The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she’s created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral–or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He’s definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, … had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.Just when it seems Bri’s bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she’s kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri’s recipe just needs to be tweaked.Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn’t always look the way we expect–and maybe that’s a good thing.
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The Key to Love by Betsy St Amant is a fun, quirky read. The premise of the book really attracted me to the story and I was excited to read a fun, if predictable story. It was all that I expected and probably great for a weekend read. Some characters in the book were great but others were definitely not my favorite. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
The Key to Love, by Betsy St. Amant, is a contemporary romance novel about a bakery, The Pastry Puff, and its owners and an employee in Story, Kansas. This is the first book I have read by Betsy St. Amant.
The story is populated by several characters, from the previous owner’s daughter, Abrielle “Bri” Duvall to the nefarious Charles Richmond, Bri’s ex-boyfriend, who is a lawyer intent on getting The Pastry Puff by any means available (and maybe some that aren’t!). The true stars of the book appear to be the bakery, the Parisian styled love lock fence and the “love angels,” Mabel and Agnes, who are the bakery’s new owners.
I had a hard time becoming invested in the main characters, Bri Duval and Gerard Fortier. Their ongoing disagreements felt somewhat immature and off-putting.
The book also contains some mild vulgar words (though not profanity) and innuendo, with very little of a very spiritually uplifting content.
The Key to Love was, overall, a cute book you could lose yourself in for a few hours, with several laugh out loud moments created by the love angels, Mable and Agnes.
I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Revell through Interviews & Reviews. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
Bri Duval has fallen into her mother’s footsteps and bakes at The Pastry Puff in Story, Kansas. Her bakery even has a lock wall, made famous in Paris back in the day. Enter reporter Gerard Fortier who comes riding a shiny black metal steed and has a tendancy to burst Bri’s romantic bubble.
I really liked Bri, but she was a bit obsessed with the bakery and her parents love story. Gerard is your typical “love is a myth” kind of guy, so I stayed on the fence about how I felt about him. I loved the little ladies, Mable and Agnes, who held such love for Bri since she had lost her parents at age eighteen and also helped her run the bakery. Bri and the ladies interacted so sweetly and it was definitely charming. I did get a bit tired of the love/hate relationship that Bri and Gerard had. At times, it even seemed that they were rude to each other on purpose. However, by the end of the story everything did have a means to an end and I felt like this story had wrapped up quite well.
I received a copy of this book as a giveaway by the publisher and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I love small town settings and quirky characters, so I wasn’t all that surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. It was a cute read. Betsy St. Amant has an amusing writing voice and I look forward to reading more from her—even if it did feel like I put on five pounds while reading about the bakery in this book.
This was a funny and tender tale of two souls escaping wha the world tells them they should be and taking a chance to become something more together. Definitely recommended.
A delightfully sweet romance, filled with sugar and sass.
When Bri’s small town bakery goes viral for it’s co-owners’ matchmaking schemes, Bri is excited for the chance for more exposure and a way to shake the prowling lawyer who keeps trying to buy them out. While Bri bakes she dreams of one day finding a love like her parents had, but when a cynical travel journalist comes to write about the bakery and its history she finds her life upended, and herself questioning the things that she always thought were secure.
This is a deliciously pleasurable read, with sweet, sizzling chemistry, endearingly colorful characters, and plenty of heart in this small town romance. I absolutely adored Agnes and Mabel, two elderly sisters who are full of mischief, sass, and matchmaking magic. Heck I’d read a book just about those two and all the trouble they get into, and then sweet talk their way out of. I fell in love with some of the characters, who while they only make a brief appearance, packed a huge punch with their footprints in this story, like dear old Mr. Mac, and Pastor John.
Gerard is a journalist with a chip on his shoulder, who doesn’t believe in love. He’s had a troubled childhood, forced to grow up too quickly, he hasn’t had a lot of positive examples in his life. He is passionate and disciplined, I like how he is challenged to see things from a different angle, and appreciate the things about a small town that he had too quickly written off. He has a gruff and intimidating exterior, and I loved how he and Bri find that they have more in common than they think initially.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable escape to a charming small town, that is not without its troubles. The characters in this book will charm you, make you laugh, and bring a smile to your face. A feel-good romance, with memorable characters, heart, faith, and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Set in a small-town bakery brimming with the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked macarons and petits fours, The Key to Love, by Betsy St. Amant, is a deliciously engaging novel about misconceptions, expectations, truth, faith, and love. Opposites attract within the pages of this book as the main characters pursue their dreams, grapple with uncertainty, face their doubts, and help each other find the strength to embrace a future that is marked by authenticity, vulnerability, and hope.
