The Matchmaker of Perigord: A Novel

“A hilarious romp.” —Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat

The charming tale of a small French town in which the local barber, whose business is failing as his clients grow older and lose their hair, decides to become the town matchmaker.

Barber Guillaume Ladoucette has always enjoyed great success in his tiny village in southwestern France, catering to the tonsorial needs of Amour-sur-Belle's thirty-three inhabitants. But times have changed. His customers have grown older—and balder. Suddenly there is no longer a call for Guillaume's particular services, and he is forced to make a drastic career change. Since love and companionship are necessary commodities at any age, he becomes the town's official matchmaker and intends to unite hearts as ably as he once cut hair. But alas, Guillaume is not nearly as accomplished an agent of amour, as the disastrous results of his initial attempts amply prove, especially when it comes to arranging his own romantic future.

For every reader who adored Chocolat, Julia Stuart's The Matchmaker of Périgord is a delectable, utterly enchanting, and sinfully satisfying delight.

Barber Guillaume Ladoucette has always enjoyed great success in his tiny village in southwestern France, catering to the tonsorial needs of Amour-sur-Belle's thirty-three inhabitants. But times have changed. His customers have grown older—and balder. Suddenly there is no longer a call for Guillaume's particular services, and he is forced to make a drastic career change. Since love and companionship are necessary commodities at any age, he becomes Amour-sur-Belle's official matchmaker and intends to unite hearts as ably as he once cut hair. But alas, Guillaume is not nearly as accomplished an agent of amour, as the disastrous results of his initial attempts amply prove, especially when it comes to arranging his own romantic future.

For every reader who adored Chocolat, Julia Stuart's The Matchmaker of Périgord is a delectable, utterly enchanting, and sinfully satisfying delight.

“A hilarious romp off the beaten track. Love it to bits.” - Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat

“Fast, furious and incredibly funny. If you love all things French and are passionate about wordplay, then this romp through the lives of the villagers of Amour-sur-Belle will be le billet for you....Julia Stuart sets a great pace in this lip-smacking mix of food, foolishness, and fun.” - SHE magazine (UK)

“A warm, funny novel about life and love in rural France.” - The Independent Extra (London)

“[A] frothy debut, as enchanting as Joanne Harris’s Chocolat.” - More Magazine

“So deliciously witty are Julia Stuart’s sentences, so warm is her satire of quirky villagers, and so rich is her rendering of a culture that seems untouched by time, that you pause as you read to enjoy her polished style, to savor the meticulously described meals, and to ponder the next hilarious mishap of the matchmaker. Stuart does for Perigord what Peter Mayle did for Provence.” - James Tipton, bestselling author of ANNETTE VALLON

“Filled with enchanting settings and a brilliant attention to detail, Stuart’s first novel is an enjoyable trip through the sweetness, sadness, and hilarity that love-and life-often brings.” - Library Journal

“Following these gentle folks on their blind dates and awkward reentries into the field of romance is a sweet and simple pleasure. . . . Delightful.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Debut novelist Stuart infects Amour-sur-Belle’s byzantine lore with whimsy…and sensual detail.” - Publishers Weekly