Rachel Selle’s second instalment of the quartet’s adventure mystery series takes them to France, specifically Aix-en-Provence, to which the book’s title Aix Marks the Spot so aptly refers. Here on holiday, the four become ensnared in their second mystery when they witness the burglary of five priceless works of art. Together with their contacts in the police, they deduce the clues and follow the trial to find the painting and hopefully their culprit! This caper is the perfect escapism for adventurous readers, aged 7 to 10, with an easy-to-follow mystery at its heart.

The four cousins effortlessly fill the shoes of the Famous Five – Enid Blyton’s four plucky child detectives, who along with their dog Timmy, have swept children up in adventures and mysteries since the 1940s. Now, with Mr. Murphy, father and uncle to the cousins, taking the fifth role as sidekick, comic relief, tour guide and history expert, the four children are the perfect adventuring role models for young readers, just like Blyton’s Julian, Dick, George and Anne.

All four of our detectives are curious and interested in the world around them. Their endless intrigue leads them into exciting situations and helps them make new friends, but most importantly, all of them are so eager to learn! The children are delighted by Aix-en-Provence, a town in the south of France brimming with historical architecture. Their excited questions and curiosity teach readers about the town, transforming this work of fiction into a useful guidebook for children. It is incredibly tempting and easy to look up the real locations to see the sites which are accurately described in the book. All curious children will be intrigued to discover these far-off locations – the cathedral of Aix-en-Provence, the city’s fountains, and the artistic downtown of Marseille.

The European Adventures: Aix Marks the Spot: A Mystery Adventure Book for Kids

Even amidst the tension of hunting down an art thief, the book shows us there is so much to learn, especially for young detectives. Aix Marks the Spot’s author Rachel Selle is evidently on a mission to educate and to reveal that the ways we are taught in school is not conclusive for future enjoyment of a subject. Art and history are the two subjects she targets, and by taking her characters, and thereby her readers, up close to the artefacts, monuments and artworks, and exploring topics like symbolism, children and adults alike can learn exactly how to appreciate the beauty before us. Maybe these lessons can help us readers capture an art thief too! You never know when these skills will come in handy!

The most striking of all is the story’s timelessness – this European Adventure’s mystery could be set in any period, a theme doubled down on by the book’s beautiful illustrations as all the characters are shown to be dressed in unspecific and timeless clothing. The only clue to point us to a date are the references to phones and internet. Clearly, these detectives represent all children’s curiosity, a feat which has always defied generations. And anyway, who needs the wifi code when you have a mystery to solve?

Available from Amazon and book shops everywhere…

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Travel writer and Nice resident Jeanne Oliver has been writing about France for 25 years and her expertise and knowledge of Nice help the reader discover the city like a local.

The 218 info-packed pages are fitted into a light and compact format. Easy to carry around for the day! Or download on your Kindle. Maps and step-by-step instructions make getting around a breeze.

EXPLORE:

The Old Town, the vibrant heart of Nice with its crooked streets, cosy squares, baroque churches, bustling markets and jumble of pastel houses;

Castle Hill, a scenic park overlooking the sea with reminders of Nice’s earliest settlement and the final resting place of Nice notables;

Port Lympia with stately 18th-century buildings around a harbor;

Cimiez, the hilltop neighborhood where gladiators fought, Romans bathed, the Franciscans built a monastery and Queen Victoria held court;

Promenade des Anglais, the seaside walk lined with elegant hotels reflecting the British influence on Nice;

West Nice, the little-known neighborhood that was once a country outpost and aristocratic hideaway;

Promenade du Paillon a lush, watery landscape built over the Paillon river;

Quartier des Musiciens with landmark Belle Epoque and Art Deco masterpieces.

And discover Nice’s UNESCO-listed treasures.

Written by an insider, the walking tours include the local lore, legends and traditions that make up Nice’s unique culture. Learn about the food, festivals, saints and sinners that locals talk about.

