I'm a big fan. I didn't quite know what to expect (I hadn't looked at the cover nor read any blurbs or prologues), but I'm so happy for such a great read. As I explained to my friend when describing my current read: 'I need a story that makes me use my brain, that makes me feel intelligent.' This book had some phrases I hadn't heard before, and for sure not in the run-of-the-mill quick romance reads. I loved the plot twists and the conflicts. They were realistic and I sympathized with the main characters as well as the villains at some points. That was pretty cool. In life, a villain isnt always 100 evil. I hadn't anticipated the resolution to the conflict, so that was a great perk to the story, and the last scene was scruptious and made me smile really big. While I couldn't pronounce the French terms and names, I felt more beautiful and 'French' just by slaughtering the names in my mind :) in my attempts to read them. Even skimming French made me feel more intelligent. I guess if I feel intelligent while reading, it assuages some of the guilt I feel for neglecting my role of super mom. I hope Goutet continues writing! I'm adding her to my favorites list for sure. Some perks of her book: -great dialogue that was realistic and gave a distinct voice to each character -intriguing major and minor characters that add to the story and each have a distinct voice -engaging conflict that leads to a climax and has satisfying resoution -nice pace and solid plot -I wanted the main characters to end up together -the scenery and writing style gave me images I hadn't seen before. -There wasn't anything offensive (sexual explicitness, language, viewpoints).

The second book I’ve read by this author and, to me, even better than A Friend in Paris. An old mystery is woven into the story of an American girl who is living in Northern France, teaching English at a school in Maisons-Laffitte, near Paris. I loved Chastity for her strength and lack of self-pity, raising her young son single-handed in a foreign country. This author creates relatable, sympathetic heroines, but she really shines at conjuring up the most wonderful male protagonists. Viscount Charles de Brase is just about the perfect leading man. Handsome, well-bred, self-assured but also capable and down-to-earth, he could easily just amuse himself with his fabulous château, racehorses and great wealth, but instead he is a practising neurosurgeon who takes an active part in the life of the town where he’s a leading social figure. The mystery element, involving an art theft and unexplained disappearance, is tightly constructed and well thought-out. Subtle clues about the identity of the culprit are sprinkled about, but I could never have guessed all the complexities of the final, breathless crime sequence. This book has a wonderful sense of place and prompted me to research the château and its history. I love a book that can transport me into a specific location and bring to life characters that stay with me long after the last page is turned, which was the case here. An intelligent read with a welcome heart-warming quality.

In this suspenseful drama, Chastity has her hands full coping with a recalcitrant student and an even more difficult parent, one that has had his way for far too long. On the other hand, Viscount Charles de Brase is having a hard time keeping his juggling act going between his profession, the management of his estate, his difficult mother, non-responsive son and a demanding girlfriend. It's no wonder that when Chastity challenges Charles, he reacts as he does. However, when Chastity's son needs the best doctor available, Charles gives his unstinting commitment, thereby winning her heart. The brewing attraction between the hero and heroine is fraught with difficulties as they are caught in a web of deceit and manipulation, almost ruining any chance of a future between them. The suspenseful side of the drama builds up slowly in the background, until everything culminates on one fateful evening when identities are revealed and Chastity's hopes are dashed. The story is well-written and kept my interest throughout. However, I would have enjoyed this book more if there had been an epilogue, as it came to an abrupt, albeit successful, ending.

Jennie Goutet gives us a captivating story of an American woman and her son living in France where she teaches English in school. Charles, "The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte" is titled, well bred and handsome but also a practicing neurosurgeon, single father of a teenaged son. The characters are complex (especially the teenagers, some things never change (sigh), believable and so realistic with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate to. The story is well written with a gradual buildup to the romance. There a bit of intriguing mystery with twists and turns to keep you turning pages well into the night. I enjoyed this story and especially the authors French connection which enhances the story. Thank you Jennie for such a delightful reading experience.

What a great read! I found the characters so well drawn and the plot held some great surprises and twists that ended up exactly where we'd hoped to go, two total opposites drawn together and living happily ever after. I loved the French detail and atmosphere, the setting was modern yet held all of that French charm that anything set in France merits! This is a heart-warming wonderful read by a talented author. I hope that Ms. Goutet keeps going with more contemporary clean romance plus her Regency projects!!! Did I mention too many times that it's a great read???

I consider myself a lover of all things French, though I've never had the opportunity to travel to France. This book whisked me away on a pleasure-filled escape. It was light, airy, and clean. The characters were well-developed and I empathized with their individual struggles. I also enjoyed the vignettes of Paris and the French countryside. The storyline kept me intrigued, so I kept returning for more. I finished the book in just two evenings. If you enjoy clean romance and want a taste of the authentic French life, I recommend this novel to you!

The story development and characters were charming and well thought out. Since this book was set in France I really wanted to feel like I was in France as I read it, and unfortunately the story missed the mark on that point. Descriptions of sounds, and scents, and touch were sparse. As an example, though there were a few scenes by a river there was never the sound or scents of a river described. I hope in future novels from this author, that she is able to pull us more fulling into the the uniqueness of being in France.

I think I’m addicted to readingJennie Goutet’s writing.…she has a way of keeping you reading as if you are watching scenes from a play or movie and you can’t leave the book for fear you’re going to miss something. This book has a lot of family issues that are brought to light involving children, school and parents. Excellently handled and needed in our world today. Good job Jennie Goutet!!!

I found this book very interesting. I enjoyed learning about French culture and the history of beautiful, old French homes. The characters were well written. The author described each character and their actions in a realistic manner. The story plot was interesting and not the usual smooth progression of a romance novel. I gave it four stars because it got a little wordy in some sections.

It has been a long time since I have taken time to sit and read a book from start to finish. I'm glad this is the book I chose. I could imagine being right there as if I were a part of the story. Wonderful descriptions, fun realistic characters, and a great plot. Twists and turns, mystery, and love- all of my favorite things! Glad I found this author!

It felt like it was missing a lot of the romance! The story line was amazing, but focused so much on the mystery behind everything that the romance seemed like it wasn’t enough for the ending we were given. Maybe I’m just being picky, but I wish we could see more of them falling in love. *sigh* I love that in the books I read. 4 stars.

A clean sweet romance story. I was a little disappointed in this story in the beginning. This story started out being boring and really trudged along. However, I kept reading hoping it would get better. And it did. When I got halfway through it. It turned out to be a very good story. Joycejones@eastex

Loved the buildup, character development, and multiple sides to all the main characters. I would have liked to bask a little longer in the happiness at the end after watching them all go through their journeys to get there. A good clean romance and I will gladly read more of this type from this author.

She’s an American teaching in a French school. One of her students is doing well, she talks to his dad, but gets nowhere. Her son get hit by a car and the father is the neurologist that operates on her son. A relationship develops but there are problems. In the end love conquers all.

Imperfect and slightly gritty characters give you something to think about in this atypical clean romance. The plot and multiple story lines engaged me. I was always reassessing whether or not I liked certain characters, (which is a good thing).