Паризька кулінарна школа

by Sophie Beaumont, Максим Тимченко (Translator)

Для Ґабі Пікабеа й Кейт Еванс любов до кулінарії є лише приводом, щоб провести чотири тижні в паризькій кулінарній школі Сільві Морел. Кейт переживає розлучення та зраду колишнього чоловіка, а Ґабі, австралійська художниця, намагається подолати творчий блок.

Життя Сільві теж не ідеальне: хтось переслідує її, залишаючи негативні відгуки й плітки в соціальних мережах та скарги до департаменту охорони здоров’я. Ці та інші інциденти загрожують бізнесу жінки. А симпатичний коханець, схоже, має проблеми із зобов’язаннями… На щастя, у Сільві є доброзичливий, надійний сусід, який всіляко її підтримує та дає слушні поради.

Три жінки в подорожі самопізнання, зцілення та надії на майбутнє… Як же перетнуться їхні шляхи?

Ця історія наповнена ароматом смачної їжі, весняним Парижем, привабливими героями, зустрічами, що ведуть до солодких романів, дрібкою інтриги, любов’ю та гумором.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Travel, Audiobook, France, Adult

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2023

About the author

AKA Sophie Masson

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am on holidays and have fell into the trap of not reviewing straight away. This is not helpful given all the sun and sand and general lazing about, therefore my memory is worse than my usual bad.

I listened to the author on an online book club, she is a fascinating lady with an interesting story to tell. I need to have a look at her website as the plan by the publishser was not to add recipes to the book, so this I will do.

This is a gentle book of friendship between women, and these ladies who become friends each discover things about themselves and work out how to best move their lives forward. Gabi and Kate leave Australia to attend Sylvie’s cooking school in beautiful Paris.

The school is having troubling issues, as is Sylvie’s personal life. The school is immaculate, as is the way Sylvie conducts herself, but someone is out to tarnish her reputation. The man in her life is clearly no good, but this seems to shift into better territory and strengthen her resolve once new friendships are formed amongst the attendees, and a very genuine neighbour starts to become more involved.

The Paris the author describes is divine, the culture, the food, and the friendships. I have not travelled, and the depiction I felt was light and intriguing, and this is why I read. To be immersed in to places I cannot physically be in. I enjoyed the story which was quite light therefore I did not feel entirely drawn in a strong way.

I listened to the audio version via the Libby platform and my public library. Narrated well by Anthea Greco.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paris Cooking School is the first novel by award-winning Australian author Sophie Masson writing as Sophie Beaumont. Perhaps their love of cooking is a secondary reason for Gabi Picabea and Kate Evans to commit to four weeks at Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School, but the way she and her team teach is a wonderful distraction from an unfaithful husband and artist’s block.

Not that Sylvie’s life is running smoothly either: harassment in the form of negative online reviews, damaging social media gossip, complaints to the health department, and other incidents threaten her business, while her unsympathetic lover seems to have commitment issues. Luckily, she has a friendly, reliable neighbour who offers sound advice and support.

Interspersed with the preparation of luscious food, as everyone enjoys Paris in the spring, there are meet-cutes leading to sweet romances, a few dramatic exchanges, a bit of intrigue and the eventual resolution of each protagonist’s challenges.

Any predictability in the plot is more than compensated for by mouth-watering dishes the reader can almost taste, gorgeous descriptions of Paris, appealing characters, love and laughter: the only thing missing from this delicious read is the recipes!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Better Reading Preview and Ultimo Press.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Beaumont's novel is a celebration of Paris and of French cookery, and at the same time a compelling story of three women reclaiming their lives and agency. Her descriptions of food will make you want to rush off and try something new in your kitchen. Beautifully written and highly entertaining. This would make an excellent book club read.

[Lisa Leone-campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paris Cooking School is a wonderful unexpected romantic story with wounded characters who meet at an exclusive cooking school in hopes of taking their minds off of their problems by learning to cook. Never expecting anything other than trying to make sense of their problems, what happens is a bit of romance, fun and also a mystery to try and solve. The theme of the story...love...which happens in so many different ways.

Sylvie is the owner of The Paris Cooking School. She has a partner and a son who assist. The school itself has been a favorite for years with people traveling from all over the world to be taught by Sylvie. But suddenly, Sylvie discovers she has a problem. Someone is trying to shut her down. They have left bad reviews and put in a complaint with the food police. How and why can this be? This school is her life!