Well-written and just bursting with facts and details that make the history and legends of the city come to life. I’ve visited the city several times, but not with this guide. Reading this makes me want to go back and visit again – but this time with all these fascinating details to hand, so I can discover the hidden gems I clearly missed last time! Clear directions, useful maps and fascinating anecdotes galore. Nice is a city that’s just perfect for wandering and whether you’re a first time visitor, or like me you’ve visited before, this is the essential guide to the sunny city.

Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City is available on Amazon.

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Taking a break from the City of Light and her dreaded math homework, Daisy heads to a rambling chateau in the Loire. She aims to help her Aunt Mill’s friend and fellow former spy, Felix, catalog his art collection. But when Daisy receives a copy of the Mona Lisa as a thank you gift from Felix, strange things start to happen. This Mona is not just any copy. It’s one of two perfect forgeries created to fool the Nazis during their hunt for the real Mona Lisa in WWII. Daisy’s best friend from the states, Lucia, a newly minted teen model in Paris to audition for the spring runway shows, thinks Daisy’s Mona is the real one. Real or not, it’s worth a fortune. And when Felix suddenly dies, his family accuses Daisy of stealing it. Once again, Daisy must navigate a world of crazy, scheming, frequently criminal adults, not to mention traveling ghosts, ginormous pigs, testy lawyers, former spies, and obnoxious fashionistas, as she finds herself trying to outwit them all to keep her beloved Mona.

Review

This is the first in the series of the Daisy Tannenbaum misadventures that I have read, and I’m definitely going to seek out the others now, though it doesn’t matter if you read this as a stand alone tale.

Daisy is charming, headstrong and caring. She has a wonderful relationship with her friends who join her on her quest to find the truth. Excitement, tension and mystery fill each page making it a thrilling read not knowing what direction the story will go in next! Just the right length for younger readers to enjoy. I read this with my ten year old son and he really liked it. He’s into all things historic and fact driven and enjoyed learning more about French history in the book. Then I gave it to my neighbour whose 14 year old said that she wants to go to Paris to see the Mona Lisa after reading this! And she’d like to go there with Daisy to have an action-packed adventure…

It’s a great book for teens and tweens and I must admit, I enjoyed it too! Daisy has a great character, fun and feisty and honest. The added French words at the end is great for checking if your French is right! Go Daisy!

Author J.T. Allen is award-winning screenwriter, who sold his first script while living in Paris then moved to Los Angeles and wrote several early drafts of The Lion King and The Preacher’s Wife.The first Daisy Tannenbaum misadventure, Daisy and the Pirates, started as a pitch for a Disney Channel movie. Allen loved the character, who was inspired by his two daughters, and wrote his first novel instead. Daisy in Exile, the second in the series, began as chapters for Daisy’s blog, “My Stupid Journal”.

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Only the next morning, Lily has more than a hangover . . . she has a whole new house – in France!

Seeing this as an opportunity instead of a disaster, she’s excited about finally moving to France, just as she and her husband always dreamed of. However, Lily is in for another surprise. Despite planning to move there for over 20 years, her husband never actually intended to go.

So begins a year in France, alone, renovating the gorgeous old farmhouse that is held together by wallpaper and wishes.

Will a year at the French farmhouse be just what Lily needs? Or could it be the previous owner, Frederique, that is the answer to Lily’s dreams?

Review

A great read that left me dreaming of being as brave as Lily, just taking the plunge and going off on an adventure to start a new chapter in life. The relationships between Lily and those she comes across in France, go from strength to strength and prove to survive through language barriers, falling plaster and love and heartache. There’s lots of emotions flowing through the book – all unique to the situation Lily finds herself in.

It’s an easy read at a gentle pace with likeable characters and a happy ending. Pure escapism.

I’m already wondering what will happen next…

French bookworm is a Francophile who reads books for fun.

The post  A Year at the French Farmhouse by Gillian Harvey appeared first on The Good Life France.

Headstrong Countess Joliette de Verzat prefers secretly managing her family’s Loire Valley château and vineyards to the cut-throat politics of Versailles. For nearly three centuries, generations of families have toiled to produce Château de Verzat wines, and their homes and livelihoods depend upon Joliette. But ancient laws block her from inheriting property – unless she is widowed.

