It’s a while since I’ve been to Provence and this book has certainly put me in the mood for a return visit. I’m very grateful to Sarah Harwood for sending me a copy to read and review.
About the book
Late summer, 1963
Fresh from London and a recent cookery course, Alexandra has always loved a challenge.
Which is why she now finds herself standing outside an imposing chateau in Provence.
Waiting for her inside is three silent, rather hostile children who are to be her charges for the next month.
They will soon be more friendly, she tells herself. All they need is some fun, good food and an English education.
Far more of a challenge though is their father – an impossibly good looking French count with whom she is rapidly falling in love . . .
My Thoughts
What a gorgeous setting Katie Fforde has described in this book. Provence sounded just beautiful with warm sunshine, lavender fields, golden light and beautiful buildings. The food descriptions had my mouth watering when reading about the lovely French pastries and delicious meals. It’s a while since I’ve made French onion soup or coq au vin and I think they’ll need to be on the menu soon.
I felt the book had strong The Sound of Music vibes with Sophie being hired as a governess to reluctant children and falling in love with their handsome but distant father. As a big fan of The Sound of Music, I enjoyed following the relationship and comparing it to Maria and Captain von Trapp’s.
There are some great characters in the book and Sophie’s flamboyant friend David was probably my favourite, larger than life and so funny. Although young Stephie is the one I took to heart from the beginning, I developed soft spots for all the children. Even Grandmere Penelope, who seemed so formidable at the beginning, softened as she let love into her life. There are one or two villainous characters in the story too.
Although there were many aspects of this story I enjoyed, and it was certainly romantic, I felt it was perhaps suited to younger readers than myself. A Wedding in Provence is light, escapist reading, just right for a sunny afternoon in the garden.
A Wedding in Provence is published by Century Books and available now in hardback, ebook and audiobook formats. The paperback will follow in November.
About the Author
Katie Fforde lives in the beautiful Cotswold countryside with her family, and is a true country girl at heart. Each of her books explores a different profession or background and her research has helped her bring these to life. She’s been a porter in an auction house, tried her hand at pottery, refurbished furniture, delved behind the scenes of a dating website, and she’s even been on a Ray Mears survival course. She loves being a writer; to her there isn’t a more satisfying and pleasing thing to do. She particularly enjoys writing love stories. She believes falling in love is the best thing in the world, and she wants all her characters to experience it, and her readers to share their stories.
To find out more about Katie Fforde step into her world at http://www.katiefforde.com, visit her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @KatieFforde.
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