Delightfully readable, and the whole thing feels warm and the plentiful references to food will have readers’ mouths watering. This could be the perfect novel for those day dreaming of French escapades gone by'

With his trademark warm wit and wisdom, McCall Smith has written another joyous, light and warm-hearted novel'

A journey into the heart of French cuisine served with a helping of philosophy and lashings of joie de vivre'

Written with [McCall Smith's] trademark dry humour, astute observations of people and life, I savoured every page. Gentle, easy to read, and gorgeously escapist, this was a lovely book to take my mind off the rainy weather and the pressures of everyday life'

In true McCall Smith form, everything turns out for the best in the best of all possible worlds. Kindness conquers all and potentially irreparable divides are healed'

a charming and comforting sequel rich with the tastes and sensations of small-town France'

A scrumptious read'

Philosophical musings on important questions, coupled with deft wit, set McCall Smith apart. The descriptions of provincial French life and particularly French food are delicious'

Gentle and pointed good humour abounds in this lovely read. Alexander McCall Smith excels in creating whimsical yet sharply observed novels with real heart… I smiled, I laughed, and enjoyed every moment'