First published in the UK in 2016 by Carina, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

This was the first Rebecca Raisin book I read and as a result, have devoured many more since. This is a feel-good factor read that hooked me in as I became more curious about the characters I met. Our heroine, Sarah has a notion about that life that runs parallel to romance novels so when the opportunity arises to exchange her bookshop in the UK with one in Paris she grabs it by the pages!

Her sojourn in Paris allows her to explore her own wants, needs and desires whilst also exploring this city ‘full of secrets and love in hidden places.’ This charming story sees us witness what happens to our heroine as she deals with challenges, (such as her luggage and passport being stolen soon after arriving in the city) and as an introvert, how she discovers layers to herself and the city she has fallen in love with.

Her boyfriend, Ridge, a freelancer Journalist who is rarely to be seen, or heard from for that matter, causes her distress as he cancels their plans in a seemingly casual way. Sarah is loyal in love and she is forced to question the relationship.

The story wanders through the themes of love, friendship and grabbing an opportunity which will lead to a new phase in life.

Rebecca Raisin’s description of Paris is magical and created clear images of the beautiful city in my mind. It was a book that allowed me to lose myself in the pages and switch off completely for a few hours of feel-good factor indulgence.

Other books in the author’s ‘Little Paris Collection’ are The Little Antique Shop under the Eiffel Tower and The Little Perfume Shop off the Champs-Élysées.

Review by Hilary Steel

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