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A Secret Garden in Paris
Springtime in Paris … the perfect time to turn over a new leaf
In the heart of a city blooming with flowers, three women face life-changing challenges. Driven by grief over the sudden death of her mother Corinne, Sydneysider Emma Taylor has taken refuge with her Parisian grandmother, Mattie, in her house with its secret garden. Determined to unlock the mysteries of Corinne’s past, Emma’s only clue is an enigmatic photograph.
Celebrated garden designer Charlotte Marigny believed she had a happy marriage, until her husband Tom inexplicably started to withdraw from her. Needing time to think about the future, she has fled their home in London for her native Paris.
Meanwhile, widowed Parisian florist Arielle Lunel had finally managed to get her life together, after her husband’s death and the discovery of his crippling debts three years earlier changed everything for her and their young twins. Now, her world is again turned upside down when her controlling parents-in-law arrive with a disturbing proposal...
Drawn together by loss and the romantic gardens of Paris, the paths of the three women begin to intersect as they develop an unexpected friendship that will transform their lives.
From the author of The Paris Cooking School comes a captivating story of loss and love, romance and revelations – and the pleasures of a secret Paris garden.
In the heart of a city blooming with flowers, three women face life-changing challenges. Driven by grief over the sudden death of her mother Corinne, Sydneysider Emma Taylor has taken refuge with her Parisian grandmother, Mattie, in her house with its secret garden. Determined to unlock the mysteries of Corinne’s past, Emma’s only clue is an enigmatic photograph.
Celebrated garden designer Charlotte Marigny believed she had a happy marriage, until her husband Tom inexplicably started to withdraw from her. Needing time to think about the future, she has fled their home in London for her native Paris.
Meanwhile, widowed Parisian florist Arielle Lunel had finally managed to get her life together, after her husband’s death and the discovery of his crippling debts three years earlier changed everything for her and their young twins. Now, her world is again turned upside down when her controlling parents-in-law arrive with a disturbing proposal...
Drawn together by loss and the romantic gardens of Paris, the paths of the three women begin to intersect as they develop an unexpected friendship that will transform their lives.
From the author of The Paris Cooking School comes a captivating story of loss and love, romance and revelations – and the pleasures of a secret Paris garden.
- GenresFictionContemporary
Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 30, 2024
A Secret Garden in Paris follows the lives of three women - Emma, who has travelled from Australia to live with her grandmother in Paris and search for her father; Charlotte who is experiencing marital difficulties; and Arielle, a widow, whose in-laws are proposing to take over the care of her children.
As the title suggests, the setting is Paris and that was quite an enjoyable aspect of the book. As was the gardening element. The descriptions of the city and its garden made the book much more readable.
The plot, however, was a little light on. There wasn’t a lot happening and when there was some sort of conflict, it was resolved far too hastily and simply. The romantic subplots were definitely rushed and needed much more tension.
Started well and had potential but just fell short of the mark. 2 ½ out of 5
As the title suggests, the setting is Paris and that was quite an enjoyable aspect of the book. As was the gardening element. The descriptions of the city and its garden made the book much more readable.
The plot, however, was a little light on. There wasn’t a lot happening and when there was some sort of conflict, it was resolved far too hastily and simply. The romantic subplots were definitely rushed and needed much more tension.
Started well and had potential but just fell short of the mark. 2 ½ out of 5
August 31, 2024
Rating: 3.5 Stars
As a lifelong lover of Paris and a devoted Francophile, I was particularly thrilled to pick up “A Secret Garden in Paris” by Sophie Beaumont. This book is like slipping into a cosy pair of slippers—perfect for reading by the fire on a crisp day or while lounging on the beach. It's a tale that keeps your interest without being too demanding, making it an ideal escape into the romance and beauty of Paris.
Set against the backdrop of a blooming Parisian spring, Beaumont weaves a story around three women facing life-altering challenges. Emma Taylor, grieving the sudden death of her mother, seeks refuge in Paris with her grandmother, Mattie. Her only clue to her mother’s hidden past is an enigmatic photograph, leading her on a journey of discovery in the city of love.
Charlotte Marigny, a celebrated garden designer, thought her life was settled until her husband, Tom, inexplicably began to withdraw. Fleeing to her native Paris from London, she seeks clarity and solace in the gardens she loves.
Meanwhile, Arielle Lunel, a widowed florist, has finally begun to rebuild her life after her husband’s death and the revelation of his overwhelming debts. Just as she regains her footing, her controlling in-laws return with a proposal that threatens to upend everything.
As the paths of these three women intersect in the romantic gardens of Paris, their unexpected friendship becomes the key to transforming their lives.
“The Secret Garden in Paris” is a captivating story of loss, love, and renewal. Beaumont’s vivid descriptions of Paris and its gardens are a delight, drawing the reader into the city’s enchanting atmosphere. The novel is a gentle, heartwarming read that offers comfort and hope, perfect for those who enjoy stories of friendship and personal growth set against a beautifully rendered backdrop.
The setting of Paris in springtime adds an enchanting backdrop to the story. Beaumont's descriptions of the city's gardens and streets are vivid and evocative, making you feel as if you are walking alongside the characters. The secret garden itself becomes a symbol of healing and new beginnings, a place where the characters find solace and strength.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves Paris, gardens, or stories about strong women overcoming adversity. It's a heartwarming read that offers a perfect escape into a world of beauty and resilience.