Revolution erupts. Thousands of women march on Versailles. Caught in the battle, Joliette risks her own life to save her lover’s. She flees to Paris, blazing with hatred for aristocrats, where she discovers her illegitimate half-brother, Henri – the secret rightful heir who disdains the nobility to which he unknowingly belongs.

As insurrection mounts, Joliette faces heart-breaking choices. She must risk all that she loves and trust the people she has saved to save her.

Review

A wonderfully written story. Easy going to start with, then out of nowhere it picks up a  fast pace and becomes a mixed bag of emotions, suspense, romance, loyalty and determination all vying for top spot attention.

Debra’s attention to detail shines through in her writing. It puts you down in the underground tunnels of Paris. It takes you out into the vineyards under the beating sun. You’ll imagine yourself walking with the other ladies-in-waiting behind the Queen, and wondering how people must have really felt back then. Her descriptions of situations left me on tenterhooks wondering where the story would go next, all while hoping I don’t have to wait too long for the next book – I wasn’t ready for this one to end! Great characters, and great insight into their lives at a fascinating time of French history.

Steeped in history, Her Own Legacy is a hidden history lesson as well as a beautiful read. Perfect for those who love history, romance and and well written stories. My only criticism is that it doesn’t come with its own bottle of Verzat wine to enjoy while reading it! This is the first of three books in the series – and I can’t wait for the next one.

Available on Amazon and at all good book shops.

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The Spice Masters at Bistro Exotique – Summary

A talented chef discovers how spices and scents can transport her – and, more importantly, how self-confidence can unlock the greatest magic of all: love – in this perfectly seasoned new novel by Samantha Vérant.

Kate Jenkins doesn’t believe in fate. She believes in a clear vision, meticulous planning, and hard work in order to achieve her culinary dreams. On the cusp of opening her own Parisian restaurant, Bistro Exotique, she isn’t even concerned when her standoffish – and annoyingly sexy – neighbor dismisses her as a crazy American tourist or when she meets the wildly eccentric Garrance, the self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris, who ominously warns her of the previous owner’s failures.

Confident and optimistic, Kate keeps calm and cooks on. Until a series of unfortunate events derail her plans and her entire staff quits. Kate is about to throw in the kitchen towel on her lifelong dream when Garrance offers to use her mastery of scents and spices to help her, but it comes at a price: Kate must work with Garrance’s son, Charles, a world-class chef and total jerk. After Kate hesitantly concedes to the deal, she slowly learns to open her heart and mind to new concepts, not quite sure if the magic she’s experiencing comes from Garrance’s spices, from within herself, or from the growing chemistry with Charles. One thing is certain, though: her kitchen is getting increasingly hot.

Review

Samantha’s book should come with a warning- not to be read on an empty stomach! Her books are addictive and hook you from the start. Each chapter leaves your imagination churning, and I found I couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. I found myself creating my own scenarios, only for that thought to be whisked away and turned into something even more delicious and wild.

The connection between Kate and Charles is just magical and with Samantha’s brilliant writing, you feel like you are part of their budding relationship. Every character has such strong personalities – this really pulls the book together, and will take you away into your own little dream to a beautiful corner of Paris.

I loved the drama, the passion, the food and trepidation of the book – but most of all the way that Kate persevered and strived to come out on top despite all the mystery and the challenges she faced. I hope there will be a follow up book, I look forward to reading about Kate and Charles’ next spice adventures…

Available from Amazon and all good book shops…

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Ian Moore is famous for his stand up comedy and now he’s transferred his excellent sense of humour and timing to novel writing…

Main character Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B (like Ian Moore!) in the fictional Val de Follet in the lovely Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it. Until something does happen. When one of his guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper, another guest, the exotic Valerie, persuades the reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the mysterious disappearance.

This is the cue for a great cast of characters, a bit of slapstick comedy and a rather a bizarre crime, a whodunit with wit, a murdered chicken and a romance… possibly.

Our hero is rather reluctantly cajoled and pushed along the route to solving the crime. He has a failed marriage behind him and is generally happy being left alone, so all this excitement comes as a bit of a shock. Valerie is used to having her own way – but what does she want? Is she a goodie or a badie? Does she want Richard? I’m not going to say. You might be surprised by the ending – I was! And you’ll probably laugh out loud at some parts as I did. It’s a light, easy and fun read.

It’s the first in a series so you can expect more madcap mayhem and mysteries for the slightly eccentric Richard to get involved with.

Available on Amazon and all good bookshops.

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The beautiful white limestone Château of Lusone, designed and built by the Picards, once proud Cognac producers, has fallen into the hands of the aristocratic Duplessis family. The mysteries of the château are the poignant backdrop to an unfolding story of two families, each new generation becoming entwined in a web of intrigue, love, revenge and redemption.

The Château of Illusions moves from southwest France to Paris, London and back to France again, telling the story of Thérèse Picard and her relationships with the two Duplessis brothers, Roland and François. From blissful pre-war summers to heartache and heroism during World War 2, her journey from wilful youth to brave adult is swift and painful. As the saga sweeps forward through the extravagant 1960s and into the 1980s an extraordinary work of art is discovered, and hidden secrets revealed. With the 40th anniversary of VE Day approaching, a series of dramatic revelations lead to unforeseen twists of fate for both families.

The author

Author Guy Hibbert is an award winning journalist and travel writer who has lived in and travelled extensively across France during the past twenty years. He is Editor in Chief of France Today magazine and writes regular articles about French culture, history and art de vivre.

He says “Some years ago when I was living in rural France, I took my young daughter, with a bouquet of lilacs in her hand, to pay our respects at the local village memorial. It was the anniversary of Victory in Europe and a handful of WW2 veterans stood solemnly together as the mayor placed a tricolour wreath against the white stone. Then I noticed an elderly woman – she was neat, formally dressed and stood a few yards behind the others – with a thoughtful expression on her face. On the breast pocket of her coat she wore a medal. I wondered who she was, what experiences she might have had during the war years and why she wore that medal. I never found out, but that image stayed with me and many years later I began to build her story in my imagination – my debut novel is the result.”

Review

Well written and atmospheric, the tale that Hibbert weaves is dramatic and detailed. Lovers of history and France, and of well-developed characters you feel you know, will love this book. It’s almost poetic in its tone, a tale of love, courage and loss. The story is emotional and strong, gripping and suspenseful in places and perhaps now more than ever a tale that brings home the futility of war and the affect it has on our lives for many years after the battles are over. The descriptions are superb, painting pictures in your head. As you start to get into the relationships, interactions and captivating descriptions of scenery, the book takes hold and it’s hard to put down. It’s a great read.

Available from Amazon and good bookshops everywhere.

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Cynthia and William Royce’s story begins with ‘Oh my God, are we really doing this?!’ to looking for the home, getting a loan, wading through the red tape of actually moving, and studying French.

Finally, the most important part of making their dream come true, adopting a baby girl to make the journey complete.

Summary

The Road to Villa Page: A He Said/She Said Memoir of Buying Our Dream Home in France” is the first in a series of books that captures the experience of living in the Dordogne region of France, as filtered through the eyes of an American family. It’s told from a “he said, she said” perspective. Their story begins with falling in love with the enchanting Dordogne. The region has long been an inspiration to man, and the earliest known works of art are to be found in the nearby preshistoric caves of Lascaux. From the 1000 chateaux perched on towering cliffs overhanging the meandering Dordogne River to the countless plus beaux villages (most beautiful villages) dotting the region, it is truly a magical place.

Review

Like most of Cynthia and William’s family and friends, I wondered what on earth would make this pair of successful TV writers on award winning shows like Murder, She Wrote give up their gorgeous house in Hollywood and their comfortable lifestyle to take on a renovation project and start a new life in a country half way round the world.

Well, France has that effect on some of us and if you dream of a new life in the rural French countryside of beautiful Dordogne, you’ll lap this book up. Cynthia and William are nothing if not adventurous. They are not fluent French speakers. They’re not DIY experts but their house near the medieval time warp town of Sarlat, Dordogne is in desperate need of work. And they don’t have much of a clue about what they’re letting themselves in for. The rose-coloured glasses are firmly in place.

Funny but real

The couple take on help with the house only to find that the help doesn’t appear to have much more of a clue than them. And on top of this there is the stress of adoption and needing to be in two places at once.

I really liked the alternating he said/she said approach. It’s unusual but it works really well. Cynthia and William are both hugely experienced writers and don’t overlap but present different views. It was ‘his dream’, but she was willing to follow the dream. It wasn’t all a bed of roses. But this is a couple who are adventurers and they are determined to overcome obstacles and make the most of their new life. I laughed out loud at some parts like when they hire an architect to carry out an inspection of the 200 year old house they fall in love with. Nonplused by the less than 20 minute inspection, William asks about the creaking 200 year old wooden staircase. The professional replies ‘the staircase is old and tired.’ So French!

Cynthia is also a photographer and the book has some beautiful images.

It makes for a great read and despite the challenges, the rose coloured glasses stay in place!

Available on Amazon and all good online bookshops

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If you’ve ever travelled in France you may well have wondered why it is that a traditional dish such as cassoulet is different in towns that are just a few miles apart. Or perhaps you’ve seen giant olives on a market stall and wondered why they’re so much bigger than the rest. Or even, like me, thought, I wonder how someone found out that it’s ok to eat the blue-green mouldy bits in Roquefort cheese?

Well Colin Duncan Taylor knows the answers. He’s done some serious research into the gastronomy of southern France. He’s talked to the people who produce the foods and wines. To those who cook, both professional and home cooks, the traditional dishes of the Midi area – Occitanie. He’s tasted many dishes over his twenty years of living in the area. And he shares this wealth of fascinating information in Menu from the Midi.

Summary

Menu from the Midi explores French gastronomy from the farmer’s field to the dining room table. Concentrating on the South of France, the book is structured as a menu. It’s carefully compiled to give the reader a balanced diet of gastronomy, history, legend and local colour. Uniquely, it adds into this mix a celebration of the dedicated and passionate people who produce some of the finest raw ingredients and foodstuffs you are ever likely to taste.

Appreciating good food and wine needs the right ambiance, the right company and plenty of time. Sit back, relax and savour the oldest sparkling wine in the world. Le Rolls-Royce of olives. Pink garlic soup. Meats of the black Gascon pig. The legendary cassoulet. Cheese from the caves of Roquefort… And learn how the Midi’s ornate pigeon towers ensured a constant supply of roast pigeon.

No wonder the father of food journalism and gastronomic guides, Grimod de La Reynière, had this to say 200 years ago: ‘In good towns of the Midi, a great dinner is an affair of state. One speaks of it three months beforehand and digesting it lasts six weeks.’

Review

I thought I knew a lot about French food – until I read this book and then I realised there’s much more to learn. Luckily, Colin Duncan Taylor is happy to impart his considerable knowledge on the topic. Menu from the Midi is an engaging read about the history and production of some of France’s most famous foodstuffs.

I had no idea that it was Catherine de Medici who introduced sorbets to France when she married the future King Henri II in 1533. That’s just one of the scintillating little factoids that the author uncovers in his quest to find out about mushroom hunters, pink garlic, Black Gascon pigs and more. The book is full of quotes and anecdotes. I loved an Englishman’s view of garlic published in 1594: “Garlic makes a man wink, drink and stink.” Winking at that time meaning to inflame lust!

Each section contains a recipe, researched, studied and tested. The book is a menu of the most famous and traditional foods, wines and recipes of the Midi.

Frequently fascinated and surprised by what he finds, the author delves deep into the history and production of the traditional foods of the south of France. And takes the reader on the tasty journey with him. His serious research includes meeting cooks, producers and fellow diners.

If you love history, are a Francophile, or curious about the origins of French food, Colin Duncan Taylor’s Menu from the Midi will take you on a delicious and intriguing journey. It’s a great read.

Available from Amazon and book stores everywhere. (Just ask them to order in if they don’t have the book in stock and support your local book shop).

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