I heard this story by others often. The location is just different. The age of characters changed. I was looking for a bit more detailed. On to a better choice for the holiday season.

I enjoyed the idyllic setting of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France. It sounded very charming and like an enjoyable vacation spot.
When Elodie Jacques is three years old she is abandoned by her mother when she gets a new man, and he doesn't want a child from the mother's previous relationship around.
Having been raised by her grandmother ever since she's been happy.
Grandmother announces she wants to spend New Years and her 79th birthday in her hometown of Juan-les-Pins. Unknown to Elodie grandmother has some secrets she has been keeping from her and she needs to travel to France to take care of somethings and come to grip with her feelings. The book has a mention of Christmas here and there, but you don't get a Christmassy feel to it.
While there are some heartwarming moments and a sweet new romance there were some things I didn't agree with in the book that brought the stars level down for me. Quick easy read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a cute read in an idyllic setting. I really like reading the relationship between Gaby and her granddaughter, and I loved that Gaby had a love interest. I just felt it could have been a tad more festive... There were some elements of the story I struggled to fully get on board with which I felt were maybe problematic.
Having said that, you may love this. It definitely has the idyllic setting and a nice easy read.

#ChristmasontheRiviera #NetGalley

A lovely and cosy read. Perfect for a winter evening. Great characters and a really good story. Highly recommended.

If you're looking for a quick, fun and romantic read to cuddly up with on a winter's night then look no further.

Whilst this story may fall in the predictability category it was the cosy read I needed. With delicious food a sprinkling of mystery and a dash a romance, what more could you want?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This is the first book I have read by this author, although it is typical of a genre (chick lit) that I enjoy. Gabby (grandmother) has been hiding a few secrets from Elodie (granddaughter) and the time has come to reveal all. The first step leads them to spend Christmas and New year on the French Riviera and I thought the setting and festive season were conveyed well, from details of the scenery to the foods. Over the length of the short book relationships are explored, new friendships are made and plans for the way forward are made. The story is enjoyably predictable, a very pleasant read and I've signed up to following this author on Amazon and Bookbub.

I am really enjoying this series of novels by this author - they are always a light and fun read. Perfect holiday material in my opinion.

This was a quick read but also one that was a holiday pick me up. There was a lot of emotions throughout the pages. A daughter whose mother pretty much abandoned her, leaving her with her grandmother. A mother whose daughter disappeared from her life while leaving her daughter in her care. And there are a lot of things that need closure in order for people to heal. The adventure in the Riviera in the south of France seems to be exactly what they all need. And the people they meet while on the trip leave positive emotions and help them realize they need each other. A cozy sweet read that was perfect for the holiday.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Really a great good, loved the setting.

Christmas on the Riviera is the newest novel by author Jennifer Bohnet. It is a generational Christmas story featuring a mother, a daughter, and a grandmother. The daughter Elodie has pretty much been raised by her grandmother Gabby after her mother Harriet abandoned her to be with a man. Elodie loves her grandmother more than anything but also holds alot of resentment for her mother. The three women have not interacted in years but find themselves coming together when Harriet reaches out to Gabby, and she invites her to France, where she and Elodie are spending the holiday.

Gabby grew up in France but has not been there in years. The reason she has decided to return now is because she has to decide what to do with the villa that she still owns there. No one knows about the villa except for her and it holds both good and bad memories for her. When Gabby introduces Elodie to the villa, she immediately falls in love with it, and is quick to suggest that she and her grandmother come to live in France on a permanent basis.

This really is such a sweet story. I adored Elodie's relationship with her grandmother, and completely understood her resentment for her mother. Elodie actually doesn't know the full truth about Harriet and what has been going on with her over the years though. When the two characters cross paths, there is alot of healing that needs to take place. There is also healing needed between mother and daughter. The author also does a really good job at offering each character a point of view and the ability to express their own emotions.

The setting of France allows for a sense of magic that is perfect for the holiday season. I enjoyed visualizing all the Christmas decorations and the way that Elodie and Gabby tried to make the apartment they were staying festive. Along with the magic of the season, there is also a sense of romantic possibility . The romance did not take away from the main focus of these three women reuniting and healing together. It had just the right amount of sweetness to give each character a little bit more depth.

Christmas on the Riviera is festive and filled with heart. There are several different emotions expressed through out the story. Love, anger, sadness each have a role in the dynamics between Gabby, Elodie, and Harriet. To me, this story is a comfort read, and would be perfect to enjoy at any time during the colder seasons. It has a little bit of everything - travel, holidays, family dynamics, mystery, and so many descriptions of delicious food. I think any reader looking for a holiday story will find something they can connect with here.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

It’s always a nice moment to start a Jennifer Bohnet book, knowing that a trip to the South of France is in store, this time however it is set in the winter and the week around Christmas.

When Gabby first puts they idea of Christmas in Juan-les-Pins to her grand daughter Elodie, she is unsure of the reaction she will receive, will Elodie want to come? She is, however, meet with a definite yes and they are soon on their way. Gabby hasn’t been totally truthful about her reasons for spending Christmas in her old home town, and as Elodie starts to wonder, the reader learns of the daughter/mother who left them, some 20 years ago and a ‘secret’ that has been sitting in the magical French village for some time which has Gabby thinking and planning of what the future may look like for them all. The only question is will they agree.

This is a shorter read then normal from this author, at just over 200 pages, and therefore the reader has less time to get to know the main characters and their back story, but there is the delightful descriptions of the south coast of France and the usual warm and friendly side characters that become entwined into the story and give the novel it’s usual enchanting feel. We hear mainly from the point of view of Gabby and her grand daughter, on their differing views of the mother and daughter who left them behind, and the way they have both coped with the situation and there is also a little love in the air for both women. Will this mean a longer stay in France?

