Kristy Cambron has done it yet again! The dual timeline as always was immaculate within this story - Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC!

The French Kitchen was a wonderful addition to the ranks of Kristy Cambron's books. Kristy excels at time-jumping back and forth and weaving a compelling story on two fronts, and this story did not disapoint!

There were so many little things for my brain to rabbit-hole down. I started suspecting characters, figuring out identities, and then when it all came together, some pieces the way I imagined, I was still shocked and bobbing up and down in excitement and relief.

Kat was a fascinating character to see develop, a fierce tomboy so unlike me that she drew me in even more. Manon was also such a fun character, the little tidbits about French cuisine sprinkled liberally though the story. I was so tense the whole book, waiting to see how everything would work out, but it did! I love a good ending, and this one was good enough that I was quite disappointed to see I had reached the last page.

Overall, five stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book starts out with a cast of characters and a time travelling storyline. I enjoyed the book and by the time I got to the end, I couldn't put it down. I did find the time travel meant that I really had to concentrate or I found myself going back to read things twice.

I liked the plot of the story and the characters involved. I especially liked the characterisation of Julia Child. It added a point of interest to the story which was unique to it. All in all worth reading.

I receive complimentary books for various sources, including Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron. Five Stars! Ms. Cambron has done it again!

#TheFrenchKitchen #NetGalley

A WWII French Resistance novel set in 1943 and 1951. This book had me turning pages to find out what happens next. I loved that it was all about French cooking and Julia Child.

THE FRENCH KITCHEN by KRISTY CAMBRON is a beautifully written WW11 novel that takes place first in France during the war years, where Kat Harris works as an SOE agent. She is looking for her beloved brother Gavin, who is also an agent and is reported missing. She joins Manon, the main chef at the Chateau de Broutel, where she learns to cook, as they produce elaborate meals for the enemy’s top brass. I like the way Manon’s and Kat’s relationship grows as they join forces against the enemy. However there is a traitor in the chateau……
It is interestng to see how Captain Gerard Fontaine of the Vichy Police watches over Kat ……
The story carries on in Paris at the beginning of 1952 with Kat and Gerard’s marriage of convenience……..
There is a great deal of intrigue and there is an interesting introduction of the famous Julia Child, who was actually in the OSS during the war…..
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I highy recommend this exciting and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley fromThomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are competely my own.

To start with, I think the cover of this book is stunning! This story is mainly set during WWII and the lives of undercover spies. There are multiple time lines to follow in typical Cambron style. At first I wasn't sure I would ever be able to keep the many characters and timelines separate but a few chapters in and I realized how the author was tying things together so it made a lot more sense. I enjoyed all of the perspectives shown during heavy war time and also after the war which I thought was a unique perspective. What did these people who were so pivotal to the war effort do once it was over? Did they have regrets? Were they still trying to right wrongs? Could they trust anyone?
So many things are touched upon between these pages that it makes for quite a captivating story. It was really interesting to read about the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and what they did to help the war effort. It truly is astounding. There is a romance that you really don't expect and it added a sweetness to the plot. Julia Child makes an appearance which made for a fun plot twist. While a little slow to start, this book had my full attention and was difficult to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction. This is one of Cambron's best!

Five Stars.





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

This fascinating story takes place in France in 1943, when the Nazi’s were in control. The timeline then jumps up to the early 1950s in Paris after World War II. Kristy Cambron does an extensive amount of research, so there is often an element of actual history in her books that is woven into the fictitious story that is very appealing. What a surprise to learn that Julia Child, the famous French Chef played an integral role as a spy in the French Resistance.
Manon is a French Chef during the day, serving the Nazi’s and at night she is part of an underground network providing important information to the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Kat Harris Fontaine, an American from Boston, joined the French Resistance to find her brother, Gavin, who also joined and then went missing. Kat, and Manon prepare elaborate meals by day and join forces at night where some frightening discoveries come to light. It is a dangerous time to take such risks. Because of a birth defect which left Kat deaf in one ear, she is adept at reading lips, which has proved to be invaluable for an undercover spy.
There are many moving parts to this story with strong, well-developed characters and of course a multitude of secrets and shocking circumstances come to light. I could have not guessed the conclusion of this fast-paced story, therefore when I did get to the end, it was an unexpected surprise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

If you love stories about France (especially Paris), French cooking (especially Julia Child), World War II (especially in France), strong women (especially spies), and love (especially complicated situations), you will love this book! Following a large cast of characters through World War II and again 8 years later, Cambron weaves together an amazing and convoluted story of determination, love, betrayal, questionable loyalties, lost loved ones, and much more. You may not want to read the cooking scenes when you’re hungry :-) There are also gut-wrenching events that are not fun to read about, but part of the reality of war. Overall, this is an amazing book.

