Gravel paths and stone steps not only define the walking paths in a a French-style garden, but they can also provide much-needed drainage during a rainy season.

The French Gardener - Santa Montefiore

An endeavor to create a mirror of the French Riviera – to bottle up its very essence so that the world, too, might experience its beauty. Plant selection, soil and water retention, climate, and microorganisms all take careful consideration. Their affair belongs in the past, when they shared that magical time, in those beautiful gardens, when they were both young. Then there is Gus who enjoys beating a donkey with a stick and pulling the legs off spiders: delightful! Which is too bad, because I did enjoy the read and probably would have given it 4 stars if it had not been a "I can't help but cheat on my husband because I've fallen in love with someone else also" book.You mention Georgia Langton of Dorset in your acknowledgements as inspiration, especially with regards to her garden. Then her tone softened and Gus heard her chair scrape across the wooden floorboards as she stood up. It is a melding of lush greens and brilliant golds, laced through with an unconventional blend of both fresh and dry citruses – pink grapefruit, bright lemon and the yin and yang of sweet and bitter orange from Cap d’Antibes area.

The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore | Goodreads

This is Santa Montefiore at her best – an enchanting read overflowing with deliciously poignant moments. Gaëlle leads a dedicated team of experienced individuals who are knowledgeable, reliable, and astute. Deze 'roman' is beduidend dikker dan die boekjes, maar qua inhoud, opbouw en schrijfstijl lijkt er weinig veranderd.David was simply a selfish, thoughtless adulterer, with no redeeming qualities as far as I could see. Each an expert of their craft, the Perrins and Brad sought an equal who could bring their vision to life. I love your book reviews, and I just added a link to your blog where it should have been all along … under “Favorite Reads” on Ciao Amalfi! From Christian Dior and Brigitte Bardot to Grace Kelly and The Rolling Stones, the French Riviera is a place dreamers and artists have sought for centuries.