Life doesn’t always serve up the perfect dish, but second chances are always on the menu
There’s nothing quite so beautiful as Paris in the spring; and when you add in the chance to learn the French way of food, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, who can resist? Not Gabi Picabea or Kate Evans who have come from Australia to Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School.
Both are at a crossroads, and learning to cook the French way in Paris, far away from all their troubles, seems like the perfect escape.
Still bruised from a shocking betrayal by her ex-husband, Kate is trying to find a new place for herself in life, and emotional peace, while French-Australian artist Gabi is struggling with a crippling creative block.
Meanwhile, Sylvie herself is facing challenges of her own – a mysterious harassment campaign against the School and a reassessment of her relationship with her commitment-shy lover Claude.
For each of the women, that extraordinary April in Paris will bring unexpected twists and transformations that will change the course of their lives.
A delectable novel about love, hope and the consolations of the perfect strawberry tart, The Paris Cooking School is a treat for the soul.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
A fantastically written story. Based in Paris! This book had me hooked from the beginning! Who wouldn’t love to be in Paris and forgetting about their own troubles back home! This story looks into love, hope and the perfect strawberry tart!! What more could you want! This book follows two characters Gabi and Kate, both at a crossroads in their lives. What loveable characters they are too! Amy, ACT, 5 Stars
What a beautiful book, enticingly based around Kate and Gabi who travel from Australia to Paris to attend Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School. Both have their own reasons to attend, Kate has been betrayed by her ex-husband and is trying to find a new future, Gabi has a creative block. Meanwhile, Sylvie herself has her own obstacles to her business that starts with a bad review, then a mysterious delivery of food not cooked in her kitchen. From the first chapter, this book will hook you in with its descriptive words, sights and sounds of beautiful Paris, the people Kate and Gabi meet. I won’t write any more, this book is too good not to read. Congratulations to Sophie Beaumont (Sophie Masson). Nicky, QLD, 5 Stars
This was a delectable confection of a book which I devoured in one sitting. It is ideal for those like myself who are familiar with France, especially Paris, or those who wish to travel there from the comfort of their armchair as the author adopts an evocative but also informative style of description to transport you there. For those blessed in the Domestic Goddess Department or who, like myself, merely enjoy their food it is also a bountiful buffet. Two women (one from Melbourne, one from Sydney) travel to the Paris Cooking School for a month’s long cookery course as they grapple with deciding what to do going forward in their lives, just as the owner of the School, which is the subject of an odd harassment campaign, is also wondering what the future holds for her. A cosy little mystery with goodly dollops of romance and warmth resulted in a delightful escapist read. Many thanks to Better Reading for sending it to me to review as I enjoyed it very much. All that was missing were the recipes used at the School! Pamela, VIC, 5 Stars
This book had me from the first page. Sylvia is the owner and instructor of the ‘Paris Cooking School’, Kate and Gabi are Australians who have travelled to Paris to participate in the cooking class and escape issues at home. The descriptions of Paris, the food, and the people made me feel like I was there. I fell in love with the characters and found it a book I wanted to curl up with and keep reading until I got to the end. Debbie, VIC, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont is a delectable feast for the senses that illuminates the art of combining storytelling and food. As you meander through the streets of Paris, you are immediately drawn into its living culture and realise that the City of Light itself is a dynamic character in the novel. The cooking school provides a sumptuous backdrop for the characters to explore their motivations and various relationships while expressing their obvious love of French food culture with all the trimmings. There are flirtatious and romantic entanglements for Gabi, Kate and Sylvie, who are all in the midst of personal uncertainty. The paths of each of the women, although very different, intersect seamlessly, and we journey alongside each of them as they navigate new paths for themselves. This novel provides a lighthearted escape for anyone who enjoys reading about love, food and travel. Maria, NSW, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is such a good read. It evokes fantastic images of Paris and of the food culture that is so French. The characters are all interesting and their differences add to the story. The descriptions of the cooking classes were delightful. The backstories of the cooking class participants helped to create a very pleasant read. Anne, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book, it had me engaged from the first page and was light and easy to consume in large chunks. Perhaps it was because of the premise – a cooking school, in Paris, no less! – coupled with such descriptive talk of beautiful food and its origins that I could almost taste it through the pages. Throw in a cup of romance, a sprinkling of intrigue, a dash of adventure and mix with some good old-fashioned soul searching, and you have all the ingredients for a thoroughly satisfying read. Imagine you are sitting at your local café with your best friend and have ordered your favourite beverage of choice and then decide to also indulge in a pretty and calorie-laden treat – that’s how I felt whilst reading this book. I would definitely recommend as a holiday read or if you want to escape from the everyday and just daydream of what could be – you will consume this quickly and easily and will enjoy every bite. Kathy, VIC, 5 Stars
This book exceeded my expectations and warmed my soul. If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of comfort food in the form of a sweet treat when life gets you down, this is a book you’ll appreciate. This book was an unexpected pleasure, a beautiful read. Catherine, NSW, 5 Stars
A tale of Sylvie (owner of The Paris Cooking School), Gabi (a talented artist suffering creative block), and Kate (searching for peace and reprieve after a deep betrayal from her ex-husband). Each character is on a separate journey of looking within, finding what sets their soul on fire, and learning to believe in themselves, discovering their inner critic doesn’t always accurately depict the truth. Sylvie, Kate and Gabi, while on very different paths, gain a deep understanding of who they really are, what they need to be happy and how to allow that happiness to impact the hope for a beautiful, soul-satisfying future. A great read, hard to put down and written in such a way that you become invested in each character’s outcome. Pennie, QLD, 5 Stars
This is a story set mainly in the beautiful city of Paris and combines vivid descriptions of the food and Parisian way of life with a romance or two thrown in for good measure. It centres around a cooking school and the dishes the students are taught to make. Along the way, we learn about cheeses and other local produce through their trips to the local markets. The students come from a number of countries and are believable. I especially liked their interactions and clashes as often happens when a group of strangers are thrown together. The epilogue, which takes place a year later, was a nice finishing touch giving us a glimpse into their futures. Cynthia, VIC, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is a captivating novel that revolves around the themes of love, hope and their connection with culinary art. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three key characters: Gabi Picabea and Kate Evans, who embark on a journey from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia to participate in a cooking course, and Sylvie Morel, the owner of the school. Gabi is an artist grappling with creative stagnation, Kate is reeling from the betrayal of her ex-husband and seeking a new path in life, and Sylvie is confronting a mysterious campaign of harassment against her school and re-evaluating her relationship with her current partner. These three women’s lives undergo profound transformations. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Paris, the novel vividly portrays the city’s exquisite scenery. I was deeply engrossed in the individual journeys of these three remarkable women. Additionally, as someone who appreciates good food, I found myself salivating at the delectable food descriptions! I recommend this book to fiction enthusiasts as it offers a captivating and heart-warming read. Christine, QLD, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School was a joy to read. I loved the descriptions of Paris – I want to go back, and I want to eat all those lovely dishes and drink the wine and taste the cheese. The characters and romance were delightful – a really great holiday read, or light read if you need a break from mysteries and murders and heavy subjects. Sophie Beaumont’s descriptive writing made one feel as if you were there, picnicking on the banks of the Seine, watching the people and sights. I could almost taste the strawberry tart. A story of hope and looking forward, I loved it. Joy, VIC, 5 Stars
A foodie’s delight! Whether it be baking, eating, or learning a new recipe, The Paris Cooking School transports you to the cobbled streets of Paris and the sweet smell of fresh croissants. I need to include a cooking class in my next trip! Adele, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved this book. The three main female characters are people I’d like to know. They all have issues but to see their development through the story made me like them even more. The little stories throughout the book portray the history and culture of Paris. I hope people will enjoy it as much as I did. Jacqueline, WA, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is a great read. The story revolves around two Australian women who travel to Paris to attend Sylvie Morel’s Paris cooking school as a distraction from their troubles. They learn to cook and friendships are formed. Sylvie who teaches at the school has troubles of her own. The three ladies learn things about themselves. Loved the references to all the food. An enjoyable book. Denise, VIC, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School was such a delightful piece to read; each night I couldn’t wait to taste another morsel of a chapter or two! So beautifully written with elements of heartbreak, suspense and love, as well as travel and cooking to enhance life. Mel, VIC, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is a beautiful read about three women who meet at The Paris Cooking School. Two Aussie students from rival capital cities and each running away from their own suffocating lives. One the elegant owner and teacher facing unsettling issues of her own. As the book unfolds, it is amazing to see all three characters develop, grow and flourish. Is it all smooth sailing? No, but every step gives you more understanding and love for the characters. They become real so you will cringe at their outbursts and cheer for their successes. Sophie has created gorgeous and relatable characters and given us the dreamy setting of a month in Paris. It will surely be a hit! Mary, SA, 5 Stars
