Book Review of
The French Kitchen

Lynn's Review

The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron is a historical fiction novel published in 2025.

The French Kitchen is a dual-timeline book set in 1952 post-WWII Paris and 1943 France during World War II. 

This book was the perfect mix of WWII, spies, mystery, and food. Yes, food. 

During the war, Kat, who is part of the American Office of Strategic Services, works undercover in a Chateau kitchen, with the Chef, Mannon, serving Nazi leaders. The information they learn working undercover is vital to the war effort. 

In 1952, Kat is on a mission to find her brother, who disappeared during the war. While living in Paris, she attends a cooking class led by Julia Child, who also worked for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. 

I really enjoyed this WWII historical fiction book because it was different than most of the I have read recently. 

I loved how it brought Julia Child into the story without making her a central part of the story. 

I really enjoyed the food and kitchen work during the war part of the book. There is a great deal of history intertwined with the WWII story. 

I also loved the mystery and romance part of this book. I did not guess the ending until almost the end of the book. 

This book is labeled as Christian Historical Fiction, and it is published by a Christian publisher, but I would not have known that if I hadn’t known that a Christian author wrote it. 

I would not call this book Christian. It is definitely clean historical fiction or as clean as a book about war can be, but it didn’t really have a Christian theme. I think this book could be for anyone. 

If you love WWII books or those that include food information, I think you’ll enjoy this one.