The France Dance

by Lauren Palmer

Prima ballerina Noëlle Allard is a Bostonian orphan who has dedicated her entire existence to perfecting her craft, making her one of the most renowned dancers in the world. After fifteen years en pointe and a relationship with a narcissist, Noëlle finds herself exhausted and broken by the very art form she loves. While dancing in Paris, a public brawl breaks out on the stage between her ex-ish boyfriend and her long-time pas de deux partner in front of an audience of adoring fans, and the spotlight reveals Noëlle in the center of a tumultuous storm.

To escape the fallout and her life of restrictive diets, harsh lights, and criticism, she leaps aboard a runaway train to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the village where her late father was born. After stumbling across his childhood home, now converted into a luxury B&B, Noëlle not only becomes a guest at the Maison Lavande but is also employed as the pantry chef, a craft to which she is not well suited.

As Noëlle continues down this unexpected journey through the past, she discovers that fresh, local ingredients in her pantry, and the love of a previously unknown family lead her to a path of healing and self-discovery. Set against the soft light and watercolor scenery of a family-run lavender farm, The France Dance provides a beautiful escape for anyone who needs a departure from their everyday life and will pirouette senses through a Provençal market of flavor.

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[Emma Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun and easy summer read! I met this local McKinney author at a pop up downtown and couldn’t pass up the chance to support local! A book about France, food, romance, and finding your way back home. I was pleasantly surprised at how this book twisted and turned and the multiple perspectives it took! Super fun to get to meet an author and read their work that they’re so proud of!

[Kimcyates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in three days - I just couldn’t put it down. I was hooked from the very beginning and found myself thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading. The beautifully descriptive language made me feel like I was there. It’s made me want to plan a trip and explore this part of France.
I hope this becomes the first book in a series - I’m not ready to say goodbye to the characters.

[Roxanne Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this debut novel! Noelle, a prima ballerina, goes to the house her grandmother lived in France after a horrible breakup. She is weighed down by her circumstances, her burnout, and is just lost in her own life.

Seeing Noelle grow into herself was so beautiful. From learning to enjoy food, learning to trust herself, and learning to slow down in her beautiful family and surroundings was cathartic for me as well.

I loved learning about lavender and could envision myself there interacting with the characters!

Lauren Palmer came to our book club and spoke about her time in France, how she wrote the book, and how she felt accomplishing such a difficult but rewarding goal! Be on the lookout for more from Lauren Palmer! I will read anything she writes! Available on Amazon.

[Erin Gobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! A young prima ballerina escapes a toxic relationship and puts her career on pause to embark on a journey of healing in the lavender fields of Provence. Along the way, she discovers unexpected family, rekindles joy, and learns what truly fills her cup—body and soul. The writing is beautifully descriptive, and it will make you crave French wine, creamy cheese, and a soda-sipping soak in a lavender bath. (Or heck, just book the next flight to France!) I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.

[Holly Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Lauren's new book, I didn't want it to end! She did such a beautiful job of writing about discovering what matters in life through food, friendships and family. Not to mention being in a place that is truly healing and rejuvenating! You will not just be entertained but encouraged to look at your own life and identify what is best for you!

[Janice Crosswhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very highly recommended this book. I could picture the small towns in France, taste the food, and emotionally felt the romance. It is relaxing but so intriguing I could not put down. Lauren was a ballerina for 10 years and her knowledge gives us a beautiful setting. I felt I was traveling in France. I just met Lauren and she has so much more coming. I can’t wait.

[Monica Szewczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really loving this book! It sucked me in immediately!! Great characters you want to love and know more about!! Plus, such fun things I’m learning about France!! Can’t wait to finish it, I’ll be back for another review!!

[Katie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. As a fan of ballet, travel and good food, I was completely absorbed in the story, start to finish. I also appreciated that it was largely free of violence, gratuitous sex, language and disturbing plot twists. It was the perfect feel-good, before-bed book for me.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story written by a friend! A wonderful escape into a world of lavender, healing, family and beauty. I relate to Noëlle since I also have left a toxic relationship to rebuild a life full of beauty and love.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the Book

Thoroughly enjoyed the story, the plot was very engaging, I loved the setting which took me to the South of France.
I highly recommend this book.