Nice story of traveling through France and learning about it's food, traditions, and people. I only wish there had been more recipes and that they had been incorporated into the chapters where they were used! Over all, though, an enjoyable read.

A retired family therapist, Carole and her husband traveled to France with P, a friend and translator. They went through the countryside with the intention of learning about cuisine pauvre, the everyday peasant-style cooking that the people use, as well as the stories and traditions of the families there.

The majority of the families that Carole talks with are related to her friend P, so there are family stories about her as well as stories about the towns themselves. This gives the book a blend of history, travel guide and cooking blog. Formal recipes are at the end of the book but are discussed within the conversations in the beginning.

Stories are about how life was in WWI and WWII, as well as the foods and memories the people had about celebrations they had cherished as children. There are similarities between the regions of Alsace and Lorraine, as children had gone with their parents to random areas when the Germans invaded, or the effects of wartime had led families to really pare down their traditional celebrations of holidays.

A lot of the cuisine in the regions were influenced by other countries, as there had been immigration in the area to work in the iron mines as well as the war. All of the families did what they could, and stressed the togetherness and whatever they could save from their traditions in spite of the wartime tensions and scarcity of supplies. It really harkens back to a quote early on in the book: "Life is worth living, and if you can recognize the value of each pleasurable moment, you are truly a winner."

I'm not quite sure where to start with this one. It is an odd book and I don't think it is as advertised. Most of the book is dialogue; it doesn't make for smooth or easy reading. Despite being a book that is supposed to be about food traditions, I found there to be more war stories than food. There were a few mentions of food habits but nowhere near the detail I would expect from a book with this title. It was also made to feel like chick lit with how the women are described, especially the number of times grown women are described as "giggling." I think it would have been better to read more like a novel than a travel journal.

An excellent tour of France via the kitchens of normal, working class folks. Not your average travelogue, Bumpus travels with her husband and her French friend to sample the traditional "cuisine pauvre", or peasant cooking. I mentally attached myself to the author's pockets, and rode along with her as she visited and dined all over France. Her ability to describe scenes made me feel like I was there. So much information and adventure! I only hope that, someday, I will be able to do something like this!

A delightful book that covers family, food, and traditions in three provinces in northeast France. The book is a mix of history, travelogue, and recipes that is appealing and personal, if a bit light on the recipe part.

I'm looking forward to the second volume of Bumpus' travels.

Searching for Family and Tradition... .... is travel as well as cooking! It is not just book, it's essence is romantic. The author has created an ambiance around family gatherings and traditions. Travel with Carole Bumpus through the French country side. Join with her to the wind caves of France, farm markets, cathedrals.....sit with local families and learn the family secrets passed down through generations . Learn how to make spinach tortellini and crepes. Hear the stories. The reader will soon smell the richness of a Ruby Red Bordeaux and eat on small wooden plates Gruyere and creamy Roquefort. The reader will be thoroughly delighted. Adieu!

The author and a French friend take a delicious road trip across the Champagne, Lorraine, and Alsace regions of France, learning about cuisine native to each area, as well as traditions and family stories sur la table. It’s a sweet treat for foodies, Francophiles and travelers alike — part cookbook, part guidebook, part social history. The first of a planned trilogy, with Book Two to cover more of France and Book Three venturing into Italy. Highly recommended!

Pub Date 27 Aug 2019.

Thanks to the author, She Writes Press, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#SearchingForFamilyAndTraditionsAtTheFrenchTable #NetGalley

This is not what I expected. For some reason, I though this book would have recipes and such so unfortunately, the book did not grab my attention.

Thank you netgalley for giving me the chance to review!

This is a lovely book.A book of traveling through the French countryside wineries included .Visiting homes fantastic meals..warm wonderful families.Lovely traditions of Sunday family meals.Recipies.Perfect escape perfect vacation for anyone even armchair travelers.Looking forward to the next books in the series, #netgalley #shewritespress