The characters in this novel are truly interesting and memorable. Their choices and struggles are believable and resonate with honesty, veracity, and emotion. As they contemplate their choices and persevere through the consequences that follow, they develop greater insight and confidence. It is truly uplifting to read about characters who bravely pursue wholeness in the aftermath of grief and disappointment, giving space for their hardships to grow in them a generosity, a wisdom, and a faith that inspires others.
Satisfying and entertaining from the first page to the last, Ms. St. Amant has crafted a contemporary novel that is truly thoughtful, and endearing. The Key to Love is a special book that is exceptionally witty, romantic, and relevant. It is a genuine pleasure to recommend it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher/author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
In the Christian contemporary romance, The Key to Love, author Betsy St. Amant has crafted a charming love story that is full of several scenes of differing emotions that create an overall very satisfying read.
There are sugary sweet scenes that make you say “Awh” out loud; there are cute scenes that make you giggle; there are sad scenes that make you want to be able to give the characters a hug; there are irritating scenes that make you shake your head at the “bad” guy or poor choices a character makes; and there are thought-provoking scenes that make you nod your head in agreement when characters comes to realize important discoveries about themselves, others, and what or who is really important in life and love.
This love story is of the opposites attract variety, and author St. Amant creates witty and tense dialogue that makes it fun and interesting for the reader to watch the hero and heroine go at each other through most of the book, and then watch as the couple comes to the realization at the end that they just might be a great pairing after all.
Although I liked the main character a lot, I’ll admit I think I liked the secondary characters Mable and Agnes best. These super adorable “lil ol’ ladies” were like great-aunts to the heroine Bri, who lost her parents as a teen, and they were the co-owners of the Pastry Puff bakery. The author’s description of these two, and the dialogue St. Amant used for them, made it so easy to envision them in my mind, and to love them and their little matchmaking schemes.
The Key to Love was the first novel I’ve read by Betsy St. Amant, but it certainly won’t be the last!
I enjoyed reading this clean, funny, romantic fiction story-although I wouldn’t consider it Christian fiction.
Both characters had relationship insecurities that made them sarcastic and quick to shut down before expressing their “real feelings” and emotions; but over time they were both able to talk and share which made them more relatable and likeable.
I’m glad Bri learned what the “key to love”, what “real love” was about from her family and friends and that is was not some big elaborate happily ever after-hard to achieve love.
This was a fun, light hearted story. The characters were good but not really a book I would read again because of their constant sarcastic nature.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
First, can I just say that I LOVE this cover? I am honestly not even sure why as pink is not my color. But it pulled me in and made me want to read the book (great job to whoever designed it!). This is my first time reading a book by Betsy St. Amant and it will probably not be the last.
Based on the description I was expecting something a little romance, some yummy desserts, and to learn to see something in the unexpected. I did all of that, just not the way I expected to . I loved Betsy St. Amant’s characters Bri and Gerard were a total opposite attract romance that I thoroughly enjoyed; maybe because it reminds me of my husband and me. But the characters were sweet, sassy, and interesting. They kept me coming back page after page to see what would happen next.
The plot was designed well, a little slow in places, but just when that happened something new would go on that would renew your interest. I liked several of the twists and all the technical yumminess that went on. Plus, the lovelock wall is a cool idea and I hope to visit the real one someday.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for creative writing, fun characters, and for making me relax for a while.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Author St. Amant has delivered with another heart warming love story of two people who are at opposite ends of the love spectrum. Bri Duval believes her late parents had the perfect love story and she has put them up on a pedestal. Especially her mother, and she will not settle for anything less. In fact I think she wouldn’t mind an exact replica.
Gerard Fortier is much more cynical. He actually things true love is going extinct. His folks weren’t exactly the best role models either, and he has gone through a rather bad break up as well.
Bri is a bakery chef and Gerard has traveled to her small Kansas town to write about the bakery and the love locks wall. As soon as they meet the sparks fly and they just can’t seem to help themselves to their snarky repertoire.
