The Witchy Storyteller: The Magic of Provence by Alison Roberts - Book Review

Series: A Year in France #3

Publication Date: 05^th July 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/TheMagicOfProvence

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219279423-the-magic-of-provence

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Hopeful

Book Blurb:

Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful

Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which is healing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.

When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’s also committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?

Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other while Provence works its magic…

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My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POV of different characters.

This is the last book in the series, so it reads more like women’s fiction than a full-length romance. The ‘father’ track runs in parallel with Fiona’s story. Since I read the previous books, I knew what to expect from this.

However, it would be incorrect to call it ‘a dreamy, escapist romance…’. The book has triggers for sexual assault, parental abandonment, and more. Though there are no descriptive scenes, the mood is heavier than what one would expect.

That aside, the book highlights the importance of family support, understanding, love, and friendships. It talks of second chances in life and how one’s worth doesn’t depend on what happened to them.

Given the MCs’ professions, animals, especially donkeys, play a major role in the book. There’s a cute new addition to the donkey family! So adorable!

The setting, once again, is the best part of the book. This time, we explore the nearby forest, the special old train, Menton (a picturesque town), etc. It’s always wonderful to go on such virtual tours.

The romance is indeed mellow, which suits what the characters need. And… there’s no third-act breakup! I was dreading one as it wouldn’t be suited to the story, so you can imagine how happy I was when it didn’t happen. Yay!

We meet little Theo and two other kiddos and their parents (the two couples from the previous books). They have substantial roles, so it would be better to start the series from the first if you want a wholesome experience.

There’s an epilogue that rounds up the book and the series satisfactorily.

To summarize, The Magic of Provence is a hopeful read about second chances, family, friendships, and love. You’ll enjoy it even more if you like donkeys.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

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