The Secret French Recipes Of Sophie Valroux

Description

A disgraced chef rediscovers her passion for food and her roots in this stunning novel rich in culture and full of delectable recipes. A disgraced chef rediscovers her passion for food and her roots in this stunning novel rich in culture and full of delectable recipes. French-born American chef Sophie Valroux had one dream- to be part of the 1% of female chefs running a Michelin-starred restaurant. From spending summers with her grandmother, who taught her the power of cooking and food, to attending the Culinary Institute of America, Sophie finds herself on the cusp of getting everything she's dreamed of. Until her career goes up in flames. Sabotaged by a fellow chef, Sophie is fired, leaving her reputation ruined and confidence shaken. To add fuel to the fire, Sophie learns that her grandmother has suffered a stroke and takes the red-eye to France. There, Sophie discovers the simple home she remembers from her childhood is now a luxurious ch teau, complete with two restaurants and a vineyard. As Sophie tries to reestablish herself in the kitchen, she comes to understand the lengths people will go to for success and love, and how dreams can change.

Samantha Verant is a travel addict, a self-professed oenophile, and a determined, if occasionally unconventional, at home French chef. She lives in southwestern France, where she's married to a sexy French rocket scientist she met in 1989 (but ignored for twenty years), a stepmom to two incredible kids, and the adoptive mother to a ridiculously adorable French cat. When she's not trekking from Provence to the Pyrenees or embracing her inner Julia Child, Sam is making her best effort to relearn those dreaded conjugations.

"Verant transports us to the enchanting setting of Southern France and the magic of an exquisite French kitchen. This delectable novel is pure escapism through the delicious dishes made by chef Sophie's expert hands, the romance involving a childhood friend, and the splendor of France. Verant's amazing recipes are included as the perfect companion to this tasty debut."-Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune "A passion for all things gourmet leaps off the page in Samantha Verant's newest novel. Told from the perspective of a determined female chef, set amid a beautiful French backdrop, The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux is a delicious tale of self-discovery. Thoroughly enjoyable!"-Nicole Meier, author of The Second Chance Supper Club "Indulge in the delicious story of a professional chef, spiced with a French chateau and sweetened with a love story. A charming read."-Janice MacLeod, author of New York Times bestsellers Paris Letters and A Paris Year "Samantha Verant brings her love of France and food to this vibrant, gratifying book. The recipes and characters leap off the page and Verant deftly appeals to all five senses, as well as the heart. A perfect novel for anyone who enjoys good food and a great tale."-Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment and The Summer I Met Jack "Told with pep and so-vivid-you-can-taste-it food descriptions, The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux is a sumptuous, transporting read from start to finish. What a pleasure to follow Sophie's journey, one of love, family, and confidence lost-and found-through food."-Jessica Tom, author of Food Whore: A Novel of Dining & Deceit "The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux is a scrumptious novel about family, love, and food, layered like the very best dishes, each bite revealing another luscious note. If you love fiction and food, Samantha Verant serves it up right."-Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake "I savored every page of The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux. Join a 'ruined' chef as she rebuilds her life at an ancestral chateau, rekindles an old romance, and, of course, labors in the grand kitchens where aspirations are fostered and dreams brought to fruition. With an ear for language, evocative sensory details, and delectable recipes, Samantha Verant invites us to take our seat at the table and relish a delicious sojourn in the south of France. And just remember: never trust a skinny chef."-Juliet Blackwell, New York Times bestselling author of The Vineyards of Champagne "Featuring an ambitious young chef, an elegant chateau, and the enduring charm of the French countryside, The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux is the perfect escape! Pour yourself a glass of wine, put on a Charles Trenet album, pick up this book, and you're there..."-Ann Mah, USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Vintage "Verant's sparkling debut novel... enticing culinary tale will appeal to romance fans and foodies alike."-Publishers Weekly "Verant immerses readers in the sounds, smells, and tastes of a professional kitchen, with a cast of sous-chefs, old friends, and a gruff but handsome mushroom forager along for the ride. Francophiles and fans of Mary Simses and Roselle Lim will adore Sophie's journey."-Booklist "Think Kitchen Confidential meets Emily in Paris. But instead of designer fashion, Sophie brings us delectable French dishes. Instead of Paris, Sophie takes us to the South of France. And Sophie's journey is about much more than sybaritic pleasures. Her story is one of self discovery, family, and love."-Carmen Suen, Undomesticated Mag "A great story line, strong writing, plus a handsome French 'hero', and lovely descriptions of France make this debut women's fiction book a sure winner. ... A charming, feel good French romance that transports you out of your every day life and into the heart of France - a delectable read."-The Good Life France "A lush and lovely story full of food and French atmosphere. C'est bon!"-The Parkersburg News and Sentinel (WV) "The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux by Samantha Verant is not just a tale of following one's dreams. It's a story of persevering and succeeding when those dreams are seemingly crushed and shattered. With food descriptions and detailed recipes that will make the reader salivate in every chapter, this novel epitomizes the French noble spirit of success and jubilation despite life's constant twists and turns."-The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star