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Meet Me in Paris
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26
Nine Americans in Paris. Seven intertwined love stories. One City of Light.
Love Actually meets The Notebook in a tale of love, loss, and finding your way home, all set over the course of one life-changing week in Paris.
Julia Glover has brought her twenty-three-year-old daughter, Piper, to Paris for the first time—but they know it will also be their last trip here together. Julia is dying, and as the mother and daughter desperately try to make memories together as the clock ticks down, the world opens up around them. Piper meets a cute French waiter, who might just understand her better than anyone she’s ever met, and Julia meets a man at a dive bar and struggles with how to tell him the truth about her future.
Rock star Jackson Quick’s glory days are behind him. He had a handful of hit songs thirty years ago, but he hasn’t toured in a decade. This week, he’ll launch his reunion tour in Paris, the city where it all began. But he wants more out of life than being defined by fame. When he meets a woman who finally sees him for who he is at his core, the ground shifts beneath his feet.
Henry McGee has been writing hit songs for decades—including Jackson Quick’s biggest hit, City of Light. But his secret is that every love song he’s ever written is for a woman named Celeste, whom he loved a lifetime ago, when they were both teenagers in Paris during World War II. He has spent eighty years believing she died—but when a letter arrives telling him the opposite, he’s on the first flight to France. Can he break through the haze of her dementia, using the songs he’s written all these years, to remind her of who they once were to each other—and to tell her he came back for her?
Henry’s granddaughter, Melody, has just discovered that her husband of twenty years, Gilles, a French cosmetics executive, is having an affair. When she confronts him, he tearfully apologizes and begs her to forgive him. But can she? And, perhaps even more importantly, does she want to? Or is there a different kind of life out there for her if she chooses to be alone?
These intertwining stories—plus several others—unfold over a few breathtaking spring days, as an unforgettable group of Americans in Paris must find their way to their own versions of happily ever after in the City of Light.
Love Actually meets The Notebook in a tale of love, loss, and finding your way home, all set over the course of one life-changing week in Paris.
Julia Glover has brought her twenty-three-year-old daughter, Piper, to Paris for the first time—but they know it will also be their last trip here together. Julia is dying, and as the mother and daughter desperately try to make memories together as the clock ticks down, the world opens up around them. Piper meets a cute French waiter, who might just understand her better than anyone she’s ever met, and Julia meets a man at a dive bar and struggles with how to tell him the truth about her future.
Rock star Jackson Quick’s glory days are behind him. He had a handful of hit songs thirty years ago, but he hasn’t toured in a decade. This week, he’ll launch his reunion tour in Paris, the city where it all began. But he wants more out of life than being defined by fame. When he meets a woman who finally sees him for who he is at his core, the ground shifts beneath his feet.
Henry McGee has been writing hit songs for decades—including Jackson Quick’s biggest hit, City of Light. But his secret is that every love song he’s ever written is for a woman named Celeste, whom he loved a lifetime ago, when they were both teenagers in Paris during World War II. He has spent eighty years believing she died—but when a letter arrives telling him the opposite, he’s on the first flight to France. Can he break through the haze of her dementia, using the songs he’s written all these years, to remind her of who they once were to each other—and to tell her he came back for her?
Henry’s granddaughter, Melody, has just discovered that her husband of twenty years, Gilles, a French cosmetics executive, is having an affair. When she confronts him, he tearfully apologizes and begs her to forgive him. But can she? And, perhaps even more importantly, does she want to? Or is there a different kind of life out there for her if she chooses to be alone?
These intertwining stories—plus several others—unfold over a few breathtaking spring days, as an unforgettable group of Americans in Paris must find their way to their own versions of happily ever after in the City of Light.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 28, 2026
37283 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Harmel
33 books17.4k followersKristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Daughter, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife, and a dozen other novels that have been translated into more than 30 languages and are sold all over the world.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 8, 2026
Meet Me in Paris
By: Kristin Harmel
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Gallery Books
Some days are like Christmas. When I saw Harmel’s book was on Netgalley, I ran immediately and requested. She is one of my favorite authors and her books are always the perfect reads.
Paris is the fabulous city this novel’s stories are brought to live featuring nine Americans.
As the stories unfold, we will delve in the personal lives of a mother/daughter, a former rock star, a song writer, a lost love, and a husband and wife who are struggling.
Every story had me completely invested in their truths, struggles, emotions and wanted the best outcome for each. This novel had some hard subjects like death, infidelity, tough medical diagnosis and trust issues.
Every book Harmel writes a unique and emotional novel and I AM ALL IN!
By: Kristin Harmel
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Gallery Books
Some days are like Christmas. When I saw Harmel’s book was on Netgalley, I ran immediately and requested. She is one of my favorite authors and her books are always the perfect reads.
Paris is the fabulous city this novel’s stories are brought to live featuring nine Americans.
As the stories unfold, we will delve in the personal lives of a mother/daughter, a former rock star, a song writer, a lost love, and a husband and wife who are struggling.
Every story had me completely invested in their truths, struggles, emotions and wanted the best outcome for each. This novel had some hard subjects like death, infidelity, tough medical diagnosis and trust issues.
Every book Harmel writes a unique and emotional novel and I AM ALL IN!
January 26, 2026
I sobbed like a baby and I’m gonna need a minute to emotionally recover from the heartbreak that is this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky to get an Advance Reader's Copy of Kristin Harmel's Meet Me in Paris, a work of contemporary literary fiction which will be on sale in late July.
The novel follows nine Americans in Paris, their stories cleverly intertwining, as they make connections and soul search for the meaning of true happiness and love.
Kristin Harmel paints an unforgettable picture of The City of Light, giving the reader a tour of the sights that is vividly beautiful. She brings you into hotels, bars, and bistros that welcome you warmly, making you feel like you are sharing space with the characters.
Themes of sadness, joy, self-discovery, and the complexity of love, friendship, family, and relationships are masterfully woven throughout the stories. The reader falls in love with the characters, and with Harmel's Paris.
Readers familiar with Harmel's historical fiction will find a comfortable familiarity as the Vietnam War and WWII are referenced, giving the reader a glimpse of discovering a picture of history that only Kristin Harmel can bring to the page.
I couldn't put the book down, staying up well past my bedtime, emotionally attached to the characters, wanting each to find their true happiness. Thank you, Kristin Harmel, for another beautiful novel.
The novel follows nine Americans in Paris, their stories cleverly intertwining, as they make connections and soul search for the meaning of true happiness and love.
Kristin Harmel paints an unforgettable picture of The City of Light, giving the reader a tour of the sights that is vividly beautiful. She brings you into hotels, bars, and bistros that welcome you warmly, making you feel like you are sharing space with the characters.
Themes of sadness, joy, self-discovery, and the complexity of love, friendship, family, and relationships are masterfully woven throughout the stories. The reader falls in love with the characters, and with Harmel's Paris.
Readers familiar with Harmel's historical fiction will find a comfortable familiarity as the Vietnam War and WWII are referenced, giving the reader a glimpse of discovering a picture of history that only Kristin Harmel can bring to the page.
I couldn't put the book down, staying up well past my bedtime, emotionally attached to the characters, wanting each to find their true happiness. Thank you, Kristin Harmel, for another beautiful novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A short sweet story involving several different characters whose lives loosely intertwine. I loved the relationships throughout this book. friendships, family and love interests. a great clean uplifting read.
January 30, 2026
MEET ME IN PARIS by Kristen Harmel ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Kristen Harmel is one of my favorite authors so I was thrilled to get my hands on this book! But! This one is not a historical fiction like she typically writes (fyi). This book has multiple storylines going on that are heartfelt, human, and full of emotional depth. The setting was so magical and had me pulling up my delta app to check flights. Unfortunately, the multiple (I believe there were 7?) storylines were a liiittle bit too many for me. I connected with some more than others, and absolutely loved Piper and her Mom!
