What makes the story interesting is the vibrancy and determination of Jane. She is described as having a sunny disposition, but I think she must also have had a backbone of steel to cope with the serious ‘downs and widely spaced ‘ups’ in the 2–3-year period the book covers.

The house she buys is indeed derelict. A litany of serious structural issues, no bathroom and its uninsulated as she approaches her first winter are described. There are no paths for her wheelchair to access the property and dirt floors in some rooms. A person in prime health would be challenged through a French winter living in these conditions. Thank goodness for her little car that allows her to get out and about.

One of the ‘ups’ for Jane is how warmly she is welcomed to the small village. Her neighbours support and befriend her. Her family from England are frequent visitors but it is a long, lonely, and for Jane, depressing, first winter and she doubt her decision to stay.

Spring however brings sunshine and the promise of new love. I laughed at the thought of placing a personal advertisement in the newspaper ‘looking for love’ but I suppose that was normal in the early 1990s. Jane is quite the romantic!!

It’s an easy read and flows nicely. It includes photos of Janes family and neighbours, the house, and the fur babies that Jane cannot resist.  Deb Hunt has a real soft spot for Jane.

The story captures the concept that if you want something hard enough, and are willing to make sacrifices to get it, you might just get what you want in the end.

I don’t know if I could have survived that first winter – I think I like my creature comforts too much!! But I loved how she made friends, learnt French but spoke it with a British accent and always tried to look ahead at what could happen if she just hung in there.