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Helen Pollard
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The Little French Guesthouse: The perfect feel good summer read (La Cour des Roses Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Helen Pollard (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 10,652 ratings

Sun, croissants and fine wine. Nothing can spoil the perfect holiday. Or can it?


When thirty-one-year-old Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can’t wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they’ve barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner’s cougar wife.

Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gîtes will help keep her mind off her misery.

Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) accountant Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory.

Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quite at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she’s ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday – wouldn’t it?

Fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Nick Alexander will want to join Emmy for a glass of wine as the sun sets on the terrace at La Cour des Roses.

Praise for The Little French Guesthouse:


‘Like sunshine on a cloudy day this is a book to warm your heart. I loved it.’ Shellyback Books

‘I loved every single page of this book and didn't want the story to end. It had me hooked from start to finish, had me giggling on the bus (rather embarrassing). It is one of those warm, cosy books that needs coffee and croissants.’ The Reading Shed

‘Utterly delicious, I loved escaping into this delightful French community … definitely a feel good book that had me with a smile on my face and laughing out loud … You’ve just got to love Rupert ... With the sexy gardener providing a great distraction from Nathan’s desertion, new friends and new possibilities this is a real page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed … a truly wonderfully crafted novel that I highly recommend for its amazing characters, plot and storytelling that make it a brilliant story to escape into. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to be available, I definitely want to read it, please!’ Splashes into Books

‘From the very beginning to the very end, I absolutely adored this book … If I ever found myself in a jam I would want a Rupert in my life for sure (even with his persistence and tendency to butt-in)! The emotional journey that ended up being The Little French Guesthouse is sometimes sad, sometimes infuriating and sometimes hilarious … and abso-freaking-lutely worthy of a comfy chair, a cozy blanket and a nice cuppa.’ Well Read Pirate Queen

'Could not put down this fabulous book, peppered with humour and characters you can relate to. A wonderful, laugh out loud summer read. One to share with friends and recommend to strangers.' Renita D’Silva

‘La Cour des Roses is the name of the guesthouse that is central to the story and with its warmth of character, picturesque gardens and eccentric owner, its a place I would love to spend more time … I am already looking forward to book two .’ Rachel’s Random Reads

‘What a lovely gem of a book … I picked this book up during a particularly intense period at work and it was the perfect book – gentle and warm with some lovely characters and a good bit of eye candy … perfect for a pick-me-up/ summer read where you just want to lose yourself in the story.’ The Met Line Reader
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    La Cour des Roses
  2. Print length
    344 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    28 April 2016
  6. File size
    1.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01BKWKH54
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 April 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1910751879
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ La Cour des Roses
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 10,652 ratings

About the author

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Helen Pollard

Helen Pollard

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As a child, Helen had a vivid imagination fuelled by her love of reading, so she started to create her own stories in a notebook. Now a bestselling author of contemporary romance, she believes that good characterisation is the key to a successful book and loves infusing her writing with humour and heart. Helen is a member of The Society of Authors.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
10,652 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great summer read that's easy to pick up and put down, featuring an idyllic French countryside setting and believable characters that feel drawn into the story. They appreciate the humor that makes them both laugh and cry, and the emotional content that keeps them entertained, with one customer noting how it brings sunshine to a British spring. While customers find the book easy to read and realistic, they note that the plot is somewhat predictable.

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ReadabilityBelievable charactersBeautyHumorEmotional contentRealismEase of usePlot
617 customers mention ‘Readability’607 positive10 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, particularly enjoying it as a summer read, with one customer mentioning they enjoyed it while on holiday in France.

"...French Guesthouse stand out from other books of its kind is the excellent writing with great and varied characters...." Read more

"Good read" Read more

"...the end in my opinion (Birmingham versus French rural life) a nice holiday read." Read more

"A lovely read from start to finish. Highly recommended." Read more

140 customers mention ‘Believable characters’136 positive4 negative

Customers find the characters in the book engaging and easy to connect with, with one customer noting how they bring the French countryside to life.

"...Loved the characters especially Emma and Rupert who she ends up helping to run the guest house and become good friends...." Read more

"...other books of its kind is the excellent writing with great and varied characters...." Read more

"This was a lovely mix of characters and the story line was unusual but two people forced to come to terms with the position they had found..." Read more

"...I loved the characters and descriptions of life in France and ordered the next book so I knew what happens in the future." Read more

107 customers mention ‘Beauty’107 positive0 negative

Customers love the idyllic setting of the book, particularly the glorious French countryside, with one customer noting how it brought sunshine to a British spring.

"...The guest house is lovely and Emma looks forward to enjoying the peace and quiet but that is shattered when Nathan leaves her with the wife of the..." Read more

"...the plot had appeared many times before: broken romance, an idealistic summer setting, everyone friendly and welcoming in a small community,..." Read more

"I gave it 5 stars because I loved it. It took me away to an idyllic place in France. I couldn't put it down." Read more

"...The characters are so lovable and the setting divine. I can’t wait to see how things develop. Highly recommended" Read more

69 customers mention ‘Humor’69 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, describing it as an ideal light-hearted escapism that makes them both laugh and cry, with one customer noting it's full of good vibes.

"...This was certainly a very welcome change, lots of humour, varied emotions , a few shocks and a fitting end." Read more

"Brilliant. Made me laugh, angry and all sorts of other emotions. Helen Pollard makes each sentence like you are part of what is going on." Read more

"Really enjoyed this book- a bit of light hearted escapism! It has made me want to move to France - living the dream!" Read more

"...This is a well-written book, with both bitter-sweet and comic moments, and captivating, sometimes awkward characters. Warmly recommended." Read more

44 customers mention ‘Emotional content’44 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's emotional content, finding it heartwarming and relaxing while making them smile, though some note it can be a little sad.

"...many times before: broken romance, an idealistic summer setting, everyone friendly and welcoming in a small community, possible love interest...." Read more

"...This was certainly a very welcome change, lots of humour, varied emotions , a few shocks and a fitting end." Read more

"Brilliant. Made me laugh, angry and all sorts of other emotions. Helen Pollard makes each sentence like you are part of what is going on." Read more

"...On reading this book you can almost smell the roses, break the baguettes and taste the coffee...." Read more

25 customers mention ‘Realism’21 positive4 negative

Customers find the book believable and honest, describing it as a light-hearted read.

"...up-beat read I wanted but is not 'fluffy' and has depth and realism in the issues Emmy the main character has to deal with...." Read more

"...An excellent read, loved it. Characters very imaginable and believable. Looking forward to the follow up" Read more

"This book even smells of France. The characters are well drawn and very credible, I can see them all in my mind's eye and can imagine meeting them..." Read more

"Loved this book. Honest, straightforward people, (not including the adulterous characters), beautiful setting, so well described I could see it in..." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Ease of use’18 positive4 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and pick up, with one customer noting it doesn't require great attention, while another mentions it's surprisingly challenging on a personal level.

"Lovely to read easy to pick up and carry on with story at any time" Read more

"...Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away...." Read more

"...The cover is simply stunning and drew me in straight away. It's an easy and lighthearted read that will leave you wanting to read more." Read more

"...I loved the easy going flow to this book & it was so simple to make connections with the characters in the story, who doesn't recognise their own..." Read more

29 customers mention ‘Plot’5 positive24 negative

Customers find the plot of the book predictable, with one customer noting it gets repetitive, and another mentioning the ending feels abrupt.

"This was a lovely mix of characters and the story line was unusual but two people forced to come to terms with the position they had found..." Read more

"...If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I..." Read more

"...This was almost instantly a No, no and no reaction. Classic, traite story...." Read more

"...It just seemed so trite. Then there was the lack of plot, the whole book is dedicated to her making a decision, which seems virtually..." Read more

A feel good book you cant put down !
5 out of 5 stars
A feel good book you cant put down !
Absolutely fantastic read ! A great feel good book and can't wait to read the next two !!
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Steve and Deb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 December 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this story about Emmy Jamieson who arrives at La Cour des Roses with her boyfriend Nathan for a well deserved break to get the love back in their relationship. The guest house is lovely and Emma looks forward to enjoying the peace and quiet but that is shattered when Nathan leaves her with the wife of the owner Rupert.
    Loved the characters especially Emma and Rupert who she ends up helping to run the guest house and become good friends.
    This is about how Emma finds love again but realises her dream.
    Would highly recommend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • coco
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4* A feel-good story set during the summer in the Loire Valley. Smell the lavender.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The sunflowers on the book cover drew my attention, even tho the plot had appeared many times before: broken romance, an idealistic summer setting, everyone friendly and welcoming in a small community, possible love interest. What makes The Little French Guesthouse stand out from other books of its kind is the excellent writing with great and varied characters.

    Emma and Nathan have booked into a guesthouse in the Loire Valley for a fortnight's holiday, she hopes to regain the spark they first had in their romance, at present there's definitely a lack of fizz.

    Only a few days into their stay, Nathan and the guesthouse owner's wife Gloria abscond together in her natty little sports car. At the same time the owner Rupert, a jovial rascal and the best character in the book, breaks his leg. Emma decides to stay a few days to assist running his guesthouse. Finding new friends in the community and enjoying her work, Emma wonders if this life in France could become permanent, her new friends are encouraging her to make the change.

    The book had a satisfactory ending, there's even a sequel - or two - for those of us who want to revisit La Cour des Roses.
    Helpful
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  • WAG
    5.0 out of 5 stars good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I normally read thrillers and wanted a change. This was certainly a very welcome change, lots of humour, varied emotions , a few shocks and a fitting end.
    Helpful
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  • Articblue
    5.0 out of 5 stars Story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Good read
    Helpful
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  • Countryviews5
    3.0 out of 5 stars No choice to make for Emmy at the end in my opinion (Birmingham versus French rural life) a nice holiday read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 June 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This was a lovely mix of characters and the story line was unusual but two people forced to come to terms with the position they had found themselves in, brushing themselves down and getting on with life. No choice to make for Emmy at the end in my opinion (Birmingham versus French rural life) a nice holiday read.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Champagnedemon
    4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 December 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A lovely read from start to finish. Highly recommended.
    Helpful
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  • Janet Whittaker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Lovely to read easy to pick up and carry on with story at any time
    Helpful
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  • Maryann Waterhouse
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Little French Guesthouse
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 December 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant. Made me laugh, angry and all sorts of other emotions. Helen Pollard makes each sentence like you are part of what is going on.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Helen W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A little French holiday from your arm chair.
    Reviewed in Australia on 3 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    So beautifully read. A feel good story for when you may need a pick me up, believable descriptions and characters. I'm off to find the next in the series.
    Report
  • Isabella
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in Italy on 8 May 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Another little gem from Bookouture that I thoroughly enjoyed!
    It provides escapism and romance, a generally feel-good atmosphere and a much welcome happy ending!
    It's the perfect read to get into the Summer mood.
    I loved it, and can't wait for its sequel.
    Report
  • Donna Englebert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 7 September 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Perfect escapism
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  • Kris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Agréable romance
    Reviewed in France on 1 May 2021
    Verified Purchase
    C’est joliment écrit et la protagoniste est attachante malgré son manque de confiance en soi. Les atmosphères sont bien décrites et font partie du charme de cette histoire. Je vais lire le deuxième tome concernant le retour à la petite French Guest House pour voir comment Emmy s’adapte à sa nouvelle vie.
    Report
  • Pearl
    5.0 out of 5 stars I can't think of when I enjoyed a simple read like this more...(WARNING: A bit of a spoiler!)
    Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I picked up this book, taking the blurb at its word as “the perfect, feel-good summer read”, and it absolutely did not disappoint!

    Many of us know what it’s like to be betrayed by spouse or lover. Some can even relate to catching the jerkwad (or “heifer”, as the case may be) in the act! Those who have ‘been there’ likely also have painful memories of the devastation such an act has caused in their lives – and the fortunate few have had an unconditional support system to see them through the difficult aftermath.

    Emmeline, or ‘Emmy’ as she prefers, has arranged a two week holiday at – you guessed it – a little French guesthouse for herself and her more-than-a-boyfriend, Nathan. She is hoping that the getaway will inject a little much needed excitement back into their relationship, which had been lagging. Nathan got excited, alright. Only he got excited with their host’s wife, Gloria, and on the first night of their stay, no less!

    When their host, Rupert, had an apparent heart attack, Emmy rendered as much aid as she could, and then frantically went looking for Gloria, who had disappeared at roughly the same time as Nathan. She found both of them…with Gloria’s legs wrapped around Nathan like a belt, as it were.

    For fear of exacerbating a heart condition that was revealed once he was taken to hospital, Emmy decided not to apprise Rupert of her discovery that they had both been cuckolded; she did, however, confront both Nathan and Gloria the following morning. Neither felt the least bit of shame at having been caught, and in fact, both seemed a bit put upon and indignant at Emmy’s attitude about the whole thing.

    Although Emmy keeps Rupert in the dark about what happened between her boyfriend and Rupert’s wife,the situation came to light when Nathan ends his part in the holiday a few days later by breaking up with her and leaving…with Gloria. Rupert, of course, was upset, but more for Emmy than himself. In fact, he didn’t seem at all surprised by his wife’s desertion.

    Emmy decides to extend her stay in France to assist Rupert at the guesthouse until he has recovered from his attack and an injury he sustained when he fell on that fateful night. And it is here that Emmy’s own recovery begins, from miserable and lonely, to being in the midst of a circle of selfless support amongst veritable strangers and finding herself to be the object of a younger man's "interest". Finally, she finds renewed validation as a woman deserving of love and so makes the surprising discovery that, in spite of her determination to return her mundane existence after her holiday, she doesn’t have to hold on to the misery brought on by those other disappointing turn of events.

    It is with much humour and wit that Ms. Pollard invites us to share in Emmy’s experience with Rupert and her new, sometimes irascible friends, at the little French guesthouse. Her description of the beauty of La Cour des Roses and the surrounding area is so visual that the reader will not find it difficult to experience the place almost first hand.

    Just a note, here: while there are intimate innuendos and situations aplenty, there is zero graphic sex…which an old fossil like myself can appreciate.

    I can’t think of when I have enjoyed a simple read like this more. The only issue I had was that I wanted to go back with Emmy if she ever returned to The Little French Guesthouse…

    …oh wait!

    The Return to the Little French Guesthouse is out!!
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