A House in the Sunflowers: An English Family's Search for Their Dream House in France

A book full of sunshine
I read this book approx ten years ago and was struck by the triumph over adversity. For people contemplating buying in France I would suggest that this is a good book for possible enlightment.

Someone else on the Mayle Trail
It seems as though there are ten-times as many books about people moving to France as there are French départements but Ruth Silvestre's is a cut above the many which peddle nothing but barely amusing stories about builders and the lasting effects of too much French hospitality. There's a warmth in this book, a genuine affection for her neighbours and their odd ways, and a real sense of the history of the place. It may have been written about events which took place thirty years ago but the hidden treasures of France barely change and I look forward to reading the sequel.

Delightfully easy read
This is actually a sequel and continues the story of Ruth and her family's ownership of a second home in Lot-et-Garonne. The book covers a number of summers, with their gradual updating of the house, building a swimming pool, and many friends who visit. It's very easy read and leaves you with a positive attitude about aspects of French life.