Love in Provence by Jo Thomas

Jo Thomas writes romantic fiction set in appealing tourist destinations. Her stories are deliciously escapist with happy endings, but they show relationships in a realistic way. The path of love is twisty, plans fail and recipes go wrong. I recently read and reviewed Countdown to Christmas, Thomas’ novel set in Canada. Love in Provence, the sequel to Escape to the French Farmhouse, has a similar format.
The enchanting location is rich in sensory pleasures. Del is managing a lavender farm and cooking for the small restaurant she runs with her older friend Henri. Harvest is approaching and a new crew of pickers are due to arrive. Everything is in hand, until the devastating news of Henri’s death arrives, closely followed by a destructive mistral wind. When Del’s partner Fabien goes away for a few weeks, she loses the plot. Even her recipes escape her memory.
The natural world affects the plot line. The mistral brings down an ancient tree. Weather conditions affect the lavender crop, so it must be harvested at exactly the right moment. As well as struggling with her distress, Del has to contend with the climate. Time is also a factor, as negative elements invade the community initiative Henri set up.
Business drives events in the small town Del has made her own. Food startups are a significant part of the local economy, and they help people to improve their standard of living. When a Michelin trained chef arrives with plans to upgrade and gentrify the restaurant’s offering, lifestyles are threatened.
In spite of all her problems, kind-hearted Del tries to help everyone. The story’s inter-generational cast offers help in return. Love in Provence is the perfect holiday read. It will be even more enjoyable if you have read Escape to the French Farmhouse first.
Thanks to Penguin UK and Random Things Tours for giving me an ARC in return for an honest review.
Love in Provence