This book was so beautiful. It was fun, funny, gave me a travel bug of course, and I loved the relationships. There is nothing about this book that wasn’t good. The story was phenomenal and the characters felt so real. Plum is so lovely and her struggle with anxiety is relatable. Bastian is a hunk, Elliot is a grumpy sweetheart, and Plums family and friends that she makes along the way are so interesting I could read 1,000 more pages. What a lovely book that left my heart so happy.

Wow! 🇫🇷 This book was incredible. I’ve just finished reading and I have tears in my eyes, it was beautiful. It hooked me immediately from the first few pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic side but the historical side was enthralling. There was a couple of little surprises that I didn’t expect. Plum’s character development is enjoyable to be part of and all the characters are written so well and you can feel who they are in how they are described and how they interact with Plum. I throughly enjoyed this and am sad it has come to an end. I could read a whole series about more Heart Restoration Projects and the histories uncovered.

2.5 Stars Rounded Up to 3

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it seems shallow in exploring a reality show star’s attempt to find redemption for poor career choices. Then in contrast, it delves into a historic town whose residents displayed extreme bravery and selflessness in the French Resistance during WWII. The juxtaposition of two such diverse themes was confusing as to the authors’ intent. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that I felt invested in the outcome.

Plum Everly, the youngest of five daughters, began her career at age eleven when her parents signed on for a family reality show. In the subsequent years, the family brand grew into multiple successful businesses and fame. However, Plum, now an adult, struggled to find her place, her passion, and stumbled from one ridiculous reality series after another. Her fame became infamy when a sex tape starring Plum and her long-time boyfriend was leaked. Desperate to reset the trajectory of her failing career, she accepts an offer to star in another reality series – this one focusing on the renovation of a chateau in the Provence region of France.

The descriptions of Chateau Mirabelle, the small town and the surrounding countryside are evocative and inspiring. I wish I could say the same for the character development. I never felt connected with Plum’s dilemmas and the love interests felt formulaic and thus predictable. I appreciated Plum’s shift from seeing herself as a victim to a strong woman with clear values, but overall, this is not a book I would recommend.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Plum Everly is a reality TV Star and has been for many years. She is burned out and head to Provence France for a bit of R&R. However, she has an opportunity to do a DYI reality project. Once she arrives and meets everyone and the townsfolk who are super welcoming. Elliot who is head of production and the project for Plum to renovate is a chateau know as Mirabelle and dates back to World War II. This is a historic chateau and knows as a Symbol of Courage. With so much history involved the show isn’t just renovating but it has to be restored properly.
This book not only focuses on how two restore the old girl back to her glory but there is also a story with Plum and Elliot and maybe a romance. Each of the characters have so much more to work out personally and now with each other. This is such a heartwarming story of love and new beginnings . It was like a make over for the heart and soul.

"Heart Restoration Project" takes readers on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of France, where reality TV star Plum Everly finds herself amidst a unique opportunity for self-discovery and renewal. Tasked with the restoration of Château Mirabelle, Plum finds herself renovating the historical landmark, alongside Elliott Schaffer, the charismatic head of production. Plum navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery, as she uncovers layers of resilience and courage that resonate deeply with her quest for authenticity.

What sets "Heart Restoration Project" apart is its ability to infuse warmth and wit. Through Plum's witty narration and engaging interactions with the eclectic cast of characters, the novel strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and introspection. As Plum learns to embrace her true self and rewrite her narrative, readers are inspired to reflect on their capacity for growth and transformation.

Overall, "Heart Restoration Project" is a charming and uplifting tale that reminds us of the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances.

Personally, I did find that the banter did fall flat. But with its warm setting, endearing characters, and heartfelt storytelling, this novel is sure to provide a lighthearted escape for the readers.

This was such a sweet read.

Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a staple in the reality TV genre, whos is quickly fading into obscurity. When an offer to do a show in Provence, to restore Chateau Mirabelle, she jumps at the chnace, quickly sold by the idea that she will finally get to show the world who the real Plum Everly is. The only isuue is: she doesn't know exactly who that is. The more she finds out about the chateau, the more she becomes invested, and the more determined she is that this time, the world will see the real her.

This was a really enjoyable read. The descriptions of everything was so rich, that it really transports you to Provence, and it made me want to see it all for myself. The way it's made to look, feel and even smell was so detailed, that there were times I felt like I was lost there, which is one of my favourite things when reading. The characters were well written, even if for most of the book I had a deep mistrust of Bastien. (Sometimes when characters are too good to be true, run away.)

Plum was a really interesting character for me. The way that she is always aware that she doesn't fit the mould of her family, but doesn't make that her entire personality makes it more enjoyable. She might not know who she is, but the subtle suggestions throughout, the way that she almost without thinking uses her phone to capture things and knows how she wants things to look is really fascinating, The way her story ends makes perfect sense, and made me happy.

I wasn't entirely sold on the romance aspect, which for me was a shame, beacuse romance is my favourite genre to read, it felt a little bit insta-love which some people enjoy, but for me personally I'm not a massive fan, but it had some really sweet moments. I also am not a massive fan of love triangles, but again just because it isn't my favourite trope doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable to read.

I found myself far more interested in the history of Chateau Mirabelle, and I almost feel like that was the point, the show is sold as a restoration home make over show, but as the characters find out more about the role the chateau had in World War II, the more I wanted to know, (a lot of that is probably just my fascination and history in general), and when Plum has an idea to take the show in a different direction I was really rooting for her.

Overall, I really enjoyed Heart Restoration Project, I just always wanted a little more from it. 3 Stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake, for the opportunity to read this early copy. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Montclair for an advanced copy of this ebook.

This book definitely gave Hallmark movie vibes, so if that’s your jam, this may be a book for you. I liked the premise of a burnt out reality tv star going to France for a refreshing project, and the story definitely had some interesting developments. I also really enjoyed some of the imagery of the Provence, France setting. Overall, though, I just had a hard time connecting with the plot and didn’t really feel too invested in the characters. It just wasn’t necessarily the book for me. I tend to like a little more intense romance and this was lighter in that area. Again, Hallmark lovers rejoice, this could be your next favorite read.

I devoured this in one sitting! Very fun, easy to read romance that was engaging with great characters. I enjoyed the wit and the setting as well.

🌟Sunshine/Grumpy
🌟Forced Proximity
🌟Played the Fool
🌟Lies
🌟Reality TV Show
🌟Desire to be Known
🌟🌶 1/5


Heart Restoration Project was a sweet, funny, and charming read that I truly enjoyed.

Plum wants to break free from the public’s perception of who she is. Having spent the majority of her life before the camera on Reality TV 📺, Plum is looking for new opportunities to showcase her true self. A leaked sex tape 📼 with her long term, but now ex, and appearing in a string of reality shows such as Star Spy House 🏠 , Celebrity Spelunking, and Celebrity Ballroom 💃🏼has left her feeling like a punchline.

It seems like the tides 🌊are turning when an opportunity to appear in a new reality show, Heart Restoration Project, comes her way. Plum would be the star ⭐️ , restoring an old château in France. Finally a show with substance. This is her opportunity to begin crafting her own redemption arc.

The handsome production supervisor, Elliott, knows very well who she is and has already crafted opinions about her character. Her very sexy French 🇫🇷 costar, Bastien, will serve as a nice distraction from Elliott’s cool aloofness. But this is reality TV, and it can be very tricky to distinguish between what is real and what is not.

France will offer Plum opportunities to explore what it means to be liberated from the past, and how to see beyond the narratives written about herself, and even ones she has crafted for others.
Her trust will be tested and breached, her heart crushed. But she is starting to write a new future for herself. One that she intends will include meaning, purpose, and ultimately love ❤️

Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While Heart Restoration Project might not have been my cup of tea, it definitely will be someone's. Personally, I would have preferred if the book focused more on the side story of finding out about the history of Chateau Mirabelle, rather than the so-called restoration of the chateau and Plum's relationship with Bastien. I don't think I ever really understood what Plum's role in the restoration was? To be honest, the naivety of Plum was also a real issue for me, as she took everything at face value despite the fact she was 'betrayed' (her words) so recently. I also found Plum to be a bit of a hypocrite, as she bemoaned about her family's success, but took advantage of it when it suited her.

I did however really enjoy the history and story around Chateau Mirabelle - I think I just would have appreciated it coming in sooner. Plum's realisation of her naivety at 72% was a God-send, and I was glad that Plum developed enough to see the issue with her trusting everyone's stories without listening to her gut instinct. The writing allowed the book to have a good pace, and it's an easily readable book.

The cover has one of those pick me, read me about it as that it stands out against all the other books on offer but that were it ends. I loved the outline of the book, being in France but I just couldn't get into it although I did finish it. I just felt the writing was lackluster and boring in places. Maybe it be a success for her but for me, especially as its written by two people, it a no from me.

I think this is a good book but it’s just not a book for me personally so while I could not get into this book (which is why my rating is low) I can see this being a book for other people.

Did not finish unfortunately couldn’t quite get past the writing and the cookie cutter characters personally just not the vibe for me maybe if you like something a little more lighthearted this is for you (rhys is a pos) and the names were just a little laughable to me I mean ?plum?

Very good easy read, short one also. This one is your basic romance but with aome what of a twist. The main character is a reality Tv star who is slowly falling from the lime light. She gwts offered a home reconstruction gig and she takes it to attempt and fall back into the spotlight. She slowly is finding herself again through the process and is able to write her own story. Overall it's a fun romance read!

Plum has spent her life as a reality TV star, except unlike her equally famous parents and sisters who parlayed their fame into lucrative businesses, that well has run dry. Broke and no one interested in hiring her, thanks to her ex-boyfriend releasing a sex tape, she's got no choice but to take an unpaid reality show restoring a crumbling chateau in a small village in France. Along the way she deals with a the grumpy producer who believes that she's spoiled and rich, a very hunky French interior designer who seems very interested in her and a town mystery involving the chateau.

You'll have to suspend disbelief that Plum and the TV producers encounter no French bureaucracy to renovate a crumbling, heritage chateau in such a small amount of time (these things take years in real life). But this was such a fun and easy breezy read, that you won't care. Plum's journey of self-discovery to find her passions and direction in life was a lot of fun. She was actually a lot smarter and aware than everyone gave her credit for, so I loved how she stepped in to direct shots herself and find a way to create and chase her own dreams. A solid read for anyone looking for escapist, romantic fiction.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC.

What a delight! I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as i did. The first few chapters felt like a cheesy cookie-cutter rom com book but i was still enjoying it, i wanted to read something light and fun, but i was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth of the main character as the story developed. Plum Everly was so much more than meets the eye, just like this book, you think you have it figured out and then it surprises you with so much more emotion.
I loved the third act twist about Bastien and Kate, I was sure something sus was happening and i literally couldn’t stop reading. Elliot and Plum were definitely a slow burn and I just wished this book was a little bit longer so I’d enjoy reading more about them together. This book had soul and it was heartwarming and as someone who is still figuring out what to do with my life i felt so deeply what plum was going through.
I’d recommend this to anyone that wants something short and sweet with so much more than meets the eye.

The cover made me pick this book. It was a cute short story though nothing remarkable. The plot was kinda predictable but overall it was nice, though I wished there was more romance because it certainly didn’t feel like one.

3.75 stars!

Cute story! Nothing really stands out in terms of negatives for me but also nothing stands out that I'm like wow this is amazing! This was short, cute, sweet and had decent dialogue. Would be interested to see in what the authors write next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

(3.75 stars) A heartfelt story of a woman finding herself and her way forward by diving into the past.

Heart Restoration Project follows Plum Everly, a longtime reality TV star, as she takes on a new project renovating a chateau in a small French town. It reminded me of early 2000’s romantic comedies in the best way. There’s romance, small town charm, foreign language mishaps, and mouthwatering descriptions of delicious food, but the book’s true strength comes from unearthing the rich, important history of the chateau and the people connected to it.

I anticipated that a majority of the plot would focus on a love triangle and the reality show, and to some extent that is what it is, but within that framework you also get to learn about the bravery and strength the town’s families showed during World War II. The secrets of the past are still affecting the present. It’s rewarding to see Plum restore not only the heart of the town, but her own confidence and reputation.

As much as I truly enjoyed reading this, some aspects feel like they’re just shy of hitting their full potential. The romance feels almost like a subplot by the end and, while I didn’t mind, I think I may have been disappointed if that’s what I was most looking forward to. The pacing really hits its stride once we get to France, but the beginning set up is a little chaotic. There’s a lot going on, a lot of backstory to establish, and it felt a little rushed to me. The book has a ton of pop culture references that pulled me out of the story. Intentionally setting this in the real world made me think more critically about the accuracy of home renovation, the region in France, and the making of a reality TV show. I think it would have been beneficial to replace these with made up references so this world could exist in its own bubble. I can’t speak for the accuracy of the French dialogue but there is a lot of it and a French town of the same name does exist but the one in the book seems fairly fictional.

Overall, Heart Restoration Project has fun romcom energy in a beautiful setting with charming side characters and an unexpectedly deep plot. With great character development and a few surprises, it would make an excellent vacation read.

This book was fun, sweet and engaging. There’s great chemistry between the two main characters and snappy dialogue.