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Escape to France #3
The Recipe for Hope
In this charming novel from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, food was once the language of Evie’s soul. Now, can she remember the recipe for happiness?
Evie’s running away: from her soon-to-be ex-husband’s shiny new life, from the devastating loss of her baby last year, from a memory-filled London and, most particularly, from Christmas. A remote cottage in the South of France seems like the perfect peaceful place to soothe her sorrows.
But the countryside soon proves anything but quiet, from the rooster crowing at dawn to the barn owl hooting through the night—not to mention Evie’s handsome neighbour, doctor Didier, who works away in his garage at all hours.
Unexpectedly, the sights and sounds of life amid the sparkling beauty of the Dordogne give Evie a renewed sense of inspiration, and with her French grandmother’s recipe book for company, she begins to rediscover her love of cooking. Soon, the tight-knit community begins to enfold her, reminding Evie what really matters in life.
But are Didier’s gorgeous blue eyes on more than Evie’s delicious dinners? And can a cancelled Christmas—complete with a Not-Christmas feast for two—heal her heart?
Evie’s running away: from her soon-to-be ex-husband’s shiny new life, from the devastating loss of her baby last year, from a memory-filled London and, most particularly, from Christmas. A remote cottage in the South of France seems like the perfect peaceful place to soothe her sorrows.
But the countryside soon proves anything but quiet, from the rooster crowing at dawn to the barn owl hooting through the night—not to mention Evie’s handsome neighbour, doctor Didier, who works away in his garage at all hours.
Unexpectedly, the sights and sounds of life amid the sparkling beauty of the Dordogne give Evie a renewed sense of inspiration, and with her French grandmother’s recipe book for company, she begins to rediscover her love of cooking. Soon, the tight-knit community begins to enfold her, reminding Evie what really matters in life.
But are Didier’s gorgeous blue eyes on more than Evie’s delicious dinners? And can a cancelled Christmas—complete with a Not-Christmas feast for two—heal her heart?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
3121 people are currently reading
5973 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Valpy
19 books2,456 followersFiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.
Sign up to be the first to hear about her NEW releases here: http://bit.ly/184zc8B
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews
December 20, 2022
I’m starting to realise that perhaps time and the gentle, unobtrusive support of this tiny community are helping me to at least accept my loss, helping the scars begin to heal so that, while they’ll still always be there, life will go on.
3.5 ⭐
What a powerful combination of excruciatingly difficult topics and Christmassy vibes in the midst of French countryside. We follow Evie Brooke, a woman who is still trying to recover from the stillborn birth of her daughter a year ago, the divorce that followed and even her carrier as a chef suffering immensely.
I thought this might be too depressing for me. But the heavy parts were handled well and with care. And we meet Evie at a moment when things are slowly starting to turn around for her. So the book was full of hopeful tones and learning how to move on.
And the food... Oh wow, the food was such an essential part of the book. It sounded delicious and it made everything so vibrant and cozy. I loved it.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Recipe for Hope by Fiona Valpy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐
What a powerful combination of excruciatingly difficult topics and Christmassy vibes in the midst of French countryside. We follow Evie Brooke, a woman who is still trying to recover from the stillborn birth of her daughter a year ago, the divorce that followed and even her carrier as a chef suffering immensely.
I thought this might be too depressing for me. But the heavy parts were handled well and with care. And we meet Evie at a moment when things are slowly starting to turn around for her. So the book was full of hopeful tones and learning how to move on.
And the food... Oh wow, the food was such an essential part of the book. It sounded delicious and it made everything so vibrant and cozy. I loved it.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Recipe for Hope by Fiona Valpy in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2022
This is one I already read back in 2015 under the title of The French For Christmas. This heartwarming story introduces us to Evie Brooke, a woman carrying immense emotional pain after the stillborn birth of her daughter a year ago, the loss of her marriage and her beloved bistro. The last thing she wants is to get dragged into the revelry of the Christmas holiday. When her best friends offer Evie the use of their cottage in the French countryside, Evie accepts their offer in the hope that this will be the perfect opportunity to avoid the holiday and the reminders of all she has lost.
I loved this story. My heart broke for everything Evie has gone through and I felt a deep empathy for her continued struggle to come to terms with everything. I applauded her choice to try something new instead of burying herself in her flat and hiding from everyone. I thought agreeing to go to France was a brave decision and braver, still, was her willingness to reach out to others, her sister, about to give birth to her own child, her parents, her estranged husband, her friends and her new neighbors in France. She could have stayed hidden in the cottage and became a hermit, but she didn’t and that made this story so beautiful. She even participates in helping a mare birth her foal.
This story also had some very humorous scenes involving a pig running loose and meeting the handsome Doctor Didier for the first time. Laughter through tears is very therapeutic and I loved how these new experiences begin to bring Evie out of her shell. Add in wonderful food and the love of family and friends and a Christmas miracle is born. I highly recommend this book if you like stories of love, healing, forgiveness and new beginnings.
I loved this story. My heart broke for everything Evie has gone through and I felt a deep empathy for her continued struggle to come to terms with everything. I applauded her choice to try something new instead of burying herself in her flat and hiding from everyone. I thought agreeing to go to France was a brave decision and braver, still, was her willingness to reach out to others, her sister, about to give birth to her own child, her parents, her estranged husband, her friends and her new neighbors in France. She could have stayed hidden in the cottage and became a hermit, but she didn’t and that made this story so beautiful. She even participates in helping a mare birth her foal.
This story also had some very humorous scenes involving a pig running loose and meeting the handsome Doctor Didier for the first time. Laughter through tears is very therapeutic and I loved how these new experiences begin to bring Evie out of her shell. Add in wonderful food and the love of family and friends and a Christmas miracle is born. I highly recommend this book if you like stories of love, healing, forgiveness and new beginnings.
August 15, 2022
“The best meals are those seasoned with friendship and conversation.”
Valpy gently reminds us that amidst the uplifting carols and festive hum surrounding Christmas, there are those who are hurting. Her vivid descriptions of winter in a hive will inspire you to reach out to others….after all, we’re all on this journey together.
I absolutely loved returning to the south of France and the Dordogne region and meeting up with characters from Valpy’s other books. It’s like meeting up with old friends. New to the community is dreamy Dr. Didier Dumas, a locum with a broken heart, who fits in well and learns that in facilitating healing within the hamlet, he finds solace and restoration himself.
After a stillbirth and broken marriage, redheaded American Chef Evie Brooke heads to a remote cottage a tiny hamlet of Les Pelerins to heal. Her celebrity chef husband, Will, seems to have found inspiration in his flavour of the month and continues to run the couple’s restaurant. Evie wants to remove herself from her old life. The last place she wants to be at Christmas is anywhere near people! As she settles into this quiet corner of a foreign country, thinking that no one spoke her language and she could be alone with her grief, she learns to appreciate the tranquility of village life and the helpfulness of the community. She discovers she’s anything BUT alone in her grief once she opens up to the neighbours. She is drawn out of herself, challenged to see things from a different perspective and focus on the things that really matter. It’s when she brings out her French grandmother’s cookbook that the inspiration from the Dordogne mixes with the love of cooking and she finds ‘the recipe for hope.’