Kate is just coming out of a terrible marriage, although she had no idea how terrible until she found out her husband/business partner had been cheating on her. Heartbroken, she comes to the school to take her mind off of her problems, try something different and hope perhaps some of that Paris magic would come her way, never imagining what would become a life changing experience.

Gabi is an artist who created what everybody (but herself) calls a masterpiece! But Gabi has a terrible secret. She has been unable to paint or create for quite a while, always giving one excuse or another. As she tries to digest the inevitable loss of her career, she comes to The Paris Cooking School in the hopes of finding some sort of creativeness in order to move through this artistic block. But what Gabi discovers about herself will change her perspective on everything.

These three women will have extraordinary experiences during this session of The Paris Cooking School. They will learn valuable lessons which will change them as they move on in their lives but most importantly will discover in themselves the strengths and friendships which they will take with them forever.

The Paris Cooking School is a lovely story with characters who are strong and resilient but will discover who they really are and what they really want out of life through a remarkable change of events.

Thank you #NetGalley #AlcovePress #SophieBeaumont #TheParisCookingSchool for the advanced copy.

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews]

*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...

🗼The talented author of The Paris Cooking School is fluent in both French and English. This strong knowledge for everything French language related shines through Sophie Beaumont’s novel, The Paris Cooking School. A story of adventure, travel, personal growth, romance and most importantly French cooking, this is a lively and engaging read.

🗼Springtime in Paris beckons for two Australian women and aspiring chefs, as they spend a month in France as part of Sylvie Morel’s renowned Paris Cooking School. Here these two Aussie’s learn a thing or two about the French way of cooking, life, love and personal development. Along the way they breathe in all the sights, sounds and smells of the city of lights. A metamorphosis process occurs in the city of love as all three women conquer their fears and failures in the hopes of achieving their dreams.

🗼If a book has Paris in the title, a picture of the Eiffel Tower and some food, it’s already won me over. As soon as I set eyes on this book, I knew I had to make time to read it. The promise of another page-based trip to Paris was exactly what I was looking for as I indulged in plenty of evening book-based expeditions to Paris thanks to this book after a long day at work. Comforting, soulful, reflective, whimsical and delicate, I really enjoyed The Paris Cooking School.

🗼Readers will no doubt enjoy the various individual character growth experiences laid out in this book. Although each woman has her own battle to fight, Beaumont ensures that these strands eventually intersect as the narrative takes its course. In terms of setting, this is fantastically presented on the page and I must say that I felt myself drifting back to Paris thanks to Beaumont’s imagery, which was such a nice feeling. I also salivated as Beaumont delivered description after description of some truly special French food dishes. What a scrumptious time I had with this book!

🌟🌟🌟🌟4 stars

🙏Thanks to @ultimopress for the #gifted copy.

[M João (Livros?gosto)]

Opinião no canal:


https://youtu.be/-zGC2Y_mzjw

[Anastasia Terendii (livie's version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

обожнюю книжки з вайбом Парижу, але в цьому випадку я зовсім не цільова аудиторія цієї книжки. тут чик літ про кількох старших героїнь, які вже розчарувались трохи в житті і приїхали в школу, щоб і куховарити навчитись, і якісь сімейні секретики порозгадувать, отаке. сюжету якогось мало, атмосфера ніби і є, але все якось так повільно і нудно, що повертатись до книжки ну зовсім не хотілось і було просто нецікаво.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about three women whose stories intertwine at a Paris cooking school. Told in alternating POVs we get to know Australians, Gabi and Katie looking for a fresh start and inspiration in the city of lights and the school's owner and instructor, Sylvie.

The women bond over a shared love of food and cooking and also find love in unexpected places. Full of amazing food descriptions and a love for all things French food, this was a feel good read that was also good on audio.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Perfect for fans of Julia Childs.

[Olya Zahvoyska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Місцями були дуже захопливі моменти з атмосфери Парижу, локації, ресторани, життя. Книга більше про вайб, ніж про сюжет.

[Rachael McDiarmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Sophie for wanting me to get on a plane to Paris and or at the very least find a French restaurant and just eat everything on the menu! This is a very easy read, light, entertaining, nothing complex, just something to enjoy.

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book cover and title caught my eye. I imagine if i had looked at reviews and the avg rating I would have passed. I do love a good food and culture book and this one definitely had a bit of the sights, sounds, smells and things i love about European food books!! Nice to switch it up from my usual Italy read and focus on France!!

The book had quite a few characters - co workers, friends, couples, ex-es and quite a few storylines to keep track of here and there. This was also a mix of culture, cooking, touch of romance, heartwarming moments with friends and family and a little mystery. A simpler story would have been much more my style - but it still worked and i enjoyed it fine - 3 stars!!!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paris Cooking School is the first novel by award-winning Australian author Sophie Masson writing as Sophie Beaumont. The audio version is narrated by Anthea Greco. Perhaps their love of cooking is a secondary reason for Gabi Picabea and Kate Evans to commit to four weeks at Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School, but the way she and her team teach is a wonderful distraction from an unfaithful husband and artist’s block.

Not that Sylvie’s life is running smoothly either: harassment in the form of negative online reviews, damaging social media gossip, complaints to the health department, and other incidents threaten her business, while her unsympathetic lover seems to have commitment issues. Luckily, she has a friendly, reliable neighbour who offers sound advice and support.

Interspersed with the preparation of luscious food, as everyone enjoys Paris in the spring, there are meet-cutes leading to sweet romances, a few dramatic exchanges, a bit of intrigue and the eventual resolution of each protagonist’s challenges.

Any predictability in the plot is more than compensated for by mouth-watering dishes the reader can almost taste, gorgeous descriptions of Paris, appealing characters, love and laughter: the only thing missing from this delicious read is the recipes!

[nina.reads.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well after my last review you would be forgiven for thinking I’m not a fan of light, predictable reads. The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont definitely fits the bill of a sweet book but I have to say that this one won me over a bit more with its Paris setting and luscious descriptions of food and cooking.

In this book the main characters are Gabi Picabea and Kate Evans who have separately come from Australia to attend Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School. Their aim? To learn all about the French way of cooking over the course of one spring month. Both women are escaping from their very different personal troubles. Sylvie, the cooking school owner, is also experiencing her own challenges and the story moves between each of the three women’s stories.

None of the storylines are ground-breaking but they all involved friendships and love and how people can transform their lives when they uncover their passions. The hero of the story was the setting and the food. It made me want to go to Paris again! I was especially thrilled when Sylvie visits Monet’s garden in Giverny which is a place I’ve managed to visit on two separate occasions and just loved with all my heart.

Read The Paris Cooking School if you want to feel transported to Paris with an uncomplicated storyline to guide the way.

Thank you to @ultimopress for my #gifted copy.

[Melanie Zitzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun story. I liked the ending. I was a little disappointed a cooking school book didn’t have recipes or focus more on the food aspect of things, vs just love lives of the students in the school. But it was an easy read.

[Heather | Heather's Book Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear this book was written just for me and given to me at a time when I needed dash of coming-of-age, some strong female characters, and a little bit of hope and romance (and a teaspoon of mystery!). Our three protagonists are each on a unique path to essentially figure out what is going on in their lives. As they cook together in the backdrop of Paris they’re forced to reckon with the lives they know, the things they left behind, and figure out what’s next.
This one is a cozy, warm hug for those who love cooking and the city of lights. It’s predictable in a comforting way, and it’ll leave you simultaneously hungry and satisfied.

[Kayla C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not read while hungry! I made that mistake and Sophie Beaumont’s food descriptions caused a real issue - especially because I wouldn’t be able to make any of the food without attending a cooking school myself! Food aside, all of the descriptions in this book are beautiful - the characters, the scenery, the stories! The writing is very well done.
This is a story told from three perspectives, and while the branches do intersect at the titular cooking school, I did feel like there was very little crossover between the main characters and kept waiting for a deeper connection between the three. I also was more drawn to two of the stories and the third fell a bit flat for me - while Kate and Sylvie connect and grow through the cooking school, Gabi makes her own path in Paris and the school was more of an afterthought in her narrative. Though I thought Gabi’s story was disparate from the others when it comes to the school, the common theme of self-discovery runs strong in all three perspectives and I did enjoy following the path of each woman. Overall a good read, inspiring a desire to travel, a hankering for French cuisine, and self-reflection.
—-
Thank you to Alcove Press for the e-ARC through NetGalley! This review reflects my honest opinion of the novel.

[Rachel Hoovler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was a 2-star read for me. While I loved the descriptions of the food and Paris, they were so extensive, the pace really dragged. The characters were quite predictable and lacked depth, which made it hard to want to keep reading. The coincidences were unbelievable and made the end of the book feel very trite. There were so many elements here I expected to love, but ultimately this just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Alcove Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful confection of difficult endings, hopeful beginnings and everything found in between. The exquisite cover art seduced me into the book's pages and held me there, savoring the sweets and scrumptious foods of local Paris and regional France while enjoying a story of engaging characters and their challenges.

Broken Gabi and rudderless Kate have arrived at The Paris Cooking School owned and managed by Sylvie. All three women are at crossroads in their lives. Through their engagement in the school's cooking lessons, each of them attains formulative lessons in life.

The writing is rich and tender. The characters are well thought out, gaining the hearts of readers. The mise en scène is cinematic in scope as the characters traverse the various arrondisements throughout Paris and land beyond. The blending of various cultures, ages, and nationalities within the classroom was lovely and informative. The food descriptions are absolutely tantalizing.

If you are looking for a sweet straight-forward story, with delectable foods, which is set in the magnificent City of Light, then this may well be an excellent read for you.

I am grateful to Alcove Press for having provided a complimentary copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: ‎ Alcove Press
Publication Date: ‎ August 6, 2024
Number of Pages: ‎288
ISBN:‎ 979-8892420006

[Letícia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 ★

Que leitura difícil 😬.

Pensei mesmo que este livro era para mim, mas não era. Sinto que foi um leitura confusa, com demasiados detalhes e tornou-se boring. Estaria a mentir se dissesse que não me forcei a acabar 🥲.

Acho que tinha tudo para dar certo: a capa fofinha, acontecer em Paris e falar sobre a comida parisiense. Mas foi too much, na minha opinião.

Penso que este livro poderia ser dividido em três partes e, se calhar, tornar-se-ia uma leitura melhor. Isto, porque os capítulos, muitas das vezes, são contados na perspetiva de 3 personagens diferentes. É muita informação e um livro não deveria ser assim, para mim 😊.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. While the scene is set in Paris and it is a nice story, unfortunately this really fell short for me. The main plot twist in the story for me was predictable and I wished it was deeper involved in its conclusion. If you dream of an Emily in Paris type story certainly give this is a go, just didn’t do it for me.

[Oksana Ryzhkova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Така затишна історія про французьку кухню. Кожна з героїнь втікала від труднощів, але знайшли в Парижі значно більше.
Про виклики, про страх змін, про життя спочатку і про неймовірно смачні страви.
Мило, затишно, але дещо рівно та дуже передбачувано.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Paris in the spring and all the wonderful food that is described in this book made me want to experience Paris even more than I did before.

We follow Sylvie Morel’s Paris cooking school and 2 of her students from Australia.

Kate who is getting over her divorce and the betrayal of her ex-husband and Gabbi an Australian artist who is struggling to break through her creative block.

Sylvie is also dealing with relationship problems and a harassment campaign aimed at her business that could destroy everything that she has worked so hard for.

Three women on a journey of self-discovery, healing and hope for a future filled with happiness and love.

The Paris Cooking School was a delightful read that will make you wish you were in Paris experiencing everything it has to offer.

A big thank you to @ultimopress for the #gifted copy. The Paris Cooking School is released today.

[Lucy Masters · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, lighthearted read about the French, food and falling in love.

[Maria Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoy reading books about cooking and some of the descriptions about food sounded wonderful. Some of the reactions of the characters did’ t sound very believable to me, and l felt that affected the whole tone of the book. The book is about a group of individuals who arrive in Paris to partake in a cooking course. There are friendships formed and as well as try new recipes the group are exposed to new ways of life.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. It had a bit of everything in it. This is the first time I have read this author. It was delightful and throughly enjoyable.

[Sofia Meireles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uma capa tão fofinha... mas achei a história super aborrecida.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute and lighthearted read with a mixture of food, culture and life. Un bon séjour à Paris. Best enjoyed with a French pastry to hand.

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хороша книга на один раз
Правда я очікувала більше все таки про кухню і рецепти Франціі, а тут в основному життя героїнь)

[Jade Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

A month studying at the Paris Cooking School is the perfect way to escape life’s challenges and reconsider one’s priorities. For Sylvie, the teacher, and Kate and Gabi, two students, it is the reset they desperately need and the start of a new chapter of their lives.

[Stacy Morrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

непогана, легенька, дещо наївна книжечка. тут переплелися долі трьох жінок, французька кухня і трохи любовної драми. ну гаразд, не трохи. атмосфера приємна, все відбувається у місті світла - Парижі. кожну з цих жінок привело сюди щось своє, але кожна з них тут розкривається по-своєму і кожну чекає свій шлях. а обʼєднує їх - кулінарна школа і любов до готування.
якщо хочете щось легке, весняне, душевне - можна сміливо брати читати. без ред флегів і важких тем.
8/10🌸