Escape to the French Farmhouse by Jo Thomas was a perfect find to read whilst you are on holiday. This book was a wonderful to quick read, especially as Jo is a new author to me.

I found this book, beautifully written throughout and so true to life as I have a old farmhouse in France which I am renovating with my husband. Jo's book is so like my story that I am living now.

I highly recommend this book

Big Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Netgalley and Jo Thomas for a ARC for an honest review.

Really good book which i couldn't put down and read in a matter of days and i like the cover. And i always look forward to Jo's books

What a lovely book. I felt like I was in the story, smelling the lavender. Great characters, well written.

I'm a big fan of Jo Thomas' novels so I snapped up the chance to read this, unfortunately, it was one of those I picked up and then stopped and started reading on various occasions as it didn't quite hold my interest as fully as her other previous novels. The setting itself was perfect, everything I love from the farmhouse to the french way of life. It was the plot that didn't quite work for me, I just felt everything was a bit too easy, everything fell into place too easy and the plot all in all felt a little too rushed. It was nice, but I didn't feel that rush of warmth and contentment that I usually feel when I finish a novel by this author. I'm already looking forward to Jo's next novel though.

A lovely story that keeps you involved from the beginning right through until the end. Definitely recommended to those readers who enjoy reading this type of book.

In this book we meet Del, who breaks up with her husband Oliver after feeling trapped in a stagnant and loveless marriage.

Restarting in their run down French farmhouse she finds a love for baking and befriends Carinne and Fabien who help her find her legs in a new career.

She also gets a new assistant in young mum Stephanie and her young baby Tomas. As well as her and Stephanie both taking a liking to Fabien as one finds love and the other heartbreak.

With finding new love huge secrets come out about her old love and as she helps Stephanie and Tomas become even more of a family unit she realises what she wants in life now more than ever with a crazy new patchwork family of new friends in her life giving her perspective.

A fantastic read showing family is formed from people you meet in your life not just blood relations a real heart warming read.




Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

A light read, escapism and some wonderful relationships. Of course, there are misunderstandings and fallings out, but you just know things will work out in this type of read. The atmosphere of a small French market town comes through beautifully and the lavender, cakes, bread and food is so evocative. A wonderful way of a town looking after its homeless people and of standing together against bullies. A nice, light summer read. #netgalley #escapetothefrenchfarmhouse

‘I may not have everything I want in life, but I’ve got a lot that makes me smile. I have enough to be content.’

Every now and again you just need that ‘breather’ of a book. You know the type ... one that whisks you away where the sun is shining, people support each other and new ventures are undertaken. Escape to the French Farmhouse is just the fresh air I was searching for.

‘I get out my pastry and take a bite. I shut my eyes and enjoy the moment, which takes me back to a time when food was fun, when I wasn’t worried about what I ate, before food became a battle, not a pleasure.’

If you enjoy books set in France, rural France with loads of lavender, then this really is the book for you. You will find yourself immersed in lavender fields and scrumptious bakery goodies from macaroons to croissants - and that’s just the sweet items. The range of characters are good - I particularly enjoyed the author's social commentary on the English in France. Do you come just to make a ‘little Britain’ or are you there to contribute and immerse yourself in French culture? Once again our heroine is of an older age and it’s refreshing to see the journey she sees herself on.

‘I can’t help but think the people of the town must be laughing at the likes of me and Ollie. Another British couple moving here for the good life, wanting to make a Little Britain beyond the Channel, then packing up and moving back when it all goes wrong.’

This book had me to the very end when it seemed everything was tied up too quickly and too neatly. Of course this is pure escapism and who would not want to run away to a romantic and picturesque ‘lockdown’ in the French countryside! However, I just feel the ending was a bit rushed with some of the secondary characters' story arc tying together too neatly.

If you are after some pure escapism of sunny filled, lavender scented locales where your only decision is what delicacy to munch on next, then runaway to this small French village for a few hours.

‘... it’s just me, Fabien and a bottle of rosé, looking out over the valley to the setting sun. The smell of the pines and the lavender are all around us, and the cicadas are chirping in the trees. I don’t think there is anywhere I’d rather be right now,.’





This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

I always love Jo Thomas' escapism and this was no exception. A new life on a lavender farm in France, with all the ups and downs, dramas and romance that you'd expect. Lovely, heartwarming and dreamy. With maybe one too many happy endings this time! Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Del and her husband Ollie have moved to France, where they bought a beautiful property that used to be a lavender farm. Just six weeks later, they’re packing up to move back to the UK, but Del changes her mind at the last minute and ends up staying on alone.

I don’t think Del’s financial situation would’ve worked out in real life, but artistic licence is allowed! She does a deal with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, letting him have the bank accounts whilst she keeps the house (and mortgage).

Looking around a market for some cheap replacement furniture, she comes across a lavender cookbook, and the handsome dealer, Fabien. She also becomes good friends with Carine, the estate agent.

Del decides to try a new recipe from the lavender book every day, and this leads to her having a bakery stall in the market.

This was a lovely story, scented with lavender, for summer and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

An enjoyable light read , nice escapism and a quick enjoyable story. A sweet romance with likeable characters , lovely feel good read.

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Happy Publishing day to Escape to the French Farmhouse!

Big thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC.

