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Meet Me in Paris
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26
Kristin Harmel, the New York Times bestselling author who “is the best there is at sweeping historical drama” (Kelly Harms, author of The Seven Day Switch), returns with a captivating new novel about several intertwined stories of love, loss, courage, and redemption set over the course of one magical week in Paris.
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.
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.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 4, 2026
21 people are currently reading
27451 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Harmel
28 books16.5k 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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Want to read
November 14, 2025Want To Read~ That is Definitely an Understatement. I Want this Book This Very Second, so I can Mark it Currently Reading 🩵🩵🩵 Already Checked NetGalley and Not Listed Yet.
So, Very Excited About This One 🩵 Love Kristin Harmel and All Her Books. Guess, she forgot She Hired me as Her New Research Assistant and I will be Traveling with Her and Doing any Task Asked. Well, That I Made Up of Course, but I absolutely Must See her on Tour This Year. It did not work out last year and tried really hard.
If I can Somehow Meet the Fab 4 Together, think I will just Faint. Their FB Group, Friends and Fiction Started so Small during Covid and was so great listening to them and having an Author Every Wednesday Night. That still is going on. That is How I Started Going to Meet Authors. Before, had No Idea One Could and Kristy Woodson Harvey was my First Fun Travel to Asheville and her Book included Biltmore. I had so much Fun. Met a Lasting Friend Through This. Kristy probably remembers me since I made her Sign about 8 Veil Pictures. The Hendersonville Library gave me her Book Free. She was Incredibly Nice and Still am Thankful, as my Mom was Ill and only time in 4 Years I could travel.
Kristin, Looking Forward to This One, as I do All Your Books.
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau think is my favorite, only because reading the Author’s Notes, know how much of Kristin’s Soul is in this Book. She writes again and Picks Hope, Family, and Love to Pull one Through. 🎀 You Get Through by Going Through and You Did!
So, Very Excited About This One 🩵 Love Kristin Harmel and All Her Books. Guess, she forgot She Hired me as Her New Research Assistant and I will be Traveling with Her and Doing any Task Asked. Well, That I Made Up of Course, but I absolutely Must See her on Tour This Year. It did not work out last year and tried really hard.
If I can Somehow Meet the Fab 4 Together, think I will just Faint. Their FB Group, Friends and Fiction Started so Small during Covid and was so great listening to them and having an Author Every Wednesday Night. That still is going on. That is How I Started Going to Meet Authors. Before, had No Idea One Could and Kristy Woodson Harvey was my First Fun Travel to Asheville and her Book included Biltmore. I had so much Fun. Met a Lasting Friend Through This. Kristy probably remembers me since I made her Sign about 8 Veil Pictures. The Hendersonville Library gave me her Book Free. She was Incredibly Nice and Still am Thankful, as my Mom was Ill and only time in 4 Years I could travel.
Kristin, Looking Forward to This One, as I do All Your Books.
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau think is my favorite, only because reading the Author’s Notes, know how much of Kristin’s Soul is in this Book. She writes again and Picks Hope, Family, and Love to Pull one Through. 🎀 You Get Through by Going Through and You Did!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to read and preview Meet Me in Paris.
Kristin Harmel is consistently a five-star author for me, and this novel is no exception in terms of beautiful writing, emotional depth, and heart. The only reason I ultimately rated it four stars was the sheer number of storylines woven throughout the book.
That said, this was still a wonderfully written, hopeful, and inspiring story that came together beautifully by the end. It held my attention from start to finish, and I’m genuinely sad it’s over. Harmel has a gift for crafting stories that linger long after the final page.
Henry and Celeste completely stole my heart, and the glimmer of memory at the end brought tears to my eyes. A truly moving read that reminds you of love, resilience, and the power of remembering.
Highly recommend for fans of Kristin Harmel or just stories with emotional depth and heart.
Kristin Harmel is consistently a five-star author for me, and this novel is no exception in terms of beautiful writing, emotional depth, and heart. The only reason I ultimately rated it four stars was the sheer number of storylines woven throughout the book.
That said, this was still a wonderfully written, hopeful, and inspiring story that came together beautifully by the end. It held my attention from start to finish, and I’m genuinely sad it’s over. Harmel has a gift for crafting stories that linger long after the final page.
Henry and Celeste completely stole my heart, and the glimmer of memory at the end brought tears to my eyes. A truly moving read that reminds you of love, resilience, and the power of remembering.
Highly recommend for fans of Kristin Harmel or just stories with emotional depth and heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I swear NetGalley saw it was my birthday and sent me this ARC as their present. Yes, I spent most of yesterday and last night reading it. Due to come out in July. WORTH the wait, though it's not Historical Fiction, FYI.
Julia, a mother who has a terminal illness, has brought her 20-something daughter Piper to Paris for the first time to make some lasting memories in the City of Love.
In a very short time, they meet Americans searching for lost love and relationships. Some will find what they are searching for, and some will find heartbreaking results. The story takes place in a very short time, and a lot of emotion, activities take place and characters are introduced. Too many characters perhaps for one book.
