A Bientot — Patricia Dixon

FIVE STAR RATED DEBUT NOVEL â€" READ THE REVIEW 5.0 out of 5 stars A French Affair 23 April 2014 By A. Rose TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE VOICE Format:Kindle Edition I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a tender and touching story of betrayal, loss and new love. This isn't a chick-lit story of affairs, although who the 'other woman' was is always in the back of your mind, it's a beautifully crafted two year diary of Anna coping with loss, children who are at times difficult and the guilt of finding someone she cares for after her husband's death. I felt that there were almost two layers to the book depending on how fast you read the book and the state of your mind. Fast and frivolous 'beach reading' gives a gratuitous light relationship story whereas a slower more thoughtful reading session gives a warm glow to the heart and an engrossing deep feeling for a woman's guilt at the lack of grief she's feeling for losing her husband and the urge to move on. All the characters are realistic and likeable, except the ones we're not supposed to like, and the story moves at a good pace without areas of boredom or over-description. Overall, I think that Patricia Dixon is a talented and competent writer who has put together a great debut novel and has more to offer. I shall certainly be looking out for any future publications. *FIND OUT MORE * A moving story of betrayal and loss and how against the odds, once the past is laid to rest you can learn to trust, love and live again. Set on the coast of Portsmouth and the beautiful Loire Valley, this is the story of Anna, married mother of three, the unremarkable rock of her family who is quite content with her life until by accident, she discovers that Matthew, her husband of 22 years is having an affair. Two months later he is dead. Consumed by hurt and tainted memories, Anna's life is turned upside down by loss and betrayal, her confidence totally destroyed and the tormenting spectre of Matthew's unknown lover is ever present; so whilst keeping the secret of his affair from her family, Anna must find her way alone. With one son on the other side of the world, another about to enter a war zone and her daughter off to university, her life gradually begins to crumble until she is saved by her feisty loyal childhood friend Jeannie. Step by step Anna embarks on an emotional and inspirational journey which takes her to rural France where she makes new friends, experiences country life and is unexpectedly given the chance to love again.