Showing posts with label au pair memoir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label au pair memoir. Show all posts

Friday, May 8, 2015

Book Review: From Tours to Paris by Linda Kovic-Skow

Escape to a world of romance and adventure in From Tours to Paris, the second book in the French Illusions series by Linda Kovic-Skow.

Having moved on from her dreadful au pair experience, Mademoiselle Kovic is ready to get her life back on track. Enrolling at a French Institute, she hopes to learn French well enough to fulfill her dream of becoming an international flight attendant. But when her boyfriend Adam returns from holiday with a shocking announcement, all her plans are up in the air. Her new direction leads her to Paris, where her money struggles continue, but she discovers a great deal about life and herself.

I had the pleasure of editing the first book in this series, French Illusions, so I was thrilled when Linda contacted me and asked me to edit her latest memoir, which is a follow up to Book One.

In some ways, the books are similar: the beauty of France, the spontaneous adventures of being in a foreign country when you are young and untethered, the sheer joy of being in love. For the most part, however, From Tours to Paris is a very different story told in the same elegant and engaging manner. While the first book finds Linda dealing with the consequences of a decision, in From Tours to Paris, the reader watches as she blossoms: moving out on her own, learning French, and meeting new people. In addition, the reader is left sympathizing with her as she is dealt a terrible blow and must once again move in a different direction, and cheering her on as she becomes more decisive.

It's always a joy to read Linda's work. I hope she will continue to create captivating stories for her loyal--and growing--audience.


File Size: 2572 KB
Print Length: 294 pages
Publisher: Dreamland Press, LLC; 1 edition (April 29, 2015)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00WXD8V9O

I served as an editor on this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenge:




Monday, November 5, 2012

Book Review: French Illusions by Linda Kovic-Skow


Adventure and romance fills this captivating memoir of an American au pair living in the Loire Valley.

French Illusions by Linda Kovic-Skow is the author's story of her journey from America to the Loire Valley in France, where she becomes an au pair for a couple with two children.

Disenchanted with her job as a medical assistant, and intrigued with the notion of overseas travel, twenty-one-year-old Kovic interviews for a flight attendant position with World Airways, Inc. When she discovers the airline requires all its flight attendants to speak a second language, Kovic applies to several agencies seeking an au pair position in France. When she learns of an available position with the Dubois family, she is thrilled. Kovic only hopes they will be forgiving that she cannot speak the language yet.

Eloquently told, this heartwarming memoir is simply riveting. As Kovic learns to navigate a new culture and cope with a difficult employer, she opens her heart to romance and adventure. Filled with rich descriptions, the beauty of France comes alive. Kovic's time abroad is made easier by the handful of friends she finds along the way, but a difficult relationship with the mistress of the house and her daughter creates a great deal of tension and homesickness. The reader is eager to follow the journey found in this captivating memoir to discover if it ends in triumph or tragedy.

If you enjoy a slowly evolving story filled with adventure, romance, and touches of humor, French Illusions by Linda Kovic-Skow should be on your wish list.

  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing (October 3, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1457514575
  • ISBN-13: 978-1457514579
  • SRP: $17.99

  • The author paid me to copy edit this manuscript. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I received no compensation of any kind.

    This is the 53rd book I've read for the following challenge: