In this warm, engaging debut novel, four siblings make their way home, where their father, the memory of their mother, and long-held family secrets all collide just in time for Christmas
For Maggie Arnaud and her siblings, childhood Christmases meant lavish feasts and beloved rituals. The day began with hot chocolate and cougnole de Noelâthe sweet, rich bread traditional in their parentsâ native Belgium. Those special holidays ended with their motherâs death, and their father has grown more distant each year. But now, he has summoned his grown children once again. And none of them is eager to expose their imperfect lives to his scrutiny...
Jacqueline is an opera singer living in Brusselsâoutwardly successful but yearning for a deeper fulfillment. Near Philadelphia, cookbook writer Maggieâs career and marriage are in turmoil. Colette, an aspiring clothing designer in California, lost her boyfriend and her savings in one blow. And roving younger brother Art is still searching for somethingâor someone. Armed with their insecurities, rivalriesâand their motherâs most delicious recipesâthe Arnauds gather in Pennsylvania. But a good meal does more than feed the bodyâit awakens memories, nurtures bonds, and might even bring a family back together.
Includes classic Belgian recipes