A Bakery in Paris: A Novel

by Aimie K. Runyan, Imani Jade Powers (Reader), Caroline Hewitt (Reader)

From the author of The School for German Brides , this captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century and post-World War II Paris follows two fierce women of the same family, generations apart, who find that their futures lie in the four walls of a simple bakery in a tiny corner of Montmartre.   1870: The Prussians are at the city gates, intent to starve Paris into submission. Lisette Vigneau--headstrong, willful, and often ignored by her wealthy parents--awaits the outcome of the war from her parents' grand home in the Place Royale in the very heart of the city. When an excursion throws her into the path of a revolutionary National Guardsman, Théodore Fournier, her destiny is forever changed. She gives up her life of luxury to join in the fight for a Paris of the People. She opens a small bakery with the hopes of being a vital boon to the impoverished neighborhood in its hour of need. When the city falls into famine, and then rebellion, her resolve to give up the comforts of her past life is sorely tested. 1946: Nineteen-year-old Micheline Chartier is coping with the loss of her father and the disappearance of her mother during the war. In their absence, she is charged with the raising of her two younger sisters. At the hand of a well-meaning neighbor, Micheline finds herself enrolled in a prestigious baking academy with her entire life mapped out for her. Feeling trapped and desperately unequal to the task of raising two young girls, she becomes obsessed with finding her mother. Her classmate at the academy, Laurent Tanet, may be the only one capable of helping Micheline move on from the past and begin creating a future for herself.  Both women must grapple with loss, learn to accept love, and face impossible choices armed with little more than their courage and a belief that a bit of flour, yeast, sugar, and love can bring about a revolution of their own. 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, France, Historical, Romance, Audiobook, Book Club

1 pages, Audio CD

First published August 1, 2023

About the author

Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate history’s unsung heroines. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a three-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and as a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year. Aimie is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. Her next books, The Castle Keepers (in collaboration with J'nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan) and A Bakery in Paris will release in 2023 from Harper Collins. Also from Harper Collins, Aimie's contemporary Women's Fiction debut, The Memory of Lavender and Sage, will release in early 2024. She lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable kitties, and a dragon. To learn more about Aimie, please visit www.aimiekrunyan.com.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

1870: The Prussian army have reached the gates of Paris, the city is completely surrounded and they enforce a blockade and try to starve the population into surrendering. Lisette Vigneau parents are from one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Paris and they live in the centre of the city. Lisette is rather unconventional and headstrong and she sneaks into the kitchen to watch, help and learn from the families cook.

One day Lisette is without a chaperone, her mother would have a fit if she knew and Lisette meets National Guardsman Theodore Fournier. Lisette runs away from home and to be with Theodore, she opens a small bakery and to bring hope and sustenance to the poor neighborhood of Montmartre. Soon the Parisians are starving, only rich have stock piled food and can afford the black market prices, Lisette could return home, she decides to stay with her beloved Theo and her new friends.

The story has a dual timeline, it’s told from the points of view of the two main characters Lisette and Micheline, the women are related and it kept my attention.

1946: Micheline Chartier lost her father early in the war, her mother disappeared without a trace two years ago, and at nineteen she's looking after her two younger sisters. Madame Dupuis her kindly neighbour has helped Micheline, she pays for her to attend the prestigious baking academy and so she can open a bakery in the empty bistro below their apartment. Laurent Tanet started at the academy before Micheline, he’s a very nice young man and is there for her when she struggles during lessons, they both develop feelings for each other and with her mother still missing Micheline feels guilty.

I received a digital copy of A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan from William Morrow and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The narrative highlights how both Lisette and Michelle had to deal with the brutality of war, cope with the loss of loved ones, overcome obstacles and they shared the fondness for baking and Micheline finds solace and inspiration in grandmothers journal. I loved how Ms. Ruyan included throughout the book, recipes for the delicious French baked treats and ones you would find in a patisserie.

I didn't know a lot about the Franco-Prussian War prior to reading this novel and in 1871 the Prussia army defeated France, ending French dominance in continental Europe, creating a unified Germany and causing political tension in France. Once again Aimie K. Ruyan has written a really fascinating book, about two strong and resilient women and five stars from me.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Sometimes food is simple nourishment for the body. Sometimes it is nourishment for the soul. Sometimes it is an apology'.

