Teaser Synopsis:
In her mid-thirties Karen has it all: a career as a fashion editor, a handsome boyfriend, a fab flat in west London and an array of gorgeous shoes. But when her 'plus one' leaves, she wonders if there is more to life than high fashion. So, she hangs up her Manolos and waves goodbye to her city lifestyle, deciding to go it alone in a run-down house in rural Poitou-Charentes, western France.
First thoughts after finishing: "Where can I sign up to do exactly what Karen did????"
This book had me at the summary alone. Who wouldn't jump at the opportunity for a fresh, new start in a romantic country? I loved Karen's straightforward writing and her humor made me chuckle more than once. I think that renovating an old house in the countryside of France would be wonderful and probably an exasperating experience, but I would certainly be game to do it. I've been reading her blog, Tout Sweet off and on since I finished the book and it really adds another dimension to her journey.
Recommend? Yes, I absolutely would. If you loved the book/movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" then you will certainly enjoy this one too. Different location, different life situations, but the same theme...being independent, starting over, and jumping headfirst into the unknown that is life!
Rating: 8/10
Author: Karen Wheeler
Published: August 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 320
Disclaimer:Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Gwen -
ReplyDeleteWe have been thinking about chucking it all and moving to Italy- going to grab this and read it pronto!
from Goodreads
I had my eye on this one. Glad to see it does not disappoint. Great review Staci!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is saying the same thing about this book :) It does sound really good and sweet
ReplyDeleteAww would love to do exactly that, I'm a bit hooked on anything with a French setting, French envy lol
ReplyDeleteBetter start taking French lessons :)
I did love Under the Tuscan sun. This would make a great discussion book!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back!! This sounds soooooooo fun! :):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like one I'd really enjoy!
ReplyDeletesounds like a fun book. Hope you are doing alright :) I've been thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI love the movie Under the Tuscan Sun but the book, not so much. This one does look tempting since it would help me relive our France trip last year.
ReplyDeleteLoved the Under the Tuscan Sun movie...though I really am a Diane Lane junkie, so I guess I would have liked it regardless of the gorgeous setting!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like something I would totally enjoy. I hope all is well with you and your family. Will you be posting wedding photos?
This sounds like a good memoir Staci. Glad u enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could embrace a new lifestyle in Europe!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I would love this book! I read a blog by another author that has a house in France and I am transported to a different world every time I visit the blog.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun book and good escape reading:) Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at the synopsis too. I want to go along. In the meantime I'll read her book and blog.
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better. It was good to see you out at various blogs today.
i love reading memoirs but i've been on a bit of a nonfiction funk lately. this one sounds fun though and exactly what i need to get my memoirs groove back. i'm definitely adding this to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI have this one on my tbr list, and now I really want to read it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteOh I just want to chuck it all and move to anywhere but where I am! Maybe I shouldn't read this book :) Sounds like perfect escapism. Thanks Staci :)
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like a good one and yes, Under the Tuscan Sun was a great movie. Glad you enjoyed the book so much.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a read that I would really enjoy! Thanks for sharing about it!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too! I would love to have the nerve to pick up and move like that either to France or Italy.
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