A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet
A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet
When your old life ceases to exist, it’s time to build a new one…
It’s early summer on the French Riviera when Vivienne Wilson arrives for a one-woman writers’ retreat after learning that her philandering husband of 30 years, wants a divorce. There to collect the shell-shocked Vivienne is recently widowed Maxine Zonszain, who is struggling to come to terms with her empty life. To add insult to injury she receives another knockout punch with a letter from her very estranged first husband…. Florist extraordinaire, Olivia Murray, shares the Villa that Vivienne is renting. She’s content with life - but sad to add another failed relationship to her growing list and longs to meet 'The One'. Life under the summer sun in Antibes becomes a challenging time for all three women as secrets are shared, problems halved as they forge unexpected friendships and embark on new adventures. Sometimes life’s surprises turn out to be unwanted but just sometimes the ‘new normal’makes for a happier life than the one lost.
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| A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet |
My review
When it’s winter, and life seems a little dreary, having a brand-new Jennifer Bohnet novel in my hands was such a pick-me-up, I started this book with a huge grin on my face.
It’s early summer in Antibes and I warmed to Vivienne, Maxime and Olivia instantly, and was soon drawn into their different backstories as challenges and traumas threw major life changes at them.
Vivienne, hit with shocking news just before she arrived in Antibes, is left reeling. I was so cross on her behalf, I began plotting my own revenge for her loathsome ex as soon as I put the book down each night. I admit this probably isn’t healthy, but it just shows you how Jennifer’s characters get under your skin. Happiness for Vivienne was all I wanted for her new chapter in life.
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| A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet |
Maxime, still grieving for Pierre, is given the opportunity to tackle the darkest moment from her past. This might have been something she’d dreamed of for thirty years, but as it became within her grasp, it held the risk of breaking her fragile heart once more. I felt for her so much, it was a real emotional shocker as the truth revealed itself.
Olivia, about to have the offer of an exciting new business project, wonders if it will be enough for her. Much as she hates her overbearing mother’s interference, and would never admit she is right, a special someone to share her life shouldn’t be too much to ask. As her story gently played out, there were so many times I was willing her to have the strength to do what her heart knew was right.
I loved every minute spent in this book and as their journey’s unfolded it almost felt like I was there with them. They had each other to look out for one another, but I’d have hopped into the book in a heartbeat, poured them a chilled rosé and given them all a hug.
This is another uplifting book about strong women taking control of their futures, and for Vivienne, falling under the spell of a bit of south of France magic. As usual, Jennifer’s knowledge of the south of France, French culture and living here as an expat, not only brought the story and location to life, but ensured the plot was plausible as well as great entertainment.
It was Valentine’s Day last week, so it’s still not too late to treat yourself to A French Adventure and a mini book break in Antibes.
Purchase links
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| Jennifer Bohnet |
About the author
Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.
Social media
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| A French Adventure by Jennifer Bohnet |
French-themed reading bingo
This year I’ve set myself a reading challenge bingo, with twenty-five different types of French themed books to tick off. Set in Antibes, this book nicely ticks off “A book set on the Côte d’Azur”.
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| French themed reading bingo challenge |
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