Callie Patterson, an unsuccessful artist, hopes that a relationship with the irresistible and magnetic Nicholas Trier will pave the way to success. She follows him to France where, in a magnificent château, he holds his artists’ retreats. But famous men surround themselves with hangers-on and demand complete loyalty.

Callie soon finds herself far more attracted to Michel Alexandre, the estate gardener, who loves and protects trees and every living creature. But if she wants to make a name for herself, she’ll have to choose Nicholas and his world. Except nothing is quite the way it seems, and perhaps success isn’t the most important thing, after all.

When divorced forty-eight-year-old artist Callie Patterson initially arrives by train in a remote rural region of France, she is distinctly unimpressed by the rustic atmosphere of her surroundings. At the station, she encounters rugged underdog, Michel Alexandre, who offers to help her reach her destination – Chateau de Froideval, an artists’ retreat, run by a famous and successful painter, Nicholas Trier.

The charming setting of rural France is an excellent backdrop to the book, which explores the dichotomy between urban and countryside environments. It also examines the contrast between two vastly different types of men: the arrogant and popular Nicolas, and humble, caring Michel. At first, Callie is overawed by her mentor, Nicolas, and his charm and popularity; but as the book progresses, she begins to interact more meaningfully with her surroundings. This is largely because of Michel, the intriguing hero of the story, who holds his cards close to his chest. Michel works as a groundskeeper for the chateau and is a sincere person, as opposed to superficial Nicolas, who relishes (female) attention.

What I liked most about this book was the authentic connection between Callie and Michel. Indeed, the unfolding romance between headstrong Callie and the down-to-earth gardener is delightful to behold, as is Callie’s transformation from urbanite to country-dweller. Michel supports and validates her, which is in stark contrast to Nicolas’s superior attitude and vanity. Kind and caring, Michel looks after rescued animals and is also involved in conserving the local forests.

Whilst there was good chemistry between Callie and Michel, this was a slow-burning romance, which took its time to unfold. However, there was plenty of heart to the story, with a plot that kept me engaged until the (emotionally satisfying) ending. I also liked that the story featured an older couple, as not all romance books include many couples who are over the age of forty.

The Unpredictable Colors of Love is a sweet, tender romance, with well-developed characters who I could root for. I think that fans of the romance genre would enjoy this immersive story, with its unique and picturesque setting.

Writer, social critical artist, and impenitent teller of tall tales, J. Arlene Culiner, was born in New York and raised in Toronto. She has crossed much of Europe on foot, has lived in a mud house on the Great Hungarian Plain, in a Bavarian castle, a Turkish cave dwelling, a haunted house on the English moors, and beside a Dutch canal. She now resides in a 400-year-old former inn in a French village of no interest where, much to local dismay, she protects spiders, snakes, and weeds.

Observing people everywhere, she eavesdrops on all private conversations and delights in hearing any nasty, funny, ridiculous, sad, romantic, or boastful story. And when she can’t uncover any salacious gossip, she makes it up.