A wedding in Provence by Katie Fforde

A setting in a chateau in Provence, an independent young woman who becomes a nanny, a handsome Comte to fall in love with, likeable charges and adorable animals - what more can any reader of romance want? This is the first romance that I have read by Katie Fforde and found it to be a charming, escapist read. It is 1963 and Alexandra is in Paris, wanting a few days in that beautiful city before going to live with relatives in Switzerland. When she is given the opportunity to be a nanny in charge of three children in Provence, she jumps at the chance and finds herself in an old chateau, with three children who need a little love and their father who is very attractive. Gradually the children warm to her as she gets to know their strengths and the chateau begins to bloom with the introduction of David and Jack as tutors and two gorgeous little kittens.

A Wedding in Provence is a cosy, slow burning romance that centres around the main character, Alexandra, and how she adapts to life in France. Katie Florde’s narrative flows smoothly and it was very easy for me to be carried along, enjoying Lexie’s foray into looking after two teens and a young child.  I loved the descriptions of the food, the way the characters interacted and the warmth and good will that Lexie brought to her job. The main characters were likeable and Milou the dog and the two little kittens adorable!

Recommended for readers who want to escape to another country, find out about its customs and food while enjoying a slow moving, clean romance that has been compared to The sound of music. Readers may also enjoy romances by Eva Ibbotson, especially The Secret countess.

Themes: Romance, Provence, Child care.

Pat Pledger