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French Restoration (Rendezvous with Danger Book 2)
by
Chantal has fallen in love…with a rundown chateau.
There’s just one snag.
The new owner is planning on turning it into a bland monstrosity for the rich and famous. Winning the interior design contract is the only way for Chantal to save Chateau Vauquelin.
However persuading the heir to Kirkwood Hotel Group that she’s the right person for the job isn’t easy.
Alessandro Kirkwood ...more
There’s just one snag.
The new owner is planning on turning it into a bland monstrosity for the rich and famous. Winning the interior design contract is the only way for Chantal to save Chateau Vauquelin.
However persuading the heir to Kirkwood Hotel Group that she’s the right person for the job isn’t easy.
Alessandro Kirkwood ...more
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ebook, 152 pages
Published
December 7th 2015
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Start your review of French Restoration (Rendezvous with Danger Book 2)
I absolutely loved this book. The descriptions and writing style of Claridge were superb to the point where I felt like I was completely immersed in the story, not just reading it if that makes sense. Alex Kirkwood is given the daunting task of revitalizing a rundown Chateau to become part of his father's empire of hotels. He hires French interior designer Chantal Chevalier who has a different vision for the chateau than he does creating all sorts of complications. But there is more here than me
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I must confess it as a first thing: The romance genre is as far away as possible from my personal reading preferences. In a way, reading (and critically approaching) this book was a nice little exercise for me - it's not easy to objectively assess something you're not really interested in.
With this in mind, I think 'French Restoration' is exactly what a romance reader would expect, which is great news. The plot is very simple, easy to follow, containing some mild twists (more of that later), eno ...more
With this in mind, I think 'French Restoration' is exactly what a romance reader would expect, which is great news. The plot is very simple, easy to follow, containing some mild twists (more of that later), eno ...more
When I began reading French Restoration the wonderful, descriptive prose caught my attention immediately. Sara Claridge excels when offering vivid descriptions which places the reader in the pages with the characters and action. It's not something just any author can do, only talented ones. I enjoyed the writing as much as the story.
Chantal arrives on the scene to get the job of interior designer for a hotel restoration project in the French countryside. This wasn't a love at first sight meeting ...more
Chantal arrives on the scene to get the job of interior designer for a hotel restoration project in the French countryside. This wasn't a love at first sight meeting ...more
This is a lovely read. I became glued from the first paragraph but not in an edge of my seat kind of way...it was the poetic manner in which Claridge weaves a romantic tale set at the enticingly described Chateau Vauquelin. The skilled description left me craving a visit to the Chateau and at times I felt as though I was actually there. The characters were relatable and likeable characters. It wasn’t your typical, boy meets girl and they click, kind of romance, which I really liked. The banter b
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This was a very mesmerizing read. I loved the beautiful descriptions of France… It really made me feel like I was there. Chantel and Alex were well rounded and drew me in. They weren't stereotypical nice people, but had very real faults and flaws. Even though I hadn't read the first book, I felt like I could still get into the characters. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing through the whole story, but I was rooting for Alex and Chantel the whole time!
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Very interesting book about restoration with romance and mysteries.
it starts with someone opens a secret door and vanishes.
Chantal is an interior designer who is obsessed with this new project Chateau Vauquelin. She is trying to land the gig by entering the chateau and meets Alex. First impression of each other wasn’t very pleasant but they learn quickly there were drawn to each other.
Alex is trying to prove to his father he can turn a project around and Chantal is trying to prove to his broth ...more
it starts with someone opens a secret door and vanishes.
Chantal is an interior designer who is obsessed with this new project Chateau Vauquelin. She is trying to land the gig by entering the chateau and meets Alex. First impression of each other wasn’t very pleasant but they learn quickly there were drawn to each other.
Alex is trying to prove to his father he can turn a project around and Chantal is trying to prove to his broth ...more
When I finished French Restitution (the first book in this French Romance series), I immediately wanted to read this, the second, French Restoration (yes you can check my review, that’s exactly what I said). And I wasn’t disappointed. Far from it. Rounded characters and a well-constructed story that kept me glued to it and also guessing from a whodunit perspective. I love how this second book has taken elements of the first and built on them, without relying on them in any way whatsoever. It flo
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4.5 stars for a wonderfully descriptive read, set in France. When Alex, Alessandro, Kirkwood is tasked to take on the modernisation of dilapidated Chateau Vauquelin, bringing it into the 21st century to solidify his position at the head of his father's hotel empire, things don't go to plan. Not only are there a series of setbacks, by someone with insider knowledge who appears hellbent on halting the restoration in its tracks, but the French interior designer Alex hires, Chantal Chevalier, brings
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This book is beautifully written and you will be pulled into an enchanting setting and wishing you were there in a chateau in France. The descriptions are so vivid and I love this authors style of writing. There are a few raunchy scenes and I dare not spoil this for you. This is a lovely book and I would read more from this author.
French Restoration is well written and appealing. It concerns the restoration of a villa near Paris and the racy beginnings of a relationship between the American owner, Alex, and the interior designer, Chantal. Other events underlay the main arc of the story, namely intrigue surrounding delays to the project and a traumatic event in Chantal’s past. These strands, and the well-drawn characters, provide a richness to the storytelling.
