Book Review - Christmas on the Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet - #HolidayReading Summer 2022

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Title: Christmas on the Riviera

Author: Jennifer Bohnet

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 31st August 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but will the allure of the French Riviera be able to work its magic?

As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon.

Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen.

When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled.

Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations.

With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity.

Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for - or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder?

It's about time too that Jennifer Bohnet finally wrote a Christmas book, and one set on the French Rivera was incredibly welcomed by me. 

 I loved Gabby and Elodie's story and how things seemed to change once they arrived in Antibes and it's surrounding area for a two week Christmas vacation. 

For Gabby it was returning to her past, and it reawakened many memories and feelings in her. 

For Elodie, it offers a chance to break out of her rut., and both of them soon make some wonderful friends. 

Fans of the author will recognise the setting as it has been used before so instantly felt familiar to me and made me happy to see. 

It's a story all about family and forgiveness, and I loved seeing the French Riviera all set up for Christmas, and also a few French traditions sneaking in too. 

It's another truly fabulous book from my favourite author who features France frequently. 

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