June 16, 2024 – My Sanctuary

Click buy: a French chateau. Condition: ‘may require improvement’…

It seemed like a good idea. Selling everything we owned. Just Mark and me, swapping our tiny, little, terraced London home – and the heartbreak of not being able to start a family – for an entire chateau in the middle of France… It’s everyone’s dream. And now it’s coming true for us.

As I use the rusty key to open the big, creaking wooden door of the tumbledown fairytale chateau that’s officially our new home, I wonder: what could possibly go wrong?

Little do I know that the answer is going to be… ‘everything’. I don’t speak nearly as much French as I should yet, but I feel like there’s no mistaking the villagers’ hostility. Nor the look of shock on the builder’s face when he sees the roof.

Can our marriage survive this adventure? With all the tumbling masonry, will we?

As the French sun blazes overhead, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a year to remember…

About The Author

My Review

This book is a touching tale of love, loss, and seizing control of one’s life. Emma faces challenges at work, struggles with infertility, and watches her father’s decline. When her partner Mark suggests buying a chateau in France, Emma is skeptical but agrees. However, renovations prove daunting, money becomes tight, and their relationship faces strain. Despite the hurdles, Emma discovers her inner strength and resilience. The story skillfully blends adventure with poignant themes like grief and infertility, making it a compelling read with relatable characters and beautiful imagery.

My Rating

Link To Purchase

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Recently retired, Denny Lambert is finding life just a little bit…well, dull. So when her stepsister Juliette announces she’s getting married – again! – and invites Denny on a hen do with the Old Ducks, Denny really can’t say no.

Denny knows something about the Old Ducks and their wild exploits, but she’s just glad to be somewhere hot and sunny and away from her grey life back in the UK. She’s definitely not going to be pulled into any Old Duck mayhem….

But when they arrive at their beautiful Mallorcan villa, Denny is in for a shock. Because right next door is the man who once broke her heart – Bruno Browning. Now with the Old Ducks and an old flame to contend with, Denny’s life suddenly feels anything but dull!

But if she’s learnt one thing from her time with the Old Ducks it’s that life is for living…and that’s exactly what Denny is finally going to do!

About The Author

My Review

“The Old Ducks’ Hen Do” is the second book in the Old Ducks Club series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. Recently retired Denny joins her stepsister Juliette and the lively Old Ducks on a trip to a Mallorcan villa for Juliette’s pre-wedding celebration. Denny is surprised to find her former flame Bruno Browning living in the neighboring villa, sparking hopes of closure or even rekindled romance. Through Denny’s perspective, readers relate to her post-retirement uncertainties and root for her happiness. The Old Ducks add humor and support, encouraging Denny to seize the moment and enjoy life. With entertaining antics and hilarious moments, this story celebrates living life to the fullest and is recommended for those who enjoy humorous tales featuring mature characters.

My Rating