Story by Linda DonahueAmy Thomas is a lot smarter than I am. A lot. Whereas we both have a love of all things sweet that crosses way over the border of obsession, she’s parlayed this indulgence into a blog and, now, a book. I, on the other hand, simply hoard my confections and ravage them without a word to anyone. Then again, if I thought for a moment that I could use my endless purchases of macarons, éclairs, and even cupcakes as a professional tax write-off, I’d probably have a much bigger problem with my waistline.
I don’t remember exactly when it was that I first met Amy, but I had been aware of her for a very long time. Her two blogs—God, I Love Paris and Sweet Freak—have been bookmarked on my computer for quite some time. But given that we have many friends in common within the Paris expat community, our paths invariably crossed from time to time at gatherings throughout the French capital. Finally, we decidedly to deliberately share a meal, and met for lunch one November day at Rose Bakery on rue des Martyrs in the 9th. That’s when Amy broke two pieces of news to me: that she was returning to New York after wrapping up her coveted copywriting gig on the Louis Vuitton account, and that she was writing a book. I was admittedly so shocked that she had actually chosen to leave Paris, I don’t think I tendered even a single question about her literary project.
Fast-forward fifteen months. Amy has been back in the Big Apple for a year, and the book she so casually mentioned that chilly November day has been released. Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) is a delicious memoir of Amy’s journey of love between New York and Paris. Not only does it touch upon the myriad adjustments she had to make as an American in the French capital, but it details her continued search for the best sweet treats in the two cities that she loved so much.
From her perch over Paris in her “tree house” apartment off rue Montorgueil, to long hours Vélibing from arrondissement to arrondissement, Amy’s life in Paris was every bit the exciting adventure she had imagined long before her temporary move. Still, for all the romance of life as an expat, there were many challenges for this single thirty-something. Language. Love. Cultural obstacle courses. But when life was at its most trying, Amy always had Nutella crêpes, hot chocolate at Angelina, Pierre Hermé, and even cupcakes to cushion the blow. Fortunately for the rest of us, she shares her tasty discoveries in a book that is easily and delightfully devoured.
You can order Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) on Amazon.com … and you can win a copy of her book right here. We’ll choose one lucky reader from the comments below on Sunday (February 19th), so be sure to add your comment before then.
I cannot wait to read this book! I’ll just have to remember not to read it on an empty stomach.
I so want to win a copy of this book. I love Amy’s blog!
What a great giveaway – I’ve heard great things about Amy’s book!
Hi Linda – I found you via Amy’s blog and am enjoying your space here! I loved Amy’s book and feel like I got to know her, Paris and the sweet havens she discovered so well.
I’ll be visiting more frequently – nice to meet you! – Amy
Glad to have you here, Amy!
Well, I’ve never read a book like this one, I’d love to
I gave “Paris, my Sweet…” to a friend for Valentine’s Day. I was able to skim it beforehand…I love this book, and now I want one of my own. I loved the references to Paris and New York. I have been to some of these lovely places in each city, and I look forward to visiting more in the future. Paris and New York are MY two FAVORITE cities!
As the father of a young expat writer, I need this book to share the adventure from afar.
Ahhh i would die for a copy of this book! I am heading to Paris for the first time this summer and can’t wait to try as many sweet treats as possible!
xxx
Oh a délicieux new book to add to my collection of Paris/French books that is bordering on the obsessive! I was just about to type in Amazon.com when I saw the giveaway. Please enter my name ( more than once!) I’d love to win it.
Amy, good luck with your new book. I will pin it on Pinterest just for good measure. I love your blog as well!
V
I love chocolate and Paris! This sounds like the perfect book for me!
Great giveaway, great book and what a great story behind it. Who doesn’t love sweets, Paris and NY? I look forward to reading it, and discovering some of the insider tips very soon.
I would love to win the book! Sounds like a sweet read!
I want something sweet ♥ Paris and chocolate are the best treat. I’m hungry now. Good luck everyone! fingers crossed
I would love to win Amy’s book! It sounds quite delicious! Merci beaucoup for the opportunity.
Congratulations to Sari … the winner of “Paris My Sweet.” I’ll be emailing you for a mailing address