**Disclaimer:**
I was given an uncorrected proof of this book in return for an honest review. This was my first time being asked to review a book, making this experience even more exciting.
As a lifelong lover of Paris and a devoted Francophile, I was particularly thrilled to pick up “A Secret Garden in Paris” by Sophie Beaumont. This book is like slipping into a cosy pair of slippers—perfect for reading by the fire on a crisp day or while lounging on the beach. It's a tale that keeps your interest without being too demanding, making it an ideal escape into the romance and beauty of Paris.
Set against the backdrop of a blooming Parisian spring, Beaumont weaves a story around three women facing life-altering challenges. Emma Taylor, grieving the sudden death of her mother, seeks refuge in Paris with her grandmother, Mattie. Her only clue to her mother’s hidden past is an enigmatic photograph, leading her on a journey of discovery in the city of love.
Charlotte Marigny, a celebrated garden designer, thought her life was settled until her husband, Tom, inexplicably began to withdraw. Fleeing to her native Paris from London, she seeks clarity and solace in the gardens she loves.
Meanwhile, Arielle Lunel, a widowed florist, has finally begun to rebuild her life after her husband’s death and the revelation of his overwhelming debts. Just as she regains her footing, her controlling in-laws return with a proposal that threatens to upend everything.
As the paths of these three women intersect in the romantic gardens of Paris, their unexpected friendship becomes the key to transforming their lives.
“The Secret Garden in Paris” is a captivating story of loss, love, and renewal. Beaumont’s vivid descriptions of Paris and its gardens are a delight, drawing the reader into the city’s enchanting atmosphere. The novel is a gentle, heartwarming read that offers comfort and hope, perfect for those who enjoy stories of friendship and personal growth set against a beautifully rendered backdrop.
The setting of Paris in springtime adds an enchanting backdrop to the story. Beaumont's descriptions of the city's gardens and streets are vivid and evocative, making you feel as if you are walking alongside the characters. The secret garden itself becomes a symbol of healing and new beginnings, a place where the characters find solace and strength.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves Paris, gardens, or stories about strong women overcoming adversity. It's a heartwarming read that offers a perfect escape into a world of beauty and resilience.
**Disclaimer:**
I was given an uncorrected proof of this book in return for an honest review. This was my first time being asked to review a book, making this experience even more exciting.
October 20, 2024
Big thanks to Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Paris might be synonymous with love, food and fashion but is also home to many great gardens.
Flowers and beauty go hand in hand in a city with such flair and sophistication. I knew with this title I was in for a treat.
Emma has come to Paris to be with her grandmother from Australia.
Her own mother has recently passed and reconnecting with a city that might give her some answers is what she needs.
An overgrown garden that was once her grandfathers pride and joy becomes her project and passion as she restores it.
Charlotte has returned to her hometown Paris from London to reflect on a marriage that has gone sour.
She was good friends with Emma’s mother in younger days and may provide a key to the locked past.
Arielle has had her fair share of heartbreak with the loss of her husband and in-laws that overstepping boundaries.
She loves flowers and her job in a flower stall and here she meets Emma and Charlotte.
Three women with different lives connect over a love of gardens and plants.
Their friendship, love lives and personal dramas all take centre stage in a beautiful setting with atmospheric descriptions of gardens and landscapes.
A read I loved.
Paris might be synonymous with love, food and fashion but is also home to many great gardens.
Flowers and beauty go hand in hand in a city with such flair and sophistication. I knew with this title I was in for a treat.
Emma has come to Paris to be with her grandmother from Australia.
Her own mother has recently passed and reconnecting with a city that might give her some answers is what she needs.
An overgrown garden that was once her grandfathers pride and joy becomes her project and passion as she restores it.
Charlotte has returned to her hometown Paris from London to reflect on a marriage that has gone sour.
She was good friends with Emma’s mother in younger days and may provide a key to the locked past.
Arielle has had her fair share of heartbreak with the loss of her husband and in-laws that overstepping boundaries.
She loves flowers and her job in a flower stall and here she meets Emma and Charlotte.
Three women with different lives connect over a love of gardens and plants.
Their friendship, love lives and personal dramas all take centre stage in a beautiful setting with atmospheric descriptions of gardens and landscapes.
A read I loved.
November 9, 2024
Absolutely adored this new release, A Secret Garden in Paris by Sophie Beaumont, with thanks to Ultimo Press for the book review copy.
This gorgeous story swept me up and had a little bit of everything - friendship, drama, joy, love, and best of all, gardening delights at every turn of the page.
If you're looking for a truly lovely book to get lost in, A Secret Garden in Paris is your next read. All. The. Feels.
This gorgeous story swept me up and had a little bit of everything - friendship, drama, joy, love, and best of all, gardening delights at every turn of the page.
If you're looking for a truly lovely book to get lost in, A Secret Garden in Paris is your next read. All. The. Feels.
