The French Kitchen
by Kristy Cambron
Pub Date: August 5, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
From the heights of culinary cuisine in 1950s Paris society to the underbelly of a WWII spy network embedded deep within Nazi-controlled Vichy France--and the spy backstory of the world's most famous would-be French chef, Julia Child--The French Kitchen turns up the heat on the pasts of women whose worlds collide, and forces each to question what she thought she'd planned for a perfect future.
This is one of Cambron's finest!! I highly recommend for historical fiction readers! The dual time line was executed perfectly.
5 stars

I couldn’t put it down! This dual timeline story involves the lives of Kat, Gerard, Manon, Dominique and others during WW2 France as well as post-war France. As the author weaves the two parts of the story together the reader is left with both an aching sense of the losses caused by war and the victories that come from never looking back. The changing timelines were sometimes a challenge for me as the reader, but eventually I got accustomed to the back and forth. The inclusion of Julia Child and her kitchen was a delightful surprise and added to the complexity of the story. I had mostly figured out the ending, but I always like it when the author includes a twist at the end takes me by surprise.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own

I am not usually a historical fiction reader, but when one travels to Europe, one needs a book set in Paris! The French Kitchen may have converted me to read more historical fiction.
This is a dual storyline telling multiple stories and I was confused at first, but stories quickly blended together. In 1952 we have Kat who has married with the only purpose to have help in finding her brother who went missing in 1943. The couple live in Paris where she takes cooking lessons with Julia Child. In 1942 Kat's job is a chef assistant at a chateau in France helping as a spy for the Allies. Through both storylines we question if Kat's husband, Captain Fontaine, can be trusted and remember how horrific this war was to all involved.
What I loved about this story was the setting in beautiful France and Paris, the bravery of Kat, and that the ending took me by surprise. It was the perfect addition to my European tour.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Certainly! Here's a **condensed 4-paragraph critical review** of *The French Kitchen* by **Kristy Cambron**, maintaining a thoughtful tone with key analytical insights:

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Kristy Cambron’s *The French Kitchen* is a richly atmospheric historical novel that weaves together romance, espionage, and the sensory allure of French cuisine. Set between 1943 and 1952, the narrative follows Kat, a former OSS operative grappling with personal trauma and lingering questions about her husband’s wartime secrets. A simple cooking class in postwar Paris becomes the catalyst for a deeply emotional journey, blending mystery with themes of identity, memory, and resilience.

The novel’s dual-timeline structure adds narrative complexity, offering suspenseful reveals and layered storytelling. However, the frequent time jumps and wide cast of characters may challenge readers seeking a more streamlined plot. While Cambron’s use of historical context, including a fictionalized Julia Child, enriches the novel’s texture, some of these elements feel more decorative than integral.

Kat’s portrayal is a highlight—her resilience, emotional depth, and hearing impairment are handled with sensitivity and nuance. Yet the romantic arc with her husband lacks the tension needed to fully resonate, and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The emotional stakes are present but occasionally overwhelmed by the structural ambition of the narrative.

Despite its flaws, *The French Kitchen* delivers a heartfelt exploration of grief, loyalty, and the healing power of food. Cambron’s elegant prose and vivid settings make for a sensory reading experience. This novel will particularly appeal to fans of character-driven historical fiction with a touch of culinary charm and a strong, emotionally complex heroine at its center.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

This is such a great read, and highlights those that helped bring down the evil that was dominating Europe in the 1930's and 1940's to their knees. This is also about those being brought to justice.
A dual time read 1943 and 1952. Featuring American's that knowingly risk their lives for justice and freedom.
This story kept giving from beginning to end, and we even cook with Julia Child! There is so much danger here, and I thought that 1952 would be different, nope!
We are offered some sweet romance, and some that risk their lives for those they love. There is so much danger here, and some senseless loss of life.
There are also some big surprises that drop, and no I never expected! Another great read by Kristy Cambron!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


Told in dual timelines, THE FRENCH KITCHEN is a complex story of love, espionage, mystery and intrigue all circulating around the delicacies created by classic French Cooking in the 1940-50’s.

Timeline one begins in 1943 when Kat’s brother joins the war from their wealthy, Boston home. It’s not long before he is lost, missing or worse. Kat is recruited and agrees to serve, using her special skills, but only if she can look for her brother when not working. Her plans go sideways from night one resulting in her meeting Manon, the head chef at an exclusive chateau where the Nazi elite gather to strategize in northern France. Manon works feverishly to train Kat to be her sous chef and maintain their cover to continue aiding the flow of information between the OSS and Resistance forces. When Kat is called out of the kitchen to attend an important event with the Captain of the French Guard, duplicitous players wreak havoc that cause life changing damage to everyone involved.

