French Kissing in New York by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau combines several of my favourite things to read about: cooking, a bustling city, and plans gone awry. With a main character who dreams of becoming a chef–and finding a boy she met a year ago in Paris–and vivid descriptions of New York’s flavours, this one has all the makings of an engaging plot. This is the perfect read for foodies, and for those who enjoy books with immersive settings.
Title: French Kissing in New YorkAuthor: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Also by this author: Kisses and Croissants
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 3, 2023
Rating:
Welcome to New York. . . . He’s been waiting for you.
Margot hasn’t been able to stop thinking about Zach, the dreamy American boy she met one magical night in Paris. In an instant, they fell head over heels in love and spent the perfect evening ensemble—sealed with a kiss and a promise: if the universe wants them to be together, fate will find a way.
Flash forward one year later: Margot has finished high school and is newly arrived in New York, ready to roll up her chef's-coat sleeves in Manhattan’s bustling restaurant scene, celebrate her father’s upcoming wedding . . . and reconnect with Zach.
But a lot can happen in a year, and promises made in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower look different in the neon glow of the Big Apple. Margot spends the summer desperate to find Zach and enlists the help of Ben, the sweet line cook at her restaurant. Margot is convinced she found her soul mate that night in Paris . . . but what if the universe has a different plan?
Anything’s possible in New York City. Especially l'amour, American-style.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
French Kissing in New York by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
After spending one magical night in Paris together, Margot and Zach promise to meet each other a year later in Times Square. On the day they’re supposed to reconnect, however, Margot lands an opportunity to work in a restaurant and finds herself running late, and Zach doesn’t seem to show at all. In hopes of rekindling her relationship with Zach, Margot teams up with a line cook at the restaurant to try and search for him him around New York City, but as she finds herself getting closer with Ben as their search progresses, she finds herself questioning if Zach really is her soulmate after all.
❀ Interesting Main Character
Margot is an interesting main character, and I admired her dedication to her dream. After returning from school in France, she is excited to begin her career as a chef like her mother, but she must first work her way up from washing dishes. I enjoyed the way Margot is a dreamer, but at times I struggled with her unrealistic expectations, especially with her obsession with finding Zach. Her character does change as the book progresses, but I had difficulties connecting with her because of this.
❀ New York Comes to Life
What I especially enjoyed about this one is the way New York comes to life. Throughout the book, Margot explores many neighbourhoods in Manhattan and some of their most iconic sights, and I loved accompanying her on her adventures in the city. The descriptions of food are particularly vivid, which makes this one a true love letter to Manhattan’s restaurant scene.
❀ An Upbeat Story
French Kissing in New York by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau is an upbeat story about the unexpected ways that plans can change. I admired the main character’s commitment to her dream, and the descriptions of food throughout the book are mouthwatering. This is a great read for those looking for something atmospheric, capturing the spirit of New York’s food scene.
About Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau is a bilingual French author of young adult fiction and nonfiction. Her books have been translated into seven languages. Kisses and Croissants (Delacorte Press, 2021) is her U.S. debut. After graduating university in France, she moved to Amsterdam to begin a career in advertising. She then spent a few years in Melbourne before settling in New York City, where she lives with her Australian husband and their American cat.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Great review, Olivia! This sounds like such a lovely story. I do wonder if she finds Zach eventually and I’m curious if she’ll end up with him or Ben. Thanks for sharing!
You’ll have to read it to find out! 😉
We enjoyed Kisses and Croissants. French Kissing in NY sounds amazing!! Adding it to our TBR.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it! 🙂
I will say, I remember Jouhanneau doing a great job brining me to Paris with her last book. Sounds like she really captured NYC here.
Absolutely! I hope that you enjoy it if you give it a try! 🙂
Obsessing over a guy you spent one night with…totally sounds like a teenage girl!
Ha! Yes! It definitely has that vibe about it! 😉
This sounds like one that will keep me reading and interested for sure. Great review thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I always love a NYC setting!
Same! It’s one of my favourite settings! 🙂
Great review Olivia for what sounds to be a lovely story!
Thanks, Sophie! 🙂
fun title
The title is perfect! 🙂
Love the cover on this one and it does sound cute! Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Blog Tour Review: Drama King (Three Kings #2) by Penny Reid
It is definitely a cute story! 🙂
I like cooking, plans gone awry and getting together with someone met awbhile ago are storylines I liked.
I hope this is one that you enjoy if you give it a try! 🙂
I love it! I love these books, thanks for the recommendation!
Yay! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I love the cover! The colors and graphics are great!
Looks interesting
Thanks for the review
I love the summary of the book!
Sounds like a decent read.