Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the chance to read this book.

This was the third instalment in the A Year In France series. It features some triggering topics like rape and miscarriage.

Fi and Christophe both have so much in their past that they need to heal from and are both very reluctant to trust in love but are both open to friendship. I like the way caring for the donkeys brought them together.
There was a lot of healing within this story, which I feel is a great way to wrap up the series.

In the charming third book in this romance series from Alison Roberts, readers meet middle child Fiona Gilchrist as she takes control of her life by visiting Provence and reuniting with her sisters, who have already found their respective happy endings. Ready to start over in La Maisonette, she decides to help local veterinarian Christophe Brabant with a project that lets her use her skills to help local animals. As their friendship becomes something deeper, Fi finally feels relaxed and wonders if Christophe is more like her than she realized or if she finally let her guard down. A charming and heartwarming continuation of the series, readers will love the depth of emotion in Fiona and Christophe’s relationship and the character development they both go through in this sweet new novel. The characters are definitely the stars of this book, and readers will love the Gilchrist sisters’ dynamic throughout the book. The setting is beautiful and vibrant, of course, and the subplots will entertain readers as much as the main emotional storyline. Charming, entertaining, and cozy, readers will love this new romance novel from Alison Roberts because her characters are so well-written and detailed and the chemistry between protagonists is so undeniable.

It was a delight to return to this series. The three Gilchrist sisters are all strong but distinct individuals but share a strong family bond. At the beginning, Fiona is a troubled soul and she runs to a place she can escape to, the cottage the sisters inherited in Provence. Her family have never been told the reason she has shut herself away from them but can see that she is in need of some love and support. They close ranks around her. Events in the past weigh heavily and they have all been affected as young girls by the disappearance of their father. They share bad memories although their reactions their situation have be different.

You get to uncover many family secrets along with Fiona. Provence as a setting seems to have a real magic about it and Fiona recognises it as a place she can recoup and heal. There is a romance bubbling below the surface although Fiona tries to deny it at first. Christophe is drawn to her but he too has reservations about risking his feelings. They both need to find the courage to take a leap of faith. With strongly drawn characters, a range of lively people around them, a gorgeous setting and secrets to be discovered, this is a satisfying read, full of light and hope.

In short: new beginnings

A slow burn that you just want more and more of!
The Magic of Provence is book three in The Book of France series. We've already met Laura and Ellie, and now it's time to step into the world of Fiona Gilchrist—the youngest of the Gilchrist sisters.

Fi is no stranger to running. It’s how she’s always coped—by staying one step ahead of her past. But after one final escape to Provence, it becomes clear she can’t outrun her demons forever. Enter Christophe Branant, a brooding local vet with secrets of his own. As Fi throws herself into work alongside him, what begins as distraction slowly turns into something deeper.
There’s a quiet intensity to this story that pulled me in. Fi’s emotional journey—her vulnerability, her resilience, her desire to heal—felt incredibly real. Alison Roberts writes with such tenderness and nuance, giving us characters who are flawed, human, and easy to root for. The chemistry between Fi and Christophe builds slowly, but when it hits, it really hits.

And of course, the setting adds so much. The warmth of Provence practically rises off the page—the lavender fields, the sun-drenched landscapes, the gentle pace of village life. It’s the perfect backdrop for a story about rediscovery and second chances.
If you’re a fan of heartfelt romances with emotional depth, strong character arcs, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension, The Magic of Provence is a must-read. I didn’t want it to end.

Even though it is the third book of a series, don't worry, it's perfectly okay to only read this. The story is perfectly understandable to the point I didn't even know it was part of a series 😂.

The story is okay, lots of plot points, but the writing is fluid, and it makes for an easy read, perfect for a day at the beach, relaxing and dreaming about a life in France 🥰

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

This is the 3rd book in the series following the 3 Gilchrist sisters, I have read book one but not book 2….. yet any way. You can read these as stand alone or in order. This book focuses on Fiona, who runs away from her past to La Maisonette ready to start again. This is where she meets the gorgeous vet whom you may remember from book 1 (and possibly book 2?) Christophe. Can she resist him? Will she bring her farrier working background to help him and the wild donkeys? All I can say is it’s another fantastic book by Alison Robert’s and I can’t wait to purchase book 2 and read the series again.

This is the third book in the Year in France series, it could easily be read as a standalone book though. The series is really cute and I do suggest reading all of the books and I hope there’s many more.

