This was a sweet book - although I found the start slow, it eventually got better. I wasn’t quite prepared for the time jumps but I enjoyed seeing the progression of Fern’s story and how she blossomed and grew personally. As a person who wants to always be there for her loved ones, I strongly identified with Fern and cheered her on when she did what made her happy. I loved how the author wrapped up everyone’s stories.

I really enjoyed this book! 
The reader becomes part of the story and characterisation is excellent. If you love heartwarming stories this is one for you- pure Escapism 
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books and Lucy Coleman for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Loved the book and a fan of Ms. Coleman for a long time. Another story to put yourself into the characters and say what would I do. Plus you get to go to a location you wish you were at. Outstanding.

I jumped at the chance to read Summer in Provence because I have previously enjoyed reading a couple of Lucy Coleman's holiday romances, and was expecting this story to be along similar lines.

The story takes place over the course of a year, and is one of self discovery rather than romance. Fern and Aiden have been married for seven years, and have been together since school. Now approaching thirty, Fern is aware that their relationship is flagging, but has said nothing.

Fern has an amazing bit luck and scoops a million pounds in a lottery win. Money isn't everything, but this little windfall could help to get them back on track. Aiden has always craved adventure and long haul travel. Fern is terrified of flying, and prefers to stay closer to home, and her family. Aiden suggests a marriage gap year, so they can both fully indulge their own interests. Reluctantly, Fern agrees to his idea, and while Aiden is travelling the world, she has decided to volunteer at a retreat in Provence where she can explore her artistic abilities.

Fern is a nurturing character, having always looked out for her family, she now bonds with the people staying and working at the retreat. She becomes a big sister figure to Kellie, and helps her find her place in the world. Nico, the owner of the retreat is an artist and recognises Fern's developing talent. He mentors her. They work in his private studio, undisturbed, where they find they have a special affinity for each other.

Fern's husband, Aiden, is contacting Fern less frequently, and she begins to wonder about his relationship with his travelling companion Joss, and whether things will get back on an even keel once they are back home.

Summer in Provence sees Fern grow in confidence as an artist, and learn to relax a bit. The ending was not what I was expecting, and I thought it was a nice touch for the final chapters to tell us what happens to some of the characters going forward.

I found Summer in Provence to be a thoughtful, gentle read, and one which reminded me that everything happens for a reason.

Lucy Coleman doesn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the Provence in this setting. Very fun. 

Many thanks to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Author Lucy Coleman has done it again, written a book with an extremely strong and likable character in Fern.

Fern and husband Aiden decided to take a year off backpacking. Aiden moved to Australia and Fern to a château in Provence where she received art lessons from Nico.

I loved Fern, she was bold and kind and talented too. It was wonderful to see her discovering herself. The story was not just about marriage but about friendships and enjoying life. 

The story was heart warming, the characters eclectic. The book was everything a Lucy Coleman book ought to be. Simply brilliant. Nobody can capture the strength of a woman like her.

An fantastic book to help escape from the current Corona world. Complete escapism.
Great characters and an excellent easy reading style.
Perfect holiday reading even when you can't be lying on a beach.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the perfect book to give you an escape from everything that’s happening in the world today: Corona, isolation, social distancing, panic, and all the emotions that we’re going through every day right now!

Fern and Aiden have been married for seven years, and although Fern realises that something definitely seems to be bothering Aiden recently, she’s sure that they’re as solid as ever. Every relationship goes through ups and downs but she’s certain that whatever it is, it’s just a blip and it will pass. When they suddenly win a substantial sum of money, Fern expects that this will smooth over all of the rough edges that they’re going through and that their lives can continue happily, if not a lot more comfortably! She couldn’t be more wrong. The money brings more upheaval than she could ever have imagined.

Aiden wants to take a ‘gap year’ and Fern is initially horrified. But being the amenable, calm, collected and level-headed person that she is, she listens to his reasons and when they make the announcement to friends and family, she joins him in doing so, presenting a united front and making it look like a fait accompli.

So off Aiden goes, far afield to Australia with his backpack. Fern chooses something closer to home as she absolutely will not board an aeroplane, for reasons that become apparent later on. She has chosen to travel to a restful retreat at Château de Vernon in scenic Provence. Although guests usually stay for a week, Fern has arranged to stay for longer, willingly agreeing to help out around the Château. In return, she will also receive art lessons from the owner, Nico.

Fern quickly settles into her ‘new normal’ although she is still struggling to come to terms with what’s going on in her marriage, unsure of what this year of separation will mean for her and Aiden when they are reunited. She also finds their limited communication to be a contributing factor, as the time difference often makes it difficult for them to connect as often as she’d like.

Readers will quickly identify with Fern. She’s likeable and although I initially thought she wasn’t a very strong person, I came to realise that what looked like weakness and her constant need to please others, was actually quite a strong character trait. While she was going along with what others wanted, Fern was standing back, deciding what would be the right course of action for herself … very clever! There’s nothing quite like thinking you’re content with the life you’re living, thinking that it’s all you’ll ever really be able to have, only to discover that there’s actually an entire world out there, and a whole new life waiting for you to experience it!

Every single character in this book is so well thought out and so well-rounded. Lucy Coleman has developed solid back stories for each of them, and I absolutely love what she did at the end (ha! you’ll have to stick around to see what she does there … no cheating!). The story is absorbing and readers will definitely lose themselves in the beauty of the Provence countryside. The author’s descriptions bring the area to life, and you can almost feel like you’re right there as you get to know each character and the reasons why they’ve each chosen to take a bit of time out at this retreat. I know I certainly wanted to visit while I was immersed in this beautiful book.

This is highly recommended reading, especially for the time we’re in right now. It’s perfect escapism. 5 stars for this lovely story about discovering who you are.

oh my gosh. if i could jump into a book and live in it, it would be this one forever. i loved every single thing in this book and i'm so very glad i got to read it. thanks netgalley!!

Lucy Coleman never disappoints.

A wonderful story of self discovery, community and finding where you belong. 

Fern is a rock who holds her family together. When her husband suggests a year apart to pursue their dreams she is shocked and devastated.

But we don't always know what we need and Fern discovers a different side to herself in Provence.

Summer in Provence took me to a place that I have always wanted to visit. To be able to wander around the blue gold fields, inhale their intoxicating scent and visually see its purple beauty for myself, is high up on my bucket list. 

However, I was not enchanted by this novel as most reviewers have claimed. I really wanted to like this story, but there was too much focus on Nico’s moods and temperament, but I didn’t feel like the relationship between him and Fern was truly detailed. To me, it just seems that their relationship just happened and that the story was concerned with validating what a kind and thoughtful person Fern was. As a result, I wasn’t drawn into the story like I normally am with most books that I have read. It was almost a DNF but I wanted to stick it out to see if it got better. It didn’t. So although I’m glad I gave it a chance, it took me a lot longer to read and ended up me wanting to get it over and done with so I can move on to my next read.

Fern and Aiden had what it takes to make a marriage last - or so it seemed. Both had married young, put aside ideas of higher studies, dug deep into jobs and settling down. An unexpected windfall resurrects Aiden's dreams of travelling, of adventure into the beyond. For Fern unexpected though this was, shocked really, she is willing to let Aiden go, both take a gap year from their marriage and both pursue their respective dreams.

For Fern it was painting. Something she loved to do and had no opportunities, no training and no money for all this time. Now with a years sabbatical ahead of her, she volunteers for a villa in Provence which runs various courses for people.

Very descriptive on the one hand of Provence which sounds fabulous and on the other hand a disintegrating relationship, when you add the stresses of long distance, lack of communication and the niggling feeling that things are getting away from you and with no idea of how you can get it back on the former keel it was, takes us into this story

Very well written.

I adore stories by Lucy Coleman and this was one that skipped to the top of the to be read pile. 
Summer in Provence is a beautiful tale of realising that the life you have, however perfect it seems, may not be the one meant for you. Fern and Aiden win the lottery leading to Aiden deciding he needs a break and wants to travel for a year. Fern was more than happy as they were and using the money for something useful but a year out is what she is lead to. Fern goes to a retreat in Provence that helps people to get away from life for a week and involved in creative pursuits. This is a time for herself and she spends it helping others and learning to paint, but as time goes on Fern and Aiden go through different experiences, they learn more about themselves as well as each other. A year is a long time apart but it could be just what they need to be happy.
This was wonderful to read and one I found really hard to put down. I was drawn in by Lucy's amazing story telling and the level of detail to every characters stories and emotions. The setting was incredible and I would love to go to a retreat in the sun learning about yourself and being creative. 
This was an unforgettable story and one that I keep thinking about. I was excited that Lucy had written extra pages at the end of the story telling readers what happens to the characters and I loved that. Sometimes its nice to have a book finish when it does but sometimes it is just as nice to read what happens in the rest of that characters life.
Summer in Provence is an amazing read and one I would highly recommend for all book lovers.

After reading the previous release from Lucy Coleman that was set in France I could not wait to get started reading this, and I was not disappointed. 

Fern and Aiden are in shock when they finds out that they have won a windfall on the lottery. Fern  begins to plan how to spend the money. She wants to use the money wisely and pay off the mortgage they have together and put some money aside for when they decide to start a family. Aiden has other  ideas and he want to travel the world. 

Fern is not keen on the idea of spending a year living out of a backpack and she also has a huge fear of flying. Aiden suggests to Fern that they each take a year out of their marriage to and have a gap year. Fern doesn't want to go ahead with the plans Aiden is making, but she can see how happy it is making him so she reluctantly agrees to the idea. 

Aiden is making plans to head to Australia and explore the world from there. Fern has more simpler ideas and decides to head to Provence in France to go to a retreat. The two of them quickly make their plans and it is not long before the two of them are setting out for their adventures. 

Fern is pleased with the choice she has made when she first sets sight on Chateau de Vernon it promises to offer the chance for her to leave all the hustle and bustle of her busy life behind. 

Fern has offered to become a volunteer at the retreat in exchange for lessons in painting from the   renown artist Nico who also owns the Chateau. 

Fern is soon making friends and learning how life works at the retreat. She is enjoying her time there and making the most of all the retreat has to offer. 

With the year stretching ahead of them both and adventures that happen for them both along the way, will this cement their relationship and make it stronger or will it make the differences between the two of them more apparent. Anything can happen in a year. 

This is such a wonderful read that I adored from beginning to end and did not want to put down. 

The writing style of the book is brilliant and as you would expect from Lucy Coleman. 

I enjoyed getting to know Fern. She feels like she is the one who looks after all of her family and supports them all with everything they do. She has experienced some sadness in her life too which explain to you her fear of travelling. It is lovely to read her start to de stress and relax as she spends more time in Provence. There is a cast of characters that all live and work in the retreat and they all become close friends and a huge support to Fern. 

The setting of the Chateau sounds idyllic and the perfect place to relax. 

I loved this latest release from Lucy Coleman and I am already looking forward to where she will take us on our next adventure.

Found it hard to put this book down when I had to let it go and get some sleep (how dare sleep make itself known when this is so engaging? LOL) Absolutely loved the setting, the depth of the emotions and feelings, the love that you somewhat see coming but which then takes you like a tidal wave. Astounded how I was made to feel exhilaration with Fern, the hurt, the veritable pivot that changes her life.
The pace was also great, jumping in places months ahead but without letting you feel that you've missed anything along the way. 
I don't want to give any spoilers, but my goodness, this tugged so much at my heart - you'll know why and how when you read this!
Also absolutely adored the little epilogue-type snippets the author included at the end for every character - stroke of genius! Perfect dose of whimsy and also not letting the warmth that had come throughout the tale fade away.
OMG, this is a beautiful, beautiful book! Absolutely loved it!

So the main stars of this story are Fern, Aiden and Nico who are each on a journey that can end in a multiple of ways. Now this story is very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. It was easy to get into and this story really grips your attention. All the descriptions were beautiful in this book, to the point that I feel like I need to now book a holiday to Provence.  Overall I enjoyed this book and the story really grips the readers attention and holds their interest starting at the first word right until the very last word.

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

This is the story of two people finding themselves in the most untraditional way possible, and while the ultimate goal may have been bringing them closer together, the outcome may have been the biggest unknown of their married lives.




When I first started reading this one, I admit...I was enchanted by the cover.  I mean, just look at it!  It's simply gorgeous, and that gave me warm feelings about the story I was about to entertain.  When I began getting to know Fern and Aiden, I was curious...just what was going on with this couple who seemed to have distance in their hearts?  Then the windfall happened, and I considered their problems, if money bound, would be banished...but things went deeper than that.  There were wounds on one side that while never intended, still existed, and the restlessness that built within them came bursting out in an exasperating rush.  




A gap year?  In a marriage?  I was beyond flabbergasted...actually, I was probably AS flabbergasted as Fern, but with a lot more words coming out of my mouth regarding the whole idea.  I mean, who DOES that?  Who truly loves the other person, but wants to step away from them for a year?  I get he had wanderlust, and I get she had a fear of flying that inhibited that in some fashion, but my word!  I was just blown away.  Then, things started happening, at least for Fern, because the viewpoint we truly get the clearest image of is through her eyes, and it was...enlightening.  She found herself in so many little ways, and unlocked so many larger doors that were creating obstacles, while lifting several pieces of the world from her weary shoulders...my mind circled back to the original suggestion/steps that created this "opportunity".  Would it be a good idea?  Or would the changes they were both bound to experience not simply drive them apart, but make it clearer as to why they seemed to be growing in that direction anyway?  




It was a conundrum, and I could only stay along for the ride to find out just how things played out.  Along the journey, we meet so many souls seeking their own solace, understanding, and new beginnings that one can't help but be moved by not only their stories, but the steps they've taken to find their paths again.  The tortured artist, the unheard youth, the guilt ridden heart, the haunted widow...all of them, good, giving, and kind hearted people, just needing to find a connection, along with their own voices once again.  It gave the story a true feeling of togetherness, and provided a wonderful fullness to everything experienced.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This a lovely book of discovery, love and passion. A sudden windfall leaves Fern and her husband Aiden in a position to better their lives, but Fern is devastated to learn that what Aidan wants is to take a year apart from one another and discover things about themselves that they’ve never had a chance to. They have been together since high school, and he says that this could be their gap year to discover themselves and be a better couple in the long run, Fern is not sure about his motives but she eventually agrees goes along with the idea and is pushed into taking time out to discover if she really enjoys drawing and art.

Fern volunteers for the next year at a retreat in an isolated area of Provence. Right from the minute she gets there, she feels that she fits in. Nico the head painter takes her under his wing and it discovers that she is quite talented with painting and as we follow her through the year and see her grow as a woman, sister, friend and spouse. She and Aiden try their best to keep in touch and Fern worries about him a great deal as he treks around the world enjoying new experiences.  But is their distance going to help or hinder them in the long run. How easy will it be to go back to their regular lives when this is all over? Will they really grow as a couple or grow apart?

I really enjoyed this book and in this time of pandemic when travel is banned, it was lovely to escape to Provence, I could almost smell the roses and herbs in the herb garden.

5☆ An Enchanting and heart warming, A Perfect Read for a lil bit of Escapism!


Summer in Provence is a delightfully heart warming read. A perfect bit of escapism!


Fern has just matched her lottery draw raffle numbers and is set for a pretty big windfall.
But all she can think about is how after 7years of marriage Aiden has changed, she believes he had fallen out of love with her! 
But really he just feels trapped, like he's missing out on finding himself.

So he suggests they take a year apart. So he can discover who he is outside their marriage and get the travel bug out of his system! Nice hey! Never mind poor Fern and how she feels about a trial separation!

Whilst Aiden sets off to go travelling, Fern checks herself into Le Château de Vernon, a retreat in Provence. Where she plans to volunteer and learn new skills. 

But will the year apart Aiden so desperately craves bring him back to Fern, or is the start of a new chapter for the both of them?

I loved Fern's Character and her story, she is strong, relatable, brave and incredibly understanding and patient. I'm not sure I would cope or be pleased if my hubby decided he wanted to jet set off for a year and expect everything to be normal afterwards!

Summer in Provence is an Enchanting and heart warming story of self discovery, love, learning new skills, realisation, relationships and moving on.
​
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gorgeous book. The characters were an eclectic and loveable bunch and their backstories were interesting and fitted together perfectly.
The setting was tranquil and rustic. 
Lucy Coleman has created the perfect piece of escapism with all this uncertainty we are facing at the moment.

Lucy Coleman is one of my favourite Authors and once again she has written a Gem of a book, I have absolutely no problem highly recommending!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.