 22, 2023
🏖Happy, sunny times in an idyllic location🌅

This was an easy read, with three generations of a family's women moving on to new pursuits and romance as they relocate to the South of France from Great Britain. The overall tone was positive, with nice descriptions of their relaxed lifestyle and the sights and tastes of the area. A good story for a relaxing, low angst read. The romance is sweet, no inkling of steam, and I liked that it was not the main focus. This is a story of errors made and the will for correction, re-connection and forgiveness.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
March 25, 2023
A lovely sequel to Christmas on the French Riviera, but one that can be read as a standalone. Gabby, Elodie and Harriet are complex characters who immerse readers into their lives. Harriet's story is particularly poignant, but all the women have challenges and new opportunities for happiness.

The French Riviera setting is vividly recreated and gives this story its uniqueness. It's easy reading, escapist fiction, perfect for an afternoon or reading on the beach. I love the emotion, the glamorous setting and the three female protagonists in this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
106 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2024
Jennifer delivers a good story line and an enjoyable ending. Always enjoy her books. In February I read one of her books called "Christmas on the Riviera" with the characters of the story being Gabby, Elodie and Harriet and I enjoyed it. I thought it would be nice to see the story continue. I started to read Summer on the French Riviera and was getting confused when the characters Gabby, Elodie and Harriet appeared again in this story. I thought I was reading the same book for a while until I investigated further. So I would recommend that you read the Christmas on the Riviera before reading Summer on the French Riviera. You will love it.
Profile Image for Mierfie Read.
476 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2023
There are three srories here from three generation women in Jacques family, Gabriella (grandma), Harriet (mother), Elodie (daughter). They are try to reconcile and fix the relationship between them in new place French Riviera. This is light reading, i enjoy everyday activity in new place. I confuse, once they move in france and then move in with each other boyfriend, everything change so fast..

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#SummerontheFrenchRiviera #JenniferBohnet #BooldwoodBooks #NetGalley #ARC
2 reviews
May 20, 2023
Summer on the French Riviera

After reading the first book about the French Riviera the sequel was even better. It kept me captivated the whole time with all its twists and turns. The outcomes were amazing with the added characters and stories were fabulous. It’s a must read as I couldn’t put the book down. It left me wanting more. Loved reading about the different towns too.
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,836 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2023

Upon rejoining the Jacques family, the three ladies explore avenues to spend their days. Gabby focuses on rejuvenating the pool, garden, and equipping her kitchen with a range cooker. This endeavor rekindles her bond with an old friend, Colette, awakening both cherished and painful memories. Elodie dives into freelance travel journalism, works on her book, and deepens her relationship with her surfer beau. Harriet's path seems uncertain. She procrastinates returning to painting, but when she accepts a part-time gig at an art gallery, her passion reignites, especially with the lure of her own exhibit, a prospect she hadn't dreamed of.

This whimsical summer tale chronicles the experiences of three generations: Gabby, Harriet, and Elodie, as they commence a fresh chapter in a French villa. I was thrilled to re-immerse myself in their journey and witness their evolving life on the French Riviera.
229 reviews
September 24, 2023
Heart warming story

I love reading books set in other countries, and this one was so good! Gabby, Harriet, and Elodie, three generations of family who have recently been reunited, move together to the south of France. There they each try to break down the walls of the unhappy family history that has kept them apart, and each of them search for their own happiness as well. A heart warming story told well!
9 reviews
October 28, 2023
Love on the French Riviera

What a lovely feel good book. Gabby and her disjointed family decide to move to her old family home on the French Riviera. Relationships are struggling until an old flame enters the picture and after a fraught period, where no-one knows what to do for the best, times change for the better. Like all Jennifer Bohnet’s books she describes life in France in an idyllic way.
Profile Image for Avalon.
618 reviews3 followers
Read
March 8, 2024
Family ties

Gabby has raised her granddaughter Elodie since her daughter Harriet married an Aussie and moved there. He didn't want kids in his life so Elodie has no contact and no idea of who her father is until one summer when Harriet turns up on the doorstep and a few months later Jack her father has just found out he could have a daughter and gets in contact... meanwhile both Gabby and Elodie are in loving relationships...
Profile Image for Stephanie.
122 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2023
What can be better than escaping to the French Riviera?

This fairly light hearted summer adventure follows three generations of ladies Gabby, Harriet and Elodie starting their new life together in a villa in France.

I loved the art, food and exploring the French Riviera in this book.

A lovely easy read to escape for a few hours this summer, perfect!
Profile Image for Rachel Stansel.
1,428 reviews19 followers
March 6, 2023
Three generations of women come together to try and repair the broken relationship of my and daughter. Their relationship as well as those of friends and loves make for a nice story in a beautiful setting.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Paloma Guerrero.
Author 2 books
April 25, 2023
Peaceful and real

I love Jennifer Bohnet’s books. They tend to have realistic life challenges and are fairly peaceful in their telling. I don’t think the male dialogue or responses are particularly accurate; they are a bit “pat”, which explains the absence of conflict in her books. I do like them., and recommend them. Good for all ages.
Profile Image for Barbara.
549 reviews16 followers
May 28, 2023
Love in France

Delightful, charming, happily-ever-after story set in Provence. This is a sequel but I don't see why it can't be read as a standalone, possibly reading the first book's synopsis before starting this one. Although I do also recommend the original, Christmas on the Riviera. Jennifer Bohnet writes very satisfying love stories.
1 review
June 5, 2023
21st century Mill's and Boone !

The storyline fluffy and predictable with a focus on glamour and cash. Written like a teenage essay with heavily descriptive passages leaving nothing for the imagination to conjure and confronted with magazine photo shoot images. Bored me to death. I skimmed through because once begun I have to finish a book no matter how bad. And this one was!
8 reviews
June 27, 2023
The story was great, so were the characters. I ate up the pages and was disappointed when I finished reading the book! I could have read a 100 more pages! I liked that Jennifer did a nice wrap up at the end of the book rather than a few pages. Each story line was completed and no loose ends. So Jennifer, I am looking for to my next read! And as stated, it is a feel good story.
Profile Image for Allison Waterman.
85 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2023
Lighthearted and Relaxing Read

This was my first time reading Jennifer Bohnet and it was so gentle! I read A LOT and this was the most chill book I’ve read in a long time. There was some tension but it was light, the characters were well written and it was fun to read. A laid back enjoyment book and I’m pleased to have read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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