"I started reading this book because it seemed like an interesting romance involving AI � and it was. But it was more than that.

In the book, a magazine editor is stuck and then unexpectedly finds a path forward. She resurrects a book project that became “a quieter novel about grief and healing, acceptance and forgiveness, that explored the nuanced relationships that shape who we are. No heroes or villains. No monsters or dragons. No perfectly scripted happily ever afters. Just life. Painful, messy, complicated, wonderful, beautiful real life.� And, really, that’s what this novel is.

Yes, it’s romance, but it’s also about grief, technology that threatens to replace people, and authenticity even when scared. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this novel that I just happened upon among Amazon Prime’s First Reads."

"I am in a season where it has been hard for me to sit down and read either a physical book or my Kindle and I was begging to think I was falling into a reading slump BUT I am so grateful I decided to read this book on a whim. I did not know what I was in for but I enjoyed every second of the journey. Heart Restoration Project filled me with this overwhelming need to visit the vineyards of France and truly experience and honor the history of the region. As a person with a Bachelor’s in history, I loved the elements of looking to the past and how understanding what came before can lead to healing and understanding in the present. I loved that the characters were so well thought out and really 3D in their thoughts, feeling and motives. I am definitely going to seek out more books from these authors as I love their writing style."

"I didn't get this review written before the publishing date, but I absolutely enjoyed this book. If you didn't have a chance to read "Last Photo Booth in Manhattan" put it on your list because it's one of their books too!

What to Expect!
â­� Second Chances
â­� Starting over
â­� Finding yourself
â­� Reality TV Story Line
â­� Wine in France
â­� Historical Themes involving World War II & the Holocaust
â­� a Touch of romance

This plot I felt gave us an insightful look into what reality TV children struggle with. Something I have always been so curious about. How much of the spotlight do they love? How much do they hate? Who are they really? In this case we get to see some of all of that from Plums story.

Her struggles to find herself is truly something I think ALL of us go through. Especially in our 30s. More now than ever with how much life changed after Covid.

I loved that this book was set in France. The story of the little town featured is so true to what those little villages are like. The closeness of the residents to one another, their history, their love of their village and all that comes with it. When you are emerged in these villages for longer than a tourist stop, you truly do become like family. If you haven't ever had a chance to travel there DO IT! You won't be disappointed! Also who wouldn't LOVE the chance to stay at a Chateau with a vineyard! Château Mirabelle sounds absolutely incredible!!

All that to say, There some more shallow components of this story I didn't love as much. The self sabotaging Plum does to herself feels a bit immature for someone her age. The weird relationship with the building foreman did feel forced and at times I actually felt uncomfortable. It gave me grooming/love bombing vibes. It's a personal trauma thing for me. So it may not bother others as much!

My final note, something I personally loved, was the underlying historical storyline. I was hoping they would mention it in the acknowledgements, but I want to know where it came from. Is it based off a loose true story? Is it derived from another storyline? I would love to hear more about how they decided to intertwine it to the story! Any time history gets intertwined I get pulled in to the overall story deeper!

Synopsis:
"Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know.

Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity arises: a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.

Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself―a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II―that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.

The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing."

Shout out to NetGalley + Montlake for the eARC! I am so grateful to you for allowing me the chance to read this and enjoy it!
"

"I thought the book was sweet and adorable. A fun love story with interesting characters. I loved the narrator! I tend to like dual narration the best, but she did a fabulous job. She read all the parts well without making cringy voices. I recommend to give this a listen. Especially if you are looking for something lighthearted!"