I really like this trope of a couple going on a sabbatical to find themselves and hence each other. In this case Aiden asked Fern for a one-year separation so that he could travel and finally get in his much-overdue gap year. What I had hoped for was some type of sparkling HEA. In the end, I found the story to be depressing.

My interest in the novel was what would have happened after their year apart. They both had changed, now let us see how they went about building their way back to each other. The main problem I had with the premise was that fundamentally there was no closure for their marriage nor any insight as to how they came to the decision that they did.

Throughout the narrative, much-too-much time was spent in Fern's head worrying about the problems of all those that surrounded her. Her marriage with Aiden served only as background filler. There were a host of players in this story with a myriad of melodrama, but it felt as though Aiden and Fern's troubles were always being played down. Although it was clear that the pair had grown apart, I was left wondering if they had really grown up. Selfish decisions led to disastrous consequences. Overall, the pairings lacked chemistry and both Fern and Aiden lacked dimension.

I was disappointed in this title, but I suppose I was expecting something very different. 2.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Lucy Coleman for an ARC of 'Summer in Provence' in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Please can I move to Provence and live at The Haven? I'm utterly enchanted with the setting of this book, a Chateau in Provence which offers various retreats and a chance to learn new creative skills, or start a new hobby. It offers volunteer positions too, and everyone that lives and works there has a real community and family dynamic. It sounded like a marvellous way of life.

It was a brave decision that after having a decent lottery win that Aiden and Fern decide to take a year out of their regular lives. Aiden has always wanted to travel and explore the world, where Fern is more of a homebody, happy worrying about her family and being there for them continually.

But once she reluctantly agrees to let Aiden spread his wings, she decides to indulge in a forgotten love of drawing and thus goes to volunteer at this retreat. What neither of them could have predicted is in what ways a year apart would change them both.

From the moment Fern sets foot in the Chateau and we meet who she will be spending time with, I felt incredibly relaxed, very comfortable and was just happy to sit back and absorb myself within the pages.

It is a fabulous cast of characters and the story lines were so engaging. I loved Nico and his backstory, I enjoyed seeing Kellie come out of her shell, I enjoyed seeing how Fern's relationship with her family changed the more time she spent in Provence.

And the grounds, and sights even just around the Chateau were vividly described, as were some of Nico and Fern's paintings. I could picture the studio and some of the various canvases. It felt as though there is something for everyone within this feel good story.

I felt incredibly peaceful as I was reading, was gutted when it ended as I was so enraptured, but the way Lucy Coleman finished it all off, was rather special and felt like we had almost bonus material from the DVD.. which will make more sense once you read it yourself!

Another truly wonderful book from this author that always manages to make me smile.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

Summer in Provence is a story about self-realization, discovering hidden aspects of oneself, stepping out of one’s comfort zone. When Fern and her husband Aiden win a lottery prize, he suggests they use the money to explore their singular interests separately...a gap year in their marriage. Aiden loves to travel and go camping, a hobby Fern doesn’t share. But Fern has always been the peacemaker, the problem solver, the one everyone in her family depends on, so she reluctantly agrees. Her childhood interest in drawing leads her on a retreat in Provence where she discovers her love for painting... and so much more. The author has created a “family” at the retreat where everyone pitches in and supports the group. The multiple characters are well defined, each one searching for...well let’s just say searching. No spoilers! There are life lessons to be learned as personalities are uncovered, secrets revealed, and talents discovered. The story is mostly about Fern’s experience, but as readers are given glimpses into Aiden’s path the question about the survival of the marriage becomes a very real one. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I did somewhat enjoy this book, but I felt like it ended really abruptly, which took away from my enjoyment of the story. Even far in the future updates for some of the main and supporting characters couldn't make up with how rushed the ending felt.

This book was so good. I didn't to put it down! The characters were well rounded, and the storyline sucked you into it and made you feel like you were really there. The author did an great job telling this story.