Piece de Resistance

French Twist #3

by Sandra Byrd

Having earned her chef’s hat, Lexi Stuart bids au revoir to her glamorous and deliciously satisfying pastry mentorship outside of Paris and returns to her hometown of Seattle, Washington. There, she finds life unexpectedly complicated.

She’s put in charge of a high-end catering bakery called Bijoux, which should be her dream job, but there’s a catch: She has to make this lavish bakery into a successful business in just a few, short months, which will require more than her ability to make an amazing wedding cake. In over her head and at a loss for creative marketing ideas, Lexi isn’t sure what the recipe for success needs to be.

Stir in a complicated relationship with her French beau Philippe and his daughter, Celine, then add a dash of romance with down-to-earth lawyer Dan, and life suddenly contains more ooh la la than Lexi can handle.

With the fate of her career and her love life hanging by a thread, the phrase “piece of cake” has never been more daunting. Lexi learns that she must trust the dreams in her heart and the God who put them there.

This book is written from a lightly Christian world view.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Adult

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

The author of more than fifty books, Sandra’s work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including a starred review-PW Pick from Publishers Weekly and multiple starred reviews and Best Book selections from Library Journal. Other awards include the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice, two Christy Awards nominations, a BookPage Top Pick for Romance, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list.

A dedicated foodie, Sandra cooks through the topic and location of every book she writes. In addition, she collects vintage glass and service ware in her free time, loves long walks with her husband, and Sunday Suppers with her growing family.

Reach Sandra Here: https://linktr.ee/sandrabyrd

Reviews

[Andrea Cox · Rating 1 out of 5]

by Andrea Renee Cox

While I enjoyed portions of this book and it was a pretty good finale to the French Twist series, I was majorly disappointed in one thing that tainted the entire book for me. There was a mention of a homosexual relationship: "A minute later, a pair of suited men walked up to the booth. Were they a wedding party? I'd heard there were alternative couples here too." (p. 45) I realize this type of thing is something we deal with in society, because we live in a fallen world. However, it is not something I care to have included in any Christian fiction books I read. It always gets an automatic one-star rating from me, even if I like the rest of the book. Stories that include any hint of such behavior are so off-putting to me, especially when I remember what God thinks of such behavior. It always calls to mind the punishments for similar sins that were doled out to Sodom, Gomorrah, and Lot's wife. I choose to not support such writing, so I will not read any more of this author's books.

I was not compensated for my honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi is back in Seattle, working at her dream job. It's a little more difficult than she imagined with responsibilities she didn't realize she was taking on with the job. She's determined to make it work, though, and quickly! It's only a matter of months before she could lose it all.

In Piece de Resistance, Lexi has to work through her feelings for both Dan and Phillipe. I had my pick, and anticipated who would win her heart pretty early on in this book. It still warmed my heart to see it all come together, though. I'm not one for "edgy" Christian romances. While I do have a few "edgy" authors I'm pretty loyal to, I prefer "sweet" romances. I love FEELING those looks across the room. Sandra's writing gave me that and more! When I can feel the warmth from two characters holding hands, or a simple kiss on the cheek melts my heart, I know I've found a talented author!(Of course, I already knew that with Sandra!) ;) While many of the "sweet romances" I've read sacrifice greatly in the romance department, that wasn't the case with this book! It was a "melt my heart" romance without the edgy, and THAT made me one happy and content reader as I turned the last page.

I grew to love this series more and more as it went along, and with Piece de Resistance, this series officially made it to my favorites list. Not to mention, I'll never look at suspenders without thinking of this series now. ;)

*I was provided a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, how I LOVED this book! I got it in the mail yesterday, and decided to finish the other book I was reading first, since I had less than 100 pages to go. But then I picked this up, and didn't stop reading except to sleep and go out to dinner with friends (and I would have rather been reading!). It also took every ounce of strength I had not to flip to the back of the book to see how it ended. I don't know why I feel such a connection to these characters and this story, but I do.

This is an example of first person narrative done right. I love Lexi, and don't remember a time in all three books where I found her whiny or annoying. I loved all the secondary characters, even the ornery ones who grew on Lexi and the reader throughout the book. And I just adore little Celine!

At the beginning of the book, I started feeling a little let down. I could see the story wasn't going how I wanted it to go. But Sandra Byrd knows what she's doing, and soon I was swept away in the story, and it ended perfectly, and I cried, and I want to read ten more books of this series, but it's over. This is my favorite series ever, and I would highly recommend it! Let Them Eat Cake remains my favorite book of the series, but Pièce de Résistance was a beautiful ending to the story. Très bien!

[Kristen Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like tying myself down to a series, which is hard to find in christian fiction. However, I read the first book in the series thinking I'd read it and stop there. That didn't happen! I finshed the first book at work one day and went to 4 different book stores before I could find the second book. I just finished this one and I am so happy with the ending. I don't see why we can't have a fourth book in the series with Lexi's wedding! A happy, large affair, I can just imagine! Come Ms. Byrd...give us a fourth!

