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Karácsony Párizsban
Egy romos párizsi hotelből karácsonyig varázslatos butikszállót csinálni? Nem mindenki így képzeli el az ünnepi hangolódást...
Anaist a válása után alaposan kisemmizi a férje, csupán egy lepusztult, használaton kívüli kis hotelt enged át neki nagylelkűen, amire annak idején amúgy is a nő vett fel jelzáloghitelt. Anaisnak nincs más választása, mint beköltözni vagány unokahúgával, Manonnal, és egészen minimális megtakarításaiból valahogy kreatívan felújítani a szállót, és karácsonyra legalább néhány szobát kinyitni, mielőtt a pénze végleg elfogy.
Ahogy az lenni szokott, a felújítások megkezdésével sorra érik a meglepetések, és az első adandó alkalommal betoppan Noah is, a mogorva amerikai bárszomszéd, aki természetesen mindenbe beleüti az orrát. Ráadásul egy aprócska baleset során kiderül: a hotel falai között titokzatos szoba rejlik, ahol szép lassan egy százéves szerelmi történet tárul fel előttük.
Rebecca Raisin újabb szívmelengető karácsonyi története a téli Párizs ünnepi fényárban úszó romantikus utcáin játszódik, és éppolyan varázslatos hangulatot teremt, mint előző regénye, a Flora karácsonyi boltocskája.
Anaist a válása után alaposan kisemmizi a férje, csupán egy lepusztult, használaton kívüli kis hotelt enged át neki nagylelkűen, amire annak idején amúgy is a nő vett fel jelzáloghitelt. Anaisnak nincs más választása, mint beköltözni vagány unokahúgával, Manonnal, és egészen minimális megtakarításaiból valahogy kreatívan felújítani a szállót, és karácsonyra legalább néhány szobát kinyitni, mielőtt a pénze végleg elfogy.
Ahogy az lenni szokott, a felújítások megkezdésével sorra érik a meglepetések, és az első adandó alkalommal betoppan Noah is, a mogorva amerikai bárszomszéd, aki természetesen mindenbe beleüti az orrát. Ráadásul egy aprócska baleset során kiderül: a hotel falai között titokzatos szoba rejlik, ahol szép lassan egy százéves szerelmi történet tárul fel előttük.
Rebecca Raisin újabb szívmelengető karácsonyi története a téli Párizs ünnepi fényárban úszó romantikus utcáin játszódik, és éppolyan varázslatos hangulatot teremt, mint előző regénye, a Flora karácsonyi boltocskája.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews
October 5, 2024
EXCERPT: 1 November
Opposite the Jardin du Luxembourg, on Rue de Vaugirard, you’ll find the world’s ugliest hotel. My hotel. Even the stunning Gothic architecture can’t distract from the level of disrepair evident through the window. If I squint hard, I can envisage what it will be like with a little TLC and a whole lot of euros.
Or is that just wishful thinking?
'Spoils of le divorce,' my younger cousin Manon says. Only two years separates us, but at times it feels more like decades, as if I'm ancient at thirty-eight compared to my freewheeling family member. Manon doesn't take life as seriously as I do, and I envy her ability to not give a damn whenever she comes to a fork in the road.
I let out a theatrical sigh. 'It's a disaster. An unmitigated disaster.' Not only did I lose my husband Francois-Xavier, but I also lost in the divorce proceedings and wound up with this eyesore as part of the settlement.
ABOUT 'CHRISTMAS AT THE LITTLE PARIS HOTEL': Turn a tumbledown Paris hotel into a perfect boutique, bookish retreat, and have it open for Christmas? What could possibly go wrong? When Anais receives a near-derelict Paris hotel in her divorce settlement, her first thought is to tidy it up and sell it immediately. All she wants is to move on and forget her disaster of a marriage ever happened.
But selling it proves impossible, so she has only one chance to make it gorgeous and open by Christmas… when her funds will almost certainly run out.
She’s not counting on the grumpy American bar-owner next door, Noah, coming and interfering at every moment though. Nor is she expecting to find a mysterious room – which holds the key to a one-hundred-year-old secret – about a woman who chose love against the odds.
One thing’s for sure… as the fairy lights twinkle all over the city of lights and the first snowflakes start to fall… this will be a Christmas in Paris to remember.
MY THOUGHTS: A fun story about a rom-com writer with a broken heart who gets fleeced for her earnings in a divorce settlement and gets a run-down hotel in the 6th Arondissement, complete with a grumpy neighbor, in exchange. I was entertained throughout.
Manon, the main character's cousin, almost steals the show with her zany personality and off the wall ideas for renovating the hotel. She can see the sparks that fly between Anais and Noah and takes every opportunity to throw them together. As far as Anais is concerned, the last thing she needs right now is a bossy, grumpy, opinionated man in her life, even if he is drop-dead gorgeous!
Battling dwindling finances and a looming deadline for the manuscript of her next book, of which she has not written one word, Anais is under a lot of pressure.
I really liked the characters in Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. They sparked off one another, were realistic and entertaining. The plot includes a little mystery with the discovery of two more suites in the hotel than there are meant to be; one of which looks like the occupant walked out of it a hundred years ago leaving everything behind, the other locked.
I loved the idea of a book themed hotel, with the rooms named after novels and a complimentary book by the same title gifted on arrival.
