Bonjour Everyone,

I’m counting down the days to our galettes des rois - Epiphany cake - are you?

My friend Carla shared this magical video of her Mairie, town hall, in the Marais!

Thank you mes amies for supporting HUGUETTE, sharing with your friends, bookgroups and at the library with a mega turnout! It was wonderful to see so many of you! More book talks are coming up and hopefully one near you.

Books I’m reading: The French Ingredient a memoir by our friend Jane Bertch of La Cuisine (where our group will be baking tarts in April). I’m inhaling and loving Janet Skeslien Charles’ paperback - a gift from her in Paris - The Parisian Chapter (audio) which, if like me you like a book in hand, is available for preorder!

What I’m doing: researching for the next book! One of the storylines is set in May 1968 during the Sorbonne demonstrations. These days if feels like ancient history reminding me of the old medical books I stumbled across in Paris.

Here’s some locations from HUGUETTE we’ll be visiting in April in Paris. The B+W is an archival photo I found from Libération 1944 which inspired the story. Plus some book club discussion questions and a wine pairing of cabernet sauvignon.

If you’d like me to speak with your book group about the inspo and show a powerpoint, please let me know.

Last year my long time friend, Naftali, who was a young Résistant in 1944, passed. He shared so much and his generosity enriched my life and writing. This was our last photo chez lui and somehow we’d twinned in mariniéres! Travel well, Naftali.

Mes amies thank you for reading!

Here’s wishing you and yours a bright new year!

Cara