Review of 'The Village Cafe in the Loire' by Gillian Harvey

Review of 'The Village Cafe in the Loire' by Gillian Harvey

Release date: July 12th, 2025

Publisher: Boldwood Books

REVIEW

This is my first Gillian Harvey novel and it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed this beautiful, enchanting Women’s Fiction relationship story set in France that carried so much truth and wisdom. The Village Café in the Loire held my attention from the first page to the last. It demonstrated common modern themes of self-discovery, job burnout, overachievers, and extensive parent pressure on children to succeed, to name a few. But it also reflects the timeless need for forgiveness, the importance of solid friendships, to be loved for who you are, the need for second chances, freedom to make choices and courage to follow your heart, gifts and passions. There is so much packed into this heart-warming story, there is no time to let your thoughts wander!

Becky Thorne has had a busy demanding life and stressful job. One day she loses it and is put on burnout leave to recuperate. She doesn’t take the news well from her doctor and employer. But dealing with both the issues at work and home with her mother who is constantly pressuring her to excel, well, it has all taxed her mental health. And on top of these dramas, she receives word that her estranged Aunt Maud has left her a café in the Loire. She has good memories of her childhood with her aunt but the years rolled by and she has been out of touch. Mainly because her mother had some issues with their aunt. But Becky decides this enforced leave of absence from work is a good time to take off to France and sort out her affairs. She plans to get the café ready to sell but what meets her when she lands, is a very different scenario. And then there’s a handsome grumpy tenant named Pascal who works in the café who challenges her decisions. She is faced with reconsidering her future and her life’s direction. Plus she begins to question her past choices. What is she going to do now? Especially after a huge misunderstanding is rectified. There are more surprises in store that set her off balance. Including, some happenings with her best friend Amber, who has been a huge piece of her life. When Becky learns of her predicament, she blames herself for being so self-absorbed that she misses her friend’s trouble signs. I want to add here, there is a big focus on the importance of this friendship. Amber may not be her blood relative but she is just like a sister.

There are many lovely things about this story such as great character growth and a very happy ending. The setting is heavenly, too, and well described. There are wonderful surprises—including a romance that transpires. I really enjoyed this novel on so many levels. The magic and relaxed atmosphere of Vaudrelle, France, is certainly a polar opposite to London, England’s hustle and bustle. But as Becky quotes from Jerry Maguire: “Problems are part of the journey to transformation.” So true! Obstacles are always painful to overcome but are essential for growth and self-discovery! Which is a real theme in  The Village Café in the Loire. This is a definite must-read, uplifting fictional story. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the review copy.