Set in a beautiful part of France the story centres around the Château du Cheval where the new owners Peter and Ingrid have to sell off two of the cottages so that they can continue its refurbishment. These are brought by brother and sister Freddie and Sasha hoping to have a fresh start.
There are many people who enjoy the thought of moving to Brittany to enjoy the slower pace of life there, it certainly has its attractions. Of course there are downsides, having to make new friends, making a living etc. This story concentrates more on the personal relationships, with potential romance and bitter exes. A nice, gentle read so not one for those who prefer something faster paced, but certainly one that I certainly did enjoy reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

A simple read with minimal drama, A French Country Escape by Jennifer Bohnet is about a group of people who live on the grounds of Château du Cheval and have some personal issues to deal with.

Summary: Sasha and her brother Freddie buy two cottages in Château du Cheval, France, and move there from England. They meet the owners Ingrid and Peter Chevalier, whose daughter Penny has recently left her abusive ex-boyfriend. There are also many people within the community with varying issues.

Tropes/Genres:
• contemporary fiction
• family
• minimal drama
• set in France

Review: I was utterly confused throughout this book. It felt like the book lacked a direction. I get that it's meant to be about the Chateau and the people living in it, but I got lost in the plot with so many things going on that didn't fit together seamlessly. I knew what was going on, but it felt a bit messy. It was difficult to follow the story when there wasn't a clear direction.

Despite all its flaws, there were still some merits. I thought the book had somewhat cute love stories. The relationship between Sasha and Jean-Paul and that between Penny and Lucas were moderately cute. It's nothing special, but at least there's something. I suppose these relationships intertwine with the whole concept of focusing on life in the Chateau quite well.

I was kind of bored and confused throughout most of the story until the last 25% or so when there was this random thing about the attic. That part was quite interesting, though it felt random to me because I spent the first 75% of the book being confused as to what this story is actually about. I liked the part about Penny and her crazy ex as well. She's really such a strong person! I feel like the whole messy direction thing could've been easily fixed. That's an area for improvement.

There is a lot of French in this book, and I like how the author gives contextual clues to hint to readers about what the phrases may mean without being too obvious about it. That's cool!

Overall, there were too many characters and too much going on. The story seemed all over the place. However, I think readers who like contemporary fiction and a French setting may enjoy this book. I would say this book is simply okay. Nothing special. If you want a relaxing read with minimal drama, here's one for you.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the book.

A quick read about a few women who are looking for new beginnings at a Chateau in France (as one does!). Meeting the locals, settling in, finding new jobs, all in a beautiful local. I enjoyed the story and interwoven characters.

A very easy reading book set in a beautiful setting in France.

Peter and Ingrid Chevalier own a lovely chateau in France, a lifelong dream of theirs, after moving over from England, with land and a few houses on the estate. But the running costs are high and so they decide to sell two cottages on the estate. Sasha and her brother Freddie are looking for a new start, and have some money left to them from their mother, so buy the two cottages next door to one another on the estate and slowly renovate them.

They all slowly become friends, with Freddie helping out on the estate, and Sasha helping out Ingrid with the B&B rooms in the main chateau when she has a fall. There are also plenty of other side characters, Peter & Ingrid's daughter comes to visit to escape a controlling relationship and ends up staying, and there are various love interests for everyone, along with a mystery about Peter's old French family, which he has been researching, but not getting anywhere fast, until a mystery parcel is uncovered and secrets revealed.

Very enjoyable, light-hearted read set in a beautiful sounding setting.

A very shallow story of a British brother and sister who are lucky enough to move to France with seemingly no jobs but apparently no problems with visas which is most unlikely.

There were lots of characters with lots being talked about but very little action. Pages of descriptions of people pouring drinks and opening doors really didn’t hold my attention at all and I’m afraid it was rather boring, the wedding preparations just seemed to go on and on.

An easy read for anyone with nothing better to do. Really not for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley

Freddie and Sasha, a brother and sister, buy two cottages to renovate in France. I loved this story. quick, easy read.

Really enjoyed this book which is the story of Sasha and Freddie who are brother and sister, when they invest their money and buy two cottages on the land of Château du Cheval in France. I have to say reading this book your mind starts to imagine what the chateau and cottages are like when they both start renovations.
Freddie and Sasha soon settle in and quickly find friends in the chateau owners Peter and Ingrid and many others who make up this lovely story. This book was well written and has really lovely characters and was a joy to read.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and publisher Boldwood Books and of course author Jennifer Bohnet for the early read.

If there is a sweet, heartwarming story set in France, I'm there. This story filled in all those adjectives ands more. The lovely scenery, great food and friendships and romance. It was a comforting story told with multi-generations, each one and each generation interesting woven together with love. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is a first by this author but will not be my last! I read this in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.

Cozy, sweet visit to Breton country life🌄

3.5🌟 stars
This was definitely an easy, almost angst-free, story extolling the virtues of country life in Brittany. The almost evenly divided British and French characters are just about all at a crossroads in their lives, emotionally and professionally, and there are four or more subplots of individuals or couples to follow. Siblings Sasha and Freddie, new transplants from England, start the ball rolling by purchasing matching cottages on a French country estate and quickly getting acquainted with other expats and locals while they get their accommodations and work prospects in order. And, of course, romance is involved as well. The romance is subtle, slow-build and sweet.

