“Love In Provence” returns to the beautiful lavender fields of Provence where, once again we meet Del at harvest season – the busiest time of the year. As she looks forward to welcoming a new group of pickers from all over the world some bad news turns her world upside down.

Then Del’s partner Fabien is given the chance to rejoin his old band for one last tour – and Del wants him to seize the day. But is sending him away the right decision?

As the pickers arrive and the harvest gets underway, Del feels the mounting pressure of trying to keep everyone happy. Even her cooking – the thing she loves best – is suffering. Until the pickers, missing home and keen to find comfort through a home-cooked meal, share their recipes with her...and a supper club is born.

Jo has a knack for creating heartwarming stories where she transports her readers to the picturesque fields of lavender and quaint village markets, making the sights, sounds, and smells of Provence almost tangible.

"Love In Provence" is a heartwarming and enchanting read that offers a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and self-discovery. Jo Thomas’ ability to paint a vivid picture of Provence and create endearing characters makes this novel a joy to read. Whether you're a fan of romance or simply looking for a book to whisk you away to the French countryside, "Love In Provence" is a wonderful choice.

Without having read Escape to the French Farmhouse, I initially felt at a slight disadvantage but was soon comfortable amongst the wonderfully drawn characters. Jo Thomas writes incredibly compelling stories and I melted into the warm embrace of her writing.
Del is a particularly interesting protagonist, and I was moved by her struggle with her insecurities. The gentle reminders of the events in the previous books helped me clearly understand why she doubted her relationship with Fabien and why Henri’s was so precious to her. I certainly didn’t feel at a disadvantage and can happily recommend this book as a standalone story.
Fabien really caught my imagination, and I think I fell a little in love with him. His relationship with Del was filled with love and patience. Whilst not perfect, it was as close to perfection as any couple could hope for.
A character that I didn’t like was Henri’s son, Zacharie. His coldness was tangible and had me shivering at the very thought of him. Manipulation was clearly his driver, and it was difficult to read about his behaviour toward both Del and her friend, Rhi.
Lavender and food play major roles in this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed imagining the fragrances of the cooking and the beautiful, purple-hued fields. Along with the lavender harvest, we meet a collection of characters who each have their own tales to tell, which, in turn, add to this gorgeous story.
I purposely read this book slowly because I wanted to savour everything about it, and I am so glad that I did. Jo Thomas has created a rather special village with a rich collection of characters who I hope to visit again, in the future.

Another wonderful story from one of my favourite authors Jo Thomas, she manages to spin beautiful vistas in your mind along with colourful characters and always a great plot. Highly recommend, loved it.

How wonderful to be back in Provence for a second time. I really enjoyed the first book in the series so was thrilled to find a follow-up. It could be read as a stand-alone as there are no assumptions that you know characters or previous storylines; however I’d recommend reading the first just because it is a great read.
Fully-formed and believable characters populate this book, with descriptions of the setting making the reader feel you can almost smell the lavender being harvested.
I did get a little frustrated with the main characters lack of communication, but I obviously understand it was needed for the plot-line, but my frustration was borne from knowing how good they were together in the first book & wanting it to continue in this.
A wonderful read, perfect for the summer.

What a beautiful setting for a summery romance. I loved the descriptions of the town, its lavender fields, quaint streets, and local stores and markets.
The story is ultimately about believing in yourself and finding family. It's an uplifting read with wonderful characters.
I liked all the French phrases dotted in, despite not speaking the language, it fit perfectly.
Don't read this on an empty stomach. All the food talk will seriously get your tummy grumbling!
There's quite serious themes throughout - parental abandonment, death, and cheating, but all are handled sensitively and appropriately to the story.
It's a lovely read.

I had no idea this was a follow-on book from Escape to a French Farmhouse. I adored that book when I read it so what a wonderful; surprise when I realised that I was to return to the lavender fields, to Del and Fabien and all the other delights of the French region of Provence.

Del and Fabien have been running the Farmhouse, lavender fields, antique furniture shop, and cooking at Henri's Bistro. They have been flat-out helping others and as much as they are still mad about each other, there are a few doubts. There is an age difference, it doesn't bother Fabien but as Del is older than him, she does worry.

Before they know it the lavender harvest is upon them. As they have done before, there is a group of volunteers that have made their way to the farmhouse and they will help to bring in the blooms in exchange for accommodation and food. They are made up of people from Australia, one from the UK and one travelling from Spain. They all have their reasons for taking the time to travel and also work by picking the flowers.

The author introduces Del's guests and we gradually get to know them over the first chapters of the book, this is then developed as the story progresses. Things are not plain sailing for Del as Fabien goes away during the harvest and so she is left to run the show. She is not by herself as she has help from her friends who return from the previous book.

There is also some shocking and unexpected news and this turns things upside down, it means making new plans and decisions. It is a chance for others to show their strengths and for new friendships to be formed. The food is something that features heavily in this author's books and once again she has some amazing dishes and menus. Food and friendship is a theme that her stories wrap around.

This is a book that the author has returned to and gives the reader a fabulous chance to return to the area and once again meet fabulous people. It is a chance to stop and evaluate choices and decisions in the lives of those at the farmhouse. For taking a long hard look at the important things and for looking to the future. Another gorgeous story and one I would definitely recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Jo Thomas enjoys writing about food related to the area and family relationships. The reader is transported to Provence which is idyllic. I also felt that I was experiencing tasting the food and taking in the location which is obvious that Jo knows a lot about. The storyline is based on a lavender farm which is run by Del and her partner Fabien, but unfortunately just before harvest time something out of Del’s control happens which throws everything into uncertainty as Fabien gets invited on a tour for the summer. Del has to ensure that the lavender is harvested with the help of a group of seasonal lavender pickers as she sees Fabien go away for the summer. This book covers the many problems that Del has to overcome including a chef Zachary who tries to make things very difficult for Del and also will Fabien return after his tour. A very interesting book.

Nice book. I enjoyed the first book too.

The friendship was lovely to see & the food descriptions were great & made me hungry.

Recommended read

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Jo Thomas is back with a gloriously escapist French adventure you are going to love: Love in Provence.

Three years ago, Del had fled her old life and settled in Provence where she found new friends, a new purpose and even a new love with handsome Fabien. Her little lavender farm is Del’s pride and joy, but just around harvest time, a shocking bombshell is dropped on her that has her seriously wondering whether the life she cherishes so much might be in jeopardy…

With Fabien off for the summer, Del tries to get her mojo back by indulging in her love of cooking, but when even that doesn’t work, she doesn’t know what she is going to do with herself – until chef Zacharie comes to town with another shocking surprise. With so many plates spinning, Del isn’t sure how she is going to cope, but when old and new friends rally round, it looks like all her worries and doubts will prove groundless…or will they?

Will Del manage to keep hold of her love in Provence? Or should she look for her happiness elsewhere?

Jo Thomas’ books never fail to hit the spot and she has penned another surefire hit with Love in Provence. A gorgeous romantic charmer set in a beautiful part of the world, Love in Provence is a terrific tale about community, friendship and finding happiness that will tickle the funny bone and have readers booking the first flight to France.

As brilliant as ever, Love in Provence is another winner by award-winning author Jo Thomas.

Really enjoyed this book. Loved all the descriptions of the setting and could almost smell the scents of the lavender. Would recommend

I love books set in holiday destinations and this one is delightful. You can imagine you are in the little village in Provence eating at the pop up restaurant and smelling the lavender. Nice summer read.

A wonderful uplifting book. Great scenery and interesting mix of characters. I enjoy the Jo Thomas books. Heartwarming and uplifting summer read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion

Love in Provence by Jo Thomas

Del moved to the south of France three years ago and hasn’t looked back. She’s found new friends, new purpose, and new love with gorgeous Fabien.

But just as harvest on her little lavender farm is due to begin, Del gets some shocking news. With no time to dwell as she welcomes a new crew of lavender pickers, she unexpectedly waves goodbye to Fabien for the summer.

Whilst reading this I could almost feel the heat and smell the lavender . Beautiful .
An enjoyable read by this great author

Love in Provence is the perfect holiday read, heartwarming and very sweet. The camaraderie felt real and I could feel the atmosphere and smell the food. The characters were relateable and I enjoyed the plot. I would have given five stras but I felt it was at times rather slow moving and a little repetitious.

