Blog Tour – Christmas on the Riviera

Title: Christmas on the Riviera

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Genre: General Fiction

My Rating:

Source: ARC

Synopsis:

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but will the allure of the French Riviera be able to work its magic?
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 Review:

I’d like to thank Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be involved in this blog tour.

This story was a quick and easy read from cover to cover, it’s the type of book you can sit and enjoy on a chilly afternoon whilst the winter weather rains down outside. I was drawn to this book because I am curious of how people celebrate Christmas in other countries, what traditions do they uphold and what events take place. Christmas in France sounds delightful! Whilst it may not have the common characteristics you’d expect such as snow it more than makes up for it in the delicious food and beautiful markets, the thirteen different desserts on Christmas Eve sounds like my cup of tea.

I really enjoyed the close relationship between Gabby and Elodie, they truly had a special bond and it was lovely to see them both enjoying their holiday together. I was very intrigued by Gabby’s history, returning home after so many years away must have been hard for her. I wished we had got to know more about her life when she was working at the hotel and had this part of the story added to make it a dual timeline, I am a historical fiction nut though so that it probably why.

The blossoming romances for our two leading ladies were both sweet and expected. I was amused by the misunderstandings and enjoyed the courting element. I didn’t care much for Harriet as a character. I struggled with her choices, even when I had learnt of her reasons. Gabby, understandably was more forgiving but I found myself siding with Elodie on a few occasions.

If you enjoy quick reads, filled with a little romance, mystery and delicious food then this is a book for you!

Author Info:

Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.

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