Brioche in the Oven

Brownlee’s charming sequel to Fromage à Trois follows a pregnant Australian woman’s struggle to adapt to life in the French countryside. Ella has found happiness in Paris with her French boyfriend, Serge, who owns a cheese shop. When Ella unexpectedly becomes pregnant, Serge decides that rural France is the best environment to raise their child and purchases a goat farm in the Loire Valley without consulting her. Ella is reluctant to leave her idyllic Parisian lifestyle for the seclusion of the country, but agrees to move to the farmhouse on a trial basis. As she expected, Ella’s horribly lonely on the goat farm—until she meets Chuck, a friendly British writer who helps Ella with her plan to set up a shop for Serge’s goat cheese. Serge grows jealous of Ella’s relationship with Chuck, and, when Serge’s ex-wife, Françoise, comes calling, Ella sees green as well. Will Ella and Serge be strong enough to withstand both this love-quadrangle and the stress of impending parenthood? Some readers will find their relationship too dysfunctional to root for, but there’s no denying both characters’ charisma, and it is sweet to witness them learn to work through their issues. The affable cast, appealing setting, and appetizing descriptions of French cuisine make this entertaining romance a worthwhile diversion. (June)