The French Gardener

2013 BookthefrenchgardenerThe 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.

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5 Responses to The French Gardener

  1. RevRuth says:

    I’ve read an old one of hers and greatly enjoyed it. Worth looking for others.

  2. Dianne says:

    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?

  3. ernestine says:

    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..

  4. freda says:

    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.

  5. friko says:

    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?

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