Pub. Date: July 28, 2026.
Perfect if you like:
•Paris!!
•Interwoven storylines.
•Love and loss.
•Quick love connections.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️ (implied intimacy)
Mood: 🌮🍞
Pub. Date: July 28, 2026.
Perfect if you like:
•Paris!!
•Interwoven storylines.
•Love and loss.
•Quick love connections.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️ (implied intimacy)
Mood: 🌮🍞
April 3, 2026
This is a very sweet romance that follows multiple people visiting Paris at the same time. Despite being strangers, their lives become intertwined and forever linked as the story progresses.
In a book full of love, Harmel manages to make each storyline unique. There is new love, forbidden love, long-lost love, mother-daughter love, and even self-love. I definitely found myself more emotionally invested in some of the characters than others, but still enjoyed all the POVs.
I think my biggest hold up was that some of the love stories felt a little too cheesy or convenient. Despite this, I still really enjoyed the book and struggled to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In a book full of love, Harmel manages to make each storyline unique. There is new love, forbidden love, long-lost love, mother-daughter love, and even self-love. I definitely found myself more emotionally invested in some of the characters than others, but still enjoyed all the POVs.
I think my biggest hold up was that some of the love stories felt a little too cheesy or convenient. Despite this, I still really enjoyed the book and struggled to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2026
What a beautifully written book. Kristin Harmel has easily become one of my favorite authors of all time. She has a gift for storytelling and is able to seamlessly connect characters as the story unfolds. I am still swooning over Jackson Quick…. When this one gets released, run down walk to grab it! Move it to the top of your TBR list! As always, a huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC!
February 14, 2026
Reviewed for Library Journal; dull review appears there. This was an ARC.
March 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced ARC of Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel.
I really enjoyed this beautiful Novel. Felt like I got to experience Paris through the eyes of the main characters. The stories and characters were so well developed and I loved every minute.
I really enjoyed this beautiful Novel. Felt like I got to experience Paris through the eyes of the main characters. The stories and characters were so well developed and I loved every minute.
April 12, 2026
I loved reading this book! Kristin presented characters with interesting and captivating stories within a story. For me, it was a page turner as I loved reading about the Paris references and was anticipating outcomes for each story. Thank you to Ms. Harmel, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to enjoy this delightful book.
February 3, 2026
I adored this book. It follows multiple story lines and characters in Paris.
4.75/5 because a couple things didn’t work for me.
These intertwining stories—plus several others—unfold over a few breathtaking spring days, as an unforgettable group of Americans in Paris must find their way to their own versions of happily ever after in the City of Light.
The mother/daughter storyline was the most emotional. You know that Mom is dying from cancer and this is a last trip together for memories.
Another storyline is a 90's former rock star, some Vietnam Vets, an elderly man trying to reconnect with his lost love, and many others....
At times it was a little hard to remember who was who since some characters have a big break in their story between other characters. Some characters get more attention than others so it’s easy to follow and remember.
I didn’t care for George’s story as much as the others it seems like it was out of left field and thrown in for some representation and that was it.
Also, the character Kayla is an aide in the nursing home and her story is just sprinkled through out so I forgot hers a couple times. But the way it is written makes you want to just keep reading and devour it. I didn't want the story to end at times. It is a nice paced lovely story.
Thank you NetGalley and Smith & Schuster for this advanced reader copy. I hope others enjoy it as much as I did
4.75/5 because a couple things didn’t work for me.
These intertwining stories—plus several others—unfold over a few breathtaking spring days, as an unforgettable group of Americans in Paris must find their way to their own versions of happily ever after in the City of Light.
The mother/daughter storyline was the most emotional. You know that Mom is dying from cancer and this is a last trip together for memories.
Another storyline is a 90's former rock star, some Vietnam Vets, an elderly man trying to reconnect with his lost love, and many others....
At times it was a little hard to remember who was who since some characters have a big break in their story between other characters. Some characters get more attention than others so it’s easy to follow and remember.
I didn’t care for George’s story as much as the others it seems like it was out of left field and thrown in for some representation and that was it.
Also, the character Kayla is an aide in the nursing home and her story is just sprinkled through out so I forgot hers a couple times. But the way it is written makes you want to just keep reading and devour it. I didn't want the story to end at times. It is a nice paced lovely story.
Thank you NetGalley and Smith & Schuster for this advanced reader copy. I hope others enjoy it as much as I did
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of this novel set in the City on the Seine, dealing with a host of characters and their trials, tribulations, fears, and discomfort and of course, love.
I have always felt that cities have auras, feelings that they emit that affect the people who live there and those that visit. New York City always feels like something is moving, cars, buses, Subways, people on the way up, the way down, or the way out. London is old. Old buildings, old ideas, old feelings, and yet a certain majesty fills the air. Los Angeles is dreams, with Hollywood, youth, the sun, the surf, all seeming to be just out of reach, even when standing within its center. And Paris. The City of Lights, of Love, a city with streets named for poets, a haven to the those who wish to create, to get lost, to recreate themselves, and find someone. A city loaded with tales to be shared, tales to break hearts, and tales to warm them. Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel is a novel of interconnected stories, about people trying to fix mistakes, make mistakes, find lost love, new love, and even try to love themselves.
The story is set in Paris, during the best time of year, early spring when the weather is almost perfect, and the chance to recreate oneself is at its peak. The book deals with a variety of characters in stories that flow and merge around each other. Julia and Piper are a mother and daughter on their last vacation together, as Julia has an illness that will soon end her life. Jackson Quirk is a fading rock star with a string of popular hits far in the past, a fear of touring, and a feeling that his life is wasted, and even worse done. Henry McGee is a writer of songs, a port of the broken hearted, responsibly for some of Jackson's biggest hits. The secret is that all of his songs are about the one girl he truly loved, one he thought long dead, but is alive. But unable to remember him. The characters and others are all of different ages, different backgrounds, and deal with love on different levels, and yet Paris has done something for them, if they can only figure out how to love again.
The story might sound like a few other books and movies, Love Actually, The Notebook, and others, but Harmel does a very good job of making this seem fresh and new. The characters are all well-done, real feeling, though boy do they make a lot of mistakes. As we all do when love comes in. The mix of characters is what makes it fresh, as is the sense of mortality for a few of the characters. Especially Julia, who is a mother and knows she won't be around to see her daughter grow up, to help her deal with mistakes, nor see her daughter at her happiest. Harmel handles emotional scenes quite well, and while some parts can be sad, there is a sense that life is like this. Beauty and love have to be fought for sometimes, against out own fears, against our own bodies. And love is truly worth it.
Fans will enjoy this quite a lot. This is also a good jumping on point for new readers, and serves as a fine introduction to Harmel's writing. A perfect beach read, and a nice book when one needs to sniffle a little.
I have always felt that cities have auras, feelings that they emit that affect the people who live there and those that visit. New York City always feels like something is moving, cars, buses, Subways, people on the way up, the way down, or the way out. London is old. Old buildings, old ideas, old feelings, and yet a certain majesty fills the air. Los Angeles is dreams, with Hollywood, youth, the sun, the surf, all seeming to be just out of reach, even when standing within its center. And Paris. The City of Lights, of Love, a city with streets named for poets, a haven to the those who wish to create, to get lost, to recreate themselves, and find someone. A city loaded with tales to be shared, tales to break hearts, and tales to warm them. Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel is a novel of interconnected stories, about people trying to fix mistakes, make mistakes, find lost love, new love, and even try to love themselves.
