Member Reviews
Faye is at a crossroads in her life - she has split with her boyfriend and although she likes her teaching job she is not keen on the management - so when she is offered the chance of writing the biography of a famous film star living in the south of France she jumps at the chance.......although she does wonder why her
Annabelle is nearing the end of her life, and it has been a full one with her Hollywood career and she feels that maybe some of it should be written down.......but not to be published in her lifetime
Faye soon settle in the chateau and gets to know the locals in the village - even getting involved with teaching them English to help them with the tourists - and then there is Gavin the local farmer who definitely catches her eye, but is he too tied up in his past return the feelings
A lovely light summer read, great characters easily related to and of course the Labradors, ready to steal the show as always
I was thrilled to recently take part in a blog tour to celebrate the release of To Provence, With Love and host an interview with the author. This is the third T. A. (Trevor) Williams book that I’ve read, and I’ve really enjoyed all of them.
Trevor has a deft touch with his novels, giving them foreign, yet familiar, settings and introducing a likeable cast of characters, for whom it is easy to wish good things.
In this novel in particular, you get a real sense that Trevor knows Provence well, and the writing brilliantly evokes the sights, sounds and smells of rural France.
Although the novel makes no apology for being a romance novel, there is a subtle hint of mystery in Faye’s situation, which is hinted at throughout the book before finally being revealed in the last few pages. This and a few other clever little twists enhance the romantic storyline and make the book a delightful summer read.
To Provence, With Love is out now, published by HQ Digital.
Thanks Netgalley and the Author. What a perfect summer read so very romantic, made me wish I was 3 years younger.
I loved the description and cover of this book. Glad to say i was not disappointed. Love all the books by this author and this book just shows what a great writer the author is. Sounded like a gorgeous setting for the book which always helps a summer read. I loved the book from start to finish and highly recommend to all
I found this a lovely read, I enjoyed the descriptions of the chateau, the delicious food, the expertly married wine and the scenes of Provence.
I loved Marlon and I would hedge a bet that T.A.Williams has a cheeky Labrador.
The characters were all delightful, although a bit too delightful, but in a book like this its allowed.
I would recommend this to friends who are looking for an light read.
Thanks to NetGalley and T.A.Williams for opportunity to read this and give an honest review.
Have already contacted the publisher re my review so I'm not putting anything here.
If you've read my blog at all you know I love T.A.'s books!! This one is no exception! If you love beach read style books set in Europe and you love black Labradors...his books are for you! I loved Faye and Gavin, and of course Marlon. This book made me feel like I was in Provence--I could almost smell the lavender! Like a typical beach read romance, the story is predictable, but so delightful that you just don't care. Sometimes you just need a fun, easygoing read and this book is perfect for that.
It's a quick read--I read it within 24 hours. Perfect for a weekend trip or plane ride. I highly recommend this book and all TA's books!
I really enjoyed the previous books I had read by this author so I was excited to read a new one and was not disappointed. This was a nice fun and not overly complicated read. The characters were well rounded and interesting and the plot made me want to keep reading. Of course the added dogs made it even better for me!
I absolutely adored this book- I think it is my favourite by TA Williams so far. I loved the setting and the characters. The setting was so vivid that you could smell the lavendar and lose yourself easily.
Faye has been asked to write the biography of a former a list actress and finds herself staying for 6 months. She sits with Arabelle when she is feeling strong enough and enjoys walking around the area with the family dog and exploring in her free time. I felt as though I was exploring along with her and loved the way they went through Arabelle's story and the boxes of journals and the clothes she has. I could just imagine being asked to help with this book and enjoying every moment.
This really would be the perfect summer read- heartwarming, romantic, beautiful scenery and delicious sounding food and the element of new dreams.
This was another lovely romance from T. A. Williams. What I love about his stories is that I feel instantly transported to the beautiful areas he talks about. With this story I was delivered to the aromatic fields and fauna of the Provence in the south of France. Where the fields of green had magically turned to a stunning hue of purple with fields and fields of lavender filling the air with it’s heady scent.
Faye Carter, a language teacher at a secondary school in inner city London, was feeling despondent with her career. She had just recently self-published her debut novel and knew she wanted more than the constraints of the city classroom. When she was approached about an unusual, secret and quite exciting job prospect Faye took up the chance to find out more. The job entailed writing the biography of screen siren Annabelle Beech and working alongside her at her chateau in France. Now 82 and retired from the screen Annabelle has many tales to tell. However, Annabelle is holding back a secret from her history from the year 1955 which holds a great significance to Faye. Opening up about the actresses life is proving very emotive, can Annabelle gain strength from within and delve into her past and reveal all?
