The French for Christmas by Fiona Valpy

What They Say....Evie used to LOVE Christmas, but this year she can’t wait for the tinsel and

presents to be a distant memory. 

When her best friends offer the use of their cottage in the beautiful French countryside, Evie jumps at the chance. With her soon-to-be-ex-husband, celebrity chef Will Brooke, plastered over the news with his latest ‘love interest’, leaving the country seems like the perfect plan.

Armed with her French grandmother’s tattered notebook of recipes, Evie is determined to ignore Christmas altogether and bake herself back to happiness.

And when Evie meets her next-door neighbour – the très gorgeous doctor Didier she finds a very willing taste-tester. But is it possible that he could be interested in more than just her Tarte Tatin?

With snow falling, a special Réveillon dinner and a little Christmas magic in the air, could Didier even be the one to thaw Evie’s heart? Or will a visit from the ghost of Christmas past change everything?

What I Say.....My second book of Christmas 2014, and this one was a winner.  

Evie flees London, choosing to stay in rural France, without Internet, TV or even reliable electricity, in order to avoid Christmas.  She has recently suffered a stillbirth and her marriage has fallen apart in the wake of her grief.  Being alone feels like the only way to survive the holidays.   

Once she arrives in the countryside, she discovers some kindly neighbors, and a doctor who lives next door that looks like Bradley Cooper (I love fantasy chick lit!  This book reminded me of one of my favorite Christmas movies, "The Holiday".  I want to live this story).  As they get to know each other and share their mutual grief, an evolving relationship helps them both to look forward to the future and new love.

However, a kind email written to her estranged husband in a moment of forgiveness causes a surprise to turn up on Evie's doorstep during Christmas lunch.

Sometimes I don't understand why I love this formula of writing so much.  It's so unrealistic.  Who moves to the country, finds Dr. Bradley Cooper next door and falls in love?  I don't care, it's my escape.  A girl can dream........