There is so much to like about Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. It is a fun and heartwarming read with great characters and an inspired plot. The Parisian Christmas markets are the icing on the cake!
I haven't previously read anything by this author, but I am looking forward to reading more books by her.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#ChristmasattheLittleParisHotel #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She’s been published in various short story anthologies and in in fiction magazines, and is now focusing on writing romance.
Rebecca Raisin writes characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love.
DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading with listening to Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. Both were equally pleasurable, and I enjoyed Harrie Dobby's narration.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel was published September 17, 2024.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Opposite the Jardin du Luxembourg, on Rue de Vaugirard, you’ll find the world’s ugliest hotel. My hotel. Even the stunning Gothic architecture can’t distract from the level of disrepair evident through the window. If I squint hard, I can envisage what it will be like with a little TLC and a whole lot of euros.
Or is that just wishful thinking?
'Spoils of le divorce,' my younger cousin Manon says. Only two years separates us, but at times it feels more like decades, as if I'm ancient at thirty-eight compared to my freewheeling family member. Manon doesn't take life as seriously as I do, and I envy her ability to not give a damn whenever she comes to a fork in the road.
I let out a theatrical sigh. 'It's a disaster. An unmitigated disaster.' Not only did I lose my husband Francois-Xavier, but I also lost in the divorce proceedings and wound up with this eyesore as part of the settlement.
ABOUT 'CHRISTMAS AT THE LITTLE PARIS HOTEL': Turn a tumbledown Paris hotel into a perfect boutique, bookish retreat, and have it open for Christmas? What could possibly go wrong? When Anais receives a near-derelict Paris hotel in her divorce settlement, her first thought is to tidy it up and sell it immediately. All she wants is to move on and forget her disaster of a marriage ever happened.
But selling it proves impossible, so she has only one chance to make it gorgeous and open by Christmas… when her funds will almost certainly run out.
She’s not counting on the grumpy American bar-owner next door, Noah, coming and interfering at every moment though. Nor is she expecting to find a mysterious room – which holds the key to a one-hundred-year-old secret – about a woman who chose love against the odds.
One thing’s for sure… as the fairy lights twinkle all over the city of lights and the first snowflakes start to fall… this will be a Christmas in Paris to remember.
MY THOUGHTS: A fun story about a rom-com writer with a broken heart who gets fleeced for her earnings in a divorce settlement and gets a run-down hotel in the 6th Arondissement, complete with a grumpy neighbor, in exchange. I was entertained throughout.
Manon, the main character's cousin, almost steals the show with her zany personality and off the wall ideas for renovating the hotel. She can see the sparks that fly between Anais and Noah and takes every opportunity to throw them together. As far as Anais is concerned, the last thing she needs right now is a bossy, grumpy, opinionated man in her life, even if he is drop-dead gorgeous!
Battling dwindling finances and a looming deadline for the manuscript of her next book, of which she has not written one word, Anais is under a lot of pressure.
I really liked the characters in Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. They sparked off one another, were realistic and entertaining. The plot includes a little mystery with the discovery of two more suites in the hotel than there are meant to be; one of which looks like the occupant walked out of it a hundred years ago leaving everything behind, the other locked.
I loved the idea of a book themed hotel, with the rooms named after novels and a complimentary book by the same title gifted on arrival.
There is so much to like about Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. It is a fun and heartwarming read with great characters and an inspired plot. The Parisian Christmas markets are the icing on the cake!
I haven't previously read anything by this author, but I am looking forward to reading more books by her.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#ChristmasattheLittleParisHotel #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She’s been published in various short story anthologies and in in fiction magazines, and is now focusing on writing romance.
Rebecca Raisin writes characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love.
DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
I combined reading with listening to Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. Both were equally pleasurable, and I enjoyed Harrie Dobby's narration.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel was published September 17, 2024.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 12, 2025
This was a nice Christmas read. I loved spending Christmas in Paris with these two crazy cousins.
January 15, 2025
It's really a 4.5 stars from me. This was a really great story! What is uncovered at the Secret Library Hotel is really possible and makes you wonder. 🤔 This was a great one to listen to on audio with the narrator's French accent. It made the story even more beautiful.
August 7, 2024
What an enchanting novel for book lovers and writers! I absolutely LOVED Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. Everything about this story charmed and inspired me. I enjoyed chasing the literary mystery of the secret library and unknown author from page to page. The characters were distinct and delivered a good portion of humour, wit and wisdom. I was mesmerised and pulled into the gorgeous descriptions of Paris—particularly the lovely lead up to the city’s activities and appearance towards Christmas. This is such a well-written fun and festive story and I was so immersed in it, the world outside my imagination just rolled on by unnoticed.
Anais acquires a rundown hotel in her divorce settlement. Her ex-husband who has cheated on her and cleaned out her funds, trades off the old Paris Hotel they purchased for their fancy apartment. It would appear on the surface she got the short end of the stick but we soon see that this is not the case at all. Yes, she has to pour a cart load of money into remodelling it, but once it is up and running, she plans to quickly sell to recoup her money. She has no experience in running a hotel. She is a best seller romance writer and must now write a Christmas novel. But she's struggling after dealing with betrayal and all the work she must focus on in getting the place ship shape and ready for a Christmas opening. With cousin Manon’s help, though, and some tradesmen and good friends, they pull the place together. Her writing, though, is another story. What will spark her ideas and get the magic words flowing again?
