The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl

 Stella is the only child of Celia, who has made it clear she never wanted to be a mother. Stella grows up, becomes a successful copy editor in NYC and is content with her quiet little life. Then her mother dies and leaves her some money but only with the caveat that she use it to go to Paris. When she gets to Paris, Stella is drawn to a vintage clothing shop where she falls in love with a designer dress. The shop owner insists that she buy the expensive dress and wear it for one day, then she can return it if she doesn't think it really belongs in her life. While wearing the dress, she meets an elderly gentleman named Jules, who befriends her and opens up her life to a world of new possibilities. The Paris Novel tells the story of her first year in France and how Stella reinvents herself and finds happiness.

Because Ruth Reichl's background is food writing, many of Stella's adventures involve food--both savoring it and cooking it. This is a perfect summer read.