What do you think?
Rate this book
The Little Paris Toyshop
In the tangled streets of Paris, there is a toyshop…
A place where memories are lost and found, where pain and love, regret and joy are waiting to be discovered.
The old man sets the animals in the cars of the miniature train. A tiger with a jewelled collar, a monkey in a pillbox hat, a poodle, a dancing bear, an elephant, an ostrich with plumed tail feathers. The music plays; the animals trundle around the track. Their gentle faces have seen everything and reveal nothing. The joy, the sorrow, all the spaces in between. On the outside, they are smiling. Inside, they mourn the one that was lost.
When Sarah, a successful hotel designer, encounters a run-down toyshop in Paris, little does she know that her life is about to change. Against her better judgment, she agrees to help the elderly owner, Franz, save his shop and transform it into a magical destination for children and adults. She meets Tomas, a small-time crime novelist, who gives her a glimpse of a different life – one that can only exist on the other side of her own grief and guilt. But Tomas is hiding painful secrets of his own that threaten to destroy their blossoming relationship.
Can two lonely people move beyond the shame and heartbreak of the past to find their own happily ever after?
A spellbinding tale of love and memories lost and found. Perfect for fans of Joanne Harris’s Chocolat , Karen Swan, and Jojo Moyes, The Little Paris Toyshop will hit every emotion for readers who love literary romance.
What readers are
My Secret Sister
‘ Moving and compelling . Lauren Westwood is a wonderful writer’ - Sophie Hannah, bestselling author
‘My Secret Sister is another fantastic book by this underrated author who deserves a spot up there with the best women’s fiction writers.’ - amazon customer
‘I was right there turning the pages .’ - amazon customer
Moonlight on the Thames
‘This is one where you'll actually feel the emotion on the page .’ Kathleen g
‘If you like your romance with a sliver of dark , this is the book for you.’ RW
‘Superb plot, characters and imagery, such a beautifully written book .’ Sibzzreads
‘ A hauntingly beautiful romance .’ C Helton
‘A beautiful story about having a second chance at love .’ Thatthingshereads
‘I have literally fallen in love with this book , a truly wonderful heartfelt read from start to finish.’ Nessa
A place where memories are lost and found, where pain and love, regret and joy are waiting to be discovered.
The old man sets the animals in the cars of the miniature train. A tiger with a jewelled collar, a monkey in a pillbox hat, a poodle, a dancing bear, an elephant, an ostrich with plumed tail feathers. The music plays; the animals trundle around the track. Their gentle faces have seen everything and reveal nothing. The joy, the sorrow, all the spaces in between. On the outside, they are smiling. Inside, they mourn the one that was lost.
When Sarah, a successful hotel designer, encounters a run-down toyshop in Paris, little does she know that her life is about to change. Against her better judgment, she agrees to help the elderly owner, Franz, save his shop and transform it into a magical destination for children and adults. She meets Tomas, a small-time crime novelist, who gives her a glimpse of a different life – one that can only exist on the other side of her own grief and guilt. But Tomas is hiding painful secrets of his own that threaten to destroy their blossoming relationship.
Can two lonely people move beyond the shame and heartbreak of the past to find their own happily ever after?
A spellbinding tale of love and memories lost and found. Perfect for fans of Joanne Harris’s Chocolat , Karen Swan, and Jojo Moyes, The Little Paris Toyshop will hit every emotion for readers who love literary romance.
What readers are
My Secret Sister
‘ Moving and compelling . Lauren Westwood is a wonderful writer’ - Sophie Hannah, bestselling author
‘My Secret Sister is another fantastic book by this underrated author who deserves a spot up there with the best women’s fiction writers.’ - amazon customer
‘I was right there turning the pages .’ - amazon customer
Moonlight on the Thames
‘This is one where you'll actually feel the emotion on the page .’ Kathleen g
‘If you like your romance with a sliver of dark , this is the book for you.’ RW
‘Superb plot, characters and imagery, such a beautifully written book .’ Sibzzreads
‘ A hauntingly beautiful romance .’ C Helton
‘A beautiful story about having a second chance at love .’ Thatthingshereads
‘I have literally fallen in love with this book , a truly wonderful heartfelt read from start to finish.’ Nessa
- GenresBook Club
448 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2023
118 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Westwood
21 books119 followersLauren Westwood is my pen name for writing women's fiction. Thanks for taking the time to look me up and I hope you enjoy my books, which are a blend of romance, mystery, and romantic suspense.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 17, 2023
Four people who have past heartaches and one young man who can’t leave their flat. All become unexpected friends as they try to turn a toy shop around. Each trying to come to terms with their past before they can have a future.
