The Confectioner's Tale: A Novel of Paris - Tapa dura

"Delightful, delicious and so typically French sweet and salty: this debut is a must read for every reading gourmet and for any Paris-Lover. Tasteful, joyful, Parisian - je l'aime."--Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop

"In her fast-paced, deliciously addictive debut novel, Laura Madeleine throws the reader directly into 1910 Paris. You can feel the grittiness of Montmartre, see the Left Bank streets, and smell the sugar in the patisseries. Featuring romance, family secrets, and a well-executed dual narrative, The Confectioner's Tale is as transportive a book as you can read." --Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment and I'll See You in Paris

"A great tale of mystery, artistry, history, and a little romance."--Library Journal

"Tension builds across time in the alternating chapters of this cozy romance...Baker and debut author Madeleine's skillful writing sustain's the reader's interest across the 70-year timespan of the novel." --Joyce Sparrow, Library Journal

"Madeleine skillfully weaves both narratives together, contrasting the sights, smells, and sounds of belle epoque Paris with modern London. Madeleine's extensive research is evident, giving the passionate and thrilling story a solid base in reality. Fans of Alex Rosenberg and Naomi Wood will enjoy this glimpse inside the decadent and sensual world of 1910s Paris." --Stephanie Turza, Booklist

"Mouth-watering and mysterious... a compelling read." --Leah Fleming, bestselling author of The Postcard

"A delightful, delicious must-read." --Nina George, New York Times bestselling author

A sensual tale, set in Paris, of love against all odds, family secrets, and the art of confectionery.

At the famous Patisserie Clermont, a chance encounter with the owner's daughter has given one young man a glimpse into a life he never knew existed: of sweet cream and melted chocolate, golden caramel and powdered sugar, of pastry light as air. But it is not just the art of confectionery that holds him captive, and soon a forbidden love affair begins.

Almost eighty years later, an academic discovers a hidden photograph of her grandfather as a young man with two people she has never seen before. Scrawled on the back of the picture are the words “Forgive me.” Unable to resist the mystery behind it, she begins to unravel the story of two star-crossed lovers and one irrevocable betrayal.

A literary mystery and love story, The Confectioner’s Tale is as pleasurable as the finest French patisserie.