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A review by azrah786
Simone LaFray and the Chocolatiers' Ball (Simone LaFray, #1) by S.P. O'Farrell
3.0
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through Booktasters and the author in exchange for an honest review**
Simone LaFray is a bookish and introverted child prodigy who is well on her way to following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a spy. However, in her heart is a secret passion for opera and performance. The story follows her during one summer as she spends her time helping at her father’s renowned patisserie as well as training with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When a thief from her mother’s past returns to the city, Simone is given the opportunity to step out into the field and help with the case but then her family’s secret recipes are stolen. Convinced that the two are linked, Simone sets out to save the day even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight.
The story was well written and easy to follow. The mystery elements were fun and light however, I did find at times that the writing gave me the impression that the protagonist was older than she was. Also with the chocolatiers’ ball being a prominent part of the title I expected it to take up a larger part of the story. The strongest element to the book was definitely the protagonist’s relationship with her family, which I loved.
On the whole this was an enjoyable and endearing middle grade adventure.
Simone LaFray is a bookish and introverted child prodigy who is well on her way to following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a spy. However, in her heart is a secret passion for opera and performance. The story follows her during one summer as she spends her time helping at her father’s renowned patisserie as well as training with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When a thief from her mother’s past returns to the city, Simone is given the opportunity to step out into the field and help with the case but then her family’s secret recipes are stolen. Convinced that the two are linked, Simone sets out to save the day even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight.
The story was well written and easy to follow. The mystery elements were fun and light however, I did find at times that the writing gave me the impression that the protagonist was older than she was. Also with the chocolatiers’ ball being a prominent part of the title I expected it to take up a larger part of the story. The strongest element to the book was definitely the protagonist’s relationship with her family, which I loved.
On the whole this was an enjoyable and endearing middle grade adventure.