A good read. An easy ready story that has a few twists along the way I enjoyed the comaradary and the variety of people who were helping at the lavender farm. Well written by the author and a great mix of characters and the food they were sharing sounded delicious as they all came together to help one another in different ways

I really enjoyed the previous book exploring Del's story after she moved to Provence in Escape to the French Farmhouse. I think that was the first of Jo Thomas's books that I read and I have read several since. I was therefore looking forward to this one.

However, I felt disappointed with this story. I didn't really feel there was much of an additional story to tell with the existing characters and I really struggled to get into this book. I finished reading it in the end, but it was a struggle. I was also disappointed with the cliched ending. I thought the subject of Del having a baby had been moved past. Not everyone is able to have children, particularly naturally. Del had her makeshift family, and I thought that was enough for her, to demonstrate that family happens in all sorts of ways. It's a shame that the author felt that this was the best way to end this book.

Jo Thomas is an excellent author of this genre and her latest book certainly does not disappoint.
Having read the first in this series and absolutely loving it, I was delighted to be accepted for an early release of the new book. It really just hit the spot over the summer and was a perfect summer read. cannot wait for more by the author!

Lovely book that can be read as a stand-alone too. Really loved the storyline and could easily finish this in a few sittings. Great getaway book and great book to gift too.

This one wasn’t my favourite Jo Thomas book. I found the main character Del a bit too moany and I felt the story dragged a little. But as ever Jo wrote the location very well. I did enjoy the story overall but did feel it was a little drawn out.

A lovely sequel to Jo’s previous story about Del and Fabien, which I enjoyed very much. I love to revisit characters that I’ve met before and see where their lives have gone. Lovely story, beautifully written.

This was a just a great read. I was just all in the story.
Loved the MCs. Lovely written book. i enjoyed more than I expected I would

I really enjoyed this book! It’s not my first read from Jo Thomas and it certainly won’t be last. Another really good book!

I did not realise this was a sequel to 'Escape to the French farmhouse' which I haven't read but did read this as a standalone book.

This is a heartwarming and easy read, with a good story-line making it perfect for a holiday read.
The author's ability to descriptively transport you to Provence is the highlight of the book.

Would definitely recommend.

I really enjoy destination novels by Jo Thomas, I feel like she really captures the spirit of a place and makes you feel caught up there with a desire to go and visit in real life.
We follow the story of Del the main character who, after unfortunate events finds herself trying to keep cheerful and the spirit of community alive. In a heartwarming story she brings together a group of travellers who develop a shared bond over their experiences and love of cooking.

I hadn’t realized this was a follow up but when I started reading I realised i knew the characters. The best thing about these books are the descriptions of France. Oh how I long to be there, smelling the lavender and eating the food. Wonderfully written and a gorgeous community feel

What a sweet story. Anyone looking for a nice holiday vacation read, some relaxation and escapism from clutter and stress, and those wanting a charming, warm, and inviting read, will enjoy this one.

I would like to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for providing me with an advance readers copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program.

<b>The Story</b>
Takes place in France, as a modern-day contemporary.

This was a continuation of the story in <a href="https://ericarobbin.com/escape-to-the-french-farmhouse-by-jo-thomas/">Escape to the French Farmhouse by Jo Thomas</a>, which was my favorite of the two I’d say.

I think this one could be read as a standalone, as the background story was nicely referenced and I needed a refresher.

Touched on many joys and celebrations of life, some met with disappointment and tragedy, all was conveyed in a delicate, yet deep enough manner to appreciate the circumstances for what they were. Realistic and true to each character as they faced a self-reflective path.

Strong senses of community and hope. Charm and funny bits.

Of course, with mentions of delicious food and drink. From bouillabaisse, coq au vin, garlicky potatoes, chocolate mousse, nougat, and soft vanilla ice cream served with a drizzle of warmed honey and crumbled almonds on top.

<b>The Writing</b>
I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions, capturing the ambience so well and transporting me to the very scene.

The characters deepening relationship was intriguing. I did expect a little more unique surprise than there was, but it was compelling nonetheless.

Though there some bits that felt recurring in episode and with the introduction of as many new characters as there ended up being, with the glimpses into their lives turning to be a bigger role in the story, and the several things they were doing, it was just starting to become more than what I could keep track of at times. Plus I’m not sure exactly what the point and need of Ed’s mistakingly presumed character tidbit was all about. That part felt try-hardy, as was the response conversation, perhaps his entire role, not advancing the story nor helping me become any more immersed. He was annoying and then they all started to annoy me. I found myself wanting to pair down and out. Became a bit circular I suppose, I did skim a bit, but then the end scooped my interest back up.

I can’t comment on the recipes since I received an early copy without them, but I imagine they’d be lovely.

Was definitely planning the menu for the week.

Always looking forward to more. Such a lovely escape in these story collections. Light, yet sentimental, refreshing, and satisfying.

Makes me want to go everywhere and try everything.

<a href="https://ericarobbin.com">Blog post</a>

Del and her husband move to France but when they split up she decides to stay and sets up a Lavender farm, she also takes over running the local restaurant and meets Fabian.
When the Mistral hits the village felling an olive tree which crashes through the restaurant's window she is forced to close. Fabian is invited to join his former band on a summer tour which she persuades him to do, leaving her all alone to manage the lavender harvest with no income from the restaurant when she receives further bad news. Will she survive the summer?
Set in a stunning part of France, it made me want to be there.

I enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the locations were just lovely. Great characters and a heart-warming read. Recommended.

I couldn’t wait to start Jo Thomas’s latest book as I am a huge fan and this book was just perfect.
The romantic French setting was beautiful,
I loved the characters and how strong friendships and trust grew through the love of good food and cooking. My only complaint is how hungry I was after all the fantastic sounding dishes.
The ending was exactly how I hoped it would end and it couldn’t have been better.

Due to health issues cannot write a proper review now, a proper review will follow
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I started reading this needing a break from all the crime and as soon as I started reading I knew that I had met these characters before. Sure enough, this is a follow up to the book Escape To The French Farmhouse. We are back in the South of France with Del and her boyfriend Fabien. Del has a farmhouse where she picks lavender and alongside her is a whole host of characters that I fell in love with in the first book.

Thankfully we see the return of those characters however a tragedy occurs which sends them all into a tailspin. When the tragedy occurs she also has a whole team of pickers arrive for the harvest, all new people who Del doesn't know. On top of that Fabien is leaving her for the summer for work. I absolutely fell in love with this story and being back in the South of France. Such an easy book to read and one that shows sadness as well as joy. Jo Thomas has been so far for me such a solid author and this book is proof of that

Another beautiful read set in Provence. Full of beautiful descriptions of France and food .
Perfect to read for a bit of escapism to Provence. Everyone is in shock with the sudden death and it’s time to rebuild and work out a new future.

Absolutely delightful read which encompassed the beautiful passion for the food of Provence and the wonderful surroundings. Wonderful characters featured throughout all with their own wonderful stories to tell. The description of the settings were stunning and the story was captivating. I did not know this was a sequel but did not feel this took anything away from the story, however I will look for the first book in the series. The description of the food and recipes throughout were mesmerising and I was so looking forward to seeing some of these at the end but unfortunately my copy of the book did not have any. It just said these were to come so unfortunately I did not get to see any of the delightful recipes so this sadly took some of the enjoyment away for me.

This book makes you ant to live in Provence and leave the rat race. As with all idyllic setups there are troubles and issues but the community eventually pulls together to look after them all and make sure everyone is ok!

Lovely holiday read,