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French Twist #2
Bon Appetit
“(Bon Appetit) entertains with descriptions of delectable food and, this time, with exquisite details of France as well… anyone who adores romance will warm to the story.” ~ Romantic Times
Lexi Stuart is risking it all. Saying au revoir to the security of home, her job, and her could-be boyfriend, she embarks on a culinary adventure in France to fulfill her dream of becoming a pastry chef.
Life in her new quaint French village should be everything she dreamed of, but settling in isn’t nearly as easy as she imagined. Her optimism is greeted with both acceptance and resistance in the people and culture around her—soft and crusty at the same time— like the best baguettes. Determined to gain her footing, she presses into her work, meets new friends, and makes the acquaintance of a child named Celine and Celine’s attractive, widowed father.
As Lexi lives her dream, she realizes she can have anything from life’s patisserie display window, but not everything. How will she choose?
Devour this delicious series, lashed with romance and fun, and spiced with a lightly Christian worldview. Bon Appétit!
Lexi Stuart is risking it all. Saying au revoir to the security of home, her job, and her could-be boyfriend, she embarks on a culinary adventure in France to fulfill her dream of becoming a pastry chef.
Life in her new quaint French village should be everything she dreamed of, but settling in isn’t nearly as easy as she imagined. Her optimism is greeted with both acceptance and resistance in the people and culture around her—soft and crusty at the same time— like the best baguettes. Determined to gain her footing, she presses into her work, meets new friends, and makes the acquaintance of a child named Celine and Celine’s attractive, widowed father.
As Lexi lives her dream, she realizes she can have anything from life’s patisserie display window, but not everything. How will she choose?
Devour this delicious series, lashed with romance and fun, and spiced with a lightly Christian worldview. Bon Appétit!
290 pages, ebook
First published September 16, 2008
162 people are currently reading
1220 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Byrd
75 books1,008 followersThe author of more than fifty books, Sandra’s work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including a starred review-PW Pick from Publishers Weekly and multiple starred reviews and Best Book selections from Library Journal. Other awards include the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice, two Christy Awards nominations, a BookPage Top Pick for Romance, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list.
A dedicated foodie, Sandra cooks through the topic and location of every book she writes. In addition, she collects vintage glass and service ware in her free time, loves long walks with her husband, and Sunday Suppers with her growing family.
Reach Sandra Here: https://linktr.ee/sandrabyrd
A dedicated foodie, Sandra cooks through the topic and location of every book she writes. In addition, she collects vintage glass and service ware in her free time, loves long walks with her husband, and Sunday Suppers with her growing family.
Reach Sandra Here: https://linktr.ee/sandrabyrd
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
June 22, 2017
“…whichever family you were from, it is a vitriol part of your life” –Mario Batali
Listened to this by Audible. Reader was excellent! She portrayed the perfect French accent and language.
The beauty of these reads is that it helps remind me how I was brought up and the Faith that I have but sometimes slip up and life takes over.
Lexi is working for a French Bakery in Seattle and the owner offered a job to her to take in Paris to work for his sister’s bakery and meanwhile they will put her through school so she can potentially be the next owner of the new bakery they are looking to open in Seattle. But she has to pass first! Lexi goes to the Lord and asks for help. She puts trust in him and comes to the conclusion that this opportunity is perfect! So, Lexi goes off to PARIS! But she has a somewhat steady relationship with Dan, they both agree that it would be best for her to chase her dreams and if it was meant to be, then they will soon be together again. What a great boyfriend, huh? Maybe, maybe not. As she gets her surroundings in her new pad that is a rental from the bakery owner, she finds that French people aren’t as friendly as she thought. As she gets acclimated at the new job she gets to know the people and one in particular, Phillippe. Lexi is confused about her relationship with Dan and the potential relationship with Phillippe. It becomes a small drama in her life because the big drama is at school. She finds out that a student at the bakery school is sabotaging the baked goods that she is making to pass the course. She is adding random items (i.e. butter, salt, sugar, oil) which plays a major role on bread and how it rises. Lexi and Ann (her new friend) notice that she is not only doing it to her baked goods, but everyone else's. This could be detrimental to their chance to pass the course and get their degree!
