Member Reviews
This was a beautiful read and the perfect escapism. With such a gorgeous cover, I loved every minute of reading this one.
A gorgeous escape to the Provence, I had a boss once who loved spending her summers there. Daisy takes herself off to renovate the run down farmhouse that she inherited, full of ideas, she locks horns with Gabriel who is the complete opposite of Daisy. A really fun, heart warming escape. I love the cover too.
I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.
Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.
However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x
This was a very gentle slow burn romance, where you are never sure if the two rather different main characters are ever going to get together or not.
Gabriel and Daisy are total opposites in everything, and in Daisy's time in Provence, she starts to change.
There is a lot of character growth from them both, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters especially Gabriel's friends in the village.
I liked getting a glimpse of Provencal rural life, and getting a feel for that part of France.
It was a really enjoyable story that I was certainly entertained by.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Sophie Claire’s “An Escape to Provence” whisks readers away on a delightful journey to the idyllic French countryside. With its enchanting setting, engaging characters, and heartwarming story, this book offers a much-needed escape that will leave readers longing for their own Provencal adventure.
The story follows Grace, a woman who embarks on a spontaneous trip to Provence, hoping to find solace and a fresh start after a difficult period in her life. As she immerses herself in the beauty and tranquility of the region, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, forms unexpected friendships, and discovers the healing power of love and community.
One of the standout features of “An Escape to Provence” is Sophie Claire’s skillful depiction of the setting. The vivid descriptions transport the reader to the sun-soaked landscapes, aromatic lavender fields, and charming villages of Provence. The author’s attention to detail and evocative prose create an immersive experience, allowing readers to feel as though they are right alongside Grace, savoring the sights, sounds, and flavors of this captivating region.
The characters in the book are well-drawn and endearing. Grace is a relatable and resilient protagonist, and her personal journey of self-discovery is inspiring. The supporting characters add depth and warmth to the story, each with their own unique quirks and backstories that enrich the narrative. The relationships that develop throughout the book feel genuine and heartwarming, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, capturing the relaxed and leisurely pace of life in Provence while also maintaining enough intrigue and plot development to keep the reader engaged. The gradual unraveling of Grace’s past and the obstacles she encounters during her time in Provence add depth to the narrative and create a sense of anticipation.
In conclusion, “An Escape to Provence” is a charming and enchanting read that transports readers to the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of Provence. Sophie Claire’s evocative writing, lovable characters, and heartwarming storyline make this book a delightful escape. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that will transport you to the sun-drenched beauty of the French countryside, “An Escape to Provence” is a perfect choice. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Provence and inspired by the power of love, friendship, and new beginnings.
This was a super feel good read. Ideal for a sunny day escape. Lovely characters and a nice storyline. I could imagine being in Provonce. I would recommend this book.
A lovely feel good romance set in France. Ideal for the summer holidays or when you just need a travel fix without the passport.
Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book
This was a great summer read. The author depicts Provence very well, I have never been myself but the picture she paints with words is beautiful.
This is the story of Daisy and Gabriel. Their chemistry is great and I loved how they both come to appreciate each others differences within their work and social lives.
This one was a lovely read. I really enjoyed reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
4 stars read for me
Daisy’s only thought when she inherits a farmhouse in Provence – from a distant relative she never knew – is to get the renovations done as quickly as possible so that she can let it to summer visitors. But “quickly” is apparently a rather alien concept to her builder Gabriel, and she decides that the only way to get things moving is to be on-site for a while. And at the book’s beginning, she’s very difficult to like – she arrives with her business wardrobe and her Louboutins (and her severe clear-lensed glasses…), brandishing her mobile phone and the spreadsheets on her laptop, ready to throw money at the problem (while also throwing her weight about) and return to her busy life as soon as she possibly can.
But laid-back Gabriel won’t be rushed – and she discovers that the reasons for his reluctance are rather more complicated than she thought. If a will had been found, he’d expected the farmhouse to be his – it was his former home, and he’s emotionally attached to the property in a way Daisy couldn’t possibly understand. But when they reluctantly begin to work together, things start to change – she softens around the edges a little, begins to see the beauty of the house and its setting, and to slowly understand the builder with a complex past. And her own secrets begin to surface too, her own difficult past that made her what she now is, as they slowly grow closer.
