This book draws upon the fond memories we all, some way or another, have of meals in the countryside with family. It is an ode to a peaceful way of life, close to nature and paying attention to the provenance of produce. The structure of the book reflects the principles of campagne living as it is structured according to seasons and occasions. There are ideas for a Christmas menu, the autumn and winter season, as well as an Easter menu and finally, summer recipes. All of these are thought out to according to seasonal produce promoting a way of life where one is closely in touch with local farmers, imagining recipes that one has brought home from the market. The summer menu section has two sections: recipes for the beginning of summer and some for the hottest moth of the year, utilising tomatoes, melons and summer fruit found near her house close to Normandy. This close attention to the variations of seasons fosters both proximity to nature as well as sustainable nutrition.

Deseine has selected a wonderful collection of recipes mixing both traditional French dishes such as quiche Lorraine, lapin à la moutarde (Rabbit with mustard) or tarte tatin. Nevertheless, she has also incorporated her own modern adaptations of these recipes, drawing from her over thirty-five years of experience living in France.

Deseine has also added specific section dedicated to practical recipes using ingredients all French families would have… Trish Deseine has organised these so that one could open their cupboard and cook one of the simple but delicious recipes. She has imagined an array of ways to cook ingredients one already would have at home, with sections on eggs, chicken or even dedicated to variations of roast vegetable recipes.

More than just recipes, Deseine encourages everyone to embrace practices inspired by the romantic and authentic French countryside lifestyle. Cassandra invites you to try one of the recipes from the "Menu for an Easter Lunch" chapter.