Member Reviews
Really funny and enjoyable audiobook.
I was really surprised by how I enjoyed this book. The performance was mesmerizing but I loved the FMC and her journey. The book is really funny and enjoyable.
Merry is just a perfect FMC: funny and impuslive and I truly enjoyed it. The plot was great and it was totally unrealistic at the same time but it worked SO WELL!!!!
I will definitly recomend this book to everyone out there that love romances with vacations envolved!
I love Sarah Readys books- I’m so glad I got one of her books on NetGalley a couple to years ago and now I’m always anticipating the next read!
Cute story, easy to follow, and kept my attention and wanting more!
Can’t get better than a setting in a French castle and Emilie’s to lovers trope! This was romcom that I enjoyed so much. I was all for the chemistry between the main characters and all the side characters as well.
Very cute and light read. Certainly not the most “enemies” in enemies to lovers but I enjoyed the characters and their story. The narrator was also great.
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Audiobook Rating: 5/5
I had absolutely NO idea what to expect from French Holiday by Sarah Ready, but I am so happy I read it because it is a winner and so much dang fun. Merry is a great character and I loved being in her head and seeing the spelling of her name like this. My name is Mary, but I had someone spell it Merry once and I guess now I know why? 🤣 Anyway, I loved the chemistry between Merry and Noah, and the hilarity that ensues by having both of them together in a crumbling castle in France. There were tons of laugh-out-loud moments, but it had plenty of heartwarming and insightful moments as well.
Kelsey Navarro narrates the audiobook, and I can't even properly tell you how much I loved her as the voice of Merry. I thought she fit the character perfectly, and her narration was entirely on pace and well suited for the storyline as a whole. I got quite the kick out of listening to the audio and I would recommend it wholeheartedly. I did not realize that Ready has such an extensive backlist, nor did I realize she is also the author of Josh and Gemma Make a Baby which has been on my TBR for quite some time. I am definitely going to dive in soon though since now I know how much I love her writing. There was even a little bit of mystery to French Holiday and it was a deliciously well-rounded romcom. I highly recommend it to all you romcom lovers out there who would like to go on a little French holiday yourselves. 😉
Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This book was not what I expected, but the storyline kept me invested. The narrators voice made me be able to relate to the female main character and enjoy the story more. This is one of the books that made me not be able to figure out the next turn, which doesn't happen a lot. I very much loved the characters in this book and would recommend anyone to read it or listen to the audio. It is a book that you could pick up again and again to read.
This was a perfect enemies to lovers story. A heartbroken Merry needs a change of scenery and travels to France only to have her escape waylaid by Noah, the last man she wants to see. Sarah Ready then works her storytelling magic to give us a heartfelt romance. From the characters to the castle, I lived it all. (And the audio narration was wonderful too.)
"French Holiday" by Sarah Ready is a delightful escape to the enchanting landscapes of romance. Ready weaves a charming narrative, transporting readers to the heart of a French holiday filled with love, laughter, and unexpected twists. The characters are endearing, and the chemistry between them is palpable, adding depth to the story. The picturesque settings and Ready's vivid descriptions create a dreamy atmosphere, making it easy to get lost in the magic of the tale. "French Holiday" is a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and whimsical romance, offering a sweet respite for those in search of a captivating love story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for accepting my request to read and review this book on NetGalley
French Holiday grabbed my eye due to the stunning pink cover and the “French getaway” idea
I adore books where protagonists take a break from their life and go life somewhere else for a change
I also love unrequited love and slow burns and pining
However, I felt like this book was led by the most immature protagonist, I feel it was also stuffed to the brim with tropes to the point of being ridiculous, and I felt like it was trying to sk TOO MUCH at a time without letting us actually enjoy the romance.
We are led some subplots of ghosts and murder and mystery, of pregnant sisters and missing mothers, of a cheating brother in law and a whole lot more. To be honest once her god mother offered for her to stay in a castle in France for 3 months I already knew I was in for unrealistic.
I think this book could have been more deliberate in what it covered. I think throwing in all the subplots took away from the actual goal of the book. And I think it could have had at-least 100 pages removed.
It wasn’t bad, but I feel like it was unremarkable and unoriginal.
I listened to French Holiday and it was an interesting read, I think? Ultimately, there seemed to be a lot of filler in the book and it seemed like a really spontaneous switch from enemies to lovers. The art story line was cute, but I wish there was more depth to it outside of the last few chapters.
This was my first time diving into this author's world, and let me tell you, it won't be my last. I mean, I couldn't help but burst into laughter several times while I was hooked to this one. It was a total pleasure from start to finish.
The story, well, it's like one of those feel-good romantic tales, and we all know how those usually end. But what makes it a blast is all the good stuff in between. The setting is gorgeous – we're talking the beautiful French countryside, vineyards, picnics, scrumptious food, and a charmingly rundown French mansion with the classic 'only one bed' scenario.
The writing is solid, and there are some scenes that are just downright hilarious. Plus, there's this cool mystery subplot that adds some extra spice to the story. The main characters, Merry and Noah, are a great match, and their chemistry is off the charts. Watching them go from enemies to lovers is a treat, with all the banter, interactions, and their gradual fall for each other. Trust me, this book was a lovely, entertaining ride.
Thank you to the publisher and Negalley for the digital review copy,
It was pretty awesome and had just the correct dose of comedy that was required in a book like this. Would recommend.
I liked the setting and the main characters of the book, but I found the story was just ok. I was annoyed that her friend would have known these murder accusations and still let her get to know Noah. I didn't really care for the mystery, the story with the neighbours or her sisters arc, but the romance was nice. I didn't like that the sister got what she wanted and then was immediately annoyed at new husband for being helpful. Also the fact that they both showed up in France was irritating. I did love the kooky old aunt though she seemed fun.
I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.
Sarah Ready is rapidly becoming my favorite romance author. Her novels are realistic and engaging. This one is no exception. Merry is reeling from her sister's wedding to Merry's one true love. When offered a chance to occupy a French chateau for 3 months, she jumps at the chance for a change of pace. Little does she know that it's already occupied by a man that she really dislikes, the best man at her sister's wedding! The characters in this book are realistic, quirky and there is plenty of humor. The setting is divine--it's like taking a virtual trip. And, it's one of those books you just can't put down until you know how it's going to end. Highest marks to French Holiday!
Thank you NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC, for sending an advance copy of this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was a fun read that reminded me a tiny bit of The Unhoneymooners! Though there were some more serious parts, I liked that this was light and a bit nonsensical. The old creepy castle setting paired with a one bed trope and a mystery element had me hooked. I loved seeing Merry and Noah’s dynamic and their evolving romance. They were both flawed and though the sparks weren’t strong for me, I still found their relationship pretty cute. Overall, this is a light, fun romance read!
One of the strengths of "French Holiday" lies in its vivid descriptions of the French countryside and the castle setting. Sarah Ready's prose transports readers to this enchanting world, making you feel like you're savoring croissants in a quaint bakery or strolling through vineyards at sunset. The setting truly becomes a character in itself.
The plot unfolds with a sense of predictability that is characteristic of the genre, and some readers might see certain plot twists coming from a mile away. However, the book's focus on character development and the evolving dynamics between Merry and Noah make up for any lack of surprises in the storyline.
In "French Holiday," friendship gradually evolves into something deeper, proving that even in the most unexpected places, love can blossom. The characters are relatable, flawed, and endearing, making it easy to root for their happiness.
Overall, "French Holiday" by Sarah Ready is a delightful escape into the world of romance, filled with humor, heart, and the beauty of the French countryside. While it doesn't break new ground in the genre, it's a feel-good read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a craving for croissants. If you're looking for a light and enjoyable romance novel, this one is worth adding to your reading list.
French Holiday by Sarah Ready is a light hearted read, and the narrator does a great job.
Merry's life seems to be coming down around her. The man she is in love with id marrying her sister, and the job she loves lost its shine when she is forced to help with company downsizing. Her godmother suggests she need an escape plan and offers her French Villa. Merry decides to jump at the chance after leaving her job and take a 3 month vacation. Little did she know that her brother in law's friend, Noah, is also staying at the villa. They have not always had the best interactions, but through out the story their friendship, and love grows, especially as Merry is forced to face some uncomfortable truths about herself and those around her.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the copy of the book. All opinions are my own. #sarahready #frenchholiday #NetGalley
I was gifted an Audiobook of this novel; all thoughts are my own.
French Holiday was one of those books that I wished would have ended four hours before when it ended. I had difficulty finishing this audiobook as the characters were hard to connect with, and I felt off the entire time I listened to it. It's a cute storyline, and I am sure the right audience is out there for it, but I was not it. I will try other things by this author.
Tropes:
-Enemies to Lovers
-Forced Proximity
-Slow Burn
I think this was a cute book, I think it was super long however . Some things were just unnecessary to the plot of the story , I did finish it but probably wouldn’t recommend the audio. Maybe just reading it would have been better