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough that I finished in a few hours. I liked the way everything turned out and the whole series made me hungry for French treats! :)

[Melissa Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aah, the thrilling conclusion! This author kept me entertained all the way through all three books, right up until the end of this one. And it ended just the way I hoped it would, although it was a little touch or go there for a while. I highly recommend this sweet little series; at about 300 pages each they are quick and fun reads!

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryd concludes her French Twist series with Lexi, Phillipe, and Celine all back in the US at the Delacoix's new catering and wedding cake store, Bijoux. Lexi has been made manager and it's up to her to get the store on the feet and producing a profit. But it's not as easy as Lexi thinks especially when her heart is in the baking not the bookkeeping. At the same time, she is still torn between Phillipe and Dan and which one is the man that is God's best choice for her.

Lexi's growing confidence in this last book of the series both in her business acuity, her faith, and her confidence in making the best choices was well developed. I loved the touches of humor, the ups and downs at Bijoux, Lexi's support of Jessica as she tried to develop confidence and skills after aging out of foster care, and her care and concern for motherless Claire. A well rounded heroine who felt very realistic. Dan and Phillipe, each in their own way, were "swoon worthy" heroes.

The details in the setting both in Paris and Seattle helped bring this story to life along with a great cast of secondary characters. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter added a nice touch, and the included recipes made me want to head to the kitchen.

Very good modern Christian fiction romance that anyone should enjoy.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book in a wonderful Christian chick lit series. I'm so glad I bought them all, as I enjoyed every one immensely. 4.5 stars, or even close to my Harry Potter only 5 star rating :) Great characters, good stories, and a satisfying ending to wrap it all up :) I'll miss these characters and these books :)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

five stars for the series! The book itself... 4 stars. the romance touched my heart, very surprising as I'm not used to that in my typical trashy romances I read ;)

I found myself cheering right along with Lexi and was thrilled at her successes and stepping stones of learning. recommend this series to anyone who wants a light hearted read that's full of good feels.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ Stars
Well, things did and did not work out as I thought they might. Either way, I enjoyed this final book in a fantastic series! Getting to travel through life with Lexi, her highs, her lows, and all the new experiences was a pure delight. I look forward to reading more books by Byrd!

Hope you have or will enjoy this series as well!

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how Lexi grew in her faith. As she grew, she started to make more sound decisions. It seemed very natural. She was still quirky but that was just refreshing! She really had the best of both Seattle and Paris! Loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the graphics incorporated throughout the chapters, recipes, notes etc.

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one of the series. Here she is back in America trying to make a new shop sucessful. She also has to decide if she will marry Dan.

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

She's so whiny!!!

[Bess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute! Nice ending!

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished the first two books in this series and have to pick this one up yet to continue on with the story and find out what happens in Lexi’s life.
Oh, I was thrown a bit off in this book, but in the end, I truly understood where the author was going with these stories.
Lexi has now come back to Seattle and is seeming to have finally found her niche but there are a few complications and she starts to question things. However, all along she strives to put her trust in God and His plans for her life.
In this book, we again get all the flair of what it’s like in a France bakery, but with a bit of a twist. There is more emphasis on cakes and not just breads. It was delightful to read about all the ins and outs of owning a bakery and making it flourish. What an adventure Lexi has gone on.
Sandra Byrd has written another amazing book that will continue to sit on my brain and possibly my tongue (if I decide to make any of the recipes) for a while. Now I want to travel to France and experience it all for myself!
I was so delighted with this book and the whole series. I highly recommend you pick it up if you want to have a sweet adventure. It will tantalize your tastebuds and pique your culinary interests.
Bon Appetit!

[Danielle Turko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi is finally coming home after spending several in france going to pastry school and working. Well, mostly working. When Phillipe was around work may not have been at the forefront of her mind. Now Lexi has a chance to move back to Seattle and run her own kitchen, specialiing in wedding cakes and Phillipe will be her boss. What she doesn't know is that she only has until the end of the year to drum up enough business to make ends meet, and she's in charge of the budget and marketing aspect. Throw in her old flame Dan who she keeps thinking about, and her life is hopping. Now she just needs to figure how to get everything under control, or else she might lose the life that she's worked so hard to obtain.
I did like this book a lot. The author has a lighthearted way of putting her thoughts done, and while it wasn't laugh out loud funny, it was humourous enough to keep you turning the page. I couldn't put it down the second night, I kept telling myself at the end of the chapter, and 150 pages later I was finished the book!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series! I had the first book sitting unread on my kindle for years. It had a lot more depth than I initially thought. I guess the age old adage is true to not judge a book by its cover. I fell in love with the characters and love how there is so much woven into the story without being too much. The flow of writing works well, the characters are not as predictable and even the annoying ones are written so that they grew on me. There are so many life lessons and many hit home with me as I was reading this book. So many of the scriptures were spot-on to things I was going through at the time, just like Lexi. It is rare that I like a series enough to buy both digital and print copies as my favorite ones I buy in print to add to my real library. This is one series I will be adding to my print library and look forward to reading again and again throughout the years. Whenever I forget to live out my dreams, I will read this series.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and last book of this series.
Lexi finally got her dream. I actually felt that Lexi was almost kinfolk after three books. I loved that she was a great person and a great cook. We also got more recipes from her. The author wrote about the items in the bakery and the cakes Lexi made that would make your mouth water.
Such a sweet romance and I honestly didn’t know who Lexi would end up with. I didn’t even know for a long while which guy I wanted her to get.
I couldn’t wait to see how it would end but yet didn’t want it to end. I was tempted to skip to the end a few times but I didn’t.
I also think this book was inspirational in fact all three of the books were inspiring. If you read these books and love them I’m going to say you should also try Heirlooms by this same author. A little different from these three but so good.
I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Emily F - Seriously Sweet Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Ending

This was a cute end to a series I've enjoyed. It was great to be back in Seattle and see the challenges that accompanied that, along with beginning a business. It was fun to watch the protagonist explore these new horizions and continue to explore her Christian faith. I liked the depth and lessons throughout the story, that were woven in. My main complaint (and the reason this is four stars) is the romance and the love triangle. The love triangle kind of dissolves throughout the book, with one of the options off in a relationship I felt good about. This leaves the final option, and I never really connected with him or felt that the character had a really good reason to be with him, so the progress there didn't really resonate with me. All in all, I enjoyed this book and this series and might read again. It was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG.

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the third book in this French Twist Series, I was turning pages as fast as I could. I had become so invested in Lexi’s life that I had to find out what happened with her career, her home and her love life. In this book, Lexi had many choices to make and there was a lot riding on those decisions. I appreciated how she was integrating her faith and those lessons into her everyday life. I thoroughly enjoyed characters from the previous two books being included in this part of this story. Plus both settings of Seattle and France were well done. There were once again recipes that accompany the storyline and some fun food items to emphasize celebrations and events. The humor and romance added the icing on the cake! Byrd wraps up this series so filled with twists and turns that make it well worth the read.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Piece de Resistance’ is the last and best part of a meal. Sandra Byrd’s novel of the same name doesn’t disappoint. As Lexi Stuart returns to her hometown, fulfilling her dream of running a high-end catering bakery, she is quickly splattered with cake batter from an out of control mixer. Lexi is led to examine where she has placed her faith and is left wondering if her dreams are as exquisite as she hoped.

I’m sad to see the series end, but they are a delicious treat each I dive back in.

I received a copy of this audiobook free for review from the author.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I loved the premise of this series, I felt like this book was more like a what not to do to make your business successful manual for most of it. I still didn't get any real love connection with the characters and it felt like it didn't really matter which one she chose because she had no real feelings on the matter.

This book was even heavier with the religion, so if that is your thing, you will probably like it. I just feel like when an author tries to go too heavy on the Christian theme, the human emotions are left out of the story so as not to offend anyone. Even though all turned out well, I was left disappointed overall. I think this will be my last book by this author.

[Diana Rego · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book having read the earlier two books in the series and I really was hoping for a great ending. I felt like the end was a bit of a copout. It's not that I didn't like the characters it's just that it didn't seem like the right ending for how the story was building. If I had known this is how it ended, I might not have started reading it in the first place.

[Monica Mikhail · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A good conclusion to the series. While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first two books in the series, I was looking forward to seeing how Lexi’s life was going to turn out and what choices she would make. It was definitely a happy ending for all the characters. Overall a very enjoyable series, especially if you love France and baking!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Musings

A sweet, Christian novel with engaging characters and an interesting plot. I enjoyed Levi's path as a pastry chef. I too used to decorate wedding cakes, so I loved that part of the story. I didn't get into the romance storyline. The chemistry just wasn't there between the hero and heroine. The narrator added to my enjoyment. Happy reading and listening!

[Aimee Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the three book series! Very sweet CLEAN books. With the reality of day to day decision in the life of a woman making her way as a chef and drawing closer in her relationship with God. Very applicable to all of our lives in making decisions both big and small. Creating a mindset that God has every step if we give it to him faithfully!

[Danielle Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute trilogy. Lexi goes from Seattle to Paris to chase her dreams for her career and love. Lexi has a close relationship with God, and I like the way she goes to Him during both good and bad times.

[Laura Lawless applegate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet conclusion to the trilogy

A sweet conclusion to Lexi's story. I appreciate the drama and the way she works through her spiritual life. Very fun weekend read!

[Lisa Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I loved this whole series. The characters were believable and the storyline kept me coming back for more. It felt like I was there in person.