The Forgotten Summer

Secrets ripen and fester over a long sweltering summer in France . . .
11 February 2016
£7.00
HB 420pp ISBN: 0718183096
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The annual grape harvest at the Cambon family’s magnificent vineyard is always a cause for celebration. But not this year. When an accident destroys the crop, Clarisse Cambon knows exactly who to blame – her daughter-in-law, Jane. Forced to take charge of the ailing vineyard, Jane uncovers proof that Luc may not be the man she fell in love with twenty years ago. And, worse still, she knows that her old enemy Clarisse is the only one who knows the truth…

Reviews

  • ‘A lovely book packed with the sunshine, scents and savours of the South of France … plenty of page-turning drama, then, but also mouthwatering descriptions of Paris and Provence.’ DAILY MAIL
  • ‘Secrets, tragedy, hidden pasts and family secrets all set in glorious Provence – I loved this’ Santa Montefiore

Reader reviews

  • French Village Diaries: ‘Set with a backdrop of Provençal vineyards and olive groves, with scents of the French countryside and sunshine to warm you, Carol will take you away as you become immersed in the unusual life of the Cambon family, where no one is quite who they first seemed to be. I’m sure readers will love it.’
  • Sue (from amazon): What a wonderful story, I was transported to Provence, Paris and back to London with characters I cared about. A story of romance and family secrets set within a vineyard on the beautiful cote d’azure.
  • Jenny (from amazon): A beautiful story – love and mystery with some history, grapevines, olives and sunshine! I read this book in two days – just couldn’t put it down, wanting to find out what was on the next page. In the depth of a cold wet winter the book brought sunshine into my life.
  • Julie Ryan (from amazon): Carol’s delicious prose captures the essence of the South of France; the earthy aroma of the ‘terroir’, the heady scent of spring blossom and the first press of the olive oil. Set against this beauty, however, is a secret that is hinted at throughout the book only to thrill us with its revelation at the end… Totally believable characters with very human emotions. I didn’t want to put this book down.
  • Ann Peet (from lovereading.co.uk): Intriguing, atmospheric novel of family secrets set in Provence.
  • Nicola Edwards (from lovereading.co.uk): A beautiful, atmospheric story of loss, family drama and mystery.
  • Pauline Braisher (from lovereading.co.uk): Carol’s love of Provence shines through in the evocative descriptions of the Provencal countryside and way of life. The characters are well-drawn and the story is interesting, with a few unexpected twists.
  • Trilby Humphryes (from lovereading.co.uk): ‘From the heady heights of the warm inviting opening chapters to the lows of the dark dreary days in wet Paris, The Forgotten Summer’ pulls you into its story with beautiful and emotive writing.’
  • Mary Butler (from amazon): … an absorbing story that completely captivates you from the first word to the last. You can breathe the air, smell the fragrance that is Provence…pictures are painted in your mind as you turn the pages. But there is also a most intriguing tale that draws you in & refuses to let go until you have finished the book…even then you want more! Carol Drinkwater writes from her heart…passion pours from the pages…all of life is here. A stunning read.
  • Jane Cullen (from amazon): This is a wonderful, beautifully written book. I couldn’t put it down and when Id finished it, I wanted to start it again. From the first page Provence is brought to life with its light, heat and interesting, colourful people. Excellent!
  • Sue 1222 (from amazon): If I could give it ten stars I would…..