The chemistry that develops between these two very different individuals is simply stunning – a romance I really believed in, with a growing warmth and emotional depth I could really feel. Daisy’s personal journey – facing up to her own issues, opening up, letting her guard down, being won over by the warmth of the community and the simpler life – entirely transformed her from the brittle and hard-edged person I disliked so much at first encounter, and I became entirely invested in her finding happiness and a place to belong. And as for Gabriel – perhaps an unconventional romantic lead, but he certainly made my heart beat rather faster. I really liked his complexity – his damaged past, his old-fashioned sense of morality, his innate gentleness (his messiness and stubborn resistance perhaps rather less so…) – and the way he was so much part of the close local community where he’d lived his whole life.
And I must mention the author’s exceptional ability to paint a vivid setting – I’ve never been to Provence, but she really did make me fall in love with it, and the dilapidated farmhouse soaked in history and love. The whole book is infused with sunshine, and the region’s tastes, sounds and aromas – some wonderful descriptions, and the loveliest multi-sensory experience. I very much enjoyed her drawing of the local community too – Gabriel’s friends who at first close ranks against the newcomer, but slowly begin to embrace Daisy with the warmth of their friendship too.
This was the most perfect summer read – one that you really must pack in your suitcase – and I absolutely loved everything about it. Highly recommended by me!
(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)
I was asked to read and review An Escape to Provence by Sophie Claire herself and I would like to thank her for asking me as I adore her books.
I am also a part of the blog tour and today is my stop on the tour.
I loved An Escape to Provence. I could easily imagine the landscape and setting as they are beautifully captured in the pages of this book. All the characters felt real and as I was reading I felt like I was sitting on their shoulders completely immersed in their worlds.
Daisy and Gabriel have a love/hate relationship that I loved. It was a slow burner but for me that got me more engaged as a reader and I felt I had really got to know each of them. I wanted things to work out for both of them. Gabriel for me is one of my favourite heroes, he has all the perfect qualities needed.
My favourite parts to read were the day trips out and about that were so romantic. I really want to visit Provence now to see a sunset.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance set in stunning locations!
an enjoyable book but nothing we haven't seen before, inherit a house abroad etc etc, a nice read round the pool and nothing deep, enjoy in the sunshire
A very atmospheric love story.
Daisy inherits an old French farmhouse from a distant relative and reluctantly has to take leave from her high powered job as a divorce lawyer in London to see why her builder Gabriel is not going ahead with the repairs and finds out he was expected to inherit the farmhouse himself after being taken in by the owner years ago and treated as a son, but the will can not be found.
Gabriel and Daisy meet and Daisy fights against the attraction they have as they are totally opposite.
I loved the story it flowed well and you wanted to know how it ended even though you knew what was going to happen. All the characters you just loved and the description of the village was great you just wanted to move there and be their friends too.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the ARC
A wonderful feel good book. About love, families, finding yourself, acceptance and with a smattering of romance. What's not to love.
A quick, easy and cute read that was full of romance and set in a stunning setting. I wanted to jump into the pages.
I requested this ARC hoping for some lovely summer escapism and that is exactly what the book delivered. It is a light-hearted and fun read and perfect for transporting you to a sun-drenched and beautiful rural setting. I enjoyed reading the lovely descriptions of the French countryside and in particular the culinary aspects mentioned. The writing is quite captivating and you can almost feel the sun on your face and the intoxicating smell of lavender. My mouth was watering with all the food mentions and I was delighted to find some of the recipes in the back of the book, which I can’t wait the try. Provence is somewhere in France I have not yet visited and I am now even more eager to visit.
Daisy and Gabriel are great characters, they are complete opposites but have an undeniable attraction and oodles of chemistry in their slow burn romance. The side characters are delightful and there is a lovely sense of friendship and community in this small French village.
An Escape to Provence is a well paced read and, although somewhat predictable, with the incorporation of the gorgeous food descriptions and recipes sets it slightly apart from the usual romance story. This book will undoubtedly transport you to a beautiful location with fabulous characters and a wonderful romance.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC, via Netgalley, for for review.
A brilliant romantic read set in beautiful Provence. I could almost feel the sun on my face whilst reading. I was totally captivated by the storyline and loved both the main characters. A well paced novel with engaging characters and lots of interest that kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.
What a truly stunning read this book is and Sophie never fails to disappoint. Heart warming and beautifully written.
I loved escaping to Provence and fell in love with the location as well as the characters. Daisy and Gabriel were wonderful characters to follow and I didn't want to stop reading their heart-warming story. I'm so grateful to have been given a chance to read and enjoy this book.