'A Bakery in Paris' is a dual-time novel, alternatively narrated by Lisette and her great-granddaughter Micheline. Lisette lives in Paris during Revolutionary times and transcends her class in order to be a part of the change; feeding people with her love and her baking, 'I couldn't take on the world, but I could take on this humble ball of flour, butter, salt and water and I could make something from it'. Micheline lives in post-WW2 Paris; living in a scarred city, still plagued with rationing and psychological trauma. Just when Micheline believes that all is lost to her, a book helps provide a solution, 'Sometimes greatness had to be born of the ashes'. Although nearly a century separates them, a battered notebook full of recipes tethers these two strong women together. Through baking, they nourish not only their friends, family, and neighbours, but also themselves.

Aimie Runyan's new book is about love in all its various forms: love of family, love of friends and community. It is about the rewards of selflessness, generosity, and being true to your values. But most of all, the book reminds us of the strength of women during difficult times. They may not have gone off fighting wars but they fought daily to provide and care for their families. I thought there were some small lulls in the pace and a couple of stretches in wrapping up the story but overall enjoyed this story and adored the scattering of recipes throughout. Historical fiction lovers who appreciate strong, leading women will also enjoy this book.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a bakery?

A family bakery from one generation to the next is even better.

We meet Lisette in 1870 who left the wealth of her family to marry her true love and to use her recipes to help the poor and recipes that carried on to the next generations.

We meet Micheline, the great granddaughter of Lisette, living in the aftermath of WWII and caring for her two sisters since her father was killed and her mother disappeared a few days before the end of the war.

She needed to find a way to make a living and support herself and the girls.

Her neighbor and friend of her great grandmother told her she had talent in the kitchen and paid for her tuition at a culinary school.

We follow both women as their skills in the kitchen help them survive.

You will love both of them and all of the characters. I wanted to be there with them.

Readers will also be treated to delicious recipes and the beautiful pull-you-in writing and storyline Ms. Runyan has given us.

It is a heartwarming read you won't want to miss. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I have read by Aimie Runyon and it makes me want to read all of her books!! A fine effort that tells the story of a bakery in the Montmartre area of Paris, and told through a double time line. We follow Lisette who is born into aristocracy and who eventually makes her way to Montmartre to follow her love and opens the baker back in 1870's. We also follow her great-granddaughter, Micheline who lives above the bakery and who will eventually reopen the bakery there after WW2. It is a story of a bakery, two women, recipes, loves, as well as coping with the hardships of WW2 and its aftermath, as well as the 1870's when the Prussians surrounded the city of Paris and people were starving, as well as the fight for control of the city thereafter between the Communards and the Federal government. Well researched, and very well written, we follow these two ladies in alternating chapters as they strive to provide for the common men and women who live in the Montmartre district and how this bakery not only helps those citizens survive, but also help Lisette and Micheline overcome and survive the losses that they face in their lives. Filled with memorable characters, and a well devised dual timeline plot, the book also is a treat because every few chapters we are treated to a few of "Lisette's" recipes! So good, and my wife had a great time making pastries from those presented in the book. A feast for the mind, soul and stomach, A Bakery in Paris is a delightful read for both its history and its humanity!!

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A BAKERY IN PARIS is an interesting twist on the typical historical fiction book. This story of two women from different times, both dealing with the horrors of war and trying to pick up the pieces. I really connected with these women, who were both very selfless characters and both very caring of others. If you are into baking, it is very likely that you will connect with this story. The writing is great and the included French recipes are very clever. I really enjoyed this one.

[Renée Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two remarkably strong women—one under siege during the War of 1870 and the other struggling in the aftermath of WWII—both find strength and hope within the walls of a tiny Parisian bakery. With meticulous attention to rich historical detail, heartfelt characters and a page-turn tale that's peppered with recipes, Aimie Runyan has the perfect ingredients for a most satisfying work of historical fiction.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is one of my favorites, and her newest novel has a special place in my heart now -- a stunning dual timeline histfic story based in a Montmartre bakery with MCs Lisette in 1870, as the Prussians invaded Paris, and Micheline in post-WWII 1946. The lives of the two women from the same family are contrasted as each struggle to survive horrendous times.

Aimie is a master at character development, gripping narrative, and historical detail. You ARE there in each era, you FEEL the panic, terror and relief, you SWOON over the many luscious recipes (think crème pâtissière and lemon madeleines). Histfic fans and lovers of Paris and French baking will adore it, as I did. Highly recommended!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this one, and yet I am afraid it didn't engage me much. It had all the elements, including Paris, and two remarkable women in two points in history - connected of course by a love of baking. I finished it hours ago and I've already forgotten it.

[Sydney Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written multi generational story set in Paris and the remarkable bakery that links them together is what you’ll find in Aimee Runyan’s latest novel, A Bakery in Paris.

This book follows the lives of Lisette during the turbulent days of 1870 and her great granddaughter, Micheline as she tries to move past the tremendous losses she suffered during WWII. Their tie, their bond is a box of recipes and a bakery that helps them both forge ahead and find their true selves.

I loved this story so much! Both women are very strong, selfless characters who are willing to put themselves aside to take care of others. For Lisette, that means walking away from a high society life where she was doted on and taken care of by servants. She’s determined to turn the tables, forgo an arranged marriage and start a life with the true love of her life while making things better for those less fortunate in her neighborhood. Micheline is still reeling from the loss of both of her parents yet she goes without to make sure her sisters needs are met. When an opportunity to open the bakery back up, it’s a bit of a rocky start but it allows her to find the strength and confidence to move forward with her life.

I highly recommend this book! It makes for an excellent weekend read! Thanks to the folks at William Morrow, NetGalley and Aimee Runyan for inviting me to read this wonderful book!

[Stephanie Dray]

This captivating story is a tantalizing blend of history and culinary inspiration, weaving a poignant dual narrative that links two women to one Paris Bakery. From the pivotal moment of the Commune of Paris uprising to life in the aftermath of the world wars, Runyan provides a mouth-watering journey through French history with delicious baking recipes sprinkled throughout the narrative. This book is sure to satisfy your senses so don't miss out on this delicious read!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid 3 stars for me. The characters were likable. The dual time lines were interesting and the bakery/recipes were a nice distraction. I liked this one, I just didn't love it. This was a "sweet" story and I know many readers will gravitate toward that kind of thing. I don't think I'm one of those people.

The one thing that kept this from 4 stars was that overall, it was a little too "cotton candy" for me. It was overly fluffy, very safe and woefully expected...just what I'd want in a giant ball of cotton candy at the State Fair.....but maybe not so much in a book.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the premise for this book because it centers on two interesting moments in history and purports to visit these moments via a baking-centric plot. Unfortunately, it’s mostly a boring slog through moments which should be inherently interesting, and focuses a lot more on romance than history, which is disappointing and yet not terribly surprising considering what gets labeled as “Historical Fiction” these days.

Runyan is a perfectly competent writer and had a great idea here. I especially liked the idea of including a timeline from the 1870 siege of Paris, an underutilized historical event in fiction. But because the book is so laser focused on what should have been tangential romantic subplots, we get little in the way of historical atmosphere compared to what the book seemed to set out to offer.

The sense of place was fine, and it certainly feels accurate to Paris in these moments, but it’s not the kind of lush and immersive atmosphere that allows you to enjoy a book even if the plot isn’t wonderful. And while there is certainly an incorporation of baking and a Paris bakery in the story, it misses almost completely on the opportunity to create atmosphere through the sensory experience provided by good historical food writing.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bakery in Paris
By: Aimie K. Runyan
5 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖
What’s not to like about this beautiful novel! The story is captivating, the recipes sound delicious, the cover inviting, and set in Paris!
🥖
We follow Lisette Vigneau in 1870 and Micheline Chartier in 1946, two strong women from the same family.
🥖
1870: Lisette is with her family in Paris, while the Prussians are starting to invade. Her parents are wealthy and really don’t interact with her. She chooses a different path and way of life when she meets a revolutionary National Guardsman. She is determined to fight for Paris. She opens up a bakery to help the neighbors as they are malnourished. As the city is taken offer she struggles and wonders if she made the right choice by giving up her other life.
🥖
1946: Micheline’s mother is missing and her father is dead and the war is around her. She ends up raising her two younger sisters. She has the opportunity to go to a baking academy while struggling to raise her sisters. Wondering were her mother is she is resolute to find out. She meets a fellow classmate who might be able to help with a fresh start.
🥖
Loss, difficult choices, and the love of baking are prevalent in this one-of-a kind historical novel. I enjoyed a fresh take on this genre.
🥖
Grab your favorite beverage and a crescent or some fresh bread and cheese with this novel. You will be hungry and the story will intrigue you so much you will want to read in one setting.

