Member Reviews

Whenever I finish a Kristy Cambron book, my head is spinning. I don’t know how she keeps it all straight! I feel like I need an evidence wall with strings everywhere to try and track all the twists and turns and revelations. Good guys are bad and bad guys are good and you don’t know who is good or bad. It’s fun times.

But what I love about her books is the richness they have. There is such beauty in her writing. It makes me keep coming back to each new book.

So many twists and turns and things I did not expect. I’d say this is definitely a book that you have to read more than once to fully appreciate everything. The only reason it’s not five stars is that one of the romances didn’t feel right to me. One was very sweet but the other… it just didn’t seem real. Like I couldn’t see them actually falling in love. And that bothered me because I know it’s supposed to be good. But that means that The Paris Dressmaker and The Lost Castle are still the best Cambron books I’ve read, though this is a good one and I’d read it again.

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Another great WW2 dual-time story by Kristy Cambron.

Readers follow Kat and Manon’s stories in 1943 and 1952. There’s a lot of drama and suspenseful scenes as both Kat and Manon are involved with intelligence during WW2, though they live on either side of the ocean.

Kat is on a mission to find her brother who went missing when he deployed to France, and how she achieves this is quite incredible. Manon holds secrets of her own and will do anything to rid her beloved France of Nazis – even if that means using her skills as a chef to thwart them.

The start of the story opens quickly, introducing readers to a large cast of characters. Each subsequent chapter will have readers moving between America and France, 1943 and 1952. It gets quite confusing at the start, but readers who stick with it will be rewarded in the end.
No one is ever whom they seem. There are secrets everywhere.

And these two ingredients make for a delightful read – so much so, the mystery isn’t likely to be unravelled.

There’s a nod to Julia Child, but not until much later in the book. Her completely fictionalized role in Kat’s story gives Kat the information she needs (Julia’s involvement in WW2 is NOT fictionalized).

A fascinating read with twists and turns that will keep readers up well past midnight.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Loved this book! Great atmosphere, little bit of mystery, the cooking element was delicious! Definitely recommend!

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This was a WONDERFUL book and I don't feel like I have been able to say that in a long while. I am usually not a fan of WW2 books, but this is from a completely different viewpoint. It moves from the past to the future and in the beginning because of name changes (covert ops) I was a little confused but so glad I stuck with it. This will be on my list of top books I read this year. Thank you so much NetGalley and Kristy Cambron for an ARC!

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The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron is a must-read!! I've been looking forward to this book for a long time and I'm so honored to read it! I read this book in one sitting, and was hooked from the beginning! The story world is rich with sensory details, French cuisine, intrigue, and romance. Although there were several timeline jumps, I've come to love and expect how well done Kristy writes them. They are easy to follow once you get into the story and are expertly paced. The history of the OSS and little-known spies was so fascinating! I highly recommend this unique WW2 read to anyone with a love for historical romantic suspense!

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This book had so much wonderful potential, and overall the story was good. I gave it 3 stars because I'm still a fan of Cambron's work, but the plot was hard to follow at times.

I love split-timeline historical novels and primarily read them, so I am used to the type of storytelling, but it took me until the 50% mark to get used to the cadence and pacing of the book and even take a real interest in the main characters. It felt like once you started to like a character, you were ripped to another POV, and it felt jarring at times, and like you were reading too many books at the same time. I felt like the author was on a tight deadline and just had to finish the book because the ending (and final, unnecessary plot twist) was VERY rushed.

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In The French Kitchen, Kristy Cambron cooks up a culinary adventure from 1943 to 1952. With unique ingredients of espionage, love, betrayal, and justice, Kat Harris must learn to trust to save the love of her life. A special appearance by Julia Child brings authenticity to the post-war French culinary experience. This story is sure to be devoured by historical fiction, romance, and mystery readers.

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Such an outstanding historical read that absolutely keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I loved the characters and the twist and turns in the books that kept me guessing until the end.
I highly recommend this book!

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The French Kitchen is a beautifully written novel that blends historical fiction, mystery, and romance with the rich, sensory world of French cuisine. Kristy Cambron masterfully weaves a dual-timeline narrative, taking readers on an emotional journey through resilience, love, and the power of family. At its heart is Kat, a determined woman on a relentless quest to find her brother, a goal that anchors the entire story and keeps us deeply invested in her struggles and triumphs.

Initially, I found the constant movement between timelines and the pacing a bit challenging, and I considered giving the book a 4-star rating. But Kristy Cambron’s writing is just too good—I couldn't justify anything less than a 5. Midway through, I finally understood why she structured the story this way, and it made me appreciate it even more. The alternating timelines weren’t just a stylistic choice; they added layers of suspense and meaning that made the final revelations all the more satisfying.

Kat is an unforgettable protagonist. Her resilience is inspiring, especially in how she adapts to her hearing impairment by learning to read lips—an incredible display of ingenuity and strength. Following her journey was exhilarating as she navigated challenges most of us would never want to face.

The romance subplot was another highlight. It was touching, heartwarming, and intriguing, with just the right balance of suspense and mystery. And every scene felt intentional—no wasted moments, no filler.

I have to admit, I’ve only eaten French food once, and I wasn’t impressed. But after reading about the delicious and exquisite dishes in this book, I need to give it another try—soon!

I was also fascinated by Julia Child, who plays a role in the story. This was my first time reading about her, and I found myself researching her life, her masterpieces, her show, and even her service in the war.

This is my first time reading a Kristy Cambron novel, and it’s a masterclass in excellent writing. As a writer, I have so much to learn. Her style reminds me of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina—rich in subtext and nuanced storytelling that makes every scene feel layered with meaning. The way she wove historical details into the narrative without overwhelming the reader was masterful. I also appreciated how she used sensory details, especially in the descriptions of food, to immerse us in the setting.

Kat’s emotional journey was deeply compelling, and I admired how her resilience never wavered, even when she faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The romance was beautifully interwoven into the story—subtle yet powerful, never overshadowing the main plot but complementing it perfectly.

This book has left a lasting impression on me, both as a reader and as a writer. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Kristy Cambron’s work!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A great historical fiction read spanning WWII and the years after.
I got a little confused and had to concentrate with the dual time line and dates but once I got into the book it became a seamless read.
I love cooking and I love historical fiction and this book ticked both of these.
Kat Harris joins the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in the hope of finding out what has happened to her brother Gavin. We meet a cast of characters while she is working for the resistance and cooking meals for high ranking Nazis. Following the war Kat returns to France to continue her search for what happened to her brother and many of the characters from her resistance work and war days reappear. Who can she trust?
Loved that Julia Child who actually worked for the OSS makes an appearance.
Lots of intrigue and twists to keep you reading into the night.

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I love time travel, historical fiction, World War II settings, and Julia Childs. This book has the unique distinction of combining all four! This story is mainly set during the World War II time period and revolves around the lives of spies working for the French resistance. There are multiple storylines and a dual timeline which all tie together nicely for a satisfying conclusion.

Cambron has created a lovely story of love, betrayal, loss, and loyalty that will leave you guessing until the very end! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Refreshing. That would be my word to describe this book. I don't normally read stories centered around World War II, but Kristy Cambron managed to do the unimaginable: she got me to read a book based on that theme TWICE! It was crazy from the prologue and the second half of the book. I could feel my emotions rising and falling. There are five main reasons why I loved "The French Kitchen."

First, who knew the kitchen would be a perfect place for a spy to be? I love it when authors play with seemingly ordinary activities and transform them into something epic. In this case, for both protagonists, it was life or death to do a good job and remain undetected. On many occasions, I admired each one's skill and determination, which brings me to my next point.

Second, Cambron has a great ability to create deeply human characters. Each one had a distinct personality and a defined purpose. Above all, the female protagonists stood out for me: Kat and Manon (honorable mention to Julia Child). Despite having different motivations, they fought strategically to seek justice or protect what they loved most. I really liked that the jobs they had at the beginning of the story were unconventional for a woman at that time. I also have to admit that the qualities or flaws she gave to other characters made them much more believable and relatable.

Third, there was an interesting plot development. Playing with two timelines piqued my curiosity to keep reading throughout the book. Despite knowing what had "supposedly" happened, it was satisfying to read that it had actually happened from the perspective of several characters without being in first-person. Plus, I couldn't wait to see when their paths would cross.

Fourth, and my favorite point, I LOVED that this book took a different approach to World War II. Simply exploring what happened afterward speaks volumes. Even certain historical figures like Julia Child appear. It wasn't just about surviving and escaping, but about finding the truth. Evaluate whether your gifts or talents should be used for a greater good. Can I let go of what happened as if it were nothing, or will I use those experiences to become a new person? What does letting go really mean? These are a couple of reflections I took away from the book.

