The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux

Verant’s sparkling debut novel (after the memoir How to Make a French Family) follows an ambitious French chef who leaves New York after her career is sabotaged. Sophie Valroux works as a chef de partie at Cendrillon NY, a two-star Michelin restaurant in Manhattan. Chef Dan O’Shea and his crew believe the restaurant is about to win a third star when they learn it will actually lose one. Eric, a fellow chef and Sophie’s ex, who had tried unsuccessfully to lure Sophie to a new venture, convinces O’Shea that it’s Sophie’s fault, and O’Shea fires her without giving her the opportunity to explain. Then Sophie learns her grandmother Odette has suffered a stroke, and returns to Champvert, a village in southwestern France where she spent her childhood summers. Sophie hopes to visit with Odette, but is quickly put to work at the family château, which Odette has since expanded to include renowned restaurants, and Sophie suddenly feels out of her depth. She also comes face-to-face with Remi Dupont, whom she loved years ago and who now gives her the cold shoulder. The author skillfully demonstrates Sophie’s struggles to achieve mastery over her culinary vocation, as a relationship develops between Remi and Sophie. Verant’s enticing culinary tale will appeal to romance fans and foodies alike, and comes complete with Sophie’s delectable recipes. Agent: Kimberly Witherspoon. (Sept.)