Happy Thursday Bookworms!
If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I am a sucker for a good historical fiction novel, particularly when it comes from Heather B. Moore. She has such an amazing talent for bringing real-life people to an even deeper understanding with her stories, and I feel so blessed that I was able to read her latest novel about the incomparable Julia Child. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this amazing historical fiction and let me know in the comments your thoughts on cooking in general. Do you cook, or are you like me and prefer others to cook for you?
About the Book
"This is a lovely historical fiction that draws us into Julia’s world. While everyone knows about her cooking, the details of her life in the OSS, trusted with America’s secrets during WWII, are lesser known and very intriguing. The book is well-researched, but it manages to stay warm and inviting, just as she was. Highly recommended." -Historical Novel Society
Before she stepped into the spotlight as a master of French cooking, Julia Child navigated the shadows as a WWII intelligence officer.
On the sunny shores of California, Julia McWilliams is poised to embrace a life of comfort and financial security, with a marriage proposal from a wealthy man to consider. But as World War II erupts in the US, her patriotic fervor compels her to abandon her secure future. Trading country clubs for covert codes, Julia joins the Office of Strategic Services, where her sharp mind aids the Allied cause in the shadowy realm of espionage.
Amid strategic missions in Ceylon and China, Julia crosses paths with Paul Child, a fellow OSS officer whose delight in art, culture, and cuisine awakens a new hunger within her. Their chance meetings ignite a spark that blossoms into romance, leading to a proposal that Julia eagerly accepts. Together they embark on a new chapter in postwar Paris.
In the City of Light, Julia grapples with a different kind of challenge: She refuses to be confined by the societal expectations of a married woman. Drawn to the tantalizing world of French gastronomy—a pursuit her peers deem superfluous—she enrolls at the famed Le Cordon Bleu, and with Paul’s unwavering support, Julia immerses herself in her new passion.
Facing skepticism and prejudice in the male-dominated kitchens of Paris, Julia’s resolve never falters. Her relentless pursuit of culinary mastery not only transforms her own life but also introduces a revolutionary change in kitchens throughout America. From intelligence officer to beloved chef, this is Julia’s extraordinary journey.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookbub
My Review
I have admired Julia Child for a long time, and seeing her through a different lens was so refreshing. I’ve always thought she was a remarkable woman, and after reading this novel, I feel that on an even deeper level. Her zest for life is palpable, and how she grabbed life by the horns and lived to the fullest is both admirable and inspirational.
The first thing I noticed was Julia’s energy. She was always doing something, always on the move, which is the polar opposite of me but so amazing. How I wish I had that trait! There was a wealth of information I didn’t know about Julia Child before reading this novel. Being a disastrous cook myself, reading about Julia’s early mishaps actually gave me hope. I’ve always wanted to learn to cook, but I have a love/hate relationship with the kitchen, but seeing a woman who was a cooking legend have her fair share of flops and mishaps made me feel that maybe I just haven’t found the right dishes for me to discover my own culinary passion.
The direct quotes from Julia at the beginning of multiple chapters were some of my favorite moments as I was able to feel the connection between the fiction and nonfiction. In my opinion, there’s nothing better to connect with the source material than to hear words they themselves spoke.
This is how historical fiction should be written! Heather B. Moore has such an incredible talent for bringing strong women to life. You can feel the heart and passion that went into the writing of this book as well as the hours of research required to capture Julia’s story. I cannot tell you enough just how much I enjoyed this novel! Bon appétit indeed!
Other Books by the Author
About the Author
Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.
Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and…speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.
Connect with Heather by visiting hbmoore.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
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