Long-time readers may recall an informal polling I did for a friend working on a new series. The fruits of that survey were a link in the chain that became Let Them Eat Cake and its just-released sequel Bon Appetit. Bon Appetit officially releases September 16 so if this review whets your appetite you are in for a literary–and culinary treat. I do not know many novels which make your mouth literally water for the delectable French pastries the leading lady creates, but how could it be otherwise when full recipes for delectable desserts and breads are incorporated throughout the story? (Lexi is even on AllRecipes for those who want more!)
From page one it was, as I confessed to Sandra, “so much like me that it was almost scary.” The book opens with the main character beginning life in France as a culinary school student and assistant in a family bakery. Like Lexi, I remember all the excitement and trepidation associated with moving overseas. Like Lexi, I love all things French: the language, the culture, the food, the landscape. Unlike Lexi, those loves did not help my transition considering I moved to a Japanese tropical island, not a Parisan village!
There are a number of things I appreciate about this book. Instead of descriptive, often stomach-turning mush, Bon Appetit offers the tasteful, realistic tensions of a relationship while remaining safely unoffensive for any reader. Sandra immerses you in modern French culture and life at a pastry school. Anyone who has had the adventure of living and adjusting to another country will easily identify with Lexi’s struggles and exploration. The ending held a delightful–albeit tormenting–twist which leaves you rueing the fact it will be 2009 before we can read the conclusion to this series.
I love books that make your mouth water. I read a series called The Tea Shop Mysteries and the background is a Charleston tea room. And at the back are recipes! Food and books are a good combination
Love this review Natalie! My sister and I so enjoyed “Let them eat Cake” and we appreciated the lack of mush as you so rightly put it. *g*
Thanks for the heads up! Am very much looking forward to reading “Bon Appetit”
~Anna
Oh Yum, I could eat desserts all the time if I learned how to make some. =)
Gabriela E
That sounds like a delightful book…thank you, Natalie!
Blessings,
Kiersti