This is not your typical Christmas read. Yes, the author does share the French seasonal traditions but put any pre-conceived notions out of your mind. You’ll learn about the tradition of Le Pere Fouettard, the Marche aux Truffes, and the local Trappe d’Echourgnac. And, yes, there are gifts. But not what you’d expect. Two people awaken to find the gift of strength to open their hearts and love again…a gift far superior to anything one could purchase.
I loved the author’s thoughts on us being ambassadors and the healing power of nature. Evie’s journey entertained me, moved me and inspired me.
This is book 3 of the Escape to France series and was previously published as The French For Christmas
“The rural way of life seems to be dying out, just at a time when the world needs it more than ever.”
I was gifted this advance copy by Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Valpy gently reminds us that amidst the uplifting carols and festive hum surrounding Christmas, there are those who are hurting. Her vivid descriptions of winter in a hive will inspire you to reach out to others….after all, we’re all on this journey together.
I absolutely loved returning to the south of France and the Dordogne region and meeting up with characters from Valpy’s other books. It’s like meeting up with old friends. New to the community is dreamy Dr. Didier Dumas, a locum with a broken heart, who fits in well and learns that in facilitating healing within the hamlet, he finds solace and restoration himself.
After a stillbirth and broken marriage, redheaded American Chef Evie Brooke heads to a remote cottage a tiny hamlet of Les Pelerins to heal. Her celebrity chef husband, Will, seems to have found inspiration in his flavour of the month and continues to run the couple’s restaurant. Evie wants to remove herself from her old life. The last place she wants to be at Christmas is anywhere near people! As she settles into this quiet corner of a foreign country, thinking that no one spoke her language and she could be alone with her grief, she learns to appreciate the tranquility of village life and the helpfulness of the community. She discovers she’s anything BUT alone in her grief once she opens up to the neighbours. She is drawn out of herself, challenged to see things from a different perspective and focus on the things that really matter. It’s when she brings out her French grandmother’s cookbook that the inspiration from the Dordogne mixes with the love of cooking and she finds ‘the recipe for hope.’
This is not your typical Christmas read. Yes, the author does share the French seasonal traditions but put any pre-conceived notions out of your mind. You’ll learn about the tradition of Le Pere Fouettard, the Marche aux Truffes, and the local Trappe d’Echourgnac. And, yes, there are gifts. But not what you’d expect. Two people awaken to find the gift of strength to open their hearts and love again…a gift far superior to anything one could purchase.
I loved the author’s thoughts on us being ambassadors and the healing power of nature. Evie’s journey entertained me, moved me and inspired me.
This is book 3 of the Escape to France series and was previously published as The French For Christmas
“The rural way of life seems to be dying out, just at a time when the world needs it more than ever.”
I was gifted this advance copy by Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 20, 2022
This is my first book by Fiona Valpy, I found this story short and sweet. I loved this quote about Christmas from the book "No matter how far you run, no matter how hard you try to shut it out, it creeps up on you from behind and ambushes you with its beauty and its traditions and its pure, bloody-minded determination to remind the world about what's really important."
I know I have tried to run from Christmas and failed, so I relate to what Evie was trying to do. I loved this small French town and how they all came together. This is perfect holiday story, I think everyone can relate to.
Evie is running away to a remote cottage in the South of France, perfect place for her to heal from grief. With the help of her neighbors she is starts to heal, and gets back to feeling like herself again.
This book is the perfect present for family this year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for copy of this book for my honest review.
I know I have tried to run from Christmas and failed, so I relate to what Evie was trying to do. I loved this small French town and how they all came together. This is perfect holiday story, I think everyone can relate to.
Evie is running away to a remote cottage in the South of France, perfect place for her to heal from grief. With the help of her neighbors she is starts to heal, and gets back to feeling like herself again.
This book is the perfect present for family this year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for copy of this book for my honest review.
December 20, 2022
Wonderful.... a woman recovers from a stillbirth. Such a beautiful story.
June 15, 2022
The Christmas season is upon us and The French For Christmas is a wonderful choice to get the holiday spirits raised. This heartwarming story by new to me author, Fiona Valpy, introduces us to Evie Brooke, a woman carrying immense emotional pain after the stillborn birth of her daughter a year ago, the loss of her marriage and her beloved bistro. The last thing she wants is to get dragged into the revelry of the Christmas holiday. When her best friends offer Evie the use of their cottage in the French countryside, Evie accepts their offer in the hope that this will be the perfect opportunity to avoid the holiday and the reminders of all she has lost.
I loved this story. My heart broke for everything Evie has gone through and I felt a deep empathy for her continued struggle to come to terms with everything. I applauded her choice to try something new instead of burying herself in her flat and hiding from everyone. I thought agreeing to go to France was a brave decision and braver, still, was her willingness to reach out to others, her sister, about to give birth to her own child, her parents, her estranged husband, her friends and her new neighbors in France. She could have stayed hidden in the cottage and became a hermit, but she didn’t and that made this story so beautiful. She even participates in helping a mare birth her foal.
This story also had some very humorous scenes involving a pig running loose and meeting the handsome Doctor Didier for the first time. Laughter through tears is very therapeutic and I loved how these new experiences begin to bring Evie out of her shell. Add in wonderful food and the love of family and friends and a Christmas miracle is born. The French For Christmas is a perfect addition to your Christmas season reading. I highly recommend this book if you like stories of love, healing, forgiveness and new beginnings.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The French For Christmas from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. My heart broke for everything Evie has gone through and I felt a deep empathy for her continued struggle to come to terms with everything. I applauded her choice to try something new instead of burying herself in her flat and hiding from everyone. I thought agreeing to go to France was a brave decision and braver, still, was her willingness to reach out to others, her sister, about to give birth to her own child, her parents, her estranged husband, her friends and her new neighbors in France. She could have stayed hidden in the cottage and became a hermit, but she didn’t and that made this story so beautiful. She even participates in helping a mare birth her foal.
This story also had some very humorous scenes involving a pig running loose and meeting the handsome Doctor Didier for the first time. Laughter through tears is very therapeutic and I loved how these new experiences begin to bring Evie out of her shell. Add in wonderful food and the love of family and friends and a Christmas miracle is born. The French For Christmas is a perfect addition to your Christmas season reading. I highly recommend this book if you like stories of love, healing, forgiveness and new beginnings.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The French For Christmas from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2024
I really don't like this type of books or this style of writing.