I love that this novel focuses on books - the endless mentions of literature and excitement shopping for special copies to fill Anais’ guest library. There are lots of literary references delivered between Anais (a romance author) and Noah ( a literary scholar and critic / pub owner). Plus we get to see so many true aspects of a writer’s life: complete with writer’s block that can be caused by emotional upsets, procrastination on getting a story written, killing darlings during the editing process, stressing over pressing deadlines, and being inspired when you get lost in the zone and forget the hours that seem to whip by! Of course, there is Margaret the literary agent who keeps pulling Anais back into reality. She is a mover and shaker with lots of zing!
As for the topic of Christmas, initially I did not think about it so much at the start of the novel. I was too focused on wondering about Anais after her divorce and how she was going to manage the old hotel. But then little sprinkles of holiday magic kept appearing in my vision until gradually the increase in festivities (like the countdown dates at the start of the chapters) made me more aware of the season. One of the joys for me is the priceless gift Anais finds hidden in her hotel that has the potential to rock the literary world: a very special manuscript written by an even more special author. This intriguing mystery was so much fun to unravel that I was glued to all activity relating to it.
The mystery serves a ‘romantic relationship’ purpose, too. It draws Anais and Noah into a peaceful truce. Allows them to get to know each other and solve the book author mystery together. They have more in common than they think: including a past broken relationship.
As mentioned, there are some great characters both likeable and unlikeable. Cousin Manon is a strong, feisty woman who becomes a great asset to Anais. The ex-husband was easily disliked for his arrogance and bad behaviour. Noah is a charm, (after his initial grumpiness!) full of literary knowledge and a pleasant surprise in many areas. Anais is a lot of fun to follow through her writing and mystery solving adventures. She has a passion for preserving history and is dedicated to her vision of completing the hotel project despite all the challenges she faced. Her literature focus ideas for the hotel are brilliant and any bookworm would love to stay there for a holiday! I was glad to see her relieved of her horrible ex-husband and happy that she found love again with someone who shared many of her interests.
All in all this was a riveting, fun and mesmerising plot and I loved every second of it. There are some lovely Parisian Christmas scenes that will put a sparkle in your day but this novel can be read any time of year as the mystery to me was the main focus which centred around the wonderful world of books and those who write them. And, of course, there are a number of special romances in there, too! 5 Glorious Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Anais acquires a rundown hotel in her divorce settlement. Her ex-husband who has cheated on her and cleaned out her funds, trades off the old Paris Hotel they purchased for their fancy apartment. It would appear on the surface she got the short end of the stick but we soon see that this is not the case at all. Yes, she has to pour a cart load of money into remodelling it, but once it is up and running, she plans to quickly sell to recoup her money. She has no experience in running a hotel. She is a best seller romance writer and must now write a Christmas novel. But she's struggling after dealing with betrayal and all the work she must focus on in getting the place ship shape and ready for a Christmas opening. With cousin Manon’s help, though, and some tradesmen and good friends, they pull the place together. Her writing, though, is another story. What will spark her ideas and get the magic words flowing again?
I love that this novel focuses on books - the endless mentions of literature and excitement shopping for special copies to fill Anais’ guest library. There are lots of literary references delivered between Anais (a romance author) and Noah ( a literary scholar and critic / pub owner). Plus we get to see so many true aspects of a writer’s life: complete with writer’s block that can be caused by emotional upsets, procrastination on getting a story written, killing darlings during the editing process, stressing over pressing deadlines, and being inspired when you get lost in the zone and forget the hours that seem to whip by! Of course, there is Margaret the literary agent who keeps pulling Anais back into reality. She is a mover and shaker with lots of zing!
As for the topic of Christmas, initially I did not think about it so much at the start of the novel. I was too focused on wondering about Anais after her divorce and how she was going to manage the old hotel. But then little sprinkles of holiday magic kept appearing in my vision until gradually the increase in festivities (like the countdown dates at the start of the chapters) made me more aware of the season. One of the joys for me is the priceless gift Anais finds hidden in her hotel that has the potential to rock the literary world: a very special manuscript written by an even more special author. This intriguing mystery was so much fun to unravel that I was glued to all activity relating to it.
The mystery serves a ‘romantic relationship’ purpose, too. It draws Anais and Noah into a peaceful truce. Allows them to get to know each other and solve the book author mystery together. They have more in common than they think: including a past broken relationship.
As mentioned, there are some great characters both likeable and unlikeable. Cousin Manon is a strong, feisty woman who becomes a great asset to Anais. The ex-husband was easily disliked for his arrogance and bad behaviour. Noah is a charm, (after his initial grumpiness!) full of literary knowledge and a pleasant surprise in many areas. Anais is a lot of fun to follow through her writing and mystery solving adventures. She has a passion for preserving history and is dedicated to her vision of completing the hotel project despite all the challenges she faced. Her literature focus ideas for the hotel are brilliant and any bookworm would love to stay there for a holiday! I was glad to see her relieved of her horrible ex-husband and happy that she found love again with someone who shared many of her interests.
All in all this was a riveting, fun and mesmerising plot and I loved every second of it. There are some lovely Parisian Christmas scenes that will put a sparkle in your day but this novel can be read any time of year as the mystery to me was the main focus which centred around the wonderful world of books and those who write them. And, of course, there are a number of special romances in there, too! 5 Glorious Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
December 11, 2024
THE GOOD:
Lovely descriptions of Paris, Parisian Christmas markets, and unique French foods and holiday treats.
