Mastering The Art Of French Eating by Ann Mah

I always struggle to write book reviews. In fact I kind of suck at them.
It's difficult for me to describe exactly why I love a book. It's so personal. How do you describe the feeling of connecting to the writer, to a story, to the words on a page?

I suppose I could tell you about the love that emanates from Ann when she writes about her husband and their relationship. (They brought tears to my eyes at one point)
Or I could tell you that if you already love France, you'll find a new appreciation for its passionate people, its diversity and its beauty after reading her stories. Ann will either introduce you to a new region to explore, or leave you itching to head back to a region that you have already fallen for.
I should also mention that it's about food! And Paris!

Of course I loved it. How could I not?

Mastering the Art of French Eating is available now. As of today!

You can pick it up at your favorite bookstore or order it here:
Indiebound
Books-A-Million
Amazon
iTunes
Barnes and Noble


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La Seduction

I started reading La Seduction by Elaine Sciolino last week. So far I've only managed to get through the first five chapters and I know I should give it more of a chance, but I'm finding it...well...tedious.

Though I have learned a few things.

For instance, according to Ms. Sciolino, there is rampant, out of control use of the verb séduire in France.

I learned that French men have several different ways to kiss a woman's hand, an act called a baisemain. Apparently one of them, the effleurer, is an invitation for sex.
Of course I have to wonder if it really works?

And most importantly, never, ever take marriage advice from Inès de la Fressange. Pin It

Announcing the Winner!

I'm happy to announce that the winner of one of my favorite cookbooks, At Home in Provence, by Patricia Wells, is #52, Yael, from Hope it Will Rain.
Félicitations!

A huge thank you to everyone who entered! Pin It

French Cookbook Giveaway - Update

I just realized that at the time I've picked to choose a winner for the At Home in Provence cookbook giveaway tomorrow, I'll be at work!

So I'm extending the giveaway until 9pm Paris time, Wednesday, June 22. Pin It

My Favorite Books about France and a Giveaway

Being a life long Francophile, avid reader and cookbook addict lover means that my bookshelves are literally overflowing with books about France.

Books about French regions and travel, French cookbooks, French phrase books (which now pretty much just gather dust), Paris food guides, memoirs written by people living in France, French restaurant guides, French maps...
You get the idea.

I have many, many favorites. If I had to narrow them down to just a few, these are the 10 that would be on my French themed Desert Island Books list.

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