Lynn
Written on Jul 11, 2020
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***
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***