Welcome to the launch of Sandra Byrd's French Twist series on e-book. I am happy to be a part of this and to let you know about the books and giveaway. Book 1 - Let Them Eat Cake will be free from February 10-14 and Books 2 & 3 - Bon Appetite and Piece de Resistance will both be just 99 cents for that time period. I hope you take advantage of this special deal. Now on to the books.
Synopsis: Book One in the French Twist Series.
Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends. When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye–but even may not be who he seems to be!
So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting–an order Lexi has flubbed–she loses her compulsion to please. Something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and her God with her future–très bon!
My thoughts: I think Lexi is an easy character for a lot of people to relate to and a person we all want to be friends with. This book was a light fun read that I needed at this time. Another thing I liked about this book was how the author taught us a little bit about bakeries and French culture in a fun way. Christian chick lit seems to be becoming another favorite genre of mine to read. At the beginning of the chapters there are little quotes in French and English and I enjoyed reading them. One unique thing the author did that I enjoyed as well was the little notes and such that went along with the story. This book will have you craving lots of sweet treats so be sure to have some handy. I enjoyed reading this book 4 stars.
Synopsis: Book 2 in the French Twist Series
Pastries, Paris and romance–Lexi’s adventure has just begun!
Lexi Stuart is risking it all. Saying au revoir to the security of home, her job, and could-be boyfriend Dan, Lexi embarks on a culinary adventure in France to fulfill her life dream of becoming a pastry chef. As she settles into her new home in the village of Presque le Chateau to study and work in a local bakery, her twenty-something optimism meets resistance in the seemingly crusty nature of the people and culture around her. Determined to gain her footing, she finds a church, meets a new friend, and makes the acquaintance of a child named Celine–as well as Celine’s attractive, widowed father, Philippe. Even Patricia, the gruff pastry cook, shows a softer side as she mentors Lexi in the art of baking.
As Lexi lives her dream, the only thing she has to do is choose from the array in life’s patisserie display window: her familiar home, friends, and family in Seattle or her new life in France. Lexi discovers that as she leans more on God the choices become a little clearer– and making them, well, c’est la vie!
My Thoughts: Another great book in a fun series. I am glad that I continued on with this series and hope you will be too, if you do. I lived thru Lexi getting to go to France and taking culinary classes, what fun. As we continue on in Lexi's life you will see her faith grow as she does. This book is every bit as fun to read as the first one. Don't forget to try out the recipes in the books. I think another thing I liked about both books is how "real" Lexi is. I actually liked this book a little better than the first one - I am sure it is the traveling to Franch that has me hooked. Five stars for me on this book.
Synopsis: Book 3 in the French Twist Series
Having earned her chef’s hat, Lexi Stuart bids au revoir to her glamorous and deliciously satisfying pastry mentorship outside of Paris and returns to her hometown of Seattle, Washington. There, she finds life unexpectedly complicated.
She’s put in charge of a high-end catering bakery called Bijoux, which should be her dream job, but there’s a catch: She has to make this lavish bakery into a successful business in just a few, short months, which will require more than her ability to make an amazing wedding cake. In over her head and at a loss for creative marketing ideas, Lexi isn’t sure what the recipe for success needs to be.
Stir in a complicated relationship with her French beau Philippe and his daughter, Celine, then add a dash of romance with down-to-earth lawyer Dan, and life suddenly contains more ooh la la than Lexi can handle.
With the fate of her career and her love life hanging by a thread, the phrase “piece of cake” has never been more daunting. Lexi learns that she must trust the dreams in her heart and the God who put them there.
She’s put in charge of a high-end catering bakery called Bijoux, which should be her dream job, but there’s a catch: She has to make this lavish bakery into a successful business in just a few, short months, which will require more than her ability to make an amazing wedding cake. In over her head and at a loss for creative marketing ideas, Lexi isn’t sure what the recipe for success needs to be.
Stir in a complicated relationship with her French beau Philippe and his daughter, Celine, then add a dash of romance with down-to-earth lawyer Dan, and life suddenly contains more ooh la la than Lexi can handle.
With the fate of her career and her love life hanging by a thread, the phrase “piece of cake” has never been more daunting. Lexi learns that she must trust the dreams in her heart and the God who put them there.
My Thoughts: Another hit as we see Lexi grow even more. Lexi is back after having earned her place as a chef. Now Lexi has her "dream" job but she is still torn between Philippe and Dan. What more can I say about this book that I have not already said about the first two. I loved this one as well. I suggest having all three book ready so you will not have to wait to find out what is next in Lexi's ventures. I don't know how Sandra did it but she has made Lexi so real you feel like you are reading about your best friend. If you love food, travel and chick lit like I do then you will fall in love with these books. I am sorry this series is over and won't know more about Lexi's life. Another 5 stars for this one.
Now for the fun stuff. How about a giveaway - Sandra is giving away one box of Divine Delights petits fours on her website! Each time you post about the promo or share it with friends via social media you have the chance for extra entries into the contest! GO HERE starting February 10th to enter. Contest will close at midnight on February 15. Sorry, the giveaway is open to US residents only. Click here for Sandra's website
How would you like to know a little more about Sandra? After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I, will publish in April, 2013.
Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens.
A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. She is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.
Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more, or to invite Sandra to your bookclub via Skype.
Connect with Sandra on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandrabyrd
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandrabyrdwrites
I hope you enjoyed the books as much as I did.
I enjoyed your review, thanks! =)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this - and oh yeah, I LOVE your blog header!
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