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

The French Kitchen was a great World War II novel. Lately, I feel like I've read quite a few historical fiction novels that would technically be considered dual timeline in that the story is told by characters in two distinct timelines. More traditionally, these timelines have quite a bit of distance between them (as in decades or more), but the ones I've read recently have been interesting in that the dual timelines are quite close together. The French Kitchen is told by the same characters in both the World War II timeline but also just a few years post-war in the 1950's. Cambron provides mystery, intrigue, war, spies, cooking (and even a celebrity chef in Julia Child), and a plethora of memorable characters. The French Kitchen is a five star pick for historical fiction fans, especially for those who enjoy learning about the more subtle forms of resistance.


I received a complimentary copy of The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron is a fascinating dual timeline story that takes place during the Nazi occupation in France 1943 and early 1950s in Paris after World War II.
I love historical fiction and this book delivers!!! I loved how the author weaves actual events into her amazing story. Julia Child, the famous French Chef, played an integral role as a spy in the French Resistance. Another main character, Manon, is a French Chef during the day, serving the Nazi’s and at night she is part of OSS, Office of Strategic Services, an underground network providing important information to the Americans. Another main character is Kat who joined the French Resistance to find her brother, Gavin, who also joined and went missing. Kat's knowledge of languages and her ability to read lips made her an invaluable asset to the OSS and she also posed as Célène, a kitchen maid at the Château du Broutel. She was very valuable as an undercover spy.
There are many well-developed characters, secrets and shocking circumstances in this story. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for an advanced readers copy.

This book was amazing! I love cooking and historical books and this was the perfect combination of both. The writing was wonderful. I highly recommend!

Can Kristy Cambron get any better? Yes, yes, she can!

At first, I wasn’t sure of The French Kitchen. It seemed to go in every direction except our main character, Kathryn (Kat) Harris, who was solid. I liked that she didn’t go with the crowd; she marched to her rhythm. Her character is multi-layered, and I connected to her in a way I don’t always with female characters.

The French Kitchen opens up with Kat undercover in the field with Xandre, who we’ll meet up with later in a surprising turn of events. The changing timelines at first were annoying, but as I continued, they didn’t bother me as much, and I found it necessary to the plotline to keep everything moving succinctly. I loved getting to know Manon, Gerard, Julia, and Dominique. As Kat’s search for her missing brother continued, the layers kept coming, and I never really knew what to expect, but the mystery and the intrigue of this time was attention-grabbing for me

My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.

Terrific read with intrigue, spies, romance, with real people and events involved in the plot. Any reader who likes a good mystery may enjoy this one.

Unraveling the past in order to move forward in the present, the main character 'Kat' answers a cryptic telegram taking her back to France years after the war ends. The author skillfully leads the reader back and forth between two timelines--1943 and 1952--as pieces of the past come together to solve the puzzle of what happened to Kat's brother during the war.

Loved how the author mixed real people into the plot, especially Julia Child and the art of French cooking, and her role in the OSS during WWII. Her research on women in the OSS shines through in her characters and made the story feel plausible. The tension rises towards the end as the final piece falls into place and all is revealed.
Satisfying read overall. Not much spiritual content, but a good, clean read. Recommend!

I LOVED this book! At first I got frustrated because it keeps switching to different years/periods of time & different people, but I think that was partly due to it being an ebook format. It would definitely be easier to read as a hard copy.

However, the author did such a fabulous job tying everything together, I ended up really enjoying the book & look forward to reading other books by this author!

I love to cook & watch cooking shows, so that aspect initially drew me to this book, which I have to say it wasn't as much about that, but it definitely was fun having Julia Child be a character in the book.

Great characters, great plot, surprising twists & more. You won't be disappointed!

(I received this as an ARC read. All opinions are my own.)

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion. I've read every one of Kristy Cambrons books and she just keeps getting better. A wonderful split time story of intrigue, spies, romance, and a surprise I didn't expect. Julia Childs' part in the story just make it even better. Kristy puts such detail in her stories and I respect the amount of research that has to be involved. The ending was very satisfying. I don't know how she does it but I already can't wait for her next won! Highly recommend!

WOW. Kristy Cambron brings another wonderful story of intrigue, history and wonderful characters to life in this book. It follows Kat as she gets into WWII and spying. She weaves this story if Kat with real life spy and chef Julia Childs story it is very interesting. If you like historical fiction that keeps you wanting more this is for you.nI really enjoyed this book. I received an arc copy to read and give my honest review.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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!

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.

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 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.

"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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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

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

“The French Kitchen” by Kristy Cambron is a story from inside France during and after WWII, and I have to say, this was such an intriguing story! The plot kept me wanting to read more, and I had a hard time putting it down. Kristy Cambron has taken Julia Child, someone we all recognize from our American culture, and inserted her into this story, shedding light on a part of Julia’s life I was not aware of, and that is her role in an intelligence office during WWII! The author also has written some very rich characters in this story. They are people you would love to sit down with and listen to them share their life story, and it would be riveting to hear. Kat is the main female lead in this story, and her experiences going from Boston to life in the war zone of France is harrowing at times and the dangers seem to continue even after the war ends. Gerard is the main male lead in this story, and he is a puzzle. He serves as a captain in the Vichy French police, and Kat is never sure which man he is: the personable caring man she met first or the stoic and cool police captain who follows Nazi orders. One other excellent part of this book are the secondary characters. They are vital to this story, and they are so well developed and I felt such deep emotion as the plot unfolded around them as well. This book kept me guessing the entire time. Someone in the resistance forces was a double agent, and though I had one of them pegged early on, I never would have guessed the true double agent. I love that this story shows us the beauty that can come through tragedy. I love that, although truth and right take severe hits during the horrible war and its aftermath, in the end, truth and right prevail or at least something good can come from those horrible circumstances. I highly recommend this book. It takes a different approach to a WWII novel, and I enjoyed the way the author alternated the time of events from during the war and after the war to create a well-crafted story. Read it. You will not regret it.

Kat is living with her husband in post war Paris. She is taking classes from Julia Childs. This will eventually unravel secrets that took place during the war. I loved this book.

I consider Kristy Cambron the queen of WW2 Christian fiction along with Sarah Sundin. The author brings another beautiful dual time-line novel set during WW2. The French Kitchen is an enjoyable read that highlights the struggles and triumphs during the time period. Having lived in easy times, I cannot imagine what sufferings ordinary people went through during the war.

At first, the two times were difficult to keep up with, but gradually I figured out the characters and where they belonged. The plot-line is exciting and the characters are likable. It really is a great book! I enjoyed it very much! I look forward to future books by Kristy Cambron!

This is a review for The French Kitchen by Kristy Cabron that will be released on August 5, 2025.  This book was an absolute page turner for me!  I was hooked from the beginning, as it was like putting together a puzzle that just kept getting better and better as each exciting and unpredictable piece was placed. Man I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I read 2/3rds of it in one sitting because I was so gripped by the story that I just had to keep reading!  The book really came together in the end, and I was shocked by the finale of the story, as I never guessed the ending in a million years! I don't like it when a book ending is predictable, and this one wasn't!!  I really love this historical fiction story, loved that the author included Julia Childs, and am going to research her part in WWII!  The characters blended together so well, and usually I don't care for a dual time story, but this one made the story exciting and flow so well I kept turning the pages! So this gets a 5 star rating, and I highly recommend it!!!

Oh the twists and turns in The French Kitchen we’re delightful. The imagery and the connection to my senses were spot on. The story kept me turning the pages. Loved it would go in a direction I never imagined. The surprise character towards the end was a sweet treat! This is a shelf keeper read. Recommended read.

I loved this book! Couldn’t put it down, once I started reading it I couldn’t stop and then I didn’t want to finish it!

"The French Kitchen" is a historical suspense and romance. While there were 2 main perspectives (Kat and Manon), we also eventually got point-of-view scenes from their love interests. The author initially switched between three timelines: Boston, USA in 1943, where Kat's brother disappears after stating he's going to join the war efforts. Kat's recruited into the OSS as a field agent lured by promises of helping her find her missing brother. Rue, France in 1943 where Manon works for the French Resistance as a chef in a kitchen feeding high ranking German officers. Kat ends up working with her. Paris, France in 1952, where Kat returns to find her missing brother and marries a Frenchman who worked under the Germans during the war. Kat's not sure if he was also helping the Resistance. It was a little confusing to keep track of everything until the 1943 timelines merged.

