EXCERPT: Growing up in Paris, she'd never imagined that small town life could be as rich; Maman, with her scarlet lips and tailored clothing had scorned what she called 'the dying countryside', and preferred to be where there was life.
Only there was a difference between amongst life and living. In Paris they had been surrounded by people but ad remained lonely. Here, she had been able to make a difference; to use her talent to change lives - and what else was it for? She longed to tell her mother she was wrong.
But she had not spoken to Maman for more than thirty years; perhaps she was already dead? The flash of pain was soon subdued by the memory of what her mother had done to her. Some things could be forgiven; others left deep wounds that never quite closed.

ABOUT 'THE LITTLE PROVENCE BOOK SHOP': Everyone’s story has some magic. You just have to turn the page to find it… As the sun rises over the little Provence village where single mother Adeline has escaped with her little girl Lily, she breathes deeply. This is their new beginning. Here, she can forget the lies her family told her. Here, she can start her story again.

Later she opens the door to the town’s tiny bookstore, where she is to work, ready to meet the mysterious owner Monique for the first time.

She expected an ordinary bookshop. But this bookstore feels somehow different… magical. Breathing in the smell of books, she feels a jolt of something. It feels like a new chapter beginning.

As she gets to know the villagers – including the handsome Andre and friendly Michel – she starts to believe in the magic of this new start. But can a runaway like Adeline ever find what she’s looking for? Or is a happy-ever-after just another fiction?

MY THOUGHTS: Having recently read and loved The Bordeaux Book Club by Gillian Harvey, I was excited to read The Little Provence Book Shop. It is a charming read that incorporates a little drama and romance with a little magic.

I loved Monique, the owner of the book shop. She has an ability to 'read people' and to match them with the book they need. And she feels an instant connection with Adeline who has escaped to France to lick her wounds.

I found Adeline a little hard to relate to although I admired her pluck in upping roots and moving to France for some breathing space.

The Focus of The Little Provence Book Shop is on adoption and it is a thread that is woven throughout the storyline. I thought I knew where Gillian Harvey was going with this, but I wasn't quite right. She threw a curveball in there.

I could have done without the romance thread. It just seemed to complicate matters. I would have preferred to see a friendship that deepened over the course of the book. With the romance and the dramas surrounding the adoption thread, it all seemed just a little too much.

Overall, I enjoyed this read but not as much as The Bordeaux Book Club which seemed to have a little more depth to it.

⭐⭐⭐.6

#TheLittleProvenceBookShop #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: I'm a British author and freelance writer, currently living in France with my husband and 5 children. I write contemporary, uplifting and emotive fiction, often set in France.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Little Provence Book Shop by Gillian Harvey for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Charming and cozy modern day fairy tale about the power of books to heal the soul and bring people together. Loved the setting and the "magic." Must read more from this author!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reading copy

This was my first book from the author and I have to say it was bloody spiritual in a good way okay? IT had a lot of trauma and things to deal with and finding things where and when we least excepted, those woles we have.. It was amazing

In this story, we are introduced to Adeline and her daughter Lili, who have moved from England to Provence, France, after Adeline uncovers new information about herself that has been hidden her entire life. After seeing an ad for help wanted in a book shop in Provence, a place that is related to her family, she packs up and moves. There, she meets Monique, the owner of the book shop, and several other characters in the small town.

This book was a cute and heartwarming story about finding where you belong and finding lost family. It did not take me long to know exactly where this book was going and how the story would turn out, but it was still heartwarming to read it as it played out. I do wish that we got more details on the meetings and the uncovering of information because it was such a huge part of the story line and there was a lot of build up to these moments, but it was still good nonetheless. I loved the small town feel of this book, everyone knows everyone, and the idea of people coming in to the book shop to get a book that they need at that specific time was also a nice touch.

I knew I was going to enjoy this one from its opening pages – so perfectly cinematic, with Monique opening her book shop as the day begins in the heart of her French village, looking forward to the arrival of her new assistant. And what followed certainly didn’t disappoint – a really lovely story, told with exceptional warmth, and with more than a touch of real magic.

Adeline’s life was rocked by a secret in her past, and the chance online discovery of an opening for a bookseller in the small village in Provence provides her with the refuge and escape she really needs. Accompanied by her young daughter Lili, the village and their temporary home are everything she hoped they would be – and bookshop owner Monique soon becomes a close friend. Although she is a touch unsettled when she discovers that Monique is in demand for the way she’s able to find the perfect books her customers need at difficult times in their lives – and even more so by her belief in spells and the power of crystals.

The book she introduces Adeline to is the poetry of Emily Dickinson – full of the right words to soothe her troubled mind (and nicely interspersed in the narrative). And finding herself increasingly at home within her new community – while discovering she too has a gift for matching people with the books they need, and the possibility of a love interest after a rather shaky start – she finds the bravery to repair the rift with her remaining family and to finally resolve the mystery that had unsettled her so badly.