It's positive and easy to read. There's little drama, Not my favorite Jennifer Bohnet novel, but she really provides lovely descriptions of a way of life and small, supportive community of friends. And she makes it easy for a reader with no knowledge of French to understand all that's discussed.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Sometimes you just need a feel good Hallmarky vibe book. A book you know will have a happy ending, and A French Country Escape did not disappoint.

The characters were lovely, the location, incredible, and I now have a sudden desire to retire in the South of France. And that’s saying a lot for an Italian.

Thanks NetGalley for the e- ARC.

Sasha and her brother Freddie decide to buy two cottages in need of renovation on the grounds of a chateau in France.
After Sasha's divorce and their mother passing away they have been left with money to invest and decide to leave England for a new life in France.
Their only worry is what it will be like to live on the Chateau's estate and will the owners be pleased to have them there or be annoyed at having to sell the cottages in the first place.
Peter and Ingrid who have been renovating the Chateau for a few years had to sell the cottages for money to keep the renovation going. There are looking for more ways to have a steady income from it.
There are also other people who Freddie and Sasha meet who add extra interest to the story and a few four legged friends too.
I love the books that Jennifer Bohnet writes. Sometimes they are set in the French countryside or villages and sometimes in the south of France where the affluent people holiday or have homes. Wherever they are set in France they promise to take you away from all the everyday stuff going on and leave you in beautiful surroundings with lovely people. They are just a joy to read and I wait eagerly for her next one.

A wonderful cosy read to lift your heart! A great storyline set in France with characters you really want to get to know. An interesting read which kept me hooked from start to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Such a wonderful escapist read. A move to France for a fresh start, finding new friends and new relationships as well as reigniting an old career this book has it all in spades. Slightly predictable in places but so warm and cosy your heart will be warmed.

I loved this story of siblings relocating to rural France. From the beginning I was transported into the lives of the characters, centred on a restored chateau. I enjoy novels set in France regardless of genre and I recommend this as an ideàl beach read and makes me want to return to France and explore Brittany.

Sasha and Freddie take the big step to relocate to France and buy cottages on the estate of a Chateau whose owners are trying to build up a business of wedding events etc. A wonderful story of how they and the chateau owners settle into the French way of life. Perfect summer reading.

Peter and Ingrid Chevalier buy the Château du Cheval in rural France, fulfilling a lifelong dream but needing funds for extensive renovations. They decide to sell two cottages on the property, which are purchased by newly divorced Sasha Heath and her brother Freddie, who are looking for a fresh start. The four become friends, and Sasha and Freddie help Peter and Ingrid prepare the château for guests, leading to personal growth and self-discovery for everyone involved. Set against a picturesque French countryside, the story explores themes of second chances, taking risks, and finding happiness. It's a cozy, heartwarming read with a multigenerational cast, offering friendship, light romance, and a feel-good narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer Bohnet’s A French Country Escape is a delightful and heartwarming novel that transports readers to the idyllic French countryside. The story beautifully intertwines the lives of two sets of characters: Peter and Ingrid Chevalier, who have purchased and are renovating the Château du Cheval in Brittany, and siblings Sasha and Freddie Heath, who invest in two cottages on the château’s estate.

This bookl captures the charm of rural France with its lush descriptions and the enchanting atmosphere of village life. Bohnet skillfully portrays the challenges and rewards of starting anew, blending gentle romance with themes of personal growth and community. The characters are relatable and endearing, making their journey of renovation and reinvention both engaging and uplifting.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Not much in the way of conflict, but written in such a way that my attention was held. I love stories set around Chateau life, and simply finding out how the business developed was interesting. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"A French Country Escape" is a charming contemporary novel that blends elements of lifestyle change, property renovation, and gentle romance in the picturesque setting of rural France. The story follows two sets of characters: Peter and Ingrid Chevalier, who have purchased and are renovating the Château du Cheval, and siblings Sasha and Freddie Heath, who buy cottages on the château's estate.

The novel skillfully intertwines these storylines, creating a rich tapestry of experiences centered around the theme of new beginnings. The author appears to have captured the allure of the French countryside, likely providing vivid descriptions that transport readers to Brittany's pastoral landscapes.

One of the book's strengths seems to be its exploration of the challenges and rewards of pursuing a dream. The Chevaliers' struggle to make their château sustainable and the Heath siblings' adventure in property investment add realistic tension to what could otherwise be an overly idyllic narrative.

The mention of Peter's untraced French ancestry adds an intriguing element of mystery and personal identity to the story. This subplot likely provides depth to Peter's character and his connection to the château.

While the book is described as uplifting, it doesn't shy away from potential obstacles, suggesting a well-balanced narrative that acknowledges both the romance and the reality of starting anew in a foreign country.

The novel appears to cater well to fans of lifestyle change stories, offering a vicarious experience of French country living. It likely appeals to readers who enjoy gentle, character-driven narratives with a focus on personal growth and community.

Comparisons to Jill Mansell and Fern Britton suggest that the book offers a warm, feel-good atmosphere with relatable characters and light-hearted moments, while still addressing meaningful life changes and relationships.

Overall, "A French Country Escape" promises to be an engaging, uplifting read that combines the charm of French rural life with themes of renewal, community, and the pursuit of dreams. It's likely to satisfy readers looking for a cozy escape into the world of French country living, property renovation, and personal reinvention.