The story is set in Paris, during the best time of year, early spring when the weather is almost perfect, and the chance to recreate oneself is at its peak. The book deals with a variety of characters in stories that flow and merge around each other. Julia and Piper are a mother and daughter on their last vacation together, as Julia has an illness that will soon end her life. Jackson Quirk is a fading rock star with a string of popular hits far in the past, a fear of touring, and a feeling that his life is wasted, and even worse done. Henry McGee is a writer of songs, a port of the broken hearted, responsibly for some of Jackson's biggest hits. The secret is that all of his songs are about the one girl he truly loved, one he thought long dead, but is alive. But unable to remember him. The characters and others are all of different ages, different backgrounds, and deal with love on different levels, and yet Paris has done something for them, if they can only figure out how to love again.
The story might sound like a few other books and movies, Love Actually, The Notebook, and others, but Harmel does a very good job of making this seem fresh and new. The characters are all well-done, real feeling, though boy do they make a lot of mistakes. As we all do when love comes in. The mix of characters is what makes it fresh, as is the sense of mortality for a few of the characters. Especially Julia, who is a mother and knows she won't be around to see her daughter grow up, to help her deal with mistakes, nor see her daughter at her happiest. Harmel handles emotional scenes quite well, and while some parts can be sad, there is a sense that life is like this. Beauty and love have to be fought for sometimes, against out own fears, against our own bodies. And love is truly worth it.
Fans will enjoy this quite a lot. This is also a good jumping on point for new readers, and serves as a fine introduction to Harmel's writing. A perfect beach read, and a nice book when one needs to sniffle a little.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 ⭐️
I have actually never read Kristin Harmel before. While I like historical fiction, Harmel typically writes about World War II (not my favorite) and about Paris (again, not my favorite). I don’t know why I’m so anti-Paris. Mostly, I think the accent grates on me. I think I’d readily go there if I could be in my own soundproof bubble. LOL!
MEET ME IN PARIS primarily takes place in contemporary Paris, but there are some allusions to World War II in a couple storylines (Harry/Celeste and Nadim). This novel is compared to LOVE ACTUALLY set in Paris, and I definitely see that. Sometimes the different storylines overlap when couples from different storylines are in the same location.
➕ This novel has momentum. Once you get established with all of the storylines and characters, it really takes off. I didn’t want to put it down. “Just one more chapter” easily became six chapters.
➕ Along those same lines, the author drops in on each storyline for the perfect amount of time. It’s long enough to get to know the characters more each time, but not too long that the reader gets bogged down. LOVED the pacing!
➕ There’s a lot of plot and character choreography that the author pulls off very well. I thought so many of the characters were well-formed, particularly Julia, Jackson, Henry, Russ, and Shelby.
➖Given all the plot and character choreography, I know it’s difficult to make certain things gel together. Without giving away spoilers, I’m going to try to be vague. Nadim seemed to be there to provide a history lesson, so I wasn’t that invested in his particular love story. Lou’s story seemed to be there to provide representation, and it felt wedged in and the least connected to the other characters. I think more needed to be done on the author’s part to get me to buy it although I appreciated the sentiment. I am skeptical that an almost 100 year old man could travel alone overseas and then do what he did at the end of the novel. And, finally, I know Piper mixing up her mother’s favorite musical artist is key to the plot of Julia’s storyline, but it’s HIGHLY unlikely the only child of a single mother would make such a mistake like that.
I came away from this novel with a big smile on my face despite some tough subjects tackled, like stage 4 cancer, grief, regret, and more. And that is attributed to a talented author like Harmel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an Advance Reader Copy for a copy of this. My review is completely my own.
It publishes July 28, 2026.
I have actually never read Kristin Harmel before. While I like historical fiction, Harmel typically writes about World War II (not my favorite) and about Paris (again, not my favorite). I don’t know why I’m so anti-Paris. Mostly, I think the accent grates on me. I think I’d readily go there if I could be in my own soundproof bubble. LOL!
MEET ME IN PARIS primarily takes place in contemporary Paris, but there are some allusions to World War II in a couple storylines (Harry/Celeste and Nadim). This novel is compared to LOVE ACTUALLY set in Paris, and I definitely see that. Sometimes the different storylines overlap when couples from different storylines are in the same location.
➕ This novel has momentum. Once you get established with all of the storylines and characters, it really takes off. I didn’t want to put it down. “Just one more chapter” easily became six chapters.
➕ Along those same lines, the author drops in on each storyline for the perfect amount of time. It’s long enough to get to know the characters more each time, but not too long that the reader gets bogged down. LOVED the pacing!
➕ There’s a lot of plot and character choreography that the author pulls off very well. I thought so many of the characters were well-formed, particularly Julia, Jackson, Henry, Russ, and Shelby.
➖Given all the plot and character choreography, I know it’s difficult to make certain things gel together. Without giving away spoilers, I’m going to try to be vague. Nadim seemed to be there to provide a history lesson, so I wasn’t that invested in his particular love story. Lou’s story seemed to be there to provide representation, and it felt wedged in and the least connected to the other characters. I think more needed to be done on the author’s part to get me to buy it although I appreciated the sentiment. I am skeptical that an almost 100 year old man could travel alone overseas and then do what he did at the end of the novel. And, finally, I know Piper mixing up her mother’s favorite musical artist is key to the plot of Julia’s storyline, but it’s HIGHLY unlikely the only child of a single mother would make such a mistake like that.
I came away from this novel with a big smile on my face despite some tough subjects tackled, like stage 4 cancer, grief, regret, and more. And that is attributed to a talented author like Harmel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an Advance Reader Copy for a copy of this. My review is completely my own.
It publishes July 28, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Meet Me in Paris
Author: Kristin Harmel
Publisher: Galley Books
Genre: Romance with some Historical Fiction
Pub Date: July 28, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 368
Story is about a mother/daughter, a former rock star, a song writer,
a lost love, and a husband and wife who are struggling.
Mother/daughter ~
Julia Glover has brought her twenty-three-year-old daughter, Piper, to Paris for the first time—but they know it will also be their last trip here together. Julia is dying, and as the mother and daughter desperately try to make memories together as the clock ticks down, the world opens up around them. Piper meets a cute French waiter, who might just understand her better than anyone she’s ever met, and Julia meets a man at a dive bar and struggles with how to tell him the truth about her future.
Rock star ~
Jackson Quick’s glory days are behind him. He had a handful of hit songs thirty years ago, but he hasn’t toured in a decade. This week, he’ll launch his reunion tour in Paris, the city where it all began. But he wants more out of life than being defined by fame. When he meets a woman who finally sees him for who he is at his core, the ground shifts beneath his feet.
Love lost~
Henry McGee has been writing hit songs for decades—including Jackson Quick’s biggest hit, City of Light. But his secret is that every love song he’s ever written is for a woman named Celeste, whom he loved a lifetime ago, when they were both teenagers in Paris during World War II. He has spent eighty years believing she died—but when a letter arrives telling him the opposite, he’s on the first flight to France.
Couple Struggling~
Henry’s granddaughter, Melody, has just discovered that her husband of twenty years, Gilles, a French cosmetics executive, is having an affair.
Henry’s granddaughter, Melody, has just discovered that her husband of twenty years, Gilles, a French cosmetics executive, is having an affair.
For the past fifteen years I have read and enjoyed Ms.Harmel’s historical fictional stories. This one was not a typical historical fiction but one of seven intertwining love stories. However, it really is eight stories as Ms. Harmel’s ‘Author’s Note’ is another story- in that it is her true story. She tells us why she often returns to Paris for her stories. Her description is truly another love story- so be sure to take time to read it!