Mostly clean fiction, with little vulgarity or steamy scenes, and a happy/ending tale.
The hotel Anais and Manon renovate sounds absolutely amazing! I kinda wanna go there, if only it were real - super cool.
Some lovely quotes are shared, such as this one from Zelda Fitzgerald: Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the human heart can hold.
THE BAD:
While our heroine Anais has a legitimate reason to spurn men and be cautious regarding romantic interests, the man-hating is just too much. Several uses of the so-called words mansplaining” and “manterrupting”, and “himpathy”(say what?). Anais has
a constant chip on the shoulder. She’s aggressively irritated about supposed unsolicited advice “to women”. A couple mentions of “privileged men in publishing”. (Really? Have you bern to a bookstore recently? There are almost no male authors being published currently.) Her cousin Manon takes down a full-grown, healthy, attractive man with her jiu-jitsu moves (I don’t think so 🙄).
On the romance for Anais, I just didn’t see it. The chemistry that was supposed to be there in Anais and Noah’s arguments just wasn’t showing up to me. It was as if all of a sudden now they’re into each other? Didn’t buy it.
There’s a story point about a man who enjoys reading romantic comedies. (To paraphrase the movie The Ugly Truth, “Is this a real man we’re talking about? A strait man?”)
For those who prefer clean and traditional fiction, note there is a same-sex relationship that makes up a significant plot point. Also, a narrative around one of the early female writers of erotica.
CONCLUSION:
A bibliophile’s dream of a Christmas romance novel, if you can overlook the flaws.
Lovely descriptions of Paris, Parisian Christmas markets, and unique French foods and holiday treats.
Mostly clean fiction, with little vulgarity or steamy scenes, and a happy/ending tale.
The hotel Anais and Manon renovate sounds absolutely amazing! I kinda wanna go there, if only it were real - super cool.
Some lovely quotes are shared, such as this one from Zelda Fitzgerald: Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the human heart can hold.
THE BAD:
While our heroine Anais has a legitimate reason to spurn men and be cautious regarding romantic interests, the man-hating is just too much. Several uses of the so-called words mansplaining” and “manterrupting”, and “himpathy”(say what?). Anais has
a constant chip on the shoulder. She’s aggressively irritated about supposed unsolicited advice “to women”. A couple mentions of “privileged men in publishing”. (Really? Have you bern to a bookstore recently? There are almost no male authors being published currently.) Her cousin Manon takes down a full-grown, healthy, attractive man with her jiu-jitsu moves (I don’t think so 🙄).
On the romance for Anais, I just didn’t see it. The chemistry that was supposed to be there in Anais and Noah’s arguments just wasn’t showing up to me. It was as if all of a sudden now they’re into each other? Didn’t buy it.
There’s a story point about a man who enjoys reading romantic comedies. (To paraphrase the movie The Ugly Truth, “Is this a real man we’re talking about? A strait man?”)
For those who prefer clean and traditional fiction, note there is a same-sex relationship that makes up a significant plot point. Also, a narrative around one of the early female writers of erotica.
CONCLUSION:
A bibliophile’s dream of a Christmas romance novel, if you can overlook the flaws.
September 22, 2024
Anais owns an hotel that has seen better days. She is hoping that the renovations can be done quickly so she can start earning income. A nice read.
December 18, 2024
…this one was not for me….
Nothing clicked right for me. I couldn’t tell if it was the writing, the characters themselves, or the plot but it just didn’t work.
The only interesting part was what was revealed about the mystery of the room, (without spoiling anything) I probably would have enjoyed it more if the book was about that story and not this HGTV home renovation session
This put me in such a bad reading slump, I only finished it because of book club.
I wanted to not dislike it but ugh😭
Nothing clicked right for me. I couldn’t tell if it was the writing, the characters themselves, or the plot but it just didn’t work.
The only interesting part was what was revealed about the mystery of the room, (without spoiling anything) I probably would have enjoyed it more if the book was about that story and not this HGTV home renovation session
This put me in such a bad reading slump, I only finished it because of book club.
I wanted to not dislike it but ugh😭
August 24, 2024
Forgive me if this review Will be a mess. I loved the atmosphere in this book, it made me want to explore paris during the christmas season, i could really åicture myself there. And the hotel, omg what bookworm would not love it. The characters in this book grew on me, i have to be honest, they irritated me at first. The clumsy one, the mansplaining one, the hurt one. But I am really glad i got to read this book.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
December 3, 2024
If you are looking for a Christmas book this is not it. The title leaves you to believe it is a Christmas theme book. While it is set during Christmas time, it does not give those Christmas vibes. Otherwise I felt like this book was drawn out and very little happened until the last couple chapters. There is a good historical feel, and a semi-fun mystery however it wasn’t presented well. I problem should’ve DNF this book but I hate doing that
November 10, 2025
I have a bit of a troubled history with this author: I was keen to see if it was a case of “third time lucky” but unfortunately, I just could not connect with this narrative.
I was drawn in by the blurb because there are so many elements that appeal: romance, Christmas, Paris and a project to complete. Whilst these are usually aspects that create an enticing read, I found the protagonist to be irritating and the narrative prolonged. Too much talk and not much happening at the start meant I was frustrated by the delays in the story.
Girl meets boy with Anais and her bar-neighbour, Noah. They butt heads a lot of the time, indicating to readers that this will eventually become a romantic match. I enjoyed seeing their sparring against the backdrop of Anais’s hotel renovations. However, I felt the story became complicated with the discovery of a couple of hidden rooms. Here, I thought the story divided into two potential books: the romance with Noah and Anais, versus the historical element of the secret suites. In my opinion, this could have been made into two different books and there was so much potential for a dual-narrative to bring the past alive.
The Paris setting at Christmas was rather delightful and I did get a sense of magic and romance – after all, it is the most romantic city in the world! Raisin demonstrates the constant hum of the season and I enjoyed references to the city and the famous writers that have inhabited here. This reinforced the theme of Anais’s hotel and I thought she was on to a real winner with the literary influences, to the point that I wished it was somewhere real that I could stay at.
However, despite some of the more lovely elements to the story, I did grow bored by this tale. The relationship between the cousins was a bit chaotic that I couldn’t keep up with and I was never fully convinced by the romantic coupling. There were too many storylines going on that I couldn’t commit to and I thought they became lost in the renovations and discoveries in this run-down hotel.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn in by the blurb because there are so many elements that appeal: romance, Christmas, Paris and a project to complete. Whilst these are usually aspects that create an enticing read, I found the protagonist to be irritating and the narrative prolonged. Too much talk and not much happening at the start meant I was frustrated by the delays in the story.
Girl meets boy with Anais and her bar-neighbour, Noah. They butt heads a lot of the time, indicating to readers that this will eventually become a romantic match. I enjoyed seeing their sparring against the backdrop of Anais’s hotel renovations. However, I felt the story became complicated with the discovery of a couple of hidden rooms. Here, I thought the story divided into two potential books: the romance with Noah and Anais, versus the historical element of the secret suites. In my opinion, this could have been made into two different books and there was so much potential for a dual-narrative to bring the past alive.
The Paris setting at Christmas was rather delightful and I did get a sense of magic and romance – after all, it is the most romantic city in the world! Raisin demonstrates the constant hum of the season and I enjoyed references to the city and the famous writers that have inhabited here. This reinforced the theme of Anais’s hotel and I thought she was on to a real winner with the literary influences, to the point that I wished it was somewhere real that I could stay at.
However, despite some of the more lovely elements to the story, I did grow bored by this tale. The relationship between the cousins was a bit chaotic that I couldn’t keep up with and I was never fully convinced by the romantic coupling. There were too many storylines going on that I couldn’t commit to and I thought they became lost in the renovations and discoveries in this run-down hotel.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2024
This is a very silly Christmas themed comedic romance I stayed with because I enjoy Paris.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
March 6, 2025
2.5 Stars.
Excellent writing but the weak FMC and awful supporting cast ruined it for me.
AND… Wait for it…
It’s another “Romance” that is NOT a Romance. It's not even what I'd consider Chick-Lit.
Get it together authors! I've really reached my limit of authors who try to capitalize on the romance genre by categorizing their women's fiction as romance or chick-lit. Stop it.
I am so disappointed with this book because the writing is rather lovely and I do adore my British writers, however, there's the above, which, if you've read any of my reviews, is a pretty big deal for me. I hate the bait and switch. Don't tell me a book is something and give me something different. I HATE THAT. So you lose at least one star just for that. The romance, of which there is virtually none, begins around the 80% mark and there's literally nothing to it. One full star lost for that.
So, the above aside, here's what really got me. WHAT THE ACTUAL F@CK is wrong with the FMC? I mean, we meet her while she is still reeling from a divorce from an absolute cad and learning that the one thing she got in the divorce is a run down, dilapidated hotel in a very desirable area of Paris. Eager to flip it and recoup what her @sshole husband mortgaged it for (with her money, BTW), she moves in with her cousin and begins about the task of cleaning it up.
It's a great premise. I am all about the FMC being the boss lady. I'm also all about kicking the asshat to the curb and taking back what's mine! Praises be to the strong woman. Except that's not what this is. This is a woman who is a doormat, pretending to be a gladiator.
First, let me inform you that the aforementioned cousin, Manon, is a righteous twat. Apparently I am in the minority when it comes to this opinion but hear me out. She's bossy and inconsiderate as her actions demonstrate throughout the novel and the FMC passes this off as being unique. Honey, being a jackass is not unique, trust me, I can provide countless examples. For instance, she "borrows" (without asking) Anais' white cashmere coat (which could not have been cheap) and destroys it. Like irreparably destroys it. Does she apologize? No. No she does not. Does she take any responsibility? Also no. But she's unique so Anais excuses the behavior as her quirky cousin just being her quirky self. Tee-Hee-HEE. How fun it must be to live with such a quirky, fun loving, no responsibility taking asshat.
Moving on. Noah, our MMC, is another jackass from the moment he steps onto the page. He's arrogant, condescending, rude and snobby. Instead of telling Noah to piss off, Anais engages in this stupid tit for tat warfare with him, which is NOT cute, and over the course of the novel finds his behavior to be endearing. I cannot.
There is a really great story under all this unnecessary stupidity. It involves a mysterious set of suites, a forbidden love affair between two women in the 1920's and a secret manuscript. This would have been enough to sustain the story without all the other crap which, IMHO, only detracted from it.
Perhaps this one is just a dud for me. As I mentioned, I did really enjoy the writing so I'm willing to try another book by this author. This one just wasn't for me.
Excellent writing but the weak FMC and awful supporting cast ruined it for me.
AND… Wait for it…
It’s another “Romance” that is NOT a Romance. It's not even what I'd consider Chick-Lit.
Get it together authors! I've really reached my limit of authors who try to capitalize on the romance genre by categorizing their women's fiction as romance or chick-lit. Stop it.
I am so disappointed with this book because the writing is rather lovely and I do adore my British writers, however, there's the above, which, if you've read any of my reviews, is a pretty big deal for me. I hate the bait and switch. Don't tell me a book is something and give me something different. I HATE THAT. So you lose at least one star just for that. The romance, of which there is virtually none, begins around the 80% mark and there's literally nothing to it. One full star lost for that.
So, the above aside, here's what really got me. WHAT THE ACTUAL F@CK is wrong with the FMC? I mean, we meet her while she is still reeling from a divorce from an absolute cad and learning that the one thing she got in the divorce is a run down, dilapidated hotel in a very desirable area of Paris. Eager to flip it and recoup what her @sshole husband mortgaged it for (with her money, BTW), she moves in with her cousin and begins about the task of cleaning it up.
It's a great premise. I am all about the FMC being the boss lady. I'm also all about kicking the asshat to the curb and taking back what's mine! Praises be to the strong woman. Except that's not what this is. This is a woman who is a doormat, pretending to be a gladiator.
First, let me inform you that the aforementioned cousin, Manon, is a righteous twat. Apparently I am in the minority when it comes to this opinion but hear me out. She's bossy and inconsiderate as her actions demonstrate throughout the novel and the FMC passes this off as being unique. Honey, being a jackass is not unique, trust me, I can provide countless examples. For instance, she "borrows" (without asking) Anais' white cashmere coat (which could not have been cheap) and destroys it. Like irreparably destroys it. Does she apologize? No. No she does not. Does she take any responsibility? Also no. But she's unique so Anais excuses the behavior as her quirky cousin just being her quirky self. Tee-Hee-HEE. How fun it must be to live with such a quirky, fun loving, no responsibility taking asshat.
Moving on. Noah, our MMC, is another jackass from the moment he steps onto the page. He's arrogant, condescending, rude and snobby. Instead of telling Noah to piss off, Anais engages in this stupid tit for tat warfare with him, which is NOT cute, and over the course of the novel finds his behavior to be endearing. I cannot.
There is a really great story under all this unnecessary stupidity. It involves a mysterious set of suites, a forbidden love affair between two women in the 1920's and a secret manuscript. This would have been enough to sustain the story without all the other crap which, IMHO, only detracted from it.
Perhaps this one is just a dud for me. As I mentioned, I did really enjoy the writing so I'm willing to try another book by this author. This one just wasn't for me.
December 16, 2024
Well I got my Christmas read in for the year! 🤶
November 22, 2024
I have loved all the books I have read of Rebecca Raisin and this one was no exception though it's a bit different from the ones I have read so far.
Here her female protagonist Anais is older and has just suffered not just a terrible betrayal by her cheating husband but also the loss of her home and money to him. All she's left with is a run-down hotel which she has to refurbish and sell somehow so that she can get on with her life and the romance books she writes. Arriving at the hotel with her cousin Manon, Anais discovers that there is a lot more to do than she imagined but she takes it as a challenge to get the hotel up and running by Christmas. When she finds two secret rooms hidden away behind a wall with evidence of a secret life led there in the 1920s things get more interesting.
This was a feel good book and funny, which is always the case with this author. Anais clashes with Noah, the owner of the literary themed bar next door and judges him rather harshly based on her recent experiences but can't wait to share her theories about the mystery person in the secret rooms who appears to have been literary too.
Manon was the most fun with her quips and exaggeration and her way of encouraging Anais to be with Noah. The book was light on romance but that didn't bother me much.
The development of the hotel as a book themed retreat and the different ideas Anais and Manon implement were a treat to read and I wished I could go and stay there myself. Also, the sights, smells and food of Paris were very tempting especially the cheese and croissants and all the Christmas themed drinks and chocolates.
A good read for this time of year in particular.
Here her female protagonist Anais is older and has just suffered not just a terrible betrayal by her cheating husband but also the loss of her home and money to him. All she's left with is a run-down hotel which she has to refurbish and sell somehow so that she can get on with her life and the romance books she writes. Arriving at the hotel with her cousin Manon, Anais discovers that there is a lot more to do than she imagined but she takes it as a challenge to get the hotel up and running by Christmas. When she finds two secret rooms hidden away behind a wall with evidence of a secret life led there in the 1920s things get more interesting.
This was a feel good book and funny, which is always the case with this author. Anais clashes with Noah, the owner of the literary themed bar next door and judges him rather harshly based on her recent experiences but can't wait to share her theories about the mystery person in the secret rooms who appears to have been literary too.
Manon was the most fun with her quips and exaggeration and her way of encouraging Anais to be with Noah. The book was light on romance but that didn't bother me much.
The development of the hotel as a book themed retreat and the different ideas Anais and Manon implement were a treat to read and I wished I could go and stay there myself. Also, the sights, smells and food of Paris were very tempting especially the cheese and croissants and all the Christmas themed drinks and chocolates.
A good read for this time of year in particular.
