Plum has spent her life as a reality TV star, except unlike her equally famous parents and sisters who parlayed their fame into lucrative businesses, that well has run dry. Broke and no one interested in hiring her, thanks to her ex-boyfriend releasing a sex tape, she's got no choice but to take an unpaid reality show restoring a crumbling chateau in a small village in France. Along the way she deals with a the grumpy producer who believes that she's spoiled and rich, a very hunky French interior designer who seems very interested in her and a town mystery involving the chateau.

You'll have to suspend disbelief that Plum and the TV producers encounter no French bureaucracy to renovate a crumbling, heritage chateau in such a small amount of time (these things take years in real life). But this was such a fun and easy breezy read, that you won't care. Plum's journey of self-discovery to find her passions and direction in life was a lot of fun. She was actually a lot smarter and aware than everyone gave her credit for, so I loved how she stepped in to direct shots herself and find a way to create and chase her own dreams. A solid read for anyone looking for escapist, romantic fiction.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC.

What a delight! I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as i did. The first few chapters felt like a cheesy cookie-cutter rom com book but i was still enjoying it, i wanted to read something light and fun, but i was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth of the main character as the story developed. Plum Everly was so much more than meets the eye, just like this book, you think you have it figured out and then it surprises you with so much more emotion.
I loved the third act twist about Bastien and Kate, I was sure something sus was happening and i literally couldn’t stop reading. Elliot and Plum were definitely a slow burn and I just wished this book was a little bit longer so I’d enjoy reading more about them together. This book had soul and it was heartwarming and as someone who is still figuring out what to do with my life i felt so deeply what plum was going through.
I’d recommend this to anyone that wants something short and sweet with so much more than meets the eye.

The cover made me pick this book. It was a cute short story though nothing remarkable. The plot was kinda predictable but overall it was nice, though I wished there was more romance because it certainly didn’t feel like one.

3.75 stars!

Cute story! Nothing really stands out in terms of negatives for me but also nothing stands out that I'm like wow this is amazing! This was short, cute, sweet and had decent dialogue. Would be interested to see in what the authors write next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

(3.75 stars) A heartfelt story of a woman finding herself and her way forward by diving into the past.

Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a longtime reality TV star, as she takes on a new project renovating a chateau in a small French town. It reminded me of early 2000’s romantic comedies in the best way. There’s romance, small town charm, foreign language mishaps, and mouthwatering descriptions of delicious food, but the book’s true strength comes from unearthing the rich, important history of the chateau and the people connected to it.

I anticipated that a majority of the plot would focus on a love triangle and the reality show, and to some extent that is what it is, but within that framework you also get to learn about the bravery and strength the town’s families showed during World War II. The secrets of the past are still affecting the present. It’s rewarding to see Plum restore not only the heart of the town, but her own confidence and reputation.

As much as I truly enjoyed reading this, some aspects feel like they’re just shy of hitting their full potential. The romance feels almost like a subplot by the end and, while I didn’t mind, I think I may have been disappointed if that’s what I was most looking forward to. The pacing really hits its stride once we get to France, but the beginning set up is a little chaotic. There’s a lot going on, a lot of backstory to establish, and it felt a little rushed to me. The book has a ton of pop culture references that pulled me out of the story. Intentionally setting this in the real world made me think more critically about the accuracy of home renovation, the region in France, and the making of a reality TV show. I think it would have been beneficial to replace these with made up references so this world could exist in its own bubble. I can’t speak for the accuracy of the French dialogue but there is a lot of it and a French town of the same name does exist but the one in the book seems fairly fictional.

Overall, Heart Restoration Project has fun romcom energy in a beautiful setting with charming side characters and an unexpectedly deep plot. With great character development and a few surprises, it would make an excellent vacation read.

This book was fun, sweet and engaging. There’s great chemistry between the two main characters and snappy dialogue.

Heart Restoration Project by B. Merlin and D. Modafferi, published by Montlake is a full length contemporary comedic romance.
Blurb:
In Provence, a reality show star embarks down a path of self-renovation in a witty and enlightening novel about celebrity, love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human heart.
Who is the real Plum Everly?
Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity arises: a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.
The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing.
A slightly confusing read, a story about the not so glitz and glamour tv world, witty and fun, entertaining.

Amazing book!
I was thoroughly engaged throughout this book and I didn't want to put it down! The author captured my attention from the get go! Five stars from me :)

In this charming and uplifting novel set in the scenic beauty of Provence, readers are treated to the delightful story of Plum Everly, a burnt-out reality show star seeking a fresh start. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of celebrity, love, sacrifice, and personal resilience, making for a compelling and enjoyable read.

Plum Everly's journey from the relentless scrutiny of Hollywood's D-list fame to a DIY project in the idyllic Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is a refreshing and engaging tale of self-discovery. The author introduces readers to the picturesque Château Mirabelle and a welcoming French village, providing a vivid backdrop to Plum's quest for restoration and renewal.

The characters, especially Plum and the flirty head of production, Elliott Schaffer, add depth and charm to the story. The exploration of Château Mirabelle's connection to World War II brings historical resonance, enriching the narrative and deepening the characters' appreciation for the legendary château and each other.

What sets this novel apart is its heartwarming emphasis on Plum crafting her own narrative. The story beautifully unfolds as Plum, for the first time, takes control of her life and embraces authenticity. This element, coupled with the romance and historical context, creates a captivating and satisfying reading experience.

Overall, the novel is a delightful blend of wit, romance, and self-empowerment, making it a recommended read for those seeking a feel-good story set against the backdrop of the enchanting Provencal landscape.