Want to thank NetGalley, Gallery Books and of course Kristin Harmel for granted me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 28, 2026.
Author: Kristin Harmel
Publisher: Galley Books
Genre: Romance with some Historical Fiction
Pub Date: July 28, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 368
Story is about a mother/daughter, a former rock star, a song writer,
a lost love, and a husband and wife who are struggling.
Mother/daughter ~
Julia Glover has brought her twenty-three-year-old daughter, Piper, to Paris for the first time—but they know it will also be their last trip here together. Julia is dying, and as the mother and daughter desperately try to make memories together as the clock ticks down, the world opens up around them. Piper meets a cute French waiter, who might just understand her better than anyone she’s ever met, and Julia meets a man at a dive bar and struggles with how to tell him the truth about her future.
Rock star ~
Jackson Quick’s glory days are behind him. He had a handful of hit songs thirty years ago, but he hasn’t toured in a decade. This week, he’ll launch his reunion tour in Paris, the city where it all began. But he wants more out of life than being defined by fame. When he meets a woman who finally sees him for who he is at his core, the ground shifts beneath his feet.
Love lost~
Henry McGee has been writing hit songs for decades—including Jackson Quick’s biggest hit, City of Light. But his secret is that every love song he’s ever written is for a woman named Celeste, whom he loved a lifetime ago, when they were both teenagers in Paris during World War II. He has spent eighty years believing she died—but when a letter arrives telling him the opposite, he’s on the first flight to France.
Couple Struggling~
Henry’s granddaughter, Melody, has just discovered that her husband of twenty years, Gilles, a French cosmetics executive, is having an affair.
Henry’s granddaughter, Melody, has just discovered that her husband of twenty years, Gilles, a French cosmetics executive, is having an affair.
For the past fifteen years I have read and enjoyed Ms.Harmel’s historical fictional stories. This one was not a typical historical fiction but one of seven intertwining love stories. However, it really is eight stories as Ms. Harmel’s ‘Author’s Note’ is another story- in that it is her true story. She tells us why she often returns to Paris for her stories. Her description is truly another love story- so be sure to take time to read it!
Want to thank NetGalley, Gallery Books and of course Kristin Harmel for granted me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 28, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Scouts Honor! A book with a plethora of both (American) singles & couples of all ages descending on present-day Paris won’t require you to keep notes on who is who.
I admit I approached with concern that they would be distinctive enough as their stories unfolded. I should have put worries aside.
The cast of travelers are engagingly dear & Julia is as different from Celeste as Cliff is from Lou & the story goes on with at last count – nine individuals.
Great love evolves, but also requires persistence & patience. Some wise advice is found on these pages & it includes love in all walks of life, all socio-economic groups & all desires. Not everyone will receive that tidy ending, but love can reside in disappointment or sadness or loss. Some will know this…It will be the end result.
Will you have a favorite? I did, but I also cared about each & every personality. Harmel created full-dimensional individuals complete with endearing traits & some flaws thrown in. I even had several favorite chapters I bookmarked (Chapter 18 & 20).
While Meet Me In Paris is a work of fiction, one person is quite real & that is the musical artist - Stephen Kellogg. I encourage you to look up Kellogg wherever you listen to music. His presence, while a small role in this book, is a hidden gift. I’m currently listening to his songs on Spotify while I write.
The author’s love of Paris is evident & I, too, was once a college exchange student in The Latin Quarter. I celebrated my 20th Birthday there which was several decades ago. My Daughter just returned from a lengthy stay that included a baking course (The Loire Valley), but she also took one week out to experience this city. I add this only because not every reader from the US travels to Paris by ship or plane. A majority of us travel through the pages of a book & I think it is crucial to state the author knows her setting. The accuracy & detail of locations was impeccable.
I am familiar with Kristin Harmel from purchasing her books in the past. I also have subscribed & regularly listen to her ensemble podcast, Friends & Fiction, that releases weekly (Wednesdays). It features 4 best-selling authors (Kristin Harmel included) interviewing other authors of interest with new releases. I listen on YouTube, but they can be found in countless ways.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher & Kristin Harmel for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
I admit I approached with concern that they would be distinctive enough as their stories unfolded. I should have put worries aside.
The cast of travelers are engagingly dear & Julia is as different from Celeste as Cliff is from Lou & the story goes on with at last count – nine individuals.
Great love evolves, but also requires persistence & patience. Some wise advice is found on these pages & it includes love in all walks of life, all socio-economic groups & all desires. Not everyone will receive that tidy ending, but love can reside in disappointment or sadness or loss. Some will know this…It will be the end result.
Will you have a favorite? I did, but I also cared about each & every personality. Harmel created full-dimensional individuals complete with endearing traits & some flaws thrown in. I even had several favorite chapters I bookmarked (Chapter 18 & 20).
While Meet Me In Paris is a work of fiction, one person is quite real & that is the musical artist - Stephen Kellogg. I encourage you to look up Kellogg wherever you listen to music. His presence, while a small role in this book, is a hidden gift. I’m currently listening to his songs on Spotify while I write.
The author’s love of Paris is evident & I, too, was once a college exchange student in The Latin Quarter. I celebrated my 20th Birthday there which was several decades ago. My Daughter just returned from a lengthy stay that included a baking course (The Loire Valley), but she also took one week out to experience this city. I add this only because not every reader from the US travels to Paris by ship or plane. A majority of us travel through the pages of a book & I think it is crucial to state the author knows her setting. The accuracy & detail of locations was impeccable.
I am familiar with Kristin Harmel from purchasing her books in the past. I also have subscribed & regularly listen to her ensemble podcast, Friends & Fiction, that releases weekly (Wednesdays). It features 4 best-selling authors (Kristin Harmel included) interviewing other authors of interest with new releases. I listen on YouTube, but they can be found in countless ways.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher & Kristin Harmel for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
March 5, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. I would also like to thank Kristin Harmel for sharing her words with us once again because this book was phenomenal. Five thousand stars!!
Okay Kristin, this was nothing like what I expected from you. This was somehow better. This was more like a contemporary romance piece with bits of historical fiction thrown in for funsies. We are set in Paris, France in the present with many different character first person povs. Each of our main characters have a vastly different love story, but they all seem to find themselves amongst the magic of Paris.
I haven’t read a book that had me this invested since Ashley Manley’s arc in her new upcoming series. I’m telling you…I couldn’t sleep because I could not put this down. I hid in my room to finish this book in the middle of the day sobbing with a box of tissues. I just never wanted this book to end while also needing to get to each character’s finish line.
I’m not going to sit here and summarize this story. I’m not going to go into what I liked and didn’t like about each of our main characters. I’m not going that here because I don’t want to give anything away for the readers. I will say this if it’s not too much of a spoiler about the end….
Not every story ends with a perfect HEA, but every character finds themself and what they want/need by the end of this story. The way some of the characters come together or overlap was perfection. The very last words had me sobbing outloud into a box of tissues. My husband burst into the room asking what was wrong, and I could barely get the words out to explain to him what this book meant to me. Now I’m here trying to explain to you, and it is sounding just as ridiculous. I’m sorry, but this book is a MUST READ!! Harmel is an auto-read for me because her stories are always captivating, but this one was different. This one was even better…even more…just everything.
Kristin, thank you so much for your words once again. You never disappoint. Please write more love stories. Please please please write more like this one!! We love you!
Okay Kristin, this was nothing like what I expected from you. This was somehow better. This was more like a contemporary romance piece with bits of historical fiction thrown in for funsies. We are set in Paris, France in the present with many different character first person povs. Each of our main characters have a vastly different love story, but they all seem to find themselves amongst the magic of Paris.