This book was such a cute story and had me wanting a pet donkey. Fiona has spent years running from her own demons, but she decides to make the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters and to try to heal herself. When Fiona gets a chance to work with vet, Christophe, she doesn’t even hesitate, as he is requesting her to work with donkeys, and she just loves them. But there’s something about Christophe, that keeps pulling her in. Will he be what the vet ordered and help heal her broken heart, can Fiona find what’s missing in her life and find a way forward.

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

A delightful first read from a new to me author!

The Magic of Provence beautifully captures the charm of its setting and offers a heart warming story full of hope, friendship, and personal growth.

Alison's writing is engaging and comforting—a perfect feel-good read. I’m excited to read more from her.

This is a lovely story of how trauma turns to trust and how families can pull together to help one another. A glorious setting, fabulous food and donkeys, what more could anyone want?!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

This is book 3 in the One Year in France series. The three Scottish Gilchrist sisters Ellie, Laura and Fiona have inherited an old stone house in Provence called La Maisonette from an uncle they never knew, due to their alcoholic father leaving them when they were young.

In the previous books Ellie and Laura travelled to Provence to take a look and start selling the house as neither wanted to live in it. Ellie fell for Julien and Laura for Noah. Now it's Fiona's turn, and her romance with vet Christophe is slow-burn and gentle, as two wounded souls find together trying to overcome past trauma.

Dogs Pascal and Heidi as well as donkeys Marguerite and Coquelicot plus a whole herd of forest donkeys are providing animal charm, plus there is a sweet story about Jeannie and Gordon, the sisters' parents.

This is a lovely story about trust, healing, family and second chances. The area and the food are described wonderfully, making you want to live there too and go forest bathing. The cover is also gorgeous. This is a warmhearted holiday novel that can be read as a standalone but you might want to read the other two books first to get the full benefit of the story arc. If you like fake dating and donkeys in a beautiful Mediterranean setting, this is for you. Of the three books in the series, this is my favourite.

4.5 stars

This is another fabulous story involving the Gilchrist sisters.
Since they inherited their uncle’s home, two have found their misters.
The third is Fiona and she’s been running from her past
Now she’s joining her sisters can she find peace at last?

She hadn’t shared what happened all those years ago
Maybe now she should let her family know?
So many secrets still impacting her today
Will sharing them help her find another way?

Working with a local vet gives Fi a new role, too,
And surprisingly being with him feels good - that’s definitely something new!
Christophe has also been hurt in the past.
Can these two help each other to trust and heal at last?

A moving story with families at its heart
And special donkeys there also play a part!
A gorgeous read I thoroughly enjoyed from the beginning to the end
No wonder it is one I highly recommend!

For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

The Magic of Provence by Alison Roberts was a magical and beautifully written book from start to finish. Plus, this is the third book in Alison Robert’s trilogy and I have loved reading everyone of these. They just take your breathe away and they are all a great holiday read especially of you are on France. Alison describes the areas of each book with so much description you feel you are there with the characters. The Magic of Provence, is set in Provence. When three sisters, Laura, Ellie and Fiona inherit a house from their unknown French uncle and go Provence to see the house and investigate the area. Within this book we learn more about we finally hear more about Fiona Gilchrist

Fiona Gilchrist has spent so many years running from her demons. But, now she has decided to take back control of her life. So, she packs up her things and takes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters Laura and Ellie.
Within a few days of her being there she knows she belongs there and there is something about La Maisonette and she is ready to start a new life for herself. Plus, she feels happier, which I the main thing of taking the trip to Provence.

An opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, who is very handsome, and Fiona, cannot resist saying yes. Christophe may be very charming, but he is committed to his work and has no time for relationships.
Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper and things change around them. For the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease with everything.

Now, Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises?

Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered un breach able?

This book was just beautiful and I loved reading it in my garden in the shade. Just perfect.

I highly recommend this book 5 ⭐️

The Magic of Provence
by Alison Roberts

This is the third book in the "A Year in France" series by Alison Roberts, though it is the first book in the series that I have had the pleasure of reading. I found it to be a deeply engaging story, and I would highly recommend starting from the first book in the series to better appreciate the intricate family dynamics that unfold throughout. While it is possible to enjoy this book as a standalone, reading the series in order would certainly provide a richer understanding of the relationships and history between the characters.

At the heart of this series are three sisters—Laura, Ellie, and Fiona—who unexpectedly inherit a charming but dilapidated house from their long-lost French uncle, a man they never knew existed. This twist of fate draws them into a world of mystery and nostalgia, set against the enchanting backdrop of Provence's rolling hills, donkey fields, and vibrant local culture.

The story weaves a powerful and emotional story about overcoming adversity from your past and reclaiming oneself. It is both heartbreaking and uplifting, taking readers on a compelling journey of self-discovery, love, and the pursuit of a happy life.