I liked the feel this book gave, really made me feel like I was in provence and in that sense it was a great summer read. A very contemporary read. The story was OK, I've read better romance novels but I've read worse too. I think this book is suitable for someone who wants a more mature, realistic romance novel that's set in a beautiful location as opposed to someone that just wants a good romance story

Del moved to Provence looking after lavender fields and also finds a new lover in Fabian. But he gets called away unexpectedly and the owner of the local restaurant dies and everything seems to be going wrong but love will find a way and nobody wants her to fail so they all pull together

Love In Provence by Jo Thomas was another beautifully written book from start to finish. It was a book that you could just snuggle in your comfy chair, open your kindle/book and become apart of the story, which made this book a great holiday read.........and once you start to read it You will wish you were there! All of Jo's books I have read are written beautifully and from her heart.....they all have been books I have loved and adored from the beginning till the end. Just like this one!

I highly recommend this book and a great holiday read sitting by the pool with a red wine taking in the views.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin for my ARC.

Yet again Jo Thomas provides a beautiful story which has relatable characters and a wonderful setting.
Del appears to be a people pleaser, she seems to live to make everyone else’s lives easier for them but what about her own needs and that of her partner Fabian? When she convinces him to have one more tour with his band she realises what is most important to her and watching her battle between her own needs and those she believes are in the best interest of those around her makes for a total page turner! Will all be well with them both as the last page turns? You’ll just have to read this to find out and see what other mischief those Mistral winds brought to town for Del to deal with!

Love in Provence is the latest book from one of my favourite authors, Jo Thomas. I always enjoy her books with their fabulous settings, delectable food descriptions and gorgeous romances. Even after I’d read just a few chapters and I wanted to go back to Provence (it’s been far too long) and have a bowl of bouillabaisse – and I don’t even like bouillabaisse! I must start with a confession though: I didn’t realise that this was a follow up to Escape to the French Farmhouse, one of Jo Thomas’s books which somehow I had missed. However, I was easily able to enjoy this as the author weaved enough of Delphine’s back story into the narrative to give me a flavour of the first book.

Summer seems to have finally arrived here in Edinburgh and as I finished this outside in the sunshine, I could almost imagine I was in Provence. All I needed was the fragrance of lavender and Provencal herbs drifting the warm air along with delicious smells emanating from Del’s kitchen. The setting is just wonderfully depicted and I could imagine the beautiful lavender fields and the pretty village with its boulangeries and bistros.

The book begins at a time of great change for Del. Her business partner and friend has died, Feeling it’s important to seize opportunities, she encourages her partner Fabien to go on one more tour with his band which she quickly comes to regret. she feels like she’s losing her mind. Cooking has always been a big part of Delphine’s French life but she find that dishes she could prepare with no recipe, almost by instinct, seemed to have slipped from her mind and she’s worried there’s something wrong with her. Her business partner’s estranged son has appeared on the scene and has very different ideas about how to take the bistro business forward.

I loved meeting all the lavender pickers and finding out about their lives. They were such a wonderful group of characters, perhaps with one exception, who have come together by chance and are all there for their own reasons. Change was a strong theme in their stories too and it was good to see how they all came to realise exactly what was important to them. Despite being very different kinds of people, they bonded and became a close knit group of supportive friends.

As ever with a Jo Thomas book, food is at the centre. Certain dishes are strongly associated of with memories of people and making food is definitely seen as an act of love. The descriptions of the many meals cooked by Delphine and her friends has my mouth watering, especially when merguez were mentioned. They are one of the first things we buy when we go on holiday to France – I just adore them! Having read about the delicious foods. I am inspired to make coq au vin or daube in the coming weeks. It was interesting to read that lavender is widely used in cooking including in the famous herbes de Provence. I had lavender scones once and I have to admit I wasn’t a fan but on reading this book, I suspect too much lavender was used making them taste too strong!

Love in Provence is another sure-fire winner from Jo Thomas. With its beautiful French setting, heartfelt emotions, a focus on the importance of friendship and of course, mouth-watering food descriptions, let this book to transport you to the lavender fields of Provence this summer.

Nothing says Summer more than Lavender. Del has looked after the little lavender farm in Provence for only three years, she has made herself at home when life took an unexpected turn. Now it is about to turn again, and she needs to embrace face on exactly what is going on whilst trying to manage the lavender harvest.

Could this be the last time that it is gathered? The strength of all the unknown lavender pickers, there backgrounds and history, bring them together as a community, that extends way beyond the fields but also to the food that is created. Food brings them all together and they can then see it could be a way of bringing fractured communities together too. But for Del it might just fix her too.

This was a return to characters I had read before, and it was joyous to be able to escape to France and the lavender, the sunshine and the food that all springs off the page in Jo Thomas’ novel.

Perfect Summer Read.