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Release Date: 18th March 2019 / Publisher: Bookouture

On the beautiful French coast lies the Café Belle Vie, a peaceful haven offering a warm welcome and delicious pains au chocolat – and where Natalie’s quiet life is about to be turned upside down…

When thirty-one-year-old Natalie Bright’s boyfriend dumps her and immediately gets engaged to his ex-girlfriend, she escapes her heartbreak and moves to the charming village of Chamillon on the Île de Ré.

She’s determined to build a new life there: writing about farmer’s markets for a local magazine, exploring the local vineyards on her bike, and taking advantage of the sunshine. And in the Café Belle Vie she finds a bustling community – including new best friend Charlie – and a near-constant supply of cakes.

All in all, things are looking pretty good.

So when a blast from the past – her teenage crush Jay Merino – suddenly turns up in Chamillon, Natalie’s thrown. She’s sworn off men ever since she moved to France, but she and Jay have a connection that stretches back years.

But could taking a chance on an old flame complete her new life – or ruin everything she’s worked so hard for?

A gorgeous rom com full of sunshine, croissants and sparkling romance! Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson, Zara Stoneley and Debbie Macomber.

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My Review

I’ve read so many of this author’s books, so was delighted to see she had a new book out! The cover looked so inviting that I’m sure I saw my name was reserved right there on that table, just waiting for a café au lait and a big plate of croissants!

This story immediately drew me in from the very first page. Having a definite flair for writing books which have me laughing all the way through, this author again has produced the perfect story to put a smile on my face! The characters are equally as wonderful! The main character, Natalie Bright has moved to France to put her broken heart behind her. Luckily, her dad and her best friend live there and this gives her the opportunity to try and get a job writing for the very popular French magazine, Magnifique. When famous actor, Jay Merino turns up to film his latest blockbuster, Natalie remembers how, many years ago, he promised to let her interview him! It would be the perfect scoop for Natalie if he fulfils his promise, but Jay is now shy and retiring and doesn’t like to give interviews!

The relationships between all the different characters was lovely, but I did in particular love the relationship Natalie had with her dad. Her dad was hilarious with his dating disasters, and I loved Natalie’s reaction to his new dating clothes and style! I also liked Natalie’s best friend, Charlie and we were left hanging onto the question of who would be Natalie’s love interest by the end of the book – Charlie was a great candidate, but Jay was equally as worthy as the winner of Natalie’s heart!

The story flowed well and was full of romance, family and laughter! There were so many laugh out loud moments that I lost count of them and the story reeled me in from the very first page! I became so absorbed within the storyline that I forgot where I was until I reappeared back into reality from in between the pages!

As usual with this author, when I turned the last page I was left with a feeling of happiness, contentment and a tiny little bit of frustration that the story was over! Great characters, wonderful storyline and a beautiful location, all of which get your imagination running wild with the picturesque French scenery which was described! Grab yourself a little bit of romantic escapism to France….you won’t regret it!

The Author

Karen Clarke writes romantic comedy novels. Her BEACHSIDE series is set in the fictional seaside town of Shipley and features recurring characters, but each book can be read as a standalone. She is currently working on a new, three-book series set in Devon.

Karen has also written three romcoms with a paranormal twist, all available to download

When she’s not working on her novels, Karen writes short stories for women’s magazines and has had over three hundred published globally. Some of them can be read in her short story collection ‘BEHIND CLOSED DOORS…and other Tales with a Twist’

Karen lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.