Publication Date: March 6, 2024
Embark on a captivating journey to the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera in this riveting tale of adventure, laughter, and self-discovery. Follow the courageous journey of a family who dares to leave behind the familiar and embrace the allure of villa life in one of the world’s most glamorous destinations.
Join them as they navigate the labyrinth of French bureaucracy, embark on culinary quests in search of the perfect bouillabaisse, and rub shoulders with the international elite at legendary yacht parties and exclusive soirées. From chance encounters with eccentric characters to philosophical conversations over croissants, every moment is a reminder of the richness and complexity of life on the Riviera.
Through laughter and tears, triumphs and tribulations, the Kaplans discover that true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of wealth or status but in the simple pleasures of love, friendship, and connection. As they share their remarkable journey with readers, they invite you to embrace each moment with an open heart and a curious mind.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the French Riviera in this unforgettable tale of adventure and self-discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, this book will transport you to a world where dreams are realized and where the beauty of life is celebrated in all its complexity. Order your copy today and let the adventure begin!
Once Upon a Villa by Andrew Kaplan is a memoir set in the French Riviera, Monaco, Italy, London, and more.
Several stories are wrapped up within the main narrative, and multiple characters became part of their circle while abroad, so I found it a little challenging to keep track of who was who. I liked Andy’s relationship with his wife and young son and how he gave his best to his writing. I definitely will read one or more of his spy thrillers, as will my husband.
We were taken on a rollercoaster ride throughout Europe, and it was easy to visualize everything—the food, apartments, small businesses, restaurants, parties, roads, and the beach. The story has several parts, and I loved the chapter titles that hinted at what was to come. The inclusion of their son Justin and seeing the world through his eyes was a novelty. I enjoyed the author’s name-dropping of those they met and the inclusion of real-world events in various fields and locales. Their visits to Florence, Venice, and London made me feel like I was reliving my visits.
There is a good flow to the story, but the inclusion of various languages without explanation often made it difficult to follow and interpret it to mean what the author intended. I liked the conclusion but wished it had gone on a little longer with an epilogue explaining where he and his family ended up. We definitely know he was successful in his writing.
Once Upon a Villa is a memoir that drew me in despite my not knowing the author at all. I enjoyed the literary references and seeing how hard the author worked at his craft. It’s definitely an enjoyable read in a genre I’m not usually drawn to.
Andrew Kaplan is the author of two bestselling spy thriller book series: “Scorpion” and “Homeland”, including the international phenomenon “Homeland: Carrie’s Run”, a tie-in prequel novel to the hit HOMELAND television series. His most recent Homeland novel, “Homeland: Saul’s Game” won the 2015 Scribe award for Best Original Media Tie-in Novel of the Year. His books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into 21 languages. In addition to his Scorpion novels, his standalone novels include the NY Times bestseller and Main Selection of the Book of the Month Club, “Dragonfire” (“Electrifying … Andrew Kaplan at his dazzling best!” – Kirkus Reviews), “Hour of the Assassins” (“Possibly the best action adventure ever written!”), and “War of the Raven” (“A smashing, sexy and unforgettable read” – Publishers Weekly), listed by the American Library Association as “One of the 100 Best Books ever written about World War Two”.