What a beautiful storyline with such emotional depth. Someone should be calling Netflix if they haven't already.
As mentioned above, special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for my special birthday ARC in exchange for and honest review.
📖 Sandy 🎂
Julia, a mother who has a terminal illness, has brought her 20-something daughter Piper to Paris for the first time to make some lasting memories in the City of Love.
In a very short time, they meet Americans searching for lost love and relationships. Some will find what they are searching for, and some will find heartbreaking results. The story takes place in a very short time, and a lot of emotion, activities take place and characters are introduced. Too many characters perhaps for one book.
What a beautiful storyline with such emotional depth. Someone should be calling Netflix if they haven't already.
As mentioned above, special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for my special birthday ARC in exchange for and honest review.
📖 Sandy 🎂
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel is a stunning, deeply human story about love in all its many forms.
This book is beautifully written, and I truly believe there’s at least one character here that every reader will see themselves in. From the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter, to new love, lost love (and love found again), to friendships that bloom in the most unexpected and beautiful ways — and even self-love in its most vulnerable, tender moments — every page feels emotionally rich and honest.
All of this unfolds against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, which only adds to the magic. And yes… I ugly cried through the final stretch of this book — in the very best way.
A gorgeous, heartfelt story about what it means to be human, and what it means to love. I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is beautifully written, and I truly believe there’s at least one character here that every reader will see themselves in. From the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter, to new love, lost love (and love found again), to friendships that bloom in the most unexpected and beautiful ways — and even self-love in its most vulnerable, tender moments — every page feels emotionally rich and honest.
All of this unfolds against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, which only adds to the magic. And yes… I ugly cried through the final stretch of this book — in the very best way.
A gorgeous, heartfelt story about what it means to be human, and what it means to love. I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Kristen Harmel’s books, and this is my first of hers that isn’t historical fiction. She always does a wonderful job making the setting come alive, and I was picturing so many of the spots in Paris that I’ve seen as I read. One of my favorite things about her writing is how she creates characters you genuinely love and want to get to know.
I loved the premise of seven Americans all coming to Paris and how much can unfold in just three days. Insta-love is never really for me, but I was able to look past that ( especially with Julia's storyline) because of how great the characterizations were. I especially loved the theme of choosing your happiness that she wove through all of the characters’ journeys. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I loved the premise of seven Americans all coming to Paris and how much can unfold in just three days. Insta-love is never really for me, but I was able to look past that ( especially with Julia's storyline) because of how great the characterizations were. I especially loved the theme of choosing your happiness that she wove through all of the characters’ journeys. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WOW! Kristin Harmel usually writes Historical fiction, but when I saw that she had a new romance book being release in the summer of 2026…I checked NetGalley to see if I could get my hands on it early. I am sooo glad I did! This was a wonderful book, set in Paris, set with intertwined stories of love, loss, grief, friendship, and fighting for yourself and your own happiness. You can’t help but fall in love with all nine main characters and see yourself in their stories. Harmel’s descriptions of the week in Paris have you feeling like you are walking down the streets with them. You will laugh, cry, and even yell out loud while reading this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. This is one you will not want to skip!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel is a heartfelt story that brings together many intertwined lives, bound by grief, friendship, love, and hope.
The novel follows multiple men and women across timelines, and while there are a lot of storylines, each one is genuinely compelling. The author has a gift for making every character feel emotionally grounded, even when the narrative is juggling a lot at once. You’re constantly invested, even as the connections slowly unfold.
There are moments where I did find myself wishing a couple of the women had discovered their inner backbone a little earlier. Watching capable, intelligent characters stay quiet when you just want them to say the thing can be mildly agitating. And there’s some instant-love energy sprinkled throughout—but neither takes away from the emotional pull of the story.
Ultimately, this is Kristin Harmel doing what she does best: telling rich, emotional stories that linger long after the last page. She remains one of my favorite authors, and this novel is another reminder of why.
The novel follows multiple men and women across timelines, and while there are a lot of storylines, each one is genuinely compelling. The author has a gift for making every character feel emotionally grounded, even when the narrative is juggling a lot at once. You’re constantly invested, even as the connections slowly unfold.
There are moments where I did find myself wishing a couple of the women had discovered their inner backbone a little earlier. Watching capable, intelligent characters stay quiet when you just want them to say the thing can be mildly agitating. And there’s some instant-love energy sprinkled throughout—but neither takes away from the emotional pull of the story.
