The Village Café In The Loire has been a lovely introduction for me to the writing of author Gillian Harvey. Set mostly in the gorgeous Loire Valley village of Vaudrelle with brief visits to London for contrast, the imagery made me feel as though I was there watching events take place.
As the story opens, Becky, our heroine, is being informed that she is to take a month’s enfor ced leave from her hih-stress job as an advertising executive. She’s clearly burned out and in need of the break. Self-centred, she didn’t entirely endear herself to me at first, though after deciding to visit the Loire cafè she’s inherited from her aunt and which she wants to sell to fund her purc hase of a London flat, she begins to see that there’s more to the world than her.
I loved watching Becky slowly immerse herself in village life after meeting Pascal, the tenant who refuses to vacate the cafè so she can sell it. I also loved watching these two grow more and more fond of each other as she unwound and learned to appreciate life in a slower lane. While their romance is secondary to the overall story, it does contribute. That said, I found the romance a little unrealistic. One minute they were sharing their first kiss and the next they woke up in bed together. It all seemed a bit abrupt. If you overlook that, the romance is sweet.
This is a story of self-discovery and personal growth, a story of community and inclusiveness and a thoroughly delightful read. With central themes around family, relationshiops, stress and what it means to be successful, it is also a thoughtful book that raises interesting questions about the importance of these things in shaping our lives.

This book is a cozy, delightful read set in a charming village in France. It begins with Becky hitting burnout after a stressful episode in her career, when an unexpected inheritance from her great-aunt sends her to the picturesque Loire Valley—and into a whole new life she never planned. The village café she now owns comes with a grumpy yet magnetic tenant, Pascale, and as Becky settles into her new surroundings, she begins to rediscover herself and rethink what success truly means.

The characters are well-developed, reflecting real-life struggles and emotions, which makes the story feel authentic. The slow-burn romance between the two main characters is heartwarming, and the setting radiates enough cozy vibes to make the reading experience wonderfully relaxing.

This book is perfect for fans of feel-good escapist fiction, small-town charm, and slow-burn romance.

This was my first time reading Gillian Harvey, and I absolutely enjoyed The Village Cafe in the Loire. It’s a charming, feel good story full of warmth, friendship, and the kind of small town community spirit that makes you wish you could visit for real.

I loved the beautiful setting along the Loire River—it’s vividly described and really brought the story to life. The characters felt genuine and relatable, and the story’s gentle pace made it a perfect escape.

I look forward to reading more from Gillian Harvey.

❤️ WoW ❤️ The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey was the most beautifully written book from start to finish and I just fell in love with this book from the very beginning and ended up reading it all day. ❤️ WoW ❤️ Gillian wrote this book from the heart from start to finish and it will steel your heart especially as it is so addictive.

I loved the main character, Becky Thorne she is a high-flyer and works hard in her job, she loves but now she has been told by her Doctor she is burn't out! and has been sign off sick for 1 month!
"1 month I hear you say and it is paid sick leave!!!!" As you can imagine Becky is not happy! especially as her life is so hectic and it has been a bit chaotic lately, But, when she tells her mother, she is not happy at all and Tells her to go back to work! Becky is better than this. The word Burn't out is not in her mothers dictionary!!!

Becky gets a big surprise, she has inherited a café in the Loire from an estranged great-aunt, but, she has a sitting tenant who refuses to budge. This cafe and the village holds lots of secrets about her past and holidays she had with her parents when she was a child. Now, this is a perfect time to go to France and see what she has inherited.

When, she finally goes to Loire and see's her café she has been left, Plus, to sort out the sitting tenant. as Becky wants to to sale the café, she wants to get back to her job as soon as possible and climb the career ladder where she works.
But, when she gets there she gets a big surprise, she is greeted by a six feet of tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy man called Pascale. Pascale also works at the café and is set on his ways especially as he does not like change!
Becky, still wants to sell and starts to renovate the little café.

Becky’s path to success is still planned out for her. But the Loire has a magic force and it is slowly pulling her in.............

Now..........Does Becky go back to her old life she thought that made her happy? and purchase her dream apartment she loves with the sale of the cafe?

Or does Becky stay in Loire and run the cafe.....this is carefree life and you never know she may find someone to share her life with?

But, Becky is missing someone in her life........... she is missing her best friend from childhood Amber and they do everything together.

