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En vinter i Paris
Den här vintern tänker Rachel fly allt: sitt jobb, sin relationsrädde pojkvän och den lilla engelska byn som hon vanligtvis älskar. Paris väntar, och den mytomspunna baktävling som Rachels kollegor har anmält henne till.
Samtidigt som hon kämpar med att inte knäckas av tävlingens jury och expert, den legendariska men ökända bagaren Henri Salernes, får hon svårt att inte charmas av hans snygga bror
Den lysande staden sveper snabbt in Rachel i snötäckt magi, men vad kommer hända när det plötsligt är dags att vända hem igen?
En vinter i Paris är en oemotståndlig pralin till julroman av den brittiska feelgood-författaren Jenny Oliver. Följ med på en varm verklighetsflykt till kärlekens stad!
Samtidigt som hon kämpar med att inte knäckas av tävlingens jury och expert, den legendariska men ökända bagaren Henri Salernes, får hon svårt att inte charmas av hans snygga bror
Den lysande staden sveper snabbt in Rachel i snötäckt magi, men vad kommer hända när det plötsligt är dags att vända hem igen?
En vinter i Paris är en oemotståndlig pralin till julroman av den brittiska feelgood-författaren Jenny Oliver. Följ med på en varm verklighetsflykt till kärlekens stad!
350 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2013
83 people are currently reading
1663 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Oliver
24 books253 followersJenny Oliver is the bestselling author of The Summerhouse by the Sea - the PERFECT book for your summer reading! Out May 18th.
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
February 8, 2016
Well, that was a quick read!
This book is pretty much what it says on the tin and if you're looking for baking-chick-lit then look no further! And it's a perfect Christmas or anti-Christmas read.
This book had me smiling and my stomach rumbling. The descriptions of all of that food was almost too much for this usually healthy reader and it was so difficult not to reach for a mince pie or macaroons or hot wine... Mmmm.
This book is enjoyable and a little light and fluffy and just what I needed to get me in the mood for Christmas.
This book is pretty much what it says on the tin and if you're looking for baking-chick-lit then look no further! And it's a perfect Christmas or anti-Christmas read.
This book had me smiling and my stomach rumbling. The descriptions of all of that food was almost too much for this usually healthy reader and it was so difficult not to reach for a mince pie or macaroons or hot wine... Mmmm.
This book is enjoyable and a little light and fluffy and just what I needed to get me in the mood for Christmas.
February 12, 2020
The perfect Christmas read for me! Not too Christmassy and not too romancey either. What it delivers is Paris as a Christmas winter wonderland and scene after scene of glorious Christmas baking (although where's a good editor when you need one? Far too many references to "crème pâtisserie" and "frangipani" tarts!)
New life goal - Christmas in Paris.
New life goal - Christmas in Paris.
January 30, 2016
I was given this book as a swap, I liked the look of it and it looked like a nice easy read which it was. Yes, I know Christmas has been and gone, I know some people will only read books about or related to Christmas at Christmas time but I really don't mind reading them whenever. This was such a lovely little read, I had to read something quick inbetween review books so it kind of broke it up for me. I loved reading about all the cakes and bakes the competitors were making. There are also some recipes at the back of this book, which is nice. I may even try and make some myself.
October 5, 2025
Sträckläste den på planet till Paris - kort och lättläst, vilket nog var det bästa med den. 😅
Det var en helt okej bok, men inte alls min typ, så svårt att sätta betyg. Svag 3/5 ⭐️
Mycket bakning, lite fling… och romansen dök upp först i slutet (om man ens kan kalla det romans).
Mysig miljö med vinter i Paris och en fin känsla av gemenskap i tävlingsgruppen, även om jag blev lite förvånad över hur de försökte sabotera för varandra.
Fint budskap om att ta vara på tiden med sina föräldrar och inte låta stolthet stå i vägen.
Utöver det, inte riktigt min grej, men kul att läsa eftersom det utspelade sig i Paris och vi var på väg dit! 🇫🇷
Det var en helt okej bok, men inte alls min typ, så svårt att sätta betyg. Svag 3/5 ⭐️
Mycket bakning, lite fling… och romansen dök upp först i slutet (om man ens kan kalla det romans).
Mysig miljö med vinter i Paris och en fin känsla av gemenskap i tävlingsgruppen, även om jag blev lite förvånad över hur de försökte sabotera för varandra.
Fint budskap om att ta vara på tiden med sina föräldrar och inte låta stolthet stå i vägen.
Utöver det, inte riktigt min grej, men kul att läsa eftersom det utspelade sig i Paris och vi var på väg dit! 🇫🇷
November 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ lovely cosy read, relatable characters and not too twee.
