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Ava #1
Paris Adieu
The first time Ava Fodor visits Paris as a nineteen-year old au pair; her French boyfriend introduces her to the concept of being comfortable in her own skin. Ava just has to learn how. One Ivy League degree later, and she’s back for an encounter with a Frenchman that awakens her to womanhood. Armed with the lessons Paris has taught her she bids adieu to her first love- the City of Light and bonjour to her authentic self.
Ava Fodor is young, funny and ready for trouble, particularly when it comes to French men. From the opening pages, Ava engages with her wry voice. This is a story that's certain to touch a chord with readers who may remember their own first efforts to find love. - Susan Breen, author of The Fiction Class
The book’s style will appeal to everyone who remembers their first efforts at love. A sensual mix of life lessons, romance, and self-empowerment Paris Adieu wraps you in the sights, smells, and sounds of Paris.
Ava Fodor is young, funny and ready for trouble, particularly when it comes to French men. From the opening pages, Ava engages with her wry voice. This is a story that's certain to touch a chord with readers who may remember their own first efforts to find love. - Susan Breen, author of The Fiction Class
The book’s style will appeal to everyone who remembers their first efforts at love. A sensual mix of life lessons, romance, and self-empowerment Paris Adieu wraps you in the sights, smells, and sounds of Paris.
281 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2011
About the author
Rozsa Gaston
19 books102 followersROZSA GASTON writes books on women who reach for what they want out of life. Her focus is on 16th century European female rulers.
GASTON studied history at Yale, and then received her master's degree in international affairs from Columbia. She lives in Bronxville, NY with her family. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on special offers. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rozsa...
Her motto? History matters.
GASTON studied history at Yale, and then received her master's degree in international affairs from Columbia. She lives in Bronxville, NY with her family. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on special offers. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rozsa...
Her motto? History matters.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 5, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Paris Adieu is the story of Ava and her many experiences in Paris, ranging from when she was nineteen into her late twenties. Through her relationships and her experiences in the city, she learns about being true to herself. The story has drama, romance, humor, and vivid details about the City of Light that allow the reader to feel as if they are making the journey with Ava.
My favorite aspect of the entire story was the details of Paris. Paris has always been a city that intrigued me. The author in this case does a wonderful job of relaying the sights, sounds, and even smells of the city. I felt as if I was in Paris without even leaving the comfort of my own home.
The message was also one that I believe all girls should follow. By the end of the story, Ava realized she didn't need a man, but instead had to do what was right for her and follow her own heart. There are too many stories today that portray the main female as weak and dependent. Reading about Ava was a breath of fresh air.
I would definitely recommend this book to female readers looking for an escape with a deep message.
Paris Adieu is the story of Ava and her many experiences in Paris, ranging from when she was nineteen into her late twenties. Through her relationships and her experiences in the city, she learns about being true to herself. The story has drama, romance, humor, and vivid details about the City of Light that allow the reader to feel as if they are making the journey with Ava.
My favorite aspect of the entire story was the details of Paris. Paris has always been a city that intrigued me. The author in this case does a wonderful job of relaying the sights, sounds, and even smells of the city. I felt as if I was in Paris without even leaving the comfort of my own home.
The message was also one that I believe all girls should follow. By the end of the story, Ava realized she didn't need a man, but instead had to do what was right for her and follow her own heart. There are too many stories today that portray the main female as weak and dependent. Reading about Ava was a breath of fresh air.
I would definitely recommend this book to female readers looking for an escape with a deep message.
May 24, 2013
If it takes place in France, I pick it up. I know better, because I've been disappointed almost every time, but it's some sort of sick fascination I have after having lived in France for 15 years. This book was no exception... not worth my time.
The summary of this book didn't make it clear how much it centered around sex. It's more or a less a sexual "coming of age" tale, following the main character from about 20 to about 30, and all of her sexual experiences take place in Paris.
I agree with another reviewer who said the main character was too self-absorbed and philosophical.
Besides the main story being a turn off, my other big gripe is that the French is terrible. When it comes from the narrator, it's forgivable, but when it's supposed to be coming from a French character, it's unacceptable. If you want to use French in your story, get someone who knows French to read over it first. Also, don't bother using French phrases if you are going to put the English translation immediately after them, every single time.
