One Summer in Monte Carlo by Jennifer Bohnet - Pub Date: 12/01/21
Nanette called Monte Carlo home, enjoying her life and engaged to an upcoming Formula One driver. After a devastating car crash, she returned to the UK. The collision bought her relationship to an end, shattered her reputation, and destroyed her recollections of the night in question.
A friends request sees her returning to Monte Carlo for the summer.
Nanette has never wanted to return, but Vanessa, her best friend begs her to go back with her twins, to spend time with Mathieu, their father. Nanette works as her Nanny, and Vanessa wanted to make sure someone stable was in the twins' lives, while she and her new husband go away.
I enjoyed the straightforward writing style. The characters are well-rounded—a tale of a summer in Monaco with a touch of the Amazon.
I want to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and author Jennifer Bohnet for a pre-publication to review.

One of my biggest pet peeves in reading is when I feel like a book has a lot of ‘extra’ added to it to meet a word limit. In the case of this read, the author used the characters names repeatedly in conversational lines. If you’ve seen Titanic and heard Rose and Jack call each other by their names in every other sentence, you know what I’m talking about here. At first I thought it was to try and clarify who was talking, but the conversations were not that complex and so the consistent use of names felt forced.

Also, lines or reference points in the stories were repeated unnecessarily several, several times. It’s completely relevant to talk about Nanette being very nervous about running into her Ex or any of their old acquaintances- maybe even a couple of times. But when it comes up once (maybe even twice) in each chapter that focuses on Nanette – that is just too much. To me, it becomes words just for the sake of adding to the word count.

The other real disconnect here for me is that part of the story is focused on Nanette in Monte Carlo while the other is focused on Vanessa in the Amazon. The tie-in does come later in the book but for most of the book, it just felt disjointed in such a way that I never fully was submersed in either part of the story nor in the characters.

Readers who love Chick-Lit with a little adventure and don’t mind the repeating of thoughts, story plot points or character names will probably really enjoy this as both stories do have unique plot lines, which is pretty cool.

Three years ago, Nanette lived in the Principality of Monaco, loving her life and engaged to a rising Formula One driver. After a devastating car crash destroyed Nanette's relationship, her reputation, and her memories of the night in question, an obligation to a friend has her returning to Monaco for the summer. As the crowds (and her ex) gather for the Monaco Grand Prix, it seems everyone has secrets. Maybe Nanette should've stayed in England...

This is a lovely story about forgiveness and redemption, but also about setting boundaries and learning to let go and move on. It is not, despite the blurb, a second chance romance. It's women's fiction with a thriller undercurrent and romantic elements. There's also a secondary plotline following Nanette's friend Jessica through the Amazon which provided an interesting contrast to the glitz of Monaco, and we also get comedic glimpses of Nanette's sister Patsy as she deals with an overbearing MIL back in England.

The three stories weave in and out of each other in an absorbing escapist read. There's an awful lot going on (and quite a few characters to keep track of) but it's quite enjoyable to sit back and go with the flow. My one quibble was a funeral that only had nine attendees, which made no sense given the context.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I do love reading books from Jennifer Bohnet; I know I’m about to be whisked off to the Riviera for a chance to bask in the sunshine. I enjoy Jennifer’s style of writing and the fact that her characters have already endured a lot of what life can throw at them. One Summer in Monte Carlo is no different and was most welcome as we continue through the joys of lockdown.
As the synopsis suggests, this story involves the stunning wealth of the F1 circuit; not something that appeals to me but there’s so much more than motorsport in this book.
I particularly enjoyed hearing about the various locations and imagining the taste of the food when the characters dined out.
As the main action took place in the French Riviera, it was an interesting change to have the opposite extreme of life in the Amazon Rainforest where life is less about champagne and caviar and all about survival. The juxtaposition of the two stories was a perfect fit.
Nanette’s character was well presented; her fight to recover her memories was poignant. I felt myself willing her to remember, but when her memory does return, I wasn’t surprised to learn about the negative side to Zac’s personality.
Special mention has to be given to Jean Claude and his very gentle nature. I found myself hoping for a romance to blossom but there are no spoilers here!
If you fancy a trip to warmer climes, I highly recommend a virtual visit to Monte Carlo with Jennifer Bohnet.

One Summer in Monte Carlo was a perfect read to transport me away, I love how Jennifer Bohnet uses such wonderful locations in the books and in this one you see us head off to Monte Carlo for F1 season.

The story was full of vivid descriptions right down to the noise and and thrills associated with F1 on this street made circuit. Through the descriptions of the hustle and bustle you really got a feel for the jubilant atmosphere and the parties held to celebrate this major event in the calendar.

Whilst in one half of this story we are with Nanette and the twins in Monte Carlo reliving her tragedy from 3 years previously. Whilst on the other side of the world Vanessa & Ralph are embarking on married life in the depths of the Amazon filming a documentary to try and help raise awareness to the shifts in how the small villages live and how the environment is impacting this.

I loved the 2 destinations and the totally different vibes you get when reading about them. I found I flew through this book, it was light hearted on the whole and provided some wonderful escapism.

Another wonderful story by Jennifer Bohnet an author you can always rely on to offer a read you can escape into

✨One summer in Monte Carlo is far from a romantic tale even though it has romantic elements in it. It potrays the Grand Prix in Monaco, the annual Car racing and the illegal activities that happen there in a particular summer.
Parallelly, there is also another story of Vanessa and her husband going on an expedition in Amzon. These two events are some what connected and exclusive at the same time.
✨One thing I felt while reading the book was how intrigued I felt and how I just want to finish it fast. Though the focus was on other things, I liked the potrayal of the state of Monaco. The harbours, the shops, the structures were vividly explained that can instigate wanderlust in anyone and it just expands to the amazon as well.
✨ I loved the writing style which is well detailed and lucid. The characters are also well developed. And it did have a perfect ending which I appreciate in all books. Although not my favourite genre, this particular summer story is well enjoyed.
✨An engrossing tale of a summer in Monaco, that is Monte Carlo and it can make you fall in love with the city-state.

Almost certainly the best Jennifer Bohnet book to date, and certainly my favourite.

I was expecting there to be a romance, and a French setting, both of which delivered in spades, but it's the rest of what is containing within the pages that had me completely hooked.

But where to start, so much I could talk about but really if the blurb remotely grabs you then take me word for it, it's a book worth reading.

For there isn't just Monaco, and that's Monaco predominately in the run up to the Grand Prix (which is always my favourite to watch, and I could picture some of the streets and turns so clearly just because I know the race circuit!).

However there is very little F1 detail, or car detail at all, so if you aren't keen on the sport then don't worry this isn't a book about F1, although having an F1 driver as Nanette's ex-fiance there are mentions of it, and it does provide part of the back drop.

Nanette had never wanted to return to Monaco but her friend basically begged her to go back, along with the twins, to spend months with Mathieu the twins father. Nanette has been working as their Nanny, and Vanessa wanted to make sure someone consistent was in the twins lives, while she and new hubby go away for a few months.

The chapters from Vanessa's point of view, were completely unexpected, and their setting covers very important issues for the world. It's also not the most usual of locations for a book (although second one I've read with it in a few months!). They took me completely by surprise, so I'll leave that as a surprise for you too!

Then there is Mathieu who when we first meet him, has been arrested, but he isn't saying why but it soon becomes apparent that he may not have completely legit business partners. But what he is wrapped up in I can't say!

This is fast paced, and completely enthralling, seeing Nanette face up to the past and some very unexpected surprises and turns along the way. Just simply wonderful, and definitely my sort of book!

Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Absolutely loved spending the Summer in Monte Carlo

A book that I felt hit all the emotions/senses. I couldn’t put it down, just had to know what happens next.

The story follows Nannette who after 3 years returns to Monte Carlo.

She takes us Ona tour of the streets of the city,

Now, she’s a nanny to her best friends twins, instead if the PA/fiancé to an F1 driver.

As she comes to terms with her past and her present, makes new relationships as well as questioning the old ones. Such as what happened 3 years ago, along with what things are happening now? Are both somehow linked??

Another fab book from Jill. .

A very charming read, sweet, engaging, great characters, and a wonderful story that flowed wonderfully and kept me interested until the very end.

A really lovely read.

Be advised this was previously published under a different title “Follow Your Star”.

Three years after a life changing accident in Monte Carlo, Nanette reluctantly agrees to revisit the place again on the request of her employer/friend Venessa as nanny to her children, while Vanessa is away to Amazon rain forest to film a documentary with her husband Ralph.

Monte Carlo is getting ready to host Formula 1 race and Nanette hasn’t been looking forward to encountering her ex-fiancé Zac, who descends there to participate in the race.

The setting of this story in Monte Carlo is absolutely beautiful. It has glitz, glamor, and dodgy businessmen, shady deals, and what not. It was good to learn about the indigenous people of Amazon, struggles to preserve their culture, fight with people who exploit them. At first, I found Vanessa’s story in the forest as non-fiction but it grew on me as the story progressed.

My favorite character is Nanette’s loquacious sister Patsy and her overbearing mother-in-law who is about to turn into granny zilla.

Glad Nanette finds her happy ever after with someone who is caring but I was put off by their relationship. I don’t mind the age difference but I am astonished at how someone can see the person who is FIL to her friend in different angle and have a relationship. This fact ruined this book a little bit for me.

I don’t buy the fate bestowed on Zac. To me it happened only to elevate Nanette’s good side to the next level.
Bohnet’s knowledge about Monte Carlo is evident in her vivid descriptions of the place, races, cafes and prompted me to search for videos about this.

Overall, this story is delightful and a perfect escape to gorgeous locations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the free copy for my honest review.