I thought the book started out so sad but ends much happier. I enjoyed the story
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
I thought the book started out so sad but ends much happier. I enjoyed the story
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
August 15, 2023
The Little Paris Toyshop by Lauren Westwood
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
In the tangled streets of Paris, there is a toyshop…
A place where memories are lost and found, where pain and love, regret and joy are waiting to be discovered.
The old man sets the animals in the cars of the miniature train. A tiger with a jewelled collar, a monkey in a pillbox hat, a poodle, a dancing bear, an elephant, an ostrich with plumed tail feathers. The music plays; the animals trundle around the track. Their gentle faces have seen everything and reveal nothing. The joy, the sorrow, all the spaces in between. On the outside, they are smiling. Inside, they mourn the one that was lost.
When Sarah, a successful hotel designer, encounters a run-down toyshop in Paris, little does she know that her life is about to change. Against her better judgment, she agrees to help the elderly owner, Franz, save his shop and transform it into a magical destination for children and adults. She meets Tomas, a small-time crime novelist, who gives her a glimpse of a different life – one that can only exist on the other side of her own grief and guilt. But Tomas is hiding painful secrets of his own that threaten to destroy their blossoming relationship.
Can two lonely people move beyond the shame and heartbreak of the past to find their own happily ever after?
My Opinion
Firstly have you seen the beautiful cover on this book? That should entice you without reading any further.
This book will take you on a journey with your emotions, we follow four different characters as they all face their own inner demons - but it is such a magical ride. I really enjoyed the way that Lauren described the toys, it really helped me to picture the train. I can safely say that this is the first book that I have read by Lauren Westwood and with a story like The Little Paris Toyshop it probably won't be my last.
The plot pulls you in from the start as Westwood has such a beautiful writing style. This was a real joy to read, even though it was slightly different to my usual style.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
In the tangled streets of Paris, there is a toyshop…
A place where memories are lost and found, where pain and love, regret and joy are waiting to be discovered.
The old man sets the animals in the cars of the miniature train. A tiger with a jewelled collar, a monkey in a pillbox hat, a poodle, a dancing bear, an elephant, an ostrich with plumed tail feathers. The music plays; the animals trundle around the track. Their gentle faces have seen everything and reveal nothing. The joy, the sorrow, all the spaces in between. On the outside, they are smiling. Inside, they mourn the one that was lost.
When Sarah, a successful hotel designer, encounters a run-down toyshop in Paris, little does she know that her life is about to change. Against her better judgment, she agrees to help the elderly owner, Franz, save his shop and transform it into a magical destination for children and adults. She meets Tomas, a small-time crime novelist, who gives her a glimpse of a different life – one that can only exist on the other side of her own grief and guilt. But Tomas is hiding painful secrets of his own that threaten to destroy their blossoming relationship.
Can two lonely people move beyond the shame and heartbreak of the past to find their own happily ever after?
My Opinion
Firstly have you seen the beautiful cover on this book? That should entice you without reading any further.
This book will take you on a journey with your emotions, we follow four different characters as they all face their own inner demons - but it is such a magical ride. I really enjoyed the way that Lauren described the toys, it really helped me to picture the train. I can safely say that this is the first book that I have read by Lauren Westwood and with a story like The Little Paris Toyshop it probably won't be my last.
The plot pulls you in from the start as Westwood has such a beautiful writing style. This was a real joy to read, even though it was slightly different to my usual style.
Rating: 4/5
August 21, 2023
Here are 3 signs that you are really enjoying a book by an author you have never read before:
1. You are looking up the author's backlist to see which book you are going to buy next before you even get to 25% of the way through.
2. You are constantly swapping between your phone and your Kindle so that you can keep on readiing wherever you are.
3. Every time there was a time out in your son's basketball game, you start reading, even though it is only a few seconds.
When I saw this book, it was a no brainer that I was going to read it, based purely on the title, but also because of the gorgeous cover. Trying new authors doesn't always work well, but this book was definitely worth taking a chance on.
We meet Sarah as she is rushing through narrow laneways in Paris. She is trying to get to a shop to buy a specific bottle of wine for her demanding property developer boss, but as she rushes through the lane she stumbles across an antique toyshop. In the window, there is a set of animals that bring back instant memories, memories that she has worked hard to suppress for several years. Inside the shop is a magical world full of toys. Some are new, others are antique, and still others are being repaired. The shop is run by Franz, originally from East Germany, who focuses on creating delights for children of all ages. But not many people come into his shop. His landlord is threatening him with eviction if he can't turn things around.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
1. You are looking up the author's backlist to see which book you are going to buy next before you even get to 25% of the way through.
2. You are constantly swapping between your phone and your Kindle so that you can keep on readiing wherever you are.
3. Every time there was a time out in your son's basketball game, you start reading, even though it is only a few seconds.
When I saw this book, it was a no brainer that I was going to read it, based purely on the title, but also because of the gorgeous cover. Trying new authors doesn't always work well, but this book was definitely worth taking a chance on.
We meet Sarah as she is rushing through narrow laneways in Paris. She is trying to get to a shop to buy a specific bottle of wine for her demanding property developer boss, but as she rushes through the lane she stumbles across an antique toyshop. In the window, there is a set of animals that bring back instant memories, memories that she has worked hard to suppress for several years. Inside the shop is a magical world full of toys. Some are new, others are antique, and still others are being repaired. The shop is run by Franz, originally from East Germany, who focuses on creating delights for children of all ages. But not many people come into his shop. His landlord is threatening him with eviction if he can't turn things around.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
August 21, 2023
Everything about The Little Paris Toyshop was perfect - it's set in the city of love, Paris obviously. It has a blooming romance between Sarah and Tomas and my favourite part...the toyshop, which along with the authors vivid depictions conjured up an old fashioned toyshop full of tin soldiers, spinning tops, wind up dolls, wooden animals, books and toy drums.
I adored every minute of reading it, everything about it was magical. It's a wonderful story of love and second chance, and it has some absolutely wonderful characters.
Why did it have to end?
I adored every minute of reading it, everything about it was magical. It's a wonderful story of love and second chance, and it has some absolutely wonderful characters.
Why did it have to end?
January 24, 2024
This book was an enjoyable enough read but I found it hard to get into. I felt it took a while for things to get moving. In saying that, I feel the characters were written in a way that I did want to continue reading to see how their stories ended.
August 15, 2023
The Little Paris Toyshop by Lauren Westwood is the most beautiful contemporary novel that sank deep into my heart and soul. I never wanted it to end. I feel bereft, as if I have just said goodbye to dear friends – the characters were so much more than just characters in a book.
The tale deals with grief, loss and pain. This is not a unique condition but can affect anyone, whatever their age. We witness this in an eleven-year-old boy, two characters in their thirties and two characters in their twilight years. Different life experiences have brought them all to the same place – a life at a standstill, paralysed in different ways, by fear and loss. They each recognize the condition in others, and are determined to help them to mend and heal.
We see the heavy weight of guilt. “How long are you going to punish yourself for what you did?” We cannot change the past but we can learn from it as we step into the future. “He was a man with a past… Guilt, shame… But he was also a man with a present and a future.” When the past threatens to overwhelm, we must listen for the future calling us.
We need to be wise as to the voices we listen to. “When you told yourself a story for long enough, you began to believe it was fact.” We are our own worst enemies. We believe ourselves to be unworthy – and if we say it often enough, we believe it. But we need to realise that this is not the truth. We can be a better person today than yesterday. Our past does not define us.
All the characters have experienced different losses. “The gaping sense of loss that nothing could fill.” Each character has pressed pause on a moment in time – life has moved on, but they have not. They each need to believe that they deserve happiness.
The little Paris toyshop and the toys within it become characters in their own right. The Little Paris Toyshop speaks of a bygone age. The toys link to past memories, each crying out to be loved. The toymaker’s desire is to link each toy to the correct owner.
All the characters are beautifully drawn. They came alive in my heart as I not only pictured them in my mind but I connected with them in my heart and soul.
