Katie Fforde’s latest novel ‘A Wedding in Provence’ is a refreshingly energetic read and a nod to an era where young ladies, raised by nannies and destined for finishing school, was a very real thing.

It’s 1963 and free-spirited heiress Alexandra has 24 hours in Paris before jumping on a train bound for finishing school in Switzerland. She bumps into Donna outside the Sacré Coeur, and there begins a chain of events that leads her to gaining employment from the handsome Le Comte de Belleville. He has ‘dark eyes fringed with long lashes’ and a ‘mouth that curled at the corners’. It comes as no surprise that she finds him ‘almost impossible not to fall in love with’.

Cookery school-trained, with ‘colloquial and rustic’ French, Alexandra is to take charge of le Comte’s – Antoine’s – three children in a chateau in Provence for a month. Orphaned herself at a young age and ‘supervised’ from afar by relations living in Switzerland, Alexandra has always fended for herself in the family home in London. Now she has to care for children who view her ‘with a mixture of hostility, resentment and defiance’.

With a get-on-with-it mindset, she throws off her pearls and stiff dresses and adopts a barefoot Provençial lifestyle. Soon, however, she finds herself up against Antoine’s former mother-in-law, Grand-mère, who wants to move in and educate the children so they ‘do not grow up as savages’. Yes, she really does say that. She also says she ‘doesn’t think people should be fat’. Ooph. She is a woman of her time.

This bohemian story rolls along energetically, hardly pausing for breath, a cast of colourful characters gathering in the chateau as the story builds.

Alexandra is a sweet, kind girl, who means well and is blessed with seeing the positive in most things, which is an attribute you don’t see much of these days. She is likeable and her spirited, less conventional side adds a little pizzazz. With relatable challenges that keep her on her toes – Antoine’s over-bearing ex-mother-in-law and his haughty ex-wife, a prickly love rival, the upward battle of building trust with children who have all but been neglected – Alexandra’s character develops gently and convincingly.

Themes of long-lost love and the search for family security are involved, and homosexuality is also given its own story thread during a time when it was illegal to be homosexual in Great Britain.
And, of course, we wait to see if Alexandra falls in love.

Katie Fforde paints an accurate portrayal of 1960s privileged, upper-class society where pearls, champagne and cookery courses mask a lack of emotional intimacy within families and the acceptance of sexual aggression towards women.

Simple, country Provençial life is pleasantly portrayed through descriptions of the landscape, markets and food, and provides a relaxed backdrop for stiff-natured characters to change.

‘A Wedding in Provence’ is enchanting. Most of all it is escapist and fun.

Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for a copy to review.

I absolutely loved this story from start to finish and wanted to finish it as quickly as possible. I am happy to recommend this story which gives great insights into relationships and what it would be like to live in a chateau. Alexandra's way of befriending the children in her care was realistic and their responses were too. There was a definite growth and it took me back to when my daughter was a similar age as the eldest child - very realistic description and I could visualise her easily.

This is a charming tale, within which you can immerse yourself.

Most of the characters are authentic but I wasn’t quite convinced by Penelope or Veronique.

I loved the setting of the book and it inspired me to research this part of the world.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I have never read anything by Katie Fforde before, but as her books regularly keep popping up in my recommendations, I was chuffed to receive this through NetGalley.

Set in 1963, Lexi finds herself taking care of 3 children at a chateau in Provance. Although she has been hired as a nanny, she finds herself taking care of the household, becoming more than just a nanny.

I loved the pace of the book and the setting of the story. The children were absolutely lovely once they got to know Alex, and don’t we all want a friend like David in our lives.

Great book, looking forward to reading more Katie Fforde.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest unedited review.

This is a happy reunion with characters from 'A Wedding in the Country' but can certainly be read as a stand alone novel.
Heiress Alexandra is in Paris en -route to stay with her relations in Switzerland when she is offered a position as a nanny in Provence.
The characters are friends you would love to meet outside the book ans Provence is definitely on my travel list.
Katie FForde has a magical touch and this book is highly recommended.

Katie Fforde never fails to please. Alexandra goes to Provence as Nanny to the Comte's 3 children, but soon becomes invaluable as cook, housekeeper and Nanny. She doesn't plan to fall in love with the Comte, Antoine, will the story end up as a French "Sound of Music"? Enthralling, hard to put down, ideal for a stormy day's reading. .

The story begins in late summer 1963. Alexandra is 20 years old having being orphaned very young. She had had a comfortable life and had nannies and later companions to guide her through the years after family decided to support her from afar. She has just completed a cookery course and made good friends. Not a way-wood way of life but unconventional. Her family from afar have decided that she should go finishing in Switzerland. Reluctantly she goes, stopping in Paris en route. she makes a new friend and helps her out with a dinner party taking the opportunity to stay in Paris a bit longer. She gets to hear about a job and decides that this would be the perfect opportunity to putting her cooking skills to good use and getting to stay in Paris a bit longer.
She's offered the job but it's not quite what she expected, it's for the position of a nanny and it's not in Paris, it's in Provence!
She finds herself looking after a teenage girl, a not much younger brother and adopted much younger sister. The teenage daughter is not best pleased she's there! Then comes along the prim and proper granmere followed by the children's estranged mother who both insisit the new nanny is not suitable and the children should be sent to boarding school in England leaving behind their adopted sister.
The children's father - a count and very handsome often works away and Alexandra is left to cope with this alone.
Alexandra enlists the help of her good friend from England - gay something still illegal in England and her in turn brings a friend.
In true Katy Fforde style, this is a pleasant gentle escapist romance.
I had to give it three stars as I didn't feel the plot was entirely original, a Chateau instead of a castle, a gay friend and fellow employee, dressing the house and having a traditional Christmas and skating on the lake and even relations concerned that they should inherit.
It also left me feeling a little uncomfortable when Alexandra was assessing men for their suitability as suiters and that she should prefer this one instead of that one because her's closer in age, Perhaps it was something that women did in the sixties? Look at men as potential husbands?
This aside, I would still recommend this book and I would definitely read another Katie Fforde having enjoyed so many of her previous books.
Suitable for readers of romance/women's fiction.
#AWeddinginProvence #NetGalley

This book is set in the 1960s. Alexandra is in Paris en route to Finishing School in Switzerland when she meets Donna. A chance encounter leads to an interview and she ends up with a job as nanny to Antoine's 3 children in Provence.

I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris and the Chateau in Provence. The characters were lovely, I particularly liked David and Stephie but no so much Lucinda and Veronique. It was good to see the way Alexandra's character interacted with the children. I also enjoyed the surprise storyline with Jack. We also can't forget Milou.

A lovely light hearted romance which I would recommend.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for my ARC copy.

I admit to being a little unsure of this when I first started reading, The time shift to the 1960's from Katie Fforde previous books was interesting but unexpected. I was as usual then swept away in the story telling and really wanted to know much more about all the other characters story's, these were hinted at but not the focus of the story - more waiting to be told I think (wish).
The younger protagonist also felt different (and made me feel a bit old) and harder to relate to than in previous books but perhaps because of this there was a heightened element of escapism.
Covering an eventful few months in Lexi's life, and bringing in a colourful cast of supporting characters I would recommend as a happy holiday read, but set in France it also worked as some cheery colour on some wintering dark days.

Another great book from Katie Fforde. I’m always excited to read a book of hers and I know they are always such a lovely read. This one was set in the sixties in Provence. It was warm and sweet and a fun read. Loved it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

There is just something about Katie Fforde books that makes me smile. I really enjoy reading them. I was pleased to see Alexandra back in this latest instalment, but if you haven’t read the previous book, that’s ok, this is a self contained story and you don’t need to have read the other book she was in. If you are looking for a feel good book, this is it. I highly recommend. Thank you #netgalley

What an absolute joy it is to read a new Katie Fforde book!! There are no disappointments here, its a new fantastic classic and I totally loved it!!!
Alexandra is in Paris on her way to family in Switzerland and has a chance meeting with an American lady, who needs her help with a dinner party. Having studied cooking in London Alexandra feels equipped to meet this challenge! This leads her to another adventure which takes her to a chateau in Provence. No more spoilers!!
This book is delicious, and like being with an old friend. The characters unfold brilliantly with their individual stories, I am now desperate for some French fresh croissants, pate, cheeses and baguettes!!! And a trip to an antique market......Katie Fforde books are always exceptional, I have loved them all!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the early read, I have so enjoyed this treasure. Every page relished!!!

It is 1963 and our protagonist, Alexandra, is in Paris, en route to a Swiss finishing school which she isn’t looking forward to and would really rather stay in Paris. Through a friend of a friend, she finds herself in short-term employment as a Nanny to three French children, although not in Paris, but in sunny Provence, deep in the French countryside. Planning on staying with the family for a few weeks and then continuing onto Switzerland, Alexandra settles down to look after her charges.

As time goes by, Alexandra finds herself indispensable to the children’s father, Antoine. As he is away so often on business, and the children grow fond of her, she agrees to stay a little longer.

A Wedding in Provence is a lovely read, like all of Katie Fforde’s books. I immersed myself in French life and culture and found myself living in Provence with Alexandra, drinking rosé wine, eating pain au chocolat and relaxing in the sunshine. Katie is adept with her descriptive writing and location settings, so even if you’re reading this on a wet and windy winter’s day in the UK, you can close the blinds and pretend you’re somewhere else!

Remember that A Wedding in Provence is set in the 60s and so some things aren’t as developed as they might be now. Homosexuality is still frowned upon and yes, English girls still attend Swiss finishing schools! (Do they still, I’m not quite sure)? However, this is a great read, and I’d recommend it to all Katie Fforde fans and anyone who just wants to get lost for a few hours.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and Cornerstone for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of A Wedding in Provence by Katie Fforde.

Really enjoyable read. Pure escapism in beautiful surroundings of Provence and a bit of Paris. Loved the characters with all their flaws too, Alexandra, Antione, the children and David. Some not so likeable, Veronique and Lucinda and Alexandras family but that is what makes the story. Delightful easy read, romance is in the air!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Random House UK for an Arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This was an entertaining quick read to escape for a while. Loved it as I gave with all her books. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.

A delightful, easy, quick read perfect for a young reader, around early twenties I would say.
Characters and places are beautifully depicted and I found the setting in the early 60s quite unusual and very interesting. A very well written and nice story!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of, A Wedding in Provence, by Katie Fforde. This is a lovely story in a great setting. I love Alexandra her charges and her friends. The chateau is beautiful. Not a fan of Veronique, or Alexandra;s family.

3,5* upped to 4
I've been reading Katie Fforde's books for ages and always liked them. This is not favorite but it's an entertaining fairy tale set in the 60s.
The atmosphere of the time and the setting are well described and I liked them. The characters are likeable but a bit underdeveloped.
It's a good story if you want to escape.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I loved this thoroughly entertaining read with wonderful characters that are not perfect but then none of us are which makes the story all the better.
Heart warming & engaging story that focuses on challenges of women in the sixties of differing ages & perspective.
Provence is where the story is mainly set & the descriptions of the Chateau & the surrounding area draws you in & holds your attention.
Alexandra comes from a wealthy family orphaned from an early age & has been brought up from a distance but had to muddle through on her own a lot through her life.
After living in a period house in London with friends that lodged with her they all recently completed a cookery class & now her relatives require her to go to finishing school in Switzerland
Alexandra decides to take a few days to herself in Paris first but not wanting to go to Switzerland she takes on a job as a nanny to a count securing it with a few white lies here & there.
Alexandra comes to realise she has been thrown in at the deep end as a nanny to three children that obviously do not want her & resent her being there.
She certainly has her work cut out & there are plenty of twists &turns along the way to keep you entertained.
Well written creative story with well developed characters loved it.

If you’ve read any previous book by Katie Fforde you’ll know she absolutely slays her characterizations, every single character in all of her books are believable, not perfect in any way, and absolutely so dang lovable. The pacing of this wonderful book is perfection, and you can tell there has been research into the time setting for this one as it all felt very authentic. I loved seeing Alexandra thrust into life as a nannie for children that, very obviously, resent her and do not want her there. This book has a great cast of characters, from the old fashioned, rude and somewhat cruel ex-mother in law, to the ex-wife herself, poor Alexandra is really thrown into the thick of it with her new job in Provence. But with Antoine to gaze at, with his gorgeous eyes and heart warming smile, and her can-do just get on with it attitude, we don’t really have anything to worry about as she’s sure to come out triumphant.

I’d absolutely recommend this book to anyone and everyone, whether you’re a romance lover or not, read Katie’s books. You need them in your life, trust me on that. I can’t fault anything in this book, I can only fault Katie herself… for not writing more than one book a year!! Katie I need at least three books a year please and thank you.