Member Reviews

I was happy to find that del and fabien had a sequel - I loved reading about all the old characters again and being introduced to the new ones. A lovely summer read full of love, loss and laughter

Was this review helpful?

The book is the ideal summer read set amidst the lavender fields in Provence, and Jo's writing effortlessly transports you there as you read!

Del relocated to the south of France three years ago and hasn't looked back since. She's discovered her new 'family', her purpose, and her life partner. It's a tale of love not only between Del and her partner but also between Del and the community of people she has cultivated!

The book serves as a sequel to "Escape to the French Farmhouse." While it's not essential to read this book first, it does aid in character development.

Was this review helpful?

Love a Jo Thomas read. They are light-hearted and transport you to sunny climes.
I have not read the prequel to this, but I do have it on my Kindle.
Del shares the running of a restaurant with Henri but unfortunately has passed away.
Henri's son turns up and takes over, turning it into French cuisine. She tries to make money by setting up a supper club for the locals whilst also seeing in the lavender harvest.
At times, I found this a bit repetitive. Especially about her relationship with Fabien. He is touring with his old band as one of the members has pulled out. Del encouraged him to go, and then wishes she hadn't as she has doubts about him and the age gap. This is the thread throughout the book. I'm not sure how many times you can say the same thing, but change a few words.
As with all Jo's books, there is always a happy ending and, of course, plenty of sunshine.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House, Uk for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

How wonderful it was to be back in Provence, and in Del's life. I hadn't twigged until I started reading that this was clearly a sequel to Escape to the French Farmhouse, purely as I don't read blurbs of Jo Thomas books, I just know I want to read them as she is always awesome.

And this was absolutely no exception, as I devoured this book over the course of a evening, and was very lucky to not miss my stop on the tube. I've discovered over the years that reading a Jo Thomas novel on a train / tube means the journey goes fast, the pages turn fast and I am oblivious to the outside world around me! Such is my level of immersion.

You could practically smell the lavender as you are reading this, and there are so many mouth watering meals described that it's no wonder I was hungry by the end of the book (despite having eaten not that long before!).

Catching up with old friends in this story, as well as making new ones, this is showing the Del was living her best life until a Mistral swept into town and turned things a bit topsy turvy, which added to the drama and intrigue of the book.

There is absolutely nothing going smoothly, and it takes the whole community to get involved to help her.

I just loved everything about this book, it conjures up the feeling of summer, even while reading it out of season, and is full of love. I couldn't get enough of this, and certainly would be happy if there was yet another book set here.

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

Was this review helpful?

This is.a follow up to Escape to the French Farmhouse but you don’t have to read the first in the series to follow this book. This time Del finds herself with a battle on her hands when her business partner and friend and mentor Henri dies. With Fabian away with his band for the lavender season Del finds herself having to manage the farmhouse and catering for the lavender pickers on her own and is struggling with her worries that the age difference is starting to show in her relationship.
There are a new bunch of characters to get to know and of course food is very much part of the book. Although I found this an easy read unfortunately I didn’t find it as enjoyable as the first book and just felt it needed something to give it the wow factor of the first book.
There will be a recipe section at the end which will be a nice touch.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Uk for an advance copy of the books with all the opinions my own.

Was this review helpful?

An uplifting novel full of wonderful characters and mouth watering recipes. The setting of the lavender farm in Provence is beautifully described, I could almost smell the lavender fields.
We follow Del, the owner of the farm and this seasons's pickers. Things do not get off to a good start, but we see the characters each coming into their own. I loved them all.
Essentially a light hearted tale of the ups and downs of a relationship, with some very moving moments, and at the heart, a very caring community
Just such an enjoyable read.
Thanks to NatGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

À thoroughly enjoyable book evoking al the flavours of Provence. Starting with a disruptive Mistral wind (I started reading this tale whilst in France during the Mistral !) which changes the course of, Del's, the main character, life. I could almost smell the glorious lavender which certainly calms and so much part of the area in summer. Well developed characters throughout especially within the group of lavender harvesters who all had their own personal issues. A couple of rogues in the mix for balance, certainly I could have strangled Marco! I admit I got a little exasperated with Del at times with her over thinking and reactions. I noticed that there is a section at the end of the book for recipes which I look forward to reading once the book is published.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely romantic novel set in Provence among the lavender fields. Jo's Thomas' love of the area shines through. I did not realize that there was a previous novel in this series but it did not matter, this book works as a stand alone novel. Perfect for a summers afternoon by the pool.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for the advance copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

