When Faye accepts a writing assignment for a film star in Provence, she'll get much more than just a new job.

Once again T A Williams has transported me completely effectively to another country. I loved the setting of Provence in To Provence, with Love with the aroma of lavender fields, the taste of champagne and the feeling of sunlight on skin. I was less keen on the glorious imagery of Claudette's food as it left me feeling ravenous throughout! I honestly felt in danger of putting on weight just reading this story.

There's a refinement to T A Williams' writing so that To Provence, with Love conveys sexual and emotional attraction without resorting to explicit detail and making for a lovely summery read. There's a sensuality that I found very refreshing. I thought it was rather like a grown up fairy story and I could easily imagine myself in Faye's place, giving me a real empathy with her. Indeed, I enjoyed all the characters, especially Marlon, the black Labrador who was incredibly realistic.

I really enjoyed the plot of To Provence, with Love too. There are some surprises, and although they aren't difficult to guess, this doesn't detract from the read at all. They made me feel as if I was part of teh story because I had an idea of events well in advance of Faye.

What I think I enjoyed most though in To Provence, with Love was the exploration of different kinds of love. This is, of course, a romance, but T A Williams considers love in many forms; between parents and children, family, married couples, communities, friends and owners and dogs so that I really feel there is something to entertain every reader.

To Provence, with Love made me smile and shed a tear and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

To Provence, With Love is the story of an aspiring writer who moves to Provence to live in a Chateaux and write the biography of a famous elderly woman. What's not to love?

Faye Carter has recently separated from her boyfriend and is looking to make a fresh start when an elderly, famous actress, Anabelle Beech commissions her to write the story of her life. Faye moves to Provence where she meets an array of marvellous people including a handsome farmer she may be developing feelings for. Does he share these feelings? And what is the secret that Anabelle Beech is avoiding putting in her book? Will Faye decide to stay in Provence? These questions (and others) keep us engaged until the very end of the novel. 

To Provence, With Love has everything that you want from this genre: a heart-broken woman embarking on a new life, a mysterious man she may or may not have feelings for, a tragedy, a family secret and a wonderfully happy ending. 

There is a lovely focus in the novel on the sharing and passing on of stories and memories, which I loved. In real life, I enjoy listening to the stories the elderly have to share with younger generations (my beloved grandad told some of the best) and so this aspect of the story was something I really enjoyed. I also enjoyed the twist and secret when it came (and guessed it only slightly before it was revealed), although I did feel a bit awful for Faye initially. 

The characters in this novel are really well developed and vibrant, especially Marlon the dog, that when you close the book, its like losing some real life friends. I would love to know what happens after this story: how does the romance pan out? What happens to the book? How is Marlon?

T. A. Williams's scene setting is wonderful and the many descriptions of delicious French food will have you heading to the kitchen (and if you're at all like me, feeling great disappointment when you discover you do not have a stash of Claudette's homemade biscuits).

This books manages to be both a genuinely lovely story and one that continually surprises you with it's unpredictable twists and new dimensions to the story.

Chick lit is not a genre I read often, but when it is good, I enjoy it, and I really enjoyed this one.

(this review will be posted on my blog on 27th July as part of the blog tour)

This book was funny loving and sad. From the beginning you know that everyone in the book has skeletons, but as they are reveled the love between many get stronger.

What a wonderful feel good read! Set in Provence, the author makes the most of the setting and incorporates it successfully into this book with lots of descriptive passages and I doubt that anyone finishes this without thinking what a fabulous place it would be to live - and how much they want to move there!.

This is the story of Faye Carter, a young woman fluent in both English and French who receives a surprise invitation to attend an interview for a possible position in France. It is the beginning of an amazingly warm read full of great characters, wonderful surprises and don't forget the labradors! Anyone who knows me is aware of my love for these wonderful dogs and T. A. Williams has their personalities and foibles off pat. Marlon and George are fantastic additions to this novel which is such a glowing, sparkly read.

I've so enjoyed reading this one. It's a fine uplifting tale, both warm and witty (labradors again!) and I'm so happy to know this author's work. I now have to catch up with all his other books! If you enjoy a positive, feel-good read, then this one fits the bill. Highly recommended, without any hesitation whatsoever.

I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Another brilliant story from one of my favourite authors - simply gorgeous!

Faye Carter is a language teacher who loves teaching but hates the increasing pressure and bureaucracy associated with the job, especially since the school has had a new Head and she’d discovered her partner had been cheating on her. Faye has already published a book and is amazed when she’s contacted by solicitors and offered the opportunity to work with the famous film star, Annabelle Beech, to write her biography. When it turns out this will necessitate her saying in a stunning chateau in Provence for six months, she just can’t believe her luck - or the salary she’ll be earning! A visit to the chateau for an interview gives her the courage to resign her post and make the move. She makes a new friend on her arrival -  Marlon, a lovely Labrador belonging to Miss Beech, who usually barks vociferously at strangers but who greets Faye as if she’s a long lost friend from the very start.

The area of Provence where most of the story is based is brought vividly to life, especially the countryside, its sights, sounds and people which Faye discovers whilst taking Marlon for walks. He also re-introduces her to his brother, George, and his owner, Gavin, who owns the neighbouring farm and is still grieving from personal tragedies. The author slowly reveals more about the characters as Faye gets to know and interact with them all, sharing the knowledge at a realistic pace, making the story all that much more believable. The interactions between them all run the whole gamut of emotions at different times and you’re aware there are secrets being kept by so many of them, waiting to be revealed. There are delicious meals described that will make your mouth water, we could all do with a Claudette in our lives! The whole community is brought to life in this peaceful, calm and relaxing story of loves, past and present, relationships, grief and new beginnings. As usual for one of Trevor’s books, I loved it from start to finish. He skilfully brings the people, places, communities, food and events to life, making them real in the imagination of his readers. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book - and all the others I’ve read by this highly talented author -as well as love, lavender and two Labradors, it has beautiful scenery, delicious food and, of course, a brill story!

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

4.5 Stars


Another absolutely lovely book from the talented T.A. Williams. This one features an ageing actress, a biographer, a reticent farmer, fields of lavender, Provence and one of my favourite fictional labradors, Marlon.

So where to start? Well let's begin with Annabelle Beech who is wanting her biography written, even if it never is published. She hires a relatively unknown author to write it for her, and allows the biographer to stay in Provence with her for 6 months for a rather large sum on completion of the project.

Faye is the person chosen for this task, and after her first meeting with Annabelle she is eager to get started, and to embrace life in Provence for a bit. She is after all nursing a bit of a broken heart so a change of scenery is very welcome.

The first person in Provence that Faye meets is rather quiet lavender farmer Gavin, and as the weeks progress they build a quiet friendship. In addition Faye starts meeting the locals of the area, and agrees to run English classes for them.

I loved the sound of Provence, especially all the beautiful walks that Faye took, with Marlon alongside her. Marlon is a gorgeous black labrador who is always up for a walk. He barks a lot at strangers but takes to Faye instantly. They often come across another black lab on their walks, George, who is Marlon's brother.

It is reasonably clear quite early on that Annabelle is hiding something, and I had a strong inkling quite far before the reveal as to what the secret may be. I was correct and although it didn't detract from my enjoyment, the timing of it did make em wonder where the book would go from there.

I found the sections of Faye and Annabelle talking to be very interesting. Annabelle Beech clearly had a very interesting life, and I also loved the two assistants she lives with now. Generally there were some lovely dynamics in this book.

To Provence, With Love is a very gently story, the sort of book that should calm you down if you are tense, while transporting you to another country.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Yet again, T.A. Williams, author of several romance novels like "Dreaming of Venice", "Chasing Shadow" and "What Happens At The Beach", wrote a perfect read for some relaxed hours at the couch or in the garden. His trade marks: black labradors and a beautiful setting. His new book, „To Provence With Love“ is set at a castle (or chateau) in the south of France, the Provence. I’ve never been there. My only visit to France was a week in Paris in 1998 at the age of 12. The drive-through by Eurostar two years ago doesn’t count.

So I’m not familiar with the setting but thanks to Williams‘ style of writing and his ability to draw pictures in my head I felt like I knew the surroundings of the book. I could imagine the lavender fields (I love lavender!) and the playing dogs, Marlon and George. Oh, and the food. Williams‘ not only has a thing for dogs, but also for good food and wine, I think.

This new book is about a young teacher and author, Faye, who gets the chance to write the biography of a former moviestar, Miss Beech. The old lady lives at a chateau in Provence. Why she choose Faye, you will learn in the novel. I had a feeling and when I got to the point, I was like „ah, I knew it!“ Although it’s obvious, it’s a really nice story. And it’s not only about Miss Beech, but also about a handsome farmer from the neighbourhood, Gavin. He’s grieving about the loss of his wife and brother two years ago and he feels responsible for the tragic and for his brother’s wife and small daughter.

At their first meeting, Gavin appears grumpy which suits Faye just fine as she isn’t interested in men since her last boyfriend broke her heart. But of course, she feels attracted to Gavin. Mostly they meet by chance because Faye loves walking Marlon, Miss Beech’s dog and Gavin walks the dog of his late brother. So it is thanks to the dogs that they see each other more or less regularly.

Reading about their developing friendship as well as Faye’s new life in France was very relaxing and on the one hand, I didn’t want to put my Kindle down, while, at the other hand, I didn’t want to reach the end. Because I felt so comfortable. But what I „don’t like“ (that sounds a bit strong, it’s more like it made me a bit sad or something) is that the reader mostly never gets to know how the relationship between a new couple, like in this Faye and Gavin’s, develops because in every book the couple gets together at the end. That’s a bit different from other romance novels I’ve read so far, but I think it’s significant for books by T.A. Williams. Just like at least one black labrador.

Other books are more like: they meet, kiss, have sex, then it gets complicated due to a misunderstanding or something and in the end there is a happy ending. While in Williams books it’s like this: they meet, they get to know each other by meeting by chance or on purpose, they become friends, they tell each other how they feel but say that they aren’t ready yet and at the end, they finally get together

But nevertheless the book is a very good read and I liked Faye and Gavin very much but really want to know how their relationship develops. I gather, that’s for me to imagine because Williams never writes a sequel. Maybe he should consider it! I would really love that!

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first T. A. Williams novel and I must say I'm not disappointed. I feel loved after reading this book. This book is full of love, at certain point of time I envied the characters.

Faye, fresh out of a cheating relationship never intended to fall in love. But she does, with the town, its people, Marlon (lovely Labrador) and Gavin.
Gavin still living a guilt - ridden life, considers himself responsible for the death of his wife.
Annabelle Beech, the 80s Hollywood star wants her biography written by Faye. Ms. Beech and Faye form an instant bond of love. Upon spending some time Faye finds out that Ms. Beech's her Grandma.

What this book shows is that true love is priceless whether its in the form of your dad, your Grandma, your friend or the man whom you love.
I genuinely liked the mistletoe part at the end. It was just aww. 😍
I would definitely recommend it for a light read full of love.


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To Provence, with Love, T A Williams

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance

Really wanted to like this story, sounded perfect for me, compared to other authors who's works I enjoy but....I didn't :-( 

I just felt it was so so slow, full of conversations and events that simply filled space.
The romance was non existent, really. She likes Gavin but thinks he's off limits for one reason, then another and by the time he's not, its the end of the book!! 
I enjoyed the language course she ran, and the conversations with Anabelle, but that wasn't enough for me. I wanted more action, more drama, more emotion and some romance....

As always though, that's just me, if you like a seriously slow slow burn romance you'll maybe get more from this than I did.
Not all readers like all books, this is a well written and played out story, just not a story that worked for me personally. 
 
Stars: Two, sorry but just too slow paced for me. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

This was a fun summer read that I enjoyed in one sitting. I figured out the story before it finished but I enjoyed it nonetheless. If you need a light, fun summer read then I highly recommend you pick up this book and take the journey to France with Faye.

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