The Little Paris Toyshop was a work of great beauty. I savored it as I ‘lived’ through the pages. It is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It has left me with a feeling of love and beauty.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The tale deals with grief, loss and pain. This is not a unique condition but can affect anyone, whatever their age. We witness this in an eleven-year-old boy, two characters in their thirties and two characters in their twilight years. Different life experiences have brought them all to the same place – a life at a standstill, paralysed in different ways, by fear and loss. They each recognize the condition in others, and are determined to help them to mend and heal.
We see the heavy weight of guilt. “How long are you going to punish yourself for what you did?” We cannot change the past but we can learn from it as we step into the future. “He was a man with a past… Guilt, shame… But he was also a man with a present and a future.” When the past threatens to overwhelm, we must listen for the future calling us.
We need to be wise as to the voices we listen to. “When you told yourself a story for long enough, you began to believe it was fact.” We are our own worst enemies. We believe ourselves to be unworthy – and if we say it often enough, we believe it. But we need to realise that this is not the truth. We can be a better person today than yesterday. Our past does not define us.
All the characters have experienced different losses. “The gaping sense of loss that nothing could fill.” Each character has pressed pause on a moment in time – life has moved on, but they have not. They each need to believe that they deserve happiness.
The little Paris toyshop and the toys within it become characters in their own right. The Little Paris Toyshop speaks of a bygone age. The toys link to past memories, each crying out to be loved. The toymaker’s desire is to link each toy to the correct owner.
All the characters are beautifully drawn. They came alive in my heart as I not only pictured them in my mind but I connected with them in my heart and soul.
The Little Paris Toyshop was a work of great beauty. I savored it as I ‘lived’ through the pages. It is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It has left me with a feeling of love and beauty.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2023
Well first off let me just say if that cover doesn't make you think of magical Paris, I don't know what will. I think it is the most beautiful cover I have ever seen and the story within is so atmospheric it describes the toy shop amazingly and you can picture it in your head. The toys are described individually as the train set and so on and I was actually picturing the toy shop in Home Alone 2. Paris is the perfect setting for this magical story of three different characters come together we delve deeper into their minds and discover their inner demons. It took me on a rollercoaster ride of up and down emotions and I really enjoyed it. Of course there is romance we are in Paris so there can't not be a love story. If you're after a book that is a little different with romance and heartache and would like to travel to Paris then I can highly recommend The Little Paris Toyshop.
August 12, 2023
Broken lives are not so easily repaired as broken toys.
An antique set of carved wooden animals on display in a tired old toy shop sparks sad memories for Sarah. But she is not the only one with sadness in her heart. Franz the old toy maker is full of guilt and sadness too. Along with his young friend Tomas. As they all try to move forward with their lives the one thing that brings them together is their love and care for a young broken soul Andre. A young boy who lost his mother and is trapped unable to venture out into the world. The story is a roller coaster of emotions with highs and lows throughout interwoven with the magic from within the little toy shop. For me a real page turner with strong believable characters. Well worth checking out.
An antique set of carved wooden animals on display in a tired old toy shop sparks sad memories for Sarah. But she is not the only one with sadness in her heart. Franz the old toy maker is full of guilt and sadness too. Along with his young friend Tomas. As they all try to move forward with their lives the one thing that brings them together is their love and care for a young broken soul Andre. A young boy who lost his mother and is trapped unable to venture out into the world. The story is a roller coaster of emotions with highs and lows throughout interwoven with the magic from within the little toy shop. For me a real page turner with strong believable characters. Well worth checking out.
July 2, 2023
Having thoroughly enjoyed Moonlight on the Thames and Finding Secrets, I was overjoyed to find Luaren Westwood had a new novel out. The Little Paris Toyshop sounded so magical from the synopsis. It really was and I was absorbed in it and Sarah's journey after she came across it.
The shop is so atmospheric and there are great visuals from the start of the book with the description of how the objects are in the train. Paris was the perfect choice of setting as it was equally magical.
Thanks to Lauren Westwood, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
The shop is so atmospheric and there are great visuals from the start of the book with the description of how the objects are in the train. Paris was the perfect choice of setting as it was equally magical.
Thanks to Lauren Westwood, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
April 16, 2025
I found this book to be very different in style to other books I have read in the past by Lauren Westwood. Initially I thought there were perhaps too many characters and every few pages we were jumping from character to character. I was unsure if I was going to connect with the characters at all and found that my reading speed wasn’t my usual as I wasn’t initially engaged.
