Kristy Cambron has crafted another compelling work of historical fiction in this tale that shifts back and forth between two time periods. Once you start to put the puzzle pieces together, you might have a tough time putting this book down. From the glittering kitchens of 1950s Paris high society to the shadowy corridors of a World War II spy network buried within Nazi-occupied Vichy France, The French Kitchen weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, ambition, and courage. At its heart lies the little-known espionage backstory of Julia Child, the iconic would-be French chef, whose fate becomes entangled with other women navigating love, secrets, and sacrifice in a world at war. Their intersecting lives will challenge everything they believed about the future they once dreamed of.

I requested The French Kitchen because I loved the idea of food being at the center of the story, and I did enjoy that aspect very much — the descriptions were rich and really brought the flavors of the narrative to life. However, overall, the story just didn’t work for me. I usually love a good dual timeline, but here, the shifts didn’t quite land, and I found it hard to stay engaged. I’m not entirely sure why, but I almost didn’t finish the book. That being said, it’s clear from the many positive reviews that this novel has found its audience; it simply wasn’t the right fit for me.

But I do want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book. 3.5 read for me.

This book has it all. Espionage, family, lost loves, mystery, war, triumph over evil. Family story of a brother and sister in WWII with the resulting fallout along the way. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review.

Okay, so let me just start by saying… this book felt like a warm croissant on a rainy day. The French Kitchen is the kind of story that sneaks up on you with its gentle charm, then totally wraps you in a cozy apron of nostalgia, heart, and just enough romance to make your heart do a happy little skip.

Kristy Cambron took me straight to the French countryside without asking for my passport—and I wasn’t mad about it. Her writing is like sipping café au lait at a sun-drenched café. The setting? Chef’s kiss. I could smell the buttery pastries and feel the clink of porcelain teacups. If this book came with scratch-and-sniff pages, I swear I’d gain five pounds.

And the characters! They’re not cookie-cutter. They’re like that perfectly imperfect homemade tart—flaky in the best way, with sweet layers that surprise you. There’s love, yes, but also healing and rediscovery, and all the things that make you sigh contentedly and whisper, “Awwww” at the pages like a total goober.

Was it predictable at times? Sure. But it’s the kind of predictability that’s welcome, like when you know your favorite bakery always nails the chocolate croissants. It doesn’t make them any less satisfying.

Bottom line: If you love charming stories, food that makes you want to raid your fridge, and characters that feel like friends, The French Kitchen is a delight. Read it on a slow weekend. Preferably with something buttery in hand.

Review: The French Kitchen
Rating: ★★★★☆

The French Kitchen is a beautifully layered work of historical and Christian fiction that whisks readers from the glittering kitchens of 1950s Paris to the perilous heart of Nazi-occupied France. The novel follows two women—Kat Fontaine, a former OSS agent turned ex-pat wife, and Manon Altier, a courageous French chef-turned-spy—whose stories intertwine across time and space in a richly detailed narrative.

Kat’s post-war life takes an unexpected turn when she enrolls in a Parisian cooking class led by none other than Julia Child. These moments with Julia were a particular delight—lighthearted and full of flavor—and added a touch of charm and authenticity to the story. But as Kat navigates culinary challenges and her own haunted past, long-buried secrets begin to surface, threatening her seemingly perfect life.

Meanwhile, Manon’s tale is steeped in suspense as she risks everything to aid the Resistance while cooking for some of the most notorious figures of the Third Reich. Her bravery and resourcefulness are gripping and emotionally charged, offering a stark contrast to the post-war elegance Kat attempts to maintain.

While the dual timelines provide a compelling contrast, I found the jumps in time occasionally confusing, disrupting the narrative flow at times. Still, the emotional depth, historical detail, and strong female leads make this novel a memorable read.

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson fiction for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Kristy Cambron never fails to create stories that are rich in history, featuring intriguing characters and storylines that will captivate readers... and this one was no exception. I've read a LOT of WWII fiction, so I love finding stories that show a different side of things, and I feel this one certainly did that well. The inclusion of Julia Child made it all that much more intriguing. Her work with the OSS is not something I was at all familiar with, and this story (though still fictional) made me even more curious to learn more about that. Admittedly, dual timelines can be tougher for me, trying to sort out who is who in which timeline and how it all goes together, but ultimately, I thought this was an intriguing read that held my interest through the end. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, this is certainly one worth checking out.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

The French Kitchen kept me on my toes to the very end! Kristy Cambron has a special talent for weaving engaging, enthralling, and engrossing tales and The French Kitchen is no different. I was completely absorbed in the gripping mystery of what happened to our heroine Kat's brother, and whose loyalty lay where. Each character is masterfully layered and complex, lending the entire story a depth that helped make the whole espionage setting seem real and dangerous. Overall it was an excellent novel and I would easily recommend it to others looking for their next intriguing read.

Whenever I finish a Kristy Cambron book, my head is spinning. I don’t know how she keeps it all straight! I feel like I need an evidence wall with strings everywhere to try and track all the twists and turns and revelations. Good guys are bad and bad guys are good and you don’t know who is good or bad. It’s fun times.

