Another story of someone setting up a new life in the South of France, and yet unlike all the others I have read. The difference here is that this is a story of someone (somewhat self-centred and chaotic) growing up relatively well in Sydney, and then facing the dying and death of her husband at an early age. It's an emotional ride we are taken on, learning about her struggles with the loss, what he left (or didn't leave her), family members, substances, and life in general, whilst trying to raise two pre-school children. The author took some time off with her kids in France, and then after a financial windfall, she bought three properties - one for her family and two for rental to tourists. In 2011 she's still there and you can still stay in her homes (just search for her name).

it's an easy and fun read, despite the emotion. The chaos remains a major theme, excusable for a part of the time, but at times it appears to be a bit overstated - she is after-all a cleaning freak. The author has a followup, which should not really be read before this one. ( )

Escaping by Henrietta. Taylor (2006)