[johnny ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

in 1870, paris is under siege by the prussians. lisette, born to a rich family, is promised to be married to a man she does not love. however, she does love the rebellion of poor french people fighting for equal rights, better pay, and to not starve to death.

in 1946, world war ii is drawing to a close and micheline is holding out hope that her mother will return after disappearing under suspicious circumstances. micheline attends pastry school and learns how to bake, facing scrutiny from her teachers.

this novel was well written, but i definitely preferred lisette’s story to micheline’s. this is perfect novel for someone who enjoys the art of baking, but for someone like me who knows nothing of these traditional fancy french pastries, i did not get that allure. i did not feel the sense of urgency in micheline’s story, and it felt very passive compared to lisette and her active participating in revolt. still, it was an enjoyable read.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bakery in Paris is one of the most heartfelt historical fiction novels I’ve read. This captivating book revolves around two characters, Lisette and her great-granddaughter Micheline, and the bakery which sustained them during the worst of times. Lisette’s timeline takes place in 1870, a time of turmoil in Paris—a time I had little knowledge of, to be honest. I was instantly swept up by the events of that time, and its impact on all the citizens of Paris. Micheline’s story takes place in 1946, when she and her sisters are still recovering from the horrors of war. Each of these women suffered great hardship and loss, but they met each challenge with spirit, determination, and courage. I felt for each of these characters deep in my heart, and it was obvious that the author poured her love for the characters and their stories into this incredible novel. The author has included many wonderful recipes between chapters, as the bakery is a huge part of the story, a mouth-watering detail which I loved!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generations apart in 1870 and 1946, both Lisette and Micheline are drawn to baking; do they have anything else in common?

Since I'd never heard about the Prussians laying siege on Paris in 1870, I found that part of the story interesting. I also liked that Lisette helped her fellow Parisians by feeding them as generously as possible as well as her romance with revolutionary National Guardsman, Theodore.

My interest in the second storyline, however, was minor and fleeting. Set in 1946, 19 year old Micheline struggled to care for her two younger sisters after their father dies and their mother goes missing. Is she dead or alive? Sadly, I never really cared. At least poor Micheline met a nice man, Laurent... but is he the right man for her?

Overall, A Bakery in Paris was extremely wholesome, romantic at times, and lightly historical. If you like character-driven stories, then you might enjoy it more than I did.

Location: Paris, France

Audiobook

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel that depicts a bakery in the Montmartre area of Paris through a dual timeline. Well researched and very well written. The reader follows Lisette in 1870 and Michelle's post-WWII in alternating chapters as the women strive to provide bread to the commoners to survive.

Born into aristocracy, Lisette leaves everything behind to be with her love. In 1870, the Prussians surrounded Paris and left the people to starve. Lisette finds her purpose in life and opens up the bakery below her apartment.

Michelle is grief-stricken at the passing of her parents and overwhelmed at raising her two siblings. Funding provided by her neighbor, she attends culinary school. After much soul-searching, she opens back up the bakery.

I highly recommend this fantastic read.

[Savanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise! I picked this book up not knowing much about it but intrigued by the historical fiction and baking aspects. While enjoying the story and characters, I feel like I learned a lot about the dual timelines of Paris in 1870 and late 1940’s. I loved all of the baking throughout the book, especially since I recognized many of the pastries from the Great British Baking Show. The heart of this book is two strong women trying to find their way through the many struggles of daily life and living through wars, relying on baking to help them emotionally and financially. It was a good reminder that we can handle a lot more than we think we can. I flew through this book and now want to check out more books from this author. A Bakery in Paris is a great historical fiction book if you’re looking for one that breaks out of the typical WW2 narrative.

[Gabriella Saab · Rating 5 out of 5]

An often heart-wrenching and always heartfelt exploration of two difficult periods in French history and two courageous women who exemplify the lasting legacy of the human spirit. Baking is a science, literature is an art, and Aimie K. Runyan's A Bakery in Paris is an absolute treat for historical fiction fans!

[menna hafez · Rating 3 out of 5]

OMG, this novel melted my heart, i loved that the author wrote the recipes, that remembered me of my grandmother she love to bake and learn me a lot, my mum wrote many of her recipes in a book and give to me.

[Peyton Scholl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
I enjoyed this. Not the most exciting but not boring either. And it made me want to bake French pastries and breads… we will see if I ever do that

[Shannon (The Book Club Mom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely little story! When I picked up A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan the other night, my intention was to only read a chapter or two. Well, that plan totally failed as I quickly devoured 100 pages in one sitting. The premise piqued my interest immediately: two women, two different timelines, and one precious bakery in Paris. The reader quickly learns that the two protagonists, Lisette and Micheline are related, though generations apart. The bakery acts as a third family member/supporting character. I loved learning about the building’s history through Lisette, and it’s future through Micheline. Both storylines swept me away, and not once did I favor one over the other. I was equally engaged and invested in both perspectives, and eager to learn more about this family’s history. This is a war story, a love story, a family story, and a story about loss, grief, and moving forward. It touched my heart in many different ways. Also, please keep in mind that this novel will make you very hungry. The food descriptions were simply mouthwatering. My stomach was growling like crazy, and I may or may not have inhaled an entire container of mini croissants while reading it. Big thanks to my friend, Amy over at @amy_alwaysreading for the suggestion to pick up some baked goods prior to diving in! Ha! Overall, this novel is an absolute treat, and I highly recommend it to my fellow historical fiction fans. 5/5 stars for A Bakery in Paris! It’s out now!

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and Gift Worthy

Occasionally I’ll be reading (listening) along to a book and I’ll know: This book is gift worthy. A Bakery in Paris is definitely such a book.

I honestly didn’t know much about the siege of Paris, or that Montmartre saw so much action, or that the Basilica was built after the siege, or that the aftermath of such time was when the French monarchy was—finally—definitively—over. The lovely thing about this book is that I learned those things while listening to a fascinating dual time-line story, in which the two heroines share a passion for baking. (Super happy that the second timeline was set in the *aftermath* of WWII).

Then, as if all of that weren’t enough—it includes recipes!!! With lovely notes, like we all put on our own tried and true recipes. (We do all do this, right?!)

Lovely book. The savory flavor leapt right off the page. Excellent narrations. Can’t wait to get to baking. Or give to the bakers in my life.

[Tori Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two centuries. Two wars. Two incredible women taking on the two different worlds they live in. One bakery in Paris that unites them both. Maybe it was the cozy setting in which these two adventures took place, but I fell in love with both Lisette & Micheline. Usually in multiple POV’s I’d tend to favor one story over the other, but both women were so well written, and I felt deeply for the societal and familial pressures they had to overcome (maybe it was the eldest sibling in me) I did listen to the audiobook, which is how I read this so fast, but I think I would’ve enjoyed reading it all the same. Definitely a recommendation, and an easier historical fiction read if that’s not necessarily your genre of choice.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Bakery in Paris,” by Aimie K. Runyan, is an intriguing and captivating Historical Fiction novel that I devoured. The timelines are set in 1870, when the Prussians tried to starve the people in Paris, and in 1946: post-World War Two. The protagonists are two women from the same family in different timelines. I love how the author vividly describes the setting, the lifestyle, and the colorful and dramatic characters. The backdrop is a small bakery that helps to feed the people, and also l provides a wonderful setting for family, friends, love, and hope.

Both women had to make difficult and important decisions in their time. The circumstances make life difficult, and they had to struggle for survival. Both had to be armed with courage. It is amazing how the ingredients are used so lovingly in the bakery. These women are leaders during historical times with time, patience, skill, love, and hope. I highly recommend this memorable novel.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is two stories---one of a rich girl, Lisette, in 1870, who meets a man, Theo, fighting for the common people; and one of a young woman, Micheline, in 1946, waiting for the return of her mother after the war to relieve of her of the burden of caring for her sisters.

Both stories involve baking, and both involve a bakery, and, for me, that's the best part of the story.

I hope to make some of these recipes.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich, heartwarming, and romantic!

A Bakery in Paris is an absorbing tale set in Paris during the early 1870s, as well as the mid-1940s, that is told from two different perspectives; Lisette, a young woman from an upper-class family who, after spending many days learning the intricacies of cooking from the household servants, uses that knowledge when she chooses a simpler life with the man she loves, and Micheline, a nineteen-year-old girl left to raise her two younger siblings after losing her parents during WWII who through the generosity of a family friend attends a local baking school to master the art of cooking in order to reopen the bakery her great grandmother once cherished so long ago.

The writing is passionate and moving. The characters are determined, troubled, and strong. And the plot, told in a back-and-forth style, sweeps you away into an engaging, heartfelt tale about life, loss, friendship, family, heartbreak, tragedy, war, love, and food.

Overall, A Bakery in Paris is an alluring, evocative, compelling tale by Runyan that highlights the enduring power of passion, love and food and is, in my opinion, a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys an atmospheric, dual-timeline story layered with romance and delectable delights.

Thank you to Kaye Publicity for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kc1morepage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great plot, great characters, great history!

I love when I get a Historical Fiction book that covers a period little know to me; In this case Paris during the Franco-Prussian War.

A Bakery in Paris is a dual-time line. In the 1870’s Lisette realizes that she can help feed her starving neighbors with some bravery and cunning. Some 75 years later, her great-granddaughter Micheline is struggling to feed her younger sisters after her mom vanished during the Nazi occupation. A neighbor suggests that she learn to bake so that she can make a living.

Foodies will love the interspersed recipes and pastry descriptions, historical fiction fans will love a new topic that hasn’t been done and redone, and all readers will love the rich characters and well done plot. A Bakery in Paris is a definite win for everyone!

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BAKERY IN PARIS is a moving family saga centering two women and two wars, separated by generations, but connected by their shared love of baking. Lisette and Micheline are indomitable and fiercely principled characters who will sweep you into their richly-drawn Parisian world: one of pastries, passion, and pride. You won’t want this book to end! The recipes throughout are an especially enchanting touch.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place across two different periods in time in Paris, "A Bakery in Paris" lays out the stories of two women and their separate paths during wartime.

In 1870, Paris is under siege by the Prussian Army, and its citizens are struggling with the lack of supplies and food. Young Lisette Vigneau, however, comes from a family of wealth and has lived most of her life sheltered from the day-to-day of most Parisians. At 21 years of age, her family decides it's time for her to get married and despite what would be a life of comfort, Lisette wants more from her life. She's grown up spending time in the kitchens, despite her parents' protests, growing her passion and knowledge of baking. She makes a radical choice to forgo her marriage elope with Theodore Fournier, a revolutionary who serves as a National Guardsman, and influences her in his beliefs that Paris should belong to the people.

Decades later in 1946, Micheline Chartier is dealing with her own difficulties as World War II comes to an end. At 19 years of age, she's the sole provider for her two younger sisters as her father passed in the previous war and her mother mysteriously disappeared years earlier. Despite the passage of time, Micheline continues to hold out hope for her mother's return and thanks to a generous neighbor, is able to attend culinary school to train as a baker in the hopes of re-opening her family's bistro. As Micheline struggles to learn the challenging pastries, she's comforted and aided by an old notebook with recipes written by her great-grandmother, and finds a companion and supporter in Laurent Tenant, a fellow student. In order to move forward, though, Micheline is forced to confront the truth and her fears head-on.

This is my first encounter with Runyan's writing, and it's clear that she's an experienced author. I enjoyed her prose and how she was able to craft each chapter with a different voice and perspective as she laid out Lisette's and Micheline's stories. Each character felt distinct and unique, and as a reader, I really empathized with both of their situations and struggles. I appreciated as well the choice of using the Franco-Prussian war as the backdrop for Lisette's story, as it's not a frequently used event in most wartime novels. And although I'm not much of a baker, I loved how she interspersed different recipes between chapters and included personal notes from both of the protagonists.

Very much a recommended read for when "A Bakery in Paris" is published in August 2023!