I loved this book. It has all The components I expect from a historical fiction. Love, drama and intrigues. But it was also refreshing that it follows "older" people and how they start over in a New country. I loved The mystery in this book. The only thing that was a minus in this book, were some predictable scenes. but I Will highly recommend this book. Thank you to netgalley for this e arc in exchange for an honest review

If you enjoy historical fiction you will love this book. This is the first novel I have read by Kathleen McGurl but I will definitely be looking for more. This story had me gripped. It had a depth which made me care about the all the characters, it made me want to visit France and do some historical research myself!
The story switches between present day and late 1700’s France at the time of the revolution.
It felt well researched and was cleverly written to reveal the chateau secrets. The book progressed a good pace - fast enough to keep you intrigued and turning the pages but still at a pace where you can lose yourself in the descriptions of the beautiful French mountains, countryside and villages.
I rated this 5⭐️ and would highly recommend.

The book tells us of Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte, and Comtesse de Verias their story is set in the time of the French Revolution and Two modern-day British couples and a bloke, who have been close friends since college. All now retired, they pool their resources together and buy a run-down chateau in Alpes-Maritime, a province in France. A chateau with a ghost.
The scenery is brought to life by the author whose description of the mountains, rivers, and small villages makes you feel like you are there, and the historical fiction is fascinating.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kathleen Mcgurl and HarperCollins for a chance to review a pre-publication copy. This is my honest review.

When 5 firm friends decide to up sticks and move to France when their kids fly the nest, little do they realise the adventure they're embarking on. A relationship-stuffed entrancing read part drama, part romance, part mystery - a book that will meet many readers needs. Set in a duel timeline it traces the fortunes of the previous chateau's owners (Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais) right back to Eighteen Century France and the revolution.
An engrossing well-researched read that I finished in one sitting.

A run-down chateau was the landholding of titled French Aristocrats and now it’s the home of five friends who are seeking a fresh start in retirement. Author McGurl weaves a lovely tapestry that connects the past and the present.

The story takes place in the Alpes-Maritime and it was entertaining to read about a province in France that I do not know too much about. The author writes beautiful word pictures of the setting and when I googled to see some photos, it turns out that she did a marvelous job of describing the mountains, rivers and small villages.

This European Historical Fiction shares the story of two families, in alternating chapters. Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais lived as part of the Court in Versailles, until 1789, when the fires of the French Revolution forced them to escape to the family chateau. Who can they trust? Will they be safe?

The modern-day British family is composed of two couples, and a single guy, all close friends since college and now looking to start a new life together in retirement. They pool their resources and buy a chateau. A chateau with a ghost. Will the family settle in and will they uncover the secrets of their new place?

From the charming cover to the end of the story, this book is a lovely read. The history of the French Revolution is well-presented and will hold your interest. The process of setting up home in an old chateau is interesting, because it’s a dream of many people.

Readers will guess the secret almost immediately, but that won’t prevent them from getting attached to the characters. What surprised me was how little the modern family involved themselves in village life.

Author McGurl is a prolific write of historical fiction and her latest book will be another hit. Thanks to NetGalley, Rachel’s Random Resources and HarperCollins for a review copy. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. I like the older characters all living together in the chateau and exploring their changing lives. it was very true to life. I also enjoyed the historical part of the story and felt the slip between modern and historical was smooth and interesting.
A lovely read!

Fantastic book.
The story of five friends who buy a chateau in France. A story around the French Revolution.
Lu decides to research the history of it. Whilst others find hobbies to keep them occupied.
She starts to visit libraries and goes for walks in order to find out what happened to them. She uncovers tombs some of one of the owners but is mysterious about one person. She uncovers one of the descendants in the line of previous owners.
It’s not when they start decorating that the mystery is solved. Recommend it.

Loved this book and it was a brilliant read. I was gripped right until the end. Great characters, a riveting plot and the fantastic writing style I've come to expect from Kathleen McGurl. Can't wait for the next book!

This book was so good! The characters were so well rounded, you felt like you actually knew them! The plot was so good you didn't want the book to end!

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Having read most of kaths books I was delighted with an early copy set in france with dual time line was a intriguing read in parts.

After the death of her mother, Lu jumps at the chance to move to an ancient chateau in the south of France with her husband. Still grieving, Lu tries to redirect her focus by investigating the history of the old building. She comes across the fascinating story of Catherine and Pierre Aubert, French aristocrats who fled the city to escape the French Revolution. With Lu’s story intertwined with Catherine’s this is the type of engrossing story I have some to expect from McGurl and I was swept away to the glamour of Versailles and the beauty of the south of France