Escape to the Little French Café

Little French Café #1

by Karen Clarke

On the beautiful French coast lies the Café Belle Vie, a peaceful haven offering a warm welcome and delicious pains au chocolat – and where Natalie’s quiet life is about to be turned upside down…

When thirty-one-year-old Natalie Bright’s boyfriend dumps her and immediately gets engaged to his ex-girlfriend, she escapes her heartbreak and moves to the charming village of Chamillon on the Île de Ré.

She’s determined to build a new life there: writing about farmer’s markets for a local magazine, exploring the local vineyards on her bike, and taking advantage of the sunshine. And in the Café Belle Vie she finds a bustling community – including new best friend Charlie – and a near-constant supply of cakes.

All in all, things are looking pretty good.

So when a blast from the past – her teenage crush Jay Merino – suddenly turns up in Chamillon, Natalie’s thrown. She’s sworn off men ever since she moved to France, but she and Jay have a connection that stretches back years.

But could taking a chance on an old flame complete her new life – or ruin everything she’s worked so hard for?

A gorgeous rom com full of sunshine, croissants and sparkling romance!

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Summer

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2019

About the author

I live in Buckinghamshire with my husband and three grown-up children where I write psychological thrillers for HQDigital/HarperCollins and romantic comedy novels published by Bookouture.

Over the years I've been a secretary/bookkeeper, a wedding photographer, a pub manager, I've worked in a supermarket, a newsagent's and as a librarian - all good for story ideas.

I now write full-time and when I'm not writing, I read a lot, enjoy walking - which is good for plot-wrangling and ideas - photography, watching Netflix, baking and eating cakes. And then more walking to work off the cakes.

Reviews

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful and charming book. I did not think that I would like it as much as I did. The writing was so easy to read and the characters really brought it to life. I had loads of chuckles with Natalie about her dad's dating life! I also loved the relationship between Charlie and Natalie, odd best friends for life. The story was constantly in the "now" and kept flowing with no lull's. I really liked it!

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful heartwarming story. A lovely romance sprinkled with humor and friendship!

What a fun escape to the French seaside this book was! This is one of those stories that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy, a book that will make you smile, a tale that will leave you craving croissants! Karen Clarke has crafted another engaging story packed with amazing characters and a beautiful setting!

Natalie is picking up the pieces of her broken heart and decides to head to the French seaside for a change of pace and to be closer to her father. This small French Village is the perfect place to mend a broken heart. Natalie also has the company of her BFF Charlie and the dating antics of her dad to keep her mind off her woes. Soon Natalie runs into her old crush Jay, someone who she long-ago shared a fleeting kiss. Natalie is a struggling journalist and she thinks scoring an interview with Jay who is now a major screen star will help elevate her career. Jay grants her the interview and when they meet up Sparks fly. BUT when parts of the interview are leaked Natalie‘s career and her budding romance are in jeopardy.

This was a sweet slow burning romance that was super adorable. Natalie was a great character I really liked her and I really wanted her to find her happily ever after. Her BFF Charlie was great and I have to say I would have had no problem if they had ended up together! And I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next book is about him. Jay and Natalie had some pretty strong chemistry, I really loved reading there romance. This really was a straightforward old-fashioned romance. Set in the sun on the French seashore. What more could you want then sunshine, love, friendship, and croissants?

*** huge thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me smile a lot! I liked all the characters, the setting, and the plot. There's no better way to describe this but sweet & heartwarming. I loved the friendship between Charlie and Natalie--I'm hoping to see more of Charlie in the next book! Natalie's parents were cute, just the neighborhood in general was cute. I wish there had been just a tad more romance between Natalie and Jay but I really have nothing bad to say about this book. I was looking for a sweet/cute book and that's exactly what I got.


*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen Clarke’s Escape to the Little French Café is a predictably cute book that’ll have you longing for a pain au chocolat and a seaside romantic adventure of your own. The plot isn’t anything new but it’s a fun and light read with charming characters and a stunning setting.

Writer Natalie Bright has attempted to escape heartbreak by moving to the picturesque village of Chamillon. She spends her time writing for an expat magazine, following her father’s hilarious dating misadventures, and hanging out at the charming Café Belle Vie with her best friend. Natalie wants to work for a successful French magazine but can’t get her foot in the door. When she finds out that famously reclusive actor Jay Merino (who she happened to kiss years ago) is filming nearby, she seizes her chance to get an exclusive interview. When Jay agrees to the interview, sparks fly between them. However, when secrets from their conversation leak, Jay and Natalie’s blossoming romance as well as her career are in trouble!

The plot is predictable and I figured out the villain instantly. However, I didn’t mind at all because the plot is light, entertaining, and well-paced. It’s a fluffy and feel-good read with funny and moving moments. The setting is absolutely beautiful. I’m dying now for my own French seaside adventure!

The characters are well-written and likable. Natalie is a funny and relatable protagonist. I love her relationship with loyal best friend, Charlie. They have great chemistry and I would have loved if they got together. However, I really like the slow-burn romance between Natalie and Jay. Their super sweet connection feels natural. The adorable subplot with Natalie’s parents is nicely done. I love that Clarke doesn’t only focus on romance but dedicates time to the heart-warming friendships among the characters. It’s really nice to read a book that pays attention to healthy and supportive friendships.

