This was such an enjoyable story to read, with a gorgeous setting and a rich cast of characters. Having met some of the characters in The Christmas Castle in Scotland, I loved seeing why Hattie and Fliss did next. Hattie has escaped to beautiful France, to follow her ambition of being a wedding planner. Luc has also returned to his Chateau home to pursue his dream of setting up the production of Champagne once more, at the vineyard in the grounds. There is a huge mystery at the centre of the family which remains hidden for most of the story.

There are some amusing moments, to go alongside the rich seam of romance. The antics of the brides and Hattie's attempts to get the chateau ready are quite comical at times. I did find myself getting impatient with Hattie at one time, when her loyalty to people in her past life seems to dominate her thinking. The commonsense of Luc's grangmother and the housekeeper keeps the story grounded, as does Fliss’s love of cooking. However and throughout, you are hoping that the budding romances will bear fruit.

In short: romantic moments and bridal dramatic

Firstly I adore France, my mum moved there about 20 years ago and I love the culture.

I really enjoyed this book, it's full of drama, relationships, twists and turns so much organizing.

I love Hattie, she is a brave, independent person who has made a difficult decision. She's had some turbulent times where she lived in England but on her visit to the Chateau in France things are changing. Change can be scary but so worth it.

I really like the shock near the end of the book, I had a feeling there was some thing in the field from Luc's reaction from the Aerial pictures but I wasn't expecting what they discover.

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I also have a French Chateau dream and can think of nothing more magically than living in one. Which is why when I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to get a copy. The setting is absolutely breathtaking, I could feel myself walking in the French countryside and surrounded by nature and history. This is one of those rom-com books that just ticks every box for me and leaves me with a warm heart and a huge smile on my face, not to mention description of the food and wine. Simply mouthwatering.

Our story follows Hattie who travels to the chateau to help plan her wealthy cousins wedding. On arrival it appears that the chateau is definitely not ready to host a wedding, and in need of major TLC, Whilst trying to get everything organised, Hattie has various stumbling blocks including the owners son, who has his own plans for the chateau. Neither are looking for love but it might have just found them.

There are so many wonderful characters in this book. I haven't read anything by the author before, but when I saw the cover showed high praise by the author Katie FForde who I also love I knew it would be right up street. .
I hadn't realised when I requested this book that it was Romantic Escapes’ series, book 10. Having done some checking because of this, and incase I have missed some important back story. It would appear that each of these novels is a stand-alone but some of the same characters name an appearance. I will definitely be checking some of the other books out.

A fun, warm, light hearted read. Really enjoyable with an engaging storyline that goes beyond romcom levels. Fresh setting and new characters mix with those appearing in previous books (you don’t need to have read the previous books, this is a standalone read). I zipped through this book in a matter of days, nothing better than being transported to some warm sunshine in the winter months!

Thank you Netgalley

This series has my heart so completely! The French Château Dream is the 10th book in the Romantic Escapes series and I've read and loved them all. Have you ever eaten a fresh warm buttery croissant from a local bakery in Paris that makes you all fuzzy and happy? That's what this book feels like. It's cozy and cute. 4.5 stars, highly recommend!

*Romantic Escapes Book 10
*Loved the French chateau setting
*Lovable characters
*A little 🌶️ spicy

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

A lovely romantic story, great for a holiday read. Another story in Julie Caplin's 'Romantic Escapes' series. Hattie is between jobs, so decides to help out her cousin by organising her wedding. The venue is already booked, Hattie believes she is simply sorting out the final details... however when she arrives things are not so straightforward. A fun, escapist page-turning read.

A fun 4-star read. Adored the setting. Appreciated the romance wasn't too open door. Likeable characters. Loved the small amounts of historical fiction thrown in as well!

A delightful story of summer romance and in France of all places!!
Many thanks to Harpercollins UK and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Yet another brilliant installment in the Romantic escapes series. Loved it. I absolutely adored Hattie and her story was definitely one of my faves

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Yes - read it!

These are the best! Unlike a great box of chocolates, you know exactly what your going to get. A complete indulgence that you just can't stop until you've unfortunately finished the whole box!

Great story, easy to read and an enjoyable vacation without leaving your home.

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help me prepare this honest review.

I've read a couple of books this year set in a French Chateau and this one was possibly the most delightful of all of them. The setting and setup were idyllic, a heartbroken wedding planner trying to make her mark, planning a wedding in a beautiful but unused and neglected chateau that grows and harvests grapes, where a handsome winemaker is trying to set up a new champagne press instead of selling the grapes to their local rival. It's a perfect romance in the making.

