Can a talented chef and a group of writers rediscover joy—and perhaps even create new beginnings?
Eight months after suddenly closing its doors, Michelin-starred chef and Villa Celestia proprietor Guy Lyon is almost ready to begin again. When his friend Sandy Thoreau asks to rent the villa on the French Riviera for a last-minute women’s writing retreat, Guy reluctantly agrees.
As Villa Celestia reopens, Guy is swept into the orbit of an eclectic group of writers. Helena and her friend Mandy are tackling their debut novels, Isobel is polishing a cosy crime novel, Liz hopes to reignite her creativity, self-published Lorraine seeks guidance, and Becky… well, Becky plays by her own rules.
Amid sun-drenched days, shared meals, and creative breakthroughs, friendships flourish and unexpected connections form. Together, they discover fresh inspiration, bold new directions, and the courage to turn the page.
About The Author
My Review
This book is about Guy, a grieving widower who has closed the boutique hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant he once ran with his late wife, unable to face life without her. When his friend Sandy needs a venue for her writers’ retreat, Guy reluctantly agrees to let her use the hotel and quietly cater for the group. The retreat brings together an eclectic mix of writers, each with their own ambitions, insecurities, and personal baggage, eager to learn and explore the beauty of the French Riviera.
Jennifer Bohnet paints the Riviera in vivid, sun-soaked detail, far from the crowded, overpriced image some may imagine, creating a setting readers will want to visit themselves. The story balances the charm of a picturesque location with insight into the struggles and joys of the writing life, showing the dedication, vulnerability, and inspiration that go into creating a book.
Amid delicious meals, budding romances, and unexpected friendships, long-buried secrets surface, bringing tension and emotional depth. This book is a warm, engaging, and feel-good read that blends romance, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances beautifully.
My Rating
Link To Purchase
My Sanctuary 