I haven’t read a book that had me this invested since Ashley Manley’s arc in her new upcoming series. I’m telling you…I couldn’t sleep because I could not put this down. I hid in my room to finish this book in the middle of the day sobbing with a box of tissues. I just never wanted this book to end while also needing to get to each character’s finish line.
I’m not going to sit here and summarize this story. I’m not going to go into what I liked and didn’t like about each of our main characters. I’m not going that here because I don’t want to give anything away for the readers. I will say this if it’s not too much of a spoiler about the end….
Not every story ends with a perfect HEA, but every character finds themself and what they want/need by the end of this story. The way some of the characters come together or overlap was perfection. The very last words had me sobbing outloud into a box of tissues. My husband burst into the room asking what was wrong, and I could barely get the words out to explain to him what this book meant to me. Now I’m here trying to explain to you, and it is sounding just as ridiculous. I’m sorry, but this book is a MUST READ!! Harmel is an auto-read for me because her stories are always captivating, but this one was different. This one was even better…even more…just everything.
Kristin, thank you so much for your words once again. You never disappoint. Please write more love stories. Please please please write more like this one!! We love you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kristin Harmel has crafted something truly special with this novel: a love letter to Paris that's equally a meditation on love, loss, and the courage it takes to choose your own path forward. Reading this book felt like taking two journeys simultaneously: one through the enchanting streets of Paris, and another through the interior landscapes of beautifully drawn characters discovering who they really are.
The premise alone is irresistible: nine Americans, seven intertwined love stories, all unfolding over one magical week in the City of Light. But Harmel doesn't just deliver romance. She delivers depth, heartbreak, and genuine transformation.
What I loved most about this book was how Harmel honors both the external journey (the beauty of Paris, the chance encounters, the magic of the city itself) and the internal journey each character takes. These aren't people who simply visit Paris and fall in love. They're people who confront hard truths about themselves, their relationships, and what they truly want from life. Julia faces mortality with grace and honesty. Melody wrestles with whether staying is brave or simply safe. Henry carries eighty years of longing to a reunion that may not penetrate the fog of dementia.
The interweaving stories create a rich tapestry where characters' paths cross in organic, meaningful ways. Harmel has a gift for making each thread feel essential while never losing sight of the larger emotional landscape she's painting.
"Love, Actually" meets "The Notebook" is an apt comparison, but Harmel brings her own voice to this: warmer than Curtis, more hopeful than Sparks, and deeply committed to honoring the complexity of love in all its forms (romantic, familial, lost, and found again).
This is a book about finding your way home, even when home looks nothing like you expected. It's about the journeys we take through cities and through our own hearts, and how sometimes they lead us to exactly where we need to be.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The premise alone is irresistible: nine Americans, seven intertwined love stories, all unfolding over one magical week in the City of Light. But Harmel doesn't just deliver romance. She delivers depth, heartbreak, and genuine transformation.
What I loved most about this book was how Harmel honors both the external journey (the beauty of Paris, the chance encounters, the magic of the city itself) and the internal journey each character takes. These aren't people who simply visit Paris and fall in love. They're people who confront hard truths about themselves, their relationships, and what they truly want from life. Julia faces mortality with grace and honesty. Melody wrestles with whether staying is brave or simply safe. Henry carries eighty years of longing to a reunion that may not penetrate the fog of dementia.
The interweaving stories create a rich tapestry where characters' paths cross in organic, meaningful ways. Harmel has a gift for making each thread feel essential while never losing sight of the larger emotional landscape she's painting.
"Love, Actually" meets "The Notebook" is an apt comparison, but Harmel brings her own voice to this: warmer than Curtis, more hopeful than Sparks, and deeply committed to honoring the complexity of love in all its forms (romantic, familial, lost, and found again).
This is a book about finding your way home, even when home looks nothing like you expected. It's about the journeys we take through cities and through our own hearts, and how sometimes they lead us to exactly where we need to be.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've long been a fan of Kristin Harmel's historical fiction works, so was excited to see an upcoming novel from her! In a different segue from her earlier writing, "Meet Me in Paris" takes place in a more present day setting, rotating through a full cast of characters and perspectives that all congregate in Paris, France.
Included amongst these individuals is Julia Glover and her daughter Piper, who take a mother-daughter trip to Paris in the context of Julia's cancer diagnosis and the looming deadline that they have together; Henry McGee, a retired songwriter who finds out that his first love Celeste who saved his life during the Holocaust is still alive - but has lost her memory; Jackson Quick, a former rock singer who's trying to move past the glory days of his youth; Kayla, a nurse at the facility where Celeste works who meets an inspired painter; George and Lou, two Vietnam veterans joining their old crew for a visit to Paris... There are a number of stories and characters who are all loosely connected to the others, and whose interactions will change each other's futures for years to come.
I was worried that I'd have difficulty keeping people and storylines apart, but didn't struggle much given how distinct and seamless they were, and the little interactions between characters across chapters was well done. I do think however that there were just too many of them placed within one novel; it made it difficult to truly build up and develop a connection with any one of them, and the transitions between chapters felt abrupt at times. While I enjoyed the overall story and the uplifting resolutions to each character's plot, they did feel forced and rushed at times, especially given all the loose ends that had to be tied together. Harmel's writing is nonetheless transportive and immersive, and felt well paced overall.
A commendable foray into a new writing style, but perhaps not my favorite by this author. I'm sure many other readers will appreciate more however when "Meet Me in Paris" is published in August 2026!
Included amongst these individuals is Julia Glover and her daughter Piper, who take a mother-daughter trip to Paris in the context of Julia's cancer diagnosis and the looming deadline that they have together; Henry McGee, a retired songwriter who finds out that his first love Celeste who saved his life during the Holocaust is still alive - but has lost her memory; Jackson Quick, a former rock singer who's trying to move past the glory days of his youth; Kayla, a nurse at the facility where Celeste works who meets an inspired painter; George and Lou, two Vietnam veterans joining their old crew for a visit to Paris... There are a number of stories and characters who are all loosely connected to the others, and whose interactions will change each other's futures for years to come.
I was worried that I'd have difficulty keeping people and storylines apart, but didn't struggle much given how distinct and seamless they were, and the little interactions between characters across chapters was well done. I do think however that there were just too many of them placed within one novel; it made it difficult to truly build up and develop a connection with any one of them, and the transitions between chapters felt abrupt at times. While I enjoyed the overall story and the uplifting resolutions to each character's plot, they did feel forced and rushed at times, especially given all the loose ends that had to be tied together. Harmel's writing is nonetheless transportive and immersive, and felt well paced overall.
A commendable foray into a new writing style, but perhaps not my favorite by this author. I'm sure many other readers will appreciate more however when "Meet Me in Paris" is published in August 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nine Americans. One week. Paris in the spring. And more intertwined love stories than my heart was ready for.
📚 Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel
Genre: Historical fiction with romantic threads
Vibes: mother daughter goodbye trip, second chances, wartime love letters, midlife reckoning, City of Light magic
This feels like Love Actually set against the glow of Paris, layered with the emotional weight Harmel always brings.
What makes this so immersive:
🗼 A vividly painted Paris that feels warm and lived in
💌 A World War II love story that stretches across eighty years
🎸 A faded rock star searching for identity beyond fame
💔 A marriage cracked open by betrayal and choice
🌸 A mother and daughter racing time to make final memories
The novel follows nine Americans whose lives intersect over one transformative week. Every storyline carries its own emotional pulse, yet they weave together beautifully.
