STORYTELLING, SEASONS, AND fine food inspire prolific New England-based author Sophie Masson, who will visit Glen Innes on Saturday April 20 for an author morning tea at The Makers Shed with her latest French-themed work The Paris Cooking School.

“The Paris Cooking School was inspired by Paris itself!” she said.

“I love the city and have been there multiple times, several members of my family live there, plus I had the great good luck to be awarded a writer’s residency there for six months some years ago, so I really got to know it well. “

Born in Indonesia to French parents, Masson came to Australia at a young age. One of this country’s most prolific authors, her latest work for adult readers was published under the pen name Sophie Beaumont.

“I loved putting my characters in the midst of this amazing city, as they discovered more about French food culture, and history, walking all over Paris, and falling in love,” she said.

Described as a delectable novel about love, hope and the consolations of the perfect strawberry tart, The Paris Cooking School is the story of two Australian women who travel to the ‘City of Light’ to attend a course at a fictitious cuisine hub run by Sylvie Morel.

Struggling with creative obstacles, marital betrayal and business rivalry, the three women encounter challenging crossroads life has placed in their pathways; although with the delights of French cuisine as their guide, things don’t sour for long.

“I think readers everywhere love the fact that this is a joyful book,” Masson said.

“There are dramas, the characters have difficulties they have to overcome, but things work out, and the whole atmosphere is full of the joy and sweetness that life can bring; and of course in such a lovely setting!

“I adored writing this book and I am so delighted that readers have taken it so much to their hearts!”

No regrets

Masson and her husband came to the New England region when he started a Rural Science degree and she was keen to finish an Arts degree.

“We had one child then, our daughter, but two more children were born here, our two sons,” she said.

“When we finished the degrees we decided to stay as we loved it here.”

According to Masson, the region had the perfect mix for the burgeoning family: natural beauty, work opportunities, artistic life, and a suitable climate.

“We are both from Europe and love the fact there are real seasons here,” she said.

“We have never regretted that decision.

“We feel at home here, having built our beautiful mud-brick home and brought up our three kids here, and even though now they have grown up and moved away, they and their families often come to visit because they love coming home too!”

Sophie Masson in conversation with journalist Michael Burge on Saturday April 20 at High Country Books, The Makers Shed, 123 Grey Street Glen Innes. Book online.