October 29, 2024
This was without doubt one of the most beautiful, finely crafted Paris novels I have ever read. I loved the charming characters, the effortless flow between the three main points of view, the gorgeous descriptions of Paris and its gardens, and a delicately woven plot that pulls all three of these ladies together into a unique friendship and collaboration. They each have their own dramas to sort but one in particular is helped by them all. And Mattie, the grandmother is a sweet, gentle person with an incredible artistic talent. She also plays a vital role in the reunion with her granddaughter. Plus she is a ‘knowing soul’ with an awareness of a special love unfolding between two of her favourite people. In many ways, Mattie reminded me of my own adorable grandmother who left lots of sparkles on her path through her genuine kindness.
This novel is a treasure and a complete pleasure to read. I became truly wrapped up in these women’s lives, enjoyed each of their journeys to happiness and felt uplifted by the resolutions they achieved in dealing with their problems. I commend Sophie Beaumont for her exceptional story telling talent, her gift of poetic wording, her sharp relationship insight, and her ability to whisk me away to a place of great beauty and history. Paris stories always grab my attention and this one took my heart by storm!
A Secret Garden in Paris covers so many topics: grief, unexpected love, restored love, reconnection to the past, mystery, self-discovery and new passions, exploration of roots and family restoration, fear of failure and immobilising regrets and second chances. Plus the beauty, symbols and messages in flowers and the healing power of gardens—just to name a few! A lot of what happens is echoed in this phrase: ‘rebirth of a neglected garden.’ It represents not only Emma’s grandparent’s garden but also many of the relationships in this story.
Emma Taylor’s mother, Corinne has passed. But just before she dies, she digs out a photo ready to spill her story to her daughter. Sadly, Emma does not make it in time so she never gets to hear what her mother was going to tell her. Instead, she takes the photo with her and sets off to Paris to spend time with her grandmother and uncover the truth about her mother’s past life and choices. Corinne left Paris when she was a young woman and moved to Australia where Emma was born. Emma never knew who her biological father was, so this becomes part of her search for self-discovery in Paris. But that, as we see, is a difficult task for many reasons. She goes down a few dead ends but strangely the other women she meets in the flower business, help her in ways she will never expect. Emma learns a lot about her mother from people who knew her when she was young and although she loved her mother dearly, she does not want to share her tendencies for ‘secrets, silences and frozen feelings.’
Second point of view character Charlotte Marigny escapes to Paris from her trouble homelife in London. She is there to sort out the next step of her life. Her husband Tom has withdrawn from their relationship and everyone around him and she is not sure how to deal with it. Going back to her birth home will give her some perspective and a chance to reconnect with friends from her past. She was once best friend to Emma’s mother, Corinne (which will prove useful in Emma’s quest). While Charlotte is in Paris, she puts her garden design skills to work and meets Arielle and Emma. Their encounters are enlightening and energetic leading to many unexpected turns of events.
The third point of view is Arielle Lunel. She has lost her husband and discovered he had some crippling debts. This puts a heavy burden on his surviving wife and their children. Unfortunately his parents are very controlling and they want to take from her, her most precious gifts. But she is determined to stand her ground. She is a woman who understands the meaning of flowers and how they can be arranged to offer a message of love, hope, joy, etc. to its recipients. She works at a stall to support her children and it is here where she meets Charlotte and Emma. Her personal journey is a rough one but a new love enters her life and gives her strength to battle the conflicts she faces.
Beautiful Paris gardens are at the heart of this novel. And I loved how Emma finds such joy in restoring her grandfather’s. It awakens new passions in her and leads her to many people who will enrich her life. Plus it gives her time to get to know her grandmother and create wonderful memories. She is able to bridge the gap in her roots that her mother’s distance caused. Between the once wide spaces— are now new shoots of flowers of hope springing forth. This is such a delightful novel that left my heart charmed and spirits uplifted. I highly recommend everyone take a walk through Sophie Beaumont’s A Secret Garden in Paris as it will invigorate your dreams and transform your soul as it did mine. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ultimo Press for the ARC.
This novel is a treasure and a complete pleasure to read. I became truly wrapped up in these women’s lives, enjoyed each of their journeys to happiness and felt uplifted by the resolutions they achieved in dealing with their problems. I commend Sophie Beaumont for her exceptional story telling talent, her gift of poetic wording, her sharp relationship insight, and her ability to whisk me away to a place of great beauty and history. Paris stories always grab my attention and this one took my heart by storm!
A Secret Garden in Paris covers so many topics: grief, unexpected love, restored love, reconnection to the past, mystery, self-discovery and new passions, exploration of roots and family restoration, fear of failure and immobilising regrets and second chances. Plus the beauty, symbols and messages in flowers and the healing power of gardens—just to name a few! A lot of what happens is echoed in this phrase: ‘rebirth of a neglected garden.’ It represents not only Emma’s grandparent’s garden but also many of the relationships in this story.
Emma Taylor’s mother, Corinne has passed. But just before she dies, she digs out a photo ready to spill her story to her daughter. Sadly, Emma does not make it in time so she never gets to hear what her mother was going to tell her. Instead, she takes the photo with her and sets off to Paris to spend time with her grandmother and uncover the truth about her mother’s past life and choices. Corinne left Paris when she was a young woman and moved to Australia where Emma was born. Emma never knew who her biological father was, so this becomes part of her search for self-discovery in Paris. But that, as we see, is a difficult task for many reasons. She goes down a few dead ends but strangely the other women she meets in the flower business, help her in ways she will never expect. Emma learns a lot about her mother from people who knew her when she was young and although she loved her mother dearly, she does not want to share her tendencies for ‘secrets, silences and frozen feelings.’