❤️ I highly recommend this wonderful book ❤️

The Village Cafe in the Loire, just took my breath away especially as I have visited many French Cafes whilst in France and this cafe is so like the one's I have visited and drank coffee and ate pastries in. Perfect.

The Village Cafe in the Loire is a charming summer read about Becky, a woman suffering from intense burnout. A meltdown at work leads to a month at the cafe in France that was her aunt's favorite place in the world. Early on, it's tough to like Becky, but as she spends time in France, her story arc makes her so much more likeable. I'd love to escape to a French cafe for a month to recover from my stress-induced eye twitch! Although Becky finds romantic sparks in France, the real love story of the book is her relationship with her best friend. (It's giving major "Meredith & Christina" vibes if you've ever watched Grey's Anatomy.)

Upon arriving in France, Becky quickly realises that selling the café will be far more complicated than she anticipated. Not only does she face the challenge of a stubborn tenant who refuses to vacate the premises, but her great aunt's will also contains a stipulation that complicates matters further: before she can consider selling. Initially brimming with ambitious plans to revitalise the establishment, Becky soon finds herself entangled in a web of unexpected confrontations and personal revelations.

I liked the blurb, title and the cover. And it started on an interesting note but then it gets very repetitive. They are discussing the same thing until Becky leaves for France, that is the third chapter.

Also, it's kind of misleading. The blurb says, ‘What she doesn’t count on is the tenant being Pascale, who is six feet tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy about her plans for change.’
However, Pascal is not at all grumpy (not sure about him being tall, dark, handsome). In fact, he appeared to be so friendly and understanding that I thought he was a random character and the cranky Pascale would appear from somewhere.
Becky is annoying and pretentious for sure. Plus, there was nothing interesting about their first meeting and conversation. I lost my interest by the 6th chapter.

Becky’s mother uses quirky alternatives for ‘nonsense’ —Balderdash!
Claptrap!
Codswallop!
Pish posh!
That was interesting.

Thank you for the copy. Sorry it didn't work for me.

Her five and ten year plans didn't include a break
Even if it is one a doctor insists she'll take
For Becky she's really not sure how it can be true
Signed off for burnout, what should she now do?

An unexpected inheritance had added to her stress
Owning a village café with a tenant- she couldn't need less!
So with a month of not working on the agenda now
She'll go to France to sort it out somehow.

Becky's Mother is against ever going there again
And doesn't think Becky is ill and just wants to complain.
Reaching the village brings back memories galore
Maybe she should stay to explore some more?

A story where health scares cause further drama it seems
Giving time to reevaluate life plans and dreams.
Maybe having everything planned isn't the way to go?
But until she's tried it, how can Becky know?

With new friendships, new plans and lots more besides
Where will Becky finally decide she resides?
There are unexpected revelations and secrets, too,
In this brilliant read, I highly recommend to you.

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

The Village Café in the Loire by Gillian Harvey

Becky Thorne feels the relentless pressure of her ambitious career, unable to afford even a moment of respite. As she navigates the corporate ladder in her fast-paced life, the constant meddling of her mother only fuels her determination to succeed. However, the unexpected inheritance of a quaint café from her Great Aunt in the serene Loire Valley nudges her towards a much-needed escape.

Upon arriving in France, Becky quickly realises that selling the café will be far more complicated than she anticipated. Not only does she face the challenge of a stubborn tenant who refuses to vacate the premises, but her great aunt's will also contains a stipulation that complicates matters further: before she can consider selling. Initially brimming with ambitious plans to revitalise the establishment, Becky soon finds herself entangled in a web of unexpected confrontations and personal revelations.

As she clashes with the charismatic yet enigmatic writer Pascale, who occupies the café, Becky is forced to confront the walls she has built around her heart. Her journey to reclaim her familial legacy becomes intertwined with her struggle to reconnect with the parts of her life that she has neglected, especially her friendship with Amber. Throughout the early chapters, Becky is portrayed as somewhat self-absorbed, often disregarding Amber's own struggles and advice. She bulldozes into the tranquil village, making hasty decisions about the café without fully grasping the intricacies of the local culture or the needs of its people.

As Becky navigates her relationship with Pascale and reflects on her past choices, she begins to grasp the weight of her responsibilities—not just to her career but to the relationships she has taken for granted. The journey through the picturesque yet challenging landscape of the Loire serves as a backdrop for her awakening to the importance of balance in life, friendship, and self-discovery.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the free arc.
Gillian Harvey's "The Village Cafe in the Loire" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that transports readers straight to the picturesque French countryside. This charming story is a perfect blend of romance, community, and the irresistible allure of a fresh start.

The narrative centers on a protagonist seeking a new beginning, who finds herself immersed in the challenges and charms of running a local cafe in a small Loire Valley village. Harvey skillfully captures the essence of French village life, from its quirky residents to its delicious culinary traditions, making the setting feel like a character in itself. The prose is engaging and light, filled with a gentle humor that makes for an easy and enjoyable read.

Themes of self-discovery, embracing change, and finding belonging in unexpected places are woven throughout the story. "The Village Cafe in the Loire" is an ideal escape for anyone dreaming of French adventures, good food, and a feel-good tale that celebrates the simple pleasures of life and the power of community. It's a truly charming read that leaves you with a warm glow.

what a fab read!! this was such a heart warming story of finding your way and your happiness, a story of friends and families and dreams
a real cozy book to get lost in

I have to say Harvey writes the most wonderful books and they're always an absolute delight to read.

Her stories are always set in France, an area she knows only too well...she did live there for fourteen years after all.

I was so envious of Becky when she inherited the café...I have aspirations of a book café, and to be set in the Loire too, that would be idylls!

It's a thoroughly enjoyable heartwarming story full of hope and happiness.

The characters are charming. I even found Pascal became endearing after a while.

Perfect summer reading.

Gillian Harvey's 'The Village Cafe in the Loire' is a sweet and uplifting journey to the French countryside. The novel tracks high-flying London executive Becky Thorne, who, during a mandatory leave due to burnout, finds herself inheriting a café in a small village in the Loire from a distant great-aunt. Her intention is to sell the house quickly and resume her high-powered career track.

But soon a surly but irresistibly good-looking tenant, Pascal, and the irrepressible charm of French village life start to disrupt Becky's neatly planned future. The author skillfully depicts Becky's development from a go-getting, not especially likable heroine to a more self-knowledgeable and empathetic person. The novel exquisitely evokes the colors, sounds, and smells of the Loire, so it is an even more engaging read.

Although some may find Becky a frustration at first, her development over the course of the story is engaging. 'The Village Cafe in the Loire' is a charming mixture of romance, self-discovery, and the temptation of a more relaxed way of life, ideal for anybody wanting an inspiring and evocative holiday read.

This is a beautiful read which I enjoyed every page. I thought the main character was so easy to love. The location of this was perfect. Such a well written book.

A fun undemanding read! Great for holiday reading or if you need something that’s easy and flowing!!
Becky Thorne is burnt out from a very stressful demanding job in advertising in London but doesn’t know how burnt out! Her work enforces a month off with their doctor!
Her great aunt Maud has left her a cafe in a village in the heart of the countryside in France with a sitting tenant. There is nothing else to do but go to France and sort out this tenant and sell the cafe so she can get back to work. However nothing is as it seems at first!
This is a lovely cosy easy read, it’s a familiar storyline which I’m sure I’ve read with slightly different outcomes, it’s a bit predictable, however I always really enjoy Gillian Harvey’s books and have enjoyed this one too!
Love the French culture and life, this isn’t too deep and meaningful, it’s like a holiday, fun and relaxing!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the read for review, just what I needed to read after a stressful few weeks.

I loved this book so much, Becky's character had me laughing out loud one minute and in tears the next. A feel good story that sets out to show that you never know what is round the corner for you and some things should be grabbed with open arms. Oh and the cakes made my mouth water!
Brilliant book.

Becky is a challenging character to like. She is driven to the point of obsession and refuses to hear anyone's viewpoint. It is this intransegence that has contributed to her health crisis and why she faces compulsory medical leave from her executive career. The reasons behind her ambition become clear when you meet her mother. Friendship and work-life balance are key elements of this story. Becky receives an unexpected legacy: a rural café in the Loire. Initially, she wants to sell it to fund her perfect home, but when she goes to France, her dreams change. The café, village, and rural way of life are a welcome contrast to Becky's pressurised existence in London. Becky is more insightful and understanding after her time in France, which makes her a character to invest in. I appreciate the dynamic of her friendship relationship, which is increasingly positive as Becky's self-awareness and compassion grow. I love the chemistry and gentle romance between Becky and Pascal. It's a lovely, uplifting story set in an evocative setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Becky has a high flying job in advertising but is so stressed that she throws her laptop across the office narrowly missing a fellow worker. The doctor puts Becky on one months enforced leave and this stresses her out even more.

