What a strange time we live in where we can not travel to the grocery store, much less across the world without taking major precautions. Hopefully, we will be coming up and out of this experience stronger than before and more focused on all we want to accomplish. But, until then . . . 

  Let me offer you the opportunity to join me as an “armchair traveler” as I take you to regions, cities and villages across France. My second book in the Savoring the Olde Ways series was released (August 18th), and my grand (virtual) book launch will be coming up this next week on September 3rd at 5pm PDT.  Hosted by Books, Inc. in Palo Alto and in conversation with author and editor, Darlene Frank, together, we will be ‘zooming’ from my kitchen. So, be sure to wear your best apron and bring a glass of wine to cheer on this new adventure. Be sure to sign up through Books, Inc. – no cost to attend, but you will be given a password and an opportunity to purchase my book, if desired.

            This newest book, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table is, like I said, the second book of the series. This is also the second half of a journey that I take you, along with Josiane, my French friend and friendly guide, north from Paris to Dunkirk in the Pas-de-Calais region, west to Le Havre, Rouen and all the way to Mont. St. Michel in Normandy, before dropping down to Quimper and Vannes in Brittany. Then, we’ll head east to Angers and Chinon in the Loire Valley, then end up into the heart of the nation in Auvergne to Evaux-les-Bains and Fontènaire. At every home or bed and breakfast we stay in, you will meet family members, friends and acquaintances (plus truffle dogs) who will share with you not only their favorite family recipes, but also their rich traditions. And, of course, their beloved family stories.   

 And for those of you who would like to try your hand at some of the recipes, you will find eighteen traditional “cuisine pauvre’ recipes at the end of the book, along with an acknowledgement to all those who helped me test the recipes in my ‘virtual test kitchen’ during this pandemic.

(Now available for ordering)

Praise for Book Two 

  • Seattle Book Review  “This warm and inviting memoir will appeal to food lovers and history buffs alike. The two women examine how it was to live during a time of war, especially the Second World War, and how families managed to keep traditions alive even during tough times.” 
  • Kirkus Reviews called it a “ . . . straightforward narrative (that) delivers vivid imagery of both the surroundings and the people…An engaging gastronomic presentation of French history and culture.” 
  • The Good Life France raved, saying, “Bumpus weaves wonderful stories into her adventures. But, at the same time, she gives her readers fly-on-the-wall glimpses of ordinary family life, and the opportunity to savour with her the incredible cuisine of France. Whether you love France, enjoy discovering new things, want to try some of the traditional recipes at the end of this book, or just want a thoroughly enjoyable read, I highly recommend this book!” 
  • Foreword Clarion Reviews stated “Book Two is an eloquent melting pot of a travel memoir, concerned with cuisine and culture, too. Picking up from where the first book ended, Bumpus continues moving through France to write about families, food, and traditional values . . .They travel through Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Normandy, Brittany, the Loire Valley, and Auvergne, meeting with a variety of memorable people as they taste and discover traditional recipes and unravel the mystery surrounding Josiane’s family history . . . Bumpus’ prose is lyrical, conveying the romance of France in each location, interview, and observation . . . Bumpus’ attention to detail creates a rich sense of people and places. The food that Bumpus tastes and writes about is unforgettable, thanks to the array of included recipes with unusual names . . .In among the geography, history, and food are human stories of belonging and connection . . .” 
  • Story Circle Book Reviews – “…her conversational style easily draws the reader into the experience. An enjoyable book for those interested in France, WWII, and French food.” 
  • The Columbia Reviews – “5 Stars – Title: A French culinary extravaganza! I have eagerly awaited this, the second part of Carole Bumpus’ culinary tour searching for family and traditions at the French table, and I was not disappointed . . . For those of us who love France and also who have a deep respect and interest in the tales of the older generations, this book is a real gem. Carole and Josiane are invited into many households on their travels, and they provide wonderful snapshots of the families, their history and that of the regions. The book is overflowing with descriptions of the wonderful regional produce and tales of times gone by . . . This book captures the French people, their love of family and friends, their generosity, and their passion for sharing good quality fresh local food. The author has generously ended the book with a collection of some of the wonderful recipes for us to enjoy making in our kitchens, whilst embracing the flavors and traditions of French family life . . . Throughout it, however, the devastating effect the World Wars have reeked on families, and communities is heart-breaking. Yet despite this these people have survived and carried on with fortitude. The tragedies have given strength to this nation, emboldened them with incredible comradeship, and inspired the bravery of the resistance.  In conclusion, I would highly recommend this excellent book, and I am sure it will be enjoyed by anyone loving, France, cooking, traditions, and history.

Recent Podcasts and Posts

  • An American Friend in Paris – Terrance Gelenter – podcast