Julia and Piper’s trip absolutely gutted me. Knowing it is their last time in Paris together adds tenderness to every café visit and quiet conversation. Then there is Henry, who has spent a lifetime writing love songs for a woman he believed was lost to war. His journey back to France in hopes of breaking through dementia with music is devastating and romantic all at once.
Kristin Harmel’s signature touch is here. References to World War II and Vietnam ground the present day narratives in history without overpowering them. She balances sadness and joy, heartbreak and hope, in a way that makes you fall in love not just with the characters, but with the city itself.
I stayed up far too late because I needed to see how each thread would resolve. And while not every story is simple, each feels emotionally honest.
If you love layered, character driven fiction set in an atmospheric European backdrop, this will sweep you away.
💬 Do you prefer one central romance, or interconnected love stories that echo across generations?
#KristinHarmel #MeetMeInParis #GalleryBooks #HistoricalFiction #WomensFiction
📚 Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel
Genre: Historical fiction with romantic threads
Vibes: mother daughter goodbye trip, second chances, wartime love letters, midlife reckoning, City of Light magic
This feels like Love Actually set against the glow of Paris, layered with the emotional weight Harmel always brings.
What makes this so immersive:
🗼 A vividly painted Paris that feels warm and lived in
💌 A World War II love story that stretches across eighty years
🎸 A faded rock star searching for identity beyond fame
💔 A marriage cracked open by betrayal and choice
🌸 A mother and daughter racing time to make final memories
The novel follows nine Americans whose lives intersect over one transformative week. Every storyline carries its own emotional pulse, yet they weave together beautifully.
Julia and Piper’s trip absolutely gutted me. Knowing it is their last time in Paris together adds tenderness to every café visit and quiet conversation. Then there is Henry, who has spent a lifetime writing love songs for a woman he believed was lost to war. His journey back to France in hopes of breaking through dementia with music is devastating and romantic all at once.
Kristin Harmel’s signature touch is here. References to World War II and Vietnam ground the present day narratives in history without overpowering them. She balances sadness and joy, heartbreak and hope, in a way that makes you fall in love not just with the characters, but with the city itself.
I stayed up far too late because I needed to see how each thread would resolve. And while not every story is simple, each feels emotionally honest.
If you love layered, character driven fiction set in an atmospheric European backdrop, this will sweep you away.
💬 Do you prefer one central romance, or interconnected love stories that echo across generations?
#KristinHarmel #MeetMeInParis #GalleryBooks #HistoricalFiction #WomensFiction
March 28, 2026
Kristin Harmel has a new book coming out on July 28th titled Meet Me in Paris. At first, I thought this was going to be historical fiction, but to me, this felt more like romance to me. This is a book of several sweeping romances that take place in Paris in the period of one week. This book has a lot of characters, so you have to make sure to keep each story straight. We begin with a woman named Julia and her adult daughter, Piper, who have traveled to Paris as a way to celebrate their beautiful mother/daughter relationship as Julia has very little time left after her terminal cancer diagnosis. We also have a rock star, Jackson Quick, who is now much older and is about to go on tour again after a decade out of the spotlight. He meets Julia and they seem to connect instantly. Piper meets an artist in the street and love blooms between them as well. There is also a grandfather, Henry, who is 90, and has traveled with his adult grandchild, Melody , to reach the love of his life whom he thought had died after WWII, but turned out to be alive. Unfortunately, she is now in a nursing home with severe dementia and doesn’t remember him. Melody , who is going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage, also meets a nice man who would like to pursue a relationship. Her husband ends up arriving in Paris to win her back, but she has feelings for this new man already. There are more characters and stories that are also in here, but it would take too long to go through all of them. This was filled with stories of people that met each other during one short week in Paris and pretty much felt like they’ve met the lives of their lives. Although I enjoyed this book it was a stretch to think this many people found the loves of their lives in an instant. But, I mean, hey! We read books as an escape from the real world, so maybe fairy tale romances are exactly what we need. Thank you to Netgalley and gallery books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I’d give this book 3.5⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received ARC from publisher Gallery Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really lovely, satisfying read for me. I found myself fully engaged and emotionally invested pretty early on.
What I loved most was the variety of relationships Harmel explores. This isn’t just a romance novel in the narrow sense. You get a rich mix of connections that feel honest and layered. The granddaughter - grandparent relationship added so much heart and grounding to the story. The two parent & child relationships felt especially real, complicated in that way family relationships often are, and very moving. I also appreciated seeing couples who are clearly on the downward slope of their relationships. It made the story feel more mature and reflective, rather than idealized. And the reunited characters after so many years brought in a sense of nostalgia and quiet emotional payoff that really worked for me.
I also really enjoyed how new love is portrayed here. Those relationships felt hopeful without being naive, and tender without tipping into cheesiness. There’s a quiet excitement to watching something new unfold, especially when it’s set against characters who carry a lot of life experience with them. It made the story feel balanced, like love can begin again at any stage.
Paris as a backdrop didn’t hurt either. It added atmosphere without overpowering the story, which I always appreciate. The city felt like a soft frame around the characters rather than the main attraction.
Overall, this felt warm, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant without being heavy-handed. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how many different forms love can take over a lifetime. Definitely a solid four-star read for me, and one I’d happily recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with heart.
This was a really lovely, satisfying read for me. I found myself fully engaged and emotionally invested pretty early on.
What I loved most was the variety of relationships Harmel explores. This isn’t just a romance novel in the narrow sense. You get a rich mix of connections that feel honest and layered. The granddaughter - grandparent relationship added so much heart and grounding to the story. The two parent & child relationships felt especially real, complicated in that way family relationships often are, and very moving. I also appreciated seeing couples who are clearly on the downward slope of their relationships. It made the story feel more mature and reflective, rather than idealized. And the reunited characters after so many years brought in a sense of nostalgia and quiet emotional payoff that really worked for me.
I also really enjoyed how new love is portrayed here. Those relationships felt hopeful without being naive, and tender without tipping into cheesiness. There’s a quiet excitement to watching something new unfold, especially when it’s set against characters who carry a lot of life experience with them. It made the story feel balanced, like love can begin again at any stage.
Paris as a backdrop didn’t hurt either. It added atmosphere without overpowering the story, which I always appreciate. The city felt like a soft frame around the characters rather than the main attraction.
Overall, this felt warm, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant without being heavy-handed. It’s the kind of book that reminds you how many different forms love can take over a lifetime. Definitely a solid four-star read for me, and one I’d happily recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A truly beautiful and unforgettable read
I found this to be such a special and emotional read and as someone who has read all of Kristin Harmel’s previous books, I went into this with high expectations and it completely exceeded them. I’m a huge fan of her writing so I was absolutely thrilled to receive an ARC of Meet Me in Paris, and honestly it was nothing short of amazing.
This story completely swept me away. Set against the stunning backdrop of Paris, it’s a beautifully woven narrative about love in all its forms romantic, familial, lost, and found. The emotional core between Julia and Piper was just heartbreaking and so tenderly written. Knowing this would be their final trip together added such a poignant weight to every moment, and it genuinely stayed with me long after I finished reading.
What I loved most was how seamlessly the different storylines intertwined. Each character brought something unique, and every story whether it was about second chances, regret, or enduring love all felt meaningful and deeply human. Kristin Harmel has such a gift for creating characters that feel real, and I found myself completely invested in all of them.
The writing was, as always, absolutely beautiful it was rich, emotional, and completely immersive. It’s one of those books that makes you feel everything. I smiled, I teared up, and I didn’t want it to end.
If you loved The Notebook, Love Actually, or books like One Day in December and Me Before You, this will be right up your street. It has that same emotional depth, intertwined storytelling, and unforgettable characters that stay with you long after the final page.
