The Key to Love

Written by Betsy St. Amant

Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

Love doesn’t always look the way we expect

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so that she’s created her own
version of the famous Parisian love-lock wall at the bakery where she works in Story, Kansas. She never expects a
video involving the wall to go viral—or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery.
He’s definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for an epic love story like the one her parents had—and that
certainly will not include the love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems the Pastry Puff is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just the bakery
but the pedestal she’s kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri’s recipe
just needs to be tweaked.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781705003305

Betsy St. Amant

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God's grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her young daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing. Visit her website at www.betsystamant.com Facebook: BetsySt.Amant Twitter: @betsystamant.

Reviews for The Key to Love

[Berly · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Paris but had trouble connecting with the characters some. The audio book was unique in the reading.

[coastandanchor · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sweet all around - from the macarons to the love lock wall! Betsy St. Amant's book, The Key to Love, is one that could be the premise of a Hallmark movie. When a small town bakery is struggling to thrive, the only hope they have is resting on a journalist who is the least likely to appreciate the heart of their business and write a raving review. It was easy to imagine stepping through the doors of the Pastry Puff and getting to know the people of the town. The two sisters who own the bakery are hilarious in their banter back and forth. The tension between the bakery chef, Bri Duval, and Gerard Portier, the motorcycle riding journalist, is predictable but not a deal breaker. The characters overcome disappointment but discover that expectations can hide the very things you are searching for. Overall the story was witty, charming, wholesome and a fun read! Don't be surprised when you start craving macarons! 

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a fun read as Bri has her own ideas about love and has found an interesting way to incorporate it into her store. I think her store would be neat to visit and it sounds like a great place to eat and take in the atmosphere. When her store and its locks have an opportunity to be featured in a magazine, Bri finds herself falling for the writer of her story. The only catch is , is that she isn't what she expected for her turn at love. I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a very sweet contemporary romance. Bri wants a romantic relationship like what she thinks her parents had before they died. She works in a bakery that is owned by two matchmakers. I really enjoyed these two women. They were such fun. Gerard doesn’t believe in romance. I felt sorry for Gerard in the beginning since he didn’t have a romantic bone in his body. I love how each of the characters learns a lesson in love. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is such a cute romantic story! As I was reading, I couldn't help but think it would make a perfect Hallmark movie. The romance is a bit predictable, but the characters are endearing and the plot is fun to read. I do not think the story had a ton of depth, however, this was a great read when I just wanted something a little lighter and with a happy ending. The writing is well done and it was easy to envision the quaint bakery, the humorous matchmaking, and the eccentric sisters in the book. I really liked the characters and their growth in the story. The Christian themes were well integrated and the romance is definitely clean. Those who enjoy light, romantic reads will definitely find everything to love about The Key To Love!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[willowone_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was given a copy of this book through Early Reviewers in exchange for my honest review.Bri Duval works at a bakery that her mother also used to work at. Bri lost her parents at a young age and her memories are flavored by her love of romance. She only knows certain parts of her parents love story longing to travel to Paris and to learn more so in the mean time she has filled in the gaps with what she believes to be true. Onto the scene rides a journalist named Gerard Fortier who would rather do any other story but this one. Gerard must interview Bri and the owners of the Bakery, Mabel and Agnes, for a magazine story in order to keep his job. From the time they meet Gerard has a chip on his shoulder that causes Bri and he to butt heads. Mabel and Agnes who are knows as matchmakers see sparks fly and the games begin. The book was very sweet, but could have been cut in half.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had a "sweet" time reading this book. Gerard is proof that non believers can find true love. All they need is to meet the right person. Whereas, Bri learns when you don't set your expectations on a picture perfect love story; love can find a way into your heart.Although, I must admit that probably my favorite characters in this book are sisters, Mabel and Agnes. They had me laughing every time they appeared in the book or said anything. They were not subtle in their approach of matchmaking but their hearts were in the right place. If it was not for the fact that I knew Gerard would end up with Bri, I would have told him to hit the road a long time ago. Yet, as the story progressed; I did warm up to him like he did to Bri's pastries. The Key to Love is a sweet, romantic comedy.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Key to Love, by Betsy St. Amant is a modern day Christian romance novel set in Story, Kansas. Bri and two elderly sisters run a bakery that focuses on terrible coffee, macaroons, petit fours and romance. They also have an area where couples can put their love locks. This is what draws the attention of Trek Magazine who sends writer Gerard to do an article. As Bri spends her days baking and trying to duplicate her mother’s recipe, she spends her evenings reading letters she presumes are her parent’s love letter until she finds something that doesn’t add up.This is a sweet romance story to just get lost in. While it starts out slow, once the story gets going, it becomes a very good romance story with very good messages. Gerard has not spent time in a church, but when he meets the local pastor, he finds peace. When he tells Bri he wants to help his mother, she helps him to see that giving money may not be the best way to help her. As Bri Struggles to hold onto the bakery, Gerard tries to explain to her that it is not the bakery that defines her, it is how she treats others. I enjoyed getting lost in this story, not only does it have romance, it also has just the right amount a mystery to make me want to keep reading to see what was going to happen.I received a copy of this book through Revell Reads, this is my honest review.

