Books and Cookies—Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Over the past couple of months as I've researched different agents for my YA contemporary novel, I typically tune in to their favorite books list to determine if my manuscript might interest them. And one book that is a favorite for many agents is the YA novel by Stephanie Perkins, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS.

Since I'd never read it, I decided I should check it out to see what all the hype was about. So I did.

Is it worthy of all the praise and references? My answer is a resounding, Yes!

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS is about Anna, a seventeen-year-old girl who is shipped off to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school. In this beautiful, brilliant city, she meets an eclectic group of friends who immediately pull her into their group and show her the ropes. And, of course, this group includes the beautifully hot British/American Etienne St. Clair. After all, who can resist an accent? Problem is, Etienne has a serious girlfriend who has a serious hold on him. And Anna likes Etienne's friendship a little too much to ever consider rocking the boat. But sometimes, you just can't help who you fall for...

Anna was a comical, fun MC with such a wonderful voice. I could have read her voice for days and weeks. And Etienne is deep and relatable, making him totally swoon-worthy. Add that to the other cast of characters with their unique voices and quirky ways, and you have yourself an all-star cast of characters in this sweet YA contemporary romance.

All the references to Paris and descriptions of the setting put the reader right there. Since I've never been to Paris (yes, it's on my bucket list), I loved that I was able to experience the culture, a little bit of the language, and the romantic Parisian setting right from my own living room. It's a story about falling in love, forgiveness, finding oneself, and being true to who you are.

I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes YA contemporary romances.

Happy Reading!

And now for some cookies to munch on while you read...

You can find the recipe for these yummy Peanut Butter Cup Cookies HERE.