Rating: 
Summary: Waste of money
Review: I read the 2d of this series first. The art was much better, so I was very disappointed in this book. Not only does the story have no substance, neither does the "art". Save your dough!
Rating:
Summary: Waste of money
Review: I read the 2d of this series first. The art was much better, so I was very disappointed in this book. Not only does the story have no substance, neither does the "art". Save your dough!
Rating: 
Summary: Enchanting...With A Touch of Magic
Review: Jane Kolpen's "The Secrets of Pistoulet" is beautifully created with a heart warming tale and creative illustrations. The recipes themselves (although fictional) are bits of charms that sounds too good to be true. The story though would have been more compelling and intimate if the characters and events had more depth to it. It almost seemed too short brief.This would make a very nice gift book for any occassion. I strongly recommend Kolpen's sequel to this book, "The Legend of the Villa della Luna".
Rating: 
Summary: a secret to share
Review: Secrets of Pistoulet has such a divine simplicity you may at first not recognize the unique depth and richness of spirit. This has become the one must have book for all my friends. In fact, this is one "Secret" I intend to share with anyone near and dear to me. I found this book to be an inspiration for anyone who loves to cook, to think, to be amused and touched. The illustrations perfectly match the mood and peacefulness of the whole experience. You will find yourself coming back to this small wonder over and over.
Rating:
Summary: Potage of the Sud-Ouest
Review: The Secrets of Pistoulet surpised me; it was as if I had suddenly found a children's book written purely for adults. It comes with activity recipe cards, beautiful and varied illustrations, and a relaxed, playful intelligence. The imagery is direct, primal, and the book feels as if you are engaging in a multi-media adventure, yet within the familiar confines of a book. It is fascinating direction in printed fiction. Perhaps, Madame Babette had visited the secret maison called Pistoulet; judging from the sucess of her feast it would appear so. My one complaint was the lack of a recipe for confit of duck or goose. If Pistoulet existed in the South West of France, they would have to have a recipe for preserved duck or goose. Thiink of their Cassoulet?
Rating:
Summary: Food for the soul
Review: This book is one that I share with all my dear friends. I read it to a friend of mine who had just lost her dad, with whom she had sat as he lay dying of cancer in the hospital. She was returning home after settling his estate and stayed the night in my home. I read it to her as she fell asleep. When she awoke the next morning, she said that it was her first night of peaceful sleep in a long time. My reading this story to her aloud had had touched her so deeply that she decided to share it at her father's memorial service. I loved Griffin and Sabine as well, but the two books should not be compared. I loved this as much as Like Water for Chocolate and Babette's Feast. A ne pas manquer.
Rating:
Summary: Unique..a great metaphor for transformation
Review: This is a unique book that captures so much of life...people, love, food, and the transformations they endure. I found it to be a wonderful and poetic gift to people who have touched my life. I found this book to bring magic through each page and recipe. It is a treasure to read and keep.
Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: This lavishly illustrated, endearing tale of the sojourn of Mademoiselle J at Pistoulet, a mystical (or is it?) farmhouse somewhere in France is part cookbook, part fable and a balm for the imagination. The Secret of Pistoulet invites the soul weary to revive their spirits by sojourning with Mademoiselle J and meeting the intriguing and wise cast of characters who come to visit her at Pistoulet and partake of her healing soups (recipe cards included). Try the Potage of Patience which rekindles joy in those who feel their lives passing them by. A real treat for anyone with magic in their hearts.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite, Delicious and Enchanted Secrets of Mlle J....
Review: What a divinely delcious book. Mlle J is a magical artist and teller of her stories -- I am crazy about the illustrations -- they show such amazing talent for both the whimsy and the shapes and colors. I was THRILLED to find out that Pfaltzgraff recently launched a line of PISTOULET dinnerware and accessories -- I immediately went online and bought 10 of the soup bowls -- I am in love with them and the luscious inside yellow and the sunflowers on the outside -- gorgeous. Just gorgeous. I can't wait to make every spectacular recipe in the book, especially the Potage of Spirit and the Potage of Passion to warm up a cold winter up north here. Mlle J is an amazing talent!
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite, Delicious and Enchanted Secrets of Mlle J....
Review: What a divinely delcious book. Mlle J is a magical artist and teller of her stories -- I am crazy about the illustrations -- they show such amazing talent for both the whimsy and the shapes and colors. I was THRILLED to find out that Pfaltzgraff recently launched a line of PISTOULET dinnerware and accessories -- I immediately went online and bought 10 of the soup bowls -- I am in love with them and the luscious inside yellow and the sunflowers on the outside -- gorgeous. Just gorgeous. I can't wait to make every spectacular recipe in the book, especially the Potage of Spirit and the Potage of Passion to warm up a cold winter up north here. Mlle J is an amazing talent!
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