Peter and Ingrid Chevalier buy the Château du Cheval in rural France, fulfilling a lifelong dream but needing funds for extensive renovations. They decide to sell two cottages on the property, which are purchased by newly divorced Sasha Heath and her brother Freddie, who are looking for a fresh start. The four become friends, and Sasha and Freddie help Peter and Ingrid prepare the château for guests, leading to personal growth and self-discovery for everyone involved. Set against a picturesque French countryside, the story explores themes of second chances, taking risks, and finding happiness. It's a cozy, heartwarming read with a multigenerational cast, offering friendship, light romance, and a feel-good narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer Bohnet’s A French Country Escape is a delightful and heartwarming novel that transports readers to the idyllic French countryside. The story beautifully intertwines the lives of two sets of characters: Peter and Ingrid Chevalier, who have purchased and are renovating the Château du Cheval in Brittany, and siblings Sasha and Freddie Heath, who invest in two cottages on the château’s estate.

This bookl captures the charm of rural France with its lush descriptions and the enchanting atmosphere of village life. Bohnet skillfully portrays the challenges and rewards of starting anew, blending gentle romance with themes of personal growth and community. The characters are relatable and endearing, making their journey of renovation and reinvention both engaging and uplifting.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Not much in the way of conflict, but written in such a way that my attention was held. I love stories set around Chateau life, and simply finding out how the business developed was interesting. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"A French Country Escape" is a charming contemporary novel that blends elements of lifestyle change, property renovation, and gentle romance in the picturesque setting of rural France. The story follows two sets of characters: Peter and Ingrid Chevalier, who have purchased and are renovating the Château du Cheval, and siblings Sasha and Freddie Heath, who buy cottages on the château's estate.

The novel skillfully intertwines these storylines, creating a rich tapestry of experiences centered around the theme of new beginnings. The author appears to have captured the allure of the French countryside, likely providing vivid descriptions that transport readers to Brittany's pastoral landscapes.

One of the book's strengths seems to be its exploration of the challenges and rewards of pursuing a dream. The Chevaliers' struggle to make their château sustainable and the Heath siblings' adventure in property investment add realistic tension to what could otherwise be an overly idyllic narrative.

The mention of Peter's untraced French ancestry adds an intriguing element of mystery and personal identity to the story. This subplot likely provides depth to Peter's character and his connection to the château.

While the book is described as uplifting, it doesn't shy away from potential obstacles, suggesting a well-balanced narrative that acknowledges both the romance and the reality of starting anew in a foreign country.

The novel appears to cater well to fans of lifestyle change stories, offering a vicarious experience of French country living. It likely appeals to readers who enjoy gentle, character-driven narratives with a focus on personal growth and community.

Comparisons to Jill Mansell and Fern Britton suggest that the book offers a warm, feel-good atmosphere with relatable characters and light-hearted moments, while still addressing meaningful life changes and relationships.

Overall, "A French Country Escape" promises to be an engaging, uplifting read that combines the charm of French rural life with themes of renewal, community, and the pursuit of dreams. It's likely to satisfy readers looking for a cozy escape into the world of French country living, property renovation, and personal reinvention.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Jennifer Bohnet, but it will most definitely not be the last. As a self confessed Francophile I adore reading books set there, be it town, city, or countryside and this one set in the heart of the countryside was no exception. Beautifully written, gorgeously descriptive taking the reader to the bustling markets , the village bar and tabac , and with such a great cast of characters to get to know . Absolutely lovely and highly recommended.

A lovely read beautiful setting characters that come alive.I read this while relaxing at the beach perfect read heartwarming entertaining.#netgalley #boldwoodbooks

My first from this author and she didn’t disappoint. Brother and sister Freddie and Sasha move to France to start new lives. They live in the grounds of a chateau owed by Britts Peter and Ingrid and start a relationship alongside some of the local folk. Well written and great characters. Thanks to Jennifer and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

I loved this heart warming, feel good novel. The French rural setting is delightful, and I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the buildings and food. I felt as though I could visit these people and get on easily with them! It would be a perfect holiday read.

First off, the setting is to die for! The author did a good job at making me picture where the characters are. The friendship themes and the variety of characters made me enjoy this book immensely. I felt this was a good feel-good book for summertime.

I loved this book. A real summer chic lit read. I was transported to the chateau and the characters came across. Thank you for allowing me to read it.

A perfect summer read!
After inheriting some money Sasha and her brother Freddie decide to move to France and buy two cottages in Brittany. They quickly make friends in the village and build a new life there.
I liked reading this book it was a very entertaining story. I liked all the different characters and enjoyed the setting in beautiful France. I found it a bit unbelievable how the thing with the lost great-aunt turned out but I didn't mind too much. As expected in a romance all the protagonists find a better life and love in Brittany.
A very entertaining summer red.

I received a free copy of, A French Country Escape, by Jennifer, Bohnet, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Ingrid and Peter Chevalier have bought a chateau in France, and wants to look into his french ancestry. Freddie and his sister Sasha, decide to but to not so great condition cottage on the chateaus estate. This was a nice read, I enjoyed the characters, and loved the setting.

Such a beautiful and heartwarming book! Full of the relatable ups and downs of life, love and friendship! A wonderful escape and easy read! I read this in two sittings as I just couldn’t put it down! Love love love it!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC!

What a charming story. This book follows the lives of siblings Sasha and Freddie, as well as the people they meet as they start a new life in the French countryside. The book is lighthearted, and quick to read. I enjoyed the French peppered throughout the book. It wasn't a particularly deep read, but perfect for the beach or a vacation. I really enjoyed the simplicity and slow paced life of the characters.

Lovely setting, vast array of characters, new relationships and friendships, you get all this in A French Country Escape. The book focuses on siblings who move to France and along the way meet many people and bond with them. A light descriptive read with some slow burn romance.

#netgalley #afrenchcountryescape

Peter and Ingrid Chevalier bought Château du Cheval, which has been a lifetime dream for them. It is located in a rural area in France. It needs a lot of work, and they decide because they need money they would sell two of the cottages that are also there.
Sasha Heath has gotten a divorce and her brother Freddie decide to move to France where property is cheaper, and the real estate agent take them to see the cottages. They thought they would have to choose which one they wanted, but the real estate agent said the price was for both. That made it better because they both would have their own place.
When the four of them meet, they became friends, and Sasha and Freddie helped them get the Château du Cheval ready for their first guests, and a French country escape was just what they needed. Everyone seemed to learn so much about themselves, what they were capable of, and find the courage to just go for it, and see what happens. It was fun reading the story to see what they did, how they did it, and how they came out after doing it.
I received an ARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley.

Ich habe mich über das Buch sehr gefreut. Es ist nicht nur fließend zum lesen sondern auch sehr spannend.

This is a light hearted read about siblings who move to France to start a new life. This book really emphasises how anyone can move to a new country and live their dream life! I loved how the author included some French words and phrases in the dialogue. Although I enjoyed reading this book, I wished it had focused more on the siblings rather than include other characters and their stories. I also thought that the language was very simple and plain.
This would be a great holiday read, especially if your in France!
Thank you netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

I read this on holiday in France . It was a charming story I could not put down. Brother and sister use their mother’s inheritance to buy two lovely cottages on a French estate. You follow their ups and downs and the life of the chateau. You had slow love , dreams, good food. A perfect read. Loved it

Once again we are transported to rural Brittany by Jennifer Bohnet for a tale of a brother and sister forging a new life in a new country. It is not quite so easy these days to do this, especially as French bureaucracy seems to get more and more complicated. However, these difficulties are skipped over in the interests of a good story. As Sasha and Freddie settle in they quickly make friends, starting with the owners of the chateau on whose grounds their cottages are located.

This is a heart warming story of families, love and friendships, plus warnings about toxic/coercive relationships. A great holiday novel.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.