You Never Knew Me


Fiction - Womens
232 Pages
Reviewed on 11/30/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

Marty Almquist's You Never Knew Me focuses on three women from different circumstances who meet at a cookery class in Paris. Jane's daughter just left home for a new job, and her husband has suggested a divorce in response to their differences. Fiona's still grieving over her mother when she spontaneously books a trip to Paris. Veronique is taking on an exciting new position and hopes the class will give her more perspective about her target customers. After the class, the women stay in touch, forming a bond over their joys and difficulties. They each have a big decision to make about their futures, and their choices will affect the rest of their lives.

Marty Almquist weaves words like chefs pair flavors. Almquist's descriptions will make readers feel like they are experiencing the sights and sounds of Paris as their tastebuds explode with delight from the many flavorful experiences. The author takes something that should be basic, like eating toast, and tickles your palate with the tastes of the crust and jam. By the middle of the book, I knew the characters well, making me feel like I was part of their group. It's easy to become personally invested in their decisions about potential divorce, children, and job change, and readers will savor the experiences that lead up to each choice like they enjoy a fine wine or lemon tart. You Never Knew Me is a good selection for readers who enjoy women's fiction with strong female characters and hints of romance.

Nino Lobiladze

Three women meet in a cooking class in Paris. Jane is from Boston. Her daughter, Kallie, starts adult life in New York. Jane expects her husband, Jack, to reconsider their settled lifestyle and begin traveling around the world with her. But Jack has his own plans. He even mentions divorce. Shocked and disappointed, Jane flies to Paris alone. Forty-five-year-old Fiona is from Liverpool. For years, Fiona had been taking care of her mother until she passed away recently. Fiona craves fears and changes at the same time. Véronique is dedicated to her work at an expanding grocery store chain. Her husband, Jean-Pierre, wants children, but Véronique is not ready for such a big change in her life yet. The fateful encounter of these three women at a turning point in their lives opens doors to many possibilities. But will the most romantic city on earth heal Jane's broken heart? You Never Knew Me by Marty Almquist is for fans of drama, inspirational literature, romance, and novels centered around women.

You Never Knew Me is about our hidden potential and life choices. Marty Almquist aims to shake up her readers and inspire them to live fully at any age. Fiona used to live a measured life, leading a sales team in her brother's company. She is a very likable, down-to-earth character. But her prudence doesn't stop her from dreaming. For me, Fiona's storyline became the most inspiring. While Fiona is very careful in her approach, Jane fights for her dreams fiercely. Despite being overwhelmed with fear and guilt, she is not content with the routine that Jack prepared for her. The outcome of her spontaneous decisions will surprise us. Véronique brings artistic qualities to the rigorous world of sales. Her character reminds us that we should always be open to new knowledge and friends. I liked the lively dialogue and interesting dynamics between the characters. Marty describes relatable life situations and offers fascinating love lines. Also, the author perfectly captures the atmosphere of Paris and motivates us to learn more about French cuisine. Overall, You Never Knew Me is a captivating novel that I enjoyed very much.

Emma Megan

Jane Longworth, Fiona Braxton, and Véronique Moreau first meet at a cooking class in Paris. They are in their thirties, forties, and fifties and are from cities like Boston, Liverpool, and Paris. They are all at a crossroads. Jane and Fiona don't know what their future holds. Jane came to Paris after her husband of twenty-three years told her they should get a divorce. Fiona lived her life pleasing her family, never finding the time to do something for herself. Véronique and her husband are both at a critical moment in their careers, but her husband wants a child. Véronique knows now is her chance to prove herself at work, and a child would jeopardize her future. Will Jane, Fiona, and Véronique have the courage to focus on themselves, figure out what they want, and make their own decisions? If you want to learn more about these three incredible women, you should read You Never Knew Me by Marty Almquist.

You Never Knew Me is a compelling novel about the power of female friendship, embracing the challenge of change, and finding new and renewing old friendships. It's full of heart and has themes of love, betrayal, family, self-discovery, and hope. What I loved the most was that Marty Almquist's characters have realistic struggles and issues and inspire the reader to start living the life they want to live. This story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to embark on a fresh start and go after your dreams on your own terms. I recommend it to anyone who loves reading stories about the kind of friendship that enables us to grow stronger, more capable, and more self-reliant.