It’s been an exciting couple of weeks for me as I recently published my novella The French Retreat – the first in the Falling for France series.
Although I’ve had three books published by HarperImpulse (United States of Love, Closing In and The Half Truth) this one just had the edge in the excitement stakes. I think this was due equally to the fact I self-published and because it’s set in France; a country for which we, as a family, have a great affinity with.
The French Retreat centres around a restored farmhouse which has been turned into a retreat for artists, photographers, writers and anyone who is looking to escape from the pressures of modern living. The inspiration behind the story came from our own home in Southern Brittany. We’ve been gradually restoring the cottage over many years and I thought I would share a few before and after photos. The renovation is a continual work in progress but it’s definitely come a long way since we bought it with no electricity, no water and an earth floor!
Early Days
More Recent Days
With Christmas on the horizon, losing her job and her home wasn’t on Marcie Grainger’s wish list. In a bid to reassess her life, she heads off to the only place she has ever felt truly content – her brother’s farmhouse retreat in rural France.
Marcie isn’t the only one looking to escape. Ex-soldier Will hopes the gentle pace of French life will help to banish the ghosts of his past and offer him the fresh start he desires.
However, all is not what it seems at The Retreat. Fuelled by a string of strange happenings and local rumours, Will and Marcie are pushed together as they try to discover who or what is behind it all. In so doing, they end up finding a lot more than they bargained for.
The French Retreat is a story of human compassion, hope and love.
The Romaniacs 
Congratulations, Sue! Love the sound of The French Retreat – in fact, I just bought it! Amazing photos. Sounds like a real adventure. X
Thank you, Sharon – that’s really kind of you. x
Stunning. I can certainly see why your cottage would inspire x
Thanks, Suzie – I still have in mind your idea of a euro splash back!
Been there, done that and got the photos too. Still have the property 18 years later – marvellous. Looking forward to reading the fictional version. Looks like Brittanny?? We are in the Loire region. Enjoy.
Hi Ros, yes Morbihan (56). You’re not too far away in the Loire, then. Hope you enjoy the fictional version. 🙂
[…] Source: Renovation of a French Cottage […]
Wow! Looks fabulous, Sue. Inside & out! I can definitely understand how it inspired The French Retreat. Funnily enough I’ve just finished reading it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations on all fronts! 🙂 Xx
Thank you, Jan – we just love spending time there, it’s very relaxing and work on the property doesn’t feel like work at all.
So glad you enjoyed The French Retreat!
Sue
xx
Wow, Sue! A major project. It looks lovely after all your hard work. 🙂 xx
Hi Elle, yes ‘major’ is one way to describe it 😀 Thank you for your kind comments.
Sue
xx