The French Gardener was a happy find for me on the crowded shelves of the monthly Library Van. The blurb on the front says: Anyone who likes Joanne Harris or Mary Wesley will love Montefiore’s atmospheric romance. I couldn’t have put it better myself. The plot winds its way round contrasting romances like the shoots of a climbing shrub attaching themselves to ever deeper layers in the reader.
Essentially it is about the relationships amongst a family who move out of the city to a large country house and gardens. The gardens are gradually brought to life as the stories unfold. The book is pure romance with a lifelike feel-good factor. The characters are instantly recognisable, if not always likeable, and the plot leads you on faster and faster as it becomes imperative to see what happens next – an unusual feature for a romance.
If you are looking for some light distraction this is for you; it has the added bonus of leaving some magic behind in your soul.
The book is available in kindle format or secondhand, but well worth the effort of finding it. Marks 8 out of 10. Or maybe 9 because I am a silly old romantic at heart.
I’ve read an old one of hers and greatly enjoyed it. Worth looking for others.
I wish I still liked Romance novels. I am far too serious for my own good. Dianne
PS lost 2 more lbs. Sticking with WW?
Thank you for this recommendation
Usually do not read romance books
Like another who commented
Everything is to give me knowledge
But this sounds good.
Thank you..
Well done, Dianne, I am still counting away but am a bit stuck – probably it will get easier once better weather comes along. That sounds like an excuse but it is the best I have got just now.
Long ago I dropped Joanne Harris from my light reading preferences but I still admit to a secret liking for Ms Wesley. She definitely had something more in the way of fleshing out her characters.
I’ve never heard of Montefiore because I rarely look at the purely romance shelves, perhaps she’s (?) worth an explore?