2.75 stars - This book was incredibly boring for about 80% and I would have DNF’d it if it was not an ARC. The beginning of the story is about Plum, who is one of the cast members on several reality TV shows. She gets her next calling to restore a historical house to glory in France. She goes to France and meets her co-host, falls in love with him…but then, you find out the real reason for the show. She starts falling for her cameraman...a majority of the story didn’t even go into THEIR romance! The story with Elliot was cute, but I feel like we did NOT need all the backstory with Bastien and all the French history. I also enjoyed the betrayal from Kate as well…like that makes for a good story! The last 20% of this book had potential.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, Beth Merlin, and Danielle Modafferi for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinions/review.

Heart Restoration Project by Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi is a solid 3-star read for me. Plum Everly, a reality TV star, heads to France to restore a chateau and reinvent herself. The mix of her modern-day drama with the historical French Resistance backdrop was a bit jarring, and I found myself bored at times—it took longer to finish than I expected.

The descriptions of Chateau Mirabelle and the village were lovely, but I couldn’t connect with Plum, and the romance felt predictable. Plum's journey from scandal to self-discovery had its moments, but overall, it didn’t fully grab me. It's an okay read, just not a standout.

I loved several things about this story! The characters were full of spunk and had great appeal. I liked the rocky start of the relationship between Plum and Elliott and how it grew as they worked together. I loved that Elliott helped Plum figure out her passion in life and how she could fit into her family better. I appreciated that Plum had her parents and sisters' support in her decisions as she found her true self. I didn't care for the story's main plot as much as I did the sub-plot of finding out the history behind Chateau Mirabelle and its precious owners the Andelaises. I would have really enjoyed reading more of that story! The happy ending was the best part of the book with everyone being able to follow their dreams!

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed that this book was set in France and the vibes that came along with that, but I struggled to relate to the main character.

This was a very fun read!! I thought it was heartwarming and sweet! The characters had great chemistry, the pacing was well done, the writing was easy to follow! A good book to recommend to a romance reader!! Well done!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a good read. Although based on a reality show – with all the crazy that involves – actually at its heart is a very moving story about the previous owners of the building which is being restored.

Plum knows nothing but reality shows and knows it may be time to find a way to move on... but then is delighted when one takes her across the Atlantic to rural France. As we watch her wrestle with how to be herself – whether on or off screen – there are many things conspiring to derail her plans. Unexpectedly, Elliott is not one of them, and I really enjoyed how their mutual desire to work out the history of the château gives them a chance to be genuine and, one might even say, become friends.

There are quite a few romances which centre around a reality show, but this one definitely does a good job of changing the narrative and giving the reader more.

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.