The summary of this book didn't make it clear how much it centered around sex. It's more or a less a sexual "coming of age" tale, following the main character from about 20 to about 30, and all of her sexual experiences take place in Paris.
I agree with another reviewer who said the main character was too self-absorbed and philosophical.
Besides the main story being a turn off, my other big gripe is that the French is terrible. When it comes from the narrator, it's forgivable, but when it's supposed to be coming from a French character, it's unacceptable. If you want to use French in your story, get someone who knows French to read over it first. Also, don't bother using French phrases if you are going to put the English translation immediately after them, every single time.
August 16, 2014
3.5/5.0
While not a romance novel in its strict definition, "Paris Adieu" is a charming novel about a woman coming to terms with who she is and what she wants from life.
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
While not a romance novel in its strict definition, "Paris Adieu" is a charming novel about a woman coming to terms with who she is and what she wants from life.
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 19, 2013
This book was truly ridiculous. It read more like a pre-teen's diary than a novel. I honestly can't believe I finished it. The main character was completely self-absorbed and overly philosophical. Serious waste of time.
May 18, 2013
Is a great book to read
May 25, 2013
It was ok. The story was good but it was slow to start. Took me a little bit to get into it.
November 12, 2023
One of the best, most lucid books set in Paris. It is insightful, clever and explicit. The author uses the city as a canvas for the coming of age of Ava, her American heroine. I read it in one sitting, a grin on my face. As a French writer, I am always on the look out for novels set in Paris, disappointed by endless bland romances that - apart from croissants and café-au-lait - could have been set anywhere. This story is different! It will deliver a healthy dose of nostalgia to those who have wandered around Paris (or have dreamt of doing so) looking for love, or for themselves. Five full well-deserved stars.
November 15, 2019
Hommage to ROZSA Gaston,
Thank you Rozsa for having written such a true rendition of Paris, during the German occupation, I was in France during cette période when we kept an evaded Russian hidden in our home in Bercheres la Maingot during a whole month
Colette
Thank you Rozsa for having written such a true rendition of Paris, during the German occupation, I was in France during cette période when we kept an evaded Russian hidden in our home in Bercheres la Maingot during a whole month
Colette
March 23, 2021
This book ended ok but much of the first half, for me, contained too much specific descriptions of intimacy. For some this is probably ok, but it is not a genre I typically read. Didn’t quite get that from the summary
not-for-me
August 15, 2024DNF @ 3%. Didn't realise this was a Christian story.
August 4, 2016
While reading Paris Adieu, I really felt like I was living in Paris, which would be a a wonderful thing, don't you think? This is a story of Ava, coming of age in Paris. She first lives there as a young au pair, just learning about life, love, and herself. Then we go back to Paris with Ava, four years later and again five years after that. We experience her life and her loves right along with her.
'It was hell not to have a plan at nineteen.'
The reader definitely gets to see and feel how Ava grows to become her own person and we watch her change from an inexperienced young woman, living her life as she thinks others want her to, to a mature woman who does what she wants and goes after what makes her happy.
'Men don't fall in love with a woman who is perfect. They fall in love with a woman who is specific. A woman who is comfortable with herself can be herself specifically.'
I enjoyed watching Ava grow and learn how to get what she wants out of life. We really do see a difference in her attitude about life and love with each segment of the story, as she grows and experiences each different stage of her life.
'The phrase 'fake it till you make it' suddenly sky-wrote itself across my brain. I saw its meaning in a whole, new light. It wasn't about being honest or genuine or not. It was about knowing where you were going, then pretending you were already there while you were on your way. Or in my case, still in the starting gate.'
Rozsa has written a wonderful Parisian story with just enough local culture and French language to make the reader feel like they themselves are living there. And it was enough to reaffirm the fact that I would love to visit Paris one day. But there is also the emotional story of growth, change, and maturity that entices the reader as well.
The sequel to Paris Adieu has just come out, Black is Not a Color. I am excited to see where Ava goes from here.
'It was hell not to have a plan at nineteen.'
The reader definitely gets to see and feel how Ava grows to become her own person and we watch her change from an inexperienced young woman, living her life as she thinks others want her to, to a mature woman who does what she wants and goes after what makes her happy.
