The prologue to this lovely book is just so perfect. It’s one of those wonderful descriptive scenes, introducing the beautiful setting of La Maison du Paradis, as Waltho and Lauren plant the lavender that will grow along the pathways of the home of their dreams – and you can really feel the love between them. But three years later, things have changed and there’s a lingering sadness – Waltho is now alone, and his home is to become the French Cookery School. There are challenges, but it might just be the fresh start he needs. The team is in place – right hand woman Angelique, the suitably arrogant celebrity chef (he’s good – but doesn’t he just know it?), the experienced staff who’ll support him – so bring on the guests. Perhaps some of them might be in need of a fresh start too…

There’s Caroline – self-contained, a bit cold, perfectly turned out and most definitely posh, dealing with so many problems while her life is falling apart, but also extremely difficult to like. And in the opposite corner – and that’s how it often feels – is Fran, salt-of-the-earth fish and chip shop owner from Blackpool, hoping to learn enough to open a fine dining restaurant but also wanting to squeeze every moment of fun from her stay. Caroline was never really likely to warm to her – my goodness, she’s loud, and it doesn’t help that she’s also kept awake by her snoring through the bedroom wall – but Fran does find a much needed friend in food journalist Sally, most definitely up for some fun of her own, especially if she responds the amorous advances of the celebrity chef. Add identical twins Jeanette and Pearl, the lovely Ahmed, bossy Brigitte (and we’ve met her before – far more fun than you might expect!), and a clutch of locals – and the fun can now begin!

The characters are simply wonderful, perfectly drawn, all with their own stories, all a little older, very real but all a little quirky in their different ways – and it’s an absolute joy sharing their lives and every moment of their culinary experience. There’s plenty of laughter along the way as the friendships develop and they spend time together in the kitchen, alongside the pool, and on various excursions around the area – sometimes with a bit of drama attached – but there are a number of emotional journeys too, beautifully handled, as each of the main characters experience a range of trials and tribulations while moving closer to finding their own individual happy endings.

There’s a real sense of place to the whole book – the loveliest descriptions to transport you to the chateau itself and the surrounding area, all bathed in the most glorious sunshine, infused with the perfume of lavender as the sunflowers sway in the breeze. And I really loved the cooking, and the eating – the food descriptions were mouth-watering, and I learned a fair bit myself about its preparation – but this certainly isn’t a book you’d want to read when hungry. I really felt for Fran every time she found herself frustrated while struggling to impress – but I entirely loved the ways she chose to take revenge.

Having shared their time together, every single character (yes, most definitely including Caroline…) found their place in my heart, and I really didn’t want the experience to end – there’s plenty of laugh-out-loud humour, but (as well as being a fantastic storyteller) the author does have a particularly special emotional touch so there are also a few tears along the way. There’s an unexpected romance too, and it was one that really touched my heart – beautifully tied up with an epilogue that couldn’t have been any more perfect. This was a book I totally adored, read in a single thoroughly enjoyable sitting, and one I’d heartily recommend to all.

(Review also copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Yet another great book by Caroline. Beautifully written book with lovely, friendly characters and setting. This one ticks all the boxes for me and didn't disappoint.

A great relaxing read but it might make you hungry!

This is the first book I have read by this author, I have already downloaded two others by her, as I enjoyed this one so much.

Everyone has different reasons for attending the inaugural cooking school at La Maison du Paradis. Some are running away, others are there to hone a new skill and some are there to work. It seems someone is determined not to make friends, but is envious when she sees some of the others enjoying each others company, and having a great time. A quick witted tongue makes her a little less welcoming to more or less everyone, and leaves her at the fringe of the group. Just one of the characters that's maybe misunderstood in the beginning. You'll get to know them all and why they are there.

I couldn't wait to get back to this book and read about what would unfold next. It's got a little bit of everything really and that makes for a great read.

A tried and tested plot line - a group of people from different backgrounds descend on a venue to learn a skill. I do think that the author brought something new though, if only that she had more mature characters and it was interesting to read about their attitude to life.

I liked the ending which in a way was in two parts. Not neatly tied up, but a somewhat realistic outcome.

another fantastic book by Caroline James. I love her style of writing and her amazing female characters who just stand out. You know you are in for a fab read when she is the author.

Good summer read with a great cast of characters and a lovely setting. Very enjoyable and I would recommend.

The only preconceived ideas I had for this book were that it would be funny and poignant. This opinion was based on reviews I’ve seen for her recent books. I can certainly confirm that my expectations didn’t fall short, as I laughed throughout and experienced a few damp eyelashes. La Maison du Paradis may have been billed as a cookery school, but it was so much more, as its magic affected so many.
For me, the main characters were Caroline and Fran. Caroline was difficult to warm to, but being a Blackpool girl myself, I adored everything about Fran. Their sparring was a great source of comedic content, but I kept hoping they would find a common ground. A special mention to journalist, Sally, who was able to see Fran as the wonderful soul that she was. Empowered by their friendship, they were always destined to find their own happy endings.
Everything about this book was special, from the sticky jelly babies to the midnight skinny dipping. There is a depth to the story that eventually reveals how men can also be vulnerable. The handling was skilful and refreshing. The setting was beautifully described, and I could almost feel the sunshine on my skin. It’s been decades since I visited France, and this book is another that has whetted my appetite for a trip.
With a perfect epilogue that beautifully closes the story, I was left with a wonderful, warm sense of contentment. It is definitely recommended.

A group of adults sign up for a cooking course in France. Some are there to learn and some are there to escape life. Cooking soothes the soul, so they say, but will it soothe all that ails this group?

Well written and truly touching. I enjoyed the more than I thought I was going to.

I loved Caroline James’ The Cruise, but I think I like The French Cookery School even more. The author draws on her extensive knowledge of recipes and celebrity chefs for this title and I found that I wanted to be included as a guest at some of the meals described.

It took me a few chapters to get to grips with the many characters in this book but once I had, I loved living the cookery school students’ experiences in France at the exclusive La Maison du Paradis the venue for the course.

The characters of this novel rapidly get under your skin with their own unique back stories adding to the action. I found myself wishing I was as flamboyant as Fran, although I think if I could choose I would be Sally with a healthy dose of Fran thrown into the mix.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, but just to warn you – it may make you hungry with all the talk about food.

A delightful summer read with all the right ingredients! Full of love, laughter and finding relationships when you least expect it

This book took me quite some time to finish.. I felt that it moved slowly in its plot and character development. I also thought that if these students were going to a cookery school for a week that there would be a lot more cooking involved! There certainly was a lot of eating and traveling to sites and restaurants.

I received this ARC from the publisher for my honest opinion. This book wasn’t for me, but the characters were well developed and it ended well.

I really enjoyed this book. It was light and fun to read. The food was described in great detail. I loved all the characters. Great ending. If I could add one thing would be to include a few of the recipes at the back of the book.

The recipe for a fabulous Caroline James novel

Step 1: Have Caroline James write the novel, which she did in this case with total accomplishment, and had me feeling as though I really had been to a cookery school in France.

Step 2: Have a fabulous group of characters attend the cookery school.. Well we certainly had those, a huge variety of those more advanced in age, including Caroline and Fran who are worlds apart. Caroline is our main character, and it took me a while to fully warm to her, whereas Fran, who Caroline seems to dislike instantly, was incredibly likeable.

Step 3: Ah handsome men, well there were certainly a few of those including Waltho the host of the course, plus the celebrity chef and his assistant. I really enjoyed getting to know Waltho, and spent a fair bit of the story with my fingers crossed that he would end up with the ending he deserved. And it was better than I would have imagined.

Step 4: Fill a book with food, friendship, and trips into the local area in France. I loved the excursions almost as much as I loved the food descriptions. And there was plenty of both of those!

Step 5: Mix all of the above up, in a carefully considered way, in order to produce a truly entertaining story, that seemed to have emotions, drama and a whole lot of heart and love.

Step 6: Pick this book up off the shelf and devour it, enjoying every last word, just like I did! It can't fail!

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another absolute corker by Caroline. I loved the previous books by her and this one didn’t disappoint either. Once I started, it was hard to put down.

We meet Fran and Caroline at the airport, and they couldn’t be more different. You could tell straight away they weren’t going to get on, despite Fran’s repeated attempts. There are so many characters that are simply fabulous dotted throughout, and no bad ones! The week progresses and so much happens, certainly not a dull moment!

A bit predictable in places, but an excellent cosy read that comes with one warning - do not read when hungry!!

Having loved the previous book I had read by this author I was eager to read this one and it didn’t disappoint. Loved the eclectic mix of characters and the fact that we got to see some characters back from the previous novel the cruise.

Loved the descriptions of the setting and of the food as it made you feel like you were there in person soaking up the sunshine and atmosphere while reading.

This was a story of finding happiness and friendships when you least expect to and how it is never too late to follow your dream.

If you are looking for an uplifting and escapism read then I highly recommend.

I absolutely loved this book, particularly the friendships that develop between the women on the cookery course. The descriptions of the food and French countryside are beautiful. It would make a great holiday read for anyone going to France, and it brightened up a couple of grey days in England for me!

With a great bunch of characters and a beautiful setting this is about finding friendship and second chances with a bit of romance thrown in. All the characters had their own stories of which the details come out throughout this. This group of very different and interesting individuals come together for a week to attend a French cookery school at La Maison du Paradis. It is hosted by Waltho who has his own reasons for opening up his home , with top chef Daniel doing the teaching. I found this had love, laughter and some quite serious moments but overall it’s such a lovely, heartwarming read that shows the best in others and how when needed everyone can pull together. One thing that does appeal to me in Caroline James’s books are how many of her characters are more ‘mature’ and how she proves in her writing that you don’t have to be young to have fun! Many thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC

In this fast-paced, fun-packed novel, I loved being transported to La Maison du Paradis, where the cast of mature characters came together to create tantalising culinary delights that were as sumptuous as the beautiful French setting.

The new and recurring characters were likeable and created a good mix. I enjoyed watching them develop through the novel as their reasons for attending the cookery school were revealed, and they faced their personal difficulties.

With a perfect blend of humour, heart, and realism, The French Cookery School was my favourite Caroline James novel to date (and I have greatly enjoyed many of her previous novels). Proving that it's never too late to find joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose, the story left me with a big smile and a sense of warmth.

The French Cookery School by Caroline James is a positively delightful contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. They were an eclectic mix who traveled from England to the French cookery school. There are larger than life characters, salt of the earth characters, a brow beaten woman, a newly widowed woman and more, plus a Michelin starred chef and the owner. Everyone has a back story.
We witness that branching out alone after losing a partner to cancer, takes much bravery, as the late partner’s dream is realised. As he lets a little light in, he finds the strength to live again.
The reader cannot help but like a bubbly northern lass who always has a smile and a kind word. She is hoping for a long-held dream to become a reality.
Our hearts break for a character who has been forever squashed by her husband who is a philanderer and a gambler. She fears the future. She is also caught in the grip of anorexia. A near miss helps her to open her eyes to the possibility that the second half of her life can be better than the first.
Caroline James really treats the reader’s senses. Our taste buds are tantalisingly tempted by the cuisine. Our eyes and ears are awakened to the vibrant French landscape.
The French Cookery School is a really fun, light-hearted read, with characters who are the other side of sixty. There are some serious themes too, which are counter balanced by the carefree nature and camaraderie of the French cookery school. I loved it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was no required. All opinions are my own.
A note to readers: if you are affected by any of the themes, please talk to someone and get help.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the cookery school in France that Caroline James sent me on.

I loved the characters, each one different, funny and friendly. It was so nice to be surrounded by them and enjoying the gorgeous dishes they prepared.

The setting was also gorgeous, made you feel as though you was there too.

The perfect book for a holiday read.

I highly recommend this book.

This was a fun, quick read!

Loved the setting, the mansion sounded gorgeous and the idea of a cookery school there sounds like a Hallmark movie! The characters were just that - a bunch of fun, interesting characters. Fran was hilarious, but caring. Sally was fun to get to know. They all blended together at the school perfectly and make a fun story! They all come with their problems and find their solutions, it's a caring group.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.