Sometimes, a change in your life is exactly what you need, no matter what that change exactly is…

Synopsis

When your old life ceases to exist, its time to build a new one…

It’s early summer on the French Riviera when Vivienne Wilson arrives for a one-woman writers’ retreat after learning that her philandering husband or 30 years, wants a divorce. There to collect the shell-shocked Vivienne is recently widowed Maxine Zonszain, who is struggling to come to terms with her empty life. To add insult to injury she receives another knockout punch with a letter from her very estranged first husband…. Florist extraordinaire, Olivia Murray, shares the Villa that Vivienne is renting. She’s content with life – but sad to add another failed relationship to her growing list and longs to meet ‘The One’. Life under the summer sun in Antibes becomes a challenging time for all three women as secrets are shared, problems halved as they forge unexpected friendships and embark on new adventures. Sometimes life’s surprises turn out to be unwanted but just sometimes the ‘new normal’ makes for a happier life than the one lost.

My review

Vivienne Wilson never thought that while taking off for her retreat on the French Riviera for her new book, her husband would tell her that their marriage was over, on the same tone if they would be discussing the weather.
To state that Vivienne is shell-shocked in for sure an understatement, and it for sure puts a damper on her mood arriving in Antibes.
Welcoming her in Antibes, is Maxine Zonszain, who is struggling with the loss of her husband. Maxine is ready to help Vivienne with all her questions, and the apartment Vivienne is renting.
An apartment that belongs to Olivia Murray, local florist and content with her life, yet there is still missing something. And even if she is still looking for that special person in her life, Olivia is tired of her mother’s constant interference.
No matter how different these women are from each other, under the Antibes’ sun, a friendship is formed and the three women learn that shared problems can be halved and that new adventures will await, no matter what phase of life you’re in.

I always thin k to know what to expect from a book written by Jennifer Bohnet, yet each time she manages to surprise me with another wonderful story. And this book for sure wasn’t an exception on this great rule!

The story starts with Vivienne ready to go on her retreat, to find inspiration for her next book. But instead of feeling ecstatic, her journey to the airport turns out to be a real nightmare. And all that ‘thanks’ to her ‘wonderful’ husband…
Is there anything worse than starting your retreat by discovering that not only your husband has decided to end your marriage but already has a ‘replacement’?
So it made perfect sense for Vivienne to arrive absolutely subdued in Antibes. And Vivienne herself knows that her behaviour isn’t what it should be. So it was nice to see her apologize to Maxine and Olivia.

I was also intrigued by her real quest. Because she didn’t come to Antibes only to find the inspiration for her book, but also a way more personal reason. And I wanted to know how her search would go and if she would find all the answers she was looking for.

It was lovely to see Vivienne getting to know Maxine and Olivia better. And it was great to get to know them also better!
My heart broke for several reasons while getting to know Maxine. Not only is she still hurting after losing the man she loves, but she is also carrying a secret from the past, a secret that suddenly stands at her door.

Maxine didn’t have it easy in the past, but I liked it how, despite everything, she managed to find happiness and love again. And how, once again – despite everything – she is a kind, caring and warm woman.

And then there is Olivia, living and enjoying her life, even if it comes with perhaps her own mother’s disapproval. I’m not saying that her mother is a bad person, but she for sure is the perfect example of ‘mother knows best’. 😊
Somehow, I felt connected with Olivia the most, maybe because she was also the closest to my own age. But I could understand how she wanted to make things on her own, following her own dreams and even making her own mistakes.

It was amazing to see how these three women, even if Vivienne just recently came into the other’s lives, managed to form such a close bond. Their friendship perhaps started a bit rocky, and their lives couldn’t be more different. Yet with having each other, and staying in magnificent Antibes, they manage to start a brand new adventure in their lives.

I loved reading this story, as first of all, it was a great setting. But most important, it shows us that no matter what kind of lemons the past or even the present throws us, with the right kind of friends and support, we may open our eyes and find the courage, determination and the will to start an unexpected yet amazing new adventure!