This was a fantastic coming of age story with native from France who lived France's amazing champagne region and then coming to America.

I thought this memoir was interesting. Usually I read about American women in France, so it was nice to read about a French woman coming to the United States. I also liked that it gave so much information about wine. I feel like I know so much more now.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to download this title before it was archived

A memoir that is also partly a beginner's guide to wine, Champagne Baby is a charming and compelling read. Laure Dugas is in her early twenties, she wants to learn English and wants an adventure - she finds herself off to NYC for six months to work in marketing/sales for her uncle's winery. What ensues is all kinds of fun (and drama!) as Laure gets to know and love America, and wine, and as she figures out how much of her old life in Paris will survive the journey to the new one. And every chapter contains some wonderful, poetic wine tasting notes that makes you want to open a bottle to drink while you're reading!

Anyone who has moved to another country will probably relate to her first few weeks in America - it sounded a lot like my first few months in London (apart from going to terrible English classes!) where you've got nowhere to live (permanently), you're exhausted, stressed, running out of money and wondering whether the whole thing was a huge mistake! I also really related to her various tales of expat life. It does take time to find your feet in a new country, and many friends you make are also expats, which means they tend to come and go, as their visas, relationships and jobs dictate. It can be a tricky life, where things always seem to be changing. Champagne Baby is not only about leaving home - it's about coming home as well.

There are some great highlights of Laure's journey, that are evocative and well-written - I enjoyed seeing how she became so passionate about wine, and more confident in herself. By the end of the book she is far more certain about what she wants in life, and isn't afraid to move on from something that isn't working (even if, once upon a time, it did). I also really enjoyed her last job in America, working for Mark - he sounded like a real character!

It's a great read about finding purpose, confidence and your passion. Like a good bottle of wine, this enjoyable book reveals more layers the more you delve into it.

I tried to like this book but I just couldn't get into it sorry!