Christmas on the Riviera: Escape to the French Riviera for a delightfully festive read from Jennifer Bohnet 

212 pages Boldwood Books August 31, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon.

Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen.

When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled.

Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations.

With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity.

Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for – or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder?

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed the idyllic setting of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France. It sounded very charming and like an enjoyable vacation spot.
When Elodie Jacques is three years old she is abandoned by her mother when she gets a new man, and he doesn’t want a child from the mother’s previous relationship around.

Having been raised by her grandmother ever since she’s been happy.
Grandmother announces she wants to spend New Years and her 79th birthday in her hometown of Juan-les-Pins. Unknown to Elodie grandmother has some secrets she has been keeping from her and she needs to travel to France to take care of somethings and come to grip with her feelings.

The book has a mention of Christmas here and there, but you don’t get a Christmassy feel to it.
While there are some heartwarming moments and a sweet new romance there were some things I didn’t agree with in the book that brought the stars level down for me. Quick easy read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bohnet is the international bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including ‘A French Adventure’, ‘Summer at the Château’, ‘High Tides and Summer Skies’, ‘Villa of Sun and Secrets’ and ‘A Riviera Retreat’. Jennifer’s stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives – but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before. Living in France for twenty-five years she has happily adapted to the French lifestyle including the long lunches with friends and the wine.

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