Written by Lucy Coleman⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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My thanks to the author, Lucy Coleman, her publisher Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a free digital copy of Summer in Provence to review.
Having read Magic Under The Mistletoe and Snowflakes Over Holly Cove previously, I could not wait to immerse myself in this novel.
I read Summer in Provence for the #20BooksOfSummer20 Reading Challenge hosted by Cathy @746books.com.
Having read Magic Under The Mistletoe and Snowflakes Over Holly Cove previously, I could not wait to immerse myself in this novel.
I read Summer in Provence for the #20BooksOfSummer20 Reading Challenge hosted by Cathy @746books.com.
The blurb:
Summer in ProvenceWhen married couple Fern and Aiden have a windfall, their reactions could not be more different. While Fern is content to pay off their mortgage and build a nest egg before starting a family, her husband is set on travelling the world.
Fern’s not much of a back-packer so, before she knows it, the idea of a ‘marriage gap year’ takes shape. And, as Aiden heads off to the wilds of Australia, Fern chooses the more restful Provence for her year out.
Set amidst the glorious French scenery, Château de Vernon offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of normal life, and Fern agrees to help out in return for painting lessons from the owner – renowned, but rather troubled, painter Nico.
As their year unfolds in very different ways, will the time apart transform their marriage, or will it drive Fern and Aiden even further apart…
Women's Fiction
Romance
My thoughts:
I jumped at the chance to read Summer in Provence because I have previously enjoyed reading a couple of Lucy Coleman's holiday romances, and was expecting this story to be along similar lines.The story takes place over the course of a year, and is one of self discovery rather than romance. Fern and Aiden have been married for seven years, and have been together since school. Now approaching thirty, Fern is aware that their relationship is flagging, but has said nothing.
Fern has an amazing bit luck and scoops a million pounds in a lottery win. Money isn't everything, but this little windfall could help to get them back on track. Aiden has always craved adventure and long haul travel. Fern is terrified of flying, and prefers to stay closer to home, and her family. Aiden suggests a marriage gap year, so they can both fully indulge their own interests. Reluctantly, Fern agrees to his idea, and while Aiden is travelling the world, she has decided to volunteer at a retreat in Provence where she can explore her artistic abilities.
Fern is a nurturing character, having always looked out for her family, she now bonds with the people staying and working at the retreat. She becomes a big sister figure to Kellie, and helps her find her place in the world. Nico, the owner of the retreat is an artist and recognises Fern's developing talent. He mentors her. They work in his private studio, undisturbed, where they find they have a special affinity for each other.
Fern's husband, Aiden, is contacting Fern less frequently, and she begins to wonder about his relationship with his travelling companion Joss, and whether things will get back on an even keel once they are back home.
Summer in Provence sees Fern grow in confidence as an artist, and learn to relax a bit. The ending was not what I was expecting, and I thought it was a nice touch for the final chapters to tell us what happens to some of the characters going forward.
I found Summer in Provence to be a thoughtful, gentle read, and one which reminded me that everything happens for a reason.
| Author Bio – Lucy Coleman |
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 From interior designer to author, Linn B. Halton - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’ Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus) and Harper Impulse (Harper Collins); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency. When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden. Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards. Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic. Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships. |
| Social Media Links – | |
| Website | https://linnbhalton.co.uk/ |
| Facebook Author Page | https://www.facebook.com/LinnBHaltonAuthor/ |
| X | https://twitter.com/LucyColemanAuth |
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