'Men don't fall in love with a woman who is perfect. They fall in love with a woman who is specific. A woman who is comfortable with herself can be herself specifically.'
I enjoyed watching Ava grow and learn how to get what she wants out of life. We really do see a difference in her attitude about life and love with each segment of the story, as she grows and experiences each different stage of her life.
'The phrase 'fake it till you make it' suddenly sky-wrote itself across my brain. I saw its meaning in a whole, new light. It wasn't about being honest or genuine or not. It was about knowing where you were going, then pretending you were already there while you were on your way. Or in my case, still in the starting gate.'
Rozsa has written a wonderful Parisian story with just enough local culture and French language to make the reader feel like they themselves are living there. And it was enough to reaffirm the fact that I would love to visit Paris one day. But there is also the emotional story of growth, change, and maturity that entices the reader as well.
The sequel to Paris Adieu has just come out, Black is Not a Color. I am excited to see where Ava goes from here.
October 30, 2014
Confession: I am absolute non-Francophile and don't even know how this book ended up in my queue. In fact, it took 2 years from downloading to actually opening the first page.
But then... then I read, read, read, read, read like a madwoman until the very last word of the glossary. The confessional tone of the tale, the voyeuristic peek inside the relationships of another, and the way the author really nailed the combo of exotic + mundane that makes up expat life kept- it all had me clicking onward on my Kindle in every spare moment. There's more depth and reality in this novel than there is in the usual fluffy chick-lit that features places like France. I even wished I knew the language in order to get that extra ounce of pleasure out of all the French phrases in the book. Not sure I'll continue on with the series but will definitely keep this book around to reread in a few years.
But then... then I read, read, read, read, read like a madwoman until the very last word of the glossary. The confessional tone of the tale, the voyeuristic peek inside the relationships of another, and the way the author really nailed the combo of exotic + mundane that makes up expat life kept- it all had me clicking onward on my Kindle in every spare moment. There's more depth and reality in this novel than there is in the usual fluffy chick-lit that features places like France. I even wished I knew the language in order to get that extra ounce of pleasure out of all the French phrases in the book. Not sure I'll continue on with the series but will definitely keep this book around to reread in a few years.
November 14, 2012
Sexy Page-Turner with a French Twist
With vivid detail and humor, Gaston takes readers straight into the heart of Paris, where we smell pastries from the corner bakery and meander through famous parks and museums. We meet the French lover who shows Ava how to feel 'comfortable in her own skin.' Throughout, Gaston writes with a deep appreciation for sensuality that will keep readers attentive to Ava's every adventure.
Kim Nagy, Executive Editor
Wild River Review
Author of The Triple Goddess Trials
With vivid detail and humor, Gaston takes readers straight into the heart of Paris, where we smell pastries from the corner bakery and meander through famous parks and museums. We meet the French lover who shows Ava how to feel 'comfortable in her own skin.' Throughout, Gaston writes with a deep appreciation for sensuality that will keep readers attentive to Ava's every adventure.
Kim Nagy, Executive Editor
Wild River Review
Author of The Triple Goddess Trials
April 16, 2015
This was a cute and entertaining read, but somewhat repetitious in parts. French phrases were often used and were fairly easy to translate even though she continue to translate them for us; plus, the main character's first love interest was referred to over and over and over again as being life changing and mind blowing and we got it the first couple times it was written about. If you can get beyond those points it's a good romp of a read and takes you on a little Parisian journey, and I always think it's fun to travel when reading.
February 28, 2013
I liked the details on Paris, but I did not realized this book was too much focused on romance and even erotica. If you want to know more about the clitoris, this book is for you!
The story retells 3 periods of time spent by Ava in Paris, first when she was 19.
This did not resonate at all with my own coming of age, definitely more mature, and not focused on running after guys.
It was free on kindle, and as it was set in Paris, I downloaded it. I'll be more careful next time
The story retells 3 periods of time spent by Ava in Paris, first when she was 19.
This did not resonate at all with my own coming of age, definitely more mature, and not focused on running after guys.
It was free on kindle, and as it was set in Paris, I downloaded it. I'll be more careful next time
April 1, 2013
This was a Goodreads win. Perhaps I was too old for this book. I honestly quit reading it as I had lost interest. It's about a young woman and her experiences in Paris. To me the story was drawn out and going nowhere.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews