Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this book. This is about Naomi, whose life has gone downhill since her husband Ollie filed for divorce last Christmas, she has lost interest in Christmas, her job and has no hobbies. He best friend Mia invites her to come to her family Chateau in the Swiss Alps. She decides to go. She doesn't know about Mia's brother Gabriel being there. She met him when he came to visit MIa at the university and she connected with him and then he left without a word. Will they reconnect.? Mia is handling the Christmas Ball planning as the scheduled planner can't do it. So Naomi volunteers to help her and ends up spending a lot of time with Gabriel. See what happens. I can tell you this much Naomi finds out she would rather do Care law and not Corporate law. A VERY GOOD READ.
I have never read a book by this author before so was unsure what to expect.
This story follows Naomi, who recently split from her husband and is facing a lonely Christmas. Her best friend, Mia, invites her to spend Christmas with her in the Swiss alps.
It was a cute, lightweight read that I easily finished in an hour.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.
Christmas at the Chateau is a wonderful festive read. The story is about Naomi Winters, who is going through a divorce and is invited by her best friend Mia to visit her in the Swiss alps.
The chateau and location was so beautifully described, I felt like I was there. It's a small town and a lovely sense of community. It really made me feel festive.
It's the perfect read to curl up under a blanket with a hot chocolate this holiday season.
4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
An absolutely delightful Christmas novel, wonderful characters, glorious Swiss setting with chateau and all the trimmings of a white Christmas.
I loved the second book in Annabel French's Chateau series as much as the first one! I admit, I started reading Christmas at the Chateau when it was twenty seven degrees celsius outside but the descriptions of the beautiful snow covered scenery in Switzerland had me imagining it clearly. And by the time I finished the book, the colder weather had returned and I was looking forward to cosy nights in with hot chocolate! 😂
Christmas at the Chateau follows Naomi Winters who is going through a tough divorce with her ex, causing her to lose her love of Christmas. However, rather than allow her to stay at home alone, Naomi's best friend Mia invites her to the Swiss Alps to stay in the large chateau she and her family have restored into a luxurious hotel. When she arrives, Naomi is surprised to discover Mia's brother Gabriel there too, and his presence brings back old feelings she thought she'd gotten over. Can she rediscover her happiness as well as her love for Christmas? 💕
This is such a lovely book, exactly the kind I need at Christmas! I liked not only Naomi and Gabriel's relationship development, but also seeing how close Naomi and Mia were - I enjoy strong friendships in books too! I also love small towns and the sense of community here was nice, especially at Christmas.
The descriptions of the scenery were beautiful and I could just picture the snowy mountains and trees, as well as the Christmas markets and all the incredible food and drink mentioned!
The perfect book to get lost in for a few hours and to get you feeling Christmassy! 🌲❄️
Thank you to Annabel French, Avon UK/Harper Collins UK, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. 💕
Naomi has been invited to spend Christmas with her best friend Mia at the family chateau in Switzerland. She is going through a divorce and needs a bit of downtime.
Annabel French has definitely captured the essence of Christmas in her second book.
The Christmas markets, the food and drink, and of course all that snow. It just makes me want to visit, although I'll give the skiing a miss.
Decisions to be made, a family fued to get over and make up and not forgetting a Christmas romance.
Perfect read for curling up on the sofa with a blanket and a decadent hot chocolate. This is definitely a winner.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.
A beautifully written heartwarming romance that transports you right to the heart of the most magical of Christmas’s - a snow covered chalet, a lovely community and a gorgeous tummy flip worthy man. The Relatable characters, beautiful setting and romance combined with a dash of intrigue make you want to keep the pages turning. Exploring themes of self-discovery, forgiveness and second chances, the story is one we can all relate to and stays with you long after the last page.
The story itself is beautifully written, the vivid descriptions conjuring up a festive and magical atmosphere and make you feel you are there. The romantic element explores the theme of a second chance at first love. The mystery behind why the relationship failed first time round keeps the pages turning and although the eventual union is predictable the journey to get there is not with plenty of tummy tumbles and heart warming moments along the way. The characters themselves are brilliantly rendered and relatable and as such really draw you in.
All in all it the perfect Christmas read with romance, friendship, community spirit all wrapped up in the most perfect snowy setting. I absolutely loved every word - my only criticism is it’s too short - and I’d highly recommend it. It is a perfect piece of cosy Christmas romantic escapism, as comforting as a roaring fire on a freezing cold day and one not to be missed. If you enjoy reading Heidi Swain, Lucy Coleman, Karen Swan you will love this book!
5 Beaming Stars!
Lovely! Lovely! Lovely!
"Christmas at the Chateau" by Annabel French is a must read for the holidays! The author does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of Christmas through descriptive details that created floating images in my mind. It was not hard to 'fall in deep interest' with every scene that seamlessly unfolded. The writing was effortless... it is a little more advanced than some of the typical romances I've encountered, and in stating such, I hope it entices you to take a chance on this author.
I connected with the characters as they were each humanized by the author. I felt the emotions that roamed unwelcomed in Naomi's mind and heart regarding her bitter divorce from Ollie. When she reconnected with a past love, Gabriel, her best friend's brother, I knew that hope for a new beginning was going to transpire for Naomi. A hope that as a reader, I really wanted to see blossom to fruition for the love interests.
It was a heartwarming journey that touched my heart. Personal growth was evident and enriched the plot.
The cover is absolutely beautiful! It's chic and stunning!
I extend a warm thank you to Annabel French, NetGalley and Avon Books UK for granting me an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
As you can surmise, I truly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it for your holiday reading list. The anticipated publication date is October 12, 2023.
(Kindly note this review was posted on my Goodreads & Instagram account.)
Naomi and Ollie...together or apart forever. Romance...curl up in a comfy chair, grab a warm blanket, a cup of steaming herbal tea...escape to the the chateau...enjoy Christmas. These realistic characters keep this novel moving quickly. This is fun. Take some timed and be transported to Christmas at the Chateau...enjoy the journey. Thanks to Netgalley.
I enjoyed this story about Gabriel and Naomi. One memorable night many years ago, and then they find themselves forced to see each other again many years later at a Chateau being renovated by sister and best friend Mia. I enjoyed this story of growth and love, friendship and forgiveness.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon/HarperCollins Publishers for a copy of "Christmas at the Chateau" in exchange for my honest review.
Naomi Winters is going through a rather bitter divorce with her husband Ollie. At the solicitors office Ollie seems to want to be petty and asks for the majority of the contents of their home. Naomi's best friend Mia Mathis runs a chateau in Switzerland and insists that she spend the holidays with her. Naomi doesn't realize that Mia's brother Gabriel will also be there. Something happened between them in the past when he visited Mia at uni and it has never been spoken of.
There are some hilarious moments when Naomi decides to learn how to ski. The times she visits the Christmas Market you can almost smell the delicious food that Ms. French is describing and all the beautiful decorations.
Naomi is very insecure because she was given up for adoption as a child and she had lived her entire life with the fear that one day her wonderful and supportive adoptive parents will return her and not want her any more. She became obsessed with material things that she couldn't afford growing up. She had love but not a lot of money. Perhaps that is why she was with Ollie - because of the security he gave her financially. It never sounded like they were in love when she thought about him.
Helping Mia with the community Christmas gala helps Naomi realize what is important in life and what changes will make her happy. She realizes that corporate law has not been where her heart has been for a long time. A chance encounter at the Market gives her an idea of what will truly make her happy.
A good heartwarming Christmas tale set in the Swiss Alps around a luxury hotel. Plenty of snow and sparkle with wonderful descriptions of local dishes plus lots of hot chocolate. The main character, Naomi, is a little irritating at times whilst having an enormous chip on her shoulder from being adopted which was rather drawn out at times and being rather impetuous and self centered. I loved the local characters from the village particularly Alina. A perfect read for the festive season.
I have never read a book by Annabel French before so was unsure what to expect but I absolutely loved it.
The story is all about Naomi Winters who has split up from her husband and is facing a lonely Christmas until her best friend Mia invites her to spend the season with her in the Swiss alps.The setting was so magical and festive and I really felt like I was there even though it’s currently 27 degrees outside.
I loved all the characters apart from one(no spoilers) and loved the romance.
Overall a fantastic romantic Christmas story which I would definitely recommend and I cannot wait to start reading Summer at the Chateau which I have just ordered.
Thanks to Netgalley, Avon books UK and Annabel French for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
Awww lovely, a good romance for a slice of escapism at the turn of a page! I can't wait for this to come out and for y'all to lose your minds. if you had doubts about preordering, don't. you're going to want to read this one.
Naomi Winters, who is going through a difficult time in her life, including a recent divorce. So when her best friend, Mia, invites her to spend Christmas at her chateau in the Swiss Alps she jumps at the chance. However, Naomi is unexpectedly reunited with Mia's brother, Gabriel, after fifteen years.
With a picturesque setting and the promise of a potential romance rekindling, this is an uplifting second-chance love story.
This was a lovely read. Intense at times. . I loved all the Swiss descriptions of the food. Strange how people are not what they seem. Made you want to spend Christmas in. Swiss chalet. There are some good story lines that make you realise your child hood can affect how you are . I won’t spoil it by saying too much. You had a very cute large dog, helpful locals, amazing descriptions of Christmas decorations . A deep love element and an amazing best friend. Read it.
Did you know that Annabel French is the penname that Katie Ginger uses when she writes escapist romantic fiction set in dreamy locations?! I was surprised to learn this!
I absolutely loved Summer at the Chateau and was looking forward to another armchair travel.
The female protagonist, Naomi Winters, is heading towards Christmas with a heavy heart. When she’s invited to Le Petit Chateau in Switzerland by her friend, she accepts, hoping that getting the hotel ready for visitors and opening day will keep her mind off her challenges. With days full of organizing, ski lessons and men vying for attention, Naomi’s Christmas outlook is beginning to improve.
You’ll have to read about how the magic of Christmas descended on one little Swiss alpine village and brought healing to a broken heart.
I loved the farting Alaskan Malamute! I was snorting aloud before realizing that it was the wee hours of the morning and I could potentially wake my husband. It more than made up for the anger I felt with numskull Ollie or the ‘let me put a firecracker under you’ Gabriel. Don’t get me wrong, I love it when characters get under my skin and French crafts great characters with great arcs.
This was a lovely addition to the series and I can’t wait for another installment.
I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.