This was a very enjoyable story about second chances and (lots!) of family secrets set in the South of France.

When Carla discovers that her useless husband is having yet another affair she decides enough is enough and takes off to visit her aunt Josette in France without telling anyone. Carla's mother, and Josette's twin, has recently died, and Carla's twin children are older and flown the nest, so with Carla's 50th birthday fast approaching she's really at a crossroads in her life and needs to step back and regroup a bit.

There follows a real change in Carla's life when she discovers that not only has she been left her Mother's house in the UK, which she knew about and was in the process of selling, but also half share of Villa Mimosa, a large villa in Antibes (where her aunt lives) along with her aunt Josette.

Carla isn't close to her aunt as there had been a big family falling out years ago and Carla's mother had very little to do with her French family over the years. But as Carla ends up staying in France, getting closer to her aunt, and moving into Villa Mimosa, the secrets that were hidden for so long start being slowly revealed, and they were certainly unexpected!

A really great cast of characters set in a wonderful sounding place. A real easy-reading book that kept my interest throughout and made me wish I was there! Just lovely.

Carla is approaching 50 and life as she knows it is about to change forever. She's turned a blind eye to her husband's affairs in the past, mainly for the sake of the kids. But now that they've left home, why should she keep living a lie? Needing to get away to get her head together, she travels to the south of France, seeking out her elusive Tante Josette. She hasn't seen much of her aunt over the years and is keen to rectify that.

Josette, now in her 70s, has grown used to life without any family around so is somewhat thrown when Carla turns up on her doorstep asking to stay. And asking questions; questions that Josette has spent her lifetime avoiding.

To say any more would be to give spoilers and there's no way I'd ever do that to an author or reader.

I loved this story. it's the first Jennifer Bohnet book I've read but it definitely won't be the last. I thought The Villa of Sun and Secrets was a beautifully written and heart-warming tale of family and friendship. I was completely transported to the south of France and that stunning villa. When can I move in?

Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this Author and thoroughly enjoyed this book. An ideal summer read good characters and perfect plot can recommend.

A great summer read. I loved reading about Carla's move to France - the descriptions of the country were beautifully written. I liked all of the characters. I think too much of a drama was made about what Carla's adult children would make of the change in family dynamics. The way Carla's relationship with Josette developed was a pleasure to read, and I enjoyed learning Josette's story too. There was indeed a twist, which was very well done. I hadn't guessed it, in fact, I guessed at something else, but I was wrong. The only reason I haven't given this story a fifth star is because I found it sad, all those years lost . . .

This is the perfect book for my mood: it's heartwarming, well written and escapism at high level.
I loved the fleshed out characters, the good story line and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This was a very deep book of family, friends and the what if’s in life. Very very good book and one you should definitely get your hands on.

Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. A really nice story that is the perfect sumer read.

This made for the perfect summer read. I enjoyed reading it very much. The perfect setting. Everyone’s dream to inherit a villa in France. Then to go and live that dream. Lucky Carla. Not quite the perfect story, she has quite a few bumps in the road. Lots of lovely characters thrown in. Easy to read and it was well written. Just sad it had to end. But could there be a sequel?

A warm hearting story,loved all the character's involved and the part they played in the story.
New beginnings all around.
Should be on a list for book club discussion would love to read a follow up of the book to find what happens to all the character's.

This was an awesome read, great for a day at the beach!
Carla's world is slowly imploding. Her kids have moved away forming lives of their own, her mother has recently passed away, and her husband has been caught having yet another affair. In an attempt to wrap her head around all that has transpired, she escapes for a week to France, to see her mother's sister, Josette, who has not been a part of the family for Carla's whole life. A week with Josette has changed her life forever. Secrets are revealed, property discovered, and a whole new life for Carla has taken form. Will her new life and her old life be able to coexist?
Fun, easy read about family, love, and secrets of the past and the impact those secrets have on the lives of people involved.