But what I love about her books is the richness they have. There is such beauty in her writing. It makes me keep coming back to each new book.

So many twists and turns and things I did not expect. I’d say this is definitely a book that you have to read more than once to fully appreciate everything. The only reason it’s not five stars is that one of the romances didn’t feel right to me. One was very sweet but the other… it just didn’t seem real. Like I couldn’t see them actually falling in love. And that bothered me because I know it’s supposed to be good. But that means that The Paris Dressmaker and The Lost Castle are still the best Cambron books I’ve read, though this is a good one and I’d read it again.

Another great WW2 dual-time story by Kristy Cambron.

Readers follow Kat and Manon’s stories in 1943 and 1952. There’s a lot of drama and suspenseful scenes as both Kat and Manon are involved with intelligence during WW2, though they live on either side of the ocean.

Kat is on a mission to find her brother who went missing when he deployed to France, and how she achieves this is quite incredible. Manon holds secrets of her own and will do anything to rid her beloved France of Nazis – even if that means using her skills as a chef to thwart them.

The start of the story opens quickly, introducing readers to a large cast of characters. Each subsequent chapter will have readers moving between America and France, 1943 and 1952. It gets quite confusing at the start, but readers who stick with it will be rewarded in the end.
No one is ever whom they seem. There are secrets everywhere.

And these two ingredients make for a delightful read – so much so, the mystery isn’t likely to be unravelled.

There’s a nod to Julia Child, but not until much later in the book. Her completely fictionalized role in Kat’s story gives Kat the information she needs (Julia’s involvement in WW2 is NOT fictionalized).

A fascinating read with twists and turns that will keep readers up well past midnight.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this book! Great atmosphere, little bit of mystery, the cooking element was delicious! Definitely recommend!

This was a WONDERFUL book and I don't feel like I have been able to say that in a long while. I am usually not a fan of WW2 books, but this is from a completely different viewpoint. It moves from the past to the future and in the beginning because of name changes (covert ops) I was a little confused but so glad I stuck with it. This will be on my list of top books I read this year. Thank you so much NetGalley and Kristy Cambron for an ARC!

The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron is a must-read!! I've been looking forward to this book for a long time and I'm so honored to read it! I read this book in one sitting, and was hooked from the beginning! The story world is rich with sensory details, French cuisine, intrigue, and romance. Although there were several timeline jumps, I've come to love and expect how well done Kristy writes them. They are easy to follow once you get into the story and are expertly paced. The history of the OSS and little-known spies was so fascinating! I highly recommend this unique WW2 read to anyone with a love for historical romantic suspense!

This book had so much wonderful potential, and overall the story was good. I gave it 3 stars because I'm still a fan of Cambron's work, but the plot was hard to follow at times.

I love split-timeline historical novels and primarily read them, so I am used to the type of storytelling, but it took me until the 50% mark to get used to the cadence and pacing of the book and even take a real interest in the main characters. It felt like once you started to like a character, you were ripped to another POV, and it felt jarring at times, and like you were reading too many books at the same time. I felt like the author was on a tight deadline and just had to finish the book because the ending (and final, unnecessary plot twist) was VERY rushed.

In The French Kitchen, Kristy Cambron cooks up a culinary adventure from 1943 to 1952. With unique ingredients of espionage, love, betrayal, and justice, Kat Harris must learn to trust to save the love of her life. A special appearance by Julia Child brings authenticity to the post-war French culinary experience. This story is sure to be devoured by historical fiction, romance, and mystery readers.

Such an outstanding historical read that absolutely keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I loved the characters and the twist and turns in the books that kept me guessing until the end.
I highly recommend this book!

The French Kitchen is a beautifully written novel that blends historical fiction, mystery, and romance with the rich, sensory world of French cuisine. Kristy Cambron masterfully weaves a dual-timeline narrative, taking readers on an emotional journey through resilience, love, and the power of family. At its heart is Kat, a determined woman on a relentless quest to find her brother, a goal that anchors the entire story and keeps us deeply invested in her struggles and triumphs.

Initially, I found the constant movement between timelines and the pacing a bit challenging, and I considered giving the book a 4-star rating. But Kristy Cambron’s writing is just too good—I couldn't justify anything less than a 5. Midway through, I finally understood why she structured the story this way, and it made me appreciate it even more. The alternating timelines weren’t just a stylistic choice; they added layers of suspense and meaning that made the final revelations all the more satisfying.

Kat is an unforgettable protagonist. Her resilience is inspiring, especially in how she adapts to her hearing impairment by learning to read lips—an incredible display of ingenuity and strength. Following her journey was exhilarating as she navigated challenges most of us would never want to face.

The romance subplot was another highlight. It was touching, heartwarming, and intriguing, with just the right balance of suspense and mystery. And every scene felt intentional—no wasted moments, no filler.

I have to admit, I’ve only eaten French food once, and I wasn’t impressed. But after reading about the delicious and exquisite dishes in this book, I need to give it another try—soon!

I was also fascinated by Julia Child, who plays a role in the story. This was my first time reading about her, and I found myself researching her life, her masterpieces, her show, and even her service in the war.

This is my first time reading a Kristy Cambron novel, and it’s a masterclass in excellent writing. As a writer, I have so much to learn. Her style reminds me of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina—rich in subtext and nuanced storytelling that makes every scene feel layered with meaning. The way she wove historical details into the narrative without overwhelming the reader was masterful. I also appreciated how she used sensory details, especially in the descriptions of food, to immerse us in the setting.

Kat’s emotional journey was deeply compelling, and I admired how her resilience never wavered, even when she faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The romance was beautifully interwoven into the story—subtle yet powerful, never overshadowing the main plot but complementing it perfectly.

This book has left a lasting impression on me, both as a reader and as a writer. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Kristy Cambron’s work!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A great historical fiction read spanning WWII and the years after.
I got a little confused and had to concentrate with the dual time line and dates but once I got into the book it became a seamless read.
I love cooking and I love historical fiction and this book ticked both of these.
Kat Harris joins the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in the hope of finding out what has happened to her brother Gavin. We meet a cast of characters while she is working for the resistance and cooking meals for high ranking Nazis. Following the war Kat returns to France to continue her search for what happened to her brother and many of the characters from her resistance work and war days reappear. Who can she trust?
Loved that Julia Child who actually worked for the OSS makes an appearance.
Lots of intrigue and twists to keep you reading into the night.

I love time travel, historical fiction, World War II settings, and Julia Childs. This book has the unique distinction of combining all four! This story is mainly set during the World War II time period and revolves around the lives of spies working for the French resistance. There are multiple storylines and a dual timeline which all tie together nicely for a satisfying conclusion.

Cambron has created a lovely story of love, betrayal, loss, and loyalty that will leave you guessing until the very end! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Refreshing. That would be my word to describe this book. I don't normally read stories centered around World War II, but Kristy Cambron managed to do the unimaginable: she got me to read a book based on that theme TWICE! It was crazy from the prologue and the second half of the book. I could feel my emotions rising and falling. There are five main reasons why I loved "The French Kitchen."

First, who knew the kitchen would be a perfect place for a spy to be? I love it when authors play with seemingly ordinary activities and transform them into something epic. In this case, for both protagonists, it was life or death to do a good job and remain undetected. On many occasions, I admired each one's skill and determination, which brings me to my next point.

Second, Cambron has a great ability to create deeply human characters. Each one had a distinct personality and a defined purpose. Above all, the female protagonists stood out for me: Kat and Manon (honorable mention to Julia Child). Despite having different motivations, they fought strategically to seek justice or protect what they loved most. I really liked that the jobs they had at the beginning of the story were unconventional for a woman at that time. I also have to admit that the qualities or flaws she gave to other characters made them much more believable and relatable.

Third, there was an interesting plot development. Playing with two timelines piqued my curiosity to keep reading throughout the book. Despite knowing what had "supposedly" happened, it was satisfying to read that it had actually happened from the perspective of several characters without being in first-person. Plus, I couldn't wait to see when their paths would cross.

Fourth, and my favorite point, I LOVED that this book took a different approach to World War II. Simply exploring what happened afterward speaks volumes. Even certain historical figures like Julia Child appear. It wasn't just about surviving and escaping, but about finding the truth. Evaluate whether your gifts or talents should be used for a greater good. Can I let go of what happened as if it were nothing, or will I use those experiences to become a new person? What does letting go really mean? These are a couple of reflections I took away from the book.

Fifth, love can be expressed through more than one medium. There are sibling relationships, for which you would go to the ends of the earth to find. There are friendships that provide comfort and understanding in the midst of a desperate situation. There are people in love who would do anything to save you or be your rock. It's surprising how love was explored from so many angles.

Finally, the only thing I didn't like about the book was that there were several detailed descriptions in the first half, and some villains or antagonists were predictable. Aside from that, "The French Kitchen" is an exceptional read. It offers a different perspective on human behavior in one of the world's most memorable battles. It makes you want to know what the future holds for our beloved characters, along with delicious dishes. My biggest takeaway from all the chapters is: How are you going to live in the present? Don’t miss it!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Kristy Cambron writes the most beautiful, complex stories. She is masterful at writing seamless multiple timelines and her knowledge of the events, places and times is always flawlessly researched. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and as expected I was immediately captivated by the characters, the intrigue, and the romance. I really liked the way real life people and events were beautifully woven in to the plot. Julia Child is such a quirky, interesting and enjoyable personality who paired so well with The French Kitchen's multifaceted main character Kat. The fascinating story moves back and forth between 1943 and the early 1950's mostly set in France during and post WWII. I am usually drawn to a favorite character in a story but that was impossible here because of the wonderfully complex cast of characters. The cover of the book is gorgeous and matches the story within. No doubt my favorite book this year and I'm willing to bet it still will be come August when it finally releases. Put this one on your must read list.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read for my honest review.