As if matchmaking angels and vengeful ex’s are not enough, Bri finds out some earth shattering news that changes her perception on love. Gerard on the other hand is being softened up by Bri and all of her quirkiness. Can Bri and Gerard put down their misconceptions and expectations enough to write their own story together? This was a delightful romance of true love, a little comedy, a tribute to France, and learning to live your own life.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views an opinions are my own.
Gerard wanted nothing to do with love. Bri was hoping for her prince to show up one day. And instead the grumpy Gerrald showed up. I admired how she held onto the thought that true love will find her one day despite her many disappointments.
This story was filled with enough humor to last me a life time. I loved the characters especially the sisters. Their matchmaking skills were stellar and the love-lock wall was just so sweet. Something I definitely want to see and experience one day. The quaint town of Story was amazing and filled with a lot of beautiful love stories.
Gerard and Bri made little to no sense together but through the author’s careful and skillful writing they were able to overcome the past and look forward to a future together filled with love. They had the past to leave behind and the future to hold onto. I loved reading how Bri’s impression of love was corrected in the book. Their relationship was one of growth. I loved reading how they spurred each other to be better. Yes, they were so much better together.
The faith element in this book was so beautifully woven in life changing ways. In so many ways the book reflected what love should be.
I received a copy of this book from Revell and this is my honest opinion.
This is a very sweet contemporary romance. Bri wants a romantic relationship like what she thinks her parents had before they died. She works in a bakery that is owned by two matchmakers. I really enjoyed these two women. They were such fun. Gerard doesn’t believe in romance. I felt sorry for Gerard in the beginning since he didn’t have a romantic bone in his body. I love how each of the characters learns a lesson in love. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Warning: this book will make you crave macarons and petit fours!
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Betsy St. Amant’s books, but I’m really glad I got the opportunity to read this one. I love a book set in a bakery and I really enjoyed reading Bri and Gerard’s story and getting to “know” both as the story unfolded. I loved the quirky small town setting of Story and all of the unique characters and places that made an appearance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Key to Love
By Betsy St. Amant Haddox
Bri Duval’s life is the Pastry Puff, the bakery that she has worked at for years, following in her late mother’s footsteps. But now her ex-boyfriend has set his sights on the Pastry Puff and replacing it with a chain-brand coffee shop. Bri is not going to let her last connection with her mother be so heartlessly destroyed. When owners Mabel and Agnes, aka the Love Angels, create yet another match that Bri uses to promote the bakery it goes viral. And it garners the attention of Trek Magazine and finds a travel writer en route to Story, Kansas.
Gerard Fortier is not happy about being sent to a little nothing town in the middle of nowhere but his job and the magazine’s future ride on this article. Gerard is jaded, having come to the conclusion that love is nothing but a fantasy following an “almost once” moment that has sent him in the opposite direction ever since. But Story, Kansas, is different than anything he’s ever experienced and Bri is about to make an impression she just may regret.
Together Bri and Gerard are about to learn that what they believe about love isn’t what it truly is. Influenced by what they have observed over the years they have both come to conclusions that are about to tested as they challenge one another. But can such opposites ever agree on another other than disagreeing?
The Key to Love is a Contemporary Romance that takes the reader on a discovery – what is love? Is it a Jane Austen novel? Or is it just a series of heartbreaks and betrayals? Or is it something in between?
Love doesn’t always look the way we expect
As Bri’s helps her friend Casey prepare for her upcoming wedding she is struck by just how different Casey’s proposal is from her idea of romantic. Is love blind or is it settling for something less just for the sake of marriage?
I enjoyed visiting Story, and its residents who so perfectly represent small town Mid-America in all its facets. The close-knit friendships that are more family than friendship and the petty spites that can occur. Roots are the binds that hold it all together and sometimes change though difficult is just what we need to truly appreciate what we have. Many times change, though unwelcome, is needed so that we can grow beyond what we are, what we have settled into. Change is not necessarily happy but it can help us discover what we have been missing.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion – all thoughts expressed are my own.
This was a very enjoyable read and the first book I have read by Betsy St Amant. I will definitely be looking out for her books in the future. This was a charming turnaround romance which began with two people butting heads but gradually grew into a strong romance. There was just the right emphasis on reality, faith, some past heartaches, and ultimately redemption and forgiveness and a lovely growing romance for Bri and Gerard.