Ten years later, Kat is back in Boston, the war is over and her brother has been declared dead until she receives a puzzling note that sends her off to Paris, dropping everything, immediately. In this timeline, we are reunited with many of the characters from the first and by way of flashbacks or two characters calling each other out on lies they are or have told, the truth about what actually happened during the failed, critical mission at the chateau, is eventually revealed.

Paris isn’t recovered from the war yet. People are calling out neighbors and strangers who they think might be war criminals. Trust is low, supplies are low but hope is beginning to grow. Author, Kristy Cambron, does a good job of creating the atmosphere in post war Paris. I also enjoyed the role of Julia Child. Unlike the publisher blurb and some reviewers, I don’t think she stands out or takes a premium position at all. Current day readers know her as a lager than life caricature and therefore, she looms large. In reality, she’s a retired OSS agent, living in Paris and she happens to be a good cook at this point in time, no notoriety yet. Because of her husband, they live a wealthy life in a home that was miraculously spared any damage from Nazi bombing. All that to say, her actual life story fit this fictional perfectly.

What doesn’t fit perfectly for me is the sentence structure Cambron falls into when arriving at a new location or introducing a new character. There are so many fragments, non-sentences, snippets and starting many of these with the new favorite word: AND… This is so jarring and disruptive to the reading experience. In addition, it’s annoying to have to reread passages in order to understand them. Did Cambron use AI to write these passages? Something about them is very different and not in a good way.

If you’re a foodie, there’s plenty to enjoy here. You’ll want to dust off your JOY OF COOKING or get ready to look up recipes for classic French dishes. At the same time, make sure you’ve paid the gym membership! Thriller, mystery and espionage readers will be tangled up until the last few pages and lovers of Historical Fiction and WWII with subtle romance will enjoy the intricacies📚

I loved this book! It had twists and turns and all. The romance was sweet and the storyline was intriguing. I highly recommend if you are looking for a romance historical fiction novel that is clean!


Thank you to NetGalley and Kristy Cambron for allowing me to read this book!

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to review this book
This book is another bestseller.
Split time: France
Paris, 1952- with Kat Fontaine and Julia Child
Rue, 1943- with Manon Altier, who works as a French chef at the famous Chateau du Broutel. working for the enemy. At night, working with the resistance to defeat the Nazi's.
This book is very well written. It kept my interest til the end.
If you like reading books set in WWII, this book is for you. You will not be disappointed.

Great and intense historical fiction about food and espionage. My first read by this author but would definitely be interested in reading more. Kat was an amazing character.

This novel drew me in from the first page and took me on a journey of spine-tingling suspense, passion, and intrigue until the very end. The strength of character displayed by the main characters as they navigated heart break, suffering, and fear on a daily basis was phenomenal. I wish we could have just had the story from beginning to end without jumping around timelines so much, but it kept me on my toes as slowly more unanswered questions came to light. What a joy to see a bit of real life characters like Julia Child bring authenticity to the story. Gerard, Kat, Gavin, Manon, and others like them were true heroes who fought for freedom from oppression of the Nazi regime. All that they endured, and the surprising twist, made the ending even more heartwarming. Historical Fiction at its best! Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"To look back is not to lament all we've lost, but to see how past experiences have shaped us into who we are."

Kristy Cambron is a master at weaving emotionally gripping and unforgettable historical fiction. I enjoyed her previous books set during WWII and this newest offering did not disappoint. The plot in 1943 Northern France worked almost like a flashback to fill in the backstory of the plot in 1952 Paris. Kat and Manon's third person voices in 1943 were brave, fearless, resourceful, and loyal as they worked in occupied France's chateau kitchen while working with the Resistance, OSS, and SOE. The cloud of danger and urgency was palpable in the midst of secrecy, espionage, subversion, double agents and heart-breaking betrayals. Gerard and Kat's third person voices carried the 1952 segment of the story and it was fascinating to see how much they had matured yet still hurt from their losses during the war. Gerard was a stalwart and compassionate hero, fully committed to the cause he had pledged himself. Kat learned to temper her impulsiveness and fiery stubbornness of youth but wasn't afraid to challenge others' decisions to make her own way. Both Gerard and Kat were afraid to love but learned to conquer their fears.
The suspense and intrigue were delightful, as were the two romances that bloomed even in the middle of war. The subplot of searching for Kat's brother who was declared missing during the war brought plot twists upon plot twists, which all came together at the end. I also enjoyed meeting fictionalized Julia Child here.
I have to admit that I didn't fully follow the plot until about a third way into the book - I got a bit confused between the 1943 and 1952 plots and had trouble connecting the dots between the two timelines. I don't know French so maybe that contributed. I was also confused about some of the characters singled out at the end of the story and how they were tied to what happened at the end of 1943 storyline. Regardless the writing was melodic, the setting unrivaled, characters unforgettable, and life lessons learned timeless.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I found this book slow to get into. I stayed with it though, enjoying the twist at the end. Including Julia Childs in the story was a nice touch since historically she was involved with the war effort. It also made Kat Harris's story more believable as she retells her story. It is a story based on finding her brother after he enlists in WWII, becoming an undercover agent herself, falling in love with a man she believes is her enemy and so much more. For those who like historical fiction set during WWII, then put this book on your to read list.