Escape to the Little French Café is a quick and charming read filled with friendships and romance. The plot is familiar but that didn’t bother me because it’s a lovely rom com. I quite like this book and I hope it’s the beginning of a series because the characters and setting are just wonderfully done. I would definitely check out more of Clarke’s work!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

🥐 🥐 🥐 ½ French croissants out of 5!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Clarke has done it again, with another enchanting read that I couldn't' bare to be apart from for long. I was loving my time on the Île de Ré, and am delighted to learn this is the first book of a series, so can't wait already to start reading the next one.

Charming is another good word for this story, it is so warm, and cosy with lovely characters and a bit of scandal too, with a hint of mystery.

I loved getting to know Natalie, best friend Charlie, her family and the man she is hopeful of interviewing in order to get a big career break.

There are some incredibly funny scenes in this, including where Natalie comes face to face with Jay, for the first time in many years. What a way to become instantly memorably in someone's eyes.

There are ambitious women, parental dating episodes, a gorgeous hero, a fabulous best friend, misunderstandings, and just a fabulous feel to the whole book, set in glorious sunshine. I loved every moment I spent with these characters and this story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the cover for this book and love the author it did take me a short time to get into the book which is so unusual for me but once I did I enjoyed it and found it a warm read and heartwarming full of heartbreak moving forward and being happy and romance. Also plenty about a cafe and food a perfect summer read.
Natalie thought all was going well in life but when her boyfriend dumps her for his ex she is so upset and says she won't look at another man. She decides to go and live in France and she's living with her dad and determined to build her life up again and concentrate on her writing for a local magazine and enjoy the sunshine. She has a great friend Charlie that she meets every day at the cafe and they enjoy life. Problem is her life is turned upside down when her teenage crush arrives in France close by as he's filming. She really wants to write about him for a magazine but once she sees him she has an attraction to him but is sure she doesn't want to go out with him. She is told secrets from him that she promises not to write about but when they turn up in the papers how will he react she knows it's not her that told anyone and wants to find out who it was as she really has fallen for him. How will he react and can they work through this or is it all over before it begins.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to say I am really enjoying reading books that are set in other countries at the moment. This is another idyllic escapism that transports us to a wonderful little village in France.

Natalie is very brave moving to France for a fresh start. She is lucky in that her dad lives there as well as her very good friend, Charlie. It made me wish I had friends in other countries, so I could hot tail it there to join them.

There is a great amount of humour, of which, one part in particular had me laughing out loud in the story. It really makes it a very light hearted read with a healthy dose of romance thrown in for good measure. Jay certainly set my heart a flutter and could easily envision him in my head which had me fall a little in love with him. I mean who doesn’t like a good character crush?

Escape To The Little French Café is a fun filled read with plenty to entertain it’s reader. It really has a lot going for it with the wonderful location, romance and a hot love interest. What isn’t to like? A wonderful French escape.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story goes thus Natalie moves to a charming village of Chamillon in France post her heartbreak wanting a new life. She sets about writing articles, exploring countryside, connecting with best friend Charlie when suddenly an old crush Jay enters into her life. And love happens... Along with a crisis.

Karen Clarke has etched her characters in a warm gentle way but coated with reality. It is easy to relate to Natalie and her ups and downs in romance. Relationships between characters have been given their space in this book. Romance is cute, but the other friendships are what caught my eye. Charlie is brilliant.

The book reads fast, the story is sweet, romance is heartwarming and filled me with longing, emotions have been conveyed well. The scenes have humor and fun; they are filled with joy. Then comes my niggles, poking me intermittently. The book is slow, took me two tries to get into it. Plot is predictable. But they are minor points as the book moves on.

Overall, a good romantic read which is light and fun with great descriptions of the French seaside

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue sky, blue sea that’s certainly not what I see when I look out of my window. One more reason to dream away with this lovely story.

France is not my kind of country. I am more a Spain loving girl. I have only been to France once and you will never guess where. So I will tell you. I have spend a wonderfull three days in La Rochelle and visited the beautiful Ile de Ré. Reading about a place you have been makes it even more attractive.

This book is about second chances, because you thought you had lost love but you didn’t really, about finding true love after being betrayed, about jealousy wrecking people’s lives and about a very strong friendship. When some funny sitations are added to all of the above, the result is a very entertaining story.

It was nice being taken back to this beautiful part of the world. I enjoyed this fluently written story very much. If I would have to pick my favourite character, it would definitely be Simon. 4 stars.

Thank you, Karen Clarke, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Lisa M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quaint read ultimately about trust for me with a real slow-burner of a romance.

Natalie moves to the idyllic Chamillon in France to live with her dad as a way of escaping the UK and a relationship breakdown. She is getting by writing articles for websites about her daily life but struggling to make it big-time as a serious writer/journalist.

Enter Jay! He is a screen star who is in France filming. Natalie knew him when they were younger and they shared a tentative kiss that she has never forgotten. He agrees to give her an exclusive interview but the story is leaked and their blossoming romance appears to hit the rocks before it gets chance to really take off whilst Jay comes to terms with a betrayal and Natalie tries to get to the bottom of how it leaked when she'd been discreet.

I felt at times there was more to her friendship with best friend Charlie, it had been explained that had shared a tentative kiss that left them both feeling it wasn't meant to be but I just wasn't convinced at times! However he proved to be an excellent friend and was a welcome addition to the story. I feel like he would be an ideal main character in the next instalment.

