Reviewer: Leah
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The French for Always by Fiona Valpy is a story that appeals to the broken hearted and the romantic. Sara is a Londoner that moved to France with her English boyfriend Gavin, purchasing a Château together and turning it into a dream-wedding destination. Lately, Sara has been feeling a strain in her relationship with Gavin, as he seems so cold and controlling. Her worst fears are confirmed when she discovers Gavin locking lips with a bridesmaid. With the help of her friends, neighbors, coworkers, and the bridal parties; Sara picks up the pieces of her broken heart and learns to laugh, love, and enjoy life.
I thought this book was predictable at times, but a lot of fun. It really delved into the psyche of the character, detailing the past relationships, insecurities, etc., all the things that make her who she is today. You can’t help but love Sarah as she pushes through her own unhappiness to create picturesque weddings, working through her past issues, finding herself, and willing to not give up on love but put her heart out there once again.
The only thing that annoyed me as a reader was how quickly Sarah was able to move on from her relationship with Gavin to Thomas. Although the author sets up a background of division and problems between Sarah and Gavin, alluding to the fact that they had been drifting apart for quite some time, it still seems off that after being engaged to for a year, she could start dating the next day and by the end of three months be pledging herself to another. It would have been more realistic for the author to allow some time for Sarah to move on before thrusting her into a new relationship.
Other than that the novel was a fun romance in which you adored not only the main characters but each member of the bridal parties. Every one of these characters are adorable from the bride Niamh O’Callaghan who is injured but everything is made right when her groom Keiran Best makes light of the situation; to Mrs. Humphrey, the mother of one of the grooms, who is able to reconcile and embrace her son and his choices; to Patti and Thorne, the rockers who have been through a lot and eager to tie the knot; Christa and Bill, a couple who found each other late in life and eager to spend whatever years they have left together; ending with the Phillipa Hall and Captain Joshua Cavendish, who overcome class, war wounds, and a missing dress to find their own happily ever after.
All in all this is a great little pick me up novel, that makes you to really want to visit France and eat French food. I recommend it for any fan of stories involving weddings, France, and the healing balm of true love for a broken heart.
