This is the story of buying a house in France. Could anything be more romantic? It is Helen Sanderson’s dream. Defiant in the face of Brexit, she pays the deposit on a house in the town of Marrognac, just before Covid takes over the world. Everything is up in the air including her financial situation. Helen’s resilience is tested to the limit, as she seeks to  complete the purchase and begin the renovations, all with the ongoing support of her estate agent, Dan Painter.

Faithful to Peter for twenty-five disappointing years, Helen sees the house as an escape, but feels guilty because of his deteriorating neurological condition. Dan is divorced, and through the internet, has recently embarked on a new relationship, although he finds himself drawn to Helen. Both connect deeply with the house. Helen has fallen for Dan, meanwhile, he is trying to do the right thing.

As Helen and her dog Rani navigate the many challenges of Covid and Brexit, how will her French dream survive? What will become of Peter? Will the house in Marrognac finally bring Helen and Dan together?

With a French phrase here, and a rolling vineyard there, the reader is drawn into rural life in the south-west of France. For those who struggled with Brexit, this novel rekindles the romantic dream of buying a house there.