At times funny, one part in particular had me laughing out loud, this book had warmth radiating through it and was a fun, quick read - perfect for a holiday read!

My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alexandra Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very charming and cute. I found the story to be engaging and realistic, with a lot of humor. I enjoyed the characters, learning about them and watching them progress through the story. There was a small mystery to be solved during the book which I felt was written naturally. The chapters were a good length overall and flowed nicely together. Definitely recommend this book for a quick cute read!

[Justkeepreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meet Natalie, our young lady of this novel. Who has moved to the beautiful Chamillon to be closer to her father. Escaping the Uk, her recent heartbreak and the pain of the past. Wishing to be a big time journalist. Is making her way by writing for magazines that no one really reads internationally.

Natalie has a best friend called Charlie. Who is lovely. Firmly in the friend zone. As it is explained that before they shared a kiss. Which firmly planted in both their minds, that they were simply not meant to be. Although I wasn’t ever truely convinced that this was always the case. But Charlie is a wonderful character nonetheless and a fantastic best friend of Natalie.

Enter Jay, a blast from Natalie’s past, sort of. Who is now an up and coming actor. Who has refused to give interviews to the press about his life before. But Natalie is convinced that if she was to talk to him. Then she could persuade him, that she would be discrete. Then this could make her journalistic career take off.

Jay agrees to the interview. But somehow the interview is leaked. Leaving not only Jay extremely angry, Natalie’s chances of making it big and their blossoming romance come crashing down.

Leaving Natalie to try and find out what exactly is going on and how to fix everything.

This book was very nice, it had a lovely warmth to it and there were a couple of funny moments. However it wasn’t my favourite book by Karen but that said. It was still pretty good.

[Geet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book for you if want to read something defferent from your everyday genre.

The book is set in small island Île de Ré situated in west coast of France . Natalie is staying with her father Marty Bright on the island . She writes articles for a magzine Expacts and want to work for Magnifique . She is struggling to get a position the desired magzined .

As luck on her side , an oppertunity rises . Her high school cruch Jay Marino , who is now a big movie star is filming on the island . She persue him to give interview to her but it's not that easy . She has to face tough competition from Fleur Depont and prove her innocence .

This is a light read and addictive book . I finished it with in a day and was hooked up from the starting . I'd give it 4 starts <3

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really impatient to read this book from Karen Clarke. Usually I absolutely love the story from Karen but I have to be honest with you, this time I was a little disappointed. The story is ok but for some reason I couldn't engage with the characters. I didn't feel any connections with them and it was like I didn't really care what would happen to them. Even though the book is quite short, I struggle a bit to read it. But despite all of this, the writing style of Karen Clarke is still lovely and there was some parts of the book that I really enjoyed. I am giving this book a 3 stars out of 5.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Karen Clarke's novels. They're heartwarming, easy to read and overall just a really enjoyable, happy read. This one was no different to her other novels. I have really enjoyed Karen's other series' such as The Seashell Cove series and also The Beachside Bay series and was really looking forward to reading this one. I believe this is her first novel which is set abroad (which I'm aware of anyway) but I was excited to see where she would take it and how it would be. I'm not sure if this would be a series but if it is, I'd love to read more!

The cover is equally as eye-catching and as beautiful as her others. I love the bold red and blue colours, they really stand out and draw you in. The little checked table cloth and the little Westie in his striped top are also really cute! And I really enjoy the sea in the background, really making you feel in holiday-mode.

Natalie is our main character and she has moved to France to live with her dad after suffering a bad heartbreak and needing some space to get her head and heart back together. Whilst living there, she has secured a job as a journalist for an ex-pat magazine, which she publishes an article for. However, Natalie doesn't feel fulfilled with her job and longs to work at Magnifique, an extremely popular magazine but feels like she never has the opportunity to show her writing to the famous Editor. When famous but extremely shy and reserved actor Jay Merino comes to the island to film his latest blockbuster, Natalie jumps at the chance to try and get an interview with him. She does slightly, only a little bit, not really, know him from quite a few years ago and he did promise her an interview after all!

When Jay Merino agrees Natalie is over the moon, and the pair soon grow close as they get to know one another, but when sensitive details from the interview come to light before it is even released, Jay and Natalie's relationship seems over for good. Natalie is obviously devastated as she realises she liked him a whole lot more than she originally thought. She has no idea how she's going to make this right but she makes it her mission to make it up to Jay and to prove it wasn't her that released the interview. As the story goes on, there are quite a few shocks but ones that will leave you on the edge of your seat, longing to find out more!

At the start of this novel, I was a little bit apprehensive as to how this novel was going to go. I really thought that Natalie would fall for best friend Charlie's charms but throughout the book it's a bit hazy as to how it will end., when Jay entered the story it came a bit clearer though! However it was a great novel and the ending was beautiful and heartwarming! I absolutely adored this novel and was so sad when it finished. The French setting sounded idyllic and soon had me wanting to visit the island, and the characters all seemed really warm and lovely! Overall, would 110% recommend this novel for anyone who wants a bit of lighthearted reading. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

[Antonella's book world · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS



YOU CAN ALSO FIND THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG https://antonellasbookworld.blogspot....

