Traveling to France in the pages of a book . . .

I don't know about all of you, but I'm in serious need of a France fix. I've been scouring plane tickets and realizing that the only downside to living in sunny California is the extra distance I've created between myself and my favorite place in the world where buttery, chocolate croissants grow on trees (or in patisseries . . . ). Since a France trip isn't in the cards right at this moment, I've been doing the next best thing - reading books based in France. 

The book that really has me itching for a trip back to la France is a beautiful travel/cookbook called How to Cook Bouillabaisse In 37 Easy Steps. Winner of the prestigious Paris Gourmand Cookbook Award, this delightful book details Diane Shaskin and Mark Craft's travels and culinary adventures through Paris and Provence, and includes a sprinkling of delectable French recipes throughout.

In the opening chapter, Diane so beautifully describes a sentiment I feel every time I am in Paris:

"Writers, artists, and expatriates have expounded on the loveliness and charms of Paris. I feel the same, Paris is magical: the banks of the Seine, the museums, the lovely cafes, the narrow streets to explore, the broad avenues to promenade. The city seems to exist for my pleasure. I am in love with Paris."

Diane and Mark share their passion for France with others by leading culinary tours through Paris and Provence. You can learn more about their book, their France adventures, and their tours at their websites: Paris to Provence and Paris Insiders Guide. If you need a little incentive, check out their lovely "Three Minute Trip to France" video with the fun Paris Combo song "Je ne sais qui fumer."





I love connecting with other Francophiles, and I'm so thankful to Diane for getting in touch and sharing this wonderful book with me. I am once again inspired to have another adventure in France . . .

But until then, I'll be working on my fourth Paris novel. And this weekend, I'll be giving a little bit of France back to my readers. My second novel, Kissed in Paris, will be free on Amazon Friday and Saturday. So, if you find yourself wishing you were sipping a glass of vin rouge by the Seine, but a trip to France simply isn't happening right now, do the next best thing and read a book based in France. I know I'll be doing just that when I curl up to finish Diane and Mark's book tonight!