I’m glad however that I persevered with the book as I suddenly became aware that I was engaging with the characters more and more as the book went on, and that of each of their back stories which was what eventually brought them all together. Overall I enjoyed the book.
I’m glad however that I persevered with the book as I suddenly became aware that I was engaging with the characters more and more as the book went on, and that of each of their back stories which was what eventually brought them all together. Overall I enjoyed the book.
July 4, 2023
Lovely book
I savored this story about love, second chances and redemption. I couldn't put it down. The story pulls you in as the characters try to solve their dilemmas. I just love Westwood's style. Her prose is so elegant. I've read her first three books, always waiting impatiently for her next book. Now I'm going to try reading her mysteries, even though that's not my preferred genre.
I savored this story about love, second chances and redemption. I couldn't put it down. The story pulls you in as the characters try to solve their dilemmas. I just love Westwood's style. Her prose is so elegant. I've read her first three books, always waiting impatiently for her next book. Now I'm going to try reading her mysteries, even though that's not my preferred genre.
August 20, 2023
Not my usual genre but I loved this book! It’s a beautiful story about people helping an old man to transform his failing toy shop into a magical place to delight children and adults alike. Along the way, we see 2 love stories flourish, despite adversity and desperation for them all. Amongst it all, we see how a young boy overcomes his grief at losing his mother. The ending left me smiling, feeling all warm inside.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2023
fabulous story
I started reading this book on holiday. I couldn’t put it down. I sat in the shade rather than going out in the Menorca sun. By late evening I had finished reading this fabulous book. Now I need to find another one as interesting!
I started reading this book on holiday. I couldn’t put it down. I sat in the shade rather than going out in the Menorca sun. By late evening I had finished reading this fabulous book. Now I need to find another one as interesting!
February 11, 2024
This book swept me up and carried me away. I adored it from start to finish. I’m so sad I’ve finished it. It’s like a fairytale for adults, a warm hug, a rainy day spent inside under a blanket-gives you all the feels!
October 22, 2023
I really loved this and couldn't put it down. Loved the chapters from the perspective of each character. A great holiday book.
March 24, 2024
Adorable
This book The little Paris toy shop was brilliantly written and with its exploration of the characters lives was amazing,lived it
This book The little Paris toy shop was brilliantly written and with its exploration of the characters lives was amazing,lived it
May 4, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, brought Paris to life and the characters were interesting and you really felt like you got to know them.
September 9, 2023
I was intrigued by the idea of this book from the outset. There is something about toyshops that feel familiar and nostalgic. The theme of the book wasn’t all that caught my eye from the blurb though, so too did the intertwining of characters.
As I started to read, time slipped away. I felt swept along and into the streets of Paris which are described with such fantastic attention to detail that I could picture them in my mind’s eye. Setting the story in Paris may seem commonplace for a novel with romantic themes, but this is different. One of the central characters, Tomas, talks about showing another character his Paris, and as readers I think that we are all privy to his guided tour of the city.
The characters themselves are colourful, deep, and extremely well written. They each have a secret to hide, and perhaps to share, throwing light on the very real human emotions of fear, judgement and strength. They are not all as they seem but are introduced in such a careful and gentle manner that as an audience we get to understand different layers of their personality as the novel progresses. It almost felt like making new friends, where understanding deepens over time.
Westwood’s writing style is beautifully engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed The Little Paris Toyshop and can’t wait to read more from this author.
As I started to read, time slipped away. I felt swept along and into the streets of Paris which are described with such fantastic attention to detail that I could picture them in my mind’s eye. Setting the story in Paris may seem commonplace for a novel with romantic themes, but this is different. One of the central characters, Tomas, talks about showing another character his Paris, and as readers I think that we are all privy to his guided tour of the city.
The characters themselves are colourful, deep, and extremely well written. They each have a secret to hide, and perhaps to share, throwing light on the very real human emotions of fear, judgement and strength. They are not all as they seem but are introduced in such a careful and gentle manner that as an audience we get to understand different layers of their personality as the novel progresses. It almost felt like making new friends, where understanding deepens over time.
Westwood’s writing style is beautifully engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed The Little Paris Toyshop and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews