A review by dpsmom
The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore
3.0
While certainly not a book I would typically pick up, for those interested in romance, this book is a knock-out. Set in the lush countryside of England, the book bounces between 30 years and two families who live in a home affectionately named Hartington House. Both families are taken by the extravagent gardens surrounding the property, but for different reasons. The original family, the Lightlys, bring in a family friend to help learn the ways of plants and flowers so that he might bring his knowledge back to his own estate when the land passes into his hands. This man, Jean-Paul, knows nothing about gardening and has little respect for color, beauty and the magic a garden can bring to a home. Fast forward 30 years to the Claybourne family, who bought the estate after realizing their unruly son needed to be away from the chaotic city life of London. At this point, the gardens are dilapidated, overgrown and in serious need of TLC, yet Miranda (your typical city girl wife) hasn't a clue as to how to get the gardens going again. Insert Jean-Paul the striking Frenchman from 30 years past who shows up at their door and claims himself a gardener. At this point, the story revolves around both families and the reasons Jean-Paul has returned to the estate, the relationships both families create and destroy and ultimately how a garden can hold a special magic available to anyone who wishes to see it.
This book has very good character development. The three main characters were Jean-Paul, of course, and the two females from each family, Ava Lightly and Miranda Claybourne. Both of these female characters were strong characters that Santa Montefiore did an excellent job pinning down emotions and actions and giving each woman an identity within the books. Unfortunately, while Jean-Paul was a relatively large character within the pages, he was somewhat mysterious throughout the whole thing (which was probably what Montefiore was hoping to achieve, although at times it just made me frustrated!).
The plot was believable and easy to follow. As mentioned previously, it revolved mainly around romance, yet certain areas delved into the intricate emotions between married couples. Montefiore did an excellent job of creating accurate conflict between characters. She was able to capture lust, betrayal, hope, love and sacrifice so clearly, it's a wonder Montefiore hasn't lived through many of the experiences she wrote about in the book.
Overall, it was well written, with a good plot line which makes it a great suggestion for those who like this genre. Unfortunately, I don't care for romantic novels much, so it wasn't a page turner for me.
This book has very good character development. The three main characters were Jean-Paul, of course, and the two females from each family, Ava Lightly and Miranda Claybourne. Both of these female characters were strong characters that Santa Montefiore did an excellent job pinning down emotions and actions and giving each woman an identity within the books. Unfortunately, while Jean-Paul was a relatively large character within the pages, he was somewhat mysterious throughout the whole thing (which was probably what Montefiore was hoping to achieve, although at times it just made me frustrated!).
The plot was believable and easy to follow. As mentioned previously, it revolved mainly around romance, yet certain areas delved into the intricate emotions between married couples. Montefiore did an excellent job of creating accurate conflict between characters. She was able to capture lust, betrayal, hope, love and sacrifice so clearly, it's a wonder Montefiore hasn't lived through many of the experiences she wrote about in the book.
Overall, it was well written, with a good plot line which makes it a great suggestion for those who like this genre. Unfortunately, I don't care for romantic novels much, so it wasn't a page turner for me.