Jennifer Bohnet

I thought I might like this book but it far exceeded my expectations and I loved it. It was an absolute delight from start to finish. With mostly short chapters I found I just couldn't stop reading it.

At the start we are introduced to a number of different characters and I did wonder if it was all going to get a bit confusing but then I realised that they were all linked in some way and it quickly came together into a really heart-warming story.

It's a very gentle book in many ways. It's show more called The Little Kiosk by the Sea but the kiosk is only a very small part of the story. It's certainly a central part and Sabine, who runs it and books the trips out on the boat, is a major character, but there's also her brother, Johnnie and her friend, Harriet, along with BB who is trying to trace the English strand of his family, Rachel who has a secret and Harriet's daughter, Ellie who is about to get a big surprise.

There wasn't a single character who was weaker than the others. I enjoyed reading about them all. The story is cleverly woven and although there were a few convenient coincidences I liked the fact that the ends were tied up so well.

I could almost smell the sea air, taste the coffee ice creams, imagine the kiosk and see the boats on the water. It's one of those books where I almost wanted to jump into it and meet the characters.

As I was reading I just kept thinking "this is such a lovely book". I got to the end and felt so happy and satisfied with it. I read it in two days which is really quick for me. I just couldn't put it down. I'd highly recommend it for a feel-good summer read. show less

Rosie’s Little Café on the Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet is a 2017 HQ digital publication.

Rosie sees her dream come to fruition when she opens her little French café on the Riviera. But she worries when a world class chef begins work at the hotel right next door- a level of competition she feels unable to match. But when she meets the chef… ooh la la!

Unfortunately, life gets complicated for Rosie almost immediately, with the appearance of an ex-boyfriend and a food poisoning complaint show more that could derail her cafe's reputation- and that's just for starters!

I enjoyed this story and got wrapped up in Rosie’s dramas and challenges, and liked her love interest, Seb, as well. I did think Rosie's thread, which was the primary one, out of three, would have been enough to carry the story on its own.

An introduction to GeeGee and Erica could have been a good segue into a solid trilogy, giving each woman a story of their own. As it was, there were too many characters, making the book too crowded and busy. . We lost track of characters altogether, or for long periods of times, and the wrap up, except for Rosie's story, was entirely too rushed and abrupt.

That said, despite the unevenness, I did enjoy the story, overall, especially Rosie’s. I could see some real character growth there and we could watch her romance with Seb develop over time, which is something we didn’t see as much of with GeeGee- though I did like how she took control of her life in other ways.

Overall, an enjoyable, feel good story, with an irresistible locale! show less

Villa of Sun and Secrets by Jennifer Bohnet is a 2019 Boldwood Books publication.

A lovely and light beach read!

When Carla’s mother dies, the hope of a reconciliation with her estranged sister, Josette, dies with her. Then Carla discovers that her husband, David, is having another affair, and this one might be more serious than the others, prompting her to make a spontaneous decision-

Packing up on the spur of the moment, with her mother’s ashes in tow, Carla takes off to France to visit show more Josette. Carla’s arrival in France, shakes up the life Josette has carved out for herself, brining difficult memories to the surface and prompting her to consider revealing a deeply buried family secret to her niece.

Meanwhile, Carla begins to realize she has a chance for a new beginning, stepping out of her shell to embrace independence for the first time in her life. Will Josette’s secrets put a cog in the wheel for Carla?

I don’t know about you – but I’m ready for some summer reading! Great locations, drama, romance!! Sounds great!

This is a sweet story about family tragedies, mistakes, forgiveness, and healing. It’s also about quickening a dormant self- esteem and confidence, about fresh starts, taking charge of one's life, and hope for a brighter, happier future.

Josette’s story is poignant and sad, but ultimately fulfilling, as she finally makes peace with her past, and Carla’s story is inspirational and rewarding!!

Overall, this is an easy and light read, but also one with depth and emotion. While we may still need to avoid crowds, and travel, this book will whisk you away for a while and warm your heart in the process.

3.5 stars show less

I absolutely loved it! The characters had real life problems, yet it never took away from the camaraderie of the women. Kevin was just menacing enough without making me too anxious. The hint of romance kept me wanting to know more. Wondering about each woman’s background was the right element of intrigue. It was a perfectly balanced novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it.