Bon Appetit

by Andrea Renee Cox

This is a difficult review for me to write. The rating is no easier to decide upon. While I enjoyed the journey Lexi went on in this book, there were a few content issues that, sadly, dragged down my level of enjoyment. If I read the third book in this series, it will only be to see what the finale of Lexi's journey will be.

Things I liked:
* The characters were unique and creative. I loved how they played well off each other, whether it be in positive or negative ways.
* The setting. Who wouldn't want to live and work in France? That would be quite lovely. The streets of Paris and surrounding villages really came alive in this story.
* Bakeries. Though I don't fancy myself talented enough to work in a bakery like Lexi did, getting to see the ins and outs of a few different bakeries was really a great treat. (Pun intended.) The descriptions of the breads and desserts were really wonderful, and I particularly liked the inclusion of several delicious-sounding recipes. I might just have to try some.
* This quote: “Happiness shared is doubled and sadness shared is halved, we say.” Swoon-worthy awesomeness right there. I wish everything in this book could have been so sweet.

Things I didn't like:
* There was a hint of someone being homosexual. This always annoys me, but especially in Christian fiction, because I think it is so inappropriate in that category. It turns out the character wasn't homosexual, but why even give a hint at that type of immoral behavior in a Christian fiction book? This is reason enough for me to stop reading a particular author, and it is the reason why I am undecided about reading the third book in this trilogy.
* Alcohol and tobacco usage.
* Unmarried live-ins were spoken of (including a pre-marital pregnancy). The lead female (who was a Christian) even spoke of considering living with a guy prior to marriage. This was unexpected, a little shocking, and unnecessary to the plot.
* There was mention of an obscene gesture, though the character refrained from using it. It was quite obvious what the gesture was, and I found it rather disappointing that it would even be mentioned. Why go there?

I'm disappointed in this book more than I enjoyed it. I would have given two stars (which means “it was okay”), but the hint-at-homosexual thing was just too much.

I was not compensated for my honest review.