Award-winning Australian author Sophie Masson has released her first novel as Sophie Beaumont.
The Paris Cooking School entwines the stories of three women.
Gabi Picabea and Kate Evans are drawn to Sylvie Morel’s cooking school in Paris for various reasons – both involve escaping an untenable situation back in Australia. Both are hoping that four weeks of French cooking lessons will provide emotional relief and some breathing space. Sylvie and her team provide a welcome distraction for Gabi’s seemingly insurmountable creative block and Kate’s unfaithful and scurrilous husband. However, Sylvie herself is facing challenges, including online harassment from negative reviews and damaging social media rumours, as well as anonymous complaints to local health inspectors. Adding to her troubles is an unsympathetic lover with commitment issues. Thankfully, Sylvie has a reliable neighbour who offers support and helpful advice.
As the group enjoys the charm of Paris in the spring while cooking up mouth-watering dishes, there are plenty of romantic meet-cutes, dramatic moments, and a touch of mystery before each character’s struggles are resolved. While the plot follows some predictable paths, readers will be captivated by the tantalizing descriptions of French cuisine and I loved following along as Gabi and Kate explore the beautiful city of Paris in the spring. Bonus points for including the magnificent gardens of Monet’s Giverney and a trip down south to Basque country.
With a healthy dose of love’s trials and tribulations experienced by all three women, The Paris Cooking School is a treat to savour – although recipes are regrettably not included!
What are your favourite French recipes? Let me know in the comments below!
Discover more from Kirsten Marion
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.