Hey, fellow book lovers! Did you survive the turkey and stuffing? I’m so glad you did. So, I just took a literary trip to the French countryside with Sarah Ready’s “French Holiday,” and let me tell you, it was a perfect trip this cold November. French Holiday is a delightful romp filled with crumbling castles, unexpected connections, and a whole lot of heart.

When it comes to our leading lady, Merry DeLuca’s life is in a tailspin. Her sister just tied the knot with the man Merry’s secretly been in love with, and to top it off, she’s become the designated axe for her employer. The solution? A flight plan to a French castle, courtesy of her godmother. Little did she know, the castle comes with a surprise guest the sexy Noah Wright, who was the best man from her sister’s wedding and the embodiment of all things frustrating.

What unfolds is a perfect storm! Merry and Noah clash like two forces of nature. He’s an arrogant devil by night and a famous travel blogger by day, and their chemistry is anything but smooth. The crumbling castle is the perfect setting for the French holiday that starts off all wrong, but as you guessed my friends, takes an unexpected turn as Merry and Noah navigate their shared space.

Friends, you may expect mouthwatering pastries, delicious flirtations, and languid strolls through vineyards, but reality has other plans. Merry and Noah strike a truce to cohabitate as friends for three months, with the promise of parting ways amicably afterward. But, as we all know, the best-laid plans often don’t go off without a hitch.

What I loved about “French Holiday” and I think you will too is its perfect blend of romance and self-discovery. Merry and Noah’s banter is as entertaining as a French cabaret, and the secrets they uncover add layers to their characters like a good French pastry. The story unfolds like a romantic mystery that will keep you guessing and eagerly turning pages.

The setting of a crumbling castle in the French countryside adds a touch of magic to the narrative. You will want to smell and taste the pastries, feel the cool breeze in the vineyards, and envision the beautiful landscapes that Ready skillfully describes.

This is a quick read that’s perfect for indulging during your very own holiday—real or imaginary. If you’re in the mood for a story that goes beyond a typical romance, with characters who are as flawed as they are endearing, “French Holiday” is a must-add to your reading list. Happy reading, friends!