Bellegarde by Jamie Lilac

Bellegarde
Jamie Lilac
320 pages
HarperTeen

From Goodreads: Bellegarde reimagines the 90s romcom classic She's All That in 18th-century Paris, France. The lush pastel world building of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette meets the modern twist of Bridgerton in this YA historical romcom debut.

Beau Bellegarde, a second-born son, makes a deal: if he can turn Evie Clément, the unapproachable baker's daughter, into the winner of the Court Ball, making her the most desired bachelorette in Paris, he inherits the family fortune, but his target has plans of her own.

Let me start by saying that if you're looking for a book filled with historical realism, this isn't the book for you. Lilac's characters have a familiar countenance and modern turns of phrase, but are still set in a lavish historical setting a la Paris making me yearn for a croissant and les Tulleries. I actually think this is a great way to write a historical YA novel, as it makes it more accessible for reluctant readers.  

Though the book is historical fiction, the problems Evie faces would be just as recognizable in today's world: the occasional callousness of teenage boys, means girls and cliques, and even gentrification take the stage. Class is a constant underlying theme in the novel since Evie's family is working class and barely able to keep their bake shop, whereas most of her classmates are aristocratic. Her determination to make life better for her sister Violette is admirable and heartwarming, though I feel Violette is underestimated.

Of course the love story is why most readers will be picking up this book. The comparison to the movie She's All That is entirely apt. Though the reader will go into the book knowing who Evie will end up with, there is a third party in the middle of the book who makes things very interesting. As for Beau, his backstory piqued my interest and the one interaction he has with his father in the novel left me wishing this plot line had been expanded on.

All in all this was a fun and fast read, perfect for the upcoming summer. Bellegarde releases July 11th so be sure to add it to your calendar! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy. As always, opinions are my own.