What a treat, to while away a Sunday afternoon with the latest Jennifer Bohnet novel. Guaranteed to be a winner.
A charming tale crossing the English Channel, spanning a multitude of subjects; family, love, bereavement, selflessness and giving; about being given the chance to let go, about family feuds and about forgiveness.

Above all this book is about new beginnings; forging new and improved relationships with friends and relatives, old and new; neither forgetting about the past, nor dwelling on it.

This tome appealed to me with its sense of mystery – who was Pascal and why is the mention of his name met with an awkward silence? Why is Henri the way he is? What other secrets are the French contingent of the family hiding? Has Henri been totally honest about why he has brought Nicola and Oliver to France? Why on earth do the gendarmes in Paris want to talk to Oliver’s Tante Josephine? A dinner party to celebrate the late Marc’s birthday seems to open up old wounds, but leaves Nicola in the dark as to why. As if to compensate, a romantic interest, of which I had great hopes, was provided in the form of the gorgeous Gilles, and if that didn’t work out, there was always Raoul, Marc’s childhood friend.

I did feel for Nicola. Not only had she lost Marc, the man she had loved (despite their divorce), but she started to struggle with her relationship with Marc’s friend Andrew. He just didn’t seem to want to understand that his and Nicola’s relationship would only ever be platonic. Surely Nicola shouldn’t need to explain that more than once! Being such a gentle soul, she was however conscious of not wanting to hurt Andrew’s feelings. This relationship was notated in such a beautifully empathetic, emotive manner, that one could not help but feel affected by the situation.

I loved the descriptive language in this book, from the scenes of the wild boar invasion, to the flora and fauna on the farm and in the environs, and even the descriptions of the food and wine. What kind of person literally starts to drool, at the marvellous description of a dacquoise desert! Combined, I almost felt that I was living in rural France at times, such was the manner in which this novel drew me in, bewitched by both the scenery and the smells of both the countryside and the local degustation on offer.

I found myself beguiled by Josephine’s colourful past – a torrid 30 year old story of abuse and unrequited love that was just not allowed to be at that time. Frankly it was barbaric. I was devastated that the couple had not been able to be together at that time, yet lifted by the hope that in the present day, their coupling might be deemed acceptable.

My mind went through various different emotions with this book. happiness for Josephine, and her happy ending, yet not so happy for Andrew. Nicola seemed to have made a good move though, in uprooting her life and coming to live near her French family. I felt that Nicola did an amazing job, dealing with Olivier’s moments of teenage angst; she proved what an amazing Mother she was, and quelled his worries about things proverbially coming in threes.

In all, this was a superb novel, full of Gallic charm. The things that stood out to me most of all, were the sense of family throughout the book. The way that those who might be considered set in their ways, made adjustments for the sake of that family bond. Unequivocal proof that you’re never to old to change; and love – evidence that that you’re never too old for love.

Although Jennifer has written many books and I already own a few, this is the first I have actually read and I enjoyed the story and the style so much that I will not hesitate to read many more of her books.

The story is really sad, but also touching following mainly the lives of Nicola and Oliver, her 13 year old son. Shortly after the death of Oliver's father Marc they end up uprooting their lives and trying to start over near the Marc's estranged family in the countryside in the south of France, just outside of Nice.

There is some romance in this book, but that is not the main story line. The story is mostly about Nicola and Oliver and their new type of life in France. By the end of the story I felt really connected to these two and their French relatives, but other members of the cast, like the dog Mischief were simply there but I didn't feel all that connected to them. I don't even have a clue what the dog looked like and the same goes for many of the characters. If I had gotten a better feel for the characters so I could picture them while reading, then it might have been a 5 star read, but the story and the characters were still touching enough that I gave it 4 stars and would highly recommend it.

What to expect:
✅ loss and grief
✅ estranged family and family secrets that cannot stay secret forever
✅ beautiful setting in the countryside in the south of France
✅ the quiet life on a farm and rebuilding a cottage
✅ the importance of family helping you get through when tragedy strikes again (and again)
✅ a touching relationship between mother and son

With a lovely cover, this sweet story took me to the French countryside for a peaceful summer read. I enjoyed my previous read from Bohnet and this one did not disappoint. Arguably, the format is quite similar to the other novel, but it was long enough between books for me to not truly notice this and I certainly enjoyed it.

Nicola and Oliver’s move to France is shrouded in doubt. Nicola is reluctant to uproot her son however, England has few positive memories. With the recent death of her husband, Nicola’s relocation to the French countryside enables her son, Oliver, to reconnect with his grandparents. However, this comes at a price as traditional patriarch, Henri, is considerably controlling. Nicola is hyper-aware of the circumstances and I liked watching how she maintained control of Oliver’s upbringing, whilst also allowing him to develop a relationship with his French family.

This book is not just about rediscovering lost family connections, but also Nicola’s new opportunities. It is clear from the opening chapters how Nicola will forge a new life in France and seeing her redevelop a holding that is next to her in-laws adds another dimension to the story. By this point, Nicola is used to being a single, independent woman, especially as her late husband would rarely spend long amounts of time at home. Therefore, I liked watching how Nicola breathes life into such a run-down, abandoned place, that will eventually offer something back to the community. This part of the story links really nicely to the beautiful, enticing cover. To be honest, Nicola is such an active, hard-working character, she made me feel guilty sitting down and reading her story, rather than getting on with housework chores!

I loved the summery setting and this book provided perfect escapism. It isn’t all idyllic dreams for Nicola and Olive, and Bohnet explores the changing relationship between mother and son, particularly after the impact of tragedy for them both. Furthermore, the supporting characters of Henri’s sisters, enhance the story even more, with a family secret that has remained hidden for decades.

Whilst there is love in this story, it does not dominate the novel. I sympathised with Nicola’s relationship with Andrew and could understand her frustration towards him. At the same time, her growing friendship with Gilles appeared perfect and I wanted her to be able to succeed in her new business, especially with the local shop being established nearby.

A significant appeal of Bohnet’s books is the diversity in the plot. There is relocation, relationships, love and change… there is plenty of themes that keep the narrative interesting and engaging. Easily picturing myself in the French countryside with Nicola, I loved watching her settle into her new role in a new country.

Full of optimism, Bohnet’s novel proves that if you have a dream, you should not be afraid to take that leap of faith. Many of the characters do this in different ways in the story and I think this is what makes Bohnet’s writing so appealing and enjoyable to read.

With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“They ate lunch outside, sitting in the enclosed small garden area at the back of the farmhouse. Weathered painted furniture, pots of lavender and rosemary, sweet-smelling old fashioned roses, trailing geraniums tumbling down the stone wall, bougainvillea climbing the pillars that the rusty hinges of the ancient wrought-iron gates were embedded in”.

I could get lost in writing like that - which I’m sure is the whole point of this wonderful, wistful, gentle story.

Nicole Jacques, reeling from grief and loss and struggling to do the right thing to ensure her thirteen year old son, Oliver, the best possible future, finds herself moving her small family from England to France. There they settle into an olive farm just outside Nice, a centuries old family business run by Oliver’s paternal grandfather, Henri, and his twin sisters, Odette and Josephine.

The atmosphere is gorgeous, - evocative with fields, blossoming fruit trees and flowers; herbs and crumbled stone cottages, begging to be brought back to their former charm; and the sights, smells and foodstuffs that define the timeless allure of the rural and Provençal.

Infused with quiet charm, this lovely read meanders through Nicole and Oliver’s transition to their new surroundings; their introduction into the French “famille” and the challenges encountered as they attempt to slip into new lives, and new relationships; healing and expanding their fractured concept of “home” and “belonging”.

Sure to be a favorite read of lovers of the pastoral and bucolic, as well as anyone who has ever dreamed of a “rooted” life in picturesque France, this heartwarming story hits all the right beguiling and escapist notes.

A great big thank you to the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

My stop today on the @rachelsrandomresources #blogtour for #FallingforaFrenchDream by @jenniewriter @boldwoodbooks #boldwoodblogger @bookandtonic

I really enjoyed this sweet book. It was so different to others I’ve read like this recently. Beautiful descriptions of the area and the characters. This was a really addictive book and I finished it quickly. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Nicola is such a sweet character and my heart really went out to her. She loved Marc and despite divorcing, at his request when he went to do humanitarian work, they were not completely estranged or without love for each other. So, when he dies Nicola is grieving and their sone Oliver has lost his father. When she is summoned to France by Marc’s father, Nicola sells up and moves there in order to mend bridges with his family. Can she find the strength to heal and her heart and to make amends with Mark’s family.
Jennifer’s books always immediately transport the reader completely into the setting and completely brought The French Riviera to life in my sitting room. It’s so beautifully described and Henri’s farm is such a peaceful and perfect place for Nicola to heal and support her son.
The relationship between Nicola and Oliver is such a lovely one and so well developed. The rebuilding of their lives in France was so tenderly written and I loved how the aunts welcomed and supported them whilst developing a new relationship. Henri was not a likeable character but I think Nicola it become clear why it was difficult for him. There was a clear difference between the relationship he had with Nicola and that of the one with Oliver but he did frustrate me at times. I love when character make me feel really strong emotions.
This is a story about building bridges, forming new relationships, moving forwards after grief and starting a new life. It’s emotional yet heart-warming and simply wonderful.

I always love Boldwood titles. Every month they come out I’m always anxious to see what they’ve got coming our way! I rarely am disappointed with any of their titles. This was no exception.
Premise
Escape to hills high above the French Riviera with international bestseller Jennifer Bohnet.
After tragically losing her husband, Nicola Jacques and her teenage son Oliver relocate to his father’s family's olive farm in the hills above the French Riviera.

Due to a family feud, Oliver has never known his father's side of the family but Grandpapa Henri is intent that Oliver will take over the reins of the ancestral farm and his rightful inheritance.
I love books that allow you to travel especially having a chronic illness I’m not able to do so so it’s nice to live vicariously through these type of books. It was nice reading about a mother and son dynamic for a change:

Another amazing book by Jennifer Bohnet. It has a feel-good feeling from the first few pages and I was not disappointed.

This must be the fifth book of Jennifer’s I have read now, and she never disappoints in whisking me away to a sun drenched, idyllic French setting no matter what her characters have thrown at them!!

After Nicola and her son Oliver receive the news that her estranged husband has died, it leaves her with very mixed emotions. Sad for her son and for the loss of the man she did once love, but also with hope that now they could possibly begin to mend some bridges with her husband’s family in France. Relatives that Oliver barely knows. Following a request from farther-in-law Henri to come out to the farm in France to sort matters out, Nicola and Oliver head out there, but Nicola isn’t naïve, she is more than aware that she needs to be strong as Henri can be a controlling patriarch at the very least.

On arriving there Nicola is surprised with an ultimatum from Henri in regards to Oliver’s inheritance and makes a rushed and bold decision to move out to France. Buying a run down cottage very close to the farm means Oliver can be close to his new family, which he does appear to get on very well with, yet holding on to some of her independence and privacy, an added bonus is that she can return back to her love of gardening and the possibility make some money in doing so.

With the story line following them settling into their new lives, introducing the reader to Henri, Aunts Josephine and Odette and other characters, what follows is another charming and wonderfully set story from this author and again one that’s also full of back stories and other twists that gives the story mystery and suspense keeping the reader engaged and longing to find out the outcome for the characters involved.

As always beautifully set, this time in the surrounding countryside of the South of France, the novel wonderfully evokes the senses as you read with the sounds, smells and tastes of France plus of course with the sprinkling of possible romance making this another enjoyable and delightful read.

This book was previously published as The French Legacy.

When young widow, Nicola Jacques receives a summons to visit her ex-in-laws at the family's olive farm in the south of France she does so reluctantly as there has been a rift in the family for several years. However, Nicola feels that the time is right for her teenage son Oliver to meet Henri Jacques, his paternal grandfather, and get used to the place where his father, Marc, grew up. The visit proves to be momentous in many ways as Nicola, respectful of Oliver's inheritance as his grandfather's heir, is persuaded to make a new life in France, but leaving everything behind in England is never going to be easy for Nicola and Oliver.

I enjoyed spending time at the olive farm at La Prouveresse experiencing both the highs and lows as Nicola and Oliver adjust to a new life, making new friends and putting down roots. Nicola's complicated relationship with the taciturn Henri is never going to be easy but it is made more bearable by her close friendship with her husband's aunts, Odette and Josephine, who bring a welcome lightness into what is sometimes a tense family atmosphere. However, it is Nicola's growing friendship with property developer Gilles that is the still voice of calm in her, sometimes, complicated new world.

Falling for a French Dream is a lovely heartwarming story about the bonds of family, the heartbreak of grief and the joy that second changes can bring.

Wonderful escape to the French countryside near Nice!!
Easy reading, warm hearted, and hugely enjoyable.
Nicola and her son Oliver are making the best of their lives after tragedy hits their family.
When her father in law requests her to visit him in France, her life is about to change.
Great story, great characters, with a good knowledge of the French culture,
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the early read.

Emotional, astute and compulsively readable, Falling for a French Dream is the latest engrossing novel by best-selling author Jennifer Bohnet.

After the tragic death of her husband, Nicola Jacques and her son Oliver decided to relocate to his father’s family olive farm in the hills above the French Riviera. With relations being rather strained because of a family feud that had caused untold damage, Nicola isn’t sure of the reception they are going to get, but she is willing to do anything for her son’s future – even if it means butting heads with an autocratic and stubborn old man like Henri. With Henri determined to ensure that Oliver takes over the reins of the farm when the time is right, there is certainly a lot at stake for Nicola. But has she made the right choice moving her entire life to France?

Nicola is not about to let Henri walk all over her and her son. Keen to maintain a measure of independence, she buys a rundown cottage on the edge of the farm and begins renovating it and cultivating the small holding that came with the cottage. As Nicola and Oliver begin to settle down, they feel happy for the first time in a very long while. Nicola comes to cherish the help which Henri’s sisters offer her and Oliver and a friendship with property developer Gilles also blossoms.

But could Nicola’s future be threatened by the arrival of some unexpected news that puts in jeopardy everything that she holds dear to her heart…

Jennifer Bohnet’s Falling for a French Dream is a wonderful tale about taking a chance on happiness, new beginnings, hope and healing that readers will thoroughly enjoy. As always, Jennifer Bohnet’s descriptions of France are so rich and vivid that readers feel as if they are taking in the sights and sounds of the places she evokes alongside her protagonists.

In Nicola, Jennifer Bohnet has created a character readers will relate to. Strong, loyal and determined to build a future for herself and her son, Nicola is the kind of heroine readers would love to have as a good friend.

Poignant, compelling and enjoyable, Jennifer Bohnet whisks readers away with her latest novel, Falling for a French Dream.

A poignant story of family, grief and second chances in the South of France. The characterisation and setting of this story immerse the reader into Nicola and Oliver's lives. This is a multi-generational story with Henri, Oliver's grandfather, as the strict, unbending Patriarch. Josephine and Odette Oliver's great aunts welcome Nicola and her son unreservedly and are instrumental in working towards the compromise essential for the family to heal.

Romance flourishes from loss, and Nicola has to decide where her heart lies. Vivid descriptions evoke the reader's imagination to visualise the location and the events that unfold. This is a character-led story, and each one is lovingly crafted into a believable individual who the reader can like or dislike.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Lovely! A strong novel about the truest meaning of family. And home. Set against the beautiful backdrop of France. I enjoyed this novel by Jennifer Bohnet a great deal.

Ive never been to France myself and after reading this book it made me feel like I was in France with all the descriptions of the locations and scenery. The story is about putting your life back together after tragedy occurs. This is a beautifully well written book and I look forward to more novels from this author.

Oh wow I don't know where to start, this is an author whose stories transport me to sunny France and steal my heart within the first few chapters. I love picking up a book and just knowing it's going to be an amazing read and a feel good tonic which is something we all need from time to time.

I loved my trip to France where we meet the Jacques family as they adjust to the sudden loss of their son/nephew and we get to meet Olivier and Nicola who are also still deeply lost in the grief of losing Marc.

