Piece de Resistance: A Novel [Paperback]

Sandra Byrd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2009

Having earned her chef’s hat, Lexi Stuart bids au revoir to her glamorous and deliciously satisfying pastry mentorship outside of Paris and returns to her hometown of Seattle, Washington. There, she finds life unexpectedly complicated.

She’s put in charge of a high-end catering bakery called Bijoux, which should be her dream job, but there’s a catch: She has to make this lavish bakery into a successful business in just a few, short months, which will require more than her ability to make an amazing wedding cake. In over her head and at a loss for creative marketing ideas, Lexi isn’t sure what the recipe for success needs to be.

Stir in a complicated relationship with her French beau Philippe and his daughter, Celine, then add a dash of romance with down-to-earth lawyer Dan, and life suddenly contains more ooh la la than Lexi can handle.

With the fate of her career and her love life hanging by a thread, the phrase “piece of cake” has never been more daunting. Lexi learns that she must trust the dreams in her heart and the God who put them there.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Byrd’s enjoyable prose transports readers into a French bakery, with all of its sights and smells. Lexi is an engaging character whose life lessons will strike a chord with anyone who’s struggled to find direction in their life.”
–Romantic Times Book Reviews

“…readers will almost taste the French pastry as they journey with Lexi toward her future…”
–CBA Retailers+Resources

“Chick-lit never tasted so good! Let Them Eat Cake is one of those rare chick-lit novels that integrates faith elements without being preachy, and includes plenty of romance without it being the only point of the protagonist’s existence…. Chick-lit fans will find that this delectable mix of faith, fun and fiction has all the right ingredients for a romantic, enjoyable read.”
–FaithfulReader.com

“In this sequel to Let Them Eat Cake, Byrd again entertains with descriptions of delectable food and, this time, with exquisite details of France as well. Foodies will delight in this novel, and anyone who adores romance will warm to the story. It’s easy to identify with Lexi’s struggles in life, because they mirror so much of what everyone experiences, no matter what their age.”
–Romantic Times Book Reviews

“Sandra Byrd has created a witty heroine whose search for significance and desire to follow the Lord equals her charming bonhomie. You won’t regret settling down with a plate of French pastries and this delectable adventure!”
–Angela Hunt, author of The Elevator

“Byrd brings a fresh, insightful approach to women's fiction as she stretches out a welcoming hand to twenty-something readers. Bon Appétit!”
–Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of Sisterchicks Say Ooh La La! and The Christy Miller Series

About the Author

Sandra Byrd is a best-selling author of books for adults, teens, and children. Her notable series include the Friends for a Season series, the Secret Sisters series and the French Twist series, which includes the first two Lexi Stuart novels, the Christy Award finalist Let them Eat Cake and its sequel, Bon Appetit. A regular contributor to newspapers and magazines, Sandra lives in Washington state with her husband and two children.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400073294
• ISBN-13: 978-1400073290
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #371,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than three dozen books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, and was followed by two more books in the series. Her most recent 4-book young adult fiction series is London Confidential. Publishing her Tudor Series, beginning with Book 1, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, is a lifelong dream come true.

A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. Sandra is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

Sandra resides in Washington State with her husband Michael, a chaplain, their two children, and a circus dog named Brie.

You can learn more at www.sandrabyrd.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicieux!, September 19, 2009

By 

Stacey (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Piece de Resistance: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

I have been aching to read Sandra Byrd's "Piece de Resistance". This wonderful novel picks up where "Bon Apetit" left off. Lexi has returned to Seattle from her bakery training in Paris to run the latest Delacroix Bakery. She is running into some challenges and is unsure if she can do it. She hopes that her interpretation of events and her study of Philippians is leading her in the right direction. She is also at a crossroads in her love life. Will she choose Dan, the Seattle lawyer, who makes her heart skip a beat when he enters a room? Or Philippe, the exotic Frenchman with the beautiful little Celine, who has captured Lexi's heart?

Byrd's writing sparkles like the Bijoux Bakery. I was riveted from cover to cover. The suspense builds as the story progresses, drawing the reader into a deep investment into Lexi's personal and professional choices. You'll believe that these characters live right next door to you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mouth-Watering Goodness!, October 5, 2009

By 

C. Janes "southernsassygirl" (TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Piece de Resistance: A Novel (Paperback)

I loved this final book in the French Twist series, and am so sad that the series is over! Lexi Stuart is a person that you want to see succeed, not only with her job, but also with the right mate. I found myself going back and forth through this book, as well as book 2 (Bon Appetit), on who I wanted her to end up with. I won't spoil it for you, but I can definitely say that Lexi made the right choice!

On top of the dating issues, Lexi also has the responsibility of opening a new bakery back in her home town of Seattle. And bless her heart, that is not an easy task! Through it all, her intentions are right in line, but roadblocks are right there with her, too. So, she goes right to the source to get the strength she needs....the Word of God. The book of Philippians was the perfect parallel to Lexi's story, and provided the perfect guidance that she needed for this chapter in her life.

If you have never heard of Sandra Byrd, then, you are missing out on a real treat! She's mostly known as a YA author, but branched out with adult books with the French Twist Series, with Pièce de Résistance as the 3rd and final book. Her books have just the right mix of fun, romance, and faith. Oh, and just reading about the pastries in all three books will make your mouth water!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practically perfect in every way, October 4, 2009

By 

Deborah "Books, Movies and Chinese Food" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Piece de Resistance: A Novel (Paperback)

What I love about this series is that it combines everything I love in just one story. There's the chick lit style of writing. Then there is the talk of travel to places I've always wanted to visit. Next there is the glorious food that thankfully does not cause you to gain weight from reading about it. Finally, the wonderful characters that keep you enthralled and always wanting more. In this installment, Lexi returns to Seattle from her learning experience as a chef in Paris. Now back at home, she is given the opportunity to run her own bakery. Of course things don't run as smoothly as hoped and Lexi must struggle with her dreams as well as being practical. Reading this book was like watching Ace of Cakes with a French kick. It's filled with wonderful pastries, cakes and all sorts of delectable treats. Lexi is a character I would love to know in real life. Her experiences throughout the series have been fun to read and it's been a delight to watch her fulfill her dreams.

The romance in this story was really great as well. I don't know how Lexi was able to make her final choice between the two men. Of course there were little situations that helped out this dilemma but otherwise it would have been incredibly difficult to pick between the two of them. I also really liked her relationship with Philippe's daughter. It's very sweet. There is absolutely no fault with this book other that I am really really sad that this is the last book in the series. I feel as if I've really gotten to know Lexi and about baking and the French culture through these stories. You must be careful not to be around food while reading this book or you will find the pages of the book covered in crumbs. If you are looking for a chick lit book, are a foodie, or love to travel, then this series is absolutely perfect for you. I cannot praise it enough. This book has inspired me to go find a bakery, preferably a French bakery and indulge in at least one item mentioned in this book. VERY HIGHLY recommended.