As people working for the OSS were caught, it's clear they needed to uncover who's leaking OSS information to the Germans. The unexpected third traitor at the end didn't really make sense, partly because the motive was rushed over, but the story otherwise held together once all of the pieces were revealed. Incidentally, Julia Child and the cooking classes were only a very minor part of this story.

Manon's a very determined woman willing to risk her life to get revenge for her family's deaths. Kat's courageous, observant, smart, able to read lips, and prepared for dangerous situations. Two men come to admire and love these two women, but secrets from the wartime cause rifts until the secrets were uncovered by Kat. The main characters acted realistically and were complex. It felt like they could have been real people. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, creating a distinct sense of the time and place. The suspense was created by the constant danger of being found out by those quite willing to kill anyone working against the Nazis.

There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful, interesting story.

This is a wonderful read!
WWII in France is a dangerous place for the resistance. Agents can’t expect to live long.
Yet each one knows the importance of their part in fighting Nazism.
Normal people doing normal work are everywhere. No one knows who the trust. There are spies and sympathizers in the most vulnerable places.
Prepare for some suspense and traitors. This read will keep you turning the pages!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

This book was addictive - I had to keep reading to find out what happened, I really did not want to put it down. This historical story has so many elements - spies, love, intrigue, deception and the ultimate question of who to trust. I loved the surprise twist at the end!
This book contained multiple puzzle pieces of timelines, characters and plots and it took a little bit initially to work it out but once I had, it was a beautiful duet between the two main timelines, 1943 and 1952. I love reading books set in WWII - I always learn something more of the history and stories of the time. The French Kitchen was no exception as I not only learnt about the times but also the lingering effects of the war afterwards and the distrust that seasoned the French. I loved the inclusion of Julia Child and it was fascinating to hear about her war service ... and the food mentioned just made me want to be there to smell it and partake!
I really enjoyed reading this book and would encourage anyone wanting to read a clean, historical WWII novel to give it a go.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Another excellent WWII book by Kristi Cambron. This one was especially interesting because the dual timelines weren't that far apart and followed people involved in both timelines. The way this one wrapped up was so intriguing.

The writing and storytelling were compelling and kept me up late at night reading it. I loved being able to read about Julia Child as well in the later timeline! It's fun when books contain real life, well known individuals. The foods made in France from the 1940's to 1950's are iconic and the look from the kitchens and what was served during WWII shortages was intriguing.

This book has espionage, murder, family, friendship, betrayal and love all wrapped up in one book. The story of the missing brother and a sister going into the service of the OSS for the US military during the war and looking for him after was really a good story. There were so many twists and turns to keep me as a reader guessing.

I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. The cover art is excellent and the writing is superb!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

ARC Honest Review.
I haven't been much of a reader of Historic Fiction, but this book totally changed my mind. It had me immediately taken back in time and I felt like I had a front row seat to what was going on during WWII and spies! I also loved that I was able to learn about the role women played during the war as well. I also loved how history, romance, and suspense is present but the author also throws in beautiful French cooking. This is my first read of this author, but for sure won't be my last!!

❤️Review: The French Kitchen

💞Rate: 5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

☕Praise: Kristy Cambron has always been my go-to author and she always will be! I have always been deeply enthralled with her World War II romance novels and this next edition I will truly cherish for the rest of my life! Manon and Kat are in dual timelines and I was not only intrigued I was wholly invested! We have a time during World War II and post World War 2! Something I've never seen an author do! Both timelines are connected but in between mysteries and certain elements played a part! Espionage, romance, and faith oh my! 1 minute I didn't know who to trust! The next minute I realized why characters had to do what they did in certain situations! Really my favorite scene is when Kat was recruited! Such a simple scene, with a few words, with heavy meaning! She truly loves her country! Manon, my hidden warrior Queen, had me the moment her bravery rise to the occasion each time! I won't give too much away but this is the most epic historical book I have read this year! Elements of faith and mystery are woven into this book tapestry! A book tapestry I will read over and over!

🍹Extra: I cannot wait for more books by Kristy! ☺️

** “It’s how we know we’re still alive, when love hasn’t gone completely from our hearts.” **

In “The French Kitchen,” Kristy Cambron dives into an historical group of people and their wartime efforts — the Office of Strategic Services during World War II — as well as pulling in a recognizable chef.