December 30, 2024
A warm hug in a book. This one was lovely with lots of descriptions of Paris life and foods.
Renovation of an old, dilapidated Parisian hotel into a new and modern boutique and bookish retreat had all the bookish feels you can imagine. The book also deals with Anais’s writers block after a divorce from a man just a little too charming with the ladies. There is a mystery attached to the hotel, and we get lots of hotel renovation details.
I was drawn into the Paris life and the many literary references as I read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Renovation of an old, dilapidated Parisian hotel into a new and modern boutique and bookish retreat had all the bookish feels you can imagine. The book also deals with Anais’s writers block after a divorce from a man just a little too charming with the ladies. There is a mystery attached to the hotel, and we get lots of hotel renovation details.
I was drawn into the Paris life and the many literary references as I read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 20, 2024
Idk. It’s a cheesy book trying too hard to be serious, and settles on bland. Nothing was interesting, and any plot points were rushed and underdeveloped. Would’ve been better as a short story, this was just way too long.
December 23, 2025
✔ Christmas
✔ Paris
✔ Renovations/interior design
✔ Sprinkle of romance
This had everything I was looking for! Yes, it was a bit cheesey and yes it was fairly predictable, but I really enjoyed this seasonal read during Christmas week 2025.
✔ Paris
✔ Renovations/interior design
✔ Sprinkle of romance
This had everything I was looking for! Yes, it was a bit cheesey and yes it was fairly predictable, but I really enjoyed this seasonal read during Christmas week 2025.
December 19, 2024
Maybe 2.5 stars?
I wanted a lot more from this book. I am actually surprised to see the rating is so high. I think the story would have been a lot more interesting/enjoyable if there were an alternating time-line between Anais and the "secret mystery writer". It seemed like there were too many story lines going on and the focus was primarily on the mundane details of restoring the hotel. The few French words/phrases thrown around in this book made it seem a little cheesy.
I wanted a lot more from this book. I am actually surprised to see the rating is so high. I think the story would have been a lot more interesting/enjoyable if there were an alternating time-line between Anais and the "secret mystery writer". It seemed like there were too many story lines going on and the focus was primarily on the mundane details of restoring the hotel. The few French words/phrases thrown around in this book made it seem a little cheesy.
December 1, 2025
3.6
This had so many good elements what not to like; Paris, literary references, hidden library, Christmas, a deadline, cute and cosy. It definitely had all of that and was a lovely read. The descriptions of Paris really made you feel like you were there.
However, it wasn’t really a romance. The main character split with one jerk and fell in love with someone who was only a little better. I think if the characters were developed a bit more and there was more romance this would have enhanced the book. Also, the way the cousins spoke to each other didn’t feel natural. The pace wasn’t quite right. At the start it felt slow and not natural. Towards the end a few things happened very quickly and were almost brushed over. So I did really like it but I didn’t love it,
This had so many good elements what not to like; Paris, literary references, hidden library, Christmas, a deadline, cute and cosy. It definitely had all of that and was a lovely read. The descriptions of Paris really made you feel like you were there.
However, it wasn’t really a romance. The main character split with one jerk and fell in love with someone who was only a little better. I think if the characters were developed a bit more and there was more romance this would have enhanced the book. Also, the way the cousins spoke to each other didn’t feel natural. The pace wasn’t quite right. At the start it felt slow and not natural. Towards the end a few things happened very quickly and were almost brushed over. So I did really like it but I didn’t love it,
November 22, 2024
A wonderful Christmas book !
September 20, 2024
4.5 Stars
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel is a book about books, renovation of a boutique hotel, and women entrepreneurs.
Anais is awarded ownership of the rundown and vacant Little Paris Hotel as part of a divorce settlement. Anais and her cousin, Manon, dream of turning it into a boutique hotel with a book retreat theme. Even though it’s November, they dream of having it open by Christmas. Pressure! Financial resources, the grouchy, interfering (handsome!) owner of the bar next door, and the writing deadline that Anais is facing complicate their plans. When they discover a secret room, they are inspired by the mystery and change the hotel’s name to The Secret Library Hotel (L’hôtel de la bibliothèque secrète). Will the hotel be ready to open by Christmas?
I enjoyed the thoughtful themes in Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. A few of the most compelling include women entrepreneurs, women supporting women, new beginnings, writers and book nerds, and Christmas spirit. Anais and Manon each enjoy a lovely side of slow-burn romance, but I would not place this in the romance genre because romance is not the main focus of the story (although it is promoted as a rom-com).
Getting the hotel ready for a Christmas opening drives the plot of the story. As the story builds there are mentions of Christmas decorations and customs. We are treated to a satisfying and lovely Christmas scene in the concluding pages.
If you love books set in Paris, you will want to add this story to your TBR. The author treats us to lovely descriptive passages as the characters walk the streets and partake in culinary delights. I could easily picture the boutique hotel with its library and literary themed rooms. You wouldn’t need to twist my arm to stay at L’hôtel de la bibliothèque secrète.
For fans of books about books and writing, there’s a great deal to enjoy here! The characters discuss books, acquire books, and create a library. Anais is a popular women’s fiction writer who is currently experiencing writer’s block and is facing
writing and renovation deadlines.