Sweet, lovely story. A light refresher for the summer!
Listened to this by Audible. Reader was excellent! She portrayed the perfect French accent and language.
The beauty of these reads is that it helps remind me how I was brought up and the Faith that I have but sometimes slip up and life takes over.
Lexi is working for a French Bakery in Seattle and the owner offered a job to her to take in Paris to work for his sister’s bakery and meanwhile they will put her through school so she can potentially be the next owner of the new bakery they are looking to open in Seattle. But she has to pass first! Lexi goes to the Lord and asks for help. She puts trust in him and comes to the conclusion that this opportunity is perfect! So, Lexi goes off to PARIS! But she has a somewhat steady relationship with Dan, they both agree that it would be best for her to chase her dreams and if it was meant to be, then they will soon be together again. What a great boyfriend, huh? Maybe, maybe not. As she gets her surroundings in her new pad that is a rental from the bakery owner, she finds that French people aren’t as friendly as she thought. As she gets acclimated at the new job she gets to know the people and one in particular, Phillippe. Lexi is confused about her relationship with Dan and the potential relationship with Phillippe. It becomes a small drama in her life because the big drama is at school. She finds out that a student at the bakery school is sabotaging the baked goods that she is making to pass the course. She is adding random items (i.e. butter, salt, sugar, oil) which plays a major role on bread and how it rises. Lexi and Ann (her new friend) notice that she is not only doing it to her baked goods, but everyone else's. This could be detrimental to their chance to pass the course and get their degree!
Sweet, lovely story. A light refresher for the summer!
May 4, 2009
Bon Appetit reads like a memoir but is a light and entertaining work of fiction about an aspiring chef from Seattle who travels to France to work in bread and pastry bakeries in the village of Presque le Chateau. Throw in some recipes, descriptions of trips to Paris and Versailles, a budding love affair that could turn into a love triangle, and you have a Bon Appetit of a book!
I copied the recipes for french Onion Soup and Simple Apple Galettes and promised myself to try them. There is also a tempting recipe for Chocolate Truffles which sounds very easy to whip up!
Bon Appetit is the second in a series of three novels with chef Lexi Stuart. The first, Let Them Eat Cake, is set in Seattle, and the third, also in Seattle, will continue the saga of Lexi's love life and her development as a bread and pastry chef.
This is also the first "religious" novel I've ever read. The main character prays regularly and relies on quotations from the New Testament to carry her through the ups and down of her culinary internship in France.
I copied the recipes for french Onion Soup and Simple Apple Galettes and promised myself to try them. There is also a tempting recipe for Chocolate Truffles which sounds very easy to whip up!
Bon Appetit is the second in a series of three novels with chef Lexi Stuart. The first, Let Them Eat Cake, is set in Seattle, and the third, also in Seattle, will continue the saga of Lexi's love life and her development as a bread and pastry chef.
This is also the first "religious" novel I've ever read. The main character prays regularly and relies on quotations from the New Testament to carry her through the ups and down of her culinary internship in France.
June 30, 2017
Sweet story, but a bit too many Bible verses in it for my comfort.
June 17, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
This is a difficult review for me to write. The rating is no easier to decide upon. While I enjoyed the journey Lexi went on in this book, there were a few content issues that, sadly, dragged down my level of enjoyment. If I read the third book in this series, it will only be to see what the finale of Lexi's journey will be.
Things I liked:
* The characters were unique and creative. I loved how they played well off each other, whether it be in positive or negative ways.
* The setting. Who wouldn't want to live and work in France? That would be quite lovely. The streets of Paris and surrounding villages really came alive in this story.
* Bakeries. Though I don't fancy myself talented enough to work in a bakery like Lexi did, getting to see the ins and outs of a few different bakeries was really a great treat. (Pun intended.) The descriptions of the breads and desserts were really wonderful, and I particularly liked the inclusion of several delicious-sounding recipes. I might just have to try some.
* This quote: "Happiness shared is doubled and sadness shared is halved, we say." Swoon-worthy awesomeness right there. I wish everything in this book could have been so sweet.
Things I didn't like:
* There was a hint of someone being homosexual. This always annoys me, but especially in Christian fiction, because I think it is so inappropriate in that category. It turns out the character wasn't homosexual, but why even give a hint at that type of immoral behavior in a Christian fiction book? This is reason enough for me to stop reading a particular author, and it is the reason why I am undecided about reading the third book in this trilogy.
* Alcohol and tobacco usage.
* Unmarried live-ins were spoken of (including a pre-marital pregnancy). The lead female (who was a Christian) even spoke of considering living with a guy prior to marriage. This was unexpected, a little shocking, and unnecessary to the plot.
* There was mention of an obscene gesture, though the character refrained from using it. It was quite obvious what the gesture was, and I found it rather disappointing that it would even be mentioned. Why go there?
I'm disappointed in this book more than I enjoyed it. I would have given two stars (which means "it was okay"), but the hint-at-homosexual thing was just too much.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
This is a difficult review for me to write. The rating is no easier to decide upon. While I enjoyed the journey Lexi went on in this book, there were a few content issues that, sadly, dragged down my level of enjoyment. If I read the third book in this series, it will only be to see what the finale of Lexi's journey will be.
Things I liked:
* The characters were unique and creative. I loved how they played well off each other, whether it be in positive or negative ways.
* The setting. Who wouldn't want to live and work in France? That would be quite lovely. The streets of Paris and surrounding villages really came alive in this story.
* Bakeries. Though I don't fancy myself talented enough to work in a bakery like Lexi did, getting to see the ins and outs of a few different bakeries was really a great treat. (Pun intended.) The descriptions of the breads and desserts were really wonderful, and I particularly liked the inclusion of several delicious-sounding recipes. I might just have to try some.
* This quote: "Happiness shared is doubled and sadness shared is halved, we say." Swoon-worthy awesomeness right there. I wish everything in this book could have been so sweet.
Things I didn't like:
* There was a hint of someone being homosexual. This always annoys me, but especially in Christian fiction, because I think it is so inappropriate in that category. It turns out the character wasn't homosexual, but why even give a hint at that type of immoral behavior in a Christian fiction book? This is reason enough for me to stop reading a particular author, and it is the reason why I am undecided about reading the third book in this trilogy.
* Alcohol and tobacco usage.
* Unmarried live-ins were spoken of (including a pre-marital pregnancy). The lead female (who was a Christian) even spoke of considering living with a guy prior to marriage. This was unexpected, a little shocking, and unnecessary to the plot.
* There was mention of an obscene gesture, though the character refrained from using it. It was quite obvious what the gesture was, and I found it rather disappointing that it would even be mentioned. Why go there?
I'm disappointed in this book more than I enjoyed it. I would have given two stars (which means "it was okay"), but the hint-at-homosexual thing was just too much.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
February 13, 2013
Lexi gets the opportunity of a lifetime! She's going to France to study cooking and work in Luc's family's bakery. This doesn't come without a price, though! She's leaving her family and friends. It's especially difficult being away from her best friend, as things progress very quickly with her boyfriend. Lexi feels guilty not being there for her. Then there's Dan. Lexi doesn't know if she's leaving something special uncovered or not.
While in France, Lexi meets new people and friends. She even meets a little girl that she actually likes(she's not a kid person, to say the least). Plus, a new man enters her life.
I liked Let Them Eat Cake. It was fun and cute. It's with this book, Bon Appetit, though, that I fell in love with the series. I adored that it was set in France. I gained a better appreciation of the culture over there. You will learn the difference between preservatives and preservatifs! ;) I appreciated that laugh!