Fifth, love can be expressed through more than one medium. There are sibling relationships, for which you would go to the ends of the earth to find. There are friendships that provide comfort and understanding in the midst of a desperate situation. There are people in love who would do anything to save you or be your rock. It's surprising how love was explored from so many angles.

Finally, the only thing I didn't like about the book was that there were several detailed descriptions in the first half, and some villains or antagonists were predictable. Aside from that, "The French Kitchen" is an exceptional read. It offers a different perspective on human behavior in one of the world's most memorable battles. It makes you want to know what the future holds for our beloved characters, along with delicious dishes. My biggest takeaway from all the chapters is: How are you going to live in the present? Don’t miss it!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

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Kristy Cambron writes the most beautiful, complex stories. She is masterful at writing seamless multiple timelines and her knowledge of the events, places and times is always flawlessly researched. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and as expected I was immediately captivated by the characters, the intrigue, and the romance. I really liked the way real life people and events were beautifully woven in to the plot. Julia Child is such a quirky, interesting and enjoyable personality who paired so well with The French Kitchen's multifaceted main character Kat. The fascinating story moves back and forth between 1943 and the early 1950's mostly set in France during and post WWII. I am usually drawn to a favorite character in a story but that was impossible here because of the wonderfully complex cast of characters. The cover of the book is gorgeous and matches the story within. No doubt my favorite book this year and I'm willing to bet it still will be come August when it finally releases. Put this one on your must read list.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

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WOW. Kristy Cambron brings another wonderful story of intrigue, history and wonderful characters to life in this book. It follows Kat as she gets into WWII and spying. She weaves this story if Kat with real life spy and chef Julia Childs story it is very interesting. If you like historical fiction that keeps you wanting more this is for you.nI really enjoyed this book. I received an arc copy to read and give my honest review.

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Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion. I've read every one of Kristy Cambrons books and she just keeps getting better. A wonderful split time story of intrigue, spies, romance, and a surprise I didn't expect. Julia Childs' part in the story just make it even better. Kristy puts such detail in her stories and I respect the amount of research that has to be involved. The ending was very satisfying. I don't know how she does it but I already can't wait for her next won! Highly recommend!

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I LOVED this book! At first I got frustrated because it keeps switching to different years/periods of time & different people, but I think that was partly due to it being an ebook format. It would definitely be easier to read as a hard copy.

However, the author did such a fabulous job tying everything together, I ended up really enjoying the book & look forward to reading other books by this author!

I love to cook & watch cooking shows, so that aspect initially drew me to this book, which I have to say it wasn't as much about that, but it definitely was fun having Julia Child be a character in the book.

Great characters, great plot, surprising twists & more. You won't be disappointed!

(I received this as an ARC read. All opinions are my own.)

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I always enjoy a historical fiction book and a duel timeline I learned things I didn’t while reading this story. I enjoyed the development of the characters also.
Thanks for the advanced copy NetGalley and the publisher.

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The French Kitchen is a well written historical novel set during WWII. A dual timeline plot that is effortlessly woven. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advance digital copy. This is my unbiased review.

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Terrific read with intrigue, spies, romance, with real people and events involved in the plot. Any reader who likes a good mystery may enjoy this one.

Unraveling the past in order to move forward in the present, the main character 'Kat' answers a cryptic telegram taking her back to France years after the war ends. The author skillfully leads the reader back and forth between two timelines--1943 and 1952--as pieces of the past come together to solve the puzzle of what happened to Kat's brother during the war.

Loved how the author mixed real people into the plot, especially Julia Child and the art of French cooking, and her role in the OSS during WWII. Her research on women in the OSS shines through in her characters and made the story feel plausible. The tension rises towards the end as the final piece falls into place and all is revealed.
Satisfying read overall. Not much spiritual content, but a good, clean read. Recommend!

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I loved this book! At the beginning it was a bit confusing, but the timelines got clearer as the book continued. Well-written with interesting characters, this story kept my attention. There were unexpected twists, heart-wrenching details, and heroic moments. A clean and good WW2 novel. I also LOVED the kitchen/chef aspect of it. A chef myself, I enjoyed the kitchen atmosphere and the parts that Julia Child played. I recommend this book. 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to @netgalley & the published for an arc of this book. This is my honest opinion.

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