French By Heart: An American Family's Adventures in La Belle France

Delightful book about a typical American couple who decide to move themselves and their three young children to France. Everyday life there proves at times a challenge often filled with small adventures. Particularly engaging are their interactions with their French neighbor Madame Mallet. They leave with love for France and it's people and having learned much about themselves. This is a wonderful summer read.

In France, one would call this a very good "summer" book - light and lots of good stories. The text is lively and it is easy to picture the people and the events. For example, the first day of school where the teachers call the students and march them into the school, or the search for the circus poster where I can imagine the French driver stares as Becky tries to pull a poster from a pole. The stories are told clearly from a love of France - they make fun of French people, but in a nice way. Americans are not left out, as Becky correctly points out "You can always tell an American by white tennis shoes." If you are an American who plans on living in France for a few years this book is a must read - these are some of the surprises in store for you. If you have ties to France, you will laugh along as Becky relates her tales that you should easily relate to. And if you are neither, the book will be a fun introduction into French culture.

Imagine your husband taking a job transfer from dependable Greer, South Carolina to LeBelle, France. Now imagine taking your three young children, your English to French dictionary and your cat. The adventure only begins when you get there, meet your neighbors, learn the customs but you know you are home when September 11th strikes and your new French neighbors are there for you. And just when you think you are truly French, you find out you have so much more to learn. This is Rebecca's true adventure complete with quirky characters and laugh out loud moments. And don't forget Madame Mallet a grandma character that will rival anything Janet Evanovich can throw at you. There is a sequel being written that will encompass their first year back in the states, can't wait to read it.

I could not put this book down! I am a fellow Michelin wife who has also lived in France. I do not know Rebecca Ramsey; but I really enjoyed this book. It brought back a lot of memories. Whether you have lived in France or not this is one of those books where it is enjoyable to read about someone's experiences living in a foreign country, especially with small children. I'm always trying to find books about expats in different countries, but this one hit closest to home. I'm happy to see a Michelin wife has written about her life in France. Good for you Rebecca Ramsey!

French By Heart is all that a travel memoir should be. Not only does it transport you to France, but it's funny, charming, and reads like a good novel. You won't be able to put it down! This book follows the true story of the Ramsey family, who move from the deep South to the heart of France when the husband is transferred there for work. They even bring their piano and their aging cat! And as you watch them acclimate, you fall in love with the Ramsey family, their quixotic French neighbors, and life in la belle France. If you love travel memoirs or books about France, this is next up on your reading list. It's the best travel memoir I've read in a very long time.