Hattie is such a sweet girl if not a bit of a people pleaser. She wants to plan her cousin's wedding even though she has previously only been an assistant and never planned anything as lavish as this wedding is set to be. She is kind to the housekeeper's daughter who at the start is a complete vache (that's French for cow by the way). Also despite the way her ex was clearly manipulating her, she still feels guilty for leaving him. But she is a kind soul and deserves to be happy and successful.

Enter Luc Bremont, said winemaker and owner of the chateau. He's been trying to convince his father to make their own champagne rather than sell their harvest and finally, he has a chance. He and his best friend and fellow worker Alphonse are all set to make their Chateau Martin Champagne. Until Great Aunt Marthe and her decades-old secret throw a spanner in the works.

But nothing stops the chemistry between Hattie and Luc when they meet, and over picnics, dinner dates and cleaning up the chateau for the wedding, their relationship begins to bloom as much as the grapes do and not even ex-girlfriends, ex-boyfriends, meddling sisters and secretive aunties can stop the inevitable. It was a beautifully told tale of romance with a hint of mystery to it.

I also loved the subplot romance between Chef Fliss and Alphonse, they were so fiery and clearly meant for each other, it was a light comic relief to the intensity of the romance between Hattie and Luc.

This is the tenth of Julie Caplin's Romantic Escapes series. I have read a few of the others and all can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. Will definitely be reading more!

Julie Caplin returns with a deliciously escapist summer romance you are going to love: The French Chateau Dream.

Hattie cannot take it anymore! She is desperate for some time out to heal from a broken heart, so when she gets the opportunity to work at a beautiful stately chateau in the Champagne region of France, she jumps at the chance. Hattie cannot wait to have a wonderful summer surrounded by majestic countryside, delicious food and delectable wine. The very last thing she is looking for is romance, but her resolve to stay stubbornly single begins to weaken when she meets gorgeous Frenchman Luc…

Luc has got a lot on his mind. There is a lot riding on a business venture that could transform his family’s ailing fortunes and a fling is certainly not on the agenda for him. However, Hattie has come into his life and turned it upside down. She is fun, intelligent and so beautiful, he simply cannot stop thinking about her.

Will Cupid’s arrow strike in Champagne? Could Hattie and Luc’s holiday fling lead to something more? Or are they just going to let this chance at a happy ever after slip through their fingers?

Julie Caplin’s The French Chateau Dream is pure romantic indulgence that will leave you with a massive grin on your face. Fun, feel-good and gorgeous, The French Chateau Dream sweeps readers to Champagne and will leave them swooning as they find themselves completely immersed in the beautifully rendered world Julie Caplin evokes.

A fantastic read from a very gifted writer, The French Chateau Dream is a gorgeous summer treat by Julie Caplin.

Hattie is in need of a holiday, her relationship has ended, along with her job and she needs to mend her broken heart and spirit. What better way than at a French Chateau. Here she can help plan her cousin Gaby’s wedding. Money no object, means that the Chateau keen for survival has let Gaby’s father pay for exclusive use. All Hattie has to do is make sure it is fit for the wedding of the year.

What she doesn’t bargain on is the château owners, handsome son Luc and his curmudgeonly housekeeper and children. Along with Luc’s great aunt. Then there is the business of the Champagne and Luc’s ultimate desire to start producing it again, rather than selling out to competitors.

This is the perfect escape novel for anyone who wants to go abroad without having to leave the comfort of their home. It takes you on a joyous journey of food and drink. The warm buttery baguettes, the cheese and of course the champagne! All of Julie Caplin’s novels in this series bring food, culture and landscape right off the page. You can envisage it all and whilst perhaps the romance is predictable in parts, who cares as just like the sun over the champagne grapes, the chateau it warms you heart.

Very sweet story set in France. It felt slightly directionless at times though and a little longer than it needed to be.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I can never get enough of this series of books. All separate but slightly linked which gives them a great feel. A lovely happy tale!

Julie Caplin, you are divine! I love the transporting nature of the books that Caplin writes and how absorbing they are. I read this book in one sitting and felt as though I immediately needed to plan a trip to France afterwards. I was entertained and engaged throughout as this tale unfolds in the most beautiful and well-written manner. I cannot recommend it enough!

This was a delightful, feel good story. Some lovely characters and an interesting storyline. The descriptions were excellent and you could almost feel the atmosphere. A great conclusion to an enjoyable read!

Julie Caplin, take me away…. To the wine region of France. A smart woman who needs some away time for her routine job takes a job which ends up to be a disaster. Cute book. Fast read.