Kisses and CroissantsAuthor: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Release Date: April 6, 2021
Publisher : Delacorte Press
Language : English
Hardcover : 320 pages
Description:
As sweet as a macaron from Laduree, with writing as crisp as a freshly baked baguette, this romantic novel set in Paris about an American ballerina and a charming French boy is parfait for fans of American Royals and Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
Seventeen-year-old Mia, an American girl at an elite summer ballet program, has six weeks to achieve her dreams: to snag an audition with one of the world’s best ballet companies. But there’s more to Paris than ballet—especially when a charming French boy, Louis, wants to be her tour guide—and the pair discover the city has a few mysteries up its sleeve.
In the vein of romances like Love and Gelato, this is the perfect summer adventure for anyone looking to get swept away in the City of Love.
A Junior Library Guild selection
“A charming story about family, first love, and chasing your dreams. Grab a croissant, because this book will leave you smiling, swooning, and desperate to visit Paris!” —Katharine McGee, New York Times bestselling author of American Royals
“Sweet and romantic! I couldn’t put it down.” —San Francisco Book Review, five stars
"Paris simply shines; readers’ senses will come alive with all the city has to offer." —SLJ
Chapter 15
For the last few minutes, I’ve been replaying Grandma Joan’s stories in my head, my heart filling with excitement at the idea that I could be about to uncover my family’s great mystery. I’m starting to accept that it's not going to happen when the security guard sneaks a glance behind him. Then he looks from Louis to me and sighs.
“Trente secondes,” he says in a whisper. Thirty seconds. “C’est tout.” That’s it. Louis’s eyes open wide with shock as the man steps aside, deliberately ignoring the both of us. I grab
Louis’s hand and we rush inside, my heart beating faster with the thrill of it all. Pastel colors, creative brushstrokes, and soft lines abound on the walls in front of us.
Many feel familiar, but there’s only one artist I recognize for certain: a small painting of a dancer dressed in a bright blue costume, sitting on a bench, bending over to tie her shoes. The work is so precise that I find myself wishing I could run my fingers on the silk of the ribbons. Unfortunately, you can’t see her face, only the top of her dark brown hair in a neat bun. I read the small placard next to it:
EDGAR DEGAS ENVIRON 1879 ORIGINE INCONNUE TITRE INCONNU LIEU INCONNU.
Circa 1879. Origin, title, and location unknown. I let out a sigh. It seems like every time I allow myself to hope that this legend is true, something comes along to remind me that dreams are just that: something nice to think about between large stretches of reality. I study the painting again, searching inside me. What do I feel? Is this the one? But before I can even begin to form answers in my head, the security guard clears his throat loudly in our direction.
Louis and I share a nervous glance. The man looks scary enough that we don’t even attempt to argue. I sneak one last look at the painting before Louis drags me away. Back out on the street, we stand on the sidewalk facing each other for a moment. Louis is the first to break the silence. “I really hoped this would be ...something.” “It was a long shot.”
I act like it’s no big deal, but I know I’m lying to him, and to myself. Louis seems genuinely bummed, so why can’t I admit that I am too?
Excerpted with permission from Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau, Copyright Delacorte Press, 2021.
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