[harley0326 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really loved this beautifully written story that I won’t soon forget. Bri is adorable and loves the idea of couples being in love. I really liked how the author talked about the lovelock wall. It is so interesting and cute that Bri’s small town has a version of it. Going into a bakery you except delicious pastries and other mouth watering treats. This bakery is a little different with that special wall they have. I absolutely loved Mable and Agnes. They are hopeless romantics that believe they are great matchmakers. The story gives us a few laughs with theses two women .Gerald has been assigned to write about the bakery and the famous lovelock wall. It was funny that he was assigned this article since he is not so much into all the romance hype. Gerald is determined to write the article and get out of town as fast as he can. The story takes us inside the lives of Bri and Gerald and unravels past hurts that keep them both a little shy of letting someone in. I loved reading how they spend time together and seeing the changes that come over them. It would be fun to be there at the bakery and watch a romance bloom while Mable and Agnes look on with satisfaction. Will Gerald give a good review for the bakery? Can Bri and Gerald find love or walk away from what is right in front of them? I enjoyed the story and liked how the author uses faith in a subtle way that readers will find encouraging.I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Program. The review is my own opinion.

[thedeffenbaughs6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh this book is so great! The perfect little romance story. A forewarning about reading this book... make sure you have some baked goods around because reading this will definitely have you craving macarons, petit-fours actually anything sweet!The story is set in the cutest little fictional town in Kansas. I love small town stories and this one doesn't disappoint. The people we encounter in this town are comical and quirky. Right away we meet Bri who has followed after her mom's passion of baking. She also has this interesting outlook on love. She wants a love like her parents had and she believes it was a fairytale kind of love. She is definitely a hopeless romantic. We also meet her pseudo aunts and business owners of the bakery Agnes and Mabel. They are the only connection that Bri has to her mother who passed away when she was younger. They were some of my favorite characters. They are truly a hoot. They are called the "love angels" by the townsfolk because they like to matchmake people in the town. Their number one challenge is trying to find a match for Bri.Of course we meet Gerard who is a journalist from Chicago and is the complete opposite of Bri. He absolutely hates romance and all the aspects of it. He is sarcastic and oh so very dreamy!! Despite his sarcastic personality he definitely is swoon worthy! He comes to town on an assignment to write about the bakery. The banter between him and Bri is exceptional!! The love/hate relationship that they have is hilarious and I am all for it. Despite his outward, rough personality he wants to help Bri realize that there is more to just the little town and the bakery that her whole life has revolved in.At times Bri grated on my nerves when it came to the bakery and the selling of it. I thought she was a bit selfish in regards to Agnes and Mabel and not seeing that they were older and needed to be done with the bakery so they could enjoy retirement. But I also recognize that they were giving her time to realize things on her own. I loved that there was an epilogue telling us just a little bit more of how life ended up with them since I didn't want to leave this little town. I really enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.I received a copy of this book from the publisher Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[mpmills · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Bri, a biker in a small town shop had a romanticized view of love due to her memories of her parents’ perfect marriage. Gerald, a travel journalist, arrives in town to due a feature story on the bakery. His idea of love had soured from a prior bad relationship. The plot was quite predictable from there. I love novels with quirky characters and this had many. It was a warm, sweet story that I enjoyed, but I don’t think I will want to read this author again.