I quite enjoyed this book set to the time periods of the 1940s (World War II) and the 1950s. This book has a dual timeline based on the main character, Kathryn (Kat) Harris’ life when she became a American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) spy upon her brother, Gavin’s request. He went MIA and she is determined to find him with her wits, toughness, and independence. She has a hard time trusting and I don’t blame her as she deals with life’s circumstances from the days her mother left her father to working undercover as a spy in the French chateau kitchen. I must admit the duel timeline in this particular book had me confused, but as I kept on reading it was okay. In regards to the title? It may seem uneventful, but I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised as I was with the rich writing. I received this e-book for free from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley, and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

✨️ In a world of spies and saboteurs, you never knew whose actions you could trust . . unless it was a man who was falling in love with a woman when he thought no one else was looking. ✨️

📖
It follows two women whose lives intertwine through culinary skills and wartime experiences: a French chef in the resistance, and an American woman attending a cookery class in Paris who uncovers secrets about her husband's past.


Themes & Writing style :
♡ Secrets and Hidden Past
♡ Love and Romance
♡ Family and Legacy
♡ 3rd person & goes from past to present POVs

My Thoughts/ Rating 🩵✨️

I was CONTEMPLATING so hard writing this review because I wanted to do it justice that it 👏DESERVED👏 WOW where do I begin ?! Buckle up because I'm going to yap 😝

I have never read anything of Kristen Cambron before and I want to slap myself in the face for not discovering her sooner ohh my gossh 😭 because the WAAAY SHE MADE ME OBSESS OVER BOTH 👏GAVIN & CAPITÁN FONTAINE WAS NOT OK👏🏃‍➡️😝🤭

I don't think I have ever fonded over guys this BADLY when reading ( and I read romatasy novels mostly so that's saying something). Both of their stories had me enamored with the kind of standard and love they had for their Women likeee helllo!? Can I just get a man who freaking describes me as his world and sacrifice the pain of his past for meeeee is that too much to askk ughhh ✋️😒🙄🤌

The subtle touches and looks they would give oh my gosh and the WAY they were👏 not afraid👏 to go after what they wantED regardless of the consequences was 🤌😘 THEY WERE NOT AFRAID TO SHOW THEIR FEELINGS AND I WAS LOVINN IT telling you right now WE LOVE SENSITIVE MEN & MEN WHO KNOW SHE CAN DO IT BUT HE DESIRES TO SEE HER HAPPY SO HE WANTS TO DO IT likeee ughhhh stoppp itt are you kidding mee!? when will it be my turrrn LORD
😭🏃‍➡️🙏🥹

That one scene 🔥: He knelt in front of her, pointing to the flow of crimson dripping off her chin. “Which one of these men do I punish for doing that to you?”
👏CAPITÁN GÉRARD FONTAINE THE MAN YOU ARE 👏 I NEED THIS MAN LIKE I NEED AIR UGHHH I CAN'T ✋️✨️

Ok so sorry for my crazy rant I just had to let you know these men are amazing and I will never get married bc no one will ever fight a war for me and my family keeps telling me to shut up and stop obsesseing over fictional men but how can I when they are WRITTEN SOOO WELL 🤭

I do give it 4.5 because there were times in the middle part I did find myself not engaged. And it said it was Christian fiction but I didn't really see alot of elements except for a sentence or so, but let me tell you after CH 21 OHHH IT WAS OVAAAA I was ON IT like white on rice👏

The LAST 2 CHAPTERS HAD ME IN MY FEELS I WAS ON EDGE like never BEFORE everything just started coming to the light and I was shocked. Such a Blessing to have received an ARC this book was truly a masterpiece ✨️

The plot itself was so intriguing and how they could never fully trust one another because everyone was on edge but they wanted to. Something about War romances that are just TOP TIER dude I can't 👏

As always thank you to Net galley and Kristen Cambron for the ARC, this will definitely not be my last book from her I'm going right now to read more of her books goodbye🏃‍➡️ and stay blessed everyone 🙏

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.