One of the things that was stressing Becky was that she had inherited a cafe in a small village in rural France left to her by her great aunt Maud. One condition of inheriting this cafe is that she has to stay in it for one month before she can sell it. Becky needs the money from selling the cafe to buy the flat of her dreams in London.

This was a really nice story. Becky and her best friend Amber have a great relationship until Becky makes it all about her and seems to be uninterested in Amber's life. A feel good story about what really matters in life and how to get off the treadmill.
I always enjoy books by Gillian Harvey and enjoyed this one too.

When advertising whiz Becky Thorne has a meltdown at work and is signed off on stress leave for a month, she can't believe it. She certainly doesn't believe that her twitching eye and trembling legs are physical signs of stress. What is she going to do for a month? How on earth is she going to tell her driven, successful mother who doesn't believe in poppycock like burn out?

Part of the trigger for her stress is the fact that she has inherited a cafe with an apartment from her Aunt Maud who she hasn't seen in years after there was some kind of family fall out. The cafe is in a small French town called Vaudrelle in the Loire. Becky just wants to get it sold so that she can use the money to buy a fancy new flat in London and get on with her life.

The fact that there is a tenant is causing some problems and so Becky goes to France so that she can get to the bottom of it all, much to her mother's dismay. There she meets the tenant, Pascal. He is a writer who has been keeping the cafe going. He shares a letter with Becky from her Great Aunt Maud, asking her to at least spend a month working at the cafe before she makes any major decisions. Understanding that with French bureaucracy things are going to take time anyway, Becky agrees to stay but she starts renovating the cafe in preparation for when she can sell it.

Thankfully, she has the support of her best friend Amber who she can call on at any time. However, when Amber isn't as available as Becky needs she is somewhat perplexed. Amber always helps her navigate her difficult situations, including her difficult relationship with her mother.

Becky isn't really that nice a person for the first part of the book. She is very self-centred and not a great friend to Amber who keeps on trying to tell Becky that she has issues of her own. She also kind of bulldozes her way into town, making decisions about the cafe before she truly understands the town and it's people.

As you would expect though, taking some time out turns out to be exactly what she needs. She begins to understand who her aunt really was, and what prompted her to move to France all those years ago. She is also reminded that underneath her brittle shell of ambition and drive, there is someone who does appreciate different aspects of life including art and taking things slowly.

It is interesting to see the topic of burnout addressed in fiction. I have taken a few months off of work and whilst I haven't really used the term burnout. there's no doubt that my mental health has improved as a result of taking some time out.

I love Gillian Harvey's books about people making a new start in France. I didn't get the same sense of place that I normally do with this one though. I guess I was thinking that given that the setting was in the Loire Valley there might be a visit to a chateau or two or a mention of the river. I was looking for the Loire that I visited a couple of years ago in the pages.

I loved all of the film and pop culture references that were scattered through the book such as all the quotes from Jerry Maguire. There was also a bit of twist in the second half of the book that was as much of a surprise to me as it was to Becky. I liked how this really helped Becky understand a few things about her family.

Gillian Harvey is an auto-read author for me these days. Her books are always very readable, and this was no exception. I galloped through it in a couple of hours. I am already looking forward to her next book. I do have a couple of her earlier books that I still need to read in the mean time!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews and with Paris In July hosted by Words and Peace. 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

The Village Café in the Loire by Gillian Harvey

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

Blurb

High-flyer Becky Thorne cannot believe what she’s being told. She doesn’t need to be signed off for burnout! Life has been a bit chaotic lately, that’s all. As if dealing with her enviable job and permanent meddling from her mother aren’t enough, she’s also inherited a café in the Loire from an estranged great-aunt, complete with sitting tenant who refuses to budge.

But nobody stands in Becky’s way! Ignoring her best friend Amber’s advice, she decides to storm over to France and sort the tenant out. Then she can finally get the café sold and jump back on the career ladder.

What she doesn’t count on is the tenant being Pascale, who is six feet of tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy about her plans for change. Not to mention the village and the secrets it holds about her past.

Becky’s path to success is all planned out. But the Loire has a magic she might not be able to resist…

My Opinion

I have read a few books by Gillian Harvey and they have all been delightful. Whilst there are some difficult themes this was a light-hearted read with some great characters. An enjoyable book with a lovely setting – I was hooked from the beginning.

Rating 4/5