Ultimately, this is Kristin Harmel doing what she does best: telling rich, emotional stories that linger long after the last page. She remains one of my favorite authors, and this novel is another reminder of why.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a wonderful book! Several different love stories, all in Paris, seemingly separate, but connected in unforeseen ways. We start with Julia, a middle aged mom who has months to live. This last trip to Paris is her chance to create memories with her daughter, Piper, for when she’s gone. There’s a rock star from decades ago, Jackson. His upcoming concern in Paris is a chance to kickstart his career. And Henry…he’s come to Paris to reconnect with the love of his life who he believed was lost forever all those years ago. His granddaughter Melody has problems of her own as she deals with her cheating husband. These are just a few of the stories you’ll find. Each one is an intriguing tale of its own but even more so when you realize how the author has woven them together. Another great one from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The author uses many intertwined love stories to tell her love story of Paris. Her writing quickly engages your interest with all the characters and their individual lives. She writes about all kinds of love and how it takes hold of their being. Friendships and love predominantly rule this story with the most important result being the realization that you need to take hold of your life and discover who you really are and what it takes to make you truly happy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced eGalley. All opinions expressed are my own. #MeetMeInParis #KristinHarmel #GalleryBooks #NetGallery
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced eGalley. All opinions expressed are my own. #MeetMeInParis #KristinHarmel #GalleryBooks #NetGallery
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meet me in Paris by Kristin Harmel!! This book from start to finish was so great! So beautifully written. 9 Americans are in Paris on vacation, as their lives intertwine. Each story is so beautiful. I loved the way she tells each story and how they come together. I wasn’t ready for it to end. The mother and daughter , the rock star , the divorce party, the Vietnam veterans, songwriter with lost love, nurse looking for more with her father. Kristin Harmel is one of my favorite authors and she has done it again with this one. I highly recommend this book. Thanks you Kristin Harmel, a NetGalley and Galley books for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meet Me in Paris was incredible! I didn’t expect to get so attached to so many characters so quickly, but Kristin Harmel somehow makes it work. The way all these love stories overlap over one week in Paris is really beautiful, and each one has a totally different emotional vibe…romantic, heartbreaking, hopeful, and nostalgic. This book made me feel joy, grief, longing, and that bittersweet ache you get when something is ending but still meaningful. It’s immersive, emotional, and perfect if you love historical fiction!
January 18, 2026
A special thank you goes out to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Oh my heart! This book was absolutely beautiful! Harmel intertwined seven different love stories all set in Paris. This book is full of love and hope, with moments of grief that feel real and relatable. It’s about choosing happiness, even when it’s hard, and having the courage to figure out who you are along the way. This book is going to stay with me for a long time! I would LOVE to see this made into a movie!
Oh my heart! This book was absolutely beautiful! Harmel intertwined seven different love stories all set in Paris. This book is full of love and hope, with moments of grief that feel real and relatable. It’s about choosing happiness, even when it’s hard, and having the courage to figure out who you are along the way. This book is going to stay with me for a long time! I would LOVE to see this made into a movie!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was not my favorite by this author. It felt like work to keep the various storylines straight. Because there were so many, some felt superficial. I would have preferred to go deeper with fewer. I loved Julia's poignant story and those feelings--around leaving her daughter but also around not enough time for new love--were so well written. To be fair, the author's note referenced Love Actually. I've never seen Love Actually, so maybe this interconnecting model would have made more sense if I had.
I’d give it 3.5 stars
I was provided an advance copy of this book on Netgalley.
I’d give it 3.5 stars
I was provided an advance copy of this book on Netgalley.
Read
January 8, 2026In the end notes, the author says she wanted to write a "Love Actually" type story set in her beloved city of Paris. I would say she succeeded. There are seven (or so) intertwined stories of love whose next chapter is revealed during a week in Paris. There are endings and beginnings and some in-betweens. A recent trip to Paris gave me extra appreciation for the setting of this fun plane/beach read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Kristin Harmel's historical fiction books so I jumped at the chance to read her latest which is inspired by the movie Love Actually. She nailed it! The stories of all of the characters wove together in a way that just worked. And now I want to go to Paris and I could plan an itinerary from this book. She describes Paris beautifully and proves why it is called the City of Love and Lights.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy!
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was one that took me awhile to read because I couldn’t keep all the story lines straight; however, I’m glad I forced myself to finish it. I think there are moments in the book that we all need to hear. I also think in light of what’s going on in America right now there are some quotes I’d love to post! Hopefully I’ll remember to go back when it’s published to post some quotes on foreigners and the importance they bring!
Thanks to the publisher, author and Net Galley for this arc.
Thanks to the publisher, author and Net Galley for this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meet Me in Paris Kristen Harmel's newest book is wonderful and all about love. Love at first sight, love that brings cultures together, love at long last, love when you think there is no more time for love, and love when you realize that you are worth it. Read the book and enjoy all of the characters and their stories - I certainly did!
January 25, 2026
Happy to get an advanced copy of Meet Me in Paris. I liked the intertwining stories and all things Paris. The writing was not great though. The interactions and dialogue were stilted and choppy. The way things were worded made this book really tedious to read. It felt more like a report than a story. Take it or leave it. It was just ok.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brilliant! This might just be Kristin Harmel's best book yet, which is hard to do. So so good!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another wonderful book! I love the different storylines in this book and how they all intertwined. It made me cry! Highly recommend
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.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews