Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Nicolas Barreau

Posted on April 10, 2016 by Regina | 0 Comments

Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Nicolas Barreauon March 29, 2016
Pages: 304
Add to your Goodreads TBR shelf.
Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N
One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Rosalie Laurent is the proud owner of Luna Luna, a little post-card shop in St. Germain, and if it were up to her, far more people would write cards. Her specialty is producing "wishing cards," but where her own wishes are concerned the quirky graphic artist is far from lucky. Every birthday Rosalie sends a card inscribed with her heart's desire fluttering down from the Eiffel Tower - but none of her wishes has ever been fulfilled.

Then one day when an elderly gentleman trips up in her shop and knocks over a post-card stand, it seems that her wish cards are working after-all. Rosalie finds out that it is Max Marchais, famed and successful author of children's books who's fallen into her life. When he asks her to illustrate his new (and probably last) book, Rosalie is only too glad to accept, and the two - very different - maverick artists become friends.

Rosalie's wishes seem to be coming true at last, until a clumsy American professor stumbles into her store with accusations of plagiarism. Rosalie is hard pressed to know whether love or trouble is blowing through her door these days, but when in doubt, she knows that Paris is Always a Good Idea when one is looking for the truth and finding love.

As one customer aptly put it in her review on Amazon, “Reading this book is a GREAT idea.” I concur.

paris is always a good idea pic

If you are like me and have never had the pleasure of visiting Paris, then you probably have a stack of travel books and travel fiction as tall as the Eiffel Tower. Not to mention ones with the word “Paris” in the title. Queue my NON-reluctance to read JUST ONE MORE book set among the most romantic city in the world.

Reading Paris Is Always a Good Idea is like unwrapping a Dove chocolate, popping it on your tongue, and letting it melt in your mouth. Seriously. This book is a sweet literary luxury that will warm you up like a rich, velvety cup of hot chocolate. The story was atmospheric and romantic with the perfect touch of sentimentality.

The three main characters of the novel all come together by chance giving this book the feel of one of those magical films starring Audrey Tautou. Rosalie, the female MC, is personable and the most likable character of the story. A lovely painter and postcard shop owner, she embodies what it is to be living the perfect Parisian life.

And as if the dreamy story world were not enough to make me starry eyed, the introduction of an intellectual idealist- a delicious Professor close to Rosalie’s age- enters the picture, rather chaotically, and adds another fun dimension to this synchronistic tale.

Although the story is quite predictable, it is only in the best way. It provides intense satisfaction seeing all of the  pieces fall into place as you had expected them to.

This book is a quick read that would be perfectly paired with a lazy afternoon and a snuggly reading spot.

Some of the scenery that came to mind while reading this book:

Paris is Always a Good Idea- Audrey Hepburn

 

Setting the Mood:

This book will make you want to sink into a plush velour chair or blanket surrounded by white Christmas lights with a mix of Edith Piaf and Carla Bruni playing in the background.


One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Divider

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.