The meta vibes of a potential slow-burn romance and an author writing a romance is a fun aspect of the story. The handsome bar owner next door definitely inspires her writing! I enjoy some witty banter and I appreciate the author’s light touch in creating amusing dialogue without going “over the top” or resorting to profanity or crude language. In addition, the story is nicely paced.
Even though there are two lovely male characters, I need to note that the author goes a bit overboard with “male bashing” at times (personal opinion). The ex-husband is despicable, so expected some of that, but in other instances the negative comments seem a bit unnecessary and overdone.
Content Consideration: (in the past) toxic relationship and infidelity mentioned
I’m enthusiastically recommending Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel for fans of well-written and engaging women’s fiction featuring a strong, resilient, and determined female character. I think you’ll love the book talk and writing aspects as well. It will be a delightful and entertaining fall or winter read that is not overly Christmassy.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #ChristmasAtTheLittleParisHotel upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel is a book about books, renovation of a boutique hotel, and women entrepreneurs.
Anais is awarded ownership of the rundown and vacant Little Paris Hotel as part of a divorce settlement. Anais and her cousin, Manon, dream of turning it into a boutique hotel with a book retreat theme. Even though it’s November, they dream of having it open by Christmas. Pressure! Financial resources, the grouchy, interfering (handsome!) owner of the bar next door, and the writing deadline that Anais is facing complicate their plans. When they discover a secret room, they are inspired by the mystery and change the hotel’s name to The Secret Library Hotel (L’hôtel de la bibliothèque secrète). Will the hotel be ready to open by Christmas?
I enjoyed the thoughtful themes in Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel. A few of the most compelling include women entrepreneurs, women supporting women, new beginnings, writers and book nerds, and Christmas spirit. Anais and Manon each enjoy a lovely side of slow-burn romance, but I would not place this in the romance genre because romance is not the main focus of the story (although it is promoted as a rom-com).
Getting the hotel ready for a Christmas opening drives the plot of the story. As the story builds there are mentions of Christmas decorations and customs. We are treated to a satisfying and lovely Christmas scene in the concluding pages.
If you love books set in Paris, you will want to add this story to your TBR. The author treats us to lovely descriptive passages as the characters walk the streets and partake in culinary delights. I could easily picture the boutique hotel with its library and literary themed rooms. You wouldn’t need to twist my arm to stay at L’hôtel de la bibliothèque secrète.
For fans of books about books and writing, there’s a great deal to enjoy here! The characters discuss books, acquire books, and create a library. Anais is a popular women’s fiction writer who is currently experiencing writer’s block and is facing
writing and renovation deadlines.
The meta vibes of a potential slow-burn romance and an author writing a romance is a fun aspect of the story. The handsome bar owner next door definitely inspires her writing! I enjoy some witty banter and I appreciate the author’s light touch in creating amusing dialogue without going “over the top” or resorting to profanity or crude language. In addition, the story is nicely paced.
Even though there are two lovely male characters, I need to note that the author goes a bit overboard with “male bashing” at times (personal opinion). The ex-husband is despicable, so expected some of that, but in other instances the negative comments seem a bit unnecessary and overdone.
Content Consideration: (in the past) toxic relationship and infidelity mentioned
I’m enthusiastically recommending Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel for fans of well-written and engaging women’s fiction featuring a strong, resilient, and determined female character. I think you’ll love the book talk and writing aspects as well. It will be a delightful and entertaining fall or winter read that is not overly Christmassy.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #ChristmasAtTheLittleParisHotel upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
September 8, 2024
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book. I have never read a Rebecca Raisin book that I didn’t love. She writes from the heart, and her characters seem more like friends than two dimensional creations. I have read, and enjoyed a previous book of hers, also set in Paris, and I was delighted when an ‘old friend’ from a previous book popped into the Hotel to say hello.
Anais is half French and half English and was brought up in England. Like the Author, Anais is a successful romance writer, however unlike Ms Raisin, Anais was married to a vile French gold digger who took her money and slept around. In the divorce settlement, her ex got the apartment that Anais had paid for! Anais only got a run down and derelict Hotel that her ex had insisted on buying – with Anais’ money of course! Anais, with the help of her cousin Manon, decide the only way to recoup some money is to renovate the hotel and open it by Christmas to customers, and then sell it as a going concern. What they don’t expect to find are two hidden rooms which reveal a one hundred year old secret. They also don’t expect to find love!
Rebecca Raisin is a master of her craft. She can turn an idea into a totally gripping story, where you feel totally invested in both the story and characters. I couldn’t put it down.
Anais is half French and half English and was brought up in England. Like the Author, Anais is a successful romance writer, however unlike Ms Raisin, Anais was married to a vile French gold digger who took her money and slept around. In the divorce settlement, her ex got the apartment that Anais had paid for! Anais only got a run down and derelict Hotel that her ex had insisted on buying – with Anais’ money of course! Anais, with the help of her cousin Manon, decide the only way to recoup some money is to renovate the hotel and open it by Christmas to customers, and then sell it as a going concern. What they don’t expect to find are two hidden rooms which reveal a one hundred year old secret. They also don’t expect to find love!
Rebecca Raisin is a master of her craft. She can turn an idea into a totally gripping story, where you feel totally invested in both the story and characters. I couldn’t put it down.
March 1, 2025
It's always a good time for a heartwarming Christmas read.
Anais is left with a rundown hotel in a bitter divorce. Along with her cousin and bestfriend, Manon, she is going to renovate then sell.
Rebecca Raisