'A gorgeous and captivating read that made me want to jump straight on a plane to the south of France.' Samantha Tonge *From the bestselling author of Villa of Sun and Secrets* Take time out to find what makes you happy... When Retreat owner Amy offers three lucky competition winners a holiday on the Cote d’Azur, she has no idea that this simple act of kindness will have life-changing repercussions on her own life as well as those who join her... Young entrepreneur Chelsea has just been subjected to a very public relationship break up and needs to get away to lick her wounds. MP’s wife Victoria is at a crossroads in her life now that the children have left home. She realises she has ambitions of her own and needs some ‘me time’ to figure things out. Recently widowed Matilda is assessing life without her beloved husband. Can she find the courage to follow their dream on her own? The four women, despite their differences, bond and support each other, making memories and forming friendships that will last for years. A heart-warming, uplifting novel, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Erica James. What readers are saying about A Riviera Retreat 'This is not a book you will forget in a hurry. Can’t wait for her next book.' 'An evocative and beautifully written story.' 'I loved this book. It's a real page turner I just couldn't put it down.' 'I thoroughly adored this book' 'I loved every moment of this book and already looking forward to the author's next story. 'I've fallen in love with every Jennifer Bohnet novel I have ever read and this one is no exception. They are jammed full with stunning settings and wonderful characters that just melt your heart.' 'I adored how this novel celebrated female friendship and its ability to repair and support without judgement. Such a fantastic novel - perfect to devour and delight in with a glass of wine and a few hours of peace.' 'It is a perfect summer read, for holidays, or just relaxing with. It is a very gentle and nice read. It is well written and easygoing. I enjoyed reading this book, and I will definitely recommend this book.' 'I was hooked right away from the first few pages.' 'A real taste of summer.' 'A great book about making new friends and finding yourself.'

Glamor and indolence of life in the South of France as seen through Wharton's gaze.

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but will the allure of the French Riviera be able to work its magic? As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon. Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen. When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled. Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations. With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity. Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for - or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder? 'What isn't to love? You are taken on an incredible journey to the vibrant French Riviera, with all the colours, lights and traditions of Christmas beautifully combined with the joy of friendship and the possibility of new romance... ' Bestselling author Judy Leigh

Film plays a vital role in the celebration of Christmas. For decades, it has taught audiences about what the celebration of the season looks like – from the decorations to the costumes and to the expected snowy weather – as well as mirrors our own festivities back to us. Films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone have come to play key roles in real-life domestic celebrations: watching such titles has become, for many families, every bit as important as tree-trimming and leaving cookies out for Santa. These films have exported the American take on the holiday far and wide and helped us conjure an image of the perfect holiday. Rather than settling the ‘what is a Christmas film?’ debate – indeed, Die Hard and Lethal Weapon are discussed within – Analyzing Christmas in Film: Santa to the Supernatural focuses on the how Christmas is presented on the deluge of occasions when it appears. While most Christmas films are secular, religion makes many cameos, appearing through Nativity references, storylines involving spiritual rebirth, the framing of Santa as a Christ-like figure and the all-importance of family, be it the Holy family or just those gathered around the dining table. Also explored are popular narratives involving battles with stress and melancholy, single parents and Christmas martyrs, visits from ghosts and angels, big cities and small towns, break-ups and make-ups and the ticking clock of mortality. Nearly 1000 films are analyzed in this volume to determine what the portrayal of Christmas reveals about culture, society and faith as well as sex roles, consumerism, aesthetics and aspiration.

Commemorate the holidays and special occasions with beautiful stitched designs, including framed pieces, decorated wreaths, accent pillows, table linens, and more. You'll love the stunning, vintage-like designs that fill this colorful cross stitch book.

'A lovely, uplifting, summery read. ' Bestselling author, Lisa Hobman 'A wonderful summer read. It had everything - romance, family, forgiveness and second chances. Highly recommended!' Bestselling author, Alison Sherlock Every end has a new beginning... When Pixie Sampson's husband tragically dies, she inherits the beautiful Château Quiltu in Brittany, Northern France. But unbeknown to her, she also inherits a mysterious lodger, Justine Martin and her 4-year-old son Ferdie. Heartbroken and with her adventurous Mum, Gwen in tow, they travel to France to put the Château on the market but are soon drawn into a quest to seek the Château's secrets. Who is Justine? Why is she living at the Château? How did she know her husband? Over the Summer months, the Château fills with family and laughter and secrets are discovered and old wounds begin to heal. Escape to the Château with top 10 international bestseller Jennifer Bohnet, for an uplifting story of family, love and second chances. What readers are saying about Summer at the Château: 'This book was a wonderful story full of likeable characters, grief, forgiveness, family, new beginnings, and second chances.' 'An uplifting and wise tale.' 'Emotional and realistic, a wonderful read.' 'A feel good read, dealing mainly with themes as forgiveness, family and second chances.' 'A very well written book, set in a beautiful and superbly described location.' 'I really do think each one of Jennifer’s books I read becomes my new favourite.' If you are looking for your next read to give you that escape from reality, lockdown and life with Covid, that I think we all need right now, this is one for you.'

From Sunday Times bestselling author and the nation’s best loved TV presenter Carol Kirkwood comes a glittering escape to the French Riviera. ‘Deliciously escapist’ Cathy Kelly ‘A stunning holiday read with passion and heart, perfect...!’ Anton Du Beke ––––––––

Discovering painting at the age of 40, Sir Winston Churchill revelled in his new pastime. He went on to produce over 550 paintings, with over 130 of them on the French Riviera. The fellow artist and Riviera resident Paul Rafferty has tracked down many of the locations Churchill used in Provence, an area the great man so aptly called 'paintatious'. Many of these locations are newly discovered and his 'fearless impressions' stand alongside to illustrate how Churchill captured them on canvas.

"And they are definitely not your grandmother's cookies. With both classic and creative flavor combinations and adorable designs, the Hansens' cookies have been pleasing loyal customers at their cozy upstate New York bakery for years. Now they bring their customers' favorite recipes home to you. Kaye handles the baking, imbuing the cookies with the traditional flavors of Christmas, like cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla, but also more modern touches like coconut, chocolate, and pistachio. Her daughter, Liv, provides the artistic flair, using innovative techniques and plenty of colored (yes, colored) chocolate to yield truly special cookie creations that look as good as they taste. All of the Hansens' best cookie creations are here, from simple roll-and-slice cookies to bars and cutouts."--BOOK JACKET.