This is easily one of my favourites by this author, and that’s saying something. A truly heartfelt, moving story that I would recommend to absolutely everyone.
An unforgettable 5-star read. 📚✨
I found this to be such a special and emotional read and as someone who has read all of Kristin Harmel’s previous books, I went into this with high expectations and it completely exceeded them. I’m a huge fan of her writing so I was absolutely thrilled to receive an ARC of Meet Me in Paris, and honestly it was nothing short of amazing.
This story completely swept me away. Set against the stunning backdrop of Paris, it’s a beautifully woven narrative about love in all its forms romantic, familial, lost, and found. The emotional core between Julia and Piper was just heartbreaking and so tenderly written. Knowing this would be their final trip together added such a poignant weight to every moment, and it genuinely stayed with me long after I finished reading.
What I loved most was how seamlessly the different storylines intertwined. Each character brought something unique, and every story whether it was about second chances, regret, or enduring love all felt meaningful and deeply human. Kristin Harmel has such a gift for creating characters that feel real, and I found myself completely invested in all of them.
The writing was, as always, absolutely beautiful it was rich, emotional, and completely immersive. It’s one of those books that makes you feel everything. I smiled, I teared up, and I didn’t want it to end.
If you loved The Notebook, Love Actually, or books like One Day in December and Me Before You, this will be right up your street. It has that same emotional depth, intertwined storytelling, and unforgettable characters that stay with you long after the final page.
This is easily one of my favourites by this author, and that’s saying something. A truly heartfelt, moving story that I would recommend to absolutely everyone.
An unforgettable 5-star read. 📚✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kristin Harmel is always a reliable choice for me, but this book felt especially inviting in a different way. There’s something about how she writes people their vulnerabilities, their quiet hopes, that makes it easy to settle into their lives and stay there for a while. I didn’t just read this story; I felt like I was moving alongside the characters, taking in their worlds as they unfolded.
*Meet Me in Paris* explores both rekindled love and the possibility of something entirely new, all set against the timeless backdrop of Paris. The cast is wide-ranging and unexpectedly layered: older characters shaped by WWII experiences, individuals navigating memory loss, retirees rediscovering purpose, a rock star, travelers passing through, and women facing deeply personal crossroads. On paper, it sounds eclectic, but in practice, their stories weave together in a way that feels natural and human. The shifting perspectives add depth, allowing each voice to carry its own weight while contributing to a larger emotional tapestry.
What stood out most to me was how this novel steps slightly outside Harmel’s usual tone. While she’s known for her emotionally rich historical fiction, this story feels lighter without losing its sincerity. It still carries emotional resonance, but there’s a sense of openness and warmth that makes it feel refreshing, almost like a gentle pause rather than a deep dive.
If anything, reading it made me wish I could experience it while actually in Paris, letting the setting blur with the story itself. That said, the book does a beautiful job of bringing that atmosphere to you. Love is beautiful and love!
I’m grateful to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Kristin Harmel for the opportunity to read this. It’s one I’ll be passing along to fellow book lovers without hesitation.
*Meet Me in Paris* explores both rekindled love and the possibility of something entirely new, all set against the timeless backdrop of Paris. The cast is wide-ranging and unexpectedly layered: older characters shaped by WWII experiences, individuals navigating memory loss, retirees rediscovering purpose, a rock star, travelers passing through, and women facing deeply personal crossroads. On paper, it sounds eclectic, but in practice, their stories weave together in a way that feels natural and human. The shifting perspectives add depth, allowing each voice to carry its own weight while contributing to a larger emotional tapestry.
What stood out most to me was how this novel steps slightly outside Harmel’s usual tone. While she’s known for her emotionally rich historical fiction, this story feels lighter without losing its sincerity. It still carries emotional resonance, but there’s a sense of openness and warmth that makes it feel refreshing, almost like a gentle pause rather than a deep dive.
If anything, reading it made me wish I could experience it while actually in Paris, letting the setting blur with the story itself. That said, the book does a beautiful job of bringing that atmosphere to you. Love is beautiful and love!
I’m grateful to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Kristin Harmel for the opportunity to read this. It’s one I’ll be passing along to fellow book lovers without hesitation.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Think Love Actually… but make it Paris. ✨
Meet Me in Paris is full of interconnected love stories that slowly weave together, and I was honestly so impressed with how easy it was to follow. Usually with multi-story books, I find myself flipping back like “wait… who is this again?” but not here. Everything flowed so naturally, and each character felt distinct and memorable.
And the setting? Paris absolutely carried this book in the best way. It added this dreamy, romantic, almost magical layer that made every storyline feel a little more special. The atmosphere alone made me want to add Paris to my bucket list.
I especially loved the main storylines. The characters were warm, engaging, and easy to love and root for, and I loved seeing all the different versions of love play out. It really touches on timing, connection, and how love shows up in unexpected ways.
My only critique is that there were a couple of storylines that felt a little unnecessary. Most of the stories are beautifully connected, but a few didn’t quite tie in and felt more like extras than essentials. I would have loved even more depth in the main relationships instead.
That said, this was such a fun, heartwarming read and a really interesting shift from Kristen Harmel’s usual historical fiction. She totally pulled it off.
If you love:
✨ multiple POVs
✨ interconnected stories
✨ soft, romantic vibes
✨ a character-driven, thoughtfully crafted plot
…this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Gallery Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Meet Me in Paris is full of interconnected love stories that slowly weave together, and I was honestly so impressed with how easy it was to follow. Usually with multi-story books, I find myself flipping back like “wait… who is this again?” but not here. Everything flowed so naturally, and each character felt distinct and memorable.
And the setting? Paris absolutely carried this book in the best way. It added this dreamy, romantic, almost magical layer that made every storyline feel a little more special. The atmosphere alone made me want to add Paris to my bucket list.
I especially loved the main storylines. The characters were warm, engaging, and easy to love and root for, and I loved seeing all the different versions of love play out. It really touches on timing, connection, and how love shows up in unexpected ways.
My only critique is that there were a couple of storylines that felt a little unnecessary. Most of the stories are beautifully connected, but a few didn’t quite tie in and felt more like extras than essentials. I would have loved even more depth in the main relationships instead.
That said, this was such a fun, heartwarming read and a really interesting shift from Kristen Harmel’s usual historical fiction. She totally pulled it off.
If you love:
✨ multiple POVs
✨ interconnected stories
✨ soft, romantic vibes
✨ a character-driven, thoughtfully crafted plot
…this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Gallery Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2026
The is a novel about love - both romantic and familial- and where better to set a story about love than Paris? While I recently spent a week there so I recognized so many of the streets, buildings, and spots along the Seine, I believe that Harmel’s love of the city and descriptions make it so even if you’ve never been, you’ll feel the magic of the place.
This novel is filled with characters- tourists and residents alike. Sometimes they overlap but mostly the separate narratives play out over a week’s time. However, as many different characters as there are populating this book, I never felt confused as I stepped back into their story. Harmel does a wonderful job of writing fully realized and messy humans who are distinct and memorable. These are people in crisis who have decisions to make about their future. Paris, perhaps the main character of the novel, gives each of them the nudge they need to face their fears and embrace love and acceptance.
This is an uplifting novel filled with moments of pain that are overcome with compassion. The importance of being seen is explored through the vignettes. In addition, the theme of choice and owning our decisions while being free to reevaluate them plays out across the novel. From young love to the love formed in earlier Wars, this trip to Paris awakens confidence and desire in all the characters’ lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my honest opinion.