I loved this story and the writer's style! I got hooked in from the very start and I couldn't help but ate this book up in a day.
Natalie is the kind of character who I love because of her personality. She is that kind of woman that I appreciate because even though not everything goes as she would like, she doesn't give up.
I loved the setting, I'm a little bit in love with France and their little towns to be honest, and the story with 'I bump into a very famous person who I knew before he was a star' kind of thing. I don't know why but I'm a sucker of stories that involve famous people with ordinay and common people.
Anyway, I liked the funny side of the book, I couldn't help but laugh out loud a few times, and how the author developed and described the characters. She was good at get the story interesting and catchy. So I really can't complain because at the end of the day I enjoyed this read a lot and without doubt I would love to read other books by this author.

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Natalie is dumped by her boyfriend she goes to stay with her father on the French Ile de Re. Soon settling in and getting a job as a journalist on a local ex pat magazine she is enjoying spending time in the cafe with her best friend Charlie but then Jay comes to the island. Jay is a famous actor that Natalie knew from the past and so it is a great coup when she gets an exclusive interview with him....... is love in the air?

Another lovely book by this author, I always look forward to reading her stories, you know you are always going to end up with a nice warm feeling inside and a smile on you're face when you finish them and this one is no exception, there are some great characters and a beautiful setting...... perfect beach read

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were great. Intrigue with pace to the plot, a beautiful setting and a few twists and turns. Other bits were very slow and drawn out even a bit muddled. Overall it’s not a book I would read again and I’m not sure I would read a follow up.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was this a complicated/deep/thought provoking book? No.
Does this book engage some tropes that might be a little tired? Yes (although it does call out at least one its using)
Is this book a fun journey with likeable characters making it an enjoyable little break from reality - yes :)

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Clarke's new book Escape to the Little French Cafe is a delightful read with a beautiful, bright and colourful cover which really does catch your eye. Set on an island called Lle De Re off the French coast we follow the story of Natalie Bright. She is an ex-pat living with her father on the island. There has been trauma and upset in her past and she fled to the island to escape everything and to have time out to think about and get over the break up of her relationship with ex-Matt. That's not to say Natalie is a character full of doom and gloom and always pondering over what might have been. Instead I found her to be refreshing and a breath of fresh air and not because she had this most perfect, idyllic life living in France. Rather more that she was down to earth and honest about her situation and that she was a character that the ordinary person could easily relate to. She had her faults and plenty of worries but underneath it all I could see she had ambition and drive but she just hadn’t been afforded the chance to prove she could make it in the world of journalism which she was clearly so passionate about.

Given the title of the book I thought the sole focus would be on a cute little café in France and all the characters that go there and we'd then follow some of their storylines or maybe the café would get into trouble and need someone to come along and save it from closing. This was not the case at all and it was brilliant that this didn't happen as I am becoming ever so slightly jaded of books that recycle this storyline over and over again. The only fault I would find with the book overall is perhaps the title is misleading and I would hate for people not to pick up this really enjoyable read for fear they are going to get the type of story as outlined above.

The café was the place where Natalie did some of her work and where she was supported by friend Charlie. His mother and owner of the café, Dolly, would love for something to develop between the pair but there was no chance of that happening. Instead the book took on a brilliant slant as Natalie wants to further her career and when a person from her past makes a reappearance in the most unusual of circumstances she finds herself wrapped up in a lot more than she bargained for in her quest to write a piece for Monsieur Julliard and his well known and respected magazine Magnifique.

I loved Natalie as the main female protagonist. She herself was well aware that if she wanted to go further than the dizzying heights she has reached in her career of writing columns for the local ex pat magazine than she would have to go out there and seek the opportunities. No one was going to suddenly knock on her door or ring her phone offering her her life’s dream. If you want to achieve something you have to get yourself out there but the question remained how could she do this? Balanced alongside Natalie's plan to get the scoop of the year was lots of comedic laugh out loud moments which just added to the overall tone of the book and really one word I would use to some up this book is fun. I rarely if ever use that word in relation to a book but that's how I found this story to be, it wasn't all about the romance although there was plenty of it here. I never felt it was being rammed down my throat or there wasn't endless back and forth over will they won't they?

Yes I was interested in the final decision but I found myself far more enjoying Natalie's experiences and the emotions she goes through in order to secure the big interview. Nicolas Julliard who I found to be very sleazy and overbearing kind of had Natalie held over a barrel. Secure the interview with the elusive movie star Jay Merino or else you never stand a chance of writing for my magazine. It didn't help either that superstar journalist Fleur whose pieces have graced many a magazine and whose stories have gone viral was another source of competition for Natalie. Up against such stiff opposition would Natalie ever be able to meet Jay let alone get him to open up about both his personal and professional life?

Natalie can't believe her good fortune when she hears that Jay Merino is filming the Max Weaver series of films on the island. She sees this as her golden opportunity to impress Nicolas. She 'knows' Jay from an encounter in the past when they were younger but things have changed so much since then and did she take far more from their meeting than Jay did? Something happened when they met at a party all those years ago and the encounter has never left Natalie's mind although she may have gone on and done different things in her life there is still that niggle there.

