I loved that France was the setting for this book. The little town's story really captures the core characteristics of such tiny towns. The people's history, closeness to one another, and love of their village and everything that goes along with it. You genuinely do become like family when you stay in these places for more than just a quick visit. This was a great read!

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book

"Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know."
Plum Everly is the youngest daughter of a Kardashian's esque reality tv family, questioning who she is away from the camera and fed up of feeling like the family disappointment. After yet another public fall from grace, she embarks on one final reality TV series; the renovation of an abandoned chateau in Provence. It's sold as opportunity to restore her reputation and show viewers another side to her, to escape the scandalous history she is associated with. What she can't know is that there is a much bigger history to be uncovered and reputation to restore.

With a love triangle set up early on, and several betrayals along the way, this story could easily be written off as a stereotypical "girl meets boy in beautiful setting and finds herself through him" type. For me, this couldn't be further from the truth - there were so many layers to Plum's journey of self-discovery, I really felt I was experiencing it with her. I was surprised by how deeply I connected with her character, I'd expected her to be shallow, a poor little rich girl! But there was warmth and innocence to her, I almost wanted to take her under my wings (typical big sister that I am!). A definite reminder not to judge a book by it's cover!

Without spoiling anything, I thought the parallels between Plum and the village she finds herself in were well written, the history was fascinating and I enjoyed how all the loose threads came together. You wouldn't expect to find a connection between a reality star and world war 2 after all, but it somehow works! The romance feels a little obvious at times, but it actually isn't - while there were inklings of something being off, the twists were surprising.

The only thing I felt lacking was the wider Everly family, I'd have loved for them to have been more involved and to have that wider insight. Plum felt she was an embarrassment to them, how did they really see her?

Thank you to @merlinandmod, Montlake and @NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book - all views are my own 💕

"The Heart Restoration Project," tells the moving story of Plum Everly, a veteran reality TV star, who embarks on a journey of transformation while renovating a chateau in a picturesque French village. The story echoes a classic early 2000s rom-com, complete with romantic twists, small-town charm, humorous cultural clashes, and vivid local culinary descriptions. However, the novel's heart lies in revealing the chateau's history and the lasting impact of its past inhabitants.
Contrary to the anticipated love triangle drama of reality TV, the book presents a profound exploration of the courage exhibited by local families in World War II. This historical backdrop adds depth to the contemporary story, rendering Plum's renovation endeavor and her ensuing personal development profoundly moving.
Yet, some elements fall short of my taste.
In summary, "The Heart Restoration Project" crafts an engaging tale that blends historical richness with personal transformation.

I wanted to like this book when I first read the synopsis. It seemed like it could be a fun story. But I honestly lost interest after the first few chapters and I couldn't really pick it up again even though I tried. The premise for the story was interesting and I believe the main character had potential but I just couldn't seem to find it and the way the story was woven at the start just completely lost my interest. Sadly I have so little time these days that I try to spend it on things that interest me or intrigue me or actually draw me in quite deeply. I may revisit this later but for now, it wasn't my cup of tea.

This was a cute, fun read.
A nice little love story which is easy to ready, and easy to get through in little time.
Perfect beach read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars
My god was I bored to tears. I could not bring myself to care about these characters or the Chateau.
I went in thinking this was going to be a sweet and cute little romance instead I got dumped with so much French resistance history.
And up to about 94% of the book the woe-is-me FMC was with a different guy and only ended up with him because she was lied to and betrayed by the other guy.
Honestly, the only reason I did not DNF and suffered through this was because its an ARC!

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC!

Plum, a reality TV star a la a Kardashian, takes on one more reality show project in hopes to find herself along the way. She eventually does, but their are many ups and downs she must face first.

While this book felt a bit disjointed and drawn out, it was an enjoyable read. I could have done without all the French, and while I understand why it was included, it just took away from the flow of the story.

I enjoyed the history/mystery interspersed throughout and wished for a little more romance between the lead characters.

Plum Everly has grown up on reality TV, with her family starring in one of the original programs. After a wardrobe malfunction denies her the trophy on a Dancing With the Stars-type show and still smarting from the leak of a sex tape, she signs up for a show in France, restoring an old chateau.
She soon falls for the charms of the rather smarmy site foreman Bastien but also forges a bond with the head of production and cameraman Elliott as they investigate the history behind the chateau.
This book ticked all the boxes: burnt-out celebrity looking for redemption; love triangle; a bit of a mystery; and an appealing Provence setting. I was expecting though more scenes along the lines of the fish-out-of-water renovating a historic building.

WHAT IS YOUR REALITY?

Heart Restoration Project is a "Second Chance" story of a woman who needs to restore her own reputation and grabs the opportunity to reinvent herself. Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi have woven together a fun, fast paced story of self discovery and romance with an intriguing component of historical fiction.

Plum Everly grew up on reality tv and after years of playing the part on various shows, she no longer knows who Plum Everly really is. She grabs the chance to spend the summer away from the limelight and in a small French village. Shifting gears as the star of a restoration tv show, she has been promised the chance to be herself instead of playing the part in a scripted "reality show". Although there is a love triangle subplot, the intriguing part of the story is the historical context. When Plum finds hears the history of the chateau, she and her cameraman feel compelled to research the secrets of the past. Along the way, she finds out more hidden truths than she bargained for. Although Marbec is a real French village, the chateau and it's history are fictional. However, this fiction is based on the real Dutch Paris line of the French resistance and its heroes.

I loved the authors' recent The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan"and was thrilled to receive a review copy from the publisher. This book did not disappoint. It was just as enjoyable and I couldn't put it down!

Heart Restoration Project-a standalone

By-Beth Merlin & Danielle Modafferi

Publication date 6/25/24 , read 6/27/24

📃 Page count: 302 kindle

🌎Setting: LA and Provence

Quick Summary: Plum Everly needs to get away from her famous family, her ex boyfriend Rhys, and the paparazzi. She is a D-list star doing any reality TV show that will take her to make ends meet. Jobs have dried up except another reality TV show, to DIY renovate Chateau Mirabelle in France. Reluctantly Plum agrees to film for six weeks where she meets Bastien, a wine maker who knows everything about Mirabelle, and Elliott Schaffer, the head of production. As Plum goes on a self discovery journey she confronts betrayal, her naiveté, and learning to trust again.

🤷🏾‍♀️ What to Expect:

⭐rom-com
⭐️celebrity romance
⭐️ grumpy/sunshine
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️ enemies to lovers
⭐women's fic

🤔 My Thoughts: I wanted more interaction between Plum and her four sisters. She believed she was the family outcast, and with all the family businesses, she could have found her way. Sometimes running away doesn't solve problems, and for Plum they just followed her. Rhys was a nasty piece of work, and she had to learn the hard way with Kate's narrative about her and Bastien. Elliott was the only saving grace for me. He was always honest with Plum and he protected her. They had a rocky start, but as Plum got herself together they made a dynamic team.

Rating: 3.5/5⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 2/5🔥🔥kissing only

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC 💛! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

A reality show star, Plum Everly, is burned out and fed up with her D-list fame. Just as she’s about to ghost Hollywood, she gets a chance to jet off to the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in France. The gig? A DIY restoration project at Château Mirabelle. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it is. But it’s also a journey that’s as much about fixing up Plum’s heart as it is about restoring the old château.

From the get-go, you can feel Plum’s exhaustion with the glitzy yet shallow Hollywood life. She’s been living her entire existence under the harsh glare of reality TV cameras, and let’s be honest, that’s enough to burn anyone out. So, when she lands in the picturesque French village, you can almost hear her sigh of relief. The village folks are warm and welcoming, giving Plum a much-needed sense of belonging she never really found back in the States.

Now, let’s not forget Elliott Schaffer, the head of production with a smile that could melt butter. The chemistry between Plum and Elliott is undeniable and adds a delightful layer of romance to the story. But the real star here is Château Mirabelle. This isn’t just any old building; it’s a relic of courage from World War II, brimming with history and untold stories. The more Plum and Elliott dig into its past, the more they learn about themselves and each other. It’s this blend of historical intrigue and personal discovery that keeps the pages turning.

The novel doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, either. It delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Plum’s journey is one of self-renovation, mirroring the physical restoration of the château. As she peels back the layers of her own life, she starts to see the person she truly is, beyond the scripted drama of reality TV.

What’s fantastic about “Heart Restoration Project” is how it balances wit with enlightenment. The dialogue is sharp and often funny, but there’s a depth to the story that’s really satisfying. Plum’s transformation feels genuine, and by the end, you’re rooting for her to write her own ending, one that’s real and unscripted.

I didn't get this review written before the publishing date, but I absolutely enjoyed this book. If you didn't have a chance to read "Last Photo Booth in Manhattan" put it on your list because it's one of their books too!

What to Expect!
⭐ Second Chances
⭐ Starting over
⭐ Finding yourself
⭐ Reality TV Story Line
⭐ Wine in France
⭐ Historical Themes involving World War II & the Holocaust
⭐ a Touch of romance

This plot I felt gave us an insightful look into what reality TV children struggle with. Something I have always been so curious about. How much of the spotlight do they love? How much do they hate? Who are they really? In this case we get to see some of all of that from Plums story.

Her struggles to find herself is truly something I think ALL of us go through. Especially in our 30s. More now than ever with how much life changed after Covid.

I loved that this book was set in France. The story of the little town featured is so true to what those little villages are like. The closeness of the residents to one another, their history, their love of their village and all that comes with it. When you are emerged in these villages for longer than a tourist stop, you truly do become like family. If you haven't ever had a chance to travel there DO IT! You won't be disappointed! Also who wouldn't LOVE the chance to stay at a Chateau with a vineyard! Château Mirabelle sounds absolutely incredible!!

All that to say, There some more shallow components of this story I didn't love as much. The self sabotaging Plum does to herself feels a bit immature for someone her age. The weird relationship with the building foreman did feel forced and at times I actually felt uncomfortable. It gave me grooming/love bombing vibes. It's a personal trauma thing for me. So it may not bother others as much!

My final note, something I personally loved, was the underlying historical storyline. I was hoping they would mention it in the acknowledgements, but I want to know where it came from. Is it based off a loose true story? Is it derived from another storyline? I would love to hear more about how they decided to intertwine it to the story! Any time history gets intertwined I get pulled in to the overall story deeper!

Synopsis:
"Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know.

Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity arises: a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.

Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself―a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II―that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.

The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing."

Shout out to NetGalley + Montlake for the eARC! I am so grateful to you for allowing me the chance to read this and enjoy it!

The title is spot on because this book truly restored my heart! I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. The beautiful writing immerses you in the story from the start, making it much more than your average summer read. Plum is a relatable character who shows it's okay not to have everything figured out and that finding your passion is incredibly rewarding. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, with a perfect blend of romance and self-discovery. The vivid setting of Provence, with its rich history and mystery, adds an extra layer of charm. This book is a delightful, emotional journey that's perfect for summer reading.

Overall, this was a cute story, but I did find myself wishing that Plum and Elliot had more time in the story focused on their romance, since they ended up being end game. The romance aspect of this book fell flat, which was a shame. The synopsis gives the reader hope for seeing Plum and Elliot's relationship, however, for most of the book, Plum is with someone else. This causes the reader to not really get emotionally invested in Plum and Elliot, and made it seem like officially putting Plum and Elliot together at the end was an afterthought and Elliot was not just there to be a part of the love triangle to only cause tension.

However, I did love reading about the history of the house and of WWII that was included. This saved the book for me and is the reason why I'm rating this 3 stars.

Thank you to Beth Merlin, Montlake, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

Yes! Yes!
The synopsis is what drew me into this book. Give me sweet and a reality star any day! You will not be disappointed with this book!

Heart Restoration Project by Beth Merlin; Danielle Modafferi was a heart-warming story.
Everything about this book was just amazing.

Thank You NetGalley and Montlake for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, Beth Merlin, and Danielle Modafferi for the advanced copy of Heart Restoration Project!

Heart Restoration Project follows Plum, a semi-washed-up reality star, as she navigates next steps in her life. Pressured by her celebrity family, paparazzi, and society, Plum joins a different sort of reality show-- home renovation. Unfortunately for Plum, her reputation as a reality TV star follows her and makes this new project more complicated than she expected.

This book was a very non-traditional romance novel and I loved it. Plum was an incredible main character to follow as she tried to make a name for herself that didn't rely on embarrassing herself in front of millions of viewers or her family's name. There was a very natural course of self-discovery which made reading this book enjoyable.

Though Heart Restoration Project by Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi is marketed as romance, I would say it's more of women's fiction where reality TV star Plum Everly has arrived in French village side to reinvent her messy life through a new home restoration TV show. It's a mix of rom com, drama and historical facts.

Let me tell you what I loved about this book. Plum and the production manager Elliot's adventure to know the history of the chateau from the world war era was the best part. It showed Plum has so many deep and beautiful sides other than the shallow drama princess the world thinks her to be. Elliot misunderstood and judged her too but these trips with little nuggets of history proved him wrong. I definitely loved the whole French country side set up with the amazing people and the cuisine and the nature. The description was very artistic. Plum herself is an amazing character. The Everly family is built like the Kardashians but they are a more wholesome and less vapid one. All her sisters have their own brand but she has been lost. Every time she holds onto something , she is betrayed and hurt. But this project gave her the inspiration and courage and support to be herself.

But what confused and distracted and took away from the beauty of the story is the unnecessary emphasis on Plum's romance with the site foreman Bastien. From Elliot and Plum's first meeting in plane, I thought they are the couple and yes they are but most of the book, we spend time with Bastien and Plum's romance. He was charming and way too sweet and yeah..he ended up being a snake. But except last few chapters, the authors showed their very real affair. I could understand if his appearance was to push Elliot to show his cards but nope..Bastien kind of played the main guy. It only showed Plum's gullible side who ended up trusting the immediately next guy showing her affection and attention..against everyone else's caution. So I didn't feel Plum and Elliot's connection.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

I had a few problems with this book (hence the 3 star rating), but I did have a really enjoyable time overall. The book is categorized as a romance book, but I would recommend it to readers who like romance books that have a strong plot outside of the romance, as much of this book is about our main character finding herself while she uncovers the history of the house she is renovating.

Plum Everly is a celebrity from a reality TV family - think the Kardashians but with a health food fitness lifestyle hippie twist. After having her childhood and adolescence captured on the EVERLYday show, she has struggled to find herself as an adult the same way her siblings have, leading her to feel like the joke or failure of the family. So she takes an opportunity to star in a TV show where she renovates an old French manor, alongside a cast of characters from the French villagers, a handsome project lead and a grumpy camera man.

The first issue I had with the book is the first chapter. It tries to begin with throwing you into the moment - Plum is backstage about to compete in the finals of Dancing With The Stars. Unfortunately, a costume malfunction causes her to lose the finals, which not only humiliates her but puts her in a bad spot financially, as she was really banking on winning the season and the prize money and collaborations that would have come with it. However, something about the chapter and the writing was very awkward, which lead to me putting off this book for ages. Thinking back, it introduces a few characters that never appear again. I think this intro could have worked but we really needed to just focus on Plum and her emotions.

For me, the best part of the book was having Plum and Elliott investigate the history of the house. I appreciated learning a bit more about WWII through the book through this personal lens of one town, one family and one village. I'm not sure if the names of the village or family, etc. are fictional or borrowed, but I appreciated it a lot for being a realistic storyline and an introduction to the Dutch-Paris line (a resistance network that saved hundreds of lives during World War II).

I'm cautious that some romance readers will find the romance in here lacking. Additionally, this is a clean romance with no smut. It reminds me of a cleaner Emily Henry style of writing, one that isn't quite as trendy as the smutty KU style of books that tends to get hyped online. However, I still enjoyed it as I thought the romance was really organic, though I mainly enjoyed this book for the plot and side characters. As the book went on, I thought it painted a really holistic portrait of the town and its history and residents.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Plum Everly is the youngest of a family that became famous on a reality tv show. But making the jump to being an adult hasn’t gone smoothly. She is a low level celebrity and needs to make big changes after an intimate tape of hers is released. Needing a career boost she accepts an offer to star in a DIY reality tv show in France. The project is the restoration of Chateau Mirabelle which is in the Provence region of France.

I love France and am at the moment planning a trip through Provence and this just wetted my appetite for small French villages. This is correctly tagged as general fiction as romance is not the primary focus. It is Plum’s journey, overcoming her past, falling in love with the village of Maubec and her learning the history of the WWII resistors that were in the area. Along the way she is distracted by Bastian who is helping oversee the restoration. And she learns that tv makeovers aren’t as real as she thought. Cameraman Elliott is there to film all of it. Sadly her past mistakes are a big part of the story that she is trying to put behind her but others aren’t as willing.

I loved the village and the history of the chateau. I was less enthused about how much time was spent on Bastian who you know isn’t who she is going to end up with. And if a romance with Elliott is going to be believable it needs to be brought in earlier. The ending felt very rushed. It’s a likable story, but it didn’t really push into higher recommendation levels for me.