Today, I am delighted to welcome Caroline to my blog as she shares the inspiration for the location of her latest novel, The French Cookery School. Over to you, Caroline …

In what feels like another life, I was a media agent running a business representing celebrity chefs. It was a fascinating job; all days were different, and I worked closely with various talented chefs who wanted to enhance their careers within the media. My job was to help them develop and find work that would project them via TV, magazines, events, festivals, etc. It took me to some fascinating places. One day, I might work with a five-star hotel that wanted a chef to gain Michelin stars for their restaurant. Next, I would fly to Florida, where I had placed a client at the Orlando Food Festival. It was hard work and challenging at times, but as you can imagine – I loved my job.

My new novel is called The French Cookery School.

The story was inspired by a week I spent in France many years ago on a press trip to a gorgeous old farmhouse on the edge of the Charente. The host, Chef Valentina Harris, invited me to attend alongside notable journalists and experience the cookery course that Valentina and her helpers were running. It was a magical time, and I fell in love with the house named Le Touvent, which had been the former boyhood home of the late President Mitterrand.

The journalists would experience the cookery course and then write about it in their publications, filling the places with bookings for the summer. In the mornings, we would work in the kitchen and learn various techniques, such as how to prepare an octopus or make fresh pasta. We were taken to local attractions – perhaps a porcelain factory or a picnic by the river in the afternoons. In the evening, we would dine around a large table in a courtyard under a canopy of trailing plants, pretty lanterns and a starry sky. Friendships were formed, and confidences exchanged as we all came together in this magical place.

I knew that one day, I would set a novel in a fictional setting using Le Touvant as my guide, so on a return visit to France, I visited the Vienne district. My research proved fruitful, as I found many interesting places to take my characters to, and The French Cookery School was born.

As a writer, there is nothing quite like immersing yourself in the location that will become home for your characters, and I thank Valentina Harris for inspiring this story.

Carol, I hope you enjoy The French Cookery School and wish you and your visitors many happy reading hours. Warmest wishes, Caroline xx

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Thank you for the wonderful post, Caroline. I have read and immensely enjoyed The French Cookery School, and I am happy to share my review …

In this fast-paced, fun-packed novel, I loved being transported to La Maison du Paradis, where the cast of mature characters came together to create tantalising culinary delights that were as sumptuous as the beautiful French setting.

The new and recurring characters were likeable and created a good mix. I enjoyed watching them develop through the novel as their reasons for attending the cookery school were revealed, and they faced their personal difficulties.

With a perfect blend of humour, heart, and realism, The French Cookery School was my favourite Caroline James novel to date (and I have greatly enjoyed many of her previous novels). Proving that it’s never too late to find joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose, the story left me with a big smile and a sense of warmth.

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About the book:

The recipe for a perfect summer…

Step 1: Mix together a group of mature students
Step 2: Add in a handsome host
Step 3: Season with a celebrity chef
Step 4: Bring to the boil at a luxurious cookery school in France!

Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors to his beautiful French home, La Maison du Paradis. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the perfect business plan…

Divorcée caterer Caroline needs to be able stand on her own two feet. While warm-hearted Fran hopes to help her beloved husband fulfil his lifelong dream. And for food journalist Sally, it’s a PR opportunity – until a certain celebrity chef gets under her skin…

But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle?

Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis…

Discover more about books by Caroline James: The French Cookery School | The Cruise | The Spa Break | Hattie Goes to Hollywood | Boomerville at Ballymegille | The Best Boomerville Hotel | Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me | Coffee Tea the Chef & Me | Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me | Jungle Rock

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About the author:

Caroline James always wanted to write, but instead of taking a literary route, followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing celebrity chefs. When she finally glued her rear to a chair and began to write, the words flowed, and several novels later, she has gained many bestseller badges for her books.

Her Amazon Top Five Bestseller, The Cruise, is described as: ‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ Caroline’s hilarious novels include The Spa Break and The Best Boomerville Hotel, depicted as ‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel’.

The French Cookery School is set in the magical environment of La Maison du Paradis, where an eclectic group of guests get more than they bargained for when they come together for an unforgettable week.

Caroline likes to write in Venus, her holiday home on wheels and in her spare time, walks with Fred, her Westie, or swims in a local lake. Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the SoA, ARRA and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists. She is also a speaker with many amusing talks heard by a variety of audiences, including cruise ship guests.

Follow Caroline and keep up to date with her new releases here: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Amazon Author Page | Newsletter sign up | BookBub Profile

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