Lexi now has two amazing guys in her life, and I honestly didn't have a clue who she would end up with as the story ended. I enjoyed seeing Lexi's spiritual growth, and even passing that growth on to others. It was fun to see her thaw out many of the cold shoulders she encountered, and even strengthening her relationships with friends and family.
As I mentioned yesterday, once again there was recipes throughout this book. I have quite a few of them bookmarked!
Overall, I loved Bon Appetit, and jumped right into the next book.
*I was provided a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
While in France, Lexi meets new people and friends. She even meets a little girl that she actually likes(she's not a kid person, to say the least). Plus, a new man enters her life.
I liked Let Them Eat Cake. It was fun and cute. It's with this book, Bon Appetit, though, that I fell in love with the series. I adored that it was set in France. I gained a better appreciation of the culture over there. You will learn the difference between preservatives and preservatifs! ;) I appreciated that laugh!
Lexi now has two amazing guys in her life, and I honestly didn't have a clue who she would end up with as the story ended. I enjoyed seeing Lexi's spiritual growth, and even passing that growth on to others. It was fun to see her thaw out many of the cold shoulders she encountered, and even strengthening her relationships with friends and family.
As I mentioned yesterday, once again there was recipes throughout this book. I have quite a few of them bookmarked!
Overall, I loved Bon Appetit, and jumped right into the next book.
*I was provided a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 16, 2017
Visit France the easy way
Lexi wants to be a pastry chef and is thrilled to be in France working and going to school.
She is lonely though until she makes friends and is surprised by some US visitors.
I felt like I had gone to France myself after reading this book. Enjoy!
Lexi wants to be a pastry chef and is thrilled to be in France working and going to school.
She is lonely though until she makes friends and is surprised by some US visitors.
I felt like I had gone to France myself after reading this book. Enjoy!
March 6, 2017
Lexi Stuart is risking it all. Saying au revoir to the security of home, her job, and could be boyfriend Dan, Lexi embarks on a culinary adventure in France to fulfill her life dream of becoming a pastry chef.
I am the first to admit modern christian romance is not my favorite genre, but Sandra Byrd's second book in the French Twist series captivated me as much as the first. Filled with great characters who feel like they could be good friends, a wonderful faith thread, and a good plot with a touch of mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed the continued adventures of Lexi in her dream to become a true French pastry chef. Byrd's descriptions of the sights of Paris as seen through Lexi's eyes, her marvelous descriptions of the french pastries and confections (as well as the included recipes), and a storyline that left me wondering what will happen to Lexi and her relationships with Dan and Phillipe when she returns to Seattle. I look forward to reading Book 3 in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "..my life the past year had taught me that I never knew exactly what was ahead but that God had good plans, in the midst of pain, for all his children."
I am the first to admit modern christian romance is not my favorite genre, but Sandra Byrd's second book in the French Twist series captivated me as much as the first. Filled with great characters who feel like they could be good friends, a wonderful faith thread, and a good plot with a touch of mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed the continued adventures of Lexi in her dream to become a true French pastry chef. Byrd's descriptions of the sights of Paris as seen through Lexi's eyes, her marvelous descriptions of the french pastries and confections (as well as the included recipes), and a storyline that left me wondering what will happen to Lexi and her relationships with Dan and Phillipe when she returns to Seattle. I look forward to reading Book 3 in this series.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "..my life the past year had taught me that I never knew exactly what was ahead but that God had good plans, in the midst of pain, for all his children."
May 14, 2015
This French Twist series intensifies the Parisienne influence for Lexi and for all descriptive patisserie items for this reader! Ms Byrd adds to the influence of France on the world's palate! This story can certainly be read as stand alone, as Ms Byrd does make the connecting links for any mentions or references to book 1, Let Them Eat Cake.
Culinary school struggles, cultural resistance to outsiders, homesickness, just some of the hurdles Lexi must overcome to make the most of her life dreams of France.
An absolute delight to read this 2nd in the French Twist series. Lexi's life in Paris is painted realistically, connecting us further with this spunky young woman following her dreams. A couple delicious romances to keep us guessing and a sweet young friend who bridges the relational gap, bringing Lexi unexpected joys. J'adore!