When Kat Harris’ brother goes missing during the war, she decides to join forces with the OSS to not only help her country, but see if she can locate him. Going deep undercover in a chateau, right in the belly of one of the German enemy’s hideaways, she must quickly learn culinary skills as part of her cover.

Can she determine whom she can trust? And will she ever find her brother Gavin?

Several years later, while still searching for Gavin, she is reacquainted with several of those she knew during the war. How will their stories intertwine now that it is 1952? And who is this intriguing woman named Julia Child who is teaching a cooking school for Kat and her friends?

Cambron tells the story over several different timeframes during the 1940s and early ’50s for the same characters. Because most of the characters have multiple identities, it can be hard at times to follow who’s who and what they are doing when, but overall this is a fantastic, suspenseful story filled with drama and romance. She provides intriguing characters, some of whom the reader is never quite sure whether to trust or not.

She also fills “The French Kitchen” with several great themes, like leaning on someone else is OK at times; sometimes it’s OK to look back, but sometimes we also need to just look forward; courage is not for the faint of heart; trying to determine whom you can truly trust (“Only a rat would play both sides while he waits to see which sewer he’d like most to swim in”); the weight of decisions can either sink or save the heart; and love conquers all.

Fans of historic fiction as well as World War II stories will love this novel. Fans of authors like Rachel McMillan, J’nell Ciesielski and Katherine Reay, as well as series like Julia Kelly’s “Evelyne Redfern” series, will love “The French Kitchen,” which is due out Aug. 5.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Kristy Cambron has become one of my favorite authors. You know when you open up one of her books and begin to go on a journey through the pages that you will be challenged emotionally. I love reading historical fiction books and particularly those that take place during WWII. There are a lot of characters featured throughout the pages, but the story will pull you in and you will not want to stop flipping through the pages. The characters are richly developed and you will even be treated to a delightful appearance by Julia Child. There are a lot of aspects dealt with throughout the book ... espionage, betrayal, love, loss, intrigue, dedication, courage, and secrets. While a lot happens as you devour the words Kristy has created, you will be left with a sense of satisfaction as you absorb the last word and close the book with a sign.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Christian
Christian Fiction
Fiction
France
Historical
Historical Fiction
Romance
Suspense
WWII

The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron is a beautiful showcase of Cambron’s writing talents. Her attention to detail…historic, location, characters, even recipes, is what truly grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them captive for the duration of the story. I thought the intelligence aspect of the story was brilliant and well written. I love how Gavin recruited his sister because he knew her so well and then to see how well Kat did was exciting. There is heartache to be sure, but there is also growth, maturation, development, and bravery. The representation of what others have done in real life is inspirational and I love that their story lives on. I did enjoy the love stories along the way and how they just naturally grew and deepened. The inclusion of Julia Childs and her backstory were enlightening and blended right into this story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Loved the dual timeline. A beautifully told story with characters you will fall in love with! Highly recommend picking this one up. Beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher!

I just finished The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron—and wow, what a ride. From the very first pages, I was hooked. The story shifts between war‑torn France in 1943 and Paris in the early 1950s, weaving together the lives of courageous women in a way that’s both suspenseful and emotionally rich.

I especially loved how Cambron uses vivid culinary descriptions to bring the world to life. Whether she’s describing a château kitchen or a market in Paris, the sensory detail makes it impossible not to taste and smell the food alongside the characters.

The dual timelines take a little getting used to, I really had to stick with it at first to begin to understand the back and forth. But, once the pieces fall into place, it becomes beautifully compelling, and the final reveal is unexpectedly satisfying.

In short: The French Kitchen is a richly woven story of espionage, loss, resilience, and redemption; with romance and real‑life figures like Julia Child thrown in for extra flavor. If you love historical fiction that offers depth, mystery, and emotional stakes, this one’s worth every page.

In the beginning, I wasn't sure that I would like the back and forth in time format of chapters, but once I was familiar with the characters, it wasn't as hard for me to keep track. I loved the peak into the OSS / Julia Child and the peek into a German occupied French kitchen. The story definitely drew me in and hooked me. I was able to guess some of the twists and turns, although, the ending didn't make complete sense to me, seemed a bit out of the blue. 🤔

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." ~ I Corinthians 13:12

Reading this new title from Kristy Cambron felt a bit like looking in a dim mirror -- in the first part. We have two timelines - 1952 and 1943. In 1943, there are two women showing us what it was like to be working with the Resistance in northern, coastal France. Both the French chef, Manon, and Kat, the American sous chef, are working in a chateau kitchen and serving the enemy.