This is a light romance with two not very likable main characters falling in love and living happily ever after.
Bri is a baker in Story, Kansas working at The Pastry Puff, a French themed bakery. It’s owned by two older ladies who like to match make and have been successful. When Bri makes a video of their love lock gate in the garden and talks about all of the successful romances, it goes viral and is seen by the editor at Trek magazine who sends Gerard, one of his hardened reports to write a story about it. Bi and Gerard dislike each other at first site. They keep spending time together as he is writing his story and their strong dislike starts to turn into tender feels for each other. There are two main problems – Bri believes that love should be full of hearts and romance and happiness just like her parents’ marriage. Gerard believe that love doesn’t exist and that marriage is always a loss. Can they get past their initial feeling and have a happily ever after?
What I liked — The book cover is beautiful. I liked the two meddling old ladies at the bakery – they made me laugh out loud. I also liked the descriptions of all of the rich French deserts — macaroons and petits fours, yummy!
What I didn’t like — Bri was too naive for her age in her beliefs about love. I wanted to shake her and tell her to open her eyes and see that a successful marriage isn’t all hearts and flowers and that there was a lot of hard involved in a happy marriage. I didn’t like Gerard at first – he was so cynical and unlikable that he was easy to dislike. However, they both changed as the story progresses and I always like stories that show growth in the characters.
Overall, this was a light fun romance with lots of French deserts to read about.
“It’s easy to love when everything looks its best, but it’s a lot harder when everything is covered in tomato sauce and pull-ups.” –The Key to Love
It’s been some time since I’ve revisited Betsy St. Amant’s books, but I remembered liking the last one I read (All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes) so, to break up the genre dumping of fantasy and pirates I’ve been reading, I decided to give The Key To Love a read. And while it is charming and romantic, I did not enjoy this one as much as All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes. Particularly, because I loved the background characters more than the main characters and I just wanted to read about them, instead of Bri and Gerard.
The quote at the beginning of my review is from one of the background characters, Casey, and I would have SO enjoyed this book more if it had been focused on hers and Nathan’s romance instead of Bri and Gerard’s. The only blanket reason being that Casey and Nathan had a more functional, realistic relationship (that proposal= OMG), while Bri and Gerard were 100% a cheesy, frustrating Hallmark couple. Gerard wasn’t quite as frustrating as Bri was with her unrealistic, fantasy expectations of love, but I found his attraction to Bri to feel scripted. Like, if the author hadn’t chosen to make them fall in love, I highly doubt his character and personality would have ever fallen for her naturally; his attraction felt so, so forced (especially with so many people conspiring against the poor man to put him in her path–his boss, Mabel, Agnes, Bri herself, the Pastor, town busy-bodies, omg… let the man go ride his bike and go cliff-diving, don’t drown him in romance and force-feed him sweets!). Bri and Gerard’s banter and witty arguing were flawless though. If it hadn’t been as entertaining to listen to them goad each other mercilessly, I doubt I’d have finished the book at all. I think the author picked the wrong two main characters, this story would have been perfect if we focused on Casey and Nathan instead.
So overall, The Key to Love might be perfect for Hallmark fans (which, I am not–I enjoy romance, but I like some realistic romance, please) and I did like that it’s clean. But personally, I give it 2 stars because I seriously doubt I would ever recommend this book to anyone (though All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes was MUCH better! Go read that one!).
I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
The cover is what drew me to The Key to Love and the first book that I have read by author, Betsy St. Amant, however I found it hard to finish reading.
I am stuck on chapter two and struggling with Bri and Gerard and the story line.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
Way back at the beginning of 2020, I was thrilled to see Betsy St. Amant had a new book releasing this year. The cover was sweet, and the premise of the story was enticing.
But for me, The Key to Love fell in the middle of the road. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. Bri and Gerard’s banter is entertaining from the get-go, but their romance felt unnatural and forced.
The supporting characters were the ones who stood out in this story. There are the requisite matchmakers, the small-town villain, and everyone in between. Oh, and the Petit fours and macarons, too.
In the end, this is a sweet story with a happy ending that fans of Hallmark movies may enjoy.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.