The characterisation is superb – I very much enjoyed Adeline’s journey, young Lili is equally beautifully drawn, and Monique fascinated throughout. The story is gently told – and the touches of magic are equally gently introduced and a very natural and believable part of it all. There’s a palpable warmth to the story’s telling, and a really perfect touch with the more emotional content. And as for the village itself, and the bookshop Le Petit Libraire – as well as being a lovely endorsement of the healing power of books, this really was armchair travel at its very best, with the most vivid descriptions that made me feel present in every moment.

The story itself was completely engaging throughout – with a few twists and turns that perhaps weren’t entirely unexpected, but the ending was every bit as perfect as I hoped it would be. I’ll look forward to reading more from this talented author – this was a book I very much enjoyed, and would most certainly recommend to others.

I am a big fan of Gillian Harvey's books. I love how her passion for France shines through, whih really isn't surprising given that she lived there for years. I pick each one up with a great sense of anticipation, and this one was no different, although the story itself almost felt a bit different - almost sprinkled with fairy dust.

When Adeline and her young daughter Lili move to a small village in Provence, it is almost like fate played a hand. Adeline has recently learned something about herself that has changed the way she feels about her remaining family. She sees an ad in a paper for someone to work in a bookstore and before she knows it, the job is hers.

The bookstore owner is Monique, a woman who has a reputation for being a little bit "witchy", for want of a better word. She believes in gemstones and old wives tales, and she has the uncanny ability of being able to pick exactly the book that her customers need, even if they don't know they need it themselves. And she believes that Adeline has that exact same ability.

It is no surprise that Adeline moves to Provence, and soon she is looking to find the truth about her own identity, but along the way she has to question if making such an impulsive move was actually a good idea both for her daughter and for herself. Meanwhile Monique has many secrets of her own so maybe it is time for her to make her own fresh start as well.

And there is no newcomer to France story without a bit of romance with a lovely French man right?

As always, reading a Gillian Harvey book makes me wish that I could just pop over and live in France for a while. A girl can dream can't she?

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews and the Bookish Books Challenge hosted at Bloggin' Bout Books. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

The Little Provence Book Shop by Gillian Harvey

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

As the sun rises over the little Provence village where single mother Adeline has escaped with her little girl Lily, she breathes deeply. This is their new beginning. Here, she can forget the lies her family told her. Here, she can start her story again.

Later she opens the door to the town’s tiny bookstore, where she is to work, ready to meet the mysterious owner Monique for the first time.

She expected an ordinary bookshop. But this bookstore feels somehow different… magical. Breathing in the smell of books, she feels a jolt of something. It feels like a new chapter beginning.

As she gets to know the villagers – including the handsome Andre and friendly Michel – she starts to believe in the magic of this new start. But can a runaway like Adeline ever find what she’s looking for? Or is a happy-ever-after just another fiction?

My Opinion

Gillian Harvey has written another delightful book. Monique owns a ‘magical’ book shop and her customers come in hoping that she can help them. When she puts out an advert looking for an assistant, she meets Adeline and her daughter Lili.

Each of the characters in this book is relatable with both Adeline and Monique trying to look for someone they have lost. In places the book was a little bit predictable, but overall I thought that it was an enjoyable plot.

With a lovely setting, this with an easy read. Ideal for reading when you want a quick escape to France.

Rating 4/5

This was such a cute book about getting unexpected news during a hard time and the reactions that come out of that but also what it means to be family. Adeline and her daughter move to a small town in France so she can work at a little bookstore. After taking years to care for her ailing mother and receiving some startling news in her grief had her needing a break and a big change. Adeline and Lili immediately befriend the shop owner, much of the town and many other local friends as they spend time settling into their lives before the mystery of why they came to this area in particular begins to unfold.
Found family, little mysteries, the charm of small towns, and a slight bit of mysticism all play a part of this sweet story. Thoroughly enjoyable.

#arc
#netgalley
#thelittleprovencebookshop

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

I remembered enjoying a previous book by this author, and Provence has become one of my favourite locations to escape to when reading, so I was looking forward to this.

At the start, the protagonist, Adeline, moves to Provence with her little girl. I had the impression that she was searching for something, maybe hoping to find herself in some ways, and I was eager to follow her on that journey.

From the start, I felt there was a warm, inviting atmosphere. All of the characters were likeable, and I think my favourite character was Monique, as something about her seemed to speak to me.

I have a soft spot for books about bookshops, libraries or similar settings, so I felt very much at home, as the author brought the story to life. This was a lovely feel-good read that helped me to escape.

