Hello bookworms,
Are you ready for a holiday too? Okay, so maybe we can’t all head off anywhere just yet, but if you’re in need of some glorious sunshine, delicious food and a change of scene, I hope you’ll think about reading Summer at the Chateau!
Our lovely heroine Lizzie has just been jilted at the altar and is throwing all her energy into her work for Lifestyle! magazine. When she finds out she’s inherited a chateau in France, she heads off with the support of her editor, ready to write about selling French property, but when she gets there, it’s to find the chateau she remembers from her youth is falling to bits. Cue a handsome, slightly grumpy neighbour Luc entering the scene and fireworks are set to fly!
Though I didn’t make it down to Provence on a research trip (I tried, believe me!) I did spend a lot of (far, far too much) time staring at pictures on Google. And, when I went on a mini road trip around Normandy, I loved immersing myself in French culture drinking in as many details as I could. They don’t have the sunflower and lavender fields in Normandy, but I did wander round local markets, eat gorgeous French patisserie, visit chateaus, and practice my appalling French!
For me, escapist romantic fiction is the perfect way to have a mini holiday without leaving the house. Getting to explore a different location, especially when getting away from it all just isn’t possible, is a wonderful treat. Not only do books allow us to retreat from everyday life, but escapist fiction set in beautiful settings like Provence give us all the holiday vibes without any of the expense! I don’t know about you, but throw in a good love story and you have me hooked from start to finish.
As the French are known for being incredibly romantic, why not snuggle down with our gorgeous hero, Luc, and determined heroine Lizzie, and explore heavenly Provence from the comfort of your armchair?
If you do pick up Summer at the Chateau, (thank you!) I’d love to hear what you thought!
Warmest wishes and happy reading!
Annabel
xxx