December 9, 2013
4 Stars.
This book made me hungry…. It was a feast for my eyes and imagination, in its descriptions of all the food and the locations, and characters therein.
So what have we got, well if you add a dash of The Great British Bake Off (but in Paris), a drizzle of cantankerous chef (picture Gordon Ramsay with a French accent), a sprinkling of characters (all with their own unique personalities), a pinch of mischief, and mix it all up with Christmas and Twinkly lights. Then bake on a low temperature for a couple of hours and you have in essence The Parisian Christmas Bake Off.
Jenny Oliver’s debut novel is a total triumph in my opinion. It’s a light-hearted romp through the trials and tribulations of a baking competition, the prize being an apprenticeship to work with the world renowned chef (and tyrant) Henri Salernes.
There are plenty of giggles in this book, but there is also a message which I found fitted really well with the Christmas theme.
Courage……
This isn’t a long book, and really worth a couple of hours of your time. I really liked Rachel; she was just an average, normal, down-to-earth girl, dealing with the loss of her mother, and all loss of the things that they used to share with each other. Seeing her confidence return, and her beginning to accept and deal with her grief, as well as the other contestants dastardly deeds during the competition was really enjoyable. I loved the mystery around Philippe, and Marcel’s diversionary tactics, cycling in the snow, and the light’s on the trees. It was just a perfect Christmas read.
ARC provided by Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
This book made me hungry…. It was a feast for my eyes and imagination, in its descriptions of all the food and the locations, and characters therein.
So what have we got, well if you add a dash of The Great British Bake Off (but in Paris), a drizzle of cantankerous chef (picture Gordon Ramsay with a French accent), a sprinkling of characters (all with their own unique personalities), a pinch of mischief, and mix it all up with Christmas and Twinkly lights. Then bake on a low temperature for a couple of hours and you have in essence The Parisian Christmas Bake Off.
Jenny Oliver’s debut novel is a total triumph in my opinion. It’s a light-hearted romp through the trials and tribulations of a baking competition, the prize being an apprenticeship to work with the world renowned chef (and tyrant) Henri Salernes.
There are plenty of giggles in this book, but there is also a message which I found fitted really well with the Christmas theme.
Courage……
This isn’t a long book, and really worth a couple of hours of your time. I really liked Rachel; she was just an average, normal, down-to-earth girl, dealing with the loss of her mother, and all loss of the things that they used to share with each other. Seeing her confidence return, and her beginning to accept and deal with her grief, as well as the other contestants dastardly deeds during the competition was really enjoyable. I loved the mystery around Philippe, and Marcel’s diversionary tactics, cycling in the snow, and the light’s on the trees. It was just a perfect Christmas read.
ARC provided by Netgalley, it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
November 10, 2013
This was a really lovely book. Rachel goes to Paris over Christmas nursing a bruised heart , to take part in a Bake Off competition. Her mum used to run a bakery in her home town - so she grew up with certain traditions and recipes.
There is a bit of back stabbing amongst the other contestant even though they socialise, after the days spent in the kitchen. All the way through- you are willing Rachel to reach the final.
She is staying in a very basic room at the top of a lovely house- and the lady who 'does' keeps bringing little items and discarded things- to make it more homely for her. I enjoyed the little exchanges and could visualise the room becoming more welcoming.
It just felt so Christmassy and I loved it!
There is a bit of back stabbing amongst the other contestant even though they socialise, after the days spent in the kitchen. All the way through- you are willing Rachel to reach the final.
She is staying in a very basic room at the top of a lovely house- and the lady who 'does' keeps bringing little items and discarded things- to make it more homely for her. I enjoyed the little exchanges and could visualise the room becoming more welcoming.
It just felt so Christmassy and I loved it!
May 24, 2016
A pleasant enough read, maybe a bit cheesey in parts but overall just what you'd expect it to be from the blurb. No big surprises but nothing to offend either- though some of the descriptions of the pastries etc made me feel a mite peckish ;o)
January 31, 2021
I listened to this on audiobook.
This was a lovely story, not too long but very entertaining nevertheless. I loved getting to know the characters, and the baking competition was fun with some very delicious sounding food for sure.
It was enjoyable, no real drama or upsets, just a easy light hearted story which was well written.
It's got Christmas in the title but to be honest, I didn't find the story all that festive, not much at all, not that that spoiled the story for me.
This was a lovely story, not too long but very entertaining nevertheless. I loved getting to know the characters, and the baking competition was fun with some very delicious sounding food for sure.
It was enjoyable, no real drama or upsets, just a easy light hearted story which was well written.