This did hold my attention, although I found Vanessa's sections boring. I'm not sure they enhanced the story, although her story did link up with Nanette's eventually. I thought it odd that Vanessa left her children for months on end, and baffled that her new husband didn't seem that concerned about her welfare. As for Nanette's story, I found it engrossing. Her love interest surprised me a little, but he was perfect for her. The insight into Formula One and descriptions of Monte Carlo were of interest. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nanette hasn't wanted to go back to Monte Carlo again after the car crash that ruined her life. Vanessa her employer has asked her to go back as she's going to the Amazon for a few months. with her new husband. Romance but also some intrigue as well.

A heart warming story, couldn't put it down.
Nanette was living a luxurious life, engaged to a celebrity race car driver, Zac Ewart, when one bad accident changed everything. Broken, scared and alone she moves in with her best friend Vanessa to be a care giver to her twins. Three years later, having to take the twins back to Monaco for 6 months while Vanessa is off with her new husband, Nanette is forced to face the ghosts of her past. But what she encounters, leaves her doubting all she believes happened that night three years ago. Nanette finds new love, but will her old life stop her from having a happy future.
Great story, loved the characters.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

One Summer in Monte Carlo - Jennifer Bohnet

When I requested this book I must admit that the author was new to me and I was totally drawn in by the stunning cover (yes I am that person that cannot resist a gorgeous cover) but I was very happily surprised. The story was a good page turner and I was so engrossed that I felt like I was right there in Monte Carlo - I think we are all craving a bit of travel in our lives at the moment! I will definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

It is no secret, I am a massive fan of Jennifer Bohnet's books - she always seems to hit the nail on the head, placing you right in the heart of the story. This book is no exception, and is set in the glamourous location of Monaco around the time of the Formula One Grand Prix...put on your most sparkly outfit, fasten your seatbelt whilst Jennifer gives us VIP pit lane access to the high octane event of the year.

Three years ago, Nanette was in a terrible car accident alongside her Formula One racing driver fiance Zac. The accident saw Nanette being airlifted back to Britain, while Zac walked away seemingly unhurt, but it wasn't just the accident he walked away from, he also left Nanette. She lost her future, her job and her home all in the space of a few short hours.

Settling into a new life back in the UK, Monte Carlo was a place she wanted to forget, not revisit. But when her friend and employer, Vanessa asked her to look after her children in the Principality for a few months, Nanette knew she had no choice but to return, and as the F1 circus rolls into town, Nanette has to finally face Zac.

This book had many twists and turns and had me gripped from the first few pages. The knowledge of the area is oustanding, and as many of us have seen Monte Carlo on the tv, Jennifer really takes us there, visiting cafes, and walking by the casino, all places that I feel I know, even though I've never been there.

In a year when no one has travelled much because of the pandemic, I really honestly feel like I've had a holiday in Monaco!!

Bravo!! A wonderful book to start the new year!!!

One Summer in Monterey Carlo has a gorgeous cover and magical setting. Nanette doesn’t have fond memories of the venue since the last time she was there she had to be shipped back to the UK incoherent without her fiancé. Now she has returned and is able to confront Zac. I thought he was a real heel for the entire book. The author tried to redeem him in the end, but I didn’t buy it. I think he got what he deserved. Nannette finds happiness with someone else.

Oh, I loved this book!
It might have been due to me nearly upping sticks and moving to Monaco a while back but I loved that this story was set there. Having been there, I could imagine all the places that were settings in this story.
The story was page turning and I had to pace myself and not gobble it all up in one go.

Spend the Summer in Monte Carlo

What a beautiful book, it hits all the emotions and all the senses. I had a hard time putting this book down, I wanted to know what was on the next page.

Nannette returns to Monte Carlo after 3 years. Through her eyes we wander the streets of the city, reliving her memories. She is now a nanny to her best friends twins, rather than the PA/fiancé to an F1 driver. We watch her navigate her past and present, cultivate new relationships, question old ones. What happened 3 years ago, what questionable things are happening now? Are they connected?

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the free copy for my voluntary review.


This review will go to Amazon on Release day, and Goodreads approx. Dec 12, 2020.

I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down.

We meet Nanette who is now working as a nanny for twins after a terrible accident she had 3 years ago and has no memory of the events that took place in Monte Carlo.
Now about to go back to the place where it all happened and face her Ex fiance the famous F1 driver Zac Ewart, is it all a big mistake to go back.

This had me hooked and I was totally engrossed, I felt as if I was there right in Monte Carlo, the setting was just beautiful.

A pure delight to devour and looking foward to reading more from Jennifer.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this book and really enjoyed my summer in Monte Carlo! Nanette returns to Monte Carlo, the scene of a horrific accident 3 years earlier, which saw her being airlifted back to U. K and her fiancée hailed as the hero who dragged her from the car. She has not heard from since that day but now finds herself back within his orbit and embroiled in his, seemingly illicit affairs. The bright light in her life is the grandfather of the twins for whom she is caring while their mother is on an adventure in the amazon jungle. He is a constant, caring presence as he worries that his son, the twins father, is also involved in shady dealings. Throw in glamorous yachts, mysterious Russians, a dose of intrique and a really sweet romance and you have the ingredients for the perfect escape. Love it.