A disparate group of eight people from all over the world have arrived to attend a month long course at the Paris Cooking School, all for different reasons and with different stories. Sylvie, the owner of the school is facing her own challenges when someone tries to sabotage the cooking school and its good reputation.

For me this novel was pleasant and I enjoyed reading it. However, the novel followed quite a few different characters, which disturbed the flow of the story and prevented it coming fully to life for me. However, all of the strands of the story were resolved in a satisfying way and I enjoyed the read.

“The Paris Cooking School” is by Sophie Beaumont. If you wish to be transported to Paris, France - the markets, exploring nooks and crannies, and - of course - the wonderful fantastic food, this book is for you. Ms. Beaumont does such a wonderful job describing Paris that I felt like I was there tasting the delicious cheeses and fantastically wonderful sweets. However, this book is (sadly) a lot predictable - which isn’t bad if you don’t want a deep read. This book is a sweet, quick, and light read.

As the title implies, this is a book that “foodies” will embrace and enjoy. The author does a remarkable job of weaving together the spirit and sites of Paris with highly evocative descriptions of French cuisine.

Eight students convene for a 4-week class at the school founded and owned by Sylvie. While the story explores the personalities and relationships of the students, it primarily focuses on Kate and Gabi – both seeking healing for quite different reasons. Add a bit of intrigue as someone tries to undermine the school and Sylvie’s reputation with a dash of romance for each of the three women and you have an enjoyable, entertaining read.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

3.5 stars

This book is escapism at its very best. It is a beautiful culinary book with lots of lovely romance mixed in. Definitely recommend

Thank you to Sophie Beaumont, NetGalley and Alcove Press for the arc of this book.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a great setting with really great cultural descriptions of food and locations within Paris. Even though the book was formulaic, it was still enjoyable if not for the previously cited reasons, but also I really had fun with the friendship between the women and figuring out what the resolution would be to the attempted tarnishing of the cooking school. It is just a great book for that feel good feeling, and I recommend if you are looking for that and looking for some armchair travel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good! The setting was just what I wanted. It is a perfect book for spring. The story was very well written and the romance in this book was just the right amount.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont. Delightful! Anyone who loves Paris will enjoy this book. If, like me, you have dreamed of taking a cooking class in Paris, you will feel as though this was written for you.

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

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

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

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