[jkj94 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Betsy St. Amant is a new to me, author, the cover drew me in instantly, therefore I was very excited to read about Bri Duval’s adventures at the Pastry Puff bakery in the small town of Story, Kansas. Her love, hate relationship with Gerard Fortier, a writer from Trek Magazine a Chicago-based travel magazine was entertaining. I love the small-town vibes that I got while reading it; you could picture the beauty of Story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading my first book by St.Amant, and it will not be my last.I would like to thank Revell for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[templesooner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such a sweet diversion! With hints of the oft-cited Pride & Prejudice, Bri and Gerard are engaging and relatable - and watching them get over their fears and foibles as their attraction grows is a frothy delight for readers. This is a gentle romance rooted in faith, though the author doesn’t beat her readers over the head with Bible-thumping. For lovers of modern romance, this is better than a Hallmark movie in book form! Just make sure you have your favorite sweet treat and coffee on hand when you settle in to devour this literary confection!I received a copy of the book from Revell/Baker House Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[sbmc-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Somehow, being in Story - more specifically, watching Bri interact with her community - was like having a front-row seat to a play, one deserving of a snack and the full experience."Contemporary romcom doesn't get better than this! Nestled in a tiny town called Story, Kansas, this novel brings together everything that makes contemporary romance delicious - a quirky and charming small-town life, a fun premise, a well-paced plot with some surprises, deep and multi-dimensional characters who are totally lovable, excellent banter and witty dialogue, and gentle reminders of spiritual truths that often get lost in the busyness of life. And this book will definitely make you hungry so you'd better grab a snack before settling down for a wonderful read that will make you laugh out loud, hurt, sigh, and feel satisfied as the story unfolds.Bri and Gerard are complete opposites; Bri is the cheerful, naive, romantic pastry chef who is compassionate and loving. She finds fulfillment in embracing her community and hates taking risks. Gerard is a toughened and embittered world-travel writer whose sole goal is a promotion and thrives on adrenaline. Yet they're thrown together by a meddlesome boss who sends Gerard to write about a love-drenched French-themed cafe and two meddling "love angels" who find every opportunity to push Bri towards Gerard. Delightful small-town life tumbles around them as they work on the article; both Bri and Gerard learn life lessons as their worlds careen closer together with late night snack deliveries, freezing dives into a fountain, late autumn picnics, and old love letters.If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will absolutely love this book. I received a copy of the book from Revell/Baker House Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Boy meets girl and sparks fly, not here, they meet and you can feel the negative tension in the air. This was not a warm and fuzzy read, it actually was a rather hard to get through for me.The title refers to the love connections with locks on a fence, and that is nice, but the story did drag. Of course there is a person who wants it all gone, the fence and the bakery. Come and visit Bri, Gerard, and the Aunts, along with Charles!Hang on, the ending does get better and some of the answers come, not always what we want, but it does have a sweet ending, and more baking.I received this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[literarychanteuse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet romance centered around a cafe with french pastries is definitely a temptation worth indulging in. It is easy to instantly fall for Bri and Gerald, while hoping that their rocky start leads to a much sweeter ending. The cafe owners add such fun and the stories from the past add a unexpected twist. A lighthearted story that is enjoyable all around.I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[lynnsoprano · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a light contemporary romance that is something of a mixed bag. The premise of the story is what drew me in: a love-obsessed baker who has a love lock wall behind her bakery, and the two elderly women who own the bakery, are inveterate matchmakers, and are known as the love angels. However, Bri, the baker, has an unrealistic view of love. She expects the knight in shining armor, not the tattooed, sarcastic, jaded writer who comes to write about the bakery. She also doesn't expect to discover that what she thought was the perfect relationship her parents had was actually a lot different. The story drags at various points, and there are oddities that had me scrathing my head, and coincidences that just were just too outlandish. It may sound trivial, but there are other French pastries besides macarons and petit fours, no matter how delicious those two are. Yet, that seems to be all that Bri bakes. There are a couple of characters that I absolutely loathed, one of whom can almost be described as a villain, yet he gets essentially what he wants in the end. I was hoping that he'd get his comeuppance. On the other hand, the description of the quirky B&B and its eccentric innkeeper had me laughing hysterically, having stayed in places like that. Finally, this book is from a Christian publisher, and it gets a bit "preachy" at the end. In sum, it was a nice diversion, but not a book that I'd go out of my way to read. Thank you to LibraryThing and Revell for the opportunity to read and review this book. 3 stars

