I received a free copy of this book from Montlake through @netgalley I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Reality TV is not really reality and no one knows that better than Plum Everly who has been on reality TV her whole life. Now she is offered a show that will allow her to be herself, a restoration show fixing up a vineyard in France that was the heart of the city. The Vineyard has an interesting past Things of course are not always what they seem. This is a great light hearted romance. It's about redemption, finding your way, and not making snap decisions. It's a great romp through a small town in France with ties to the resistance fighters during WWII and standing your ground for what you believe.

I blew through this book and didn't want to put it down. Definitely a great read, however if you are looking for spice the most you will get in this is some smoldering tension and kissing.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced copy of Heart Restoration Project. I enjoyed the overall theme and setting of the book, it made me want to book a flight to France that much more. However, I felt like the story got pulled into too many directions at times. I love romance novels but ultimately felt really bored with these characters. I think I probably would have enjoyed it more if it had focused solely on Plum and the history she researched.

Thank you for the ARC!

I guess I liked how Hallmark-y it was in terms of it being a sweet little read. But overall that wasn't enough to make me love the book. I couldn't connect to the plot or the characters which made me not too interested in the book.

Heart Restoration Project offers a delightful journey into the world of Plum Everly, a reality TV veteran fading into obscurity. Drawn by the opportunity to showcase her true self, Plum eagerly accepts an offer to restore Chateau Mirabelle in Provence. However, she soon realizes that she's uncertain of her own identity. As she delves deeper into the history of the chateau, Plum becomes determined to unveil her authentic self to the world.

Immersive descriptions transport readers to the picturesque landscapes of Provence, evoking a desire to experience it firsthand. The well-crafted characters, including the enigmatic Bastien, captivate the reader's interest, despite lingering doubts.

What sets "Heart Restoration Project" apart is its ability to infuse warmth and wit. Through Plum's witty narration and engaging interactions with the eclectic cast of characters, the novel strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and introspection. Plum's complexity as a character shines through her struggle to reconcile her identity with familial expectations. The subtle hints at her true self, manifested in her instinctual use of technology and a keen eye for aesthetics, add depth to her character arc.

Overall, "Heart Restoration Project" is a charming yet heartening tale that extols the virtues of love, forgiveness, and second chances. While I found some of the banter lacking in punch, the novel's inviting setting, lovable characters, and sincere storytelling ensure a delightful escape for readers!

Heart Restoration Project didn't quite hit the mark for me, but I can see how it might resonate with others. Personally, I found myself wishing the book delved more into the history of Chateau Mirabelle rather than focusing solely on Plum's attempts to restore it and her romantic entanglements with Bastien. Plum's role in the restoration felt unclear to me, leaving me somewhat puzzled throughout the story.

However, I did appreciate the historical aspects of the novel surrounding Chateau Mirabelle. Learning about its past added depth to the story, and I found myself wishing that this element had been introduced earlier on. Plum's realization of her naivety towards the end was a welcome development, and I was glad to see her character evolve over the course of the book.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions included here are my own.

There are some funny scenes, but the story is extremely rambling. There are many episodic perspectives to get to know the characters, and relatively many details are relieved about the basic conflict extremely quickly

The story would be interesting, but I have a sneaking suspicion that after 50 pages I can tell what its essence will be. Unfortunetly I decided to mark this book as did not finish.

Thanks to Montlake and the authors for providing the advanced reader copy.

This review is also published on Goodreads and Moly.

This book was so beautiful. It was fun, funny, gave me a travel bug of course, and I loved the relationships. There is nothing about this book that wasn’t good. The story was phenomenal and the characters felt so real. Plum is so lovely and her struggle with anxiety is relatable. Bastian is a hunk, Elliot is a grumpy sweetheart, and Plums family and friends that she makes along the way are so interesting I could read 1,000 more pages. What a lovely book that left my heart so happy.

Wow! 🇫🇷 This book was incredible. I’ve just finished reading and I have tears in my eyes, it was beautiful. It hooked me immediately from the first few pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic side but the historical side was enthralling. There was a couple of little surprises that I didn’t expect. Plum’s character development is enjoyable to be part of and all the characters are written so well and you can feel who they are in how they are described and how they interact with Plum. I throughly enjoyed this and am sad it has come to an end. I could read a whole series about more Heart Restoration Projects and the histories uncovered.

i had such a great time reading this book!! it was so fun. the characters were amazing and sweet and wonderful. it was just such a pure joy and i'm so very thankful to netgalley for letting me read this one early!!!

2.5 Stars Rounded Up to 3

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it seems shallow in exploring a reality show star’s attempt to find redemption for poor career choices. Then in contrast, it delves into a historic town whose residents displayed extreme bravery and selflessness in the French Resistance during WWII. The juxtaposition of two such diverse themes was confusing as to the authors’ intent. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that I felt invested in the outcome.

Plum Everly, the youngest of five daughters, began her career at age eleven when her parents signed on for a family reality show. In the subsequent years, the family brand grew into multiple successful businesses and fame. However, Plum, now an adult, struggled to find her place, her passion, and stumbled from one ridiculous reality series after another. Her fame became infamy when a sex tape starring Plum and her long-time boyfriend was leaked. Desperate to reset the trajectory of her failing career, she accepts an offer to star in another reality series – this one focusing on the renovation of a chateau in the Provence region of France.

The descriptions of Chateau Mirabelle, the small town and the surrounding countryside are evocative and inspiring. I wish I could say the same for the character development. I never felt connected with Plum’s dilemmas and the love interests felt formulaic and thus predictable. I appreciated Plum’s shift from seeing herself as a victim to a strong woman with clear values, but overall, this is not a book I would recommend.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Plum Everly is a reality TV Star and has been for many years. She is burned out and head to Provence France for a bit of R&R. However, she has an opportunity to do a DYI reality project. Once she arrives and meets everyone and the townsfolk who are super welcoming. Elliot who is head of production and the project for Plum to renovate is a chateau know as Mirabelle and dates back to World War II. This is a historic chateau and knows as a Symbol of Courage. With so much history involved the show isn’t just renovating but it has to be restored properly.
This book not only focuses on how two restore the old girl back to her glory but there is also a story with Plum and Elliot and maybe a romance. Each of the characters have so much more to work out personally and now with each other. This is such a heartwarming story of love and new beginnings . It was like a make over for the heart and soul.

"Heart Restoration Project" takes readers on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of France, where reality TV star Plum Everly finds herself amidst a unique opportunity for self-discovery and renewal. Tasked with the restoration of Château Mirabelle, Plum finds herself renovating the historical landmark, alongside Elliott Schaffer, the charismatic head of production. Plum navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery, as she uncovers layers of resilience and courage that resonate deeply with her quest for authenticity.

What sets "Heart Restoration Project" apart is its ability to infuse warmth and wit. Through Plum's witty narration and engaging interactions with the eclectic cast of characters, the novel strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and introspection. As Plum learns to embrace her true self and rewrite her narrative, readers are inspired to reflect on their capacity for growth and transformation.

Overall, "Heart Restoration Project" is a charming and uplifting tale that reminds us of the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances.

Personally, I did find that the banter did fall flat. But with its warm setting, endearing characters, and heartfelt storytelling, this novel is sure to provide a lighthearted escape for the readers.

This was such a sweet read.

Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a staple in the reality TV genre, whos is quickly fading into obscurity. When an offer to do a show in Provence, to restore Chateau Mirabelle, she jumps at the chnace, quickly sold by the idea that she will finally get to show the world who the real Plum Everly is. The only isuue is: she doesn't know exactly who that is. The more she finds out about the chateau, the more she becomes invested, and the more determined she is that this time, the world will see the real her.

This was a really enjoyable read. The descriptions of everything was so rich, that it really transports you to Provence, and it made me want to see it all for myself. The way it's made to look, feel and even smell was so detailed, that there were times I felt like I was lost there, which is one of my favourite things when reading. The characters were well written, even if for most of the book I had a deep mistrust of Bastien. (Sometimes when characters are too good to be true, run away.)

Plum was a really interesting character for me. The way that she is always aware that she doesn't fit the mould of her family, but doesn't make that her entire personality makes it more enjoyable. She might not know who she is, but the subtle suggestions throughout, the way that she almost without thinking uses her phone to capture things and knows how she wants things to look is really fascinating, The way her story ends makes perfect sense, and made me happy.

I wasn't entirely sold on the romance aspect, which for me was a shame, beacuse romance is my favourite genre to read, it felt a little bit insta-love which some people enjoy, but for me personally I'm not a massive fan, but it had some really sweet moments. I also am not a massive fan of love triangles, but again just because it isn't my favourite trope doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable to read.

I found myself far more interested in the history of Chateau Mirabelle, and I almost feel like that was the point, the show is sold as a restoration home make over show, but as the characters find out more about the role the chateau had in World War II, the more I wanted to know, (a lot of that is probably just my fascination and history in general), and when Plum has an idea to take the show in a different direction I was really rooting for her.

Overall, I really enjoyed Heart Restoration Project, I just always wanted a little more from it. 3 Stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake, for the opportunity to read this early copy. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Montclair for an advanced copy of this ebook.

This book definitely gave Hallmark movie vibes, so if that’s your jam, this may be a book for you. I liked the premise of a burnt out reality tv star going to France for a refreshing project, and the story definitely had some interesting developments. I also really enjoyed some of the imagery of the Provence, France setting. Overall, though, I just had a hard time connecting with the plot and didn’t really feel too invested in the characters. It just wasn’t necessarily the book for me. I tend to like a little more intense romance and this was lighter in that area. Again, Hallmark lovers rejoice, this could be your next favorite read.

I devoured this in one sitting! Very fun, easy to read romance that was engaging with great characters. I enjoyed the wit and the setting as well.

🌟Sunshine/Grumpy
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟Played the Fool
🌟Lies
🌟Reality TV Show
🌟Desire to be Known
🌟🌶 1/5


Heart Restoration Project was a sweet, funny, and charming read that I truly enjoyed.

Plum wants to break free from the public’s perception of who she is. Having spent the majority of her life before the camera on Reality TV 📺, Plum is looking for new opportunities to showcase her true self. A leaked sex tape 📼 with her long term, but now ex, and appearing in a string of reality shows such as Star Spy House 🏠 , Celebrity Spelunking, and Celebrity Ballroom 💃🏼has left her feeling like a punchline.

It seems like the tides 🌊are turning when an opportunity to appear in a new reality show, Heart Restoration Project, comes her way. Plum would be the star ⭐️ , restoring an old château in France. Finally a show with substance. This is her opportunity to begin crafting her own redemption arc.

The handsome production supervisor, Elliott, knows very well who she is and has already crafted opinions about her character. Her very sexy French 🇫🇷 costar, Bastien, will serve as a nice distraction from Elliott’s cool aloofness. But this is reality TV, and it can be very tricky to distinguish between what is real and what is not.

France will offer Plum opportunities to explore what it means to be liberated from the past, and how to see beyond the narratives written about herself, and even ones she has crafted for others.
Her trust will be tested and breached, her heart crushed. But she is starting to write a new future for herself. One that she intends will include meaning, purpose, and ultimately love ❤️

Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While Heart Restoration Project might not have been my cup of tea, it definitely will be someone's. Personally, I would have preferred if the book focused more on the side story of finding out about the history of Chateau Mirabelle, rather than the so-called restoration of the chateau and Plum's relationship with Bastien. I don't think I ever really understood what Plum's role in the restoration was? To be honest, the naivety of Plum was also a real issue for me, as she took everything at face value despite the fact she was 'betrayed' (her words) so recently. I also found Plum to be a bit of a hypocrite, as she bemoaned about her family's success, but took advantage of it when it suited her.

I did however really enjoy the history and story around Chateau Mirabelle - I think I just would have appreciated it coming in sooner. Plum's realisation of her naivety at 72% was a God-send, and I was glad that Plum developed enough to see the issue with her trusting everyone's stories without listening to her gut instinct. The writing allowed the book to have a good pace, and it's an easily readable book.

The cover has one of those pick me, read me about it as that it stands out against all the other books on offer but that were it ends. I loved the outline of the book, being in France but I just couldn't get into it although I did finish it. I just felt the writing was lackluster and boring in places. Maybe it be a success for her but for me, especially as its written by two people, it a no from me.

I think this is a good book but it’s just not a book for me personally so while I could not get into this book (which is why my rating is low) I can see this being a book for other people.

Did not finish unfortunately couldn’t quite get past the writing and the cookie cutter characters personally just not the vibe for me maybe if you like something a little more lighthearted this is for you (rhys is a pos) and the names were just a little laughable to me I mean ?plum?