Summer in Provence: The perfect escapist feel-good romance from bestseller Lucy Coleman

Lucy Coleman

Apr 2020 · Boldwood Books Ltd

About this ebook

***The Top 10 Bestseller*

'Beautifully written, comforting and utterly uplifting, Lucy Coleman’s stories are the perfect tonic when life is a little grey.' Holly Martin

Is a change as good as a rest?**

When married couple Fern and Aiden have a windfall, their reactions could not be more different. While Fern is content to pay off their mortgage and build a nest egg before starting a family, her husband is set on traveling the world.

Fern’s not much of a back-packer so, before she knows it, the idea of a ‘marriage gap year’ takes shape. And, as Aiden heads off to the wilds of Australia, Fern chooses the more restful Provence for her year out.

Set amidst the glorious French scenery, Château de Vernon offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of normal life, and Fern agrees to help out in return for painting lessons from the owner – renowned, but rather troubled, painter Nico.

As their year unfolds in very different ways, will the time apart transform their marriage, or will it drive Fern and Aiden even further apart...

Let Lucy Coleman whisk you off on a heart-warming, sun-drenched and magical French adventure.
## What readers are saying about Summer in Provence:

'This book really was the perfect read for these difficult times – and I honestly don’t think Lucy Coleman’s writing has ever been better.'

'I really adored this beautiful story. Lucy Coleman’s writing is as breathtakingly beautiful and descriptive as ever, it didn’t fail to hold me captive.'

'I am completely captivated and enchanted by her beautiful prose and her flair in storytelling, and this book won’t be my last for sure!'

'An absolutely riveting story of self-reinvention, independence, family and love.'

'A new Lucy Coleman novel never fails to brighten up my day.'

'An escapist, enjoyable and emotional tale written with plenty of heart.'

'A gripping tale of finding yourself, the unexpected twists and turns of fate, falling in love and finding the courage to go after what you really want in life.'

'A heart-warming, compulsive and terrific read with wonderful characters that come instantly to life and plenty of drama, pathos, humour and charm to keep readers hooked throughout.'

'Lucy Coleman sweeps readers to a magnificent French chateau and will have them laughing, crying and sighing with her latest fabulous page-turner.'

'What an absolutely beautiful book.'

'With its touches of drama, poignancy and romance you enjoy a lovely escape from reality. The ending is full of twists and completes this journey of minds and spirits in a satisfying way.'

'How many times can I say I absolutely love Lucy’s books!'

'Please can I move to Provence and begin a life of relaxation at The Haven? This book is so idyllic and perfect to just submerge into during all the chaos going on in the world at the moment. I couldn't have picked up a more perfect book to read at this time.'

'Lucy Coleman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors... She seems to have a way of making you feel as though you've been transported into her book and you're right there experiencing it all with the characters.'

' I am definitely a huge fan of this author and this is another magical story which is highly deserving of five stars.'

'Some books stay with you after you finish reading and for me this was one of those books.'

'Another truly wonderful book from this author that always manages to make me smile.'

' This one had me hooked, I was able to switch off and escape to a beautiful setting.'

Ratings and reviews

It's that time of year when we've had our fill of chilly mornings, interminable grey days and rain which seems like it will never stop; what's needed more than anything is an injection of sunshine and warmth - and that is exactly what this novel brings. Fern and Aiden are a young, hard-working professional couple; when they have an unexpected cash injection Fern hopes they can bring forward their plans to start a family. Aiden, however, sees it as an opportunity to spread his wings and travel the world. And so begins their year apart, each pursuing their own interests before getting back together again and continuing on with their lives . . . I wasn't quite sure how this was going to work - but work it did. As we follow Fern to Provence, we begin to understand how much she misses her husband, parents and siblings and just how much they each mean to her. In some ways, a year is no time at all whilst in others it's an eternity; her year unfolds at different paces but what clearly shines through is that it's her year. I found this a very comfortable and soothing read; the author really does full justice to the scenic area of Provence, creating a fabulous group of really appealing characters, each with their own history. I can't say I expected where it went - I didn't really expect anything at all, happy to just go with the flow. A novel really worth reading from a writer who understands her characters and lets the story lead the way. I was happy with how it 'ended' - the final bits, wrapping up each character's future, was a nice idea but, for me, unnecessary. A memorable read, and one I'm very happy to give 4.5*.

About the author

Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling romance writer, whose recent novels include Summer in Andalucia. She also writes under the name Linn B. Halton. She won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award and lives in the Welsh Valleys.