This is a story which spans the generations. We are introduced to Agnes, the matriarch her daughter, Francine and granddaughter Jasmine. Living in England at the beginning of the book, they receive some shocking news which takes them over to the French Riviera, to where Agnes lived as a young woman. As the title shows, there are some deeply buried secrets which will have a profound effect on all their lives.

each of the three women has an interesting tale to tell and the dynamics between the generations adds to the interest. Francine, in particular, find it difficult to tell Jasmine what she is feeling. The setting is absolutely gorgeous with all the glamour of the French Riviera and is so different to their home in England. There are second chances on offer and dew romances to follow and all in all, this is up to Jennifer Bohnet's great storytelling standard.

In short: new beginnings and second chances

really good mystery. Kept me on my toes and loved all of the characters and what they went through on this journey. Loved that they a happy ending happened.

When Agnes gets a call from her brother-in-law, Theo letting her know that her husband Oscar, whom she’s been separated from for many many years has died from an accident, she is relieved. Agnes and her daughter Francine and granddaughter Jasmine head to the Riviera to handle Oscar’s estate. Things aren’t as simple as they thought they were going to be, and the three women have to stay to close up Oscar‘s estate.

All in all, this is a lovely story about family, friendship and never-ending love. This other stories always make me smile and they’re always in fabulous locations.

This author always writes a really good book. This is a great summary. I really enjoyed it; I always look forward to her books and can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

Lighthearted easy trad about family, fallouts and secrets. Perfect beach read. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

When Agnes Agastini's ex husband Oscar dies, it is a relief. They have been separated for years since Agnes fled to Britain to live, but this means that there is no way that he can torment her ever again. For Agnes' daughter, Francine, it is also a relief. He asked her to make an impossible choice years before and they have been estranged ever since. However, for Agnes' granddaughter it is a lost opportunity. Agnes and Francine have never talked about him and so Jasmine, who prefers to be called Zazz, has curiousity about who he was and why her mother and grandmother dislike him so much.

Oscar, however, does still have some capacity to cause trouble even from the grave. When his will is to be read, the three women head to Cannes. Thankfully, Oscar's brother, Theo, is there to give them all the support they need, as he always has been, especially to Agnes who never really expected to return to the south of France.

Francine has her own challenges to face, especially in terms of her relationships with her husband and daughter. Her marriage is a bit stale after many years, she and Zazz are not as close as they once were and she knows that Zazz is hiding something from her. Zazz is planning to start a whole new life and she knows that she has to tell her mother eventually but hasn't quite found the opportunity to do so.

As truths are revealed from both the past and the present, the women are forced to look at their lives, and their actions, in a new light. And maybe, they are given the opportunity to take their own lives in a whole new direction.

I have read a few Jennifer Bohnet novels now, and I do like that they are set in France. It was a decent read, and I liked the three main characters, but some of the others were a bit one dimensional.

Funnily enough, I read both this book and Under a Riviera Sky very close together and they obviously shared the Riviera setting but they also both had a character named Etienne in them which amused me!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 3.5/5

Agnes receives a phone call from Theo, her ex-husband’s brother, who lives in the south of France: Oscar passed away. Regarding his will, the lawyer needs Agnes to travel to Cannes with her daughter Francine and grand-daughter Jasmine.
A family food of secrets and second chances.
I love the author’s description of the region, the food, wine and the people. I went to Cannes with my sister just after law school and I love it!
Thanks to the author, Netgalley, and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy.

A warm read of 3 generational woman and the impact that one man made in their life. There's a lot of emotional dealings in this book and as each secret is revealed, one other characters are impacted. The setting was beautiful, the supporting men were pretty amazing and the writing was engaging. What did not work for me was the emotional fallout was glazed over a bit.

#SecretsBeneathaRivieraSky #NetGalley

This story was charming, emotional, and a lovely read. I loved the generational aspect and felt that it really made the book something special

In Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky, Jennifer Bohnet weaves a charming story that delves into the lives of three generations of women - Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine. As they navigate their complex family dynamics and buried secrets.

I found this to be a little too lighthearted for my taste, but I can see how it'd be perfect for fans of lighter reads. The mature characters were a highlight for me. It's not often we see stories centered on women of different ages, and I appreciated that the book focuses on three generations of women navigating family secrets. We get to see things from the perspectives of Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine, each bringing her own personal journey to the table. Their individual perspectives are beautifully woven together, and I loved how the book carefully explored how they each handle the same thing.

The setting in the Riviera is ideal. It offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing beach read, filled with sun-kissed days and picturesque views. However, the light and airy vibe can sometimes feel a bit too fluffy when you want more depth.

While the lighthearted tone offers an easy escape, the real heart of the story lies in its exploration of family, identity, and the scars carried through generations. There's a gentle exploration of family dynamics, with themes of healing, forgiveness, moving on and self-discovery playing out.

Despite its lightness, the story does manage to touch on the challenges of reconciling with the past and understanding family complexities, and I liked that it brought a sense of nostalgia while still looking forward.

Overall, Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky is a delightful read if you're in the mood for a cozy, feel-good story with lovely scenery and complex family relationships. While it's a bit more lighthearted than I prefer, it certainly has its charm, especially for readers looking for a heartwarming journey.

This is a compelling and heartwarming novel that follows three generations of women—Agnes, Francine, and Jasmine—as they navigate old wounds, hidden truths, and the delicate threads of reconnection. The alternating perspectives of these women added beautiful depth and emotion to the story, allowing readers to truly understand their individual struggles and shared strength. Themes of resilience, forgiveness, and second chances are woven throughout, making for an uplifting and satisfying read. While I would have loved a more immersive portrayal of the Riviera setting and a deeper dive into some emotional moments, the strong character work and fast-paced plot kept me engaged from beginning to end. A lovely read for fans of family dramas and women's fiction.

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet

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

Blurb

As one door closes, another one opens…

When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.

At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.

Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.

As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness?

My Opinion

From the beginning Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky had me hooked. A quick and easy read with lots of family drama and secrets. Jennifer Bohnet has written a stunning book with a great setting.

Rating 4/5

I was underwhelmed by this story. I normally really enjoy Bohnet's books, but not this one so much. I couldn't connect with any of the female characters. There was a lack of emotional depth. Serious storylines were dealt with lightly. I thought Zazz to be an unpleasant character, her mother to be a bit bland (no real story for her), whilst I cannot understand how passive Agnes was. I really didn't understand her at all. What a waste. Theo was the nicest character, too nice probably. He waited for Agnes all that time. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Agnes Agostini receives a call from Theo, her ex-husband's brother, that he has died in an accident, she is initially relieved. At the request of her ex's notaire, she travels to Cannes, France, to deal with his will and affairs. She is relieved at first, but then finds that he has a lot of secrets he's been hiding. This story was told from three perspectives: Agnes, her daughter Frances, and her granddaughter Jasmine, who goes by Zazz.

It was an interesting story told from the perspectives of the 3 women as they dealt with the repercussions of Oscar's death. It was a great story of second chances, moving on, and reconnecting with family and friends. I enjoyed immersing myself in the descriptive language that drew us into the Riviera and each woman's personal journeys after their loss.

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @rachelsrandomresources, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

I enjoyed this emotional story, full of family drama and secrets that drew three generations of women back to the South of France, where their stories began. When Agnes receives news from her brother-in-law Theo that her estranged husband, Oscar, is dead, she feels only relief. Travelling to the South of France for the legal formalities is unavoidable for Agnes, daughter Francine and granddaughter Jasmine(Zazz), and it's a life-changing experience. The story revolves around family secrets with characters you invest in. Agnes' story is poignant, and you want her to have justice and the life she should have had. Francine is particularly emotionally fragile, and her character development as she comes to terms with her past life and the many changes that unfold is satisfying. Zazz is a contemporary woman who is not constrained by her upbringing, like her grandmother and mother; she challenges their perceptions and helps them move forward positively. I like the connection between the women, Theo's enduring love and the glamorous French setting of this story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

The person Agnes married wasn’t who is portrayed in front of others, and after she had as much as she could take, she left France, taking her daughter with her a long time ago, her husband’s brother Theo helped her.

Then she receives news that Oscar, her ex husband is dead. Also that because of how the law is in France, along with her daughter, she must come for a meeting with Oscar’s lawyer regarding the Will.

Agnes, her daughter and granddaughter travel to France where secrets come to light that Agnes has to hear one after the other, but, it seems that she too has things that she has kept to herself, which are also revealed.

I highly recommend this book.

A beautiful and immersive story set in a beautiful area. This story was heartbreaking and such a lovely tale. I enjoyed this very much. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

If this is your first book by this fabulous author, I’m confident that it won’t be your last, as it has everything that a reader could hope for and delivers by the lorry load.
Agnes Agistini escaped from her abusive, controlling husband and loveless marriage when her daughter was still very young, and so she is horrified to learn that he has died and that she, her daughter, and her granddaughter are all mentioned in his will. However, they all need to return to the Riviera to receive their bequests.
Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside her daughter Francine and her granddaughter Jasmine. They each have reasons for feeling trepidation at the thought of returning but maintain their focus on the task at hand. What nobody could have imagined is the fallout from Jasmine’s confession or the shockwaves from learning about Agnes and Theo.
I loved all of the characters in this book but felt most drawn to Agnes and Theo. Their friendship had survived some painful challenges, and his support had given Agnes the strength to start over once she moved to the UK.
I found particular comfort in learning that Francine and her husband had forged a solid and lasting marriage. Despite this, I did expect a twist to appear and impact their happy ending. Meanwhile, granddaughter Jasmine or Zazz as she preferred, was a wildcard, and I certainly didn’t know what to expect from her. However, I did know better than to doubt Jennie’s excellent writing skills.
As usual, I was completely absorbed in this story of broken hearts and the impacts of toxic relationships. I can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Cannes; just remember to fasten your seatbelt.

Agnes had fled France with her daughter years ago from an abusive marriage. She was helped by her husband’s brother Theo. Now she receives news that her ex husband Oscar has died and because of French law her and her daughter have to go to France to have a meeting with Oscar's lawyer.

This book is full of secrets and they hit Agnes one after the other ,but she has her own secrets too.
I enjoyed this book but I felt annoyed with Agnes that she had never been able to move on from Oscar and follow her heart,what a waste.
Another good read from Jennifer Bohney whose books set in the French Riveria always entice me to go to France,maybe next year.

oh stop it! Jennifer does it once again. does she ever not write a great book. i am truly in love with this authors every single word. i shove other books aside on my TBR books just to read her. and i stop, think "No i need to read the other first dont i?" but soon dont care about that when each new book Jennifer writes is a new favorite of the moment. please never stop writing books Jennifer. we need your talent.

this book follow three generations. they all have their tale to tell. they all have their individually needs and things to move on from and heal from or at least tell someone about in some cases! but together and apart their stories and Pov are each told wonderfully.
each way through this book had so many heartfelt moments and each plot point held my heart. i was rooting for every character not least the gorgeous brother in law theo who was thankfully nothing like his brother.
the book begins when Agnes abusive ex seems to want to punish her from the grave. as on his death this wont be the final peace she needs. no no instead in his will she is called to France to settle his orders. it seems hes not finished with the harm he can spread. so alongside her daughter and granddaughter the three set off to do this together. i wont give spoilers of what is waiting for them or what comes next but its a well thought out and is told with sensitivity and hope it needs to make another wonderful story. secrets come to light and wounds need to heal.a few surprises along the way mean they might all come out of this with some very different answers to the ones they sort, or believe to be true going in.
of course the other character in this book was the setting. the French riviera yes please. this only added to the beauty of this book.
another wonderful book.

Family saga beach read🏖

3.5🌟 stars
Sunny skies, lovely French cuisine and pastries😋, and a front row seat for the swaths of humanity roaming the picturesque streets of Cannes: all pleasant elements as backdrop for a multi-generational saga set around the recent death of a selfish, manipulative Frenchman called Oscar. Family descends on Cannes to settle his estate and old wounds are reopened and some surprises are revealed.

It was an easy, quick read and the twists, not all that unexpected, provided some light drama. There's romance for several of the characters but no steamy stuff. The plot was fine but I just did not connect well with the characters. I also found the ending a bit too all sweetly wrapped up. It made me feel even further removed from the characters who seem to be living a charmed life.

I generally like the author's work, especially her French settings and the challenges her female characters face. I've read and greatly enjoyed quite a few and plan to continue seeking her books.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on 4/8/25 on Waterstones and Goodreads, and with Barnes & Noble. To be shared with kobo and Google Play upon publication.