A French Affair: The perfect escapist read from bestseller Jennifer Bohnet

by Jennifer Bohnet

What will be will be...

Belinda Marshall's idyllic teenage life in Brittany, France, fell apart when her parents dramatically separated and her mother took her back to England.
Fast forward thirty-five years when Belinda's world is once again turned upside down.
It's the week before Christmas and Belinda's employer 'surprises' her by asking for her help to rejuvenate their latest investment, a run-down campsite in Brittany.
Memories and anxieties that had lain dormant for years suddenly begin to resurface.
As secrets from a lost life threaten to overwhelm her, there is a realisation that maybe she wasn't told the whole truth by her mother all those years ago.
Can Belinda reconcile her emotions and find happiness once more in the place she so loved and called home?
Praise for Jennifer Bohnet:

'A gorgeous and captivating read that made me want to jump straight on a plane to the south of France.' Samantha Tonge

'Unputdownable, a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship in the glorious south of France. What's not to love!' Lucy Coleman

'This was the first Jennifer Bohnet book I've read, but it definitely won't be the last. A beautifully written and heart-warming tale of family and friendship, I was completely transported to the south of France' Jessica Redland, author of The Secret to Happiness

'A perfect summer read! I couldn't stop myself from turning the pages and read it in one sitting. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended!' Alison Sherlock, author of A House To Mend A Broken Heart

What readers are saying about A French Affair:

'An absolute treat to read'

'It is a lovely story to escape into with fantastic characters, a beautiful setting, strong friendships and, of course, romance. It is another enchanting read from this highly talented author.'

'An uplifting and emotional tale of secrets, renewal and second chances'

'The author really is a wonderful storyteller, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way this one unfolded - perfectly paced, a few surprises along the way, that strong focus on family and friendship, a couple of satisfying romances, and the vividly drawn setting.'

'It makes me want to rent a cabin in the mountains and sit by the fire looking up at the stars while roasting marshmallows.'

'The plot was interesting and the love interest was perfect. All in all, a pure escapism read.'

• ISBN10: 1838891188
• ISBN13: 9781838891183
• Publish Date: 4 August 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Boldwood Books Ltd
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 492
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lynn]

I adore novels set overseas and although the backdrop for A French Affair is only a hop, skip and a jump away, it still left me wanting to buy a travel ticket, pack my suitcase and go searching for my own adventure in a part of France I've yet to explore.

When Belinda Marshall's employers ask her to oversee the renovation of a camp-site they've just bought in Northern France, the idea fills her with horror. It brings long-buried memories to the surface, a reminder of the turbulent time she spent in Brittany when she grew up, resulting in her parent's divorce. However, as she embarks of her work project and settles into life in the area she knows well, it becomes apparent, details from her past are not quite as they seemed.

The first surprise was the narrative came from a duel point of view. When I began reading about Belinda and her ties to Northern France, I believed the focus would be solely on her. So, when we're introduced to Fern, I liked we hear her voice too. The second is knowing two middle-aged women, are not too old to have another chance at a happy ever after.

The narrative is busy with lots of plot lines to keep readers invested without getting overwhelmed. It's sprinkled with some French too, which got my rusty brain working. The author brings to our attention the emotions felt by Belinda and Fern as they handle their problems while friendship grows between these two women. There's a balance between sadness and happiness as truths from the past are revealed. Additionally, Belinda and Fern finding romance highlights the point you are never too old to fall in love, thanks to Alain and Scott.

Overall, a captivating novel to escape into by a new to me author.

***arc generously received courtesy of Boldwood Books via NetGalley***