f you are looking for a page turner of a book look no farther! I literally could not put Laura Madeline’s The Confectoner's Tale down. This book is full of intrigue, romance, and sweet delicious caramel and chocolate. Seriously find your favorite chocolate truffles while reading this book because it will make you hungry. I couldn’t help but find myself routing for Gui as he made his way through the streets of Paris into the kitchen door of Patisserie Clermont. I was just as intrigued to learn the shaded past of Petra’s late grandfather. Thank you St Martin's Press for sending me this delectable book. Can’t wait for Laura Madelines next book. ( )

This book was right up my alley because it had a decades old family mystery, France and England as settings, and yummy descriptions of pastries. The action goes back and forth between a granddaughter in 1980s England digging into the past of her now deceased grandfather and a young man in early 1900s France who is captivated by the confectioner's daughter.

While the author might not be on the same level as Kate Morton, the story held enough interest and I ended up finishing it up in one evening. My only real criticism of the book is despite the fact the grandfather plays such a big role in the story line, some key moments just felt unsatisfying. He almost felt like an underdeveloped character. Overall, it was an entertaining read and will leave you craving some sweet treats.

I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway by Book Mama Blog . I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion. ( )

You can find this review at LenaMayBooks

Inside a Paris patisserie in 1909, a boy falls in love with a girl. Add a scandal, drama, and mouthwatering pastries. Fast forward eighty years where an academic discovers a picture from her late grandfather’s collection with the words, “Forgive me” scrawled on it. “A Confectioner’s Tale” will bring you inside of Paris as the scandal unfolds while alternating timelines with the present day academic who is determined to reveal her grandfather’s secret.

As a former pastry chef I can’t help but be cynical of a patisserie in any story line. However, Laura Madeleine is absolutely stunning in her debut novel. The imagery she has painted for this 1900’s Paris patisserie is flawless. I found myself in love with character Gui and his journey to discover how to create the perfect pastries.

While this is a story about forbidden love, it simultaneously tells of a passion for pastries. From croquembouche to religieuse, “A Confectioner’s Tale” will leave you with a delightful and dazzling craving for a true Paris patisserie. I urge you to pick up this book and dive into a world so few have traveled.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
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When a biographer gives a lecture at a college in London, one attendee is especially interested in the subject matter and the writer. The biographer, Hall, is excited to discuss a recent discovery he's made while researching the great writer, Jim Stephenson, a scandal he's just starting to uncover. But, Stephenson's favorite granddaughter is in attendance and begins a race against Hall to uncover the scandal and try to keep him from exposing it. Petra Stephenson discovers a love affair for the ages and struggles to decipher her grandfather's role in it.

Nearly 80 years prior, a young man roams Paris looking for work when he comes across a wonderfully-smelling bakery and the beautiful woman who is the owner's daughter. Homeless Gui needs work so he can find a place to live and send money home to his mother. Working-class Jeanne runs her father's bakery, yet yearns for more adventure than her privileged life offers. When Gui starts coming around, their eyes catch each other and they both imagine what life together could be like.

Their forbidden love blossoms behind the back of Jeanne's father, yet doesn't go unnoticed by others who feel their class difference is indecent. Gui suffers greatly for their affair, and eventually the two are broken up by a nosy reporter who oversteps his bounds of friendship with Gui.

I found the historical part of the story far more interesting than the modern-day pieces. It's not the most exciting story, but it kept my attention for the most part. I was happy to have won a copy of this book via Library Thing. ( )

A nice easy read after a disappointing election week. An unlikely match of star crossed lovers and class cross over. And who better to remind us of class distinction than the British! And one of my favorite background cities, Paris. ( )