Swallows, huge cider apple trees, lazy fat Charolet cows: this is the magical green Normandy where Jennie and her actor husband Conrad find the derelict barn they will lovingly turn into a unique home.
They are lucky to make many wonderful and lasting friends among both English and French alike, and are made welcome at huge meals where wine and conversation flow, but the project takes its toll on their health from the many hours of pointing the vast walls of the barn. Copious amounts of blood, sweat, and tears are expended - and chewing gum, the 'building' material with which Jennie plugs a leak in the kitchen wall
.
Happy moments and delightful discoveries abound, such as when they find a wren's nest in a coil of rope in the garage, or when Jennie helps their neighbour rear seven orphaned baby rabbits, or when the local tax inspector solves a mutual problem by jettisoning his own form into the waste-paper bin.
But Paradise doesn't last. Everything will change one rainy night when a devastating accident robs them of their tranquillity and peace of mind …
Just like Jennie's prequels of the time they spent in Scotland, 'A Bolt for Freedom' and 'Skeoch' (available on Amazon), this is an upbeat and inspirational story which has you rooting for a courageous and innovative couple.
