Escape to the French Farmhouse - Jo Thomas

Can she find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier… a new life in France – without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? Discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill.

My Review:

A wonderfully enchanting adventure in an idyllic, dreamy French setting.

Jo Thomas is one of my absolute ‘go-to’ authors, I’m always swept away to a glorious destination with fantastic characters, and a heart-warming tale – oh some of the most divine, mouth-watering foods and drink.

Escape to the French Farmhouse is uplifting, emotional and a delight to read. I devoured it in almost one setting and it the story stayed with me for days after I’d finished. Jo Thomas transported me and the writing evoked emotion and I could feel the sunshine, smell the lavender; I could believe I was there and with Del & Co.

What a woman Del is, driven daring and compassionate, I really admired her. I marvelled at Del’s progression throughout the book, her courage rewarded, and confidence restored. Her ability to make people feel better whilst trying to heal her own wounds is lovely, she builds her own family and deservedly finds the community, love and life she craved.

Such a great cast of characters, I was laughing and gasping throughout, a smile on my face one minute but then upset the next, I really did buy in to the emotions of many characters.

I always love the descriptions of yummy treats, foods, and drinks and this did not disappoint, I was intrigued using lavender in so many ways and would love to try some myself now.

I couldn’t recommend this one more if you are looking to be whisked away, escape from current times and take in the delights of this French community. An uplifting, romantic tale that does not disappoint.


About the Author:
 

Jo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, first for BBC Radio 5, before  moving on to Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Radio 2’s The Steve Wright Show. In 2013 Jo won the RNA Katie Fforde Bursary. Her debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller in ebook and was awarded the 2014 RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the 2014 Festival of Romance Best Ebook Award. Jo lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with her husband and three children.

Coming Home to Winter Island by Jo Thomas

Wrap up warm and prepare to explore the breath-taking beauty of a remote Scottish island and an old house waiting to unlock enchanting family secrets.
Ruby's singing career is on the verge of hitting the big time, when her voice breaks. Fearing her career is over, she signs up for a retreat in Tenerife to recover. But an unexpected call from a stranger on a remote Scottish island takes her on a short trip to sort out some family business. It's time to go and see the grandfather she's never met. City girl Ruby knows she will be happy to leave the windswept beaches behind as quickly as she can, especially as a years-old family rift means she knows she won't be welcome at Teach Mhor. But as she arrives at the big house overlooking the bay, she finds things are not as straightforward as she might have thought. There's an unexpected guest in the house and he's not planning on going anywhere any time soon ...

Purchase Here

My Review:

Another of my absolute favourites, Jo Thomas always delivers a fantastic read that will transport you to amazing places with wonderful characters and brilliant story lines.

Ruby, unable to do what she loves and sing, finds herself on a journey of discovery – of how to make a very special gin but also in discovering who she really is, where she came from and importantly what she is capable of.

I adored the picturesque sounding Winter Island, described so well by Jo, I could really picture every aspect of the close-knit community. Yet another fantastic location for this book, which has become synonymous with every Jo Thomas book.

Aside from Ruby, who is a fantastic character and her rollercoaster relationship with Lachlan, I adored Hector and thought the inclusion of how he was suffering from Alzheimer’s but had periods of lucidity through music was absolutely breath taking and so emotional. As someone who has watched loved ones suffer, this hit home hard but thought it was written in the most tender, touching ways plus Hector is quite the mischievous character and added some extra heart to the story.

Such an eclectic bunch of characters within the community, moments of hilarity and then a rollercoaster of emotions. There are some interesting surprises and little twists that I didn’t expect, I think Jo Thomas is an absolute diamond for telling a story with such heart and soul, always with something delicious to tempt us with.

I couldn’t put this book down, as with every one I read from Jo. I couldn’t recommend this one any more to everyone that loves a great story with lovable characters, perfect to cosy up with.

Publication Day Review - My Lemon Grove Summer - Jo Thomas

About:

Could the lemon groves of Sicily be the perfect place to start over? The irresistible new novel from Jo Thomas, the author of Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard, will transport you to the island of mountains and sparkling blue seas.

When life hands you lemons ... is it ever too late for a second chance?

Zelda's impulsive nature has got her precisely nowhere up until now. A fresh start in a beautiful hilltop town in Sicily looking for new residents, together with her best friend Lennie, could be just what she needs. And who better to settle down with than the person who knows her best?

But the sun-filled skies and sparkling seas can't hide the shadow hanging over Citta d'Ora, which means not everyone is pleased to see their arrival. The dreams Zelda and her fellow new residents had of setting up a new life might be slipping away. But a friendship with restauranteur Luca could be about to unlock the possibilities that lie in the local lemon groves. And there's a wedding on the horizon that might be just what the town needs to turn it around...

Could a summer in Sicily help Zelda learn to trust her instinct and follow her heart? 

My Review:

It’s only fairly recently I’ve discovered the wonder that is Jo Thomas and her fabulous books. I’ve quickly devoured them all so imagine my absolute excitement to receive an advanced copy of ‘My Lemon Grove Summer’ – Thank you Headline!

This is a glorious summer read, full of idyllic sounding scenery, gorgeous characters and an emotional, heart-warming story that will have you hooked from the start. Jo’s writing always has the knack of taking us away somewhere – leaving behind our real lives and allowing us to be fully immersed in the story. My Lemon Grove Summer took us to Sicily alongside the lovely Zelda and Lennie who are trying to start a brand-new chapter of their lives.

With a fantastic cast of characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them all. I loved the friendship between Lennie and Zelda but I could see that although they did love each other, they weren’t IN love. I liked to see how supportive they were of each other and their ability to make friends and create their own little community when the one they’ve all found themselves in seems intent to turn them away.

When Sicily doesn’t live up to all that was promised, we see that you must fight for what you want in more ways than one. Can Zelda and Lennie have what they really want or are they facing too much opposition? You can bet there are ups, downs, twists and turns along the way that will keep you entertained. As always, the path of true love never runs smooth, but I’d expect nothing less.

Jo Thomas has firmly become one of my ‘always buy’ authors. I know any of her books will put a smile on my face, take me away and give me characters I will adore.

I cannot recommend this book enough - wonderful summer filled treat. 

Thank you to Jo Thomas and Headline for the opportunity to read/review. 

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Sicily-Jo-Thomas/dp/1472246012/

Recent Read Round Up

It's been a wonderful few weeks of reading for me. I've had some great reads from the depths of my TBR mountain to discovering an author and promptly ordering everything she'd written. Here's a little round up of just a few:

Order here

The Olive Branch - Jo Thomas

As a new,found fan of Jo Thomas I am having a ball working my way through all her books. If you haven't read a book by Jo Thomas before, please take a look at her wonderful back catalogue as they are brilliant.

The Olive Branch is a warm, romantic book  with a wonderful story of adventure, risk taking and the rewards of hard work and determination. I love stories that give us a true sense of its setting and Jo does that wonderfully. I've never been to Italy but through such great description I could  imagine the rural, close community that Ruthie finds herself part of. 

The book is full of great characters – and very amusing guard goat! Ruthie faces opposition from the Bellanouvo family who want what they believe to belong to them and want nothing more than seeing the back of this latest outsider.  I found Marco to be charismatic and charming, I could imagine the stereotypical sexy, Italian, dark, broody man next door. 


I loved The Olive Branch, it was an interesting and enjoyable story, with a fabulous cast of characters, and delicious descriptions that'll have you whisked away to Italy. I recommend for a pleasurable and relaxing read. 

Available here

Dear Mrs Bird - AJ Pearce

Ohh how I enjoyed Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce. It's an amusing, charming read and for an historical fiction book is refreshingly light hearted - for the most part. There are some absolute heartbreaking, emotive scenes which really bring home the atrocities of the time. I was absorbed as soon as I started reading, I loved how easily the story flowed and how it progressed at a steady pace.

I loved the well written characters, the lovely Emmy Lake was quite a plucky young lady. She's a positive girl who remains optimistic even in dire circumstances; she is kind, caring and I'd say inspirational. Doing as much as she did for others in difficult times. I really enjoyed reading about a strong female from this time.

I really enjoyed the parts with the advice column – it added some funny moments, especially if deemed inappropriate for Mrs Bird. Her character seemed fierce and quite easy to dislike. No wonder Emmy wanted to do something nice for those that wrote in. I'd read that inspiration for Dear Mrs Bird came from real letters from wartime publications. I found this fact really thought provoking and quite sentimental.

Available here

Still Me - Jojo Moyes 

I'm a Louisa Clarke fan; she's a character that has given us happiness, love, fun and frolics but also heartbreak, agony and despair. I know there has been much discussion about the need for a second, and now a third book but honestly, this third book – took me right back and sucked me right in to her world again. I read and enjoyed After You, I can't say I loved it but always willing to give it a try so I admit I was apprehensive going into Still Me.

I knew the second I started reading I was back with Louisa Clark and I was happy these characters were back. I was reminded of Louisa's quirky character and matching that with being in New York – perfect.

It was quite an emotional read and as expected took you on quite a journey with Miss Clark – you don't think anything is ever straight forward or easy for her do you?! Jojo Moyes is a beautiful story teller and the story she gives us throughout Still Me is nothing less than brilliant. With introductions of some colourful characters, I felt Louisa had found the place she truly should be. I love how all characters have progression throughout and the ones you can't abide sometimes turn out to be the ones that make the book worthwhile.

As I finished this book I definitely felt that that's our time with Louisa at an end, and I honestly say I was a little bit emotional. It took me a few days to stop thinking about Still Me – it took me through so many emotions but I feel it was the correct journey for her final chapter.

Available to order 

The Second Husband - Louise Candlish 

I'm a fan of Louise Candlish's books. I've been trying to work my work through them all. I knew this was written earlier than the books I'd already managed to read so I wondered if the style would be any different.

I found that this was well written, familiar style and it flowed well. I was waiting for something though, I can't put my finger on what. I love a good twist or turn that you don't see coming but as I read I found myself wanting something more to happen. As I always expect to be surprised, I think my brain was coming up with extra twists on top of any the book threw at me. I'd guessed what would happen quit early on but I did wonder how it would be resolved (which ended up being done in a fairly “normal” way).

I did enjoy the book– I liked the story telling but would've liked some more unexpected turns. 

The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea - Jaimie Admans 
The cover attracted me to this book, it’s bright, colourful and cute. I found this read to be utterly charming - especially our leading man Nathan(iel), who sounds wonderful. I’d love to find a Train Man like him! Ness is a great character, quirky, funny and with Nathan it’s clear to see a perfect match. 

I laughed a lot throughout the book and was definitely smiling as I read their romantic tale. 

A sweet story that has such likable characters; it is a well written, feel good tale. I also loved the sound of Pearlholme; would love to return. 

Thank you to HQ Digital for the copy via Netgalley for an honest review
                                                  
 

Sunset over the Cherry Orchard - Jo Thomas

AVAILABLE HERE

Goodreads Blurb:
It's time for Beti Winter to dance to her own beat.
 
After three failed engagements Beti is in desperate need of a fresh start. What better place than the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain? But it's not all sangria and siestas. Beti finds work on an old Andalucian cherry farm where there are cherries to be picked, trees to be watered and her fiery boss, Antonio, to win over.
As the sun toasts her skin, Beti finds herself warming to the Spanish way of life. Embracing the art of flamenco, she discovers there is much to learn from the dance of passion. She just has to let loose and listen to the rhythm of her heart.

My Review:
I've got to start with the cover – how stunning, The gorgeous colours are eye catching, its definitely what got my attention and compliments the setting of the book.

Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard is a fabulous story about having dreams, big, lifelong ambitions and not being prepared to settle for anything less, not giving up and working towards your goal no matter what. It is a tale of believing in yourself, believing you are good enough if you are happy to put yourself out there and face all life has to throw at you.

This was my first read by Jo Thomas (Where have I actually been?!) and was pleased to discover a story full of humour, fun and some special, tender moments. I found surprises littered throughout; with quirky characters (who could have their own stories to tell), unexpected friendships and blossoming relationships.

One of my favourite elements of the book was the descriptive, inclusion of flamenco, reading how Beti learned and felt impassioned by it was inspiring, I was all for booking a flight and heading off for my own flamenco adventure! Let's also praise the mouth watering foods mentioned throughout.

Beti is a wonderful leading lady; she's not had much luck and in typical fashion for this style of book, at first it doesn't seem that a move to Spain is going to be the happy ever after she wants. I liked how she developed, her outstanding work ethic and I was rooting for her to get the happy ending.

I loved how Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard transported me on a gorgeous, sun kissed adventure. A wonderful story, that's very well written. I was engrossed and finished almost in one sitting. I have already read another by Jo Thomas (review to follow) and can firmly say she is now amongst my favourite, must read authors.

Perfect read for those looking for adventure and love.  

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