Jay was a total enigma who was very much a closed book and kept everything to himself. I felt he was vulnerable and not always happy. I just wanted to give him a big hug. I loved how we didn't get to know too much about him and that he wasn't a male character who was always out to try and impress Natalie. He wasn't constantly running after her more so it was the other way round but for professional reasons. Jay remained true to himself throughout the book, what you saw was what you got but Natalie wants to get that little bit deeper and see beneath the mysterious shield that Jay has created for himself. Why has he done this? Why does he never give interviews? Natalie wants to get to know the real Jay. It may have started out for Natalie as just securing an interview in order to further her career but it turns into so much more. This was all just so lovely to read about and the fact Karen Clarke threw in plenty of twists and turns throughout the story really held my interest throughout. Sometimes I find myself becoming a bit frustrated that nothing is happening in a book or else little sub-plots are thrown in for no reason at all but here I felt everything was fresh and the plot moved along at a great pace.

Natalie's passion for writing shone throughout the story but when events conspire against her and things are sent her way to test her that are much more than misunderstandings I wondered would she be able to weather the storm? Her integrity and loyalty were called into question and everything that ensued had me wanting to shout out at certain characters that this isn't meant to be happening. That Natalie only had good intentions and she should never be doubted. Having said that the little twist towards the end I would never have guessed the culprit and the reasons for the mayhem and the testing times that ensued.

I can't fail to mention Natalie's Dad Marty who seems to be going through a bit of a crisis when it comes to dating and his next move on the romance front. He was just a gem of a character, a real gentleman who seemed to be fumbling along following the separation from his wife several years ago and all I wanted was the best for him. He was like a teddy bear who needed support and only to be loved. His storyline was just so touching and I was glad it didn't descend into a farce making him the fool where everyone laughs at the ridiculous antics he could have gotten up to on his dating journey. Instead it was all so lovely and real and I desperately wanted Mart to find some sort of happy ending.

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed Escape to the Little French Cafe. The beautiful setting really helped to conjure up images of the characters and what they were going through in my head and the plot was something new and exciting. I didn't feel like I was reading a storyline that I had read numerous times over in as I do with so many books in this genre. Natalie was a down to earth girl who readers could identify with as she wasn't too dissimilar to people who would read this book. I think the fact she was a writer helped me to love her even more and that she wasn't written in a way as to be far fetched and over the top. The same could be said for the overall storyline it didn't come across as being implausible or have me throwing my eyes up to heaven at some of the madcap things that happened. Instead they were fun and hilarious and they meshed well with the more emotional side of things.

This was a quick read but despite that I felt everything ended at just the right point and that there weren't filler in chapters or scenes just to bulk up the word count. I would love to read more about Natalie so hopefully Karen Clarke may mention her in future books no matter even if it was just a brief paragraph or two. Does Natalie fulfil her quest? Does she learn some important life lessons? Can she crack Jay's tough exterior. Pick up this delightful, charming story to discover all the answers.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natalie had started writing for the Expats Guide To Living and Working In France. She hadn’t thought she would be working there a year later. Natalie’s real dream was to work for a famous magazine, where she’d have her own desk, attend meetings, and interview A-List stars. Charlie was Natalie’s best friend . Charlie’s mom Dolly couldn’t understand why they weren't a couple. Charlie and Natalie had clicked the day she entered the cafe. Than Natalie told Charlie how she had lost her job in London when the magazine- Chatter- she had worked for had folded. Also her long term relationship had crumbled not long after. Then she decided to come to Chameleon and stay with her dad- Marty-who had retired from being a cop for thirty years- until she worked out what she wanted to do next. It turned out she and Charlie had grown up not far from each other , both had birthdays in January - but Charlie was two years older than Natalie who was thirty one. They both had parents no longer together and they both came to France with a broken heart, looking for change. Charlie to help his mom run the Cafe Belle Vue that she’d bought six years ago and Natalie was still figuring it out. Since that first day they had many conservations, played card games. Had dinner at each others home, even traveled to England together the previous Christmas to visit friends and families. Charlie knew Natalie’s ex boyfriend Matt of three years had traded her in for an ex girlfriend he had reconnected with. Natalie knew Charlie’s long term girlfriend cheated on him with his cousin Ben. but they had never fallen for each other. Since Matt Natalie had little desire to change her single status Marie who lived next store to Marty and Natalie told Marty that Jay Marino who hated publicity and refused to give reviews but was a famous actor who was on the island was on the island. Natalie knew jay before he was famous as he was born on a estate near where Natalie had lived. Jay wasa couple years older that Natalie who was seventeen when she met Jay. Jay's brother had crashed a party and Jay was sitting on a swing in the backyard, Natalie went and sat next to him on a swing, they had fallen into a conversation. She told him she wanted to be a writer and he told her when he was famous he would give her an interview. Then he kissed her and left. Nicolas Julliard was the editor in chief of Magnifique and Natalie wanted to work there desperately. Natalie and said she knew Jay -when Nicolas called- and he had promised her an interview. Natalie goes to track down Jay and runs to protect him from a woman with a gun only to find out it was they were shooting a scene for his next movie. Jay did remember Natalie and the promise of an interview and that kiss. Jay did agree to an interview and took a selfie with Natalie to show Nicholas later on that day when she was to meet him with proof of knowing Jay. Simon showed up with the back she had left by the hotel -she had already met with Nicolas - and said Jay wanted to cook dinner for her. So she went with Simon. He took her to the cottage Jay had bought and he was there waiting for her. Natalie felt a fizz of electricity when Jay and her hand touched and she knew Jay had felt ti too by his expressions.
I enjoyed this book but had mixed feelings about it. I really liked Jay and Natalie together. I loved how he believed Natalie when she told him she hadn’t went to the media about him. But I felt this was more insta lust not even a week and she is going to Budapest with him. All of a sudden she is ready for a relationship after three years. Not even being leery of being hurt again until she is. This tended to drag for me and I found it hard to keep my interest but I did finish this book and felt it was an pretty good read but not one I would read again and i take that into consideration when I rate a book. I did like the ending although rushed in my opinion. I did love Charlie’s and Natalie’s relationship as best friends. I did also like the plot. But as i said I had mixed feelings on this book

[BeesBookHollow ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Natalie Bright desperately wants a new lease on life, her boyfriend ended things to get back with his ex-girlfriend and now they're engaged. The only remedy for this heartbreak is a little village on the French Coast by the name of Chamillon, and it's everything that Nat needs to stay content but recently she's been eyeing a certain magazine by the name of Magnifique to really stake her claim in the writing game.

Luckily, a little excitement is just around the corner when a hot actor arrives to film his newest movie, and he just so happens to be from one of the most memorable kisses from her past, considering he ran away right after it ended. When Nat tries to cash in on a promise from their past she literally ends up tackling her situation head on, and by situation I mean Jay himself!!! With her world suddenly on hyper drive Natalie has to figure out how to keep it from getting out of control but have things ever gone according to plan for her?

In Escape to The Little French Cafe Clarke writes a sweet and sunny romantic comedy about fate bringing two kids from childhood back together in the most unlikely of ways.

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I received this as an ARC through Netgalley, this in no way sways my opinions about its contents
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
My Thoughts:

I initially requested this ARC because of the cover and then upon reading the synopsis I thought it would be a cute read. The main character Natalie is nothing if not a little naive, but she means well. Sometimes she doesn't think things all the way through before she does them and she's been known to flubb a few details to make things seem better but at the end of the day she just wants to make it through life unscathed. I liked her character and my only complaint was that I wish she had more development, it seemed like instead of resolving her issues she had a breakdown and then waited for someone to tell her what to do. 


The love interest Jay Merino is the most likeable and well rounded character of the book but only because he was so set in his ways. He was charming and sweet and completely alluring to Natalie so there are no problems there.


As far as atmosphere I thought that it made me feel like I was walking down the cobbled streets of the small French town. I loved the little cafe that Natalie's best friend Charlie works at and the little Dog Hamish and his owner that are a permanent fixture within its busy restaurant walls. This book would be a wonderful summer read.


My only cons with this book are the fact that it didn't seem like the conflict had a very strong resolution or direction. It seemed as though it was too predictable to figure out what was going to happen as the end of the book came along, the pacing was slightly off and if that was fixed maybe it would have melded better. I wish there were more romance and that Jay & Natalie actually had more screen time in the book to make the relationship seem more genuine. The chemistry was definitely there but it just seemed like they fell back in love too quickly upon reuniting and I don't know where it came from, once again this just could be pacing. It honestly seemed like the main character was more worried about her parents' relationship and what was going on in that, than anything that was in front of her.

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Wrap-Up:

I would continue to read the other books in the series simply because Clarke creates such a sweet and simple story. If you're looking for a more complex romance with lots of word building and character depth I wouldn't recommend this novel. I rated it 3/5 stars 🌟

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Thank you for reading!


[Cheryl Basile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming book -- I'll definitely be reading more books written by Karen Clarke!

The story is about Natalie, a British journalist who aspires to write for one of France's number one magazine, "Magnifique." Its editor--Nicolas Juilliard--has rejected all of the story topics she has proposed to him.

Then she finds out that an action film star -- Jay Merino -- will be filming his next film on the little French island of Ile de Re, where she is currently living. Merino is a interview coveted by all of the leading journalists, including Magnifique's top writer, Fleur Dupont. You see, Jay never gives interviews and everything publication would love to feature his first interview.

Natalie approaches Juilliard and suggests that she gets an interview with Merino for Magnifique, but Juilliard already tells her that Fleur DuPont has already spoken with Jay's people and they have agreed to give her the interview.

But Natalie has something a bit different to offer -- she personally knows Jay Merino, having grown up in the same town as he. Although she only met him once when she was in high school, it was an experience that left a lasting impression on both of them.

Juilliard agrees to give her the interview. Now, all she has to do is figure out a way to get in touch with Jay! The opening scene where they first meet is definitely a "meet cute." She's walking down the street, following a man in a ballcap and dark glasses, who she thinks is Merino's bodyguard. She turns around and notices that someone is following them, and then sees the glint of a gun in that person's hands, and the gun is aimed at the bodyguard. Her only thought is to protect the bodyguard, so she jumps on him and takes him down to the ground. Which causes quite a commotion. People are yelling, but they sound angry that she foiled the attempted murder. A man tells her that they will have to do a retake, now that she's wrecked the scene filming for the movie. And she realizes that she's in the middle of a movie set, not a possible murder scene.

She gets up, and realizes that the man she plowed down was none other than Jay Merino himself. He's quite surprised and not angry at all, especially when he realizes that the person who "saved" him is the girl who he shared his first kiss with many years ago. He agrees to offer her an interview.

During the interview they reminisce about their shared past, and after talking for quite a while, Jay asks to see her again. They have several dates, and their relationship builds. But then something happens that makes Jay believe that Natalie sold him out, publicly sharing some secrets that he had told her "off the record." He thinks that she just acted like she was in love with him, just to fish for personal information. By this time, they both realize they love each other, so the supposed deception destroys both of their worlds. Natalie sets out to prove to Jay that she has true feelings for him and would never deceive him or use him just for an interview.

It is a fun story that allows the reader to experience what it would be like to have a relationship with a world-famous actor. Throughout the story, the reader is taken to quaint seaside towns and along with Natalie, visits cafes and historic sites. The supporting characters add extra color to the book. I especially liked Charlie, her male best friend, who provides some fun banter with Natalie throughout the story.

I think this would be a great spring break or vacation read, especially for those who can't go away on vacation. Instead, they can visit Ile de Re with Natalie, Jay and Charlie!

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie has always wanted to be a writer: a journalist who writes ‘real’ stories that touch and entertain. But, after a breakup with her ex who, unlike with her, was marrying this one, she decided to move into the little house her father had just purchased after he and her mother separated. Having spent holidays on the island, and working as a freelancer gives Natalie plenty of freedom to work from anywhere, she’s navigating her father’s ‘attempts’ to start dating, showing her mum the house via video-chat during their frequent conversations, and desperately trying to land a job with a top-drawer magazine based in Paris, to no avail.

Fortunately her best friend Charlie – also an expat, is living above the café that his mum owns, and is always available for a chat, advice or even to hang out – the two having decided that they are better friends than anything more, much to Charlie’s mum’s disappointment. Yet, as familiar (and occasionally horrifying) as her life is with her father and his befuddlement with dating and his tragic style makeovers, they’ve also made good friends and have established themselves as members of the community, even as Natalie is always chasing the dream of writing for a major publication – and hoping that, in mentioning a connection to a famous if notably reclusive actor (they grew up in the same town) that it will open the door to a job and possibly gain her advice from that magazine’s top journo.

Oh this was fun – from Natalie practically rugby tackling Jay when she mistakes a movie scene for real life, the opera-singing, Austen reading bodyguard Simon, the despicable and wholly without ethics Fleur all are embroiled in the ultimate nightmare for a reclusive actor: the context of Natalie’s interview with Jay is shared by a waitress who just happens to be related to Fleur and desperate to become an actress leaves the news outlets clamoring for more. Poor Natalie – always with the best intentions and sharing information ONLY with those she thought she could trust puts her whole dream of exploring the chemistry she felt with Jay into the bin, as he wants nothing to do with her and Simon doesn’t seem any more interested in hearing what she has to say. It’s going to take a whole village (ok – the café regulars and her best friend Charlie) to get them face to face again, without interruptions and onto their own path of happy ever after….. Like all of Clarke’s books her characters bring the setting alive, and allow us moments of escape, camaraderie and even a few moments to wince at the embarrassing bits, always leading us to new friends and places that, if not visited in person, are just as wonderful to visit in a book.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Milica]

This is the cutest, most positive, coziest book I have read in a while. I usually resort to historical romance for a steady supply of fairy-tale-like literary fare. The characters in contemporary romance are just simply too out there for me, I guess. I may be getting on in years, but I do feel like authors these days include texts verbatim in their novels just to fill up the word count. Well … there are texts in Escape to the Little French Café, but they do not stall the narrative in the least. Thankfully, there is no online dating either - except for comedic purposes (as it should be). Likewise, the characters are all well established for such a short book. I particularly enjoyed the parents of the female protagonist. They are simply adorable! The friendship between the female protagonist and her Charlie is so well written that I actually found myself cheering for them to become romantically involved in the beginning of the book (joining the supporting cast of the book itself). Both protagonists are decent, clever people. Somewhat trapped in their lives, but working hard to vanquish the inner and outer demons. Their feelings radiate from the page and they are honest with each other. Most importantly, they use their words! There is a villainous plot, of course, to spice up the story and create the necessary conflict. But, at no time do the protagonists engage in pouting or (deliberate or not) misunderstandings. The male protagonist is a modern-era Prince Charming, but much smarter and more talented! The two of them click and that’s it! No waffling, no “thinking”, no prejudice, no agendas, no grating characteristics of the “modern romance” that tries to be enlightened but comes across as forced. It’s a lovely, pleasant book overall and I will read more by the same author!

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Karen Clarke.***

Escape to the Little French Cafe, by Karen Clarke, was just an okay read for me. Natalie is a writer who moves to France after getting dumped. She’s focusing on her career, trying to come up with a story idea to impress the owner of a magazine she dreams about writing for. That story falls into her lap when she hears that a movie is being filmed in her village and she once met the movie’s main actor, Jay, when she was a teen.

I struggled a bit with this book. It surprised me because I loved the 2 books I’d read previously by this author. At about a third of the way through, it felt as though nothing had truly happened. Aside from a few laughs, I mostly felt swamped by unimportant details and descriptions. Natalie was in her head too much. Nicolas Juilliard, the magazine owner Natalie was trying to impress, was condescending, rude and inappropriate with her. It was beyond me why she wanted to work for him. I felt like I wasn’t really given the chance to fall in love with Jay. Truth be told, I liked Natalie’s best friend Charlie better than any other character. For me, the characters didn’t seem to have enough depth. The romance felt like insta-love and on the cheesy side, if I’m being honest, and the reunion was pretty anticlimactic. As a fan of Clarke, the book was not as enjoyable as others I’ve read by her.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the beginning I liked Nathalie, adored her best mate Charlie and laughed alongside them as they put the world to rights in Charlie’s mum’s café on the Ile de Ré. They are both running away from relationship failures and have formed a special bond that only his mum Dolly wishes would evolve to be more than just friends. Nat is a writer, who pens a column for a local expat magazine (just like I do), but while I’m happy with that, she has her sights set on a job at Magnifique, the top magazine in Paris.

Just by chance, reclusive actor Jay Merino is filming on the island and although he never gives interviews, an almost forgotten moment between Nat and Jay when they were 17, gives her a glimmer of hope that the exclusive interview she needs to get her foot in the door at Magnifique, will be possible.

What happens next is at first hilarious, then fizzing with energy and chemistry; so much so my feel-good monitor shot off the scale. I was convinced that nothing could possibly go wrong. I was wrong and I was devastated, but this just showed us a different side to Nat. Determined, resourceful and able to put on a brave face, she is realistic enough to know not all dreams come true and ultimately, she discovers what is really important to her in life.

Even if you don’t know the Ile de Ré, you will feel you do by the end of the book and you will probably find yourself checking out flights to La Rochelle so you can experience if for real. The villages, the lighthouse, the marinas, the stone cottages with pretty shutters and hollyhocks in the gardens are all brought to life. Thank you Karen, I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Kasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story way more than I was anticipating. The story line was paced perfectly, not too fast, not too slow, as Goldielocks would say, just right (I’m not that cheesy, read the book and you’ll get the reference). So it’s filled with cheesy “yeah right” moments (but what BritChickLit isn’t?) it still had me smiling, laughing, mouth open (predictable can still have unpredictable moments) and kept me wanting to read more. It helped that the writing was captivating – I stayed up way past my bed time because I didn’t want to put it down. I love a good rekindled romance. Our main character Natalie has a little history with Jay Merino – over a decade ago they shared one night of talking followed by a quick kiss – it’s not much but it has vibes of those ‘what if’ moments that I’m sure we’ve all had throughout our lives. I think most of us have a ‘what if’ moment at least once in our lives and not everyone gets the chance to ever see what could have been. The story of Natalie and Jay is so sweet and meaningful because for once, someone gets to live out that ‘what if’ moment, even if it didn’t end in a happily ever after, it puts an end to the wondering. I also thoroughly enjoyed how independent Natalie is throughout the story. She knows how to stick up for herself, doesn’t try to pretend she’s in some ‘love at first sight’ fairy tale and would never compromise her integrity to get a job. I think it’s safe to say I have even found a new author to read more from. I’ve got my eye on “The Christmas Cafe at Seashell Cove” as a definite read for 2019 Christmas – ages away, I know, but it’s surprisingly not the only Christmas book I’ve already got lined up for this year.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, isn’t that an adorable cover ?

Escape to the Little French Café by Karen Clarke is a absolutely charming, cosy and fun read.

Natalie Bright is a writer, she has run away from a broken relationship by moving to a picturesque village in France and is staying with her father… She writes a column for a magazine for expats, but spends a lot of her time at the local Cafe Belle Vie. Her best friend Charlie runs the cafe with his mum. I did wonder if romance would blossom for this pair…..!

Natalie’s Dad’s dating escapades are hilarious, his new image was a laugh out loud moment…..that brown quiff….!!!

Natalie really wants to work for Magnifique, the successful French magazine but can’t even get an interview…..but then she finds out the famous actor, Jay Merino is filming nearby, she tells them she knows him (she did kiss him once many ears ago when they lived on the same estate) and says she can get an exclusive interview…..

Luckily for Natalie, Jay does remember her and that kiss and agrees to the interview…..there is certainly chemistry here….

The budding romance falters when someone leaks Jay’s personal information to the media….will they recover?

The characters are endearing and Natalie’s mishaps are so relatable…. This is an lovely, easy read with beautifully descriptive writing and its light, fun and ultimately heartwarming. Although I do now crave coffee and a pain au chocolat…..!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

[Jane Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never having read any of Karen Clarke’s books I was unsure of her writing style. What a treat this book was. This book had me laughing out loud. It was a real feel good book and I loved the setting .
Natalie Bright moves to a little French island Ile de Rie, staying with her dad who has a house there, to escape a bad relationship .
She earns her living blogging in an ex pat magazine but is struggling to make it as a serious journalist. Her dream being to write for a popular magazine such as Magnifique .
Her days are spent writing in the cafe, and spending time with her best friend Charlie. When the famous but extremely private Jay Merino comes to the island to film his latest film, It is a real blast from the past as Jay and Natalie share a home town and once shared a moment !
As they become close, Jay agrees to Natalie interviewing him as an exclusive, and she manages to get the editor of Magnifique interested . Someone leaks details of their conversation before it is printed in the magazine and Jay and Natalie’s romance is over before it has really begun
The story continues with a few twists as Natalie tries to prove to Jay that it wasn’t her that leaked their conversation.
The book also had some brilliant sub plots, her dad and his relationships, Simon ( Jays friend and bodyguard) Loved it !
Thank you to Netgalley and Book Outre for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review