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a light romance with two not very likable main characters falling in love and living happily ever after.Bri is a baker in Story, Kansas working at The Pastry Puff, a French themed bakery. It's owned by two older ladies who like to match make and have been successful. When Bri makes a video of their love lock gate in the garden and talks about all of the successful romances, it goes viral and is seen by the editor at Trek magazine who sends Gerard, one of his hardened reports to write a story about it. Bi and Gerard dislike each other at first site. They keep spending time together as he is writing his story and their strong dislike starts to turn into tender feels for each other. There are two main problems - Bri believes that love should be full of hearts and romance and happiness just like her parents' marriage. Gerard believe that love doesn't exist and that marriage is always a loss. Can they get past their initial feeling and have a happily ever after?What I liked -- The book cover is beautiful. I liked the two meddling old ladies at the bakery - they made me laugh out loud. I also liked the descriptions of all of the rich French deserts -- macaroons and petits fours, yummy!What I didn't like -- Bri was too naive for her age in her beliefs about love. I wanted to shake her and tell her to open her eyes and see that a successful marriage isn't all hearts and flowers and that there was a lot of hard involved in a happy marriage. I didn't like Gerard at first - he was so cynical and unlikable that he was easy to dislike. However, they both changed as the story progresses and I always like stories that show growth in the characters.Overall, this was a light fun romance with lots of French deserts to read about.Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[mchwest · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I got this book for review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I loved the quirky characters of the small town and I truly have never had a macaroon but will seek them out now. It was a quick, light read, something that works well for the soul during our troublesome times. Also I will look for this authors other books in the future!

[gincam · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes, the best relationships start out in the worst way--the characters don't meet "cute"--they meet "snarly". Such is the case with "The Key to Love", from author Betsy St. Amant. In the little town of Story, Kansas, there exists a charmingly quaint French-inspired pastry shop called "The Pastry Puff". The shop is owned by Agnes and Mabel--two ladies of a certain age and attitude who are unrepentant matchmakers. Their baker--the creator of divine delicacies--is Abrielle "Bri" Duval. While Bri has recreated the famous Parisian "Love Lock Wall" (lovers declare their undying love by attaching a lock to the wall and throwing away the key) outside the sweet shop, she is decidedly somewhat sour on romance. Also disillusioned with lasting love is reporter Gerard Fortier, sent by his employer to do a story on the bake shop and the wall after they become a hit on social media. Bri and Gerald, each with their own personal issues, take an immediate dislike to each other, and their initial conversations consist of verbal sparring. However, they both have a lot at stake--Bri wants to eventually buy the bake shop, and Gerard wants to move ahead to more significant reporting assignments. They will have to work together, and learn to like each other, in order to reach both of their goals. Along the way, the sparks between them just might turn in a different direction--antagonism may turn to attraction. Are their differences too great and their life plans too different for love to have its way? Is there a chance for a sweet and happy future together? It will take a great leap of faith--and some heavenly guidance--but if Bri and Gerard put their hearts and heads together, they may just find "the key to love".Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via LibraryThing

[jjean7-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A contemporary romance - as most set in a small town & bakery - main character thinks love has to be "picture perfect" and is holding out for that type of love - a fun read but to me it was hard to connect with the characters.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There were parts of this story I enjoyed and parts I didn't. It's really difficult for me to 'get into' a story when I don't connect or particularly like the key characters. That was the case here.The cover art is spectacular and is what initially drew me to this book.I received a complimentary copy of this book via the LibraryThing reviewer program.