Christmas at the Chateau

A French Escape #2

by Lorraine Wilson

A Christmas she’ll remember forever…

Poppy is looking forward to spending her first Christmas in France at her boyfriend, Leo’s, Château. And as the snow falls softly around the dramatic castle, Poppy can’t think of anything more magical.

There are new traditions to discover, a cosy Christmas market to explore and best of all, a promise of secret treasure hunt from gorgeous Leo. Only family pressure and uncertainty about her future in France can threaten to cast a shadow over the holiday.
​
When the treasure hunt takes an unexpected turn Poppy knows for sure this is one Christmas she’ll remember forever.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Fiction, Holiday, Short Stories

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2019

About the author

I live in Wiltshire, England, with my husband but love to travel and have lived in four continents. From playing amidst Roman ruins in Africa as a child to riding a Sultan's racehorse in the Middle East as a teen, I've many experiences to draw on for the stories I've been writing ever since I can remember. When I'm not writing you'll find me listening to audiobooks while I sew or design handbags, usually with a rescue terrier or two curled up on my feet!

Reviews

[Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in the French Escape series and had a moment between decorating to read this latest installment. It's a very short novella, a holiday romance set in France, hence the title. It is everything you want for in a holiday quick read: short, fast paced, sweet and romantic. If you have a moment this season, put this one your list. You'll be glad you did.

[Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - was okay. I liked bits of this more than others so I’m giving it a three star instead of a two. I didn’t feel like I’d missed out on the previous book. Felt okay to me to read as a stand alone. Quick read for sure.

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was short, sweet, festive, and French! A small book with a big heart! This is the second book in the French Escape series and although I think it could be read as a standalone I think I enjoyed it more because I had read the previous book. Poppy and Leo met and fell in love in the first book. Now it is Poppy’s first Christmas in France and she is filled with holiday cheer and insecurities. It’s like she can’t believe that Leo actually loves her, this did get a little tedious but I get it. Despite her insecurities Poppy is such a fun and whimsical character. I loved all the emails between her and her BFF and mom back in the UK. The treasure hunt was loads of fun. And the dogs still were as adorable as ever! The perfect book to curl up with on a lazy afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate and your furry friend by your side.

This book in emojis. 🇫🇷 🎄 🎁 🐶

*** Big thanks to One More Chapter for my copy of this book ***

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and romantic little story this was, and its a perfect follow up to Poppy's Place in the Sun.

It was great to be back in France with Poppy and her trio of adorable dogs, and Leo and his Chateau. Although I couldn't fully remember everything from the original story, bits started to come back to me as I read this, and equally I do think this would work well as a cute standalone festive short story.

It's romantic, its got animals, it has a treasure hunt, and I loved the emails that Poppy was receiving from her best friend and mother back in the UK.

I'd say this would be good to read in a lunch break (well if you have an hour to spare), its quick, easy, romantic and just very enjoyable and has left me with a smile on my face.

Once again Lorraine Wilson has written a book that I have just loved, and I do think the length was pretty spot on, which is hard to do with a short story or novella.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from the author, Lorraine Wilson but this certainly won’t be my last. I will definitely be reading the first book in this series, Poppy's Place in the Sun so I get all the background on the characters in this novella. I was able to enjoy this book, reading it as a stand alone though. This was a cute, heart-warming Christmas novella that definitely piqued my interest. This was a cozy romance that, even though it was very short, contained a complete story. This story is about friendship, family, romance, taking chances and fur babies. I loved the dogs in this story, especially who they were so accepted by everyone as members of the family. Poppy, the main female character, has some issues with insecurity. She is constantly worried that Leo will get tired of her and leave her like her last boyfriend did, to the point where I wanted to give her a shake. She is also a loving, caring person, who takes care of her friends. I don't want to give the story away, but I will say that I am sure you will enjoy the treasure hunt in the story as much as the characters participating in it. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of this book. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are by own.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic short story

Lovely short story, quick read about an hour.
Adorable and overly romantic which I liked this time of year
First time reading this author but definitely on my Christmas list of books to buy for next Christmas as my Dec the is still 8 books to go.You will enjoy this heartwarming book with lovely characters and a super sweet story

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars- English Ebook

Lovely christmas novella. If you like a love story and dogs, this is the one.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was a whole chapter about her three dogs, Pickwick, Peanut and Treacle, and then in chapter 2 she introduces Barney, who was not mentioned before. I had the feeling this was a rushed writing job. There was no real plot or story and I ended it with the feeling that I had, somehow, been cheated.

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and very sweet story, a sort of bonus sequel I think, which is enjoyable enough for you to want the original without it spoiling your enjoyment of this. Poppy is loving being with Leo, but her mother calls it a holiday fling. Is it? Or will Christmas with him and his family cement their relationship? Fun and festive.

[Reet Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take on Christmas and a great style of story-telling - check this one out, folks. Short read, entertaining.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very quick read. I enjoyed it as I love all things French, dogs and Christmas! This romance contained all three. It did not contain any “spicy” love scenes. It was an Englishwoman in France at Christmas who finds a love and wonders if he loves her too. I loved learning of the tradition of 13 desserts, something I could definitely enjoy. The treasure hunt was fun too.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful holiday short story!

Great characters, lovely plot, and set a Christmas - the perfect combination. Plus some cute pets make it just right.

[Krisz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was wondering why this book was so boring, but then I got it:
* Nothing ever happens in it.*
You'll get to read the thoughts of the heroine like 90% of the time. And they are not interesting.
The setting, Christmas in a snowy French village, is nice. That's why 2 stars :D

[Leelynn (Sometimes Leelynn Reads) ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley, and One More Chapter for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

Oh my gosh thank goodness this was a short story because it was too much cuteness to handle more than that! I think having short story holiday novels are such a nice little palate cleanser in between a bunch of fantasy or other hard topics that we read about in books.



So apparently our main character Poppy is going to be spending Christmas in France for the first time with the current love of her life Leo. Although her parents are a little upset that she isn’t going home, but since Leo’s father is very sick, she wanted to make sure that she could give him some emotional support in case something happens to his father.

I hope that you guys get to enjoy this one and just spend maybe like an hour or less getting to know Poppy and her cute little dogs. Oh, and Leo as well. I think Wilson did a great job giving me someone to root for from the very beginning. I’m pretty sure it was her email to her best friend that sold me on her. It was super cute!

[Tasha Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet, quick, festive read was a joy to behold and I read it curled up with a coffee surrounded by my Christmas decorations. Bliss.

I have not read the previous book in the series and I do think that this would have made this an even more enjoyable story but, none-the-less I enjoyed my coffee-break, Christmas visit to France.

If you have time then I would start with Poppy’s Place in the Sun, (Poppy, Leo and the dogs, are fabulous, and their story began in Poppy’s Place in the Sun.) but if you only have time for a quick and dear festive read then I definitely recommend Christmas at the Château.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

This was the first novel I have read by the author and it certainly won't be the last! It had me hooked on it straight away, from the dogs to the treasure hunt you can picture it all playing in your mind as you read. The author has written this book beautifully , I don't think I can fault it, the characters were easy to warm to and easy to picture in your mind. Roll on the next book in the series!!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect bitesized book to get you feeling festive!

This was, in my opinion, the perfect length and really made we want to go make some hot chocolate and sit and read under a blanket. Exactly what I was looking for at this time of year!

[Mafalda Teixeira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick holiday romance story, set in France! Very Christmassy and adorable

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love at the chateau

Cute romantic Christmas story with delightful scenery. Enjoyed the treasure hunt and I'm glad her mom was wrong about Leo. Quick read.

[Christine Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to be in a Swiss Château for Christmas? I'd be there with 'bells on' & more so if it would include a bit of romance!

Naomi is going through a divorce & is invited to stay for Christmas with her friend, Mia, at a beautiful Château that she is preparing for opening as a hotel. Pure luxury for Naomi to relax until Mia's brother appears,

Enjoy this curl up & read book, it will make you feel good.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start with Poppy. She's the main character and shows up earlier in Poppy's Place in the Sun (the first book in this series). Recommendation - read that one first. It's where Poppy meets her French sweetheart, Leo, and the entire story starts. I think this is one of those books where the novella would make a great deal more sense.

ANYHOO . . . Poppy. The girl is weird. The first impression I got of her (other than she adores her dogs!) is that she's very insecure. To be fair, the last guy she was with dumped her and said he wasn't moving to France with her. That would suck. Big time. But she kinda spends a lot of the 49 pages second-guessing everything. But mostly, Leo.

Which brings us to character #2. Leo. I really hope there's more of him in the first book because he doesn't have a big part in the novella. I expected Christmas romance but Leo doesn't really show up until the end. And I didn't get much of a vibe from him at all. For a romance, I definitely would have liked to see more of that. He just seemed a bit uptight.

Then there's Joanne. She's in hiding because of a bad reality TV show she was on. She definitely seems like a nice person who loves dogs (a major plus!), but I didn't get a very good feel for her either, simply because of the length of the book. A downside to novellas.

About the plot . . .
It's a novella.

Really, that could sum up my entire feelings about the plot. But, for the sake of the review, I'll go deeper.

I loved the idea of the treasure hunt. And, being a Christmas romance novella, I kind-of already guessed the direction it was going to go. The little clues Leo and his father set up were so adorable, though I would have liked to see it a bit more from outside Poppy's narrative. She spent a lot of it wondering what was going on with Leo and reading into things so I didn't get as much from the treasure hunt as I would have liked.

Again, it's a novella. Short and to the point.

The ending of Christmas at the Chateau definitely made up for everything. Very sweet. Leo FINALLY opens up a bit. Not to mention, Lorraine Wilson adds more little puppies in at the end. Definite plus.

One last little gem - Peanut (the puppy) has a YouTube channel where she dances! This cracked me up because, when I was little, we had a little poodle who loved to dance. She'd get up on her hind legs, just like Peanut, and dance. So Poodie, this book made me think of you ❤️

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a little confession to make. Although I have a couple of Lorraine's books in my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't actually read one...…..until now that is. After having read and loved 'Christmas At The Chateau' as much as I did, I am now cross that I left it this long to discover how flipping fantastic an author Lorraine is. I can guarantee that those books on that 'TBR' mountain will not be there for very much longer and I fully intend to get hold of copies of her other books and read them just as soon as I can. I ADORED reading 'Christmas At The Chateau' but more about that in a bit.
'Christmas At The Chateau' is actually a novella and the second story in the 'A French Escape' series, which I hadn't realised when I accepted the invite to take part in the blog tour for 'Christmas At The Chateau'. Not that that makes any difference of course as the book works perfectly well as a standalone. However, it actually cheered me up to realise that I had another treat in store because I had the first part of the series to catch up on.
I became so wrapped up in this beautifully told story that I managed to read it in one sitting. As I mention above the novella isn't that long so it didn't take me that long to read it. The pages turned increasingly quickly as I found myself becoming more and more involved in the story. I got to the end of the story far quicker than I had intended or wanted. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the first part of the series to catch up on.
'Christmas At The Chateau' is well written. The author draws you into the story from the start. The characters are so well described that they seemed to jump off the page and spring to life as it were. They seemed just as real as you or I. I couldn't help but take to them and I was keeping everything crossed that things would work out for them in the end and that they would get the happy ever after ending that they so deserved.
In short, 'Christmas At The Chateau' is a fab, festive short story, which I would wholeheartedly recommend to other readers. I will most definitely be reading more of Lorraine's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek boar is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Lynn Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmassy novella, full of feel-good vibes.

Poppy decision to spend her first Christmas in France isn't a popular one with her family. Her boyfriend, Leo's father is unwell so it's more practical for them to spend the holiday at his family's château. She's looking forward to embracing new traditions and exploring the area to discover how they celebrate. Yet, despite her outward optimism, she's worried about how secure her future is in this beautiful part of the world.

I read this in one sitting and quickly became enveloped within the beautiful French backdrop. Having not read the previous book about Poppy, it's easy to pick this one up as a standalone novel. There's just enough back-story to fill in the gaps. For a short book, the author packs lots of action and fascinating details into the pages and my favourite part is the treasure hunt. Although I sussed out quickly where the clues were leading, I liked how it's presented and the outcome.

If you like dogs of all shapes and sizes, there a handful of four-legged characters adding their brand of charm and appeal. Their humans; Poppy and Leo are people you'd like to have as friends and the supporting cast are an equally likeable crowd, some of which will be known to those who have already read, Poppy's Place in the Sun.

If you're looking for a quick fix to get you into the spirit of Christmas, this is a book to curl up with and enjoy along with a mug of cocoa or a glass of mulled wine.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

[Claire Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have given Christmas at the Chateau by Lorraine Wilson four out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A sweet, fun and detailed novella. Wilson’s descriptive writing really drew me into this story, she managed to set the Christmassy, snowy scene perfectly. I really liked the sound of the characters that we meet in this novella, especially Sophie; she seemed like a very interesting person to learn more about. The two main characters this novella is focused on are called Poppy and Leo. Their relationship looks to be filled with a lot of love and passion which makes my heart simply squeal with happiness and would be something I’d love to read more about.

I’m very impressed at how Wilson has managed to a create a short story of only 42 pages and yet has included enough information in the book to feel as though you have already met Poppy and Leo. For the plot of the story, it felt long enough however, I would love to know what happens from then on and what becomes of their happy future together.

I really enjoyed reading this story, it’s definitely made me consider picking up the first book in the series to re-start Poppy and Leo’s relationship for me so I can see where it all began.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, how absolutely gorgeous is that cover? That is such an idyllic Christmas scene, that I'd just love to go to the chateau! This is Poppy's first Christmas with her new man Leo, her life having changed dramatically since last Christmas, and she's spending it with him at his chateau in France. I haven't read the first book in the French Escape series (Poppy's Place in the Sun) but there was enough background covered, particularly in the opening chapter through an email to give an idea of what had been happening over that year and introduce the characters.

One thing that seemed really clear was just how much in love and sublimely happy Poppy and Leo were. Or were they? A throwaway remark about marriage has Leo turning as frosty as the weather and Poppy starts to feel rather uneasy and have doubts about their future.

I really enjoyed this short story, particularly the romantic treasure hunt, and there was enough sizzling passion to make that snow melt! An enjoyable, sweet story and I'd certainly read more from this author.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming sequel to Poppy's Place in the Sun, its almost Christmas, and Poppy is looking forward to Christmas at the Chateau with Leo. Poppy is in love and suffering from all the insecurities that go with that state of mind. Her emails with her friend keep her positive, which is just as well as her mother is less than supportive.

There are lovely animals in this story, which provide humour and sentimental moments. The story is incredibly romantic and manages to tell a lovely festive tale in a few pages. This allows the reader to experience a Christmas story, in a short time, which makes it perfect for the commute to work, or when you have an hour or so to spare.

I have read most of this author's books, which always have lovely settings, strong romance, and often an animal or two to complete the treat, this one is no exception and is a perfect festive read.

I received a copy of this book from One More Chapter via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages)]

A cute book of less than 50 pages well heralding the festivity of Christmas and portraying the love in the hearts delightfully.

This was the sequel. So I had not read book 1, so understanding the characters was a bit difficult for me. First Christmas for Poppy with Leo at his Chateau. Different emotions came through in the prose via the emails to best friend and mom. A treasure hunt made love more precious.

My first book by Lorraine Wilson, the writing brought out the cuteness of this story. I liked that this love was not just hearts and balloons but there was a practicality behind it. That made it real. The author showed that sometimes real life intruded on the wishes of the heart.

Poppy with her dogs was extremely sweet, her feelings made this book fun. I couldn't get to know Leo and the other characters much. Overall, it was a sweet fast read.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Lorraine Wilson’s novel Poppy's Place in the Sun, I couldn’t wait to read Christmas at the Chateau that takes us back to Poppy's life in France for a seasonal catch up.

I loved this quick read that perfectly complements the first book and gives us a 'pocket' version of Poppy, complete with her insecurities, quirky arty ways and overbearing mother. Poppy and Leo’s romance is on fire, in fact things are not normally that steamy in the first chapter of my usual reads, but Leo’s Christmas treasure hunt was pure romance and full of Christmas magic. Poppy’s beloved dogs and their antics made me laugh and there is lots of Christmas sparkle between the pages too.

This novella was a delicious Christmas treat (that is currently FREE on Amazon) and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Chris Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't do book reviews


I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This is a nice relaxing read that was a great way to pass a bit of time as it is a fairly quick read with it being novella length. I liked the character development and the worked well with the story.

I thought that the plot was well developed but it was a little slow in places for me so that has dropped my rating from 5 stars down to 4 stars but it was still an enjoyable read but personally I would have liked a little more 'action'. It was a nice read for this time of the year.

It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it!