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

A cute story that is very predictable but still a nice feel good read. I liked how the main character developed. All in all a good palate cleanser type of book.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

"Everyone’s story has some magic. You just have to turn the page to find it… As the sun rises over the little Provence village where single mother Adeline has escaped with her little girl Lily, she breathes deeply. This is their new beginning. Here, she can forget the lies her family told her. Here, she can start her story again."

I'm a fan of Gillian Harvey's books, and this one is one of my favourites. This one had shades of "Chocolat" (young woman escaping to a small village in France with her daughter) and I really enjoyed the way multiple story lines ended up being intertwined. A touch predictable but a charming read nonetheless that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Family secrets, unexpected revelations
Adeline needs to escape, have time for contemplations.
Leaving her job to make a fresh start.
Starting a new role, healing her heart.

With her daughter, Lili, she’ll be here for a spell
Hoping things will work out and all will be well.
She wasn’t expecting magic and mystery
But the bookshop isn’t as straight forward you’ll see.

Getting to know members of the community
There’s even possible romance if she’ll only agree.
A heartwarming story with a magical touch
A beautiful setting and folks who mean much.

A delightful read into which to escape
And characters with whom it’s easy to relate.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

After learning some devastating news, Adeline, and her daughter Lili, relocate from London to a pretty French village where Adeline takes up a sales assistant position in the tiny village bookshop. In Le Petit Libraire she meets and forms a close friendship with Monique, the enigmatic owner of the book shop, who has her own special way of helping customers find just the right book.

This is such a lovely warm-hearted story that I was quite captivated by the idea of a magical bookshop and a special sort of owner who could match a particular book to the needs of the reader. I’m a great believer in a book coming along at the right time and this story explores this idea with some lovely detail. I especially enjoyed the snippets from a few Emily Dickinson poems which are scattered like gemstones throughout. It’s a gentle story, moving along at its own pace, but it does so with such nice attention to detail and some lovely characterisation. Monique is a fascinating character adding her own special brand of magic to the story. There is a twist to the plot which I did see coming but that was perfectly fine as everything worked out exactly as I hoped it would.

With a smattering of romance, the joy of friendship and a delicious sense of everything coming full circle The Little Provence Bookshop is a light and easy read filled with a cosy sense of warmth and a little bit of magic.

thank you netgalley for the e-arc. this was a perfect book for me to read towards the end of summer. the french setting was a great place for the season and for the story. the story itself was a little predictable but it was fine.

Gillian really knows how to bring France to life, it reminded me of family holidays exploring quaint villages 🇫🇷
The story follows Adeline and her little girl Lili as they embark on a new life, she hoping she can forget the lies her family have told her. Her new job is in the towns bookstore, its owner Monique is certainly mysterious but soon takes both Adeline and Lili under her wing.
It was a delightfully easy book to get lost in, it held plenty of mystery over both Adeline and Monique’s past as well as potential love interests.
Thank you NetGalley, Gillian Harvey and Boldwood for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

The story in itself is a little dull and predictable but the character growth of Adeline (the main lead) is lovely to follow. The romance and other relationships also lacked depth and I could not connect on a deeper level.

Adeline is grieving for her mother and angry about the secret she kept from her. She is drawn to Provence because it connects her to the newly discovered secret, and when she successfully secures a job at a bookshop in a small town in Provence, she accepts her fate and leaves England with her young daughter. It's a twisty tale. Monique, the bookshop owner, is unusual and mystical, but she is kind and wise, and Adeline starts to heal. The women have apparent connections, but the truth is more complex and sweeter. It's an engaging mix of humour, poignancy, and gentle romance, but belonging and family are overriding themes.
I like the characters, the setting and the unexplained serendipity.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Adeline has escaped to the little village in Provence with her young daughter Lily. It's not long before she meets Monique the owner of the bookstore where Adeline is going to work. While getting to know the locals she meets the handsome Andre. The magic of the little village may be just the fresh start Adeline needs or will her past continue to follow her? I loved this magical gem of a read. The plot is lovely and entertaining as are the characters. The setting was beautiful in Provence and the bookstore is one I would like to visit. With drama, romance, friendship, family and books! There isn't much to not love about this story.

"The Little Provence Book Shop" is an incredibly heart-warming novel that will trigger all of your emotions. It flowed beautifully and felt perfectly complete.

This was a very heartwarming story of a mom named Adeline, who moves herself and her daughter to a small town in France. She just discovered that she was adopted, after her mother died, so she goes to this small town that is the complete opposite of the London she grew up in, to answer an ad for a book shop that she randomly came across when researching where she truly came from. The store owner is a little…unique, and into some things Adeline isn’t sure she believes in, but the longer she stays the more she starts to feel like this is home.

This book is a testament to the power books have to change your life, the importance of family, and the family you make that shares no genetic makeup with you whatsoever. I thoroughly enjoyed it!