It's got Christmas in the title but to be honest, I didn't find the story all that festive, not much at all, not that that spoiled the story for me.
November 9, 2021
Till en början var jag kanske inte så imponerad och trodde inte att den skulle vara så bra, men den blev bättre och bättre och mysigare och mysigare och jag blev väldigt sugen på bakverk i alla dess former! Plus att den hade lite julkänsla över sig också!
January 5, 2024
3.5 stars
February 21, 2017
Rachel is content with her job as a primary school teacher and her rocker boyfriend Ben who only visits between 3-4 am. What she is not content to do is bake. Long ago when she was a little girl, her mother owned the village bakery and Rachel loved helping. Since her mother's illness and death, Rachel has sworn off baking. It was her mother's thing, not hers. Her father agrees, but Rachel's best friend Jackie and the PTA do not agree! Jackie goes behind Rachel's back to enter Rachel in a British Bake Off style competition in Paris! The winner gets to apprentice with Henri Salernes, former celebrity pastry chef. Rachel is reluctant to go and her reticence is confirmed when Paris turns out not to be what she expected. Then she meets the handsome pastry lover Philippe who helps her redevelop her senses. Can she recapture the joy she had baking with her mother? Is she good enough to win the competition? With the entire village counting on her, she had better!
This book can best be described as Jenny Colgan light. It's very light and fluffy without the depth of Colgan's stories. The Parisian Christmas Bake Off does have the problem of Rachel's mother's death and her and her father's subsequent depression. There's also a plot twist at the end I saw coming a mile away to give the story a bit more emotional weight. Otherwise, most of the story is taken up with the Bake Off. I loved the baking parts but found the pastries they were baking were too fancy for home bakers to attempt cold. How many home bakers make eclairs and other fancy pastries for their family and friends every week? The British Bake Off contestants get time to practice! Rachel did not. She had to randomly know how to make all these fancy pastries off the top of her head. I could have also done without the angry chef routine but mostly I liked the story.
Rachel is very very nice. She's a little too nice. I don't get her attraction to Ben at all. He's a loser who wants a mother/bedroom slave. Rachel seems like she's depressed and lacks inertia. She didn't say how long it had been since her mother's death. Everything comes easy to Rachel except feeling emotions so of course this story is her journey back from the funk she's been in. The character development is plausible enough for this type of story.
The other characters are fairly two dimensional. There's the angry chef with a backstory (Henri) and the contestants who all have fairly standard reasons for wanting to win. I forgot which contestant was which because they sounded alike. Even the French characters sounded English. Philippe seems like a nice man. I like how he interacts with Rachel. It's very cute. His backstory wasn't surprising and didn't really flesh out his character too much. That plot was very rushed. I did really like Chantal. She was the most developed character in the story. I would love to have her looking after me if I were in a strange country, alone and lonely at Christmas. I loved how she interacted with Madame Charles at the end. Mme Charles kind of surprised me but yet didn't. Rachel didn't interact with her much so when she does, it feels very old Hollywood movie-ish, which isn't bad.
If you're looking for a pleasant diversion with lots of yummy pastry, then be sure to read this book.
This book can best be described as Jenny Colgan light. It's very light and fluffy without the depth of Colgan's stories. The Parisian Christmas Bake Off does have the problem of Rachel's mother's death and her and her father's subsequent depression. There's also a plot twist at the end I saw coming a mile away to give the story a bit more emotional weight. Otherwise, most of the story is taken up with the Bake Off. I loved the baking parts but found the pastries they were baking were too fancy for home bakers to attempt cold. How many home bakers make eclairs and other fancy pastries for their family and friends every week? The British Bake Off contestants get time to practice! Rachel did not. She had to randomly know how to make all these fancy pastries off the top of her head. I could have also done without the angry chef routine but mostly I liked the story.
Rachel is very very nice. She's a little too nice. I don't get her attraction to Ben at all. He's a loser who wants a mother/bedroom slave. Rachel seems like she's depressed and lacks inertia. She didn't say how long it had been since her mother's death. Everything comes easy to Rachel except feeling emotions so of course this story is her journey back from the funk she's been in. The character development is plausible enough for this type of story.
The other characters are fairly two dimensional. There's the angry chef with a backstory (Henri) and the contestants who all have fairly standard reasons for wanting to win. I forgot which contestant was which because they sounded alike. Even the French characters sounded English. Philippe seems like a nice man. I like how he interacts with Rachel. It's very cute. His backstory wasn't surprising and didn't really flesh out his character too much. That plot was very rushed. I did really like Chantal. She was the most developed character in the story. I would love to have her looking after me if I were in a strange country, alone and lonely at Christmas. I loved how she interacted with Madame Charles at the end. Mme Charles kind of surprised me but yet didn't. Rachel didn't interact with her much so when she does, it feels very old Hollywood movie-ish, which isn't bad.
If you're looking for a pleasant diversion with lots of yummy pastry, then be sure to read this book.
March 16, 2019
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I was feeling so festive this season that I just wasn't quite ready to let it all be over so I thought I would treat myself with this little festive story.
Rachel is a school teacher who used to have a passion for baking. Since her mum passed she can't bring herself to get back in the kitchen. Rachel's friends, however, are not about to let her give up that easily and enter her into a competition in Paris.
The Christmas element of this story really is background. This could have been set at any time of year and it would have worked. The story is more about falling in love not only with a man but more importantly with baking. Rachel learns to love baking again an that is truly a wonderful thing.
This is not a story of big shocks and twists but neither is it completely predictable. It's a story about learning to love yourself first and foremost.
I really enjoyed this warm cosy short story. It has everything you need for a good chicklit story. Romance, food and a pretty location. It was great to see glimpses of Paris and all that food! Man, I wanted to eat so much food.
Rachel is a school teacher who used to have a passion for baking. Since her mum passed she can't bring herself to get back in the kitchen. Rachel's friends, however, are not about to let her give up that easily and enter her into a competition in Paris.
The Christmas element of this story really is background. This could have been set at any time of year and it would have worked. The story is more about falling in love not only with a man but more importantly with baking. Rachel learns to love baking again an that is truly a wonderful thing.
This is not a story of big shocks and twists but neither is it completely predictable. It's a story about learning to love yourself first and foremost.
I really enjoyed this warm cosy short story. It has everything you need for a good chicklit story. Romance, food and a pretty location. It was great to see glimpses of Paris and all that food! Man, I wanted to eat so much food.
October 28, 2013
I loved this book, every single little thing about it. It is laugh out loud funny, emotional and has a gorgeous leading man! I felt as though I was in Paris at Christmas, sampling all the wonderful food brought to life in front of my eyes. In fact, the only bad thing I would say about this book is - it made me want CAKE!! mmmmm!! A truly lovely and heart warming Christmas read. 5 big fat mint infused stars!
March 6, 2019
Ångrar att jag läste den här verklighetsfalska romanen. Kände till slut äckel inför de sockerstinna bakverken och de var många. Sen lämnade vi Paris för den puttinuttiga engelska byn där alla var så gudomligt snälla och uppoffrande.
August 15, 2019
Inte en av hennes bättre böcker. Om en ung kvinna med dåligt självförtroende och en dålig relation som i slutet av boken har ett marginellt bättre självförtroende och blir lycklig av en ny relation med en man hon knappt känner.
December 17, 2014
It was quite a cute short christmas read and I loved how tempting all the food sounded!
November 22, 2016
Ideal read to get you in the Christmas spirit with plenty of food and romance.
December 23, 2014
Originally posted on Becca's Books ~ http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Firstly, I would like to say a very special thank you to the wonderful publishers Carina UK for sending me my very own gorgeous paperback copy of The Parisian Christmas Bake Off in the post, all shiny and tempting in it's Christmassy wrapping papered glory. And of course, a MASSIVE thank you to Jenny Oliver. She is such a stunning writer, and just like I was after reading The Vintage Summer Wedding by Jenny, I was absolutely besotted with the story that she told me. This is the most perfect, exquisite Christmas story, and exactly the type of book that I would love to find beneath my Christmas tree (if, of course, I hadn't already read it, but I'd still love to find it all wrapped up, hidden beneath the branches)!
In The Parisian Christmas Bake Off, the fabulous Jenny Oliver transports us to the twinkling, snowy, bustling streets of Paris, where Rachel Smithson, for the first time since her mother died, is baking. It's a huge step, no, a gigantic step for Rachel, because ever since that tragic time in her life, rather than bringing back fond memories, of which there were many, Rachel can only feel the heartache and none of the good. She's in Paris to compete for the position of becoming chef Henri Salernes' apprentice baker, and along with the other competitors, Rachel is lost within a puff of icing sugar! The competition begins to get heavy, the bakers begin to play nasty, and before she knows it, Rachel's long-ago passion is beginning to make itself known.
There is not one single thing that I disliked about this book. Not one. I adored everything, from the bustling Parisian markets, to Chef Henri's angry, rude outbursts of instructions, to the sneakiness of the competitors when things begin to get serious, and to the very gorgeous, very sensual Philippe, who made my enjoyment of this book just that little bit sexier...
Jenny's characters within The Parisian Christmas Bake Off were, as I knew they would, absolutely bloody fantastic. Her heroine, Rachel Smithson, was adorable, and how she manages to find herself in Paris rather than back in England where she teaches, was just pure comedy. To me, Rachel was the sort of person who had shelved her dreams because she didn't believe that there was even a teeny, tiny chance of that coming true. I got the impression that she'd locked up a box regarding baking and shoved it right to the dusty, dark corners of her mind, never to be opened again. As Rachel's past began to reveal itself, it became evident why. Rachel's mother had been the one who'd baked, who'd laughed and joked in the kitchen with with her daughter, and now, Rachel can't even knead dough to bake bread without a bitter-sweet flashback making itself known, and I felt like squishing Rachel up and squeezing her ever so tightly. It was clear, even though poor Rachel tried to hide it, that she still loved baking just as much as she had ever done. I wanted so badly for her to take that talent and passion and put it to good use, and thankfully, Rachel's unstoppable best-friend Jackie took care of that! *cheers for Jackie* When Jenny took me from England to Paris, I couldn't contain my excitement for a moment longer. It was like stepping out of a black and white movie into a vibrant, alive world, and I absolutely bloody loved it. Jenny's other characters, (and there were quite a number of them) were utterly endearing, even the nasty ones! There were the other competitors in the baking competition who I quickly grew to know and love; Marcel, Abby, Lacey... There was Jackie, Rachel's best-friend back in England, who was the one who got the snowball of an idea rolling and moved an Australia couple in Rachel's flat without Rachel's permission, ha ha! There were the children from the school where Rachel worked who were, quite simply, absolutely adorable! There was Rachel's opinionated grandmother who made me chuckle endlessly, there was Rachel's father who was still, quite obviously, grieving for his wife. And of course, there is no way on earth that I can forget Chef Henri Salernes who was quite the Gordan Ramsay wannabe. God, he made me laugh out loud so much, and there were numerous times where I actually felt awkward on Rachel's behalf! So many characters, and SO MUCH FUN TO BE HAD! Oh! And I almost forgot the lovely Chantal and Madame Charles, who I'm sure you'll love once you meet, too!
Jenny's descriptions of Paris were enough to take me right there, and I mean right there. Right there as in I felt like I was strolling down the Parisian streets, snowflakes landing on my eyelashes, hands freezing cold and feet sopping wet (because I never have the appropriate shoes for snow). The markets that Jenny described were exhilarating, full of life and food and chatter, and I so wished that I could have been there, too, breathing it all in, taking in the sights and the smells, deeply inhaling the scents of every type of food in much the same way which handsome Mr Philippe did, and which, after watching Philippe do so, quickly became a habit of Rachel's too. With the snow falling, sometimes gently and prettily, other times pelting Rachel in the face, the scene was set beautifully. There were pubs with orange lights glowing from inside, mulled wine and numerous mentions of tantalisingly tasty morsels of food that immediately had me feeling hungry. I don't know how she does it, but Jenny Oliver hits the spot every single freaking time, and I'm always left wanting to face-plant the pages to somehow get inside of the wonderful worlds that she creates.
Food played a major role in The Parisian Christmas Bake Off (obviously!) and I was not disappointed. The amount of times I had to get up and get some sort of snack was not even funny. This book made me so damn hungry I should have been about seven stone heavier by the time I'd finished it. The atmosphere when the bakers were baking for chef was absolutely addictive. I loved being in the kitchen with Rachel and the others, under Chef's fierce scrutiny and disapproving eye. It was like The Great British Bake Off but with a little added drama, a much scarier judge and a sparkle of romance too! From macaroons to scrumptious fresh loaves of bread, and from tarte tatins to soufflés, it was just fabulous! I loved being with the characters, seeing everything from their eyes and experiencing each of their senses along with them. Perfection between the front and back cover.
The Parisian Christmas Bake Off by Jenny Oliver was out of this world. The gorgeous setting of Paris, the characters, the food, the snow, the baking, the chef, the romance... Gosh, it was a white flurry of excitement and delicious creations. I could happily re-read it all over again, right this very second.
Becca's Books is rating The Parisian Christmas Bake Off by Jenny Oliver with nothing less than FIVE SCRUMPTIOUS CUPCAKES! Definitely one of my favourites this year, without a doubt, and I cannot wait to read The Little Christmas Kitchen. I need more of Jenny Oliver, and I need it now! Special thanks again to Carina UK and Jenny Oliver. The absolute perfect book to read and lose yourself with this Christmas.
Firstly, I would like to say a very special thank you to the wonderful publishers Carina UK for sending me my very own gorgeous paperback copy of The Parisian Christmas Bake Off in the post, all shiny and tempting in it's Christmassy wrapping papered glory. And of course, a MASSIVE thank you to Jenny Oliver. She is such a stunning writer, and just like I was after reading The Vintage Summer Wedding by Jenny, I was absolutely besotted with the story that she told me. This is the most perfect, exquisite Christmas story, and exactly the type of book that I would love to find beneath my Christmas tree (if, of course, I hadn't already read it, but I'd still love to find it all wrapped up, hidden beneath the branches)!
In The Parisian Christmas Bake Off, the fabulous Jenny Oliver transports us to the twinkling, snowy, bustling streets of Paris, where Rachel Smithson, for the first time since her mother died, is baking. It's a huge step, no, a gigantic step for Rachel, because ever since that tragic time in her life, rather than bringing back fond memories, of which there were many, Rachel can only feel the heartache and none of the good. She's in Paris to compete for the position of becoming chef Henri Salernes' apprentice baker, and along with the other competitors, Rachel is lost within a puff of icing sugar! The competition begins to get heavy, the bakers begin to play nasty, and before she knows it, Rachel's long-ago passion is beginning to make itself known.
There is not one single thing that I disliked about this book. Not one. I adored everything, from the bustling Parisian markets, to Chef Henri's angry, rude outbursts of instructions, to the sneakiness of the competitors when things begin to get serious, and to the very gorgeous, very sensual Philippe, who made my enjoyment of this book just that little bit sexier...
Jenny's characters within The Parisian Christmas Bake Off were, as I knew they would, absolutely bloody fantastic. Her heroine, Rachel Smithson, was adorable, and how she manages to find herself in Paris rather than back in England where she teaches, was just pure comedy. To me, Rachel was the sort of person who had shelved her dreams because she didn't believe that there was even a teeny, tiny chance of that coming true. I got the impression that she'd locked up a box regarding baking and shoved it right to the dusty, dark corners of her mind, never to be opened again. As Rachel's past began to reveal itself, it became evident why. Rachel's mother had been the one who'd baked, who'd laughed and joked in the kitchen with with her daughter, and now, Rachel can't even knead dough to bake bread without a bitter-sweet flashback making itself known, and I felt like squishing Rachel up and squeezing her ever so tightly. It was clear, even though poor Rachel tried to hide it, that she still loved baking just as much as she had ever done. I wanted so badly for her to take that talent and passion and put it to good use, and thankfully, Rachel's unstoppable best-friend Jackie took care of that! *cheers for Jackie* When Jenny took me from England to Paris, I couldn't contain my excitement for a moment longer. It was like stepping out of a black and white movie into a vibrant, alive world, and I absolutely bloody loved it. Jenny's other characters, (and there were quite a number of them) were utterly endearing, even the nasty ones! There were the other competitors in the baking competition who I quickly grew to know and love; Marcel, Abby, Lacey... There was Jackie, Rachel's best-friend back in England, who was the one who got the snowball of an idea rolling and moved an Australia couple in Rachel's flat without Rachel's permission, ha ha! There were the children from the school where Rachel worked who were, quite simply, absolutely adorable! There was Rachel's opinionated grandmother who made me chuckle endlessly, there was Rachel's father who was still, quite obviously, grieving for his wife. And of course, there is no way on earth that I can forget Chef Henri Salernes who was quite the Gordan Ramsay wannabe. God, he made me laugh out loud so much, and there were numerous times where I actually felt awkward on Rachel's behalf! So many characters, and SO MUCH FUN TO BE HAD! Oh! And I almost forgot the lovely Chantal and Madame Charles, who I'm sure you'll love once you meet, too!
Jenny's descriptions of Paris were enough to take me right there, and I mean right there. Right there as in I felt like I was strolling down the Parisian streets, snowflakes landing on my eyelashes, hands freezing cold and feet sopping wet (because I never have the appropriate shoes for snow). The markets that Jenny described were exhilarating, full of life and food and chatter, and I so wished that I could have been there, too, breathing it all in, taking in the sights and the smells, deeply inhaling the scents of every type of food in much the same way which handsome Mr Philippe did, and which, after watching Philippe do so, quickly became a habit of Rachel's too. With the snow falling, sometimes gently and prettily, other times pelting Rachel in the face, the scene was set beautifully. There were pubs with orange lights glowing from inside, mulled wine and numerous mentions of tantalisingly tasty morsels of food that immediately had me feeling hungry. I don't know how she does it, but Jenny Oliver hits the spot every single freaking time, and I'm always left wanting to face-plant the pages to somehow get inside of the wonderful worlds that she creates.
Food played a major role in The Parisian Christmas Bake Off (obviously!) and I was not disappointed. The amount of times I had to get up and get some sort of snack was not even funny. This book made me so damn hungry I should have been about seven stone heavier by the time I'd finished it. The atmosphere when the bakers were baking for chef was absolutely addictive. I loved being in the kitchen with Rachel and the others, under Chef's fierce scrutiny and disapproving eye. It was like The Great British Bake Off but with a little added drama, a much scarier judge and a sparkle of romance too! From macaroons to scrumptious fresh loaves of bread, and from tarte tatins to soufflés, it was just fabulous! I loved being with the characters, seeing everything from their eyes and experiencing each of their senses along with them. Perfection between the front and back cover.
The Parisian Christmas Bake Off by Jenny Oliver was out of this world. The gorgeous setting of Paris, the characters, the food, the snow, the baking, the chef, the romance... Gosh, it was a white flurry of excitement and delicious creations. I could happily re-read it all over again, right this very second.
Becca's Books is rating The Parisian Christmas Bake Off by Jenny Oliver with nothing less than FIVE SCRUMPTIOUS CUPCAKES! Definitely one of my favourites this year, without a doubt, and I cannot wait to read The Little Christmas Kitchen. I need more of Jenny Oliver, and I need it now! Special thanks again to Carina UK and Jenny Oliver. The absolute perfect book to read and lose yourself with this Christmas.
August 16, 2020
Yes I've read another Christmas book & we're only in August 🤦♀️
I struggled a little to get into this one, but once the story got going I couldn't put it down & sat in the bath until I'd finished it. Make sure you've eaten before reading this as the descriptions of the cakes & puddings sound gorgeous & I wanted to try them all 😋
Teacher Rachel is nursing a broken heart 💔 and goes off to Paris (thanks to her friends) to enter a baking competition, knowing that she'll never live up to her mothers standards of baking. With competitiveness among the contestants heating up can Rachel prove she's got what it takes?
I struggled a little to get into this one, but once the story got going I couldn't put it down & sat in the bath until I'd finished it. Make sure you've eaten before reading this as the descriptions of the cakes & puddings sound gorgeous & I wanted to try them all 😋
Teacher Rachel is nursing a broken heart 💔 and goes off to Paris (thanks to her friends) to enter a baking competition, knowing that she'll never live up to her mothers standards of baking. With competitiveness among the contestants heating up can Rachel prove she's got what it takes?
December 6, 2020
As someone who’s not a fan of chic-lit, this surprised me! Not too cheesy, a slow burn romance and a lot of well detailed baking scenes that make you drool slightly!!! If you love Great British Bake Off, you’ll love this! X
November 7, 2018
Sockersöt som en riktigt cheesy julromcom men den funkar - skulle gärna se den som film 💕
December 23, 2018
Sockersött, javisst. Och många goda bakverk.
January 8, 2020
Fairly realistic. Characters believable, mostly. Reading about the baking made me hungry!
November 13, 2024
I enjoyed this as it showed when you have a passion and a dream anything is possible and sometimes you need a little push from friends and family to show you that the dream is worth everything.
November 4, 2025
3.75! This book kept me company as I was crocheting and was really good to pass the time. Not overly Christmassy, not heavy on the romance, lovely small village found family vibe.
December 14, 2021
A great book set at Christmas time.
November 2, 2014
The first thing that draw me to The Parisian Christmas Bake-Off was the front cover with its Christmas theme I fell in love with it and then again once I read the blurb. Rachel works in a school teaching children but she dreams of baking to her hearts content. Growing up with her mother who owned a bakery put becoming a baker in her blood but Rachel doesn't know if she has it in her anymore.
Even though Rachel may not have the confidence in herself, her friends, colleagues and family know that she could be the next best thing, so when they pull together to get her to Paris for a baking competition, she can't help feel its now or never and gets on the plane that could change her life completely.
Arriving in Paris it isn't anything like Rachel imagined at all, from the extreme rivalry and the world class chef who can't seemed to have a good word for her, Rachel wonders if she is cut out for this at all. Though she is willing to try her very best and make her mother proud as well as to make it the whole week and win that crown of Apprentice to a well known chef.
Having her own bakery is something she has wanted, ever since her mother's closed and with her passing, Rachel has wanted to open her own in the small town that she lives, the same town where her mother's bakery was, years ago. Now all she needs is the drive, the confidence and the will to make it through this week and then decide on her future but things don't always go to plan, so when she meets a charming man, who works on the next floor up from the bakery in Paris, there is a instant connection between them. But he is not telling her something, something that could bring their flirtation to a dramatic conclusion and Rachel back at square one again with her love life.
The Parisian Christmas Bake-Off is wonderful Christmas book that everyone should read! With its holiday cheer, delicious baking, humour and friendship, it will take you on a journey of finding your dreams and the lengths you will go to get them, even at Christmas. There also maybe romance as well but you would have to read this amazing book to find out!
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Magical, Dreamy and Parisian.
Even though Rachel may not have the confidence in herself, her friends, colleagues and family know that she could be the next best thing, so when they pull together to get her to Paris for a baking competition, she can't help feel its now or never and gets on the plane that could change her life completely.
Arriving in Paris it isn't anything like Rachel imagined at all, from the extreme rivalry and the world class chef who can't seemed to have a good word for her, Rachel wonders if she is cut out for this at all. Though she is willing to try her very best and make her mother proud as well as to make it the whole week and win that crown of Apprentice to a well known chef.
Having her own bakery is something she has wanted, ever since her mother's closed and with her passing, Rachel has wanted to open her own in the small town that she lives, the same town where her mother's bakery was, years ago. Now all she needs is the drive, the confidence and the will to make it through this week and then decide on her future but things don't always go to plan, so when she meets a charming man, who works on the next floor up from the bakery in Paris, there is a instant connection between them. But he is not telling her something, something that could bring their flirtation to a dramatic conclusion and Rachel back at square one again with her love life.
The Parisian Christmas Bake-Off is wonderful Christmas book that everyone should read! With its holiday cheer, delicious baking, humour and friendship, it will take you on a journey of finding your dreams and the lengths you will go to get them, even at Christmas. There also maybe romance as well but you would have to read this amazing book to find out!
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Magical, Dreamy and Parisian.
November 27, 2014
Protagonist Rachel is stuck in a bit of a rut. Her boyfriend is beyond terrible and she finally sees that. Her mum passed away not too long ago and she misses her terribly, as does the whole village of Nettleton where she lives. Rachel's mum was a fantastic baker and everyone knows that Rachel likes to cook and bake as well. Just before Christmas one of Rachel's friends lets her know that she's going to Paris (even though she says she doesn't want to) to take part in a baking competition.
Rachel is an easy character to like because from the beginning of the book you can see that she's been through a lot and just wants something better for herself. When she finds out about Paris and the competition she really doesn't want to do it and even once she arrives she's still unsure. I was rooting for Rachel from the minute she stepped foot in the competition kitchen. It was obvious that she wasn't very comfortable and she also didn't think she should be there compared with the other contestants.
Jenny Oliver shows a very different view of Paris in this book. There are some very magical scenes at famous landmarks but what I really loved about the book was the descriptions of hidden away streets, the patisserie and the magic of a view from Rachel's window. The Parisian Christmas Bake Off doesn't show the flashy side of Paris but instead it's all about the magic of secret finds and not knowing what to expect. Oliver's descriptions really are wonderful, not only of Paris but of the food being made during the competition. I felt as though I was there with Rachel.
My only real criticism with this one is the time scale. The book only barely covers Christmas in Paris and a lot happens during this time. Some things, especially the romance, seemed really rushed which meant I wasn't as invested in it as I could have been. I didn't get to know Philippe the love interest nearly enough in the short space of time and I really wanted to. I did 'get' the attraction to him but I really just wanted more.
Overall, The Parisian Christmas Bake Off is a lovely read with the magic of Christmas, Paris and baking but I wanted more from it.
Rachel is an easy character to like because from the beginning of the book you can see that she's been through a lot and just wants something better for herself. When she finds out about Paris and the competition she really doesn't want to do it and even once she arrives she's still unsure. I was rooting for Rachel from the minute she stepped foot in the competition kitchen. It was obvious that she wasn't very comfortable and she also didn't think she should be there compared with the other contestants.
Jenny Oliver shows a very different view of Paris in this book. There are some very magical scenes at famous landmarks but what I really loved about the book was the descriptions of hidden away streets, the patisserie and the magic of a view from Rachel's window. The Parisian Christmas Bake Off doesn't show the flashy side of Paris but instead it's all about the magic of secret finds and not knowing what to expect. Oliver's descriptions really are wonderful, not only of Paris but of the food being made during the competition. I felt as though I was there with Rachel.
My only real criticism with this one is the time scale. The book only barely covers Christmas in Paris and a lot happens during this time. Some things, especially the romance, seemed really rushed which meant I wasn't as invested in it as I could have been. I didn't get to know Philippe the love interest nearly enough in the short space of time and I really wanted to. I did 'get' the attraction to him but I really just wanted more.
Overall, The Parisian Christmas Bake Off is a lovely read with the magic of Christmas, Paris and baking but I wanted more from it.
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