I’m not an avid reader of the romance genre – just fancied some ...more
I’m not an avid reader of the romance genre – just fancied some ...more
3.5
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review
I want to start this review off by saying most of the writing was lovely. The setting and the characters were well thought out and written with love and depth.
This novel wasn't quite for me however, which is a bummer as I love the romance genre. It wasn't that this wasn't a good book, because it did have all the things one needs for a decent romantic novel. Hot guy, sexy lady, intriguing setting, good writing and a fairly interest ...more
I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review
I want to start this review off by saying most of the writing was lovely. The setting and the characters were well thought out and written with love and depth.
This novel wasn't quite for me however, which is a bummer as I love the romance genre. It wasn't that this wasn't a good book, because it did have all the things one needs for a decent romantic novel. Hot guy, sexy lady, intriguing setting, good writing and a fairly interest ...more
French restoration is a story of wealthy kids and family secrets blended into a tonic of love and steamy romance. Chantal, an interior designer by profession, weaves a fragile world around her to keep herself away from her bleak past. She takes up the charge of remodeling the antique French country house to restore its antiquity and keep it safe from the wealthy desires of American Hotelier Alex Kirkwood. But during the course of restoring the ancient Chateau in the outskirts of Paris, she unkno
...more
This is a charming short story about finding love while trying to navigate your future as you are piecing together and understanding your past.
Chantal is trying to move on from a frightful nightmare of her past and just as she is starting to, she takes a new job doing interior decorating for Alex Kirkwood. It's what she loves and what she is passionate about. The chemistry between the two is wonderful and full of tender moments, but also full of realness and at times confusion. Their relationsh ...more
Chantal is trying to move on from a frightful nightmare of her past and just as she is starting to, she takes a new job doing interior decorating for Alex Kirkwood. It's what she loves and what she is passionate about. The chemistry between the two is wonderful and full of tender moments, but also full of realness and at times confusion. Their relationsh ...more
I totally read this series out of order, so I can safely tell you these are truly standalone stories. That said they are wonderful and you'll want to read them all. I enjoyed this one as much as the other parts. I think what really stands out to me is the skill in crafting a setting that is fully immersive. I've never been out of the US but I could picture these places and feel the culture wrap around me. The author has a beautiful voice and real deft hand with characters as well. I loved the fe
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A well written romantic suspense with a French speaking heroine who is an interior designer. The heroine's tragic past haunts her. Her romance with the hero is passionate but does not run smoothly as the hero has many problems of his own when it comes to relationships. I liked the heroine but wouldn't want to date the hero. He was a bit too changeable. He did give his best in bed though.
Most of the story takes place in a beautiful historic chateau in the French countryside, a nice setting and a ...more
Most of the story takes place in a beautiful historic chateau in the French countryside, a nice setting and a ...more
Chantal Chevalier is a sassy interior designer who has just been hired to work on the Chateau Vauquelin for the enigmatic and sexy hotelier, Alessandro Kirkwood. Although their relationship starts off a bit rocky, there's definitely electricity and sexual tension crackling in the air. This dynamic couple is full of passion and sensuality, making for an enticing read that makes you crave for more. I couldn't put the book down, especially after connecting with the characters. Alessandro is just my
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I was hooked from the start. Half the art of writing is more than the story that's told; it's the way the author puts together words to make the reader experience the surroundings. This story excels in that. The story opens (and ends) with poetic writing that vividly describes an old building.
Although the rest of the story isn't as poetic, it is well-written and has more depth than many romances--without neglecting all those things romance readers love the most: tension between the main charact ...more
Although the rest of the story isn't as poetic, it is well-written and has more depth than many romances--without neglecting all those things romance readers love the most: tension between the main charact ...more
This is the second book in the French Romance series and the first book by this Author that I have read. A well-written story that drew me in from the first page. Chantal and Alessandro Kirkwood's story has suspense, drama, danger, a villain,and romance. A story that I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Chantal was and is my favorite character and I was so happy to see her story unfold. Alex was the perfect foil for her. I also loved the setting and hope we get to visit it again later. *crosses fingers*
French Restoration is a romance novel that is told in the third person. The chapters flew by. When I began reading it, I couldn't put it down.
I found French Restoration to be well-written, detailed, but it is not too complex. The novel itself was easy to follow. The dialog also flowed well.
I liked the pacing of the first chapter, and as I continued reading, I was pleasantly surprised that the pacing was consistent throughout the novel.
I liked how Alessandro and Chantel interacted. Their relation ...more
I found French Restoration to be well-written, detailed, but it is not too complex. The novel itself was easy to follow. The dialog also flowed well.
I liked the pacing of the first chapter, and as I continued reading, I was pleasantly surprised that the pacing was consistent throughout the novel.
I liked how Alessandro and Chantel interacted. Their relation ...more
An enjoyable romance read that kept me turning the pages. It follows the story of Chantal, a french interior designer who bids for a job to restore Chateau Vauquelin. The boss, Alessandro is intrigued with her from the start and although they both have their reasons for not wanting to get involved, the attraction between them is strong. Their romance is filled with many issues though, and you never quite know if they will overcome them. There is also a mystery surrounding Chantal's past that kee
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A perfect lazy summer read for a quiet afternoon. This book conforms to the typical romance novel, with an added twist of mystery. The writing was good (with a few grammatical errors here and there), and the characters were ok - not overly annoying but I am not enamored with them either.
There was nothing really wrong with the book, but there is nothing memorable about it either.
There was nothing really wrong with the book, but there is nothing memorable about it either.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a long time since I've read a romance novel and I tried to compare this one to the many that I've read in years past. I think the author did many things well: the writing is smooth, basic grammar and sentence structure seamless, if a few too many typos; the characters, especially the female lead, were clearly defined; the French settings, including the chateau and Paris, were described just enough and with an ease ind ...more
Stunning
What an absolutely amazing story! I loved every moment of it.
Chantal battles with her new client Alex over her credentials and ability to design his new exclusive Hotel. I'll look see Chantel as a spoiled socialite who will grow bored of the task when things get hard or she find something better to do.
Chantel must prove herself to Alex that she is the right candidate for the job period when things start going astray Alex immediately starts looking at Chantel. It seems coincidental that ...more
What an absolutely amazing story! I loved every moment of it.
Chantal battles with her new client Alex over her credentials and ability to design his new exclusive Hotel. I'll look see Chantel as a spoiled socialite who will grow bored of the task when things get hard or she find something better to do.
Chantel must prove herself to Alex that she is the right candidate for the job period when things start going astray Alex immediately starts looking at Chantel. It seems coincidental that ...more
This was a very quick, very easy read, with a lot to like about the book.
The author wove a really great picture in my mind of the chateau that was featured in the book. I could see in my mind all the ornate features, the layes of paint as the building had morphed over the years, the projected desires for each room that Chantal was aiming for in her work.
But I've got to be honest and say I did not find the character of Alex likeable at all. One moment he was all over Chantal and the next he was ...more
The author wove a really great picture in my mind of the chateau that was featured in the book. I could see in my mind all the ornate features, the layes of paint as the building had morphed over the years, the projected desires for each room that Chantal was aiming for in her work.
But I've got to be honest and say I did not find the character of Alex likeable at all. One moment he was all over Chantal and the next he was ...more
An entertaining read with refreshingly realistic characters who aren’t the usual stereotypes – they all have faults.
I also liked that it isn’t a ‘love at first sight story. The affair is an on and off relationship that fluctuates hile the two protagonists have to adjust to each other as the story progresses.
Chantal, the heroine, has hidden demons that slowly emerge, and through the discoveries she makes of her past, she gets to grips with them – and Alex, the hero, is a real mess of ambition, in ...more
I also liked that it isn’t a ‘love at first sight story. The affair is an on and off relationship that fluctuates hile the two protagonists have to adjust to each other as the story progresses.
Chantal, the heroine, has hidden demons that slowly emerge, and through the discoveries she makes of her past, she gets to grips with them – and Alex, the hero, is a real mess of ambition, in ...more
Chantal Chevalier is an interior designer, working on the restoration of the Chateau Vauquelin. She is determined to preserve the charm and beauty of the building, which is to be transformed into a hotel. Her first meeting with Alex Kirkwood, her employer and heir to the Kirkwood Hotel empire, doesn't go too well. However, Chantal is unable to ignore the growing attraction she feels for him. Their relationship is fraught with problems and it becomes clear that someone is out to cause trouble. Ac
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I totally enjoyed The French Restoration. The heroine, Chantal Chevalier is determined to win the interior design contract for Chateau Vauquelin, if only to stop wealthy hotelier Alex Kirkwood from destroying its magical splendor and turning the place into a bland playground for the rich and famous. Unfortunately, for Chantal when she first meets him, she was at a disadvantage, lying on the floor in her not so glamorous outfit. But the sparks begin to fly from there, even if they both are playin
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Really good. I was sad that it came to an end so soon. That was my only complaint. Secrets, lies and steamy romance - what could be better? A 27-year old sexy interior designer takes on a project to restore a country home that a wealthy man wants for other profitable purposes. There is a burning attraction between the two and matters become complicated. The story is well developed and has several twists and plenty of sizzling encounters to hold your interest. The pace is steady and the prose is
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Chantel is an interior designer, who has set out to prove her ideas again the more mainstream companies, even if she has to battle the owner, Alex, every step of the way. Alex is taken with Chantel, even if he can't admit it to himself and looks for reasons to dislike her. He can't refute her ideas however, and soon the two are working closely, then some mysterious things begin to happen around the chateau and suspicions fly as the romance heats up!
This is a quick and simple read that addresses ...more
This is a quick and simple read that addresses ...more
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Born in West London, Sara Claridge grew up on a rich diet of romantic suspense authors such as Phyllis A. Whitney, Mary Stewart and Daphne du Maurier. Their characterizations, descriptions and vivid story telling filled many a happy afternoon.
After inexplicably moving to France several years ago on a whim, she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic suspense novels. The result so far i ...more
After inexplicably moving to France several years ago on a whim, she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic suspense novels. The result so far i ...more
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