I cherished the romance between Fiona (Fi) and Christophe; both characters have faced significant heartache in their pasts, and as they navigate the breathtaking forests and scenic countryside of Provence together, readers witness their gradual transformation. It is incredibly moving to see them cultivate courage and confidence as they embrace their second chance at love amidst the beauty and vibrancy of their surroundings.

Overall, *The Magic of Provence* is yet another beautifully crafted romantic read by Alison Roberts that captivates both the heart and the imagination.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alison Roberts, and Boldwood Books for the eARC. This was a powerful and emotional story about overcoming hardship and reclaiming personal strength. Set against an idyllic backdrop, it’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming—a journey of self-discovery, love, and finding one’s true purpose.

The Magic Of Provence was my introduction to Alison Roberts’ writing and I was not disappointed. This is a charming story with relatable characters that were easy to cheer for. I empathised with Fiona Gilchrist, a farrier and former vet student, who has survived a rape but carries a very low self image as a result, believing herself to be fat and ugly. She is such a gentle soul with her love for the animals in her care. It was wonderful watching her bonding with the two do nkeys who lived in the paddock next to La Maisonette, the small house in Provence that she and her sisters inherited. Christoph Brabant, best friend of Fi’s brother in law Julien, was easy to like too with his charm and his ability to read the Fi’s emotional wariness. I loved watching these two bond, firstly in friendship as they tended the donkeys in the forest near their homes and later as they fell in love while pretending to be engaged for the sake of his grandmother. Theirs was not the only romance that took place in this story as Fiona’s mother Jeannie arrived in Provence for a visit and discovered Gordon, the husband who walked out on the family when his three daughters were only young. With health issues to contend with, it is clear that he has been a hard road to travel and that his reasons for leaving the family were far more complex than first appeared to be the case. This story is full of healing and family bonding and it left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling when I came to the end.

Running away from her demons, Fiona Gilchrist heads to Provence to be near her two sisters. Staying in their inherited cottage, with donkeys for company, Fiona slowly starts to heal. When she meets local vet Christophe, Fiona starts to wonder whether she may be able to put past demons to rest.

I didn't realise this was the third in a series, but it works perfectly fine as a stand-alone read. Family dramas intertwine with Fiona's reawakening. This is a gentle tale and, for me, sometimes a little too slow in places.

Alison Roberts's "The Magic of Provence" is a charming and escapist romance that takes readers to the quaint French countryside. This romance novel, which is part of the "A Year in France" series, centers around Fiona Gilchrist, who goes to Provence to reconnect with her sisters and deal with her past issues.

The novel expertly interweaves Fiona's healing and self-discovery journey with a developing romance with local vet Christophe Brabant. The author is good at placing the reader in the setting, bringing Provence to life with evocative descriptions so that one can almost smell the lavender and feel the sun. Although the plot has a predictable romantic arc, it's enriched by themes of family, trauma, and discovering a new beginning.

The characters, although sometimes weighed down with heavy emotional baggage, are likable and endearing, and their victories all the more satisfying because of it. While part of a series, "The Magic of Provence" is fully able to stand on its own as a delightful and inspiring read, ideal for those in need of a gentle escape with a little magic.

It's Fiona, the middle sister's story, in this enjoyable romantic series. In many ways, it is the cosy romance the blurb suggests, but the issues it explores may be triggering for some. It's an emotional story that makes you empathise with Fiona. She has survived despite terrible events, but now recognises that she needs to let her sisters into her life to support her. It's a challenging choice for such a private woman. The meeting with vet Christophe is magical and signals a mutual attraction that neither is initially willing to name, even to themselves. The donkey characters are lovely, and the couple's mutual love of animals draws them together and deepens their connection. I appreciated the gentle romance, the growing willingness to trust each other and the believable emotional connection that develops between Fiona and Christophe.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I really enjoyed Laura’s story in From Provence, With Love so I jumped at the chance to read about another sister in the Gilchrist family.
The Magic of Provence is another beautifully written romantic read and I loved spending time with Fi and Christophe in the forests and countryside of Provence. They’d both been so hurt in their previous lives and to see them gain courage and confidence in a second chance was lovely.
The storyline with the donkeys was extra special and really made me chuckle with some of their antics

A thoughtful read about Fi who has to tackle a horrifying memory and situation.
The parts I liked the best were the setting of France and the delightful cottage plus the donkeys.
I mean who doesn’t love adorable donkeys??
We can’t run from the dark and Fi is forced to face her darkest hour but that’s when the healing begins.
I also liked that she was a farrier because reading a book about a female farrier doesn’t occur often.