As the title suggests, this story explores Sasha and Freddie's escape to rural France. It is an emotional and heartwarming tale with some lovely multi-generational characters. Whilst immersing you in the culture, food, language and location through its lyrical descriptions, it explores ancestry and loving and toxic relationships. I love the characterisation, the gentle romance and the escapist setting.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This was just an okay book to me. Many characters that cause me to not be connected or care about any of them much, except the older character (who is a minor character), because that is where my heart lies.

The plot was a good idea, just seemed to be told as a narrative, and again, had me disconnected to feel emotions.

I want to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read the advance reader copy with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I escaped to Brittany with this delightful read. I pictured the chateau as somewhere elegant and beautiful, and I enjoyed the atmosphere, as the setting came to life.

This book had feel-good vibes, the characters were likeable, and the story itself was fun to read. I felt it also had some deeper messages, as it seemed that some of the characters were looking to find themselves in some way, and make a fresh start.

If you read to escape, as I do, sometimes you might look for a book that will take you somewhere else for a while, and this would be a great book to choose for that kind of reading mood.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I love me some Jennifer Bohnet, sadly I dont always get time to read her books, but I am glad I made time to jump in and enjoy. The characters are relatable and the scenery just lovely. Recommended !!

Jennifer Bohnet’s A French Country Escape aims to whisk readers away to the picturesque beauty of rural Brittany, but while the setting is undeniably charming, the novel doesn’t quite deliver the escapist, emotional depth one might hope for in a contemporary romance. With its dual storylines revolving around a couple's renovation of a château and two siblings’ attempt at a fresh start, the book has all the ingredients for an engaging tale of reinvention and second chances. Unfortunately, much like the run-down cottages on the estate, it feels in need of a bit more polish and emotional investment.

The novel introduces Peter and Ingrid Chevalier, who are living out their dream of owning and restoring the Château du Cheval in France. Peter's deep-rooted connection to his French ancestry, despite never having fully traced it, adds a layer of personal significance to the property. This storyline had the potential to delve into rich themes of heritage, belonging, and personal identity, but these themes are only lightly touched upon. The financial struggles they face in trying to restore the château should offer stakes and tension, but the narrative remains somewhat flat, failing to convey a true sense of urgency or depth to their emotional journey.

In parallel, the secondary storyline follows Sasha Heath and her brother Freddie, who purchase two cottages on the estate as a sensible investment using their mother’s inheritance. Sasha’s fresh start after her divorce, and Freddie’s decision to join her, had the potential to introduce compelling sibling dynamics, personal growth, and reflections on past relationships. However, much like Peter and Ingrid’s story, this thread feels underdeveloped, with little in the way of genuine conflict or character evolution. The surprises that arise in their new lives in France are handled too neatly, without the emotional complexity or realism that could have made their journey more engaging.

One of the key strengths of the novel is Bohnet’s ability to evoke the beauty and charm of the Brittany countryside. Her descriptions of the château, the cottages, and the surrounding landscape provide a vivid sense of place, creating the kind of escapist atmosphere that fans of travel-inspired romances will appreciate. However, the setting alone can’t carry the novel, and readers looking for a deeper connection with the characters may find themselves disappointed by the somewhat superficial treatment of their emotional arcs.

The plot lacks tension, and the conflicts are resolved a little too easily, leaving little room for the characters to grow or for the reader to become truly invested in their struggles. The financial difficulties faced by Peter and Ingrid don’t lead to any real breakthroughs or significant shifts in their relationship, while Sasha and Freddie’s new life in France is similarly devoid of meaningful challenges. As a result, the story feels predictable, and while it’s pleasant enough, it fails to provide the emotional depth or complexity needed to make it truly memorable.

Final Thoughts:
A French Country Escape offers a light, easy read for those seeking a novel set in the idyllic French countryside, but it falls short of delivering a compelling, emotionally engaging story. The dual narratives lack the depth and development that would make the characters’ journeys truly resonate, and the plot unfolds with little tension or conflict. While Jennifer Bohnet’s evocative descriptions of Brittany provide a beautiful backdrop, the novel’s overall lack of substance may leave some readers wanting more. It’s a pleasant enough escape, but for those hoping for a more gripping or heartfelt read, it may feel just a bit too safe and predictable.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I really enjoyed this book.

The story of Sasha and Freddie, brother and sister, both wanting a fresh start.

The view two cottages in the same place as Chateau du Cheval in France and decide to put the money they have towards buying them.

The descriptions of the chateau as well as the cottages made you wish you was there and seeing what they will be like when everything is renovated.

They both begin to enjoy their new life with the Chateau owners Peter and Ingrid as well the other characters in the story.

The story was well written and the characters were lovely.

I recommend this book.

Every so often, I read a book that I just sink into, and I inhaled this one in a single sitting. Having spent my fifth birthday in the south of France, I have warm memories of that trip. The lovely descriptions of the surrounding area never fail to capture my imagination, and I can instantly imagine the setting.
There is an ensemble cast in this book, but I will follow the synopsis to avoid accidentally including any spoilers. The main characters are the Chateau owners, Peter and Ingrid Chevalier and then brother and sister Sasha and Freddie. As we begin the story, Sasha and Freddie are about to embark on an exciting adventure and move their lives to live within the estate of Chateau de Cheval.
Sasha and Freddie have an enviable, gorgeous relationship that sees them supporting each other on a daily basis. They each throw themselves headlong into restoring the rundown cottages that they have bought using the money bequeathed to them in their mother’s will. The descriptions of the cottages had me imagining what I would do with them, and I loved the process of sourcing furniture from a variety of local sources. The warm relationship that formed between the siblings and their new neighbours really was a lovely touch.
Peter and Ingrid want nothing more than to share the Chateau with the local community, but it’s almost impossible to imagine where they can start with that. The immediate priority is to start earning money. Once they discuss their hopes and dreams with the siblings, the solutions snowball and lead to opportunities and new characters.
This genuinely lovely book left me feeling uplifted and ready for another escape to France. The beautiful connections that form among the characters are like a breath of fresh air. Jennifer Bohnet weaves her magical storytelling intricately, and the result is truly gorgeous.

A French Country Escape by Jennifer Bohnet is the story of a fresh start for siblings, Sasha and Freddie, whose mother has died and left them enough to make this dream come true. Sasha is still reeling from a breakup and Freddie is without a job. They have both dreamed of France but at first, house hunting was going slowly, until they found a cottage/duplex on the edge of an estate in Brittany. They were worried about the owners of the chateau who were trying to make it into a commercial enterprise: hotel/event venue. They made an offer and it was accepted and the moment they met Ingrid and Peter, the owners of Chateau de Chevalier, their fears fled. Freddie was able to get a job three days a week helping to clear the overgrown grounds, and quickly picked up piece work in the nearby village. They had work to do with their own cottages but much of the was cosmetic and Sasha could handle that until she got her Etsy store up and running again. This was a charming slice-of-life novel with a little romance thrown in.

As they days went on, Sasha and Freddie met people and made friends. Ingrid and Peter’s daughter came, as did Alice, the granddaughter of a villager. Her brother, Lucas, was already there taking some time to decide his next direction. They became great friends as they worked together on events at the chateau and just living life. It was fun and gentle. There were moments of unpleasantness, but they passed quickly. Mostly, it was about young people forging new lives for themselves. I enjoyed it. The setting was beautiful, the characters were well-written and interesting. The story moved along apace. Thanks Jennifer Bohnet for a nice novel.

I was invited to read A French Country Escape by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #JenniferBohnet #AFrenchCountryEscape

Plenty of romance in this book. Set in France it conjures up vivid pictures of the countryside. Warm sunshine and friendly people. An enjoyable read which was lovely to curl up on the sofa for a day and delve into this book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A wonderfully uplifting story of a brother and sister building a new life for themselves in France. They buy two cottages in the grounds of a Château owned by an English couple who need the money so they can carry on refurbishing their Château. We follow each of them and other characters we meet along the way and read how their lives intertwine. Thanks netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Very sweet story. When Sasha and Freddie’s mother passed away they decide the need to start a new life. Taking their inheritance they make the move from England to France. Their new cabins they have bought on the same property as a chateau that is being renovated as an event space. This Chateau proves to be life changing to all of those that are involved with it. This brings new lives, careers and new found family to these characters. A very charming story, a little slow at times but I enjoyed it. Received a mini French lesson as well! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a heartwarming, light read! I loved the location and liked the characters. It was a quick read but slow at some time and I felt a bit bored. I had a great time read it.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this arc.

A book I never wanted to end. From the moment I started to read the first page to the last I loved the stories of Sasha, Freddie, Ingrid, Peter and Penny.

Set in the gorgeous French countryside Jennifer waves a story of moving on, new beginnings and challenges in the most specular setting of a chateau. There were at times I wished I was there beside the characters and rooting them on. For once I didn't guess what was coming next but I'm all for happy after ever and this story of full of love and romance.

I challenge you not to enjoy this book as much as I did because I now want a sequel.

Bring on your next book Jennifer.

Another great book from this author.
Everybody loves a chateau story these days and this one doesn't disappoint. A lovely,heartwarming tale of a sister and brother relocating to France and the people they meet along the way.
Cheerful, romantic and a feel-good read,

A French Country Escape is a gorgeous novel set in a small village in Brittany. There are numerous tales all intertwined and some lovely characters. The plot moves at a steady pace and you can almost feel the warmth of the French sun. I would rate this 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.

Set in a beautiful part of France the story centres around the Château du Cheval where the new owners Peter and Ingrid have to sell off two of the cottages so that they can continue its refurbishment. These are brought by brother and sister Freddie and Sasha hoping to have a fresh start.
There are many people who enjoy the thought of moving to Brittany to enjoy the slower pace of life there, it certainly has its attractions. Of course there are downsides, having to make new friends, making a living etc. This story concentrates more on the personal relationships, with potential romance and bitter exes. A nice, gentle read so not one for those who prefer something faster paced, but certainly one that I certainly did enjoy reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

A simple read with minimal drama, A French Country Escape by Jennifer Bohnet is about a group of people who live on the grounds of Château du Cheval and have some personal issues to deal with.

Summary: Sasha and her brother Freddie buy two cottages in Château du Cheval, France, and move there from England. They meet the owners Ingrid and Peter Chevalier, whose daughter Penny has recently left her abusive ex-boyfriend. There are also many people within the community with varying issues.

Tropes/Genres:
• contemporary fiction
• family
• minimal drama
• set in France

Review: I was utterly confused throughout this book. It felt like the book lacked a direction. I get that it's meant to be about the Chateau and the people living in it, but I got lost in the plot with so many things going on that didn't fit together seamlessly. I knew what was going on, but it felt a bit messy. It was difficult to follow the story when there wasn't a clear direction.

Despite all its flaws, there were still some merits. I thought the book had somewhat cute love stories. The relationship between Sasha and Jean-Paul and that between Penny and Lucas were moderately cute. It's nothing special, but at least there's something. I suppose these relationships intertwine with the whole concept of focusing on life in the Chateau quite well.

I was kind of bored and confused throughout most of the story until the last 25% or so when there was this random thing about the attic. That part was quite interesting, though it felt random to me because I spent the first 75% of the book being confused as to what this story is actually about. I liked the part about Penny and her crazy ex as well. She's really such a strong person! I feel like the whole messy direction thing could've been easily fixed. That's an area for improvement.

There is a lot of French in this book, and I like how the author gives contextual clues to hint to readers about what the phrases may mean without being too obvious about it. That's cool!

Overall, there were too many characters and too much going on. The story seemed all over the place. However, I think readers who like contemporary fiction and a French setting may enjoy this book. I would say this book is simply okay. Nothing special. If you want a relaxing read with minimal drama, here's one for you.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the book.

A quick read about a few women who are looking for new beginnings at a Chateau in France (as one does!). Meeting the locals, settling in, finding new jobs, all in a beautiful local. I enjoyed the story and interwoven characters.

A very easy reading book set in a beautiful setting in France.

Peter and Ingrid Chevalier own a lovely chateau in France, a lifelong dream of theirs, after moving over from England, with land and a few houses on the estate. But the running costs are high and so they decide to sell two cottages on the estate. Sasha and her brother Freddie are looking for a new start, and have some money left to them from their mother, so buy the two cottages next door to one another on the estate and slowly renovate them.

They all slowly become friends, with Freddie helping out on the estate, and Sasha helping out Ingrid with the B&B rooms in the main chateau when she has a fall. There are also plenty of other side characters, Peter & Ingrid's daughter comes to visit to escape a controlling relationship and ends up staying, and there are various love interests for everyone, along with a mystery about Peter's old French family, which he has been researching, but not getting anywhere fast, until a mystery parcel is uncovered and secrets revealed.

Very enjoyable, light-hearted read set in a beautiful sounding setting.

A very shallow story of a British brother and sister who are lucky enough to move to France with seemingly no jobs but apparently no problems with visas which is most unlikely.

There were lots of characters with lots being talked about but very little action. Pages of descriptions of people pouring drinks and opening doors really didn’t hold my attention at all and I’m afraid it was rather boring, the wedding preparations just seemed to go on and on.

An easy read for anyone with nothing better to do. Really not for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley