Book Review - Summer at the Chateau by Jennifer Bohnet

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Title: Summer at the Chateau

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 13th May 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

When Pixie Sampson's husband tragically dies, she inherits the beautiful Château Quiltu in Brittany, Northern France.

But unbeknown to her, she also inherits a mysterious lodger, Justine Martin and her 4-year-old son Ferdie.

Heartbroken and with her adventurous Mum, Gwen in tow, they travel to France to put the Château on the market but are soon drawn into a quest to seek the Château's secrets.

Who is Justine? Why is she living at the Château? How did she know her husband?

Over the Summer months, the Château fills with family and laughter and secrets are discovered and old wounds begin to heal.

How I do love a Jennifer Bohnet novel, without fail I feel transported with a location in France, and feel as though I am really there. 

And with Summer at the Chateau, set in the Brittany countryside, I felt that with abundance.  We get to see the French markets, a gorgeous chateau, and get a feeling for the laidback pace of French country living. 

With Gwen and Pixie being our focal characters, but whether Pixie wants to live in the Chateau forever or just sell it on, now that her beloved Frank has died, is open for discussion. 

I love how Gwen is in her 80s and Pixie in her 60s as its rather refreshing to have two older characters as the leads, and leads to us having many generations of the family present, which really helped bring the story alive. 

And then there is the mystery behind just who Justine Martin is, and why she is living in the cottage in the Chateau's grounds. What was it that Frank had clearly been hiding from his witfe Pixie, while she was still alive.  

There is a whole lot going on in this story, but at the same time it felt like quite a gently paced story, that I was really enjoying.  Once Pixie's family come over to France for part of the summer, I felt the who book picked up a gear and from then on I think I read the second half in one sitting. 

It is just a really enjoyable slice of French life, perfect to have your dreaming of your own escape to the sun, from the comfort of your armchair while at the time of reading it is still impossible. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.