Literary Escape to Magical France: 6 Books for a Summer Reading List

Let the scent of lavender and the bustle of French boulevards spark your summer reading wanderlust. These six books whisk you away to Provence, Paris, and the French Riviera during WWII. To order, click on the book titles or covers.

Romantic Fiction

Carol Drinkwater: One Summer in Provence, A Season of Surprises

Set amid the fiery red soils of the Estérel mountains, this novel invites you into the entwined lives of Celia and Dominic Grey at Les Roches du Soleil, their secluded vineyard between the Var and Alpes-Maritimes. Though tucked away, the vineyard’s closeness to the sparkling Mediterranean and glamorous cities like Nice and Cannes adds layers of intrigue. Discover more in our book review.

Gillian Harvey: Little Provence Book Shop

Adeline, a single mother yearning for a fresh start, escapes London with her five-year-old daughter Lilli to the peaceful Provencal village of St. Vianne. Working in a charming bookshop, she meets Monique, the perceptive owner who left Paris to make a difference. Monique’s knack for matching readers with life-changing stories soon shapes both their journeys. Read our book review for more details.

Patricia Sands: The French Effect

Patricia Sands welcomes you to savour the subtleties of French culture and everyday magic in the City of Lights. Her heartfelt tale of self-discovery brims with friendship, romance, and the transformative power of Paris and the French countryside. Explore our book review for a deeper look.

Memoirs

Gayle Padgett: Pleasures of Provence: A Quest for the Secret to Joie de Vivre in La Belle France

This memoir goes beyond the typical travelogue, painting a witty and affectionate portrait of Provence. Instead of a standard guidebook, it tempts readers to jot down must-see spots and imagine sumptuous French feasts. Overflowing with la belle vie, it enchants anyone who loves France, gourmet delights, and the art of joyful living. Dive into our book review and author interview.

Kristin Espinasse: A Year in a French Life, Volume 2

Kristin Espinasse offers another window into life in the South of France, welcoming readers into the daily adventures and honest moments of expat living. Her stories brim with the quirks and laughter of adapting to French ways. In Volume 2, her daughter Jacqueline brings fresh insight to French Word-a-Day, making their shared journey even richer. Discover more about this special mother-daughter duo in our book review.

Historical Fiction

Susan McDonald: The Lost Children

Susan McDonald’s debut launches a gripping trilogy set amid the hardships faced by those on the French Riviera during World War II. While much of Europe was in turmoil, some coastal communities seemed untouched, though danger often lurked beneath the surface. Our book review delves deeper into her captivating storytelling.

Happy Summer Reading!

Set off on a literary journey through Provence and beyond with these enchanting books, letting each story sweep you to sunlit landscapes, Parisian allure, and the shadowed past of WWII-era Southern France. Find these titles at libraries or your favourite booksellers, including Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but your price remains unchanged.

Discover More Books to Read!

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Full day Wine Tour with the sommelier-guide and 3 winery visits

Discover one of the most famous red wine-producing areas of France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with this wine tour! You will start the day with the discovery of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its history.

Book this Experience

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).