Christmas on the Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet #Review

 

I am so happy to be on the tour to celebrate Jennifer Bohnet's festive romance,Christmas on the Riviera,  which was published by Boldwood Books on 31st August. 

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 magic?

 My Thoughts

 I enjoyed how this story focuses on two generations, Elodie and her grandmother, Gabriella, who are both at a crossroads in their lives, and wondering how to make changes. You get to see their differing reactions to life in France. Gabriella, in particular, has a few secrets in her past which she has kept from Elodie. Life in the South of France sounds wonderful and all the festive touches makes it just right for this time of year.

    Motherhood and parenting are important parts of the story across the generations and whether past mistakes can be forgiven and moved on from. This is a gently paced story, with touches of romance but the main focus is on family relationships and making new friendships and moving on. 

In short: family relationships and moving on

About the Author

Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.

You can follow her here: Twitter  | Facebook 

              |  Instagram   |  Website  |  Boldwood Books Author Profile

              |  Jennifer's newsletter   |   Bookbub profile

Book link:  Amazon UK 

 

Thanks to Jennifer Bohnet and Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 Catch up with the rest of the tour!