To work with the Resistance was to be in constant doubt of others. You cannot rely on words or actions of those around you. Some may pledge allegiance to your cause and turn you into the French or German authorities. Others may seem to be helping while secretly contributing to the enemy.

As the book moves our vision clears and we can see what was really happening in 1943. Is it too late for Kat to find her missing brother Gavin? Will her new husband in 1952 be a key to closure and future happiness for Kat?

With a name like 'The French Kitchen,' you will expect some good cooking. There is plenty of that with Julia Child in the 1952 timeline, teaching cooking classes in Paris. Having her in the mix was a delight.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be available on August 5, 2025.

The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron showcases the author's talent in writing masterful stories. I was completely invested from page one and could NOT put this down.

This dual timeline story really begins in spring of 1943 in Boston, with siblings Kat and Gavin Harris, and then goes back and forth from the war in France in 1943, where resistance to the war brings daily threats of death, to 1951 and 1952 post war in Paris. "In occupied France you lived by your wits or died the moment you abandoned them." "The next sound Kat heard was death-the click of a Luger trigger aimed at the back of her head."

I absolutely loved reading the back and forth to eventually get the whole astonishing story. I was simply glued to the pages. Kristy Cambron has penned another winner!

From Kat Harris being recruited to the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, the precursor to the CIA) for "Spy work" which she accepts (to search for her missing brother), to interrogations, code names, spies, double agents, to meeting Julia Child after the war, to a marriage of convenience, I was simply captivated by this story!

Kat is dropped from a plane behind enemy lines and becomes a field operative who ended up in Baie de Somme before the Normandy invasion.

Quotes from the story:
"Courage was not for the faint of heart, but reserved for those who would willingly risk no less than everything they held dear."
"He watches her-keenly. When he thinks no one else is looking."
"Kat appeared in control of her emotions regardless of the state of affairs she found herself in. The woman before him now owned that characteristic steel resolve yet was much changed at the same time."
'It had become the contradiction Kat couldn't untangle between the memory of the captain and the singular man who now sat next to her."
"...the truth that the first thing he'd done as her husband was break their vow...and lead her into a trap."
"I suppose I'm still mucking through the mire of yesterday-not allowing myself to really look back at all that's happened, but also not moving forward."
"Don't look back." "He is willing to give up everything, except her."

"Well, all I know is this-nothing you ever learn is really wasted, and will sometime be used. -Julia Child."

I loved the characters and was invested in finding out if they made it through the war, Kat Harris, Gavin Harris, Celene, Dominique, Magellan, Captain Gerard Fontaine, Chef Manon Altier, and Valens. I loved this story and was even shocked by a few twists and turns at the end!

If you love spy stories, WWII, and excellent historical fiction, you don't want to miss this one!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. I can't wait for my preordered copy for my keeper shelf to arrive.

This novel took off with a bang from the get go with the war, espionage, Maquis, Vichy Police, OSS agents, chefs at a chateau all mixed up with a strange proposal of marriage, Julia Child, and haute Parisienne society in the 1950s.

This dual timeline book had me rather confused but very intrigued to unravel the tangled balls that Cambron sent rolling down at regular intervals. Just as soon as you think you're going to follow one mystery, she tosses in another twist in the tale. But a little ways in, things start to get clearer.

Kat Harris is an OSS operative who joined to find her brother, Gavin who goes missing after secretly joining up and landing somewhere in France. Her socialite mother and her super wealthy, influential, powerful, well connected military colonel second husband, Lou had tried their hardest to keep him from joining up.

Kat's plane takes a direct hit and she parachutes a long way from her original drop zone. Seriously injured, she's taken to the house of the local Vichy police captain to recuperate.

At the local Reich headquarters in the local chateau, it's business as usual in the kitchen under Chef Manon. Manon and her patissier, Valens are involved with the Resistance, and her staff are filled with Germans, French sympathizers etc. So, they have to move very carefully as they plan their next moves with the local Resistance passing messages to and fro. Making the game even more fraught with danger is the Vichy police captain - Gerard Fontaine, a stickler for procedure. Pitchforked into this cauldron of espionage, stealth, cat and mouse games, danger and cooking, as an underchef (who doesn't know how to cook), Kat has to learn cooking, fast and in secret from Chef Manon.