*** TRIGGER WARNING: use of G word. ****

Escape to the French Farmhouse is a treat to cottage-core enthusiasts (but also, everyone!)

Thomas' novel is a lovely depiction of hope, of making hard decision that you don't know if you'll regret and building a life for yourself. The found family trope in this book is one that brought tears to my eyes and I went through the book so fast.

Escape to the French Farmhouse follows Della, "Del" as she navigates her new life in Provence, France alone. She had just made the decision to not leave with her husband back to the UK, and is now left with this amazing farmhouse; le Petit Mas de la Lavande, The Little Mass of Lavender. Though she is unsure, she starts to blossom as she interacts with the locals. Del immerses herself into a new place, and gives the new people she is finally getting to know a chance, and finds everything she has been after and more.

I think I really loved almost everything this book stood for and aimed to depict, however I do feel that it could have been executed better. The writing style was not what I was expecting but I do need to put it out there that I did get through the book quite quickly! The friendships in this book really took a front seat for me, though I really love the romance aspect - I loved the build-up of community.

If you are after a light hearted book that has amazing characters and a story that just begs to be loved, I would highly recommend this book!

This book is simply dreamy. Although it is filled with it moments of sadness and heartbreak, the overpowering sense of love and self discovery makes it the perfect read.
The main characters were so relatable and lovable, and the storyline was so perfectly paced ot kept me hooked from start to finish.

Heartwarming, funny, just a joyous book to read... I loved it.

I was invited to read this book by the Publisher via Netgalley.
I have heard good things about Jo Thomas, although I had not read any of her books previously.
This is a gentle and lovely read, perfect escapism for lazy Summer days. I found it very quick and easy to read. The location in Provenance is idyllic and the recipes sound amazing.
I did think that Del's situation after she stayed in France and how quickly things improved were a little unrealistic. Things for her and her friends settled into place very quickly. However it is a fictional book, and not everything has to be realistic. Sometimes it's nice to relax and enjoy a story, without reading too much into it.
I liked reading this book ,it is uplifting and heartwarming. There is a strong theme about starting over and second chances.
I will definitely look out for more books by Jo Thomas.

A light book reflecting life decisions taken in a beautiful setting in France with charming friends. Escapist reading for the moment!

I liked this story, although it is a little different to other books written by Jo Thomas. Yes, there was wonderful scenic description, and food played its part, but things seemed to happen to Del rather than her driving the plot. The story also felt very rushed. And I thought the ending, when one character find she's pregnant again, to be unnecessary. The point about families coming in different shapes and sizes seemed to be laboured too. I got the message, but it kept being repeated. I loved learning about the lavender farm coming to life. The dog was wonderful, although he never seemed to get fed ... I'm sure he was.

Another cracking read from Jo. Am off to start another of her books. Loved the community spirit and the characters as always were so heart-warming. A piece of France wrapped in a hug!

Have you ever been tempted to turn your back on your current life, and start afresh somewhere new?

That’s what happened to Del, when she and her husband Ollie decided to sell up and move to Provence. Her much loved mother has recently died and their IVF journey has come to an abrupt end.

Everything just seems so bleak.

But after just a few weeks, Ollie decides that it isn’t working out for them, so it’s time to return to England. Suddenly Del realises that her problem doesn’t lie in where she is, but who she is there with. She makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to leave Ollie and stay in Provence, even as all her worldly belongings are trundling down the road in a removals van!

Far from feeling bereft at the end of her marriage, Del seizes the opportunity to start a new life, living in the now. She throws herself into the community and into a new business, making new friends along the way.

But will the ghosts of her marriage de-rail her attempts at a new life?

I really enjoyed Escape to the French Farmhouse, it was the ideal novel to read in the garden on a sunny afternoon. Del’s desire to seize her chance of a new beginning felt very relatable, as did the self-doubts that gnawed away at her.

Del is joined by a cast of lovable characters, from gorgeous Fabien who runs the flea market, and generous Henri at Del’s local bistro, to fiery Stephanie and her adorable son Tomas. And I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at Cora and the other expats, who sit at their British pub and turn their noses up at the local community.

But for me the star of the show was the beautiful French farmhouse that Del turns into her own haven. The descriptions of the surrounding area, its beautiful lavender farms and the laid-back lifestyle made me want to pack a bag and head to Provence right away!

Del grows in character throughout Escape to the French Farmhouse, and faces some challenges along the way both in her new business and in her personal life. I found myself almost crossing my fingers, hoping that she wouldn’t yield to the constant clamour of people urging her to return to her marriage.

Does she give into them? You’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out!

A fabulous French adventure that’s perfect for summer reading – 8.5/10

great easy book to read, lots of ups and downs to Dels life in France, How she starts a new life in France, how she helped out Stephanie and Thomas, Does she ever get together with Fabien. you just have to keep turning the pages to find out what will happen next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I have mixed feelings about Escape to the French Farmhouse. The characters and setting are really lovely. I'm craving fresh bread, lavender biscuits and wine, as the descriptions were so scrumptious!
I just wish there was a bit more dialogue and less of Del's thoughts in the storytelling. Events were happening and instead of her being in the moment, she was describing them, so it felt a bit stilted and a little all too convenient.
Besides that it was an easy, idyllic read.