Review: Simone LaFray and the Chocolatiers' Ball (Simone LaFray, #1)

Author: S.P. O'Farrell
Started reading: May 31st 2019
Finished the book: June 4th 2019
Pages: 148
Genres: Mystery, Food and Drink, Childrens, France
Published: May 13th 2019
Source: Got a physical copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
Simone LaFray had never questioned one thing - the character of her father. A fourth generation chocolatier and proprietor of a world famous patisserie, in her eyes he could do no wrong. However, her eyes were trained to see everything that was wrong. A covert agent with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this extraordinary 12-year-old was living a double life, walking in the veiled footprints of her mother, icing eclairs, dusting pastries, and darting between the shadows. What could be sweeter? When a notorious thief returns to Paris seeking revenge against her mother, a series of unforeseen and potentially devastating events ensue, leaving Simone to question everything. Her father can’t be the man they say he is, can he? Her concealed life is evaporating, the store hangs in the balance . . . and did I mention she needs a ball gown? Life in a French patisserie may not be as sweet as you thought. Simone LaFray and the Chocolatier’s Ball pulls the invisible girl out of the shadows and into the spotlight, but is she ready?

My thoughts

This book is just so cute and is a great mix of genres. The book is a mystery children's book that takes place in France and is all about chocolate. I love it! The book is easy to read and I'd definitely advise this book to kids in my classroom, it's highly suitable for the younger ones. Everyone of age 10 and above could and should enjoy this book! I'm a little shocked that this book only has 4 ratings on Goodreads...

Pros

• Setting: The setting in this book is BEAUTIFUL. It feels like I'm in Paris when reading this book. The patisserie is such a great addition to this book as well. I was in Paris a couple of summers back and this book matches the feeling so well.
• Genres: The mix of genres is amazing. Simone Lafray is a covert agent, a spy, how cool is that for the younger ones to read and fantasize about?! The book mixes the mysterious with the cute from Paris and all the love for chocolate. It's just a very unique mix of genres that I haven't seen before.
• Simone LaFray: This character is so well done. Simone is a very smart young girl. She has a photographic memory and is analytic and bright, but it's not like the book is telling you this. You have to figure it out yourself by just reading the book. While you read you get to know Simone and learn more about who she is. The way the character is taking shape while you read is enjoyable.

Cons

• Build up: Some parts in the story need more time to build, especially the plot twists. Some of the big shocks in this book were so briefly described that I almost read over it. A little bit more build up towards the plot twists would make it a bit more shocking.

Overall

 A great book with an unique mix of genres that any person of the age 10 and above could read. Teachers and parents could read this book to younger children as well. The book overall is just sweet, feels like you are in Paris and has this sparkle of mystery. I'd definitely read another book in this series.

Memorable quotes from this book

"In fact, I was up late reading but that's nothing new. Sleeping is highly overrated."

Thanks for reading!

Please let me know what you think about this book/review.