This novel is filled with characters- tourists and residents alike. Sometimes they overlap but mostly the separate narratives play out over a week’s time. However, as many different characters as there are populating this book, I never felt confused as I stepped back into their story. Harmel does a wonderful job of writing fully realized and messy humans who are distinct and memorable. These are people in crisis who have decisions to make about their future. Paris, perhaps the main character of the novel, gives each of them the nudge they need to face their fears and embrace love and acceptance.
This is an uplifting novel filled with moments of pain that are overcome with compassion. The importance of being seen is explored through the vignettes. In addition, the theme of choice and owning our decisions while being free to reevaluate them plays out across the novel. From young love to the love formed in earlier Wars, this trip to Paris awakens confidence and desire in all the characters’ lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the Author's Note, Kristin talks about her love of "Love Actually" and wanting to write something similar but set in her beloved Paris....with "Meet Me In Paris," she does just that!
"Meet Me In Paris" is the story of love, loss, finding yourself, finding the truth and all the ways that six degrees of separation may be more than just a theory.
At the Le Maison Grog, we meet:
- Julia and Piper, mother and daughter finally taking their trip to Paris before death and loss make it impossible
- Henry and Celeste, nonagenarians who first found love in World War II and due to tragedy, find themselves trying to find a way back to each other 80 years later.
Melody and Giles, Shelby and Brandon - two long married couples who find their worlds rocked by infidelity and betrayal
Jackson Quick and Russ - two men who find themselves at crossroad in life and wondering what the next step is supposed to be
Kayla and Nadim - strangers pulled together with nothing in common but an attraction they can't ignore
Lou and George - best friends since they met during Vietnam, traveling to Paris to visit the historic sites of the war and find a spark in their lives
Each person goes through a discovery, what happens with their future can only be found in the streets, history and love of Paris,
Thank you to Kristin Harmel and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Meet Me In Paris" is the story of love, loss, finding yourself, finding the truth and all the ways that six degrees of separation may be more than just a theory.
At the Le Maison Grog, we meet:
- Julia and Piper, mother and daughter finally taking their trip to Paris before death and loss make it impossible
- Henry and Celeste, nonagenarians who first found love in World War II and due to tragedy, find themselves trying to find a way back to each other 80 years later.
Melody and Giles, Shelby and Brandon - two long married couples who find their worlds rocked by infidelity and betrayal
Jackson Quick and Russ - two men who find themselves at crossroad in life and wondering what the next step is supposed to be
Kayla and Nadim - strangers pulled together with nothing in common but an attraction they can't ignore
Lou and George - best friends since they met during Vietnam, traveling to Paris to visit the historic sites of the war and find a spark in their lives
Each person goes through a discovery, what happens with their future can only be found in the streets, history and love of Paris,
Thank you to Kristin Harmel and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2026
If you’re looking for a book that pulls at your heart while keeping you completely hooked, Meet Me in Paris really delivers. It’s one of those stories that manages to be both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. The comparison to Love Actually feels right—it follows nine different Americans in Paris, and their stories are woven together in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
What makes it such a quick, engaging read is the structure. The narrative moves from one character or couple to another, so there’s always something new unfolding. It kept me turning pages because I wanted to see how each storyline would connect.
Some characters really stand out. Henry, the 99-year-old songwriter, is unforgettable—his lifelong devotion to Celeste is about as romantic as it gets. Then there’s Jackson, a former rock star, and Julia, who is terminally ill—their story is both beautiful and deeply emotional. It’s the kind of storyline that stays with you.
I also appreciated that the book goes beyond romance. The relationship between Julia and her daughter Piper adds another layer, bringing in themes of family and connection. And throughout the novel, there’s a strong thread of women making difficult, life-changing choices, which gives the story a sense of growth and empowerment.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, fast-paced read that balances multiple storylines without losing its emotional impact.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC.
What makes it such a quick, engaging read is the structure. The narrative moves from one character or couple to another, so there’s always something new unfolding. It kept me turning pages because I wanted to see how each storyline would connect.
Some characters really stand out. Henry, the 99-year-old songwriter, is unforgettable—his lifelong devotion to Celeste is about as romantic as it gets. Then there’s Jackson, a former rock star, and Julia, who is terminally ill—their story is both beautiful and deeply emotional. It’s the kind of storyline that stays with you.
I also appreciated that the book goes beyond romance. The relationship between Julia and her daughter Piper adds another layer, bringing in themes of family and connection. And throughout the novel, there’s a strong thread of women making difficult, life-changing choices, which gives the story a sense of growth and empowerment.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, fast-paced read that balances multiple storylines without losing its emotional impact.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Firstly, thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for my complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow all the different characters given the varying point of views and names to keep track of. I immediately sympathized with many of the characters and was pulled into their lives, rooting for them to find a way to overcome their struggles.
It was sweet to see how their lives intersected. It reminded me of how everyone we cross paths with is living a different life with different scenarios and facing their own struggles. It was interesting to see it highlighted in this story given all the character connections. For example, a group of women is having a divorce party at a table across from a mother and daughter who are relishing in their last trip together while the divorced woman wishes she could be young again like the daughter without a clue about how grief-stricken the young girl is.
It was also heartwarming to see people in the later phases of life figure out their identities and dreams like they're still works in progress even after a few decades of living. I found it oddly comforting.
Overall, this story weaves together several messy, authentic storylines that are beautifully different, yet similar and connected.
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow all the different characters given the varying point of views and names to keep track of. I immediately sympathized with many of the characters and was pulled into their lives, rooting for them to find a way to overcome their struggles.
It was sweet to see how their lives intersected. It reminded me of how everyone we cross paths with is living a different life with different scenarios and facing their own struggles. It was interesting to see it highlighted in this story given all the character connections. For example, a group of women is having a divorce party at a table across from a mother and daughter who are relishing in their last trip together while the divorced woman wishes she could be young again like the daughter without a clue about how grief-stricken the young girl is.
It was also heartwarming to see people in the later phases of life figure out their identities and dreams like they're still works in progress even after a few decades of living. I found it oddly comforting.
Overall, this story weaves together several messy, authentic storylines that are beautifully different, yet similar and connected.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Meet Me In Paris proved to be a deeply moving and emotionally resonant novel, marking my first experience reading a work by the talented Kristin Harmel. From the very first chapter, I was captivated by her storytelling and the rich, layered narrative she wove together.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the structural choice to utilize multiple points of view. These distinct voices, each dealing with their own struggles and heartbreaks, slowly and beautifully intertwine as the story progresses. This technique not only adds depth and complexity to the overall plot but also allows the reader to connect intimately with the inner lives and motivations of several key characters. Harmel masterfully manages the transition between these perspectives, ensuring that the momentum never lags and the sense of discovery is constantly renewed.
The setting itself, the incomparable city of Paris, becomes almost a character in its own right. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, the Parisian backdrop provides the perfect ambiance for a tale steeped in both profound loss and the hesitant, exhilarating rediscovery of love.
My sincere thanks go to #NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this truly exceptional book.
#meetmeinparis #kristinharmel
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the structural choice to utilize multiple points of view. These distinct voices, each dealing with their own struggles and heartbreaks, slowly and beautifully intertwine as the story progresses. This technique not only adds depth and complexity to the overall plot but also allows the reader to connect intimately with the inner lives and motivations of several key characters. Harmel masterfully manages the transition between these perspectives, ensuring that the momentum never lags and the sense of discovery is constantly renewed.
The setting itself, the incomparable city of Paris, becomes almost a character in its own right. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, the Parisian backdrop provides the perfect ambiance for a tale steeped in both profound loss and the hesitant, exhilarating rediscovery of love.
My sincere thanks go to #NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this truly exceptional book.
#meetmeinparis #kristinharmel
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