Second point of view character Charlotte Marigny escapes to Paris from her trouble homelife in London. She is there to sort out the next step of her life. Her husband Tom has withdrawn from their relationship and everyone around him and she is not sure how to deal with it. Going back to her birth home will give her some perspective and a chance to reconnect with friends from her past. She was once best friend to Emma’s mother, Corinne (which will prove useful in Emma’s quest). While Charlotte is in Paris, she puts her garden design skills to work and meets Arielle and Emma. Their encounters are enlightening and energetic leading to many unexpected turns of events.
The third point of view is Arielle Lunel. She has lost her husband and discovered he had some crippling debts. This puts a heavy burden on his surviving wife and their children. Unfortunately his parents are very controlling and they want to take from her, her most precious gifts. But she is determined to stand her ground. She is a woman who understands the meaning of flowers and how they can be arranged to offer a message of love, hope, joy, etc. to its recipients. She works at a stall to support her children and it is here where she meets Charlotte and Emma. Her personal journey is a rough one but a new love enters her life and gives her strength to battle the conflicts she faces.
Beautiful Paris gardens are at the heart of this novel. And I loved how Emma finds such joy in restoring her grandfather’s. It awakens new passions in her and leads her to many people who will enrich her life. Plus it gives her time to get to know her grandmother and create wonderful memories. She is able to bridge the gap in her roots that her mother’s distance caused. Between the once wide spaces— are now new shoots of flowers of hope springing forth. This is such a delightful novel that left my heart charmed and spirits uplifted. I highly recommend everyone take a walk through Sophie Beaumont’s A Secret Garden in Paris as it will invigorate your dreams and transform your soul as it did mine. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ultimo Press for the ARC.
December 4, 2024
Lovely cover. Warm, engaging and heartfelt story set in Paris, centring around beautiful gardens, both public and not so well known. The novel features three main female protagonists, Emma who has come from Australia to live with her grandmother and trying to discover her late mother’s secrets, Charlotte who has come over from London to think about her troubled marriage and widowed Arielle who manages a flower stand while living with her sister, battling another nasty stall holder, parenting her twins and fending off her controlling in-laws. Gradually their problems are resolved when they become friends, help each other and find new relationships. Filled with descriptions of beautiful flowers and their meaning, as well as scrumptious food and drink, gorgeous gardens and helpful friends this is an engaging and heartwarming story to savour.
September 2, 2025
Deliziata da questa incantevole lettura (nonostante sia moderna!) con il mondo che dischiude.
Storie e destini che si intrecciano insieme al passato e al presente. Ricordi che ritornano in un reticolato di legami interrotti e poi ricuciti.
Sullo sfondo l’amore comune per i fiori e i giardini, luoghi dell’anima e scrigni di bellezza.
Un luogo nascosto depositario di sentimenti sopiti ed emozioni da scoprire, Un giardino segreto a Parigi sembra ispirato al concept del classico della Burnett, senza dimenticare l’aura di magia che lo avvolge.
La cura dei dettagli è affascinante come le fonti storiche citate che possiamo addirittura consultare.
Deliziosa altresì la ricostruzione minuziosa dei menu, la florovivaistica, il linguaggio dei fiori e la toponomastica tipicamente parigine. Questo libro diventa una mappa parigina dei giardini.
Spero che verranno tradotti anche gli altri libri dell’autrice: The Parish Cooking School, Paris fashion.
https://ipiaceridellalettura.wordpres...
Storie e destini che si intrecciano insieme al passato e al presente. Ricordi che ritornano in un reticolato di legami interrotti e poi ricuciti.
Sullo sfondo l’amore comune per i fiori e i giardini, luoghi dell’anima e scrigni di bellezza.
Un luogo nascosto depositario di sentimenti sopiti ed emozioni da scoprire, Un giardino segreto a Parigi sembra ispirato al concept del classico della Burnett, senza dimenticare l’aura di magia che lo avvolge.
La cura dei dettagli è affascinante come le fonti storiche citate che possiamo addirittura consultare.
Deliziosa altresì la ricostruzione minuziosa dei menu, la florovivaistica, il linguaggio dei fiori e la toponomastica tipicamente parigine. Questo libro diventa una mappa parigina dei giardini.
Spero che verranno tradotti anche gli altri libri dell’autrice: The Parish Cooking School, Paris fashion.
https://ipiaceridellalettura.wordpres...
September 6, 2024
A Secret Garden in Paris by Sophie Beaumont
A delightful read set in the wonderful setting of beautiful Paris. The novel follows a number of women, their past and current relationships and what happens when they all eventually meet up. As the reader learns about the females past sadness and life difficulties both the gardens and food distract in a lovely way. I found myself looking up the flowers described and felt hunger at the delicious sounding food mentioned often! Grief, family secrets, romance and misunderstanding are explored through out the book with a very satisfying and happy ending. Thanks to Better Reading for my opportunity to read and review the novel.
