MoMoBookDiary

alison Roberts

About the book:

She came to Provence in the hope of a fresh start, she never expected she would fall in love and find herself along the way.

Inheriting an old stone house in Provence, along with her sisters is the catalyst Ellie Gilchrist needs to put some distance between her and her grief. But when she arrives at the run down ‘La Masionette’ hidden amongst overgrown lavender and ivy, she wonders if she’s made a mistake?

That is until she meets her guarded neighbour Julien and his adorable little boy, and she’s surprised by the flutters of excitement she never thought she’d feel again. Add in rescuing a stray dog and she has the much needed distraction she needs.

Ellie decides to stay temporarily and work on bringing the little house back to life again. If only she can ignore the fireworks that explode every time she’s around Julien. They both have hearts they want to protect, but a little temporary affaire can’t be too dangerous, especially when Ellie has stated she will be leaving after the last summer market of the season. But something in the alchemy of what she discovers in this part of France seems to be casting an irresistible spell making it difficult to walk away.

My thoughts:

Review: A Warm and Cozy Journey Through Grief, Healing, and Love in Provence

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.

and more…

The Author, Alison Roberts, is working with Boldwood Books – read more here: boldwoodbooks.com. Alison also has an online presence at Instagram and X.

All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.

Tags: #FallingForProvence #AlisonRoberts #BoldwoodBooks #TheBoldBookClub #Provence #France #French #countryside #smalltown #romance