A run-down chateau was the landholding of titled French Aristocrats and now it’s the home of five friends who are seeking a fresh start in retirement. Author McGurl weaves a lovely tapestry that connects the past and the present.

The story takes place in the Alpes-Maritime and it was entertaining to read about a province in France that I do not know too much about. The author writes beautiful word pictures of the setting and when I googled to see some photos, it turns out that she did a marvelous job of describing the mountains, rivers and small villages.

This European Historical Fiction shares the story of two families, in alternating chapters. Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais lived as part of the Court in Versailles, until 1789, when the fires of the French Revolution forced them to escape to the family chateau. Who can they trust? Will they be safe?

The modern-day British family is composed of two couples, and a single guy, all close friends since college and now looking to start a new life together in retirement. They pool their resources and buy a chateau. A chateau with a ghost. Will the family settle in and will they uncover the secrets of their new place?

From the charming cover to the end of the story, this book is a lovely read. The history of the French Revolution is well-presented and will hold your interest. The process of setting up home in an old chateau is interesting, because it’s a dream of many people.

Readers will guess the secret almost immediately, but that won’t prevent them from getting attached to the characters. What surprised me was how little the modern family involved themselves in village life.

Author McGurl is a prolific write of historical fiction and her latest book will be another hit. Thanks to NetGalley, Rachel’s Random Resources and HarperCollins for a review copy. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. I like the older characters all living together in the chateau and exploring their changing lives. it was very true to life. I also enjoyed the historical part of the story and felt the slip between modern and historical was smooth and interesting.
A lovely read!

Fantastic book.
The story of five friends who buy a chateau in France. A story around the French Revolution.
Lu decides to research the history of it. Whilst others find hobbies to keep them occupied.
She starts to visit libraries and goes for walks in order to find out what happened to them. She uncovers tombs some of one of the owners but is mysterious about one person. She uncovers one of the descendants in the line of previous owners.
It’s not when they start decorating that the mystery is solved. Recommend it.

Loved this book and it was a brilliant read. I was gripped right until the end. Great characters, a riveting plot and the fantastic writing style I've come to expect from Kathleen McGurl. Can't wait for the next book!

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Having read most of kaths books I was delighted with an early copy set in france with dual time line was a intriguing read in parts.

After the death of her mother, Lu jumps at the chance to move to an ancient chateau in the south of France with her husband. Still grieving, Lu tries to redirect her focus by investigating the history of the old building. She comes across the fascinating story of Catherine and Pierre Aubert, French aristocrats who fled the city to escape the French Revolution. With Lu’s story intertwined with Catherine’s this is the type of engrossing story I have some to expect from McGurl and I was swept away to the glamour of Versailles and the beauty of the south of France