"Love in Provence" offers a serene escape into the picturesque landscapes of Provence, where lavender fields serve as the backdrop for a journey of self-discovery. The characters, each grappling with personal dilemmas, are portrayed with depth and charm, making them instantly relatable. As they navigate the fragrant fields together, they unravel layers of their true selves, ultimately finding clarity and direction amidst the beauty of Provence. A delightful and heartwarming read that captivates with its gentle exploration of love, growth, and the enchanting allure of the French countryside.

Was this review helpful?

Yet another great book by Jo. Beautifully written book with lovely, friendly characters and setting. This one ticks all the boxes for me and didn't disappoint.

Was this review helpful?

Jo Thomas has done it again. You can never fault a book written by her. From the story, characters and the setting, it was all so perfect.

Was this review helpful?

Yet again Jo Thomas does not disappoint.
Loved this book so much, can't wait for the next one!
There is something so loveable about the characters Jo writes, you always hope they get their happy ending, but never quite sure they will!

Was this review helpful?

I wasn't aware that Jo was releasing a sequel for Del and Fabien's story, so I was very excited and surprised to realise this when I started reading the first chapter and everything sounded so familiar! This was a gorgeous return to delightful characters, delicious foods and stunning settings. I really enjoyed seeing where all of the familiar characters were in their lives and I absolutely adored the beautiful ending that everyone got. It was a magical story, not without it's troubles, but it warmed my heart right up nevertheless.

Was this review helpful?

Come on a join a group in very different individuals on their journey of self discovery in the heart of France midst its lavender fields . A story of love trust betrayal heart ache and eventual self satisfaction. As ever in her books this is based round a culinary theme but perhaps not as strong in this book . Soak up the atmosphere with Del and her motley crew who are the backbone of this adventure.
Come smell the lavender and beef en Daube. An easy summer read

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful escape to Provence from Jo Thomas. A group of different people descend to help take in the Lavender harvester that belongs to Jen. Jen and her friends are grieving after the death of a close friend Henri. With lots of different relationships and emotions the book takes Gen and her friends on a journey to find out what matters most. Thanks to Jo and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Can’t beat the descriptions of the scenery in this book. I could almost smell the lavender in the air. I enjoyed how all the different characters although so varied, came together to create something beautiful, different and saved several people from unhappiness. I don’t think you can ask for more from a story.

Was this review helpful?

Lovely story set in France, showing the meaning of love friendship and community.
When the community come together after the death of one of their most important members, everyone wants to pull together and remember him.
However, his estranged son is dead against this and sets up to destroy his memory and the community.
Also storyline around trust, and bereavement.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy of, Love In Provence, by Jo Thomas, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Del is in Provence, living her best life, until the love of her life goes away for awhile. Temptation arises like it does, will Del and Fabian stay together? This was a good read, but not my favorite by Jo Thomas.

Was this review helpful?

The scent of lavender just flew off the page.
I really want to live in a farm house in France now. Sounds idyllic. Hard work but still.
I always feel I am on holiday when reading Jo Thomas.
Lovely and warm

Was this review helpful?

With Del’s marriage having broken down, when her husband returns to the UK she decides to remain in Provence running Henri’s bistro and lavender farm. With Fabien, her lover, and wonderful set of friends in the community, everything goes to plan until she persuades Fabien to rejoin his band, and the mistral causes havoc.

Having read most of Jo Thomas’s books I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of them. She really gets inside her characters, enjoying their laughter, and emotively feeling their heartbreak and fears. The Provencal scene is set perfectly, with wonderful recipes, and you can almost smell the scent drifting from the lavender fields.

Del wonders whether she made the right decision by persuading Fabien to rejoin his band, and when Zacharie, Henri’s son takes over his bistro she is determined to keep its delicious country recipes, rather than become the expensive gourmet restaurant desired by Zackerie.

The book is about communities, families and relationships, in all their shapes and sizes. Del and most of the characters are friendly and warm, with their own stories woven into the main theme. An engrossing, captivating story, recommended for an entertaining summer read.

Was this review helpful?