With the dual timeline in post war Paris in 1952, Kat has to find out who sent her the telegram indicating that Gavin was alive when he was declared missing in action and dead in 1947. He had been given an empty casket burial by his grief stricken mother, stepfather and sister.

Is he alive, if so where, who sent this telegram and to what purpose? What elaborate cat and mouse game is on now and what are the stakes this time? What does her new husband know about Gavin's being alive that he hasn't disclosed to her? Why is he keeping it a secret? How much should she trust him? Can she trust again after all her wartime experiences? In the midst of all this, Kat and her friend Mimi enroll for cooking classes with Julia Child and her two collaborators, Simka and Louisette Bertholle at L'École des Trois Gourmandes.

Julia soon winkles out Kat's secret and they bond over their mutual OSS pasts and love for French cooking. Indeed, the Childs' help Kat and her husband run her brother to earth, and you realise the tiny but key role Julia unwittingly played while an OSS operative, that had huge repercussions in 1952.

I loved the book, Cambron kept me to the edge of my seat, wanting to know what was next, however, shifting chapters between different timelines and different POVs, was rather choppy. The characters are well drawn and evolve as the story progresses along both timelines: Kat and Manon to maturity, full revelation and understanding and Gerard and Gavin to full disclosure and development. The love stories entwined organically within the novel are tender, poignant and thoroughly enjoyable. The danger of betrayal, unmasking, arrest or worse is very real and evident through out the novel, portrayed by a deft, sure hand.

My only grouse is that while it's touted as a Christian novel, there's little to no mention of how their faith helped the characters through very trying times as field operatives in a deadly war that continued long after it was over.

Buy the book and enjoy the cooking: both the meals and the story as it moves along.

I was given an eARC thanks to @ThomasNelsonFiction via @NetGalley, but the opinions expressed here are my own.

The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron is another excellent read.
This captivating story has many interesting facts and details of the eras in which it takes place. I loved all the details and descriptions.
The characters in this book were some of the best I’ve ever read.
A story that draws you in and doesn't let go.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

WW2 multi timeline adventure/romance

This is an interesting WW2 and post WW2 multi timeline adventure/romance. The attention to time and historical detail is very good, the story is interesting and the characters complex. A good book to read on vacation.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-limited e-arc via Netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

WOW!!! This book has it all. I admit it was a bit hard at the beginning to keep track with the back and forth of the time jumps but it really needed to be that way. I loved the characters. They were complex and interesting and real. The relationships were beautifully woven throughout the book. During wartime, especially, it is so hard to know who to trust and befriend and who is your enemy. I found the plot twists surprising and intriguing. I had a really hard time putting the book down when I needed to get something else accomplished. This book is simply amazing.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Kristy Cambron for the free ARC of The French Kitchen. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First, I want to wish The French Kitchen a Happy Birthday week! It's been a while for a new Cambron release, and I was delighted and honored to read it and to now provide you with a review.

Kristy Cambron has certainly found her writing niche. While I have read most of her books, I have strongly gravitated towards her WWII epic sagas, including The Butterfly and the Violin, loving the depth of development required to create these beloved and complex tomes.

The French Kitchen follows in the footsteps of these other novels, providing deep historical knowledge, genuine character development and a nail-biting plot that leaves you guessing until the very end. This time, Cambron "ups-the-ante", so to speak, with three separate time settings that gracefully meld together like the tastiest of bechamels, whose ingredients are just "comme-ci comme-ca" until they are whisked together.

I love cooking, I love French culture, I love the glamour of the 1940s and I love WWII history. The French Kitchen hits all these touchpoints for me and more! The main character, Kat, is equal parts glamour, intelligence and enigma, making her story arc compelling, as bit by bit, Cambron reveals who she really is. She reads like a modern-day spy in some of the latest movie hits.

Finally, never could I have anticipated the wild twists and turns the plot creates or how the story would end. I am always amazed at the time and dedication historical fiction writers take to create their works of art. I stand in the shadows wishing I could do the same. Props to Cambron for always searching out the hidden jewels of history and providing us with a feast for our senses.

The French Kitchen is a book for any lover of WWII history and historical fiction. Evocative and emotional, it will linger in your mine like the very finest wine.

P.S. I loved it so much, I'm reading it for a second time.

While I enjoy World War II fiction, this book took me beyond that! I’m absolutely in love with this book. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book in this genre that I loved this much. I could not put it down from the moment I started to read it.