We get to experience the highs and lows as they work to mend bridges, build new relationships and make life changing decisions. All set against the stunning back drop of a small village near Nice and the family farm.

The absolute back bone of this story was family and throughout the beautiful descriptions and sprinkles of romance the importance of family shone through.

A story that consumed me and I was desperate to keep reading but also wanted to savour as I was enjoying it so much.

I have been quite fortunate to have been involved with blog tours for a number of Jennifer’s books, and whilst this wasn’t my favourite, it is still a beautiful story which explores the complexity of families and relationships.
I immediately liked Nicola and her son, both recovering from the loss of a husband and father, they are perfectly placed to make a life-changing move. Their French family, Henri, Josephine and Odette are strong characters, in their own way. Henri is stern and inflexible, but he is supported by his twin sisters and their gently persuasive ways.
I loved Nicola’s drive and determination to hold onto her independence and was taken with the descriptions of the cottage, both before and after the renovation work. The work on the cottage felt metaphorical as Nicola began to emerge as a stronger, more independent woman. I would have liked to see her find delirious happiness, but, with hindsight, I was happy with her story.
The part that I loved, which felt a little odd, was Josephine’s story. Along with her twin sister, Odette, she felt like a supporting character until late in the book. It was a lovely development, but for me seemed a late addition to the story. I would also have liked to get to know Odette more.
Whilst it may appear that I’m being critical, Falling for a French Dream still garnered a solid 3 star rating, from me, and I will look forward to more books by this lovely author.
As the synopsis mentions, this was previously published as The French Legacy.

"WoW......Très bon et magnifiquement écrit - j'ai adoré!"

Falling for a French Dream by Jennifer Bohnet was a beautifully written book and a lovely surprise for me, as I don't usually read books like this But the Title and the cover just caught my eye and I had to read it. I never even read what this book was about. The title said it all! Especially as I fell for the French dream myself and moved out to France from the UK 6 years ago with my hubby, 2 dogs and a mad cat!

This is a book about Nicola Jacques and her teenage son Oliver who relocates to his father’s family's Olive Farm in the hills above the French Riviera .after tragically losing his dad and the ex husband to Nicola. Sadly due a family feud, Oliver has never known his fathers’ side of the family and Grand-papa Henri is intent that Oliver will take over the reins of the ancestral farm and his rightful inheritance.
Nicola purchases a run-down cottage on the edge of the family's Olive Farm and sets to work renovating their new home and providing an income by cultivating the small holding that came with the Cottage. Nicola and Oliver settles in quickly and start to build their life, with the help of Josephine and Odette who are Oliver's aunties.
They have no regrets moving to France. Oliver spends most of the summer holiday with his grand-papa on the farm and Nicola spends her days renovating their new home and garden with the help of local property developer Gilles Bongars where she has become very close to.
This story has sad parts and a tear or two was shed by me. So be warned.

This book was previously published as The French Legacy.


I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to read more books by Jennifer. I love the way she writes especially as I found this book an enjoyable read and hard to put down.

Big Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion. and especially as Jennifer is a new author to me.

If you, like me, are a Francophile, you will love Falling for a French Dream. It is a feel-good novel about new beginnings and family bonds that tells the story of recently widowed Nicola and her son Henri's impromptu move to her father-in-law's olive farm in the South of France. The titillating details of Provencal will make wanna-be France dwellers such as myself practically burst into Le Marseillaise as they turn the pages. Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy of this dreamy little French read.

💞Taking chances on a new life in France: family, friends and a well-deserved romance🌄

4-4.5🌟 stars
Author Jennifer Bohnet has a real talent for lovingly bringing to life rural France. Here a young teenager loses his father and his mother Nicola does all in her power to ease his grief and do the right thing to secure a happy future for him. Packing up their life and moving from England to join the boy's paternal family in rural farm life in southern France brings plenty of possibilities along with some new heartache.

The writing makes the pages fly by and there's more than one sweet, second chance romance to brighten their days. I enjoyed it though it's not my favorite of the author's French-set works.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.