Inspiring, heart-warming and optimistic – that’s how I would describe The Paris Cooking School. This is the first Sophie Beaumont book I’ve read and I will be definitely looking for more. The way Sophie writes makes it a joy to read. An hour or two go by in a flash and you are taken on a journey of self-discovery set in the city of love itself. Not only were the storylines interesting, they were also relatable to the everyday reader – I could see myself in all three main characters. Three strong women who broke down their walls and found love, success and friendship. What more could you ask for? A must-read for all women! Kristy, NSW, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is an easy and enjoyable read, in which you feel you are there, in Paris, amongst the sights, sounds and smells. If you like cooking, wine and travel you will certainly be able to dive deep into this story and allow the scenery to envelope your senses. The Paris Cooking School gives the reader an escape from their day to day. The characters are believable and relatable, offering the reader an ease of connection and understanding, further adding to the enjoyment of the book. As the plot develops and the story progresses, you find yourself making predictions and hopes for each character on their journey. I am sure this novel will become a popular book club read – lots of things to dissect and discuss, but in a fun, romantic and delicious way. Rebecca, NSW, 5 Stars
What could be better than fleeing the tedium and tensions of everyday life in Australia for a holiday in Paris in the springtime? Artist Gabi Picabea has Basque ancestors on her father’s side and Channel Islands forebears on her mother’s side, and she’s struggling with creative block. Kate Evans is trying – but failing – to forget an appalling betrayal by her ex-husband Jason and a work colleague. The two women meet at Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School, where they’re to learn not cordon bleu cooking, but a way to apply the French way of home cooking to their own lives. Sylvie, too, has ructions in her life. Her love affair is in trouble but, worse, someone is trying to damage irretrievably the reputation of her school. Author Sophie Beaumont, who was brought up in France and Australia, has an exquisite knowledge of both Paris and French food, and she has used that delightfully in this novel. It’s an expertly crafted tale of twists and turns that draws the reader in as the characters’ lives are transformed. The story is simply a feast, a perfect concoction of secrets, heartaches and love. Don, SA, 5 Stars
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: online harassment in the form of negative reviews and other incidents threaten her business, while her unsympathetic lover seems to have commitment issues. Mouth-watering dishes the reader can almost taste, gorgeous descriptions of Paris in the spring, appealing characters, meet-cutes and sweet romances, love and laughter: the only thing missing from this delicious read is the recipes! Marianne, NSW, 5 Stars
The Paris Cooking School combined two of my favourite topics: France and food. Sophie Beaumont’s description of Paris and the various eateries and locations allowed me to imagine the romance and exquisite food. The characters were diverse and relatable. This book was a sweet escape from life’s pressures and I certainly enjoyed reading it. Claire, VIC, 4 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is a delightful read, perfect for anyone who loves Paris, food and romance. The main characters are all strong, interesting women who all feel there is something unfulfilling in their lives. The book follows them over the course of a few weeks as their time in the titular cooking school transforms them. I enjoyed this read and especially loved connecting the way Paris is described to my own experiences there. Highly recommend! Emma, NSW, 4 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is a delightful book and the descriptions of Paris had me wanting to return there to explore it even more. The story centered around three main characters, the owner of the Paris Cooking School and two Australians attending classes there. For Sylvia running the school is demanding along with dealing with her troubled relationship with Claude. However, someone seems to be making life more difficult for her by giving the school negative reviews. Kate, from Melbourne, is looking forward to exploring Paris after her marriage breakup while Gabi, from Sydney, is suffering from artist’s block and finds exploring where her ancestors had lived holds much interest. There are many other interesting characters throughout the story and the interaction both during classes and outside worked well within the storylines. The descriptions of the classes and searching for food at the markets plus the French terminology throughout the book worked well. A book I will certainly recommend to a number of my foodie friends. Marg, VIC, 4 Stars
A feel-good book with a lovely group of characters. They all have a secret or are going through a difficult time and the magic of Paris and some great food helps get them through. My only complaint would be that we weren’t given the recipes for all the delicious-sounding food described in the book! It made me hungry reading about it. Lee, VIC, 4 Stars
Sylvie, Kate and Gabi are brought together at the Paris Cooking School, where the flavours of France are taught and combined in a simple but very French way. Each woman has issues they are dealing with; each is trying to find her true voice and expression. The Paris Cooking School creates a mood that stays with you as the characters in the story come to life. This includes Paris herself; her sights, sounds, tastes and smells. I really enjoyed growing to know the characters. I most closely identified with Kate, but Gabi and Sylvie were also very likeable (though I found Gabi to be a bit prickly at first). A perfect holiday read, for lovers of Josephine Moon, Monica McInerney and Maeve Binchy. Christine, VIC, 4 Stars
Following the story of three remarkable ladies, finding a shared passion and a new lease on life. Sophie Beaumont was able to reach out through these women’s lives to inspire and renew energy in myself. Natalie, QLD, 4 Stars
Against the backdrop of the famous cooking school and Paris culture, an engaging story unfolds. Three women from different backgrounds cross paths, one as a teacher and the other two as cooking students, but all undergoing life challenges and learnings. How their lives intertwine makes for an interesting story about love, relationships and cooking. Geoff, WA, 4 Stars
A delicious story about life and love amid culinary delights, set in the heart of Paris. Two Australian women, Gabi and Kate, escape the struggles of their home lives to learn more about French cooking at Sylvie’s Paris Cooking School. Each of the three women are facing challenges. Mix in a slice of business sabotage and prepare for an enjoyable read. The descriptive prose used for the food and the Paris setting will have you salivating and saving for a trip to Paris. Jodi, QLD, 4 Stars
A delightful read. I felt as if I was in Paris having an adventure myself. The description of all the wonderful food and scenery left me wanting to get on a plane to Paris. Litsa, VIC, 4 Stars
The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont whisks readers away on a delectable journey to the heart of Paris. I found myself enchanted by sumptuous dishes and delightful pastries throughout the story. The descriptions of Paris are vivid and evocative, immersing the reader in the enchanting atmosphere of the city and its delectable gastronomic delights. The story follows three women Gabi, Kate and Sylvie on their journey to self-discovery. As Kate and Gabi navigate the challenges of their new life in Paris, they form genuine relationships with the people they meet there. Sylvie is facing her own challenges in the background as she manages the school amidst a harassment campaign and her own peculiar relationship. These characters add depth and authenticity to the narrative, and their personal growth and transformations are heartwarming to witness. The Paris Cooking School is a delectable treat for those who savour tales of food, friendship, and self-discovery. With its immersive descriptions, loveable characters, and a touch of culinary magic, it’s a satisfying read that reminds us that life’s most fulfilling adventures often begin with a leap of faith and a sprinkle of passion. Emilly, VIC, 4 Stars
This was a lovely story that had my mouth watering and me looking up Paris cooking classes! The stories of each of the women were woven together nicely and were enhanced by the beautiful descriptions of the delicious food and scenes around Paris. A very enjoyable read. Amy, QLD, 4 Stars
The beautiful descriptions of the food and the Parisian approach to cooking throughout the storyline provided the perfect escape – at one stage of reading this book I had to put it down to Google ‘Paris cooking schools’. I don’t think you could read this book and not want to jump on a plane to join the characters for a Paris adventure! The markets, streets, shops and food really came to life. Whilst the plot was somewhat predictable, that added to the ease and enjoyment of the book – a perfect poolside/holiday read. Annaliese, VIC, 4 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is a charming read. The vividly descriptive language made the food, smells and images of Paris come alive, along with characters that were realistically flawed. They were believable and largely likeable, with the exception of a manipulative ex-husband, a philandering charlatan and an aggrieved sister (it is up to you to figure out who these descriptors refer to). Other tasty treats include the delightful Nina, who was intelligent beyond the majority of her species, and the delicious setting (Paris), full of French accents and food, food, and more food. Reading this novel made you want to go to the Paris Cooking School for both the food and the enriched human relationship experience. There were carefully woven backstories into the novel as well as some romances that all varied in their intensity, and an unexpected twist or two. It left me wanting mouth-watering food, more Paris, and to follow the characters as the story unfolds following the ending of this book. It was a marvellous balance between relaxing and hard to put down. Bon Appetite! Larissa, NSW, 4 Stars
What a delight to read this. Drawn into the story by the characters looking to discover themselves through the wonderful delights of French cooking. The power of food and the people we share it with, what a joy. Kaela, NSW, 4 Stars
The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Masson, using the pen name Sophie Beaumont, had me imagining myself transported for a month-long trip to Paris in the springtime. The detailed descriptions of the streets with quaint bookshops, cafes, museums and historic architecture, as well as the bustling fresh produce markets and especially the delicious food had me wishing I was there to sample it all. I also enjoyed the little side stories giving historical context to the food and meals, peppered throughout the book. I only wish there were actual recipes included. The story follows the romantic adventures of three main characters: Sylvie, who owns and runs the French-style cooking school and two of the students, Gabi, an artist who is struggling to find new inspiration and Kate, who is moving on from a failed marriage. While each of them encounters a few relationship hiccups, it is a heart-warming story giving hope to second chances and new beginnings. An easy, feel-good read full of fine food and friendship. Belinda, NSW, 4 Stars
This is a delightful read. Hugely enjoyable and a wonderful sense of place – everyone will be taken back to Paris who has been there. A very light book and quite predictable but I read it in one sitting in the bath with a glass of wine! It’s that sort of book. Lovely! Dorothy, NSW, 4 Stars
This is a delightful and enjoyable romantic read. As well as the human romances, the novel highlights the beauty and romance of Paris, and for foodie readers is sumptuous in its descriptions of food. I enjoyed Beaumont’s exploration of three different women with different approaches to life and specifically relationships. Seeing each blossom was a delight, and means that almost every reader will find a character they feel a connection to. Mind, each of the characters is highly empathetic, and I would think most readers will like them all. Paris is vividly drawn. Beaumont brings to life parts of the city more familiar to inhabitants than tourists, but there’s still a pretty gloss over it. She very deliberately paints Paris as a city conducive to romance. In the same way, her descriptions of food and cooking are loving and evocative. I’m not a particular foodie, but even so I wished I could try some of the dishes she described. This is a really enjoyable read – a romance that manages to be grounded too. It’s not a heavy read, but has emotional substance. It’s a great weekend read that will temporarily transport you from your life and problems to Paris. Lorraine, ACT, 4 Stars
Sylvie owns the Paris Cooking School and a new class of students arrives each month from all over the world. Kate and Gabi (unknown to each other) are Australians who have travelled to Paris to participate in the latest monthly cooking class. The descriptions of Paris, the people and the food bring back memories of Paris for those of us who have been there, and if you haven’t, you will feel like you were there… or want to be there… Each has a story that develops as the novel progresses, with a bit of drama to navigate. Recommended for a holiday read, or an escapist read between heavier reads. Indigo, NSW, 3 Stars
This book tells the story of three women. Sylvie, who runs a cooking school in Paris, teaching international students French home-style cooking, and Gabi and Kate, two unrelated Australian students at the school. This book is an easy read, good to just pick up when you don’t want to have to concentrate on convoluted plot lines or story twists. It tends a little to the clichéd, but it is an easy and comforting read to just take yourself out of your brain for a bit. Wendi, VIC, 3 Stars
The Paris Cooking School is the focus of the novel, interwoven with personal stories involving the characters These stories supply an interesting diversion. However, the constant insistence that everything French is SO perfect became tedious. After all, nothing is perfectly perfect. Julie, NSW, 3 Stars
I went in thinking Emily in Paris but with food, not fashion. It wasn’t quite as youthfully exuberant but most certainly painted a romantic picture of current-day Paris and ‘la douceur de la vie.’ It’s a new month and the start of a fresh class of Sylvia Morel’s Paris Cooking School. This course provides a safe haven for Kate and Gabi, both escaping personal dramas from back home and keen to find themselves within a crash course in French cuisine. Meanwhile, someone appears to be targeting the school with false bad reviews and frozen pizza bases. The storyline is pretty chilled, don’t expect any major dramas, just be immersed in the experience. The author must be a – there is a reverent tone in all descriptions of food and scenery. And wine and cheese. I really wanted wine and cheese reading this. Pop on some Edith Piaf, pour a glass of Bordeaux and enjoy the simple escapism. Katherine (Kate), VIC, 3 Stars
A cosy debut novel that was a little predictable and did drag out at times. The food descriptions made my mouth water! This would make a good book club read. Katie, QLD, 3 Stars
I have mixed feelings after finishing The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont. Several parts of the novel were very enjoyable, with interesting characters but very predictable outcomes. At times the novel dragged with prolonged descriptions of Paris scenes and histories. Would have loved a list of recipes to be included, maybe as an appendix. Kathy, NSW, 3 Stars
I wanted to love this book. It started strong with the three different storylines, destined to be intertwined. But I found the content predictable and safe. Having said that, if a gentle pleasant read is what you’re after, this is a great choice. Julia, VIC, 3 Stars
A delightful tale that would make a pleasant Book Club pick or holiday read. Like French cooking, it is homely and comfortable, told through simple language that evokes Paris yet still allows you to place your senses to envisage the city. Scenes are set and described, without taking away from your own imagination and memories. The French language is sprinkled throughout the novel in a charming way and you enjoy the journey it takes you on. If you haven’t been to Paris, there is enough of the city for you to feel transported there. The stories of the three women are simply told and are interesting, without over-explanation or alienating the reader. As the novel progresses you learn more about the women and their lives, it’s a little like friends you make on vacation or through a hobby – it takes time and sometimes your friendship will flourish outside of how you met, sometimes they are linked to particular things. Like a vacation, the novel moves along quickly but you do question how much happens. It is a book that is best discussed with friends, and opens conversation up to holiday experiences and the importance food has in our lives. Kathleen, ACT, 3 Stars
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