The Recipe for Hope

Escape to France

By: Fiona Valpy

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

In this charming novel from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift, food was once the language of Evie’s soul. Now, can she remember the recipe for happiness?

Revised edition: Previously published as The French for Christmas, this edition of The Recipe for Hope includes editorial revisions.

Evie’s running away: from her soon-to-be ex-husband’s shiny new life, from the devastating loss of her baby last year, from a memory-filled London and, most particularly, from Christmas. A remote cottage in the South of France seems like the perfect peaceful place to soothe her sorrows.

But the countryside soon proves anything but quiet, from the rooster crowing at dawn to the barn owl hooting through the night—not to mention Evie’s handsome neighbour, doctor Didier, who works away in his garage at all hours.

Unexpectedly, the sights and sounds of life amid the sparkling beauty of the Dordogne give Evie a renewed sense of inspiration, and with her French grandmother’s recipe book for company, she begins to rediscover her love of cooking. Soon, the tight-knit community begins to enfold her, reminding Evie what really matters in life.

But are Didier’s gorgeous blue eyes on more than Evie’s delicious dinners? And can a cancelled Christmas—complete with a Not-Christmas feast for two—heal her heart?

©2014, 2022 Fiona Valpy (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Very enjoyable

This story was very enjoyable, a heartwarming story of the loss and pain of losing Evie's child ,and how she found hope and healing . Well written with compassion . Great Christmas story, or anytime story.The culinary details was great too. The narrator Sarah Zimmerman made this story come alive .

Magically delightful!

Love this author and all her books! This story was heartfelt, inspiring, and wonderful. I will have to buy a real copy of it to read every winter.

What a lovely gift of grace

I'd say this is a beautiful enough book to be a movie, but the movie would not do the language justice. 5 stars for story and authorship. The narrator could use a few tips on pronunciation. Mark this one a Christmas Classic and re- read it every year!

Helpful lessons

Nice soft hopeful read
Meditation in recovery from extreme sadness. Could read for someone who is having a hard time with life’s trials.

Well Done!

Great beginning of a great series of books. I think it’s one of the best of hers that I have listen to