To La Grande Galerie in Civray this morning to drop off more copies of Tout Sweet. It's such a charming little place, always busy and worth the 25km journey just for the cappuccino (made with fresh rather than UHT milk) and homemade cakes.
While there I sold another three copies on the spot, two of them to a charming woman, who told me her husband had just read Tout Sweet and really enjoyed it, which was quite an achievement as he'd only ever read about two books in his life (I'd love to know what the other one was!)
Along with my French friends' comments that the book should be available on the health service for anyone suffering from depression, this is my favourite piece of feedback so far.
Another customer at the cafe, complained that the book was keeping him awake at night, as his wife kept laughing out loud. It made my morning.
Perhaps the best thing about writing Tout Sweet is the instant feedback and the emails that arrive on a daily basis from around the world (many from people who are unable to buy the book in their country but read about it in the Daily Mail).
I have been really touched by all the goodwill and positive feeling the book seems to have generated. Thank you to everyone who has emailed me, posted a review on Amazon or bought multiple copies of the book to pass on to friends. I've been particularly moved by those who have sent very personal messages, many of them saying they were inspired to move to France as a result.
Great to hear the book is such a huge success. Cappuccino and cakes in Civray sounds absolute heaven, brings back happy memories of Croque Monsieur and cappuccino under the sun on Rue Nationale in Pontivy.