Freya's French Farmhouse by Daisy James #Review

 

Welcome to Freya's French Farmhouse, the second book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel series and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

Escape to the French Riviera!

After losing her aromatherapy studio in the Blossomwood Bay fire, Freya Farnham finds herself at a loose end, especially when her trusty Renault decides that it’s time to head to the scrapyard in the sky. Now she has no excuse not to agree to her parents’ request to head to the pretty village of Saint-Julien to find out why her late Uncle Toby’s gorgeous French farmhouse isn’t selling, even when the real estate agent, Xavier Deschamps, advertises himself as "the best in the whole of Provence".

As soon as she arrives, Freya realises what the problem is, and so, with the help of handsome local car mechanic Jacques Jordan, she invests her last euro in a kaleidoscope of cleaning products and sets about transforming the drab and dusty dwelling into a chic and shiny château. Little did she know that in the process she would discover more about her family’s history than she bargained for.

Can she come to terms with her past? Or will the demons that have been snapping at her heels since childhood prevent her from seizing the chance to achieve a much-longed-for sense of belonging in the friendly community where she’s treated as one of their own?

Why not join Freya as she explores the lavender-infused Provençal countryside, and enjoy a trip filled with fun, fragrance, and delicious foodie treats with a dash of heart-warming romance thrown in for good measure!

 My Thoughts

The standout part of this story has to be the beautiful French setting. From the chateau to the orangerie to the village, it all sounded stunning and such a temptation to Freya who was there to try to expedite the sale of her late uncle’s property. Through her life, Freya has felt rather abandoned by her parents and then later by her fiancé. What she really yearns for is a home and in Saint-Julien she finds friendship and a purpose.

    The villagers who she meets are a varied lot. They certainly add colour to the story and a little humour. At the centre of the story is a mystery. Just why did Freya’s parents argue with her Uncle and what is the true story about his chateau? This is an interesting story with a gentle romance in the background and an entertaining cast of characters.

In short: Rural France offers food, fun and friendship

About the Author

 

Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations - the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence - so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.

 

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

 

 

You can follow Daisy here: Twitter   |  Facebook  |  Instagram 

Book links:   Amazon UK  |  Amazon US  | 

 

              

Thanks to Daisy James and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

 

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