Amazon UK
Title: The Little French Guesthouse (La Cour des Roses Book 1)
Author: Helen Pollard
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: 28th April 2016
Rating: 4 Stars
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| Amazon UK |
Sun, croissants and fine wine. Nothing can spoil the perfect holiday. Or can it?
When Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can’t wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they’ve barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner’s cougar wife.
Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gîtes will help keep her mind off her misery.
Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) accountant Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory.
Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quite at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she’s ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday – wouldn’t it?
When Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can’t wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they’ve barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner’s cougar wife.
Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gîtes will help keep her mind off her misery.
Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) accountant Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory.
Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quite at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she’s ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday – wouldn’t it?
La Cour des Roses is the name of the guesthouse that is central to the story and with its warmth of character, picturesque gardens and eccentric owner, its a place I would love to spend more time. Set in the Loire region of France, the guest house attracts people that want to see the wonderful chateau, and experience a taste of quiet French village life.
For one such couple visiting the guesthouse, things aren't quite as smooth sailing, as within pages of starting the book, we discover that Nathan has been caught in flagrante with Gloria the wife of Rupert who owns the guesthouse. All the while Rupert is off to hospital, and Emmy is left with a sense of despair.
When Nathan and Gloria both leave their respective partners, Emmy decides to stay and continue her holiday and as she feels bad for Rupert offers to help him out in the guesthouse. Rupert though being the wily older man that he is, tries his hardest to tempt Emmy into staying for longer and longer, and introduces her to all the wonderful people he knows, in a series of dinners and chance meetings.
I loved the glimpses of village life, and also loved all of Emmyy's ideas for improving the business. The writing of Helen Pollard, really makes you feel part of life in France, and even throws in a few French phrases too. With some cunning older characters, a sexy gardener who is hoping to help Emmy forget about Nathan, and a brand new friend, along with sumptuous descriptions of French food, the author has weaved a wonderful tale.
As far as I'm aware this is the first book in a brand new series, in which case its one I am already looking forward to book two, and would love to go back to La Cour des Roses as soon as possible.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
For one such couple visiting the guesthouse, things aren't quite as smooth sailing, as within pages of starting the book, we discover that Nathan has been caught in flagrante with Gloria the wife of Rupert who owns the guesthouse. All the while Rupert is off to hospital, and Emmy is left with a sense of despair.
When Nathan and Gloria both leave their respective partners, Emmy decides to stay and continue her holiday and as she feels bad for Rupert offers to help him out in the guesthouse. Rupert though being the wily older man that he is, tries his hardest to tempt Emmy into staying for longer and longer, and introduces her to all the wonderful people he knows, in a series of dinners and chance meetings.
I loved the glimpses of village life, and also loved all of Emmyy's ideas for improving the business. The writing of Helen Pollard, really makes you feel part of life in France, and even throws in a few French phrases too. With some cunning older characters, a sexy gardener who is hoping to help Emmy forget about Nathan, and a brand new friend, along with sumptuous descriptions of French food, the author has weaved a wonderful tale.
As far as I'm aware this is the first book in a brand new series, in which case its one I am already looking forward to book two, and would love to go back to La Cour des Roses as soon as possible.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Thank you for the review, Rachel. So glad you enjoyed the book!
ReplyDeleteI really like the sound of this book. The cover is great too.
ReplyDeleteSounds adorable!
ReplyDelete