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My French Platter Replenished: In Search of a Dream Life in France
When Annemarie and Steve are unceremoniously sacked by a belligerent boss, they’re forced to find a new home and work. As they take on the management of their new employers’ majestic house, will the opportunities to create luscious food for the guests and explore rural France enable them to create a dream life? Or will French officialdom, family illness and a sudden career curveball send them hurrying home to New Zealand?
Perfect for fans of Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, Janine Marsh’s My Good Life in France and Beth Haslam’s Fat Dogs and French Estates.
Perfect for fans of Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, Janine Marsh’s My Good Life in France and Beth Haslam’s Fat Dogs and French Estates.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2021
333 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Annemarie Rawson
4 books52 followersAnnemarie is a New Zealander who collects new 'best friends' wherever she goes. In her 50's she and her husband, Steve, packed up the house, rented it out, kissed her family and friends goodbye and moved 12,000 km to South West France to work as estate managers for several private families -- swapping corporate, city life for animal husbandry and the French countryside.
Annemarie loves people, animals, travelling, interior design and creating delicious food to welcome people into her home and at her table.
After a stint back in New Zealand, Annemarie decided (at 60) it was time for another adventure and did exactly the same thing, packing up the house but this time moving to London. Two and a half years later they have explored more of London than some Londoners and have bounced around the UK and parts of Europe, capturing it all in photos and blogs.
Annemarie loves people, animals, travelling, interior design and creating delicious food to welcome people into her home and at her table.
After a stint back in New Zealand, Annemarie decided (at 60) it was time for another adventure and did exactly the same thing, packing up the house but this time moving to London. Two and a half years later they have explored more of London than some Londoners and have bounced around the UK and parts of Europe, capturing it all in photos and blogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 27, 2021
New Zealanders Annemarie Rawson and her husband, Steve, find their ideal niche when they land the responsibility of caretaking a beautiful French chateau and its British owners, in the Occitan, an ancient and unique region of Southern France.
Annemarie and Steve are the ideal caretakers – skilled in garden maintenance, housekeeping, building maintenance and cooking – and so, understandably, are much valued by their employers who also, understandably, become their friends.
The author writes in a delightfully conversationally manner of their delight in their new positions as well as their adventures in the beautiful French countryside and picturesque villages of this sparsely populated area known as Tarn that has the lazy river of the same name running through it.
The pleasure that this happy couple take working in and exploring an ancient part of Europe comes though in Annemarie’s beautiful word-pictures and gentle stories about the alluring villages and the staunchly decent people who dwell there.
Although it’s more than 60 years since I hitch-hiked through that area as a teenager and much is likely to have changed meanwhile, Annemarie Rawson amply succeeds in capturing the unique and seeming timeless alure of that beautiful region of Southern France.
Annemarie’s light and joyous touch in “My French Platter Replenished” makes me want to visit France once more.
Annemarie and Steve are the ideal caretakers – skilled in garden maintenance, housekeeping, building maintenance and cooking – and so, understandably, are much valued by their employers who also, understandably, become their friends.
The author writes in a delightfully conversationally manner of their delight in their new positions as well as their adventures in the beautiful French countryside and picturesque villages of this sparsely populated area known as Tarn that has the lazy river of the same name running through it.
The pleasure that this happy couple take working in and exploring an ancient part of Europe comes though in Annemarie’s beautiful word-pictures and gentle stories about the alluring villages and the staunchly decent people who dwell there.
Although it’s more than 60 years since I hitch-hiked through that area as a teenager and much is likely to have changed meanwhile, Annemarie Rawson amply succeeds in capturing the unique and seeming timeless alure of that beautiful region of Southern France.
Annemarie’s light and joyous touch in “My French Platter Replenished” makes me want to visit France once more.
November 7, 2021
This second book in Annemarie Rawson’s French memoir series is a delicious delight. This hard-working couple’s journey is much smoother in this book, but like a rich ganache, it melts in the mouth and pleases the senses.
In book one, My French Platter, New Zealanders Annemarie and husband Steve, move to France working as estate managers at a French farmhouse. In that book they encounter problems which would have made me scream and tear out my hair and even to lose my appetite, but Annemarie is one tough cookie. In My French Platter Replenished, Annemarie and Steve are also replenished. They continue to live their dream out in France and land on their feet, working for a lovely couple in Galliac, near Toulouse (a place which always makes me think of wonderful sausages).
The relative peace of this sequel allows us to feast more on Annemarie’s undoubted culinary skills. I ooed over orange tarts, cooed over chocolate pots and aahed over hazelnut meringue. This is an indulgence of a read, perfect for lazing by the fire, eating canapes or on a deckchair in the sun with a cold white wine.
Nigella should prepare to move over. Annemarie is the real domestic goddess. She cooks and cleans, freezes batches of pies, puddings and treats for the family, serves breakfasts, caters for dinner parties, and helps Steve in the garden. In between they manage to visit new and old friends and some of the highlights of the beautiful area with which they have fallen in love.
This is a cassoulet of a book, absolutely chock full of good things (including some of Annemarie’s favourite recipes. I’m wondering how to entice them to our part of the world for their next adventure!
In book one, My French Platter, New Zealanders Annemarie and husband Steve, move to France working as estate managers at a French farmhouse. In that book they encounter problems which would have made me scream and tear out my hair and even to lose my appetite, but Annemarie is one tough cookie. In My French Platter Replenished, Annemarie and Steve are also replenished. They continue to live their dream out in France and land on their feet, working for a lovely couple in Galliac, near Toulouse (a place which always makes me think of wonderful sausages).
The relative peace of this sequel allows us to feast more on Annemarie’s undoubted culinary skills. I ooed over orange tarts, cooed over chocolate pots and aahed over hazelnut meringue. This is an indulgence of a read, perfect for lazing by the fire, eating canapes or on a deckchair in the sun with a cold white wine.
Nigella should prepare to move over. Annemarie is the real domestic goddess. She cooks and cleans, freezes batches of pies, puddings and treats for the family, serves breakfasts, caters for dinner parties, and helps Steve in the garden. In between they manage to visit new and old friends and some of the highlights of the beautiful area with which they have fallen in love.
This is a cassoulet of a book, absolutely chock full of good things (including some of Annemarie’s favourite recipes. I’m wondering how to entice them to our part of the world for their next adventure!
August 10, 2021
Heart-warming and mouth-watering. Annemarie and her husband Steve had dreamed of living and working in France but unfortunately, they had an unbelievably bad experience with their first employers. However, friends had come to the rescue and they had secured a new two new jobs, first working for Denise and Ian then with Mary and Symon, looking after the beautiful Combe de Merigot. This time it’s vastly different and they are happy and content. It was wonderful that everything worked out well for her and Steve. What a remarkably adaptable and hardworking lady she is, looking after the house and cooking up the most wonderful food. I did mention it was mouth-watering and I particularly enjoyed the recipes at the end, what a bonus.
I love her conversational style of writing and the warmth of her personality shines through. I can see why people are drawn to her and admire the way she makes friends easily. Her love of France and its beauty and history are apparent as well as her love of a little retail therapy! A trip to the Christmas Market in Munich was the perfect place to indulge this. Her descriptions make you feels as if you are there and the fun chat between her and Steve are guaranteed to make you smile. She certainly makes the most of this time in France and it’s easy to see why it was an unforgettable experience and why her French Platter was replenished.
I love her conversational style of writing and the warmth of her personality shines through. I can see why people are drawn to her and admire the way she makes friends easily. Her love of France and its beauty and history are apparent as well as her love of a little retail therapy! A trip to the Christmas Market in Munich was the perfect place to indulge this. Her descriptions make you feels as if you are there and the fun chat between her and Steve are guaranteed to make you smile. She certainly makes the most of this time in France and it’s easy to see why it was an unforgettable experience and why her French Platter was replenished.
November 15, 2021
In My French Platter Replenished we learn about Annemarie and Steve Rawson’s second stint as property managers in Southwest France.
Following the frustrating events in Book 1, they return from New Zealand to the Tarn département, to take up employment with pleasant and considerate owners at Combe de Merigot. This time, their experiences are much happier, and their enjoyment of the benefits of living in Southwest France is undiminished.
However, this spell is not without its unnerving incidents (nothing to do with their employers), but their love of France remains as strong as ever.
As with Book 1, Annemarie Rawson’s evocative descriptions of the place they live, the towns and villages and the food she cooks transport you right there with her and Steve.
Following the frustrating events in Book 1, they return from New Zealand to the Tarn département, to take up employment with pleasant and considerate owners at Combe de Merigot. This time, their experiences are much happier, and their enjoyment of the benefits of living in Southwest France is undiminished.
However, this spell is not without its unnerving incidents (nothing to do with their employers), but their love of France remains as strong as ever.
As with Book 1, Annemarie Rawson’s evocative descriptions of the place they live, the towns and villages and the food she cooks transport you right there with her and Steve.
February 22, 2024
I expected this second book of Annemarie Rawson’s, My French Platter: In Search of a Dream Life in France to be just as good as her first book about living and working in France, and so it was. It’s a pure delight to read. I was salivating at the descriptions of the meals she made for her employers and friends at Combe de Merigot near Gaillac. It was very kind of her to include some of her appetising recipes at the back of the book. If I were ever in the position to own such a fabulous estate in France such as Mary and Symon and could afford to hire a couple of caretakers/cooks/gardeners, etc., such as the Rawsons, I’d be in absolute heaven. The book shows how it was an equally brilliant and satisfying arrangement for both couples. The author writes in a clear, quite amusing at times, straightforward fashion about many aspects of house and animal husbandry and estate caretaking. I was fascinated from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book and look forward to her books about her next adventures.
May 22, 2023
I loved the first book, so was excited to read this one, and I wasn’t disappointed. After a rough start in France with their previous employers Annemarie and Steve finally find their “home”! It is a much happier Annemarie that writes this story and it’s a delight to read about all the friends they make and the adventures they have, I really felt like I was a part of the story. Loved it
October 17, 2021
In My French Platter Replenished, we catch up with Annemarie and Steve, who left their home in New Zealand on a gap year for grown-ups to become estate managers in Southwest France.
In this book, they move on to pastures new, a live-in job working full time at Combe de Merigot, the holiday home of one very fortunate family. As the author invites the reader to peer through the keyhole at this sumptuous property and the lifestyle it offers, it struck this reviewer that in times past, the jobs these two tackle would have been done by a small army of staff. The enterprising couple take on the roles of housekeeper, cleaner, gourmet chef, pot washer, guest services, concierge, dogs’ nanny, chauffeur, caretaker, gardeners, handyperson, pool cleaner and vehicle groomer. As well as their ability to turn their hand to anything, Annemarie and Steve appear to be blessed with diplomatic-level people skills. Not only do they navigate the somewhat tricky employer-employee relationship with aplomb, but they also throw themselves into the social life of their new community, collecting many new friends along the way.
I enjoyed the detailed account of the day-to-day running of a country house, right down to the menu planning and the recipes. I also found it to be an opportunity to absorb vicariously, as the author puts it, ‘ the true essence of (rural) France’. And I shall be sure to put Estaing, Espalion, Gaillac, Laguiole and Marvejols on my wish list, as they sound like the perfect places to explore when we can all finally get travelling again.
A highly recommended living and working abroad memoir, perfect for those who love wandering around historic properties and TV programmes like Escape to the Chateau.
I received a free copy of this book.
In this book, they move on to pastures new, a live-in job working full time at Combe de Merigot, the holiday home of one very fortunate family. As the author invites the reader to peer through the keyhole at this sumptuous property and the lifestyle it offers, it struck this reviewer that in times past, the jobs these two tackle would have been done by a small army of staff. The enterprising couple take on the roles of housekeeper, cleaner, gourmet chef, pot washer, guest services, concierge, dogs’ nanny, chauffeur, caretaker, gardeners, handyperson, pool cleaner and vehicle groomer. As well as their ability to turn their hand to anything, Annemarie and Steve appear to be blessed with diplomatic-level people skills. Not only do they navigate the somewhat tricky employer-employee relationship with aplomb, but they also throw themselves into the social life of their new community, collecting many new friends along the way.