Kristy Cameron has earned herself a spot on my MUST read authors list. WOW!

With each book of Kristy Cambron's I read, I am becoming more and more a fan. The French Kitchen added to my love for her books and was a story I didn't want to part ways with. I was so invested in the characters and the outcome, it made me really cherish the end. Cambron has this beautiful way of bringing history to life through her characters' lives and romances. I love the blend of facts and fiction and the appreciation for others her books leave me with, like with this one, I am grateful for those who worked in that ever precarious world of espionage and resistance during WWII.
I don't want to accidentally spoil any twists in this book, so I'll be somewhat brief. I will say that I liked how the characters all connected throughout the book and each time something was revealed my eyes went big and I thought "ooo, I like that", though it also had some "oh no" and "what!" moments too. The setting was really intriguing. I loved seeing Julia Child in this post WWII era moment while also getting a glimpse at the spy she was. The different POVs offered so much depth and layers to the story. The romances were good in the buildup and the extra measure of tension from the danger laying around every corner. It was realistic and informative.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Uplit Reads and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I recommend this book.

EVOCATIVE, INFORMATIVE, & ESPIONAGE

Award-winning author Kristy Cambron has truly brought her A-game with this evocative dual-time novel, "The French Kitchen." I highly recommend reading it!

The story revolves around Kat Fontaine, a woman who risks everything to uncover the truth about her brother, Gavin, and whether he is dead or alive. Struggling to come to terms with his disappearance, Kat engages in espionage during the 1940s. To hide in plain sight, she works as a chef, gathering and sharing information with the OSS (Office of Strategic Services).

Nearly ten years later, Kat is in a marriage of convenience and finds herself invited to attend cooking classes. To her surprise, these classes are taught by none other than Julia Child, who has her own history with the OSS. Julia quickly picks up on Kat's advanced culinary skills, especially her impressive vegetable chopping techniques, and suspects that Kat is not who she claims to be.

In a private conversation, Julia and Kat bond over the challenges of living on the edge, prompting each to question their original plans for a perfect future. As Kat navigates her cloak-and-dagger activities, one wonders: Did she find any clues about her brother?

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this novel. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and free from outside influence.

I love Kristy Cambron's books! I love how she weaves stories from two or three time periods and becoming invested in all of them to seeing how they all connect together! Amazing!

This book pulled me in and had me wondering how all of these characters were going to connect. Especially with the beginning scene and the way the author set up the story!

I loved how it all pulled together! Paris in 1952 and Rue, France in 1943! The talk of the spy network and the culinary aspects were very intriguing! I felt like I was there enjoying all of the flavors, and then my heart would be racing the next moment as I was hoping the spies would be safe and accomplish their missions successfully!

The twists and reveals were amazing! I started to make guesses the further into the book I got and some of them I figured out and others I was surprised by! I love when that happens while I'm reading and invested in a book!

I read and listened to the audiobook of this one! I really enjoyed the narrator. This was the first book I've listened to that she narrated and enjoyed how she brought the French aspects to life!

I thought after reading the synopsis that Julia Child would feature more in the story than she did and that she was going to be one of the main characters. Turns out she was a secondary character in the story but I loved the moments she was on page. I had read another book that was about her and her time during WWII that releases in a month. It was fun knowing more about her life and service while hearing some of it in this one. She's an incredible woman!

There is a sweet love story that is a slow-burn one but will have you loving how it all comes about!

Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril. Sweet love story with a fade to black scene, it was kept very clean.

I received a copy of the digital book and the audiobook from the publisher/producer, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading & Listening!!!

Okay, the beginning of this book was very slow for me but it picked up before chapter 6 or so.

But when it picks up, it picks up for me, “I said stop,” she shouted again, this time with a steely resolve that echoed off the ceiling. “Thank goodness Mrs. Fontaine loaned me her husband’s service weapon, or you may have continued your lies. But all I needed was to listen at the door, to the guest who’d arranged to introduce us on my first visit to Paris with his daughter. To the man who made his children’s lives a misery. And to the military colonel who deserves every bit of damnation our country can heap upon his name. And I swear if you move one more inch toward that newspaper . . . I will use this. And then the Courts of Justice will no longer need my sworn statement along with theirs because you will be the one in a grave.”


Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book.

Thank you, Kristy Cambron, for doing a beautiful job 👏