Patricia Feinberg Stoner
I sniggered, I cackled and my belly ached as I travelled through the adventures in France. What a treat! You must, must, must ‘(expletive deleted)’ read this book about following a dream: remember ‘what the heart wants, the heart wants’.
A relationship will thrive if you are destined to follow an impulsive dream together; but you must be able to laugh with so much gusto that you ‘fear for your trousers’. The dream of life in France is contrasted with the reality. This writer is a witty wordsmith who delivers a punchline like an artful comedian. 
I found myself laughing so much that my husband wanted to understand what was so funny, but I couldn’t articulate it without reading sections aloud. Indeed, I can echo the author’s words that ‘I have been crying with laughter and sniggering – Himself was not amused’.
Patricia Feinberg Stoner has a unique flair for writing comedy and you will be drunk with laughter. She will make you laugh at stories involving: ironing boards, party planning, trips to the second-hand shops, renovation and every day incidents. Les Dawson, Dawson’s poodle and Mighty Mouse feature in the escapades. If you are confused then you will have to learn the ‘gallic shrug’ and say ‘alors’.
You cannot ‘loiter politely’ or ‘cough Englishly’ in France; it’s not even sufficient to speak French. The narrative shows you that ‘if you want to integrate, you have to do it at the locals’ pace.’ You will learn subtleties of why the French mock the English and why we laugh at the French. Mais oui, we have so much in common as we like to eat drink and laugh. It’s not that simple! It was pure genius to invite the locals for an English breakfast and afternoon tea; fight traditions with more traditions and vive la difference. One must accept that the British will never know what time bonjour becomes bonsoir. One must rejoice in the fact that ‘in France, you spend a lot of time eating’.
Patricia’s witty observations will instruct you in French way of life. However, it is refreshing to view British culture through French eyes and laugh at our own idiosyncrasies. Despite the culture gap, Herself and Himself charmed the locals. In turn, you will also be charmed by: Henri, Loony Tunes, P’tit Gui and a comedy of wonderful people. However, the most endearing characters in the book are Patricia, Himself and, Purdey, the dog. Wouldn’t it be great fun to invite Patricia and Himself to a dinner party? I dare you to ask Patricia if Henri almost made her blush. Perhaps, Himself would agree to partake in a spot of demolition after coffee.
I can’t tell you how or when Patricia’s wonderful turn of phrase will make you chuckle. I can’t tell you about all the hilarious events that will make you rush to read more. I can tell you that there may not be a cure for the hangover that the laughter will cause.
Read At Home in the Pays d’Oc if you want to move to France: read it if you don’t want to move to France – just read it for the ‘(expletive deleted)’ hell of it. And let’s thank Jean-Jacques for finding the house, with a terrace, and ensuring that it wasn’t time ‘to cry finie la comédie’.
Please see all my reviews at My Reading and my blog at jessiecahalin.com
The community hide their Jewish neighbours in attics and summerhouses. Eventually, an entire village is constructed, in the woods, to protect these vulnerable people. It is intriguing to observe how a community work together. In turn, Matthews examines how the hidden villagers feel trapped. It is sad that ‘freedom seemed an impossible dream’ yet we know it is better than the fate of their counterparts outside of the village. How could they have realised the danger? The German occupation is an ever-present menace that pursues the characters. ‘All it took was a stray German to bump into’ one of children running through the woods with supplies. Will they be caught?
A society is developed with rules, regulations and leaders but there is tension. Matthews explores the pressures of a community within a community. She presents some very strong central characters who grow up in this unnatural world. It is heart-breaking to observe how the children lose their innocence. These children live with uncertainty and broken families – they have to find an inner strength. The community spirit is heartening yet wanes under the burden of war. Some of the younger characters rely on friendships to support them but they learn about cold, brutal betrayal.
Place the 
house inside a Tudor mansion, add 
and shake up with 
’s attitude. Do you like the sound of this diva mayhem? Well tighten your seatbelt then prepare to meet Sofia, Blaire and Gilda.
. Do not, I repeat do not keep your feet firmly fixed on the ground. Indulge yourself in this bizarre world and enjoy! If you are a celebrity addict and reality TV junkie then you will soak up this insight. You might want to invite 
and do your research into the A-Z of the outlandish celebrity world. The behaviour goes from A for annoying to Z for zany. As I read the novel, I really wanted to believe that these outlandish people really exist. Is this what happens behind the glossy images in ‘Hello!’ ? 
