A Very French Affair: A feel-good beach read about second chances!

Sue Roberts

Jul 2019 · Bookouture

About this ebook

From Southport to the South of France – this is going to be a summer to remember!

Life just got a whole lot more complicated for thirty-eight-year-old single mum Liv. Her son Jake is practically perfect in every way, but he’s started asking some difficult questions, and the answers lie in a holiday romance twenty years ago. Back when Liv was staying with her aunt on the French Riviera…

 

Returning to the Cote d’Azur, with its white sandy beaches, her supportive aunt, and exquisite wine and cheese is harder than it sounds though. Because – if she’s going to give Jake the answers he needs – Liv knows she has to hunt down her first love Andre. And since she’s a professional baker rather than a professional investigator, she doesn’t even have a clue where to start.

 

At first, finding the one that got away proves even trickier than she thought. And if she succeeds, how will he take the bombshell secret Liv has been keeping? Liv has to do the best thing for her family, but does that mean closing the door on this very French affair?

 

A joyful, laugh-out-loud story about second chances, secrets and sunshine! The perfect summer read for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.

 

Readers love A Very French Affair:

‘Oh my God!!!!... I really loved this book… so good and sweet that it is very hard to leave behind’ The Nerdy Bookarazzi

 

‘Oh my word… I became addicted… I couldn’t get enough… I just couldn’t stop reading… I picked up the book only intending to read a couple of chapters but well over a dozen chapters later, I was still sat there reading… This book has a bit of everything – sorrow, happiness, sadness, drama and a very generous helping of humour and I loved every single bit.’ Ginger Book Geek ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘I thoroughly enjoyed this story!... the perfect story to read on a summer’s day or on a holiday where you can just relax and let the author's words take you away… 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!!’ Donna’s Book Blog ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘Go on your very own French adventure. Well in the pages of this book at least. This is a lovely holiday feel good fabulous read.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘This book was bursting with everything I love… so many laugh out loud moments! So let’s recap: gorgeous setting✔️ delightful characters✔️ strong friendships✔️ sweet romance✔️ tremendous laughs✔️ glorious food✔️’ Audio Killed the Bookmark

 

‘Had me hooked.’ Alicia Reads It

 

‘After reading this book? Well, I was just about ready to book a flight to Nice… captures the spirit of the South of France perfectly… This should absolutely be your next read!’ Walking Through the Pages

 

‘I enjoyed this book for so many reasons… a lovely love story.’ Liana Reads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘The entire book breathes sun, sand and umbrella cocktails… the perfect summer holiday read.’ Reflections of a Swede

 

‘A wonderful holiday read, I would have loved to have read this poolside, in the sun, drinking a cocktail… A truly enjoyable story that kept me thoroughly entertained.’ Rachel’s Random Reads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘The perfect blend of everything I love in this genre… Liv felt like an old friend within minutes… Had me in hysterics… a truly fabulous, laugh-out-loud read that I devoured wholeheartedly. It really was such a fun, uplifting and heart-warming story. Whether you take it on the beach, the plane, the back garden, wherever you go this summer, make sure to have a copy.’ By the Letter Book Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘What can I say... a fabulous, feel-good summer read! I loved every page. The characters came to life and it was a perfect page-turner. Definitely recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘Wonderful light-hearted read. Great for the summer.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘Head over to the most idyllic sounding place in France. Delicious food, tasty cocktails and wonderful baked goodies, add in a little romance and this book has it all… brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer

 

‘Everything that I absolutely love in a book… such a warm and heartfelt story. Without a doubt the ideal book to read while you are enjoying a cool glass of rose while gazing over the Mediterranean Sea.’ Boek in Wonderland

 

‘What a wonderful weekend read… Made me feel I was in France.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘This is such a charming book. The descriptions, the characters, everything just folds into a perfect novel that I had a hard time putting down. Perfect for a beach read, you'll find romance and mouth-watering food descriptions inside.’ NetGalley reviewer

 

‘Sue Roberts writes some of my very favorite chick lit novels and I was swept away by this one! I felt as if I were a part of the book.’ Goodreads reviewer

 

Ratings and reviews

Olivia (Liv) has managed to spend the last twenty years starting her own cake decorating business after leaving teaching, and raising her son Jake who constantly reminds her of the summer love she had in France when she was just 18. Now, with her parents having taken up roving the countryside in a camper-van, and her son returning from Uni with several questions about continuing, she’s convinced that things are all crashing around her, and the plans she had for an orderly and successful future are up in the air. But with her Aunt Genevieve’s needing knee surgery and some care for a few weeks after, as well as a helping hand in her own bakery where Liv learned to love cakes, pastries and pies, she’s decided to head to France to help out, taking one of her best friends with her, and leaving her home business in the capable hands of her assistant, with her son helping out as needed. Of course, because things couldn’t be more complicated for Liv, Jake has expressed what is, to her, the first interest in his father in years. She’s feeling guilty for not connecting the two, even though she didn’t have the first idea where to find André, and she’s not happy that she and Jake have had words. She’s also concerned about his indecision about continuing on with his university course, and while she’s impressed with what he has been knocking up in the kitchen, she can’t help but wonder about the sudden change in his direction, or just what is best for him. From worrying about how to contact André, to actually having to do it, discovering her feelings are still strong, and the memories stirred up by working with her aunt, her aunt’s best friend Lillian and her outrageous (yet very French attitudes) and her discovering the beauty and allure of the countryside – Liv has so much to deal with, and mostly she handles it well. But, explaining Jake’s existence to André and worrying about both reactions: discovering a son and introducing a father, she’s still wondering about her life back in England, and if she can figure out a way to not lose André again, after rediscovering him and her feelings for him. A lovely and sunny story, redolent with the sights, smells and atmosphere of the Cote d’Azur, and full of those moments of family and friends (particularly Jo and her doggie-nemesis Harold) that add richness and texture to a story to make it feel more ‘real’ and grounded. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

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