I liked this story, but I felt it lacked tension. There was a little, but things sorted themselves out easily. For me also, there were too many narrators. Each time a new chapter began, I had to try and remember which character was which. All the loose ends were tied up neatly, and I enjoyed the scenic descriptions. I didn't buy into Rebecca and Rufus's romance though. I couldn't believe that after one weekend together, then 25 years apart, they were in love with each other. I also think there would have been ways for them to find each other. Rebecca could also have just not got on the boat. It wasn't credible for me, and even when they were reunited there wasn't any grand passion. It was refreshing to read a book were the main characters were all 50+, and the story of the 2 sisters, as well as the group of old friends, was a nice one. Lots of plus points, but lacking in emotion and conflict for me.

Great book. I felt myself whisked away to the South of France with the descriptions given throughout the book.

Perfect summer/beach reading and one I wasn't able to put down.

There are a lot of characters in this book however once I got going it was easy enough to continue with.

I will definitely try some more Jennifer Bohnet books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How lovely it was to be able to spend time in the South of France, on the French Riviera with this fabulous cast of characters.

And what an apt title this book has, as the Villa Sesame really did seem instrumental in giving out all manner of second chances.

There are some fun surprises to be uncovered too, as threads of the story, connect in ways you may not have initially imagined.

I loved getting to know Freya Rebecca, Clemmie, Angela and to a lesser extent Verity, as Freya and Marcus' wedding approaches.

These are all characters in the prime of their lives, perhaps a tad more mature than you would perhaps expect, and learning about their various life experiences and how they are dealing with their current situations is heartening.

This is another fabulous story from Jennifer Bohnet who always brings gorgeous scenery, a lovely glimpse into France, and characters that get under your skint to the extent you actually care what is happening to them.

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

Very well written, great descriptions. I was not able to connect with any of the characters, so it took me a long time to finish the book. The story is nicely paced but I kept missing something, kept waiting for something irregular to happen.

Thank you for NetGalley and publisher for allowing me to pre-read this book in eCopy format.

This was a lovely book to read I just lapped it up very quickly. I could feel the warmth of the sun and see the wonderful scenery in my mind’s eye. A great book to cheer you up on a cold winters day. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an e-ARC of Villa of Second Chances by Jennifer Bobnet.

The title of the book is exactly what you get for the story. It's a well written story set in a picturesque and beautiful villa. I did have a hard time connecting with any character and I'm not sure if its because there were so many of them, each with their own story. The author ties up all loose ends perfectly.

🌺 Review 🌺⁠
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⁠Well here goes ... ⁠
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Anytime a book involves France, I'm like oui s'il vous plaît! 😍🥰🗼🥐🎠☕🚬⁠
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But.⁠
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I didn't connect with this book as much as I thought I would. I think it's because the MC is in a time in her life I just can't identify with. Delphine is widowed unexpectedly and wants to retire and live a different life. That's not to say that someone else will. ⁠
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I really liked the setting and the talk of weddings. 😭😍

💞Fine beach read with major players in the 50+ set🌅🏖

3.5-4.0🌟 stars
If you love reading about fun, lazy days of sunshine, good food and convivial company in a posh holiday getaway with some second chance romance this story contains all that and a bit more. Set on the French Riviera, a pair of sister event hosts and the attendees at a wedding all work on some minor, some major changes to move their lives on.

I liked this story but it's not one of my favorites of the recent books I've read by the author. I think, for me, the fact that so many characters are at a crossroads in their lives diluted my ability to attach to any one character's emotional journey. Guests, hosts, it seemed almost every character over 50 except matriarch Effie was in the midst of a life transformation.

It a nice, summer getaway without leaving your armchair😉.

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

I really didn't want this story to end, it was such a great read. L am not going to give anything away but will give it 5 stars and that should say it all.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC

A story that kept giving. You felt it would end after the wedding but it didn’t . It was a story about two sisters, a beautiful villa, re marrying your x , finding lost love, friendship , family and apologies . Set between Dartmouth and the south of France. A bit Marcia Willet in the Dartmouth parts. A great story and I loved it. Also I loved hoe it was all neatly tied up at the end . Perfect

One of my new favourite authors!!! Absolutely loved this warm inspiring latest book!!
The story is based around Villa Sesame which is a luxury venue for very special
private parties and weddings, run by two sisters Delphine and Rebecca. Set partly in Dartmouth Devon, and partly in the South of France. There is an up coming wedding in the Villa Sesame that brings together people from the past, and sparks new beginnings.......no spoilers!!
One of the main reasons I loved this book is all the various characters with their own issues, not just one main character that the rest satellited around.
Loved from first page to the last!! Highly recommended!! There is so much more in this tale than expected!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood for the early opportunity to read and thoroughly enjoy!!

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

Rebecca and Delphine run Villa Sesame, it’s very well known and is often the place people book for weddings, as it has beautiful surroundings.

Delphine informs her sister that she wants to retire, she wants to live her life differently, visit other countries/places, something she and her husband were looking forward to doing. Rebecca is surprised as she never expected this and also worries of how she will cope with running the Villa without her sister beside her.

So, will Villa Sesame be changing hands soon and what will Rebecca do if it does?

Guests start arriving for the wedding of Freya and Marcus, including friends that Freya knows from her childhood. Also coming is her cousin Verity, but for her own reasons…..

It’s not just Delphine’s news that’s worrying Rebecca, as a guest arrives, who she never expected to see again, adding more worries for her.

Secrets are revealed along with new beginnings for the guests and owners of Villa Sesame.

I loved that this books story had older characters. Another fabulous book by Jennifer.

This story is well written and leaves the reader wanting to know more about each individual character. The story is told from several perspectives but each person is connected with the other in some way. It really gives the reader the feeling of hope and that anything is possible.

This is the first novel I've read by Jennifer Bohnet and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I absolutely adored the setting - it's the perfect heart-warming escapist read which is just what I look for in a book! The characters are all well developed and have unique and true-to-life personalities - a fabulous read and highly recommended.

A cute read that will make a great bookclub book. It will be easy to hand sell this title. A nice feel good read.

This is my first novel by Jennifer Bohnet, what a fabulous read, I was transported to the fabulous and glamorous villa, where I felt like I was watching all the characters lives and personalities unfold in front of my eyes.

I can’t wait to read more of her books.

5 stars ⭐️ from me 😊

What a beautiful, heart warming story of friendship, love, family, and second chances.
This is a great story centering around Villa Sesame, where two sisters work hard to make Feye and Marcus' second wedding a huge success. There are several sub stories throughout the book, all of which lend themselves to one another. Each character is interwoven with the others, and the end result is a great story. It took me a chapter or two to keep all the characters straight.Truly enjoyed the book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Set in the South of France 2 sisters Delphine and Rebecca run a popular hotel / guesthouse which is popular for weddings and special occasions.
Unfortunately for Rebecca Delphine decides she wants to become a sleeping partner so she can go and travel for a year.
Rebecca is unsure what she will do until a wedding party that is booked in for a week has a guest who she loved and lost touch with many years ago, turning her world upside down
Nice to read a book where the characters are older and their story of their friendships

Beautiful setting . Perfect summer reading. First book I've read by this author. Highly recommend. Story follows the wedding of an older couple in their fifties taking place at a beautiful hotel in the south of France called Villa Sesame owned by sisters Rebecca and Delphine.
There are lots of characters in this book but once I got into the story, it was easy enough to follow. Each character has their own story to tell. The epilogue wrapped up all the loose ends perfectly.
This is a heart warming read. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advance read.

I adored this lovely book..it was as refreshing -almost-as having being on a lovely holiday in the south of France. Sumptuous setting, engaging storyline, beautifully written and the most sympathetic cast of characters. I really cared about each and every character as they were so well crafted by an author with a gift for painting word pictures . I thoroughly recommend this