Book Review: An Escape to Provence

Who didn’t want to escape somewhere during the height of the pandemic? Personally, going anywhere outside the confines of our townhouse was a diversion.

At home in England, author Sophie Claire crafted her pandemic “getaway” by writing her latest novel, An Escape to Provence, about an unlikely love match in the South of France. For an easy-reading dose of literary entertainment, buy a copy of this new book or add it to your book club list.

About the Author

Sophie Claire writes uplifting emotional stories with their heart in Provence, where she spent her childhood summers. Although she is half French, half Scottish, was born in Africa and grew up in England; she felt she didn’t belong anywhere – except in a book’s pages. Perhaps this is why she likes to help her characters find their home, a place in the world where they can be loved for themselves.

Previously, she worked in marketing and proofreading academic papers. Still, writing is what she always considered her ‘real job’, and now she’s delighted to spend her days dreaming up heart-warming contemporary romance stories set in beautiful places.

Find out more at www.sophieclaire.co.uk and on Twitter @SClaireWriter.

Book Review

Set in a small village in the Provencal heartland, An Escape to Provence does not begin as an escape but rather another challenge for high-powered divorce lawyer Daisy Jackson. She leaves her London office to sort out the lack of progress on the house renovations by the elusive contractor Monsieur Laforêt. Ms Jackson is so accustomed to action and juggling priorities she cannot understand why this “excellent” contractor cannot find the time for her job.

Arriving in Provence’s countryside from London, Daisy expected a dramatic change in scenery and temperature. However, she was unprepared for Gabriel Laforêt’s attitude towards her proposed renovation plans of Le Mazet, a rundown farmhouse that she inherited from a distant relative. She discovers that while he was not overwhelmed with work, he had no desire to move forward with her plans. And no other contractor would touch the job.

Accustomed to getting results, Daisy Jackson was like a fish out of water immersed in a hot climate where almost everything closes at lunchtime. Stymied by this man’s lack of interest in the farmhouse work, yet immensely attracted to Gabriel Laforêt, Ms Jackson faces a dilemma on how to proceed. The story unfolds at a measured pace as both parties move slowly away from their hardline beliefs.

Where to Buy it

This book is suitable for anyone who likes an intriguing love story with some built-in escapism. An Escape to Provence is available on Amazon in Kindle, audio and paperback versions.

More books by Sophie Claire:

Summer at the French Olive Grove (2021). Sophie Claire’s effortless writing draws you in and captures your attention while the characters and their story develop. Far from pretty St Pierre, a fictitious seaside village on the Mediterranean, the protagonist Lily Martin is injured while working on her latest film. Lily is running from her past, but is Oliver charming enough to break down the emotional barriers? A heartwarming story that revolves around love, loss, and realizing what is essential in life. Please read our book review here.

In A Forget-Me-Not Summer (2019), Sophie Claire draws upon her childhood memories of Provence. The story revolves around Natasha’s ex, Luc, who asks her to accompany him to France because his sick father has asked to meet her. Natasha loves Chateau Duval and Luc’s large and noisy family. However, as welcoming as the Duvals might be, she knows she doesn’t belong there, and at the end of the two weeks, she’ll have to return to England by herself.

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