A new Jo Thomas book is a treat so I was delighted to get a place on the tour to celebrate the publication of her latest festive novel, Celebrations at the Chateau.
The paperback was published on 28th October 2021 by Transworld.
A gloriously feel-good novel about a woman who brings a
French chateau back to life over the most magical time of the year!
When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are
astonished to inherit a French château! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they
excitedly make plans over delicious crêpes and local cider in the nearby town.
But they soon discover the château needs major work, a huge
tax bill is due . . . and there's a sitting tenant, Madame Charlotte Cadieux, to whom they owe a monthly allowance!
Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to
spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B. But why are Jacques - Madame's grandson and the mayor - and the
other townsfolk so hostile? How did Fliss' grandfather come to own the place anyway? And will Jacques and Fliss be
able to put their differences aside to save the château?
It seems like nothing but trouble. But as one year gives way
to the next, it could be a new beginning for them all . . .
A deliciously cosy feel-good read to curl up with this winter!
It's Christmas in a book!' - Katie Fforde
'A scrumptious seasonal treat!' - Heidi Swain
'Sprinkled with Christmas magic!' - Milly Johnson
‘It just wouldn't be Christmas without Jo's book in your
stocking!’ - Jill Mansell
My Thoughts
Jo Thomas has set this novel in the French countryside in a crumbling old chateau on the outskirts of a Village which seems at first to be hostile towards newcomers. There are some marvellous characters amongst the villagers and you can really picture life there. Why they are so suspicious of the new owners of the chateau slowly comes to light. I enjoyed unravelling the mystery about how the chateau came to be in the possession of the sisters along with Fliss.
Fliss has sensed that there is something missing in her life and is at a crossroads in her life. There is a strong theme of starting over and making a fresh start in the story. Being set over the Christmas period means that as the story develops, there is a lovely Christmassy feel and at the New Year, a sense of renewal and new beginnings.
It is a warm, escapist read which involves the reader to the end and is well worth a place on your Christmas reading list.
In short: Starting over and moving on.
About the Author
JO THOMAS worked for many years as a reporter and producer,
including time at Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show.
Jo's debut novel,The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both
the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her
recent book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook and in every
one of her novels Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food
produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three
children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important
and fun part of their family life.
You can read my review of Jo's The Honey Farm on the Hill here
Coming Home to Winter Island here Escape to the French Farmhouse here and Finding Love at the Christmas Market here,
Thanks to Jo Thomas, Transworld and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
Thanks so much for the blog tour support x
ReplyDelete