Culinary school struggles, cultural resistance to outsiders, homesickness, just some of the hurdles Lexi must overcome to make the most of her life dreams of France.
An absolute delight to read this 2nd in the French Twist series. Lexi's life in Paris is painted realistically, connecting us further with this spunky young woman following her dreams. A couple delicious romances to keep us guessing and a sweet young friend who bridges the relational gap, bringing Lexi unexpected joys. J'adore!
February 4, 2023
This is the second book in the French Twist series by Sandra Byrd. It takes place in France and oh wow is it a wonderful story.
This book has so many beautiful images, and I could just taste and feel all the smells, sounds, and wonderful colors. I have always thought it would be fun to travel to France and experience all that country has to offer. I’m part French and so that thought is ever-present. It just seems to be a place with so much flair and class.
In this story, the author gives us a glimpse of what it’s like to be in a cooking/baking class in a “real” French bakery. Wow! We even get fun recipes to try on our own. I’m not sure if I’ll make them because I think I’d have problems with eating too much and gaining weight! UGH! But oh to smell and taste it all!
Sandra Byrd has done it again, she’s written another amazing book that not only has good cooking scenes and fun information about all things French but is also rich with lessons on God’s provisions and directions.
I highly recommend getting this book, if anything, you’ll have some great recipes to try, but mostly, because it’s a sweet story of passion, love, and God’s directions.
This book has so many beautiful images, and I could just taste and feel all the smells, sounds, and wonderful colors. I have always thought it would be fun to travel to France and experience all that country has to offer. I’m part French and so that thought is ever-present. It just seems to be a place with so much flair and class.
In this story, the author gives us a glimpse of what it’s like to be in a cooking/baking class in a “real” French bakery. Wow! We even get fun recipes to try on our own. I’m not sure if I’ll make them because I think I’d have problems with eating too much and gaining weight! UGH! But oh to smell and taste it all!
Sandra Byrd has done it again, she’s written another amazing book that not only has good cooking scenes and fun information about all things French but is also rich with lessons on God’s provisions and directions.
I highly recommend getting this book, if anything, you’ll have some great recipes to try, but mostly, because it’s a sweet story of passion, love, and God’s directions.
November 16, 2025
The story continues! Thanks to a day in bed with a migraine and the fact that it only had 290 pages, I whipped through this one pretty quick. It was just as quirky and fun as the last one, leaving you hanging right up until the last chapter.
November 2, 2018
Bon Appetit is the second book in the French Twist series, and continues the adventures of Lexi. In this book she travels to a city right outside Paris and attends a cooking school there while working in the family bakery of her previous boss from Seattle, Luc. It was nice reading this again after having the background from the first book. It was actually enjoyable and could be read either way, but background info is always nice.
While Lexi is in France she meets Phillipe and his daughter Celeste. Phillipe is part of the family at the bakery. I totally fell in love with them the first time around, and even more so this time. Forget old boyfriend in Seattle, France is where it's at! I'm very interested to see where things go in the third novel, which released today, but I'd just like to say for the record that I'm team Phillipe.
I can't wait to read the third novel of the series, but I'm very sad that it'll be ending. I've come to love Sandra Byrd as an author, and I hope to read more adult books of hers in the future! I rate this one a big 5/5, and would recommend it no matter what you like to read. A very sweet and engaging book!
While Lexi is in France she meets Phillipe and his daughter Celeste. Phillipe is part of the family at the bakery. I totally fell in love with them the first time around, and even more so this time. Forget old boyfriend in Seattle, France is where it's at! I'm very interested to see where things go in the third novel, which released today, but I'd just like to say for the record that I'm team Phillipe.
I can't wait to read the third novel of the series, but I'm very sad that it'll be ending. I've come to love Sandra Byrd as an author, and I hope to read more adult books of hers in the future! I rate this one a big 5/5, and would recommend it no matter what you like to read. A very sweet and engaging book!
February 15, 2013
Following on the heels of Let Them Eat Cake, Book 2 in the French Twist series Bon Appetit is just as good--if not better! Picking up almost immediately where Let Them Eat Cake leaves off we once again follow Lexi, this time in France. If you're like me you expect a book set near Paris to be fun and this book definitely is. It still has that chick lit feel so there isn't loads of romance. I could definitely see the change in Lexi which is must in a series that follows a character book to book. I love to see characters grow and evolve, if they don't things getting rather boring rather quickly. The relationships that Lexi establishes are intriguing to say the least. I can honestly say I have no idea if Lexi is ever going to find Prince Charming. Unpredictability isn't something you come across everyday when reading Christian fiction so that's why I adored this book!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
April 4, 2017
enjoyed the story but it was. so . slow. Not sure if I can h andle reading the next one if it goes that slow.
August 23, 2015
Bon Appetit picks up where Let Them Eat Cake left off. Lexi is headed to France, to learn more about baking, but also, to learn more about herself and God. Book 2, hooked me in right away and had me flying through the pages. In fact, I am so eager to start Book 3, that I am feeling like zipping through this review and keeping it brief! (Smile)
One thing you have to admire about Lexi is her hopeful, optimism. Which at times can bless her, while at other times her expectations can let her down. Watching her navigate through all this in a new country, new job, new school, and with new relationships was completely enthralling and believable.
I can tell you, I am dreading this series coming to an end! I am enjoying watching Lexi's life unfold, her faith grow and her maturing into the person God created her to be. I can definitely recommend this series!
Bon Appetit (wink)!
One thing you have to admire about Lexi is her hopeful, optimism. Which at times can bless her, while at other times her expectations can let her down. Watching her navigate through all this in a new country, new job, new school, and with new relationships was completely enthralling and believable.
I can tell you, I am dreading this series coming to an end! I am enjoying watching Lexi's life unfold, her faith grow and her maturing into the person God created her to be. I can definitely recommend this series!
Bon Appetit (wink)!
March 30, 2017
I DID it! Bon Appetit is done! Wow so cute. We've been watching the Great British Baking Show. I learned so much in this book about all those French recipes that they talk about on the show! So interesting. I love the quotes by famous chefs and others at the beginning of each chapter. And the choices Lexie has to make concerning her job(s) and beaux is very intriguing.
On to Piece de Resistance!
On to Piece de Resistance!
May 16, 2019
Byrd's books in this series are filled with loving references to France and to food. I can re-read this series over and over again.
September 8, 2010
Second book in series, not my favorite, but still enjoyable. She is in Paris in this one learning to cook at a school and working for the Paris company as well. There are some lulls.
December 2, 2012
this series is epic! I mean, cooking, romance, God....what more is there? Well written and easily likable. This is one of my favorite series!
October 7, 2019
I absolutely loved the female lead. She was kind, intelligent, hardworking, and extremely relatable. Not in the sense that my life has ever been exciting enough to live in France while learning to make pastries, but that you never got the sense that she was being disingenuous. Her faith was extremely important to her, but she was the first to admit she wasn’t perfect, and to check herself when she was thinking or feeling something catty or mean spirited. It reminded me of that quote by St. Augustine, something about how you can’t help bad/mean thoughts popping in to your head like you can’t help a bird landing on your head, but you can control whether or not you make a nest for it. I loved her relationship with Celine, and am rooting for her and Phillip when they all move back to Seattle (my, my, my, how convenient). I am very surprised he’s taking his daughter away from her family/friends what have you for a job (or to get closer to Lexi) because it seems uncharacteristically selfish of him.
The only problem I had with the storyline is that someone was sabotaging the other bakers at the ecole, but you never find out who...I feel like they make such a big deal about it, and it’s probably Desiree, but then one of her creations is sabotaged too, and someone reminds us the villain is never who you expect so I’m thinking “ahhh it’s Anne, stop helping her!” But then at the end it’s not resolved. Like I just wanted someone to admit it and apologize and Lexi could have forgiven them in a very Christian-like way. I was expecting something dramatic and horrible to happen at the final showcase, but everyone’s creations were perfect.
The only problem I had with the storyline is that someone was sabotaging the other bakers at the ecole, but you never find out who...I feel like they make such a big deal about it, and it’s probably Desiree, but then one of her creations is sabotaged too, and someone reminds us the villain is never who you expect so I’m thinking “ahhh it’s Anne, stop helping her!” But then at the end it’s not resolved. Like I just wanted someone to admit it and apologize and Lexi could have forgiven them in a very Christian-like way. I was expecting something dramatic and horrible to happen at the final showcase, but everyone’s creations were perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
I like the series. The descriptions of France were great, having never been there I appreciate the detail she put into them. I like that, despite the fact we are on a different continent in this second book, characters from the first kept popping up.The relationship with Phillipe and Celine was nice as was the complication that Daniel's arrival threw into the mix. I like the recipes but feel they could have been at the beginning or end of the chapter, not in the middle.Now for the things I didn't like. The matter of the sabotage was underplayed too much. It should either have been more important or left out all together. There needs to be more "sense" descriptions. We know what she sees but not touches, smells, or, most importantly, tastes. Lexi comes across as a much younger woman partially because she is so self absorbed. We rarely see her empathize with other characters. This goes for her relationship with God as well. It is easy to see how this happened because the book was written from her point of view but she spends very little time thinking about others. I will read the third book in the series as I find it a light enjoyable read.
October 25, 2018
Lexi is living, working and going to school in France. She is working in the bakery owned by her American boss and going to pastry school. The bakery is family owned and she meets Philippe and his daughter, Celine. She immediately bonds with Celine and is attracted to Philippe. She is also still in touch with Dan, the attorney she started to date in America. They have agreed to give each other space to figure out what they want.
Lexi has to decide if she wants to stay in France or return home to America to run another bakery owned by her French employers. She will be doing what she loves, but she will also be running the daily operations, which she doesn't love.
She is a Christian and is trying to put her faith in God and asking for his help in her life.
The story was a bit too preachy for my taste and the romance was more implied than anything else. I get that Christian books are not going to put steamy scenes in them, but I don't really think you can decide if you want to spend your life with someone based on one or two kisses.
This also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but the third and final book is already out.
Lexi has to decide if she wants to stay in France or return home to America to run another bakery owned by her French employers. She will be doing what she loves, but she will also be running the daily operations, which she doesn't love.
She is a Christian and is trying to put her faith in God and asking for his help in her life.
The story was a bit too preachy for my taste and the romance was more implied than anything else. I get that Christian books are not going to put steamy scenes in them, but I don't really think you can decide if you want to spend your life with someone based on one or two kisses.
This also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but the third and final book is already out.
July 22, 2023
It was so much fun to follow Lexi to France! In some ways, she was starting all over again but some things stayed with her and some people from America showed up in book 2 of this French Twist Series. Lexi’s time at the French cooking school was very interesting. In fact, all foodies will delight in Byrd’s descriptions of the breads, pastries and assignments. The author also includes recipes in the book and has a Pinterest link for the series. Personally, I especially enjoyed the time that Lexi spent sightseeing with both cultural and historical details. Of course, the romantic tension involving two different gentlemen kept me turning pages. Lexi went on different types of dates including a special dinner in Paris. The French family who owned the bakery certainly added spice and color to Lexi’s American life which made for a very interesting read. Try it for yourself. I’m sure that you will enjoy every bite.
July 27, 2024
I already listened to the first book. This is the second book in the series and I loved it too. I loved Lexi’s trip to France. I learned a lot about Paris and some of the customs. Lexi didn’t know if she had what it took to make it through culinary school or even fit in with the family that sent her. She did finally find her place even though it was so lonely at first. I loved that she also knew she needed to keep her spiritual journey in order. She found an English church and enjoyed going there and meeting new people.