A delightful read set in the wonderful setting of beautiful Paris. The novel follows a number of women, their past and current relationships and what happens when they all eventually meet up. As the reader learns about the females past sadness and life difficulties both the gardens and food distract in a lovely way. I found myself looking up the flowers described and felt hunger at the delicious sounding food mentioned often! Grief, family secrets, romance and misunderstanding are explored through out the book with a very satisfying and happy ending. Thanks to Better Reading for my opportunity to read and review the novel.
April 8, 2025
Loved reminiscing of Paris and loved all the strong female characters!
May 23, 2025
It was a lovely cosy kind of story … with gardens, romance, France and no loose ends.. perfect for me!
June 12, 2025
4.5/5
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August 26, 2024
Several days exploring Paris, including several of the public parks and gardens, in 2011 proved to us that Paris is a special place. A Secret Garden in Paris, by Sophie Beaumont has captured the beauty and significance of the gardens and parks in Paris, including some of the smaller, often hidden public and private gardens in the city, as the novel reveals the interweaving stories of three women as they resolve relationship issues.
Emma Taylor has come to Paris from Sydney to visit her grandmother, Mattie. Emma believes that her mother, Corrine, was going to tell Emma about her father but Corinne died before the story could be revealed. All Emma has is a photograph of her mother in a field which she hopes may lead to the discovery of the identity of her father.
Charlotte Marigny has made the journey to Paris from London where she works as a garden designer. French born Charlotte seeks solace in Paris as she takes time to consider complications that have arisen in her marriage.
Arielle Lunel lives in Paris and enjoys working in the flower market. Her husband died several years earlier, and she is now rebuilding her life and looking after her twins. Then her parents-in-law arrive with a proposal to take and educate her children.
As Emma's grandfather's garden had been neglected since his death three years earlier, Emma decides to make this secret garden her project while she is visiting Paris. In the process she meets Charlotte and Arielle who help and provide encouragement as she restores the garden. A mutual friendship develops through their love of flowers and as they help Emma with her family history search.
In A Secret Garden in Paris, Sophie Beaumont has shown gardens not only to be places of beauty and tranquility for all to enjoy but uses them as the setting for the characters to come to terms with problems and situations they are facing. Their involvement with gardens and flowers helps each of the women find peace and solutions to the challenges of life plus also making it an enjoyable book to read.
Many thanks to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for a preview copy of this book. #BRPreview
Emma Taylor has come to Paris from Sydney to visit her grandmother, Mattie. Emma believes that her mother, Corrine, was going to tell Emma about her father but Corinne died before the story could be revealed. All Emma has is a photograph of her mother in a field which she hopes may lead to the discovery of the identity of her father.
Charlotte Marigny has made the journey to Paris from London where she works as a garden designer. French born Charlotte seeks solace in Paris as she takes time to consider complications that have arisen in her marriage.
Arielle Lunel lives in Paris and enjoys working in the flower market. Her husband died several years earlier, and she is now rebuilding her life and looking after her twins. Then her parents-in-law arrive with a proposal to take and educate her children.
As Emma's grandfather's garden had been neglected since his death three years earlier, Emma decides to make this secret garden her project while she is visiting Paris. In the process she meets Charlotte and Arielle who help and provide encouragement as she restores the garden. A mutual friendship develops through their love of flowers and as they help Emma with her family history search.
In A Secret Garden in Paris, Sophie Beaumont has shown gardens not only to be places of beauty and tranquility for all to enjoy but uses them as the setting for the characters to come to terms with problems and situations they are facing. Their involvement with gardens and flowers helps each of the women find peace and solutions to the challenges of life plus also making it an enjoyable book to read.
Many thanks to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for a preview copy of this book. #BRPreview
December 8, 2024
If you are looking for a book that can conjure up the beauty of flowers and a Parisian garden, then look no further than this book. This is the kind of book where you feel so immersed in the beauty and colour a flowers and gardens that it is very hard not to imagine anything else as you read the stories of Emma, Charlotte and Arielle. There is not much involved in their stories and when I say that I don't mean to be disrespectful of them. Yeah their stories are almost secondary to the descriptions and colour and vividness of the surrounds that they are in, whether it be the flower shops in the markets or the quaint hidden gardens in the streets of Paris.
Emma travel across the world from Australia to live with her Parisian grandmother Mattie grieving for her mother who had passed away, and a mystery to solve about who her father was. Charlotte had left her husband and children for some space and some time for them both to work out what their future would behold. Ariel is a single mother after being widowed and left with two small children and works in a local flower stand with parents in law you seem to be taking too many steps forward into her life. When you explore each of the lives of these three women they seem very similar to a life that we all may live with family troubles upheavals and the general ups and downs of life. And I think that's a nice touch to provide such realistic scenarios for them all in a space where nature nurtures them all in some way.
My favourite part was the map that Mattie drew of the gardens to visit – because I love a good map, and the idea of a created journey by someone and for someone who appreciates a garden was such a lovely gesture.
Emma travel across the world from Australia to live with her Parisian grandmother Mattie grieving for her mother who had passed away, and a mystery to solve about who her father was. Charlotte had left her husband and children for some space and some time for them both to work out what their future would behold. Ariel is a single mother after being widowed and left with two small children and works in a local flower stand with parents in law you seem to be taking too many steps forward into her life. When you explore each of the lives of these three women they seem very similar to a life that we all may live with family troubles upheavals and the general ups and downs of life. And I think that's a nice touch to provide such realistic scenarios for them all in a space where nature nurtures them all in some way.
My favourite part was the map that Mattie drew of the gardens to visit – because I love a good map, and the idea of a created journey by someone and for someone who appreciates a garden was such a lovely gesture.
September 11, 2024
In the heart of a city blooming with flowers, three women face life-changing challenges. Australian Emma finds herself with her grandmother in Paris, trying to unlock mysteries from her past; London garden designer Charlotte is in Paris to clear her head while her marriage appears to be crumbling; and Parisian florist Arielle is rebuilding her life as a single parent after her husband’s death- until her in-laws come along with a disturbing proposal.
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I haven’t yet read ‘The Paris Cooking School’ (it’s still looking at me from my shelf!) however diving into A Secret Garden in Paris was an absolute delight! In the streets of Paris, flowers, gardens, female friendships and love are blooming. I loved each of the characters and their stories and challenges, and how their different stories are bought together in Paris. I learnt much about Parisian gardens and flowers, and the vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there. I now have the desire to go on a garden tour! This book was like a warm hug.
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I haven’t yet read ‘The Paris Cooking School’ (it’s still looking at me from my shelf!) however diving into A Secret Garden in Paris was an absolute delight! In the streets of Paris, flowers, gardens, female friendships and love are blooming. I loved each of the characters and their stories and challenges, and how their different stories are bought together in Paris. I learnt much about Parisian gardens and flowers, and the vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there. I now have the desire to go on a garden tour! This book was like a warm hug.
October 16, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summed Up: Blooming Beautiful
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The kind people at Ultimo Press sent me an early copy of A Secret Garden In Paris and what a perfect surprise it turned out to be 💕
This book was so wholesome and much like other books I’ve read set in France 🇫🇷 it has me desperate to jump on the next flight to Paris.
As an amateur gardener, the entire theme around plants and gardens immediately captured my heart. The descriptions of the gardens, floral arrangements and the flower market stall were so vivid that I could almost smell the blooms and feel the greenery around me🌷🌿 It was such a dreamy escape.
Sophie Beaumont did a beautiful job intertwining the lives of three women whose individual stories connected in the most serendipitous way. Her writing was so evocative and I found myself emotionally connected to each character in some way.
This story explored love, hope and joy in a refreshing and light hearted way (a perfect change from my usual diet of thrillers and murder mysteries!) I’m definitely excited to go back and read Sophie’s debut novel after enjoying this one so much.
You can grab your own copy of this blooming beautiful book when it hits shelves on October 29th! 🌸
Summed Up: Blooming Beautiful
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The kind people at Ultimo Press sent me an early copy of A Secret Garden In Paris and what a perfect surprise it turned out to be 💕
This book was so wholesome and much like other books I’ve read set in France 🇫🇷 it has me desperate to jump on the next flight to Paris.
As an amateur gardener, the entire theme around plants and gardens immediately captured my heart. The descriptions of the gardens, floral arrangements and the flower market stall were so vivid that I could almost smell the blooms and feel the greenery around me🌷🌿 It was such a dreamy escape.
Sophie Beaumont did a beautiful job intertwining the lives of three women whose individual stories connected in the most serendipitous way. Her writing was so evocative and I found myself emotionally connected to each character in some way.
This story explored love, hope and joy in a refreshing and light hearted way (a perfect change from my usual diet of thrillers and murder mysteries!) I’m definitely excited to go back and read Sophie’s debut novel after enjoying this one so much.
You can grab your own copy of this blooming beautiful book when it hits shelves on October 29th! 🌸
October 8, 2025
The Paris Secret Garden was another fun read by Sophie Beaumont and I just enjoyed reading this one so much!
I loved all three main characters - Arielle, Charlotte and Emma - all who had their own unique stories that was woven together within the book.
Well known garden designer Charlotte believed she had a happy marriage, and decided she needed time to think about the future, leaving London for Paris for some respite.
Widowed florist, Arielle had finally managed to get her life together, after her husband’s death, doing everything for her and their young twins, until a friend becomes something a little more…
After the sudden death of her mother, Corinne, Aussie, Emma has taken refuge with her Parisian grandmother, Mattie, in her house with its secret garden. Shes determined to find out more about her mother’s past, including who her father may be.
I loved this book so much - unexpectedly I must admit - and just loved enjoyed reading about these special journeys each woman took.
I loved all three main characters - Arielle, Charlotte and Emma - all who had their own unique stories that was woven together within the book.
Well known garden designer Charlotte believed she had a happy marriage, and decided she needed time to think about the future, leaving London for Paris for some respite.
Widowed florist, Arielle had finally managed to get her life together, after her husband’s death, doing everything for her and their young twins, until a friend becomes something a little more…
After the sudden death of her mother, Corinne, Aussie, Emma has taken refuge with her Parisian grandmother, Mattie, in her house with its secret garden. Shes determined to find out more about her mother’s past, including who her father may be.
I loved this book so much - unexpectedly I must admit - and just loved enjoyed reading about these special journeys each woman took.
August 25, 2024
This is my first Sophie Beaumont book, but it certainly won’t be the last.
What wonderful, relatable characters Sophie has created. I fell in love with these amazing women.
Arielle, with her innate knowledge of flowers and their meanings, having her world turned upside down by her in-laws.
Charlotte, with her talent for creating magnificent gardens, escaping to Paris to consider the state of her marriage and what her future holds.
Emma, with her charming way of bringing stories to life, seeking refuge with her grandmother Mattie after the sudden death of her mother.
I loved learning about these women, where they had come from and what challenges they were dealing with in their lives.
It was also amazing to discover how their lives intertwined.
This truly is a story of love and loss, romance and revelations, and what better setting for it than a secret Paris garden.
Thank you to @betterreadingau #BRPreview and Ultimo Press for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
What wonderful, relatable characters Sophie has created. I fell in love with these amazing women.
Arielle, with her innate knowledge of flowers and their meanings, having her world turned upside down by her in-laws.
Charlotte, with her talent for creating magnificent gardens, escaping to Paris to consider the state of her marriage and what her future holds.
Emma, with her charming way of bringing stories to life, seeking refuge with her grandmother Mattie after the sudden death of her mother.
I loved learning about these women, where they had come from and what challenges they were dealing with in their lives.
It was also amazing to discover how their lives intertwined.
This truly is a story of love and loss, romance and revelations, and what better setting for it than a secret Paris garden.
Thank you to @betterreadingau #BRPreview and Ultimo Press for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
December 16, 2024
I loved this book. The characters were beautifully written with complexities in their lives that were interwoven well. An Australian born daughter of a migrant from France goes back to live with her grandmother in Paris. There she sees the her grandfather's garden of her memory is over grown. A flower seller in the market place experiences some challenges with her dead husbands parents and their different dreams with regards their grandchildren. Charlotte a French woman who left France to design gardens in London has come back to Paris. The three women meet and other characters are introduced, with some secret gardens of Paris described. It would be lovely to have an accompanying booklet available for this book that could show the map that is described, the gardens, the flower markets. I wonder if the publishers would consider this?
If you are looking for a book where there is romance, a chance to learn about parts of Paris that are not as well known look no further. I loved it.
If you are looking for a book where there is romance, a chance to learn about parts of Paris that are not as well known look no further. I loved it.
January 29, 2025
Paris in springtime is a delightful setting & I loved reading about all the different gardens, hidden & otherwise.
Emma Taylor, Charlotte Marigny & Arielle Grandier meet through the magic of flowers & follow their own paths to romance. I had some trouble connecting with Emma, who seemed to be mid-20s going on 16 for the first half of the book, grief couldn't account for all of it but I did come to like her more when she "grew up" a bit. Charlotte is dealing with marital problems & widow Arielle, who I found a bit wet, has a problem with her in-laws. The romances were nice - ah, le romantisme de paris au printemps - if a tad mawkish on occasion, perhaps needing a little more meat on their bones. A little more depth to their individual stories & development wouldn't have gone astray.
Overall, a very pleasant experience if not particularly memorable. I wouldn't mind one of Emma's secret garden tours, they sound excellent. 3.5★ rounded up.
Emma Taylor, Charlotte Marigny & Arielle Grandier meet through the magic of flowers & follow their own paths to romance. I had some trouble connecting with Emma, who seemed to be mid-20s going on 16 for the first half of the book, grief couldn't account for all of it but I did come to like her more when she "grew up" a bit. Charlotte is dealing with marital problems & widow Arielle, who I found a bit wet, has a problem with her in-laws. The romances were nice - ah, le romantisme de paris au printemps - if a tad mawkish on occasion, perhaps needing a little more meat on their bones. A little more depth to their individual stories & development wouldn't have gone astray.
Overall, a very pleasant experience if not particularly memorable. I wouldn't mind one of Emma's secret garden tours, they sound excellent. 3.5★ rounded up.
October 13, 2024
What a beautiful story! I loved every page and didn’t want to put this wonderful book down.
We meet three women, Emma, Charlotte and Arielle, all facing life changing challenges and in Paris for different reasons. Swipe to read the blurb.
The three characters were so likeable and enjoyable to read about. As well as the lovely grandma. Their connections to each other throughout the book was very interesting too.
I loved being back in Paris and enjoyed watching love blossom, family being found, reading about beautiful gardens and great friendships being made.
I particularly loved the language of flowers throughout the story. So beautiful. Another hobby of mine is gardening and being in my garden so this book was a pure delight!
Thank you so much to the lovely team @ultimopress for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
We meet three women, Emma, Charlotte and Arielle, all facing life changing challenges and in Paris for different reasons. Swipe to read the blurb.
The three characters were so likeable and enjoyable to read about. As well as the lovely grandma. Their connections to each other throughout the book was very interesting too.
I loved being back in Paris and enjoyed watching love blossom, family being found, reading about beautiful gardens and great friendships being made.
I particularly loved the language of flowers throughout the story. So beautiful. Another hobby of mine is gardening and being in my garden so this book was a pure delight!
Thank you so much to the lovely team @ultimopress for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2025
A Secret Garden in Paris, follows three women, each at a crossroad in their lives, who meet in Paris through a shared love of gardens and plants. Paris in the spring is the real star of the book with beautiful descriptions of some of its well-known and not so well known gardens and parks. These spaces provide common ground for the three women to meet each other and find peace. One of the women’s ‘love interests’ is an expert in medieval horticulture who gives a fascinating talk on the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries and the symbolism of the plants. He says that gardens were used to ‘provide a place of reflection and consolation, to help those in sadness or with a troubled soul.’ While I enjoyed moments like this and the descriptions of the gardens and parks I found the three women’s stories less compelling and the plot predictable.
August 24, 2024
I’ve just finished reading A Secret Garden In Paris by Sophie Beaumont, and now I need to decide if I should contact a travel agent and book a flight to Paris, or head to Bunnings to buy masses of flowers.
What an absolute joy to read. With Parisian grandmother Mattie as the central figure, surrounded by a collection of characters all dealing with sorrow while trying to move forward. I’m by no means an avid gardener, yet the descriptions of the beautiful gardens around Paris made it easy for me to feel like I was walking through them. With a healthy dose of romance, a few beautiful friendships and the strength of family this was a beautiful read that has left a huge smile on my face and joy in my heart.
I’ve already gone out and bought Sophie’s other novel The Paris Cooking School.
What an absolute joy to read. With Parisian grandmother Mattie as the central figure, surrounded by a collection of characters all dealing with sorrow while trying to move forward. I’m by no means an avid gardener, yet the descriptions of the beautiful gardens around Paris made it easy for me to feel like I was walking through them. With a healthy dose of romance, a few beautiful friendships and the strength of family this was a beautiful read that has left a huge smile on my face and joy in my heart.
I’ve already gone out and bought Sophie’s other novel The Paris Cooking School.
March 19, 2025
“A secret garden in Paris” is about the lives of three very different women, each trying to solve very different problems in Paris.
Generally, this is a really nice book, one to read if you don’t want to think too hard, and was engaging and relaxing to read.
There are a few sub plots and characters that could have been explored further, but I think that would have overcomplicated it, and taken away from the elegant way the stories of each of the women intertwine.
It has definitely got me dying to go to Paris! I specifically appreciated how the author described things like the food they’re eating, in a light book like this it really helps to reinforce the setting and mentally take you to Paris.
Generally, this is a really nice book, one to read if you don’t want to think too hard, and was engaging and relaxing to read.
There are a few sub plots and characters that could have been explored further, but I think that would have overcomplicated it, and taken away from the elegant way the stories of each of the women intertwine.
It has definitely got me dying to go to Paris! I specifically appreciated how the author described things like the food they’re eating, in a light book like this it really helps to reinforce the setting and mentally take you to Paris.
September 10, 2024
A Secret Garden in Paris by Sophie Beaumont was magical. So many layers in the story as we travel with Emma, Charlotte & Arielle. As a reader, I felt a connection with each of the women and those in their lives. I was immersed in gardens & flowers to the point that I could smell the fragrances, picture the garden beds. I loved the intricate details shared and the descriptive nature of the novel, giving the reader an insight to location & feelings. Life changing challenges can make or break a person, but these women manage them with gusto. A wonderful novel of joy, hope, recovery & new beginnings. 5 stars ❤️
September 4, 2024
This was the perfect spring read! The beautiful descriptions, gorgeous settings and endearing characters made for a lovely reading experience. I wanted to jump into the pages and walk through the stunning locations for myself. Finding out how Emma, Charlotte and Arielle's stories were woven together had me turning the pages quickly - eager to find out how the story would come to a resolution.
Thank you to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for the ARC copy.
Thank you to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for the ARC copy.
June 22, 2025
The Secret Garden in Paris is a beautiful, heartfelt story of three women brought together by grief and healing, who find unexpected friendship and strength in one another. Set in a blooming springtime Paris, the novel is rich in emotion, charm, and atmosphere, with flowers and gardens as recurring motifs. Sophie Beaumont’s writing is warm and evocative, offering a comforting escape. A perfect read to enjoy with a cup of tea.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
November 22, 2024
This was an enjoyable read. The characters were engaging and I really felt like I was with them on most pages, their lives, separate yet together. Their individual stories were believable, and the writer showed a compassion and understanding of each one, detailing each unfolding story with consideration and kindness. I was impressed with how it all came together in the end.
January 31, 2025
Really enjoyed this book as a very keen gardener & have visited numerous gardens in France & UK. The story between the different women & backgrounds, as well as countries, has been easy to understand while raising intrigue. Following their histories & the bringing together has been interesting. Well researched.
I score 4.3 🌟
I score 4.3 🌟
August 31, 2024
A Secret Garden in Paris is the perfect escape to enjoy when you’re a long way from France. The enchanting characters, gastronomical delights, mystery of flowers and of course, the sweetness of romance - absolutely delightful!
Thanks to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for an ARC.
Thanks to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for an ARC.
January 9, 2025
I loved this book. I have never been to Paris and now I can dream about visiting the beautiful gardens along with attending the cooking school from her last novel.
Please write another book set in Paris.
Please write another book set in Paris.
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