Alison Roberts’ novel provides a heartwarming and enjoyable escape, with characters that feel real and relatable. The story centers on the Gilchrist sisters—Laura, Fiona, and Ellie—who inherit a neglected stone house in Provence from their estranged uncle. Laura, a practical estate agent, sees the potential for a profitable renovation, while Ellie, still mourning the loss of her baby boy, stays behind to oversee the work. For Ellie, the house offers more than just a project; it becomes a place of refuge and healing.

Roberts beautifully captures the essence of Provence, making readers feel like they’re strolling through the French countryside with the scent of lavender in the air. As Ellie immerses herself in her new surroundings, learning the language and building connections, her journey of healing becomes deeply touching.

A highlight of the book is Ellie’s relationship with her neighbor, Julien, a compassionate doctor still grieving the loss of his wife. His bond with his son, Theo, is tender and heartfelt, and his budding romance with Ellie develops naturally, with moments that feel sweet and unforced—like their trip to the vet after Ellie’s mishap with a stray dog. Julien is a genuinely likable character, and his chemistry with Ellie adds depth to the story.

Though the book starts off slow, taking time to introduce the characters and plot, it picks up and rewards readers with emotional twists that tug at the heart. Themes of grief, joy, and personal healing are explored with sensitivity, giving the story a deeper emotional core.

Charming details, like Ellie’s stray dog Pascal, the donkeys Coquelicot and Marguerite, and her red bicycle, enhance the cozy, small-town feel. Roberts’ ability to handle themes of loss and recovery with care adds to the novel’s dreamy, yet grounded, atmosphere.

This novel is perfect for fans of small-town, single-dad romances with a focus on personal growth and healing. While it takes a bit to gain momentum, patient readers will be rewarded with heartwarming moments and charming characters.

Two broken hearts find each other, next door in fact, in charming Provence.
Ellie needs to restart her life and Julian has built a protective wall around his. Can they be more than a summer tryst to one another?
The beauty of the book is the French countryside and the descriptions of the summer markets and the cottages.
Personally, I adored the 2 donkeys. I wanted more scenes with them and would have gladly read all of them.
It’s a tender book with much to offer.

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

When Ellie and her sisters inherit a house in Provence, they decide to stay there until it’s sold. She’s recently lost her son and needs a change of scenery to help her grieve and maybe even a fresh start. Along with the run-down house that she was helping to renovate until it was ready to be sold, were two adorable donkeys and a stray dog. Then she meets Julien, her guarded next-door neighbor, and his adorable little boy.


I really loved this story of love, loss, and fresh starts in Provence. Julien and Ellie were great characters as they both got over their losses and learned how to start over again. The bonus was descriptions of daily life in Provence and seeing them both come back to life again. This was a new to me author and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, @rachelsrandomresources and the author for this ARC

I picked up this book and began to read it and it was not long before I felt like I was in the South of France.
Ellie goes to France to fix up a home she inherited along with two of her sisters. She goes to check out what must be done so they can sell it. She has been through a lot, and this is what she needs to help her with all she has had happen to her.
The journey she has taken on is one that is exactly what she needs. The author has written a heartwarming, touching, emotional book that will stick with me for a long time after reading it.
I received an ARC of Falling for Provence from NetGalley, Alison Roberts and Boldwood. I am writing a voluntary honest review.

escape to France!

This is a lovely escapist story. Just the thing to read when you need a mental and physical respite. Although the story isn't totally complex, the writing is sound, the characters are well developed and there are a few twists along the way. So long as you aren't expecting serious literature, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

A perfect sounding setting to escape to whilst being stuck at home. A little slow to start with, but it does improve. Although there is heartbreaking parts to the story, it's also heartwarming.

When Ellie Gilchrist inherits a house in Provence, she decides to take a chance and visit, only to find that ‘La Masionette’ is run down and overgrown with lavender and ivy. When she meets her guarded neighbour Julien and his adorable son Theo, she begins to get excited that this break away could be what she needs. The more time she spends with Julien, the more she realises that it will be difficulty to leave when the summer comes to an end.
One aspect that I loved about this book is seeing how Ellie’s relationship develops between Julien, as well as how she is with Theo. The small French town feel is wonderfully explored, with the author painting a vivid image of the countryside. This book has all the elements of a sweet contemporary romance.

Along with her sisters Ellie has inherited a house in Provence. Fixing up the old house is just the escape Ellie needs for a while to help with her grief. What Ellie gets is certainly more than she ever expected. The characters are so lovely and relatable and I was wishing for only good things for the sweet Ellie and Julien who have amazing chemistry. Watching Ellie learn to speak a little French was so much fun and I enjoyed joining in on the fun. The vivid setting of France was beautiful and I love that you can take your dog just about everywhere with you in France. I'm sure Pascal liked being able to be with Ellie his saviour. A heartwarming escapism romance with cute animals!

The story follows three sisters selling a house in Provence they have inherited.
Ellie is grieving the loss of her baby and it is agreed that she will stay and get the house ready for sale.
She meets her neighbour Julien and his small son under trying circumstances but there is a definite attraction.
Both think it might be a short term romance.
I loved the descriptions of the house, countryside food and villages. I felt as if I was there.
Also I liked the red 2cv Margot it sounded glorious.
The book seemed a bit slow at the beginning but I was glad that I persevered.
Special mention for the small white dog Pascal and the donkeys Marguerite and Coquelicot.
I really enjoyed the book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

Falling For Provence takes the reader on an emotional and escapist journey to Provence, where Ellie begins to heal after a tragic loss by enjoying life's simple pleasures. Ellie and her siblings have inherited a rundown house from an uncle they didn't know existed, a relative of their estranged father. Ellie has suffered an unimaginable loss, and something in the Provence draws her to stay there and spruce up the house for sale. Not looking for companionship, she still finds it in Julien and embarks on a romantic adventure she never expected or knew she needed. I like the lyrical descriptions seen from Ellie's artistic viewpoint. I like Ellie and Julien. They are lovely characters who have suffered in ways that make commitment difficult. The story balances dark and light, humour and drama and romance. There is also a mystery that remains unsolved.
It is an evocative and uplifting escapist story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

It took me a bit to get into this book and was just about to stop reading it when it really started to pick up for me. I did enjoy watching Ellie bring both herself La Maisonette back to life as I read this story

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

I escaped to Provence with this delightful little read. I felt the atmosphere of Provence, as the author brought it to life, describing sights, scents and tastes. I felt a connection with the protagonist, Ellie, and it seemed that she wanted to escape something too. Julien was a sexy character, and I was keen to know more about him. By the time I reached the end, I wondered if I had in fact fallen for Provence myself.

This was a feel-good romantic read, and I found it light enough to read in one sitting. It's the ideal type of book to escape with on a dull and dreary day.

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

Falling for Provence by Alison Roberts, this was a new author for me and I really enjoyed this book. When three sisters inherit and old home in France, Ellie and Laura go to view the home and decide how to best sell the home. Ellie has been in a depression after losing her son, and not in a very good mind frame. Having said that she fell in love with the house, and decided to stay an do most of the renovations to make it worth selling. Little by little Ellie comes more and more out of the shell and opens up to the world around her. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Booklovers, get ready to armchair travel to Provence. Alison Roberts' romantic escape read provides romance, stunning scenery and a town filled with charismatic characters that you'll want to learn French to converse with them.

Laura and Ellie Gilchrist inherit a house in Provence and upon first sight, Ellie felt a stirring that she locked away after her baby's death. The floral elements of the house filled with hope that bloomed throughout her stay. As Ellie made the house hospitable, she attracted her neighbor Julian's attention. Both fighting demons from their pasts, they were afraid of being hurt,

As Julian's son, Theo worms his way into her heart and a loveable rescue dog perked up Ellie's passion for life, she begins to feel that Provence is her home. While there for a short stint, the changes she's making in the home, mirror her own growth. Will she be able to leave at the end of her summer adventure or has Provence's scenic setting stirred thoughts of staying? .

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early addition of #FallingforProvence in exchange for an honest review. Stories come into your life for a reason and this one afforded armchair traveling while job searching. My last international trip included the French countryside so this was a welcomed return. Readers will fall in love with Ellie's story and embrace her adventurous spirit.

3.5 Stars
One Liner: Nice… has some loose ends (first in the series)

When the Gilchrist sisters inherit an old house in Provence, it allows Ellie to focus on something other than her grief. The old stone house and its messy garden ignite a tiny spark she thought she had lost forever.
When Ellie meets her neighbor, Julien, it is not a meet-cute moment but still sends out some sparks. However, both of them are dealing with a sad past and are wary about letting another person into their lives. Julien cannot risk his three-year-old son, Theo, facing another disappointment.
But Provence has something else in store for them. After all, it’s a place to hope for a brighter future.
The story comes in Ellie and Julien’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
Firstly, why is this not marked as a series? It is important! I thought the book had a lot of loose ends and was sloppily handled only to realize that it is the first in a new series, that too by chance! So, I’m rounding up the rating (since it is not the author’s fault).
The plot development stays true to the genre but manages to throw in a couple of twists. Of course, I didn’t take this hoping for an intricate plot.
For me, the setting is the focus. The book scores well in this aspect. The beauty of Provence comes alive on the pages without distracting from the plot. Ellie’s artistic talent (painting), her gradual growth, and the beauty of the setting blend seamlessly.
The dual POV, though we get fewer scenes from the MMC, makes it easy to see his thought process and feelings. I liked how much he loved his little son (even if the kiddo doesn’t get a lot of space due to valid reasons).
Animal lovers will be delighted to find two donkeys and a cute doggy in this one. They have names too!
If I had known earlier about the series part, I’d have gone in prepared for the family track to stay in the background without resolution. Since I didn’t, I was annoyed to see the book end with many unanswered questions. At least now I know these are likely to be answered in the next two books (Ellie has two sisters – Laura and Fiona).
Quite a few elements are convenient and happen easily but that’s expected of the genre, so I didn’t mind. However, the aspects about grief, loss, moving on, second chances, etc., are done well (check TW at the end). At the same time, the writing is not so heavy that it feels overwhelming again and again but does enough to make you feel something.

To summarize, Falling for Provence is a steady-paced and touching story about loss, hope, and finding love (and inspiration) in a beautiful location.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is the enchanting & captivating story of Ellie and her trip to Provence, where her unknown Uncle had lived. Ellie and her two sisters, Laura and Fiona, inherit La Maisonette on his death. Ellie decides to spend her summer renovating the property. There is much to do; and as she lovingly restores the house back to life, she rediscovers herself. She adopts a little dog, who helps her feel again. She’d known such terrible loss, and she finds someone who can identify with her. Her neighbour & his son Theo turn her life around. This is a wonderfully touching story. There’s beautiful descriptions throughout of La Maisonette, the villages, mountains and countryside. Thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommend. One of the best romance novels I’ve read

Alison Roberts’ book offers an enjoyable and heartwarming escape, with characters that feel both realistic and relatable. The story begins with the three Gilchrist sisters, Laura, Fiona, and Ellie, who inherit an old stone house in Provence after the death of their estranged uncle. The plot follows Ellie and Laura as they travel to Provence to inspect the house, which, though beautiful, has been neglected for many years.

Laura, the practical estate agent, immediately sees the potential in the property and decides to invest in renovations, hoping to sell it at a good price. Ellie, still grieving the loss of her baby boy, agrees to stay behind and oversee the work. For Ellie, the house in Provence offers more than just a project—it becomes a refuge, a place to heal and possibly rediscover herself.

The setting of Provence is beautifully woven into the narrative, and the author’s descriptive writing makes the reader feel as though they are walking through the French countryside, with the sun on their face and the scent of lavender in the air. As Ellie slowly picks up the French language and builds a sense of belonging, her healing journey becomes all the more palpable.

One of the highlights of the story is Ellie’s growing connection with her neighbour, Julien, and his son, Theo. Julien, a kind and caring doctor, is still dealing with his own grief after the betrayal and sudden loss of Theo’s mother. His relationship with his son is portrayed with warmth and tenderness, creating heartwarming moments throughout the story. Julien is a genuinely likeable character, and his chemistry with Ellie adds a sweet layer of romance that feels organic and well-paced. Their encounters, including an impromptu trip to the vet after Ellie’s accident with a stray dog, feel natural and unforced.

While the book has many charming elements, it does start slowly. The initial chapters take time to introduce the characters and plot, and the pacing may feel sluggish for some readers. However, once the story finds its rhythm, it becomes much more engaging, with unexpected twists that tug at the heartstrings. There are moments that evoke real emotion, from grief to joy, and the slower pace allows for reflection on the characters' deeper emotional journeys.
Adding to the cozy feel of the book are the animals that become part of Ellie’s life in Provence: the stray dog she temporarily adopts and names Pascal, the donkeys Coquelicot and Marguerite, and her trusty red bicycle—elements that enhance the small-town charm of the story. These details, alongside Roberts' ability to handle delicate themes like loss and recovery with sensitivity, give the novel a dreamy yet grounded atmosphere.

In summary, this novel is perfect for readers who enjoy small-town, single-dad romances with themes of personal healing. While the story takes time to build momentum, it rewards patient readers with heartfelt moments and charming characters. The cozy French setting, combined with the slow-blooming romance between Ellie and Julien, makes this a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance. A solid four-star read for anyone looking for a gentle, uplifting escape into the French countryside.

What a delightful read, I really enjoyed this book. Not your usual romcom or romance. It was a delight to get to know the characters and to discover their back stories.
Enjoy - I certainly did

It took me a while to read this book, I felt it wasn’t face paced enough for me but, it was a great story when it got going. I’m glad I didn’t give up on it.