Dominique Marny

on Tour September 29 – October 8 with

In the Shade of the Almond Trees

(historical fiction)
Release date: September 29, 2015 at Open Road Media
280 pages ISBN: 978-1480461178
Website | Goodreads

SYNOPSIS

In the aftermath of World War I, a family estate hangs in the balance. For generations, the Barthélemy family tended to the olive trees of Restanques, a sprawling property in Cotignac whose olive oil and almonds were as incredible as the countryside that produced them. But all that changed when war came to France. Robert Barthélemy never returned from the trenches, and without him, the farm is beginning to die. His widow has lost the will to live, and only the fierce efforts of their daughter, Jeanne, have kept the creditors at bay. Jeanne is spending an afternoon at home with the family’s grim financial statements when a handsome stranger appears on the front steps. His name is Jérôme Guillaumin and he is a brilliant botanist about to embark on a journey around the globe. From the moment they meet, Jeanne is struck by feelings she never thought possible: feelings that could save her life or destroy everything she has ever known.

My Review

It was a delightful read, a really enjoyable trip on the estate and in the life of Jeanne. It 'a family saga that take places after the end of WWI.

Four generations of Barthélemys had lived in Restanques, the wonderful estate near the village of Corignac, in Provence. Now they risk losing everything. Robert, Jeanne's father, died in the war and her wife fell in a strong depression and does not care if their property is in ruins. Laurent, Jeanne's brother, prefer to travel and study botany than cure olive and almond trees of the family. So Jeanne is alone to manage their wonderful business. And it's really hard. Will she be able to save Restanques? Will she have the chance to discover true love or work will prevent her?

Jeanne is a great characters, is ready to do anything to save her property. She's brave, determined, strong, forced to fight against the debt but especially against the selfishness of her mother and her brother, too focused on themselves .

I love the atmosphere of this book, the author makes some wonderful descriptions of the campaign: its colors, its scents, fruits, local markets. It makes you really feel like going to visit this estate.

I appreciated very much the choice of the author to use an omniscient narrator, it was possible to know the story from the point of view of all the characters, it was really exciting.

It's the first book I read of this author but I like her style and certainly read something else.

It was a compelling historical novel, the pace is not fast but the setting and the characters are loveable. It's well written and was a real treat.

I definitely recommend this one.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dominique Marny was raised in a family that loved art, literature, adventure, and travel. In addition to being a novelist, she is a playwright and screenwriter, and writes for various magazines. Follow Open Road Integrated Media on Facebook | Twitter Subscribe to Open Road’s Newsletter

Visit the author's website (in French) Follow her on Facebook

Buy the book

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Visit each blogger on the tour: tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time! [just follow the directions on the entry-form]