I felt like I was reading a story that’s part of a textbook for an elementary school. Sorry. 👎
I felt like I was reading a story that’s part of a textbook for an elementary school. Sorry. 👎
September 5, 2022
A Christmas read and my first from Fiona Valpy. Evie Brooke needs a place to flee to and the South of France seems perfect. She doesn't want to make the decision to go to the States or remain in London after a stillbirth and broken marriage. Rose and Max, her best friends have suggested their place as a hideout, where she can heal, take stock of her life and avoid OTT Christmas jollity and traditions. She spends the festive season in a remote cottage in a tiny hamlet. Although short (about 200 pages) the characters appeal and the description of the cottage and surroundings bring it to life. Uplifting, inspiring and worthwhile.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 26, 2015
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
Giving away ONE PAPERBACK of Fiona Valpy's 'The French for Christmas' on the blog. Open INTERNATIONALLY & ends 6th November. Enter HERE
* Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
'The French for Christmas' is the first book by Fiona Valpy I have read, but it's definitely not going to be the last one. It's been waiting in my TBR pile for a year, and now after reading it I want to slap myself hard for waiting so long to read this wonderful story.
'The French for Christmas' is not your typical festive read. Oh yes, there's romance and wonderful Christmas dishes, made with love and with a modern spin to the classic French ones. But if you're looking for a fluffy, cheery Christmas book, this might not be the one. However, if you're looking for a deep, poignant yet up lifting story with loads of beautiful messages, then you don't need to look any further.
This book made me cry so many times, first time being right at the beginning and I wasn't even 10% in. It tells the story of Evie who's lost her baby when she was seven months pregnant and had to deliver a dead baby. While reading about this, I felt like my heart was crushed into million tiny pieces. Ms Valpy does an excellent work in describing Evie's feelings, the grief and sadness and I don't believe there ever will be a reader who won't find those descriptions unsettling. Yet it's because of this vivid portrayal of Evie, that we all get to know her so well, her feelings and past and her determination to leave everything behind and run. The first anniversary of the saddest moment of her life is fast approaching, and falls exactly on Christmas. Everyone is looking forward to Christmas and spending time with the family, but not Evie. She's got no one. First she lost her baby, then her husband leaves her because she's become nothing but a shadow of herself. Wanting to run away from it all, she leaves for the French countryside, to stay at her friends' summer house. What she expects is to find some peace and ease for her pain, some quiet time with her sadness and memories. What she certainly doesn't expect is to fall in love with the neighbour, rekindle her love for cooking and be welcomed into a lovely community which makes her feel like she belongs.
'The French for Christmas' is definitely a book that stands out from the other books, especially Christmas ones, I've read so far. Ms Valpy has a knack for creating the most in-depth descriptions which make you feel like you're one of the book characters. It feels so real and it also feels like everything is happening to you. I cried, my heart was broken then patched (just like Evie's)... I don't know, I just experienced so many emotions while reading it. It's definitely not a fluffy romance, on the contrary it's a very heavy, at times even disturbing read (at least it was for me), but even while you're reading these details and peel a layer after layer of Evie's soul, you feel honoured to witness this. I don't know if any of this makes sense to you, but as I said, this is not a typical romance.
Didier, the French neighbour was an amazing character. Ms Valpy doesn't follow the cliche of creating heroes who are Alpha males or bad boys. Didier is not the stereotype we see in so many romance stories, and this is the main reason why I liked him from the beginning. He's the perfect gentleman any woman could fall for, and not just cause of his looks.
What I also loved is the description of the French countryside, that tranquility of the house, the apple yard, the simplicity of the country life. I also loved the neighbours, Eliane and her husband were wonderful addition to the story. It's amazing how welcoming and friendly they are, something which Evie hasn't experienced in London. Eliane's such a strong and lovely character and her story made me cry big, ugly tears. I was constantly asking myself, why do these tragic things happen to such wonderful people and how on earth did they manage to pick up the pieces and move on. Being a woman and a mother myself, I admire Evie and Eliane's strength. I honestly can't even imagine the hell they went through. But they are not only survivors, they are fighters.
The beauty of this book is that it gives hope, it shows the importance of forgiving and letting go of all the difficult moments and the many mysterious ways god, nature or the universe work.
My only complaint would be I wish there was more dialogue, because as much as I enjoyed the monologue and the wonderful descriptions, sometimes they felt overwhelming. It felt like an additional burden to a story which is already heavy. This might work for some, but it was a slight problem for me. But nevertheless, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book and I'm most definitely reading Ms Valpy's other books.
'The French for Christmas' is a beautiful, heart breaking yet uplifting wonderful story I certainly recommend to all fans of women's fiction.
December 28, 2015
I was given an ecopy of this book by the lovely Kim at Bookouture in exchange for an honest review which I am more than happy to give. I'd previous read The French for Always and was really looking forward to settling down with this book.
The story revolves around Evie, a woman, who when we meet her has the barriers up as her life seems to be disintegrating around her. The previous christmas she gave birth to a still born baby, her marriage fell apart as a result of the ensuing stress and hurt. Her husband seems to be flaunting his new relationship under her nose and her sister is expecting a baby of her own.
Not surprisingly Evie jumps at the chance to get away from it all to a friends cottage in France for the christmas period. She used to work alongside her celebrity chef husband and decides to take her grandmothers old recipe book with her to try and recapture some of what she had lost.
With only two neighbouring houses, that of an older couple and that of a doctor it looked like Evie would get the solitude she was desperately seeking especially as there was no phone connected and her mobile signal was none existent.
I thoroughly enjoyed The French for Christmas, Fiona has great talent and her descriptive skills instantly transported me to France. She gave us a person at rock bottom, the only way really was up! A handsome neighbour who quite clearly has his own baggage and a delightful, mature, couple for stability.
At times I laughed at loud, particularly the vision of Evie running around the garden in her pi's chasing a pig - the comedy value of this scene was priceless. The opposite side to the coin is hearing about Evie's losses her baby, husband, career and the fact she'd lost the will to go on brought many a tear to my eye.
The initial slower pace of this book did cause me a little concern - this however, turned out to be a clever ploy of Fiona's. I found as Evie's character grew in strength and her demeanour lifted so did the pace of the book. It was a 'kerching' moment when I finished the book and thought back, I realised that the very nature of the first chapters, really only suited the slower pace, they wouldn't have had the same impact if they had been rushed.
As the story progressed a hearty part of this book revolves around food, Evie slowly getting her cooking mojo back after a visit to the local market and a flick through her grandmother's recipes. Again, the descriptions were such that I could visibly see, taste and smell all of the ingredients and food stuff both at the market and back in the little kitchen at the cottage.
Evie's first encounter with Didier, the neighbouring doctor doesn't go the way she had planned and she finds herself unknowingly relying upon him. Later, in turn she finds herself paying back his kindness through food. Evie set out wanting to ignore christmas but finds herself putting the needs and requests of others before her own and ends up inviting them all to dinner on Christmas Day for a non christmas meal, a day she really had mentally cancelled this year. Cue, some uninvited guests who threaten to undo all of the positives and the strength Evie had gained from her time of almost solitude and new friendships made.
This book demonstrates how time, friendship, love and trust are what is needed to help us through the bad times and that by giving and thinking of others helps to sufficiently distract us from our own problems. Evie finds herself relying upon her neighbours on more than one occasion. The flip side being as she gained strength from their support she was able to return the favour.
Several times throughout the book I found myself talking out loud, muttering and cursing. It was at this point that I really knew Fiona had given me characters that I had connected with, that had strength and depth who I found I really cared about - her work here was done.
This book began with sadness and loss and ended with happiness and hope, an uplifting read that truly does demonstrate time is a great healer and that we should never underestimate the power of friendships both old and new.
The story revolves around Evie, a woman, who when we meet her has the barriers up as her life seems to be disintegrating around her. The previous christmas she gave birth to a still born baby, her marriage fell apart as a result of the ensuing stress and hurt. Her husband seems to be flaunting his new relationship under her nose and her sister is expecting a baby of her own.
Not surprisingly Evie jumps at the chance to get away from it all to a friends cottage in France for the christmas period. She used to work alongside her celebrity chef husband and decides to take her grandmothers old recipe book with her to try and recapture some of what she had lost.
With only two neighbouring houses, that of an older couple and that of a doctor it looked like Evie would get the solitude she was desperately seeking especially as there was no phone connected and her mobile signal was none existent.
I thoroughly enjoyed The French for Christmas, Fiona has great talent and her descriptive skills instantly transported me to France. She gave us a person at rock bottom, the only way really was up! A handsome neighbour who quite clearly has his own baggage and a delightful, mature, couple for stability.
At times I laughed at loud, particularly the vision of Evie running around the garden in her pi's chasing a pig - the comedy value of this scene was priceless. The opposite side to the coin is hearing about Evie's losses her baby, husband, career and the fact she'd lost the will to go on brought many a tear to my eye.
The initial slower pace of this book did cause me a little concern - this however, turned out to be a clever ploy of Fiona's. I found as Evie's character grew in strength and her demeanour lifted so did the pace of the book. It was a 'kerching' moment when I finished the book and thought back, I realised that the very nature of the first chapters, really only suited the slower pace, they wouldn't have had the same impact if they had been rushed.
As the story progressed a hearty part of this book revolves around food, Evie slowly getting her cooking mojo back after a visit to the local market and a flick through her grandmother's recipes. Again, the descriptions were such that I could visibly see, taste and smell all of the ingredients and food stuff both at the market and back in the little kitchen at the cottage.
Evie's first encounter with Didier, the neighbouring doctor doesn't go the way she had planned and she finds herself unknowingly relying upon him. Later, in turn she finds herself paying back his kindness through food. Evie set out wanting to ignore christmas but finds herself putting the needs and requests of others before her own and ends up inviting them all to dinner on Christmas Day for a non christmas meal, a day she really had mentally cancelled this year. Cue, some uninvited guests who threaten to undo all of the positives and the strength Evie had gained from her time of almost solitude and new friendships made.
This book demonstrates how time, friendship, love and trust are what is needed to help us through the bad times and that by giving and thinking of others helps to sufficiently distract us from our own problems. Evie finds herself relying upon her neighbours on more than one occasion. The flip side being as she gained strength from their support she was able to return the favour.
Several times throughout the book I found myself talking out loud, muttering and cursing. It was at this point that I really knew Fiona had given me characters that I had connected with, that had strength and depth who I found I really cared about - her work here was done.
This book began with sadness and loss and ended with happiness and hope, an uplifting read that truly does demonstrate time is a great healer and that we should never underestimate the power of friendships both old and new.
September 19, 2014
I would like to begin by saying THANK YOU to Net Galley and Bookouture for this advance copy for my honest review.
It was so nice to read a truly inspiring Christmas book that really was full of hope and joy. We often forget the happiness that the holiday season can bring to us.
Let me begin by saying there have been moments in my life that have been very hard to deal with and I would have welcomed the opportunity to take time away and regroup and become myself again but unfortunately we all do not get that opportunity.
Evie had a tragic event in her life take away her desire to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays. She bored her friend Rose's cabin in the French countryside and wanted to get away and heal and forget about the holidays this year.
Evie wants to truly forget the holidays and try to get back to her roots, which is her love of cooking. Then she meets the handsome, young doctor next door...
Christmas magic always has that way of changing your life when you least expect it! The story is so heartfelt and enveloping and I loved every moment of it.
I would recommend this book to everyone and I can't wait to read more from this author!
It was so nice to read a truly inspiring Christmas book that really was full of hope and joy. We often forget the happiness that the holiday season can bring to us.
Let me begin by saying there have been moments in my life that have been very hard to deal with and I would have welcomed the opportunity to take time away and regroup and become myself again but unfortunately we all do not get that opportunity.
Evie had a tragic event in her life take away her desire to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays. She bored her friend Rose's cabin in the French countryside and wanted to get away and heal and forget about the holidays this year.
Evie wants to truly forget the holidays and try to get back to her roots, which is her love of cooking. Then she meets the handsome, young doctor next door...
Christmas magic always has that way of changing your life when you least expect it! The story is so heartfelt and enveloping and I loved every moment of it.
I would recommend this book to everyone and I can't wait to read more from this author!
August 21, 2022
Evie is mourning the loss of a pregnancy, her marriage is broken and her husband has moved on. She no longer feels the passion she did for cooking and as Christmas approaches and the anniversary of her loss she decides to spend the holiday in a remote French village alone. The cottage caretakers take her under their wings and there is a doctor next door similarly dreading Christmas. This is a short book at about 200 pages but the characters are lovely and the description of the cottage and surroundings bring it to life.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me a digital copy.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me a digital copy.
September 16, 2019
9.1.5.19- Downgraded to 2 stars upon further reflection.
I'm conflicted about this one. I can't justify how I feel about this book without spoiling it just a bit so I will tag it for those who want to avoid that. I'll mention what I enjoyed about this and tag the rest.
The writing style was easy to read and engaging as always. There were no intimate scenes and I would consider this a clean read.
Now onto what bothered me
I'm conflicted about this one. I can't justify how I feel about this book without spoiling it just a bit so I will tag it for those who want to avoid that. I'll mention what I enjoyed about this and tag the rest.
The writing style was easy to read and engaging as always. There were no intimate scenes and I would consider this a clean read.
Now onto what bothered me
November 14, 2014
A lovely story that demonstrates hope, love and friendship which you can’t help but become engrossed in. I got through this book very quickly as I couldn’t put it down. Poor Evie had such a tough time and deserved better, but life takes a turn when she is invited to spend Christmas in France. There are real highs and lows for Evie and you will want to see this story through to the end. This book has everything, a highly recommended read.
October 23, 2014
Christmas is the most joyful time of the year. While everyone is celebrating, Evie cries all the time. She has lost her baby. Her marriage is falling apart. It is not Christmas for her this year. Lucky for her, her friends are always there by her side. They send her in their house in rural France so she can escape from everything and find herself again. But when you don't expect to find something, you will find it. In the middle of nowhere, while the snow storm lurks around, Evie finds friendship and love, a completely new beginning. Can she finally find herself and start her life again?
Evie's story is very touching. She loses her baby even before the baby is born. Her husband is running away all the time, it is his way of coping with pain. But Evie is a fighter, even if she runs in rural France just to escape Christmas. With little help from her grandmother's cooking book and lots of help from the neighbors, she starts all over again. And nothing can stop her.
And what can be more distracting than a neighbor that looks like Bradley Cooper, plus he is a doctor? But he is also running away from Christmas. No, he is not chased by the three ghosts from the past. But can Evie restore his faith in love?
I rarely give five stars to a book, but this one totally deserves it. You'll ask why five stars? Because Ms. Valpy writes with emotions. If the story makes me cry or laugh, has ups and downs, it is definitely worth five stars. This time the author made me both cry and laugh at the same time, she balances with emotions so well! On one side there are Evie and Didier's demons from the past, on the other side there is Christmas, there is snow, lack of electricity and very hungry neighbor's pig. I love both of the main characters. And not just them, all the characters in the book are well done. Not to reveal more, I advise you to just dive into this adorable emotional Christmas story that will melt your heart.
Evie's story is very touching. She loses her baby even before the baby is born. Her husband is running away all the time, it is his way of coping with pain. But Evie is a fighter, even if she runs in rural France just to escape Christmas. With little help from her grandmother's cooking book and lots of help from the neighbors, she starts all over again. And nothing can stop her.
And what can be more distracting than a neighbor that looks like Bradley Cooper, plus he is a doctor? But he is also running away from Christmas. No, he is not chased by the three ghosts from the past. But can Evie restore his faith in love?
I rarely give five stars to a book, but this one totally deserves it. You'll ask why five stars? Because Ms. Valpy writes with emotions. If the story makes me cry or laugh, has ups and downs, it is definitely worth five stars. This time the author made me both cry and laugh at the same time, she balances with emotions so well! On one side there are Evie and Didier's demons from the past, on the other side there is Christmas, there is snow, lack of electricity and very hungry neighbor's pig. I love both of the main characters. And not just them, all the characters in the book are well done. Not to reveal more, I advise you to just dive into this adorable emotional Christmas story that will melt your heart.
December 8, 2014
Evie's had such a horrible year. She's heartbroken and grieving. Christmas is something she doesn't look forward to at all. Even though she's received several invitations, she decides to spend this year's Christmas on her own. When her friends offer her a stay at their cottage in the French countryside she doesn't have to think twice. Evie's sure the solitude will do her some good. Alone with her grief she finally has a chance to mourn her great loss and the break up of her marriage. The first days by herself are a bit of a blur and when she finally finds the courage to go outside and get some food she catches a horrible bug. Fortunately her next-door neighbor is a doctor who comes to her rescue. He's gorgeous and he's easy to talk to. Evie finally starts to heal with the help of great food, unexpected company of wonderful people and maybe even a little bit of romance. Then someone from her past is threatening to ruin everything. Will Evie be able to go through with her great new plans or will the old and familiar lure her back in?
The French for Christmas is a story about loss and grief. That doesn't mean it's a sad book, it's actually quite a hopeful one and I liked that a lot. I love Fiona Valpy's French countryside stories and this one is no exception. The setting is wonderful and the snow and winter weather give it a fairytale like atmosphere. Evie is sympathetic and strong which makes her a perfect heroine. She comes to the remote cottage to find some peace and quiet, but she doesn't count on finding so much more. That aspect of the story made me so happy. Gradually Evie is starting to feel more and more festive and it was great to read about her progress. I could totally picture the French market, the delicious cooking, the ancient stove and cosy, warm fires which instantly created a wonderful holiday mood. The French for Christmas is such a lovely Christmas story, you don't want to miss it.
The French for Christmas is a story about loss and grief. That doesn't mean it's a sad book, it's actually quite a hopeful one and I liked that a lot. I love Fiona Valpy's French countryside stories and this one is no exception. The setting is wonderful and the snow and winter weather give it a fairytale like atmosphere. Evie is sympathetic and strong which makes her a perfect heroine. She comes to the remote cottage to find some peace and quiet, but she doesn't count on finding so much more. That aspect of the story made me so happy. Gradually Evie is starting to feel more and more festive and it was great to read about her progress. I could totally picture the French market, the delicious cooking, the ancient stove and cosy, warm fires which instantly created a wonderful holiday mood. The French for Christmas is such a lovely Christmas story, you don't want to miss it.
December 17, 2014
View my review on my blog at http://palmerspageturners.blogspot.co...
This book was DELIGHTFUL! I absolutely loved it. Those who know me know I love French culture, so I really enjoyed that the majority of this book was set in France. I also really identified with Evie's situation and found myself really wishing I had a cute little French cottage to escape to this December! Evie's character had such real and raw emotion that made her likeable and so easy to relate to and root for throughout the book. The book had so many funny moments (the pig in the backyard of the cottage, to name one) and so many fun characters.
The writing was fun, the story was entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's one of the best Christmas themed books I've read. I was a bit predictable, as this genre can be, but sometimes predictability is just what you need in a delightful novel such as this! This is a perfect read for your winter break!
This book was DELIGHTFUL! I absolutely loved it. Those who know me know I love French culture, so I really enjoyed that the majority of this book was set in France. I also really identified with Evie's situation and found myself really wishing I had a cute little French cottage to escape to this December! Evie's character had such real and raw emotion that made her likeable and so easy to relate to and root for throughout the book. The book had so many funny moments (the pig in the backyard of the cottage, to name one) and so many fun characters.
The writing was fun, the story was entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's one of the best Christmas themed books I've read. I was a bit predictable, as this genre can be, but sometimes predictability is just what you need in a delightful novel such as this! This is a perfect read for your winter break!
November 16, 2014
When Evie wants to escape from the Christmas cheer- she goes to her friends French cottage. She is looking forward to the isolation. She isn't quite expecting the absence of mobile and internet reception.
When one of her neighbours pops in to see her she is suffering from a nasty tummy bug- and he happens to be the local doctor.
She gradually gets to know the other couple and decides that it would be nice to have the neighbours round for Christmas after all.
She and Didier are both hiding away from a painful past- and the mistletoe works it's magic. BUT her ex husband turns up in a delivery lorry during a snow storm and seems to think they should get back together.
I absolutely loved this story and the way it came to a conclusion and can't wait to read more by this author. The Christmas atmosphere just oozed out of the pages and loved the neighbours family.
With thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
When one of her neighbours pops in to see her she is suffering from a nasty tummy bug- and he happens to be the local doctor.
She gradually gets to know the other couple and decides that it would be nice to have the neighbours round for Christmas after all.
She and Didier are both hiding away from a painful past- and the mistletoe works it's magic. BUT her ex husband turns up in a delivery lorry during a snow storm and seems to think they should get back together.
I absolutely loved this story and the way it came to a conclusion and can't wait to read more by this author. The Christmas atmosphere just oozed out of the pages and loved the neighbours family.
With thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.
July 11, 2023
The Recipe for Hope by Fiona Valpy
Escape to France #3
Revised edition: Previously published as The French for Christmas, this edition of The Recipe for Hope includes editorial revisions.
193-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Holiday > Christmas
Featuring: Titled Chapters, French to English Glossary, Poem - Every December Sky, Lyric Epigraphs, London, England; France, American MC, Lost of Pregnancy Before Story, Jerk Ex, Chef, Doctor, Bradley Cooper, Food, Menus, Previous Book Characters Cameos, First Book of Series Preview - Light Through the Vines
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
Songs for the soundtrack: "Deck The Halls", "Jingle Bells", "Twelve Days of Christmas", "La légende de Saint-Nicolas" by Henri Dès "Les Anges dans nos campagnes [Angels We Have Heard On High]", "I Wonder As I Wander", "The Boar’s Head Carol", "In The Bleak Midwinter", "See, Amid The Winter’s Snow", "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Bing Crosby, Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle", "Love Came Down At Christmas", “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇫🇷🎄👩🍳
My thoughts: 🔖Page 30 of 193 Ch. 3 The Twelve Days of Christmas - So far, this is the best opening yet.
🔖53 six pages in Ch. 4 Les Anges Dans Nos Campagne - This is the best, and I have to stop when the hot doctor shows up.
This was really good. I'm glad I stuck with this series, just because I got to read this book. I learned that Eliane and Mireille, who appear in all 3 books, star in The Beekeeper’s Promise and The Dressmaker’s Gift, which I now know the jacket and wall were Easter eggs in the first book.
Recommend to others: Yes! This was the best book of the series.
Escape to France #3
Revised edition: Previously published as The French for Christmas, this edition of The Recipe for Hope includes editorial revisions.
193-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Holiday > Christmas
Featuring: Titled Chapters, French to English Glossary, Poem - Every December Sky, Lyric Epigraphs, London, England; France, American MC, Lost of Pregnancy Before Story, Jerk Ex, Chef, Doctor, Bradley Cooper, Food, Menus, Previous Book Characters Cameos, First Book of Series Preview - Light Through the Vines
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
Songs for the soundtrack: "Deck The Halls", "Jingle Bells", "Twelve Days of Christmas", "La légende de Saint-Nicolas" by Henri Dès "Les Anges dans nos campagnes [Angels We Have Heard On High]", "I Wonder As I Wander", "The Boar’s Head Carol", "In The Bleak Midwinter", "See, Amid The Winter’s Snow", "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Bing Crosby, Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabelle", "Love Came Down At Christmas", “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇫🇷🎄👩🍳
My thoughts: 🔖Page 30 of 193 Ch. 3 The Twelve Days of Christmas - So far, this is the best opening yet.
🔖53 six pages in Ch. 4 Les Anges Dans Nos Campagne - This is the best, and I have to stop when the hot doctor shows up.
This was really good. I'm glad I stuck with this series, just because I got to read this book. I learned that Eliane and Mireille, who appear in all 3 books, star in The Beekeeper’s Promise and The Dressmaker’s Gift, which I now know the jacket and wall were Easter eggs in the first book.
Recommend to others: Yes! This was the best book of the series.
January 20, 2023
My mom recommended this book to me and I'm so glad I read it!
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A Christmas story with an undertone of grief and sorrow, this book deals heavily with grief and still birth and new beginnings. So tread carefully if you have experience with that tragedy.
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I look forward to reading the other books in this collection.
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A Christmas story with an undertone of grief and sorrow, this book deals heavily with grief and still birth and new beginnings. So tread carefully if you have experience with that tragedy.
.
I look forward to reading the other books in this collection.
July 19, 2022
Finished reading: July 19th 2022
"I guess you know you are really and truly alone when even your own reflection deserts you."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
January 28, 2015
Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
The French for Christmas is the second Fiona Valpy book I’ve read and I love how easily her writing transports the reader to the French location. Her writing is beautifully descriptive and though this means the book reads at a slower pace, that’s not an issue because the style of writing is mesmerising and emotive and really just lovely to read. Here we’re introduced to Evie, such a sincere character with a heart-breaking story. We learn that last Christmas, Evie’s baby was stillborn and that was followed by the break-up of her marriage and her worry about her sister’s pregnancy. It might not necessarily sound like it but actually this book isn’t made festive because it has snow on the cover and Christmas in the title – it really is a wonderfully festive novel. It’s a lot more realistic than most Christmas reads in that the author shows understanding that whilst Christmas can be the happiest time of year for lots of people, it can also be the most painful time of year for those suffering from loss or grief or those who are simply feeling alone. In those circumstances, all you can ask is to make the best of what you have and The French for Christmas is hopeful and inspiring.
To escape, Evie heads off to her friends’ cottage, which is practically in the middle of nowhere in the French countryside. I loved the author’s description of the picturesque location – it was really conveyed to be a quite special place to be, especially for those dreaming of a bit of escapism themselves. I loved Evie straight away. Although I sympathised with her, I was also rooting for her the whole way through, hoping she could regain some strength and show that she wasn’t all about running away and not facing up to her problems – really she was brave and courageous. But in the spirit of Christmas, I really didn’t want her to be alone and so here we meet her newfound neighbour, doctor Didier. Didier was described as a Bradley Cooper lookalike and so from my purely shallow perspective, he had me sold. Yet it was really, honestly, his personality that won me over. He was kind and thoughtful and knew a little bit about being dealt a bad hand himself. I wanted nothing more but for them to help each other through their individual heartache. I loved how there were only a few more characters in this novel because it really helped enhance those who were present and turned what could have been a lonely escape into almost a little community. The friendships built in this book made for some heart-warming reading.
Though both Evie and Didier provide some emotional, touching moments in The French for Christmas, the novel isn’t grim or off-putting. The author handles the sad themes with huge grace and sensitivity yet also brings us an array of moments to laugh at. A certain incident involving a pig stands out the most for me and it still makes me laugh thinking about it. Whilst this book was extremely moving throughout, in true Christmas spirit it will make you hungry too. Evie, on her journey through this book, works her way through her grandmother’s cookbook and some of the recipes sounded so mouth-watering I couldn’t help but crave them. I was impressed by the first Fiona Valpy book I’ve read, The French for Always, but loved The French for Christmas even more. It was told in such a charming, exquisite way and written with a lot of heart. I took out of it an uplifting impression of how love and friendship can slowly help heal even the most consuming pain and had the feeling that I’d just finished what was an endearingly precious novel.
*Book received via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
September 25, 2014
I received a free ebook version of this book by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Evie and Christmas just don't get along. In fact for her, it's the least happy and festive time of the year. That's because tragedy struck Evie, and her life hasn't been the same since. Her passion for food has suffered as a result and her friends, seeing Evie's downward spiral into the depths of her depression come up with a drastic solution. They're sending her to France, in the middle of nowhere for Christmas to come to terms with all that life has thrown her way. But sometimes Christmas isn't meant to be a sad affair. In fact this one will be anything but...
This was a lovely, cozy read which would be perfect for reading during those cold winter months. It was also a great read in September, but there is no doubt that I'll be reading this book again later in the year. In fact reading it now made me really excited for Christmas.
Evie's love for food is highlighted at every turn. There's lots of description of the food Evie sees on her journey, the recipes which have been given to her by her French side of the family as well as her own Christmas dinner recipes. By the end of this book I was positively ravenous. Some of the French food in this sounded absolutely delicious!
The characters in this were lovely and really added to the French Christmas magic. I loved the little robin who's a just as important character as the humans! Robins at Christmas time truly do spread Christmas joy.
Valpy tackles some immense difficult and rarely discussed topics, the most important of which is a key theme in the book. I won't spoil what exactly it is, but It's an extremely emotional topic and a difficult one to approach but Valpy handled it well and sympathetically.
Christmas magic is there each year, spreading good cheer. For after all, no matter where in the world we are, we never know what the magic of Christmas can achieve...
Evie and Christmas just don't get along. In fact for her, it's the least happy and festive time of the year. That's because tragedy struck Evie, and her life hasn't been the same since. Her passion for food has suffered as a result and her friends, seeing Evie's downward spiral into the depths of her depression come up with a drastic solution. They're sending her to France, in the middle of nowhere for Christmas to come to terms with all that life has thrown her way. But sometimes Christmas isn't meant to be a sad affair. In fact this one will be anything but...
This was a lovely, cozy read which would be perfect for reading during those cold winter months. It was also a great read in September, but there is no doubt that I'll be reading this book again later in the year. In fact reading it now made me really excited for Christmas.
Evie's love for food is highlighted at every turn. There's lots of description of the food Evie sees on her journey, the recipes which have been given to her by her French side of the family as well as her own Christmas dinner recipes. By the end of this book I was positively ravenous. Some of the French food in this sounded absolutely delicious!
The characters in this were lovely and really added to the French Christmas magic. I loved the little robin who's a just as important character as the humans! Robins at Christmas time truly do spread Christmas joy.
Valpy tackles some immense difficult and rarely discussed topics, the most important of which is a key theme in the book. I won't spoil what exactly it is, but It's an extremely emotional topic and a difficult one to approach but Valpy handled it well and sympathetically.
Christmas magic is there each year, spreading good cheer. For after all, no matter where in the world we are, we never know what the magic of Christmas can achieve...
October 13, 2014
Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook
Fiona Valpy has a very unique writing style. The book is full of descriptive language, creating such a vivid and beautiful setting of the South of France and of all the food which is a major theme throughout the book. The language is practically poetry, and is a refreshing change from the norm to read. I did find it was much slower paced than I am used to, but it works well for it, as Fiona takes her time to describe everything so explicitly it’s hard not to get swept away into the depths of the French countryside with Evie.
I adored Evie. She felt so real, so human, I wanted to hold her in my arms and wash her pain away. The dreamy Doctor Didier (who happens to be a dead ringer for Bradley Cooper!) was the perfect hero for this book. He too has his own demons to battle, and his own broken pieces to mend, and the solace they find in eachother was tender and touching.
The experience of grief itself was written incredibly well. Both Evie and Didier have experienced great tragedy recently, and are trying to escape their grief, which was written so delicately, but was so very real, so tragic, my heart absolutely ached for them both. Fiona tackled the sensitive subject with elegance and grace, without romanticising it, making for a truly touching read.
I was also happy to see some familiar faces from The French For Love make an appearance. The entire cast are a wonderfully eclectic group, and I particularly love the wise old neighbour Eliane, and the re-appearance from her sister Mireille from The French For Love.
A heart-warming and truly beautiful Christmas book.
Fiona Valpy has a very unique writing style. The book is full of descriptive language, creating such a vivid and beautiful setting of the South of France and of all the food which is a major theme throughout the book. The language is practically poetry, and is a refreshing change from the norm to read. I did find it was much slower paced than I am used to, but it works well for it, as Fiona takes her time to describe everything so explicitly it’s hard not to get swept away into the depths of the French countryside with Evie.
I adored Evie. She felt so real, so human, I wanted to hold her in my arms and wash her pain away. The dreamy Doctor Didier (who happens to be a dead ringer for Bradley Cooper!) was the perfect hero for this book. He too has his own demons to battle, and his own broken pieces to mend, and the solace they find in eachother was tender and touching.
The experience of grief itself was written incredibly well. Both Evie and Didier have experienced great tragedy recently, and are trying to escape their grief, which was written so delicately, but was so very real, so tragic, my heart absolutely ached for them both. Fiona tackled the sensitive subject with elegance and grace, without romanticising it, making for a truly touching read.
I was also happy to see some familiar faces from The French For Love make an appearance. The entire cast are a wonderfully eclectic group, and I particularly love the wise old neighbour Eliane, and the re-appearance from her sister Mireille from The French For Love.
A heart-warming and truly beautiful Christmas book.
July 21, 2015
I recently read on of Fiona’s other books The French for Love and really enjoyed it so was looking forward to reading this book. The main character Evie seems like such a sad and forlorn character in the beginning I wondered if life could ever look up for her. When her friends offer her their cottage in the rural countryside of France, Evie jumps at the chance to take some time out. Although it’s Christmas she wants to spend some time alone and recharge her batteries and try and get a fresh perspective on her life.
Although the reasons for Evie’s sadness are extremely sad Fiona Valpy manages to make this book more about hope and survival rather than a ‘poor me’ kind of book. She also does a wonderful job of making the reader feel like they are right next to Evie as she takes in her new surroundings. Her neighbours in France are not quite what she was expecting but the introduction of Didier the local doctor, and the elder couple Mathieu and Eliane are a pleasant addition.
In addition to the beautiful descriptions of this idyllic French house and area, we also get the mouth-watering descriptions of the beautiful food that Evie cooks. I did spend quite a bit of the time whilst reading this feeling extremely hungry! The story is a very happy and uplifting one which has the festive touches guaranteed to make for a wonderful Christmas read. It has everything you could want from a book for this time of year, all you need is the time to read it and a warm and cosy fire to sit in front of.
Although the reasons for Evie’s sadness are extremely sad Fiona Valpy manages to make this book more about hope and survival rather than a ‘poor me’ kind of book. She also does a wonderful job of making the reader feel like they are right next to Evie as she takes in her new surroundings. Her neighbours in France are not quite what she was expecting but the introduction of Didier the local doctor, and the elder couple Mathieu and Eliane are a pleasant addition.
In addition to the beautiful descriptions of this idyllic French house and area, we also get the mouth-watering descriptions of the beautiful food that Evie cooks. I did spend quite a bit of the time whilst reading this feeling extremely hungry! The story is a very happy and uplifting one which has the festive touches guaranteed to make for a wonderful Christmas read. It has everything you could want from a book for this time of year, all you need is the time to read it and a warm and cosy fire to sit in front of.
December 12, 2014
This book was an enjoyable tale that's set on the French countryside. Evie, living in London, is still not over the death of her infant daughter. Her husband has abandoned her, and he failed to be there for her when she needed him. Now, it appears her husband has moved on with his life while, a year later, next year's Christmas, Evie still struggles with her grief.
Her life takes an interesting turn when her best friend loans her the use of their family cottage on the French countryside. During the Christmas season, Evie stays in the cottage and meets an interesting group of people, her neighbors, who live nearby. During her grieving year, Evie has lost her joy for life and cooking. Her joy of cooking is re-ignited while she stays in the cottage.
I really loved the way I was able to emotionally connect with the characters in this novel. You could really feel for them, feel their griefs, but, they're strong people, and they learn to survive past pains.
I also loved reading about the food! I took French for four years in high school and during those four years, not only did we learn about the language, but, we learned a lot about French history and culture. A lot of my French Christmas cultural learning came back to me while reading this book! I might even make a yule log/buche de noel this Christmas!
Her life takes an interesting turn when her best friend loans her the use of their family cottage on the French countryside. During the Christmas season, Evie stays in the cottage and meets an interesting group of people, her neighbors, who live nearby. During her grieving year, Evie has lost her joy for life and cooking. Her joy of cooking is re-ignited while she stays in the cottage.
I really loved the way I was able to emotionally connect with the characters in this novel. You could really feel for them, feel their griefs, but, they're strong people, and they learn to survive past pains.
I also loved reading about the food! I took French for four years in high school and during those four years, not only did we learn about the language, but, we learned a lot about French history and culture. A lot of my French Christmas cultural learning came back to me while reading this book! I might even make a yule log/buche de noel this Christmas!
October 30, 2014
The French for Christmas by Fiona Valpy was a wonderful Christmas read. Contained sadness, France, new friends, food, weather but most of all probably the real spirit of Christmas.
After a terrible year, with a split from her husband Will mainly due to a tragedy, Evie cannot face Christmas at home, so she takes the offer, given to her by her friend Rosie and escapes to Rosie's family holiday home situated in a very quiet part of France.
The house she is going to, has only 2 houses either side, one an older couple and the other is the old local doctor and his wife. This is perfect for Rosie, she wants space to think and practice old recipes from the very precious recipe book given to her by a Grandmother Mamie Lucie.
Evie comes alive when she drives to the local French market, smells and noise reawaken dormant senses. then on the way back to her car, she pops into the local church and hidden emotions finally bubble to the top and are somewhat released.
I don't wish to spoil the book yet are happy to say she makes very good friends at her neighbours home. Also the Doctor and his wife have moved on after retirement and there is a Locum doctor, Doctor Didier. He himself is running away from a painful past.
Fiona has captured so many thought provoking emotions in this book and i cannot praise it highly enough. Such an easy 5 star review.
After a terrible year, with a split from her husband Will mainly due to a tragedy, Evie cannot face Christmas at home, so she takes the offer, given to her by her friend Rosie and escapes to Rosie's family holiday home situated in a very quiet part of France.
The house she is going to, has only 2 houses either side, one an older couple and the other is the old local doctor and his wife. This is perfect for Rosie, she wants space to think and practice old recipes from the very precious recipe book given to her by a Grandmother Mamie Lucie.
Evie comes alive when she drives to the local French market, smells and noise reawaken dormant senses. then on the way back to her car, she pops into the local church and hidden emotions finally bubble to the top and are somewhat released.
I don't wish to spoil the book yet are happy to say she makes very good friends at her neighbours home. Also the Doctor and his wife have moved on after retirement and there is a Locum doctor, Doctor Didier. He himself is running away from a painful past.
Fiona has captured so many thought provoking emotions in this book and i cannot praise it highly enough. Such an easy 5 star review.
December 24, 2022
“You and I have both been hibernating, through the very long and very cold winter of our grief. But now, I sense it’s time for us to reawaken. To re-enter the world.”
Personal Review : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The setting was beautiful! South France in the winter, sign me up. The writing was very atmospheric, especially in description of the food, markets and cooking - making sense as the main character is a chef! Trigger warning : pregnancy loss. I loved the cute aspects of this book and the main characters say dreams of Bradley Cooper as she visited France to get over her grief during the holiday season. Detailed and well paced writing with the strangers to lovers romance trope.
Synopsis: Evie used to LOVE Christmas, but this year she can’t wait for the tinsel and presents to be a distant memory. When her best friends offer the use of their cottage in the beautiful French countryside, Evie jumps at the chance. Armed with her French grandmother’s tattered notebook of recipes, Evie is determined to ignore Christmas altogether and bake herself back to happiness.
And when Evie meets her next-door neighbour – she finds a very willing taste-tester. With snow falling, a special Réveillon dinner and a little Christmas magic in the air, could the neighbor even be the one to thaw Evie’s heart?
Personal Review : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The setting was beautiful! South France in the winter, sign me up. The writing was very atmospheric, especially in description of the food, markets and cooking - making sense as the main character is a chef! Trigger warning : pregnancy loss. I loved the cute aspects of this book and the main characters say dreams of Bradley Cooper as she visited France to get over her grief during the holiday season. Detailed and well paced writing with the strangers to lovers romance trope.
Synopsis: Evie used to LOVE Christmas, but this year she can’t wait for the tinsel and presents to be a distant memory. When her best friends offer the use of their cottage in the beautiful French countryside, Evie jumps at the chance. Armed with her French grandmother’s tattered notebook of recipes, Evie is determined to ignore Christmas altogether and bake herself back to happiness.
And when Evie meets her next-door neighbour – she finds a very willing taste-tester. With snow falling, a special Réveillon dinner and a little Christmas magic in the air, could the neighbor even be the one to thaw Evie’s heart?
October 3, 2014
‘The best meals are those seasoned with friendship and conversation.’ What a book! I couldn't put it down. Fiona Valpy’s best by far, I think, although it is hard to choose as every one of her books is SO good. But this one… It had everything I enjoy. A beautiful story, a wonderful heroine in soft, gentle Evie, a dashing hero in the fabulous Doctor Didier, stunning descriptions of the French countryside in winter, the stinging cold offset by the welcoming warmth of the people and of course, oodles of comforting, hearty food. I adored the food in this book. I also absolutely loved Evie. In Evie, Fiona has created someone we can all identify with.The story is also interspersed with nuggets of humor and little gems of wisdom. I laughed out loud at the 'pig' scene and was in tears while reading the episode in the church. A fantastic story, heart-rending and heart-warming,uplifting and enriching. A truly great accompaniment to Christmas, a festive celebration of food, wine, friends and family,happiness and love; a story about the things that really matter.
September 29, 2014
Thanks to Bookoutre and Net Galley for a review copy of this book. This is my honest review.
After a traumatic time last Christmas, all Evie wants to do is escape Christmas. So when her best friend offers her the use of a cottage in rural France, she jumps at the chance.
Once Evie has been in France for a few days, she starts to meet her neighbours, and slowly starts feeling more like cooking and thinking about the future.
There are some lovely descriptions of French cooking (and I would have loved to have seen recipes at the back of the book).
Loved this book, it does touch on some serious issues, but overall it is a very heart-warming Christmas read, to put you in touch with the true spirit of the festival.
After a traumatic time last Christmas, all Evie wants to do is escape Christmas. So when her best friend offers her the use of a cottage in rural France, she jumps at the chance.
Once Evie has been in France for a few days, she starts to meet her neighbours, and slowly starts feeling more like cooking and thinking about the future.
There are some lovely descriptions of French cooking (and I would have loved to have seen recipes at the back of the book).
Loved this book, it does touch on some serious issues, but overall it is a very heart-warming Christmas read, to put you in touch with the true spirit of the festival.
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