Review: Celebrations at the Chateau

Title: Celebrations at the Chateau

Author: Jo Thomas

Publisher: 28th October 2021 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Corgi

Pages: 386 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary romance, chick lit, culture France

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby.

They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B.

But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think...

My Thoughts

Who do you turn to when you are in search of a ‘breather’ book … you know the type .... one that whisks you away where new ventures are to be had? Jo Thomas of course! And for this trip we are off to rural France. Yup … inheriting and renovating an old French Chateau can now be ticked off my bucket list. Thanks Jo!

‘Reluctantly, I move down the steps, looking back at the stone façade, my hand running down the lichen covered balustrade. At the bottom, I turn back to the château. I’m buzzing with questions and curiosity. I want to see it all. I want to find out who lived there.’

There is just so much to love about a Jo Thomas book … all the requisites are there of course …. idyllic location, gourmet cuisine, romantic love interest … but Jo always adds those extra elements that take this genre to the next level. Firstly, there are a range of loveable (and not so lovable) characters that are sure to keep you entertained - special mention to Jason (teenage nephew) and Charlotte (intimidating 70yo chatelaine). How wonderful to have this cross section of age and storylines! Even the chateau itself is a character - I’m talking to you Boris the Boiler! This obviously brings with it a range of engaging subplots that bring real depth to the narrative. How did the sisters come to inherit the chateau? Can they save and bring back to life the chateau? Will Fliss be able to win over the locals?

‘Some memories shouldn’t be shut away. They should be enjoyed.’ She smiles. ‘Among the bad, there are still good ones that should be celebrated.’

Being in France brings all kinds of reader benefits - everything from apple harvesting and cider making, to cheese making, to life on the land. I love the inclusion of so much French vernacular that I now have some impressive conversational dialogue and credit Jo with once more avoiding that ‘little Britain’ in rural France. 

‘I don’t have a plan B. This has to work. I don’t want to walk away from it. Right now, it’s my happy place. I can’t give up on it.’

I simply adored this refreshing book that had me smiling from cover to cover. Oui! It did! Whilst romantic I believe it is the romance with the chateau that is front and centre on this occasion. Make a subtle start to this festive season (a magical Christmas and Bonne Année for all) with yet another winning feel good escape by Jo Thomas. 

‘It’s beautiful,’ is all I say, as, despite the cold and damp, the ivy creeping round the door, I see how this place must once have been. The original ceiling rose is still in place, with a chandelier and ornate cornices. The craftsmanship that had gone into building the place is stunning. I’m in awe.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.