One Summer in Provence by Carol Drinkwater: A Book Review

In July 2025, Carol Drinkwater delighted readers with her book One Summer in Provence, A Season of Surprises. The subtitle hints at surprises ahead inside the pages. Beginning with a damp evening in England in 1976 and shifting to a warm summer morning at Celia and Dominic Grey’s vineyard in the Provencal countryside. From start to finish, One Summer in Provence is a captivating read, full of twists and surprises. Drinkwater invites us into her world with vivid imagery and skillful character development, making it a delightful addition to your reading list. You’ll find yourself wishing for a sequel long after you’ve finished the last page.

About Carol Drinkwater

Carol Drinkwater is a multi-award-winning actress, writer and film-maker, best known for her portrayal of Helen Herriot in the classic BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small. She is the author of twenty-five books, both fiction and non-fiction and including the bestselling Olive Farm memoir series set in the south of France. Her latest TV work is a six-part travel/lifestyle programme commissioned by the UK’s Channel 5, Carol Drinkwater’s Secret Provence. Carol lives with her husband in France.

She and her husband, Michel, bought a “ruin” in the South of France with a view over the Bay of Cannes. Despite the hard work involved in the renovation and in cultivating the land, Carol says, “It changed my life.” She always wanted to write, but owning the home inspired her to research olive trees across the Mediterranean and write her books. Her creative work, acting and writing are her priorities.

©Carol Drinkwater

Carol Drinkwater – Writer, Actress, Filmmaker

Carol Drinkwater in conversation with the Princess Grace Irish Library Director in Monaco

Her website

One Summer in Provence Book Review

One Summer in Provence takes place in the Estérel, a mountain range in Provence formed by volcanic action. This distinctive massif is known for its reddish soil and straddles two departments: the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes. The main characters, Celia and Dominic Grey, live at Les Roches du Soleil, a vineyard in this part of Southern France. While the vineyard is remote, the Mediterranean coast and cities such as Nice and Cannes are not far away.

Inherited from Celia’s parents, Les Roches du Soleil is an agricultural property that comes with the stresses of farming. Moving to the South of France was a significant change of pace for Celia, who had been an actress in London. Dominic, a writer, continues crafting screenplays while working with the winemaker to perfect their wine. The vineyard, like any agricultural pursuit, is full of challenges and expenses.

While it sounds like life could be a Provencal dream, Celia and Dominic have been married for a long time; their relationship has some crusty edges and at least one long-buried secret. Dominic demands uninterrupted writing time in his office to meet a deadline. Celia manages the household tasks. She is busy putting the final touches on a party for friends, neighbours, and potential wine buyers. There is much to do ahead of the party and in the vineyard, but the two temporary workers, Sean and Thomas, should help ease the burden. But will they?

Celia then receives a letter, a surprise that sets off a series of events, like a ball of yarn unravelling. One Summer in Provence contains many surprises—some from Mother Nature, others from an unexpected family reunion. Drinkwater’s skillful storytelling keeps you uncertain, eager to see what happens next, and wishing for a sequel.

Buy: One Summer in Provence

Why Explore the Estérel Massif?

The French Riviera is busy in high season, but not far from the coast, an unspoilt natural area awaits your discovery. Whether you are looking for a drive in the countryside or something more active, exploring the Estérel range is a must. The Estérel coastal mountain range straddles the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments in southeastern France. Of volcanic origins, the massif is roughly 32,000 hectares of rugged terrain awaiting exploration. Mont Vinaigre (618 metres) is the highest peak. The Gorges de Blavet, carved by a river, includes a Bronze Age cave. According to the Estérel Côte d’Azur tourism office, there are 72 trails for biking (road, gravel and mountain), climbing, hiking, and walking that crisscross the range. Many of the trails are within the protected Forêt domaniale de l’Estérel.

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Full day Bandol & Cassis Discovery Wine Tour from Marseille

Begin your journey in the medieval village of Le Castellet, perched elegantly atop a wooded hill overlooking lush vineyards. Next, venture into the renowned Bandol wine region.

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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).