Book cover titled "The French Ingredient" by Jane Bertch with watercolor illustrations of Paris landmarks, a wine glass, a baguette, a croissant, a flower, and a woman in front of the cityscape.

a memoir

Finding home in

passion, place, and self.

In her debut memoir, Jane Bertch shares her unconventional journey from banking to founding one of Paris’s most beloved cooking schools. The French Ingredient is a story of courage, culture, and the beautiful mess of building something meaningful far from home.

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“The messy moments often contain the richest lessons.”

A woman with long red hair, glasses, and a beige trench coat sitting at a table covered with books, speaking during a book signing event or discussion.

The French Ingredient charts Jane’s path from the corporate world to entrepreneurship in Paris — a tale of facing fears, pivoting when plans change, and finding confidence through resilience.

This book is for anyone who’s ever felt like a stranger in their own ambition — dreamers, newcomers, entrepreneurs, and anyone learning to belong before feeling “ready.”

“Entrepreneurial readers will find much to admire in this tale of grit and gumption.”

- Publisher’s Weekly

“Equal parts love letter to France and masterclass in what it takes to build a life and a business when you’re starting with little more than audacity and belief.”

- Mradi Michels

“Full of life lessons we can all learn from. A must-read for anyone who loves Paris, food, and exploring how to navigate life’s twists and turns.

- Amazon Reviewer

“Your can-do message will serve as a must-do edict for embarking on my next chapter.”

- Karen L., New York

Book cover titled "The French Ingredient: A Memoir" by Jane Bertch, featuring watercolor illustrations of a city skyline, a croissant, a glass of wine, a baguette, and a woman in Paris with thematic colors of pink, blue, and orange.

The French Ingredient is a memoir of moving to Paris and building a life and business from the ground up.

It’s a story of resilience and reinvention - despite the odds. For anyone who has ever dreamed of beginning again, whether to rediscover themselves or to create something of their own. Above all, it’s a reminder that the magic lies within. Grab your copy!

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A woman with long red hair, wearing glasses, a beige trench coat, and a patterned scarf, standing outside a building with a decorative black metal gate.
View of a historic building with a large domed roof and ornate facade, alongside a metal bridge over a river, with a building and spire in the background under a clear blue sky.

“The greatest ingredient in any recipe for success? Belief — even when things get messy.”

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A smiling woman with long red hair, wearing glasses, a blue pinstripe blazer, and a white shirt, poses outdoors near a river.

Bonjour. I’m Jane Bertch

Author of The French Ingredient, host of the GenerateHER Podcast, and founder of two thriving businesses in Paris.

After more than two decades here and a few life-changing pirouettes, I’ve learned that transformation is rarely linear. Whether you’re shifting careers, starting a venture, or simply craving clarity for what is next, I’m here to help women navigate the in-between with courage, creativity, and a touch of French perspective.

MORE ABOUT JANE