A warm and engaging quick read.

This book had everything, cute romance, perfect setting, and the perfect storyline.

I loved the character development with the story itself and found myself in love with the love stories. I also loved how there was romance for all ages, along with an adorable second chance romance, with some lovely reminiscing on old days when the grandma used to live there.

This is the perfect book to wrap up with at Christmas time.

A nice twist on the Christmas romance. Full of wonderful scenic imagery and a blend of vacation writing abd a Christmas treat. Perfect. For the holidays.

I absolutely love books by Jennifer Bohnet and was super excited to pick this up and take a trip to the South of France. What beats a wander around the Christmas markets whilst enjoying the sunshine and a glass of mulled wine.

We get to know the lovely Gabby & Elodie, as Gabby returns to France for the first time in many years and provides Elodie with an insight into how her life was when she was younger.

Set over the Christmas period it is filled with French traditions and the wonderful formation of new friendships. As always I absolutely loved the visit to France and loved this story and characters from start to finish

This was my second @jenniewriter novel and it didn't disappoint, it was a cute, easy read that was brimming with Christmas spirit and complicated multi generational family dynamics. The writing in this book was so detailed and picturesque I felt like I was actually in France too. @bookandtonic

I enjoyed how this story focuses on two generations, Elodie and her grandmother, Gabriella, who are both at a crossroads in their lives, and wondering how to make changes. You get to see their differing reactions to life in France. Gabriella, in particular, has a few secrets in her past which she has kept from Elodie. Life in the South of France sounds wonderful and all the festive touches makes it just right for this time of year.

Motherhood and parenting are important parts of the story across the generations and whether past mistakes can be forgiven and moved on from. This is a gently paced story, with touches of romance but the main focus is on family relationships and making new friendships and moving on. 

In short: family relationships and moving on
#blogtour

This was a gentle, festive and heart-warming story, written in typical Jennifer Bohnet style. The characters were well developed and I could feel the bond between Elodie and her grandmother Gabby. It felt like a warm hug.

The setting on the French Riviera was wonderful and made me want to experience the Christmas markets there and just the general atmosphere there. Although there is some romance in the story, it is mainly about family and secrets and letting the past be and learning to move forwards. Harriet was definitely not my favorite person, even after hearing her reasons. I preferred to have the focus on Gabby and Philippe and Elodie and Gazz. I wonder will there be a sequel? I would definitely read it.

Three generations, life has torn one apart,
Will Christmas give them each a chance to heal every heart?
Elodie was left with her French grandmother
Whilst her mother flew away to make a new life with another.

After forty years of staying away
Why does her gran want to be in her hometown on Christmas Day?
However, Elodie is happy to go with her for the festive holiday
Who knows what she'll find out during their stay?

A story filled with family love and secrets from the past
That are slowly to be revealed to all at last.
New relationships, new places and new chances
As well as the possibility of some romances!

A heartwarming read filled with family drama and mystery
Along with revelations about past history.
The opportunity to start anew
If only they dare do!

I highly recommend this delightful family drama and romance,
I really hope you'll give it more than just a chance!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I really enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

I’d like to thank Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be involved in this blog tour.

This story was a quick and easy read from cover to cover, it’s the type of book you can sit and enjoy on a chilly afternoon whilst the winter weather rains down outside. I was drawn to this book because I am curious of how people celebrate Christmas in other countries, what traditions do they uphold and what events take place. Christmas in France sounds delightful! Whilst it may not have the common characteristics you’d expect such as snow it more than makes up for it in the delicious food and beautiful markets, the thirteen different desserts on Christmas Eve sounds like my cup of tea.

I really enjoyed the close relationship between Gabby and Elodie, they truly had a special bond and it was lovely to see them both enjoying their holiday together. I was very intrigued by Gabby’s history, returning home after so many years away must have been hard for her. I wished we had got to know more about her life when she was working at the hotel and had this part of the story added to make it a dual timeline, I am a historical fiction nut though so that it probably why.

The blossoming romances for our two leading ladies were both sweet and expected. I was amused by the misunderstandings and enjoyed the courting element. I didn’t care much for Harriet as a character. I struggled with her choices, even when I had learnt of her reasons. Gabby, understandably was more forgiving but I found myself siding with Elodie on a few occasions.

If you enjoy quick reads, filled with a little romance, mystery and delicious food then this is a book for you!

Over the last couple of dull autumn days I've thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the warmth and sunshine of the South of France with this lovely story and becoming acquainted with Gabriella Jacques, and her granddaughter, Elodie, as they both seek to lay the ghosts of their past.

Returning to Juan-les-Pain after a forty year absence isn't easy for Gabby however, Elodie and the lovely new friends Gabby meets on her arrival to the resort certainly help to make the transition easier. Elodie also has to face the trauma of her own past and the conducive atmosphere of Juan-les-Pain certainly seems to help mend some bridges. Juan-les-Pain becomes another character in the story and I enjoyed exploring the resort and stopping off at the boulangerie for early morning croissants with Elodie, or sharing memories with Gabby as she remembers working in the resort as a young woman.

Christmas on the Riviera is a lovely warm-hearted festive read and although it covers some deep topics it's all done with this author's customary light touch and fine attention to detail. Whilst there is an undoubtedly festive atmosphere, who could fail to want to spend Christmas on the Riviera, it isn't overly done, and I think is easily one of those lovely, light stories you could read at any time of the year.