I love this series, and this was a gorgeous, romantic, summer read.
I loved Hattie, she was a fab main character who definitely needed some fun in her life. Luc was a gorgeous, sexy Frenchman, who made the perfect book boyfriend! Charming, kind, attentive and rather handsome.
The setting was perfect. I loved following Hattie as she went from room to room in the château, making plans for her cousin’s wedding. I felt her excitement as she got caught up in the preparations. When things started to fall apart she wasn’t phased by any of it, because she knew exactly where to get help from.
The romance was lovely and felt very natural especially considering all the baggage Hattie was carrying from her previous relationship. The food descriptions throughout the book were mouthwatering, making me want to take a trip to France!
If you’re looking for a summer romance I definitely recommend this one. In fact I recommend the whole Romantic Escapes series!

True to form,Julie has penned another fabulous book. Set in France amongst grape vines with wonderful characters, what more could you want. A real page turner which I found hard to put down.

It was an absolute delight to meet Hattie and follow her adventures as she dealt with the constant challenges that met her as she tried to plan the wedding. Reeling from the inevitable end of her relationship, Hattie throws herself into the task at hand. Of course, nothing seems to go smoothly as the members of the household seem determined that her plans should fail.
Arriving at the chateau at a similar time is Luc, the son of the owner. He has finally persuaded his father to permit the production of champagne at the vineyard. Despite receiving permission, he continues to meet resistance from his father and Marthe, the former owner of the chateau. Luc is determined to push forward with his plans and encourages Hattie to overcome the obstacles that are being put in her way.
This is an ensemble cast and there are some wonderful characters. Besides Hattie and Luc, who I loved, I developed a real soft spot for Fliss and Alphonse. Their verbal exchanges made me chuckle as I read their barbed comments.
The chateau provides another character as Hattie sets about restoring it to its former glory. Whilst she feels that she’s fighting an uphill battle, support does arrive from a most unsuspected place. As the reason behind the resistance to Hattie’s wedding plans become clear, she surprises everyone with her ability to overcome what turns out to be a minor issue. Meanwhile, Luc is battling to discover why Marthe is so opposed to the production of champagne.
As I have come to expect, Julie Caplin’s writing draws me in and envelops me within the story. I felt as though I was a part of the story and could almost taste and smell some of the wonderful creations that Fliss cooked in the chateau’s kitchen. This was a wonderful escape and I can’t wait to see where I’ll be off to next time.

This is a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. Good characters, great location and a good storyline. Everyone’s dream to have a chateau or a renovation project in france.
My thanks as always to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the early read

What a charming and upbeat story! The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin is aptly named. The serene cover and title first caught my attention. For this is my first reading of the author’s books and I can see why she has such a large fan base.

The French Chateau Dream is one of those stories that quietly sneaks up on you and steals your heart. There is a priceless twist at the end, too. Something unexpected. This story hums along at a good pace but quickens towards its conclusion with some heart-racing events. Themes of finding the right person and leaving an unhealthy relationship behind, along and with the desire for second chances are evident. A work-vacation romance that has the potential to become more is certainly a big part of this story’s fabric, too. There is a strong message of letting go of the things that weigh us down. And it is not selfish to be kind to yourself and to desire happiness. We all need an equal partner who quickens our steps, lights a fire in our hearts and puts a gleam in our eyes.

These are things that a defeated Hattie must learn. She has been in a long-term demanding relationship: caring for a depressed and dependant man who seems to have no thought of her feelings. When she decides to break off the relationship and head to France to be her cousin’s wedding planner, her life takes some positive turns. She finds more than she expects in this lovely chateau. Including a kind and handsome Frenchman named Luc who treats her like royalty and shows her what a dazzling, fun-loving life could be like. With someone who considers her needs. He enjoys making her happy. As their relationship blossoms and she begins to feel good about herself, her past life tries to crash in on her. The previous boyfriend makes numerous attempts to re-enter her world. Manipulation is his forte. What will she do? Will she fall into his neediness again or continue to embrace her new love and joy?

On the surface, this novel appears quite light-hearted with some predictable outcomes. But don’t be fooled. For it manages to turn on its head and drive into some unexpected directions.

I love the historical surprises it offers as they elevate the story to another level. It sails across the finish line with a few extra plot gems on its coat tails. For that reason, my original rating moved up a notch, too!

The French Chateau Dream is a real gem and a pleasure to read. The setting could not be more perfect for dreaming. I felt transported to France and the gorgeous chateau but also the trip Luc and Hattie take in to Paris. The French food focus is delightful and the descriptions of the settings that surround it give us a warm cosy feel. With Hattie being a wedding planner, the story delves into many aspects of what that job entails. Certainly not easy! But she seems in her element. Then her friend, who wants to start a catering service, is drawn into the wedding events. This lady provides some mouth-watering dishes that are so well described you can almost taste them! Of course, no story set in France is complete without wine. And its importance to Luc is another beautiful thread. But he has a few battles with his family to work out first before his dreams can be realised. His desire to rekindle the chateau’s past opens another vein of intrigue. A discovery sends everyone spinning. This adds a bit of mystery to a very romantic plot and setting. With these extras along with a delightful cast, this novel becomes a spectacular and refreshing tale filled with secrets, sabotage and romance. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Caplin. The French Chateau Dream is a novel I am glad I read and certainly recommend. 5 Stars

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy.

A superb, captivating story that pulls you right into it with its wonderful descriptions of delicious sounding food and beautiful scenery. I loved this book & heartily recommend it.

I have really enjoyed reading Caplin’s Escape series because of their great sense of place. This one set in the Champagne region about planning a chateau wedding and reviving an old winery had the regular coziness, ensemble cast, and level of local flavor and detail. However, it felt much slower than the rest of Caplin’s books and more like a disjointed list of meal descriptions than something plot based. As a reader, I didn’t feel invested in anyone’s story, as puff pastry seemed to get more page time, and new characters kept popping up to pull focus (and get in on the kitchen action).

While it was still enjoyable, there wasn’t as much magic with this one, so far my least favorite of her books. For the last book in the series (each is a stand-alone read), it was a bit of a let down.

Thank you , NetGalley, for this advanced manuscript copy.

Detailed descriptions and memorable characters make this love story a perfect way to escape to France. This fun novel will take you on an adventure without you having to ever leave your seat. Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC ebook to review.

I’ve enjoyed a number of Julie Caplin’s books before, and when I saw the pretty cover of The French Chateau Dream, I couldn’t resist.

I loved reading this book. It was so much fun. I loved Hattie and Luc, and their interactions. It made me laugh and the whole atmosphere was lighthearted. The secondary characters were also excellent.

The location of the Chateau and its surroundings came through very clearly. I could practically feel the warm sunshine. I loved reading about the Chateau and Solange gradually coming back to life.

Overall, this was a warm and romantic read. Like a blissful summer holiday. I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Title: A Delightful French Escape Filled with Romance and Croissants!

Oh là là! Get ready for a swoon-worthy journey through the picturesque landscapes of France in Julie Caplin's enchanting novel, "The French Chateau Dream." This delightful read is like a refreshing glass of champagne on a sunny afternoon—bubbly, indulgent, and utterly satisfying.

Our protagonist, Hattie, is a woman on a mission—a mission to heal her broken heart and rediscover herself. When the opportunity to work at a breathtaking chateau in the Champagne region arises, Hattie seizes it faster than the pop of a champagne cork. And let me tell you, dear reader, the adventure that unfolds is nothing short of magical.

From the moment Hattie arrives in France, Caplin's vivid descriptions whisk us away to a world of beauty, decadence, and mouthwatering cuisine. The author effortlessly paints a picture of warm buttery croissants, aromatic coffee, and the alluring scent of freshly picked flowers. It's as if we can taste the flaky layers of pastry and feel the soft caress of a gentle breeze on our skin.

But it's not just the delectable food and idyllic setting that captivate us. Enter Luc, the handsome Frenchman with a twinkle in his eye and an irresistible charm. As Hattie and Luc embark on adventures together—picnics in the sun-drenched French countryside and foodie escapades to local markets—the chemistry between them crackles with undeniable magnetism. Will it be a summer fling or something more? Ah, the delightful tension of a potential romance!

Caplin's writing style is as effervescent as the champagne she so vividly describes. Her storytelling flows effortlessly, whisking us away with every page turn. The author's attention to detail brings the chateau to life, making it feel like a character in itself—a character with history, secrets, and a vibrant personality.

While the romance between Hattie and Luc is undeniably charming, I would have loved to see a bit more depth and development in their relationship. Their connection felt somewhat rushed at times, leaving me longing for a more profound emotional journey. A slower burn, if you will. Nonetheless, this small critique doesn't dampen the overall enjoyment of the book.

"The French Chateau Dream" is a delightful summer read that will transport you to the sun-kissed vineyards of Champagne, where love and delicious pastries are always in the air. Julie Caplin has once again captured the essence of romance and wanderlust, delivering a tale that will leave you dreaming of sipping champagne under a blooming cherry tree. So grab a croissant, pour yourself a glass of bubbly, and let this book whisk you away on a captivating French escape.

Cheers to Julie Caplin for crafting a story that's as irresistible as a French kiss and as delightful as a Parisian sunset. Santé!

Since the first book I read in this series, I fell in love and this one was no different. Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

Hattie has just taken on a huge job as a wedding planner at a chateau in the Champagne region of France. It's more than she's used to and a little out of her depth, especially after a big break-up. Hattie is such a wonderful character, not perfect and learning as she goes. She's been stuck in a rut and was in dire need of a shake up and that's exactly what she gets.

Love interest Luc was exceptionally dreamy. From the minute he opens that front door, and dropping the H on Hattie, I loved everything about him. The more I read about him, the more I wanted him to have a happy ending.

I enjoyed seeing characters from other books in this series pop up. As mentioned before, you don't need to have read the other books and you wouldn't know these characters had been in any books before.

Julie Caplin keeps getting better and better with each book and this was a particular favourite of mine.

Hattie has left it all behind, as central characters in romantic novels tend to do, and rushed off to a French chateau to do the wedding planning for her cousin - handily bankrolled by her wealthy uncle. When she turns up, it turns out unexpected, she encounters the drop-dead gorgeous Luc, and while she seems to be going out of her way to put him off, he's secretly as enamoured as she is.

While we learn about the workings of Champagne making and Luc's "found family" in his great-aunt Marthe and best friend Alphonse, his mum and his devious sister Yvette, Hattie is working hard to organise the wedding and prove herself. When the town's suppliers seem not to be keen to help she drafts in Fliss, a posh cook with four brothers who we've met before, and soon she and Alphonse are sparring away. But why won't anyone supply the wedding, why is Yvette so combative and why does Marthe suddenly veto Luc's plans to update the business when she realises the wine caves might need to be surveyed?

I liked all the details of the wedding planning and food, there's some really interesting information about the role of Champagne houses during the Second World War which I'm going to assume is correct, and the shifting perspectives between Luc and Hattie are fun - another well-done installment of the "Romantic Escapes" series.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Hattie decides she needs a change. She finds a job in France. While their, she meets a man. He makes her feel things. I liked the chemistry between Hattie and Luc. This book was a quick read.

This is an absolutely fantastic book. The characters are well written and believable.
I wish I was friends with Hattie and Fliss. I wish I was with a man like Luc, whip sounded dreamy. A definite page turner which I didn’t want to put down, I even saved the last chapter as I didn’t want it to end. Worthy 5 star review.

This book was a great read and as a reader I became quickly involved in the story and with the characters. The lifestyle described was definitely one I’ve encountered and the book was stronger because of that. France in summer sounds idyllic and the author wove lovely descriptions of the countryside and Paris into the story. As a romance it was somewhat predictable but an entertaining and comfortable read. I enjoyed this book so much that when I had the opportunity to listen to the audio book, I took it and enjoyed the story all over again as the audio version was very well narrated which added to the story.

Hattie and Lucy are both facing challenges- and they face them together. She's left a bad relationship (at long last) and she's come to France to plan a cousin's dream wedding at a chateau. Except that the chateau isn't as nice on the inside as it is on the outside, Luc is trying to get his parents to make Champagne from their grapes rather than sell them to others and they've given him a year to prove his point (not enough time btw in real life for wine), These two team up to make the wedding, the champagne and then it's a decision point, And fans of the genre might well know what happens but it doesn't matter, Thanks to netgalley for the ARC, Good characters, a delightful setting, and nice storytelling.

"You are invited to a summer of sparkling champagne, warm buttery croissants and a little bit of je ne sais quoi…"
Now who wouldn't be drawn to a book with a blurb like this. I already felt like I was on an exotice holiday before I even started reading.

And what a delicious read this was. I loved the characters and the way the story flowed so well and was so easy to read. Hattie is my kind of friend and I loved that she just up and got on with things in and adventurous and exciting way.

This was just such an enjoyable and entertaining book and one I really enjoyed. It was a pleasure to read it.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

I sat in my garden in the beautiful sunshine and thought I will read for half an hour and then start cooking our lunch - two hours later slightly pink ,a hungry family and totally hooked. The story is set in France in the Champagne region in a vineyard. Hattie has left her job and long term partner to undertake her dream job as a wedding planner for her cousin. The wedding will take place in a couple of months and she has been given an unlimited budget to create the perfect day when the original wedding planner has resigned.
Excited to be on a great adventure after a difficult couple of years her joy only increases when an absolute hunk opens the door to the chateau.
However, her ex is not ready to let go, the house keeper has not been doing her job, it appears that the whole village is trying to sabotage her event and the hunk is busy in the vineyard. Throw in lots of complicated relationships, a love for food and a few twists and turns and Julie Caplin has written a perfect summer read.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved this beautiful book.

The characters were relatable and Julie described the champagne region of France so beautifully, it felt like you was there in between the characters.

The food described made your mouth water.

It had a lovely sense of community and I
couldn't put it down.

I recommend this book.

The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

You are invited to a summer of sparkling champagne, warm buttery croissants and a little bit of je ne sais quoi… With a broken heart and a broken spirit, Hattie is in need of a summer escape. So when an opportunity comes up to work at a beautiful, stately chateau in the Champagne region of France she books her flights quicker than the pop of a cork. Romance is the last thing Hattie is looking for but then she wasn’t expecting gorgeous Luc to stroll into her life. With picnics in the warm French sun and delicious foodie trips to the local market, Hattie starts to wonder if a holiday fling – or maybe even something more – might be just what she needs.

My Opinion

I have read a few books in this series and so far I have enjoyed them all. Each can be read as a standalone. Hattie has recently broken up with her boyfriend and finds herself accepting the opportunity to plan her cousin's wedding. As with other Julie Caplin books nothing goes to quite to plan which makes for a highly entertaining read.

I read this book in a few short sittings and I wasn't ready for it to end as it was such a joy to read. This is easily one of those books where you can read 'just one more chapter'. If you have not read any of this series, then you don't know what you are missing.

Rating: 4/5