Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau was basically made for me. A story about ballet, set in Paris, with a helping of French pastries, this is an enjoyable read with an engaging plot. I especially enjoyed the main character’s passion for dance, coupled with her ability to live life to the fullest, and the vivid descriptions of Paris throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this one, especially to those looking for a cute contemporary this spring.
Title: Kisses and CroissantsAuthor: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Also by this author: French Kissing in New York
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Rating:
Seventeen-year-old Mia, an American girl at an elite summer ballet program, has six weeks to achieve her dreams: to snag an audition with one of the world’s best ballet companies. But there’s more to Paris than ballet—especially when a charming French boy, Louis, wants to be her tour guide—and the pair discover the city has a few mysteries up its sleeve.
In the vein of romances like Love and Gelato, this is the perfect summer adventure for anyone looking to get swept away in the City of Love.
❃ 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. ❃
Review: Kisses and Croissants, Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
When Mia earns a spot in an elite ballet program in France, she is thrilled to throw everything she has into dance, in hopes of securing an audition with the American Ballet Theater. However, while she is out exploring, she meets a boy in a cafe, who she grows closer with–a boy who happens to be the director’s son. I loved following Mia and Louis around the city as well as the descriptions of Mia’s Swan Lake rehearsals. Also included is a subplot involving art history, as the two work together to learn more about Mia’s ancestors.
❀ An Engaging Main Character
Mia is an engaging main character, and she makes mistakes. It is easy to feel her passion for ballet, but what I really admired about her is her ability to balance having fun in the city with commitment to her strict training schedule. Mia also develops a heartwarming friendship in the program with her biggest rival. I loved the way the story revises the common “mean girl ballerina” trope and instead allows these two girls to make each other stronger.
❀ Paris Setting
What truly makes the book stand out is its setting. Paris comes to life though Jouhanneau’s vivid descriptions, and it was easy to imagine myself in the city along with Mia. This makes for an immersive reading experience, and Mia’s exploration provides breaks from ballet, giving the book more dimension. I especially loved the descriptions of museums throughout the story and, of course, the croissants.
❀ An Entertaining Story
Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau is an entertaining story about travel, ballet, and family history. As a fan of books about sports, I enjoyed the focus on ballet, but also the mix of Mia’s adventures in a new city. Mia herself is a likeable character and an excellent guide through the streets of Paris. Fans of books like Anna and the French Kiss and Love & Gelato will especially enjoy this one.
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.
The combination of ballet, romance, and family mystery was a good one for me. I liked how Mia’s relationship with her nemesis evolved too.
I am so gad that you enjoyed it as well, Sam! 🙂
So many things about this is making me have heart eyes! Ballet, Paris, familie history, heartwarming friendship. It sounds like a wonderful read!
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Right?! It’s so much fun! 🙂
You had me at Paris!
I had heard this one was good, so I’m glad you enjoyed it! Great review.
It sure is! Thanks! 🙂
I love the twist on the “mean girl” trope in terms of her rival. And books set in Paris are always fascinating; I’d love to visit someday.
-Lauren
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Same, Lauren!! 🙂
What a great setting for a romantic read. I would love to visit Paris.
I agree! 🙂
Sounds like a cute read, I love that it’s set in Paris and about dancing; thanks for the review!
It is super cute! 🙂
I want to read this just to be able to walk the streets of Paris for awhile. Ive never been there and always wanted to go. The story is very interesting as well!
I would love to go as well! 😉
This sounds like a fun read. Cute cover!
I love the cover! 🙂