I enjoyed the detailed account of the day-to-day running of a country house, right down to the menu planning and the recipes. I also found it to be an opportunity to absorb vicariously, as the author puts it, ‘ the true essence of (rural) France’. And I shall be sure to put Estaing, Espalion, Gaillac, Laguiole and Marvejols on my wish list, as they sound like the perfect places to explore when we can all finally get travelling again.
A highly recommended living and working abroad memoir, perfect for those who love wandering around historic properties and TV programmes like Escape to the Chateau.
I received a free copy of this book.
August 10, 2021
Another great instalment to the series.
This is the second book in Annemarie Rawson's series of memoirs. I loved it just as much as her first one. Both have simply gorgeous covers-the set of paperbacks would make a beautiful addition to anyone's bookcase.
It starts with a useful bit of a recap of events in Book 1- to jog your memory if you've read it, or to put you in the picture if you are coming to Book 2 without first having read Book 1. After Book 1, friends Andy and Emma had invited Annemarie and hubby Steve to stay with them at their villa in Tuscany, a much-needed break.
They'd picked themselves up, and were staying again, with new employment, in France. It all looks impressive. Will it turn out like a dream? Or is the nightmare about to begin?
Again, she paints a lovely picture with her beautiful descriptions of the surroundings. This book didn't take any getting into, it was a delight right from the first chapter.
These memoirs are a little bit different. Not retirement age, Annemarie and Steve are still working. They're not moving to France in search of a place of their own, they care take others' properties, and that's how they experience the French country lifestyle.
I love Annemarie's writing. I couldn't wait to read her second book. But would it live up to her excellent Book 1? Of course it does! Another delightful read, and I like that some recipes are included.
The Epilogue ties everything up; finishes things off for now, so you’re not left hanging for the next book-just pleasantly waiting.
This is the second book in Annemarie Rawson's series of memoirs. I loved it just as much as her first one. Both have simply gorgeous covers-the set of paperbacks would make a beautiful addition to anyone's bookcase.
It starts with a useful bit of a recap of events in Book 1- to jog your memory if you've read it, or to put you in the picture if you are coming to Book 2 without first having read Book 1. After Book 1, friends Andy and Emma had invited Annemarie and hubby Steve to stay with them at their villa in Tuscany, a much-needed break.
They'd picked themselves up, and were staying again, with new employment, in France. It all looks impressive. Will it turn out like a dream? Or is the nightmare about to begin?
Again, she paints a lovely picture with her beautiful descriptions of the surroundings. This book didn't take any getting into, it was a delight right from the first chapter.
These memoirs are a little bit different. Not retirement age, Annemarie and Steve are still working. They're not moving to France in search of a place of their own, they care take others' properties, and that's how they experience the French country lifestyle.
I love Annemarie's writing. I couldn't wait to read her second book. But would it live up to her excellent Book 1? Of course it does! Another delightful read, and I like that some recipes are included.
The Epilogue ties everything up; finishes things off for now, so you’re not left hanging for the next book-just pleasantly waiting.
August 10, 2021
Kiwis Annemarie and Steve have traveled to France to live out Annemarie’s dream of living and working in that beautiful country. In the first book in her series, My French Platter, she told the story of working for two Englishmen running a retreat-type place in the French countryside. Their employers assured them that the home was well furnished, in good repair, and clean. They arrived to find a filthy tip, with not even matching china to serve the elegant meals they are expected to prepare.
After much work fixing what needed fixing and cleaning and polishing, they found themselves out in the streets (literally) with nowhere to go. Fortunately, some friends they had made during their stay offered them a place to stay. This book begins where the first left off.
While suffering from so many trials and tribulations, Annemarie and Steve managed to maintain an upbeat, optimistic attitude. This book finds them settling into new work situations, making yet more friends-both locals and ex-pats-and traveling around Europe to experience as many of the countries as they can while in Europe. While they encountered issues (but that’s life—it doesn’t stop when one is trying to live out a dream), they still maintained their sunny attitudes and their optimistic natures shone through. Annemarie even learned that she could do it all on her own!
I highly recommend this book as a great ex-pat moving abroad story with many twists and turns that aren’t always encountered in the usual book of this genre. I truly hope that Annemarie has another story to tell in the future.
After much work fixing what needed fixing and cleaning and polishing, they found themselves out in the streets (literally) with nowhere to go. Fortunately, some friends they had made during their stay offered them a place to stay. This book begins where the first left off.
While suffering from so many trials and tribulations, Annemarie and Steve managed to maintain an upbeat, optimistic attitude. This book finds them settling into new work situations, making yet more friends-both locals and ex-pats-and traveling around Europe to experience as many of the countries as they can while in Europe. While they encountered issues (but that’s life—it doesn’t stop when one is trying to live out a dream), they still maintained their sunny attitudes and their optimistic natures shone through. Annemarie even learned that she could do it all on her own!
I highly recommend this book as a great ex-pat moving abroad story with many twists and turns that aren’t always encountered in the usual book of this genre. I truly hope that Annemarie has another story to tell in the future.
September 29, 2021
From Annemarie Rawson’s first book “My French Platter,” we learn how she and her husband, Steve, left their home in New Zealand to become estate managers of a property in the South of France. Unfortunately, the owners of the estate were not able to recognize how valuable Annemarie and Steve’s work was, so their experience was not positive. However, in her second book “My French Platter Replenished,” Annemarie Rawson tells us how her dream of living a French life came true. This time, they manage Combe de Merigot, a beautiful estate that belongs an English couple that treats them with respect. The Rawsons maintain the property, look after the two dogs, and Annemarie cooks for the family and guests when they visit. Annemarie describes the simple but delicious food that is served with such details that inspired me to cook. She also writes about the beautiful small towns and restaurants around them. Her descriptions and dialogues are so realistic that the reader feels like being part of the story. Annemarie Rawson made many friends in France, and I am sure we, the readers, feel like she is our friend, too. I highly recommend both books, “My French Platter” and “My French Platter Replenished.”
August 25, 2021
My French Platter Replenished
This is the second book written by Annemarie Rawson about their adventures in France as a concierge to some beautiful French estates, after the first fiasco the year before, they were thrilled to find another place with some decent folks who wanted them to manage their French home. Both her and her husband were able to work on these properties while meeting some grand people, enjoying France, and having some superb experiences. Annemarie tells the story of their live in the French countryside, and how everything was such a learning experience. From the very accepting neighbours, kind people, so family oriented to surprise visitors. This is a wonderful story of living out of your comfort zone, and having to learn a lot to get around, to socialize, to fit in and constantly to perform your obligations with panache and class. What a wonderful experience, and wonderful tidbits of information. Definitely a 5 star book. Well done Annemarie. Some of the recipes shared are just superb.Thanks for a marvellous read.
This is the second book written by Annemarie Rawson about their adventures in France as a concierge to some beautiful French estates, after the first fiasco the year before, they were thrilled to find another place with some decent folks who wanted them to manage their French home. Both her and her husband were able to work on these properties while meeting some grand people, enjoying France, and having some superb experiences. Annemarie tells the story of their live in the French countryside, and how everything was such a learning experience. From the very accepting neighbours, kind people, so family oriented to surprise visitors. This is a wonderful story of living out of your comfort zone, and having to learn a lot to get around, to socialize, to fit in and constantly to perform your obligations with panache and class. What a wonderful experience, and wonderful tidbits of information. Definitely a 5 star book. Well done Annemarie. Some of the recipes shared are just superb.Thanks for a marvellous read.
September 16, 2021
I was lucky enough to beta read this memoir. I love reading about folks who have moved to a different country to work or live or both so this book was right up my street. Annemarie and her husband Steve were enjoying their dream of living & working in France - until, sadly, they had an unbelievably bad experience with the folks they first worked for…. My French Platter Replenished shows just how gutsy this lovely couple are. All would have been lost, but, with the help of some good friends, and securing new employment for a super couple - Annemarie and Steve begin work at Combe de Merigot - my goodness it was idyllic for them - hard work and lots to get used to - but, perfect. Annemarie is quite the foodie - you’ll see what I mean when you read the memoir - go on, treat yourself, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. A lovely, well-written book in my humble opinion.
September 28, 2021
My French Platter Replenished is a charming story of a middle-aged New Zealand couple who moved to France in search of a dream life. I’m glad the book includes a map of the French countryside where they took care of a spectacular estate for a year. It shows me where to go to see the vineyards, churches, museums, and historic sites they toured. Perhaps I’ll even run into their friends and neighbors and carouse with them over exquisite French food and wine. Most likely not though, because I don’t have the social talents of the author Annemarie Rawson. She’s truly a big-hearted, generous soul who draws people to her regardless of language barrier.
Annemarie’s travels are an example of how one can lead an epic life, taking inspired action to pursue one’s dreams. She’ll never be the type to say, she could have, would have, should have….
Annemarie’s travels are an example of how one can lead an epic life, taking inspired action to pursue one’s dreams. She’ll never be the type to say, she could have, would have, should have….
October 23, 2021
As I am a fellow Francophile who hails from NZ, this review is going to be biased.
I loved Annemarie's first book and so was delighted to get hold of this sequel while still in lockdown this year. I already knew what to expect in terms of her writing style and content and wasn't disappointed. I have also stayed in the region Annemarie writes about and can relate to much of her experiences.
She writes well and I was entertained and transported to the country I most want to return to when the pandemic permits. Thank you Annemarie for detailing your adventures in France in such a refreshing, positive, affirming way. It is no wonder lovely people are attracted to you. Like attracts like!
I look forward to your next book on your adventures in the UK, a country I also have strong links with.
I loved Annemarie's first book and so was delighted to get hold of this sequel while still in lockdown this year. I already knew what to expect in terms of her writing style and content and wasn't disappointed. I have also stayed in the region Annemarie writes about and can relate to much of her experiences.
She writes well and I was entertained and transported to the country I most want to return to when the pandemic permits. Thank you Annemarie for detailing your adventures in France in such a refreshing, positive, affirming way. It is no wonder lovely people are attracted to you. Like attracts like!
I look forward to your next book on your adventures in the UK, a country I also have strong links with.
July 3, 2022
I eagerly awaited the follow up to “My French Platter” and I was not disappointed. I was relieved to know Annemarie and Steve finally had the experience they deserved in this chapter of their journey. I was left so disappointed and upset for them after their initial experience, which they did not deserve. I loved this book so much, it has always been a dream for me to do what this brave couple set out to do. I felt I could achieve my dream by living vicariously through them and their experiences. Annemarie is an example of what we can achieve if we put our minds to it. I admire her tenacious spirit and not giving up. We women sometimes forget how capable we are and Annemarie demonstrates this. I am not forgetting she has the support of the very capable Steve by her side. Highly recommend both these books giving you an insight to running a gorgeous French Villa. Details about the food, wine & mouth watering recipes & for being very brave for us all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2021
Having read the prequel to this book and enjoyed it I did wonder if this second part would live up to the first. It actually out-performed it in my opinion. A lovely story of how this adventurous couple finally found great patrons who allowed them to develop in their positions on a fairly independent level. Being intelligent folk they did not take long to see that this couple were good people, responsible, caring and fun-loving. It was so good to see that finally they were happy in France, they had a lovely home, and great friends. The book is replete with descriptions about living in France and is entertaining from start to finish.
September 28, 2021
This is the second book by Annemarie Rawson that I have read, and I look forward to the next. Reading this is some combination of being in the French countryside and ambling through small towns, and sitting with Ms. Rawson (and her friends) over a glass of cold rose on a warm afternoon or a cuppa on a cool morning. The conversation will be diverting, the food and wine excellent, the stories engaging, and the descriptions tempting. The style is very first person, and pulls you into her experiences in a way that makes you empathize and want to know more about the people who populate her books.
September 29, 2021
I enjoyed Annemarie’s first book so much and was really looking forward to her second book about their continuing adventures of life and working in France. I loved the book, perhaps even more than the first one. I love the way Annemarie is able to describe not only the countryside but the people she meets and interacts with. I’m so glad that their second job worked out for them and that we readers are able to enjoy their adventures. Their energy and zest for life is inspirational.
I am so looking forward to the next book.
I am so looking forward to the next book.
September 8, 2021
I love memoir books and this second in a series is funny! I do want to know what went on between Book 1 and Book 2 as they are in a completely different casa! On her chapter on rodents and other creatures she says “if you get bitten by a viper, remain calm(well, that’s hilarious for a start), to walk slowly so you don’t pump poison through your body. Walk slowly? I’d be yelping and leaping and dead in 5 mins.” And this humor is throughout the book.
October 2, 2021
Felt like I was there
I so enjoyed this book. I'm a gypsy at heart with a great love of France. I was wishing I was in her travels and wanted to live in the house and enjoy her friends. This book put a smile on my face throughout and now I want to buy a ticket to explore the places she's been. If you have a wanderlust for France, this book is for you.
I so enjoyed this book. I'm a gypsy at heart with a great love of France. I was wishing I was in her travels and wanted to live in the house and enjoy her friends. This book put a smile on my face throughout and now I want to buy a ticket to explore the places she's been. If you have a wanderlust for France, this book is for you.
October 7, 2021
What a great sequel to My French Platter. I was fortunate enough to win this book in a competition and really enjoyed it. It is very entertaining and leaves you wanting more. I found myself using Google to look where the places mentioned are. Annemarie and Steve have certainly been on a wonderful journey and I, for one, am grateful to have had the pleasure of reading about it.
October 8, 2021
I kept hoping this would get more interesting but it was a bit of a slog and very repetitive. I appreciate that the author was trying to share different experiences they had but the dinner menus and overly detailed descriptions just got too repetitive. It definitely reads like a diary. I'm glad they found a great place to work and live and it was nice to see how things worked out. Just not a book I would say that I enjoyed, more one that I pushed through.
December 28, 2021
I didn't like this book as much as the first one but it certainly tells a happier story for Annemarie Rawson. I have lived in France for thirty years and I like the concept of what she and Steve have done. But I think this is principally directed at older women, who may enjoy it much more than I did. (I'm a man of seventy years). The plentiful descriptions of people's attire and grooming leaves me cold, but if that's what you like, you'll love this book.
August 20, 2021
Annemarie is a wonderful storyteller. I enjoyed her second book as much as her first and it was hard to put down. So pleased that their life in France took a more positive turn.
Hopefully this is not her last!
Hopefully this is not her last!
August 22, 2021
Very entertaining view of living in the French countryside.
I just finished this second book and I am looking forward to her next book! Great recipes are included which I will be trying.
I just finished this second book and I am looking forward to her next book! Great recipes are included which I will be trying.
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September 12, 2021Just finished this last night...the further adventures of Annemarie and Steve in the French countryside. What a lovely way to escape .... the author makes these adventures completely "do-able" and I cannot wait to try on some extended travel myself!
September 21, 2021
Interesting story of a brave New Zealand couple
Get out of a rut, change your life entirely and wait to see what happens. One couple’s way written in an entertaining and enjoyable fashion. From New Zealand to rural southwestern France
Get out of a rut, change your life entirely and wait to see what happens. One couple’s way written in an entertaining and enjoyable fashion. From New Zealand to rural southwestern France
September 27, 2021
Enjoyed Annemarie's second book as much as the first! As I was reading, I felt part of the adventure. The small villages, scenery, and food are described in great detail. The estate where the Rawsons were caretakers sounds magnificent. Looking forward to the next adventure!
September 28, 2021
Another win for Annemarie! I feel like I’m at the maison and walking with les chiens as I read. I see there’s a new book set to come out next year about their London adventures and I can’t wait! I only wish she and Steve were still in France for my post Christmas visit. Perfect book and story!
September 29, 2021
Upbeat and sunny!
Terrific read -- Annemarie describes her surroundings and friends very well , she makes you feel like you're right there with her. Amusing with never a down word about anyone -- overall a very pleasant book to read. Bonus, great recipes!
Terrific read -- Annemarie describes her surroundings and friends very well , she makes you feel like you're right there with her. Amusing with never a down word about anyone -- overall a very pleasant book to read. Bonus, great recipes!
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