I can’t wait to listen to the third book to find out which man she’s going to decide on and if she gets her hearts desire about her career. Oh yeah! There are more recipes in this book too.
I recommend this Contemporary Christian audiobook.
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I can’t wait to listen to the third book to find out which man she’s going to decide on and if she gets her hearts desire about her career. Oh yeah! There are more recipes in this book too.
I recommend this Contemporary Christian audiobook.
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2018
Great Parisian Treat
This was a really fun and sweet read! The protagonist is in Paris and we get to follow her on her adventures with the culture, her school, and her faith. The faith elements were evident throughout the story and key to the progression of the plot. If Christian themes aren't your thing, I would pass on this book, which is unfortunate, as this is a fun book. The romance was still kind of there, the love triangle was okay. I would rate this PG. I was a little disappointed that we'd had all this leadup to one of the culinary students being involved in sketchy things only to have a soft follow-up that didn't satisfy me (and didn't make the most sense).
This was a really fun and sweet read! The protagonist is in Paris and we get to follow her on her adventures with the culture, her school, and her faith. The faith elements were evident throughout the story and key to the progression of the plot. If Christian themes aren't your thing, I would pass on this book, which is unfortunate, as this is a fun book. The romance was still kind of there, the love triangle was okay. I would rate this PG. I was a little disappointed that we'd had all this leadup to one of the culinary students being involved in sketchy things only to have a soft follow-up that didn't satisfy me (and didn't make the most sense).
August 2, 2019
Even better than the first. I love this story for many reasons. One is that it doesn't demonize the antagonists. It would be easy to just hate the antagonists, but I love that their human flaws and struggles are revealed. They are written as human, not monsters. I also love the relatability of trying to find one's correct path in life especially when there are more than one opportunity laid out. It is very realistic, despite not everyone getting a fully paid trip to France to study baking with free room and board. I've always wanted to just take off and go live in France for a while, so I can vicariously live through Lexi.
August 20, 2024
A delicious continuation of Lexi Stuart’s adventures as she learns more about baking, herself, and God. Lexi has arrived in France to study and work in a bakery.
The story gives a beautiful look into French culture and Lexi’s journey to deepen her relationship with the Lord. She must decide is she will stay in Paris and create a life for herself or head back home to Seattle. I loved Lexi’s courage and desire to do her best and do what is right.
Sophie Amoss captured Lexi well. I can’t wait to follow her decision in the third audiobook.
I received a copy of this audiobook free for review from the author.
The story gives a beautiful look into French culture and Lexi’s journey to deepen her relationship with the Lord. She must decide is she will stay in Paris and create a life for herself or head back home to Seattle. I loved Lexi’s courage and desire to do her best and do what is right.
Sophie Amoss captured Lexi well. I can’t wait to follow her decision in the third audiobook.
I received a copy of this audiobook free for review from the author.
April 11, 2024
Light and entertaining story. However, I was a bit annoyed about the French translation. Some of the expressions don't exist or were badly transmitted. As a fluent French person, this annoyed me quite a bit because it influenced the story. Maybe too many bible verses too. Everyone is not able to see the link with the story.
June 26, 2018
It was not a bad book to read - nice and light, with a bit of Christian theme and several cooking recipes.
I thought it could've been better if the recipes were not incorporated into the story but added in the appendix.
I thought it could've been better if the recipes were not incorporated into the story but added in the appendix.
August 2, 2020
A delicious experience
Equally tasty as it is interesting, for a foodie and Christian - this book was heaven sent. Impossible to pause, because of the anxious anticipation every chapter pulls you in further with emotion. A definite must read........ Again
Equally tasty as it is interesting, for a foodie and Christian - this book was heaven sent. Impossible to pause, because of the anxious anticipation every chapter pulls you in further with emotion. A definite must read........ Again
July 5, 2021
This was one just as cute as the first, and even more French! I loved reading about the culture, food and language. The story was mostly predictable, but still a nice quick read for a Saturday afternoon. And the ending convinced me to pick up the third one right away!
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