Six months working for the aging actress is a welcome break for Faye and she is loving this new experience. Her heart has recently been battered but when she bumps into the local lavender farmer Gavin, Faye cannot help her initial attraction to him. However, Gavin has experienced so much heartbreak and it is clearly written on his face. Faye vows to become his friend and help him out of his sorrow. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for him but with her time in the Provence soon to come to an end she’s not sure what her future holds and whether there will be room for a lavender farmer.
A lovely, cosy romance that for me ended too soon. I would have loved the story to continue a little more and I do love an epilogue. A story that will transport you both visually and aromatically to fields of purple blending with hearts of gold.
If I ever need cheering up I know to pick up a book by T. A Williams he has a wonderfully descriptive writing that just seems to bring everything to life. So as soon as I saw his new release I couldn't wait to start reading. One of the things I love about all of Trevor's books is that they manage to transport me to gorgeous places that I haven't had the chance to visit yet. I love to travel however since having children it has put a back burner on things so to pick up a book and feel as it I am right there is perfect for me.
Faye is such a likeable character and after having her heart broken a fresh start comes at just the right time. There is a lovely range of characters from Anabelle right through to the villagers who want to improve their English. The parts where Faye and Anabelle delve into her past are a lovely touch. There was also some emotional moments that may have brought a tear to my eye.
Then to bring some fun to the story of course we have the lovely addition of Marlon, I loved his cheeky ways. Especially his love of prawns which was very cute! There are gorgeous descriptions of food, scenery and characters that made this book so enjoyable. I loved the lavender farm and of course Gavin too, he has a tragic past and I couldn't help but feel for him. Their tentative friendship was lovely to see develop but could their be anything between them?
Charming and romantic, this book was a delight to read!
With thanks to Faye, Netgalley & HQDigital for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
To Provence with Love was a great book that I devoured in one sitting. I loved the 'surprise' twist which I did not see coming and I was hooked even more I just needed to find out how it would finish . A great book that you will enjoy imagining you are in Provence.
Uplifting, captivating and delightfully romantic!
To Provence, with Love is a beautiful story that reminds us that life if for living, and ultimately the best journeys are the ones that lead us home.
The prose is fresh and vivid. The characters are compassionate, supportive, and thoroughly endearing. And the plot sweeps you away into a captivating and magical tale full of life, loss, love, friendship, family, sweet surprises and tender moments.
For those of you who don't know Williams wrote one of my favourite books last year, "What Happens at the Beach...". And even though I enjoy everything he writes, To Provence, with Love with all its heart, emotion, fascinating storyline, majestic scenery, scrumptious food, and lovable characters, including those darling black labs, has definitely become one of my favourites and left me undeniably yearning for more.
Thank you to T. A. Williams and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
The Blurb :
Struggling writer Faye Carter just can’t believe her luck. She’s off to Provence to write the autobiography of a famous film star and she’ll be staying in the stunning chateau!
So when she meets charming (and completely gorgeous) lavender farmer, Gavin, she knows that she’s made the right choice – even if glamourous, elderly Anabelle seems to be hiding something…
But when the sun is shining, the food is delicious and the air smells of honey, anything seems possible. Will the magic of Provence help Faye finally find a happy-ever-after of her own?
My Thoughts :
I always get excited when I hear Trevor Williams has a new book coming out. I adore all his stories and I knew To Provence, With Love would be no different.
Despite knowing nothing about any of the charactors, you are instantly drawn into his stories and their lives. Trevor transports the reader to these wonderful countries with vivid descriptions and surroundings.
Faye Carter, goes to Provence to help write an Biography for Annabelle Beech. As they strike up a friendship it is clear both are from very different lives and Annabelle seems to be hiding something. As Faye embraces her new surroundings, she meets the locals including handsome Farmer Gavin and of course Marlon and George, the labradors. Anyone familar with Trevor's books will know there is always a black Labrador in his story. Which to me makes a wonderful addition. This has a few surprises slotted in which builds up the bigger picture of Annabelle, her life and what she is hiding. Overall this was a pleasent read with the usual touch from Trevor Williams, and this leaves me wanting more from this fine Author. Bring on the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to this author, a new one for me. This book was a very good read, with intriguing main characters, each with their own share of secrets and history. The description of Provence has made want to visit there. A perfect read for a summer's day.
Today I’m pleased to be hosting one of today’s stops on the blog tour for To Provence, With Love. This review is written with thanks to HQ Digital, an imprint of Harper Collins UK, Faye Rogers and Netgalley for my copy of the book.
Faye Carter has just split up from her long term boyfriend, Didier, after discovering he was cheating. She has received an intriguing, yet exciting job offer that would mean leaving her job in London and going to live and work in Provence in France. When she arrives and meets her employer, star of the cinema, Anabelle Beech, she is captivated by Provence and its people. Will Faye find her happily-ever-after?
I loved Williams’ descriptions in To Provence, With Love, particularly the area surrounding the chateau where Faye is staying. His sense of location is fabulous, and I was able to picture it very easily. As such, I became immersed in life in Provence and began to imagine myself living Faye’s experience. I must also mention the descriptions of Claudette’s amazing food, which had my mouth watering all the way through.
It is clear from the beginning of To Provence, With Love that most, if not all, the characters are facing their own issues. In detailing these, Williams makes the characters more relatable, as many of the readers will have experienced similar issues, at least to some extent. I had expected the novel to be a light hearted read, so I was pleased that Williams has chosen to tackle some darker subjects, such as grief and depression. I felt that in some places there would have been scope to explore this further.
There is a slight twist about two thirds of the way through the novel , which makes To Provence, With Love stand out from others in its genre. I enjoyed this, as it was interesting to see the impact it had on the characters as the novel reached its conclusion.
Overall I enjoyed this story. Leaving London to come to France to stay with a retired movie star, wanting her biography written, would be a fun job to have. The characters are fun and interesting, and the dogs add a nice touch. Would love to smell the fields of lavender some day. Gavin has so much heartache to go through, and the tragedy that haunts him would be hard to overcome. The only thing that cost me a star in my rating was that at times the dialogue was a little slow, and I heard the author instead of the character. I tended to skim those parts, but otherwise the story and setting was well worth the read. Highly recommend.
A wonderful summer read (although it might be just the thing on a snowy day as well!). Faye is in Provence to write Annabelle's story but she's also hoping a change of scenery will do her heart good. Gavin, the lavender farmer (oh sigh) has his own romantic history. Everyone in the story (except Marlon) has a secret but none of them are dreadful and all of them together make a good story. Williams has a nice light touch and while you know where this is going to go, the trip is fun. Great atmospherics- I want to spend time in Provence! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Oh my gosh! Just when I thought that T.A.Williams' novels couldn't get any better, he goes and releases a new one which blew me away in a matter of chapters! 'To Provence, With Love' is yet another book I just want to scream and shout about, dissect each and every eventuality from the storyline...but I can't! If I did that, I don't think I would be at all popular with the author for giving away spoilers.
However, what I can say is that this book is very similar to a treasure chest; full of surprises, emotion, and beautiful words, reading 'To Provence, With Love' made me feel as though I had just won the literary lottery. From the outside I had no idea what to expect, (aside from Provence that is), but as soon as I opened the book and lost myself in Faye Carter's life, I knew that the book was going to be a beauty.
Gavin's background story tugged at the heart-strings more than once. Even if you're as cold as ice, that character's story will have you feeling some sort of emotion. Well, to be honest, all the main characters had quite emotional backgrounds in their own different ways. I loved finding out about Anabelle's own personal mission, even if part of me could see it coming! Didn't disappoint me either, to be fair!
I devoured this book in record speed. I couldn't put it down! The entire novel is written to perfection, the setting is brought to life in such a stunning and vivid way, and all of the characters are likeable and incredibly loveable.
The only slight 'grrr' I had with 'To Provence, With Love', was the abrupt ending. I wanted more, there is definitely scope for the author to re-visit those characters if he chooses to do so. I hope he does as I felt that it ended far too quickly.
Overall, T.A.Williams' novel is one of the best summer reads I think I have ever devoured. Once again the author has blown me away and raised the bar higher for himself in regards to his next book.
Highly recommended, 'To Provence, With Love' is THE book to read right now.
Thanks HQ Digital UK.
Wow, another fabulous read by T.A. Williams. This book has now been added to my favourites list thats for sure! First of all, I just want to mention the cover and how gorgeous it is?! It really draws in the reader with the beautiful colours and flowers - so pretty!
The story follows writer and teacher Faye on her journey of writing an autobiography for a famous Hollywood star. She soon finds out once she arrives in France that she'll be staying in a beautiful chateau (very jealous I must admit as it sounds so charming!) and has the most luxurious sounding meals with none other than the Hollywood actress herself.
Along the way we fall in love with another character - absolutely gorgeous and cute labrador Marlon. We feel a real sense of a lovely relationship forming between Faye and the cute dog, and their walks around the fields of Provence sound like something out of a dream.
As well as this, Faye starts to fall for local lavender farmer Gavin and his charming ways. He's very guarded at the start of the book, but as the story progresses we start to see a more outgoing and fun side to his character - which of course makes Gavin and Faye the perfect couple and you find yourself routing for them to get together!
This book does have an exciting twist in it about three quarters of the way through and I'll be honest and admit that I had no idea that it was going to happen! It definitely made the book that much more interesting and I couldn't put it down as I was so intrigued!
Overall, I found this whole book very enchanting and somewhat magical. I'm not sure what it is about books set in France but they're all so charming! Definitely a 5 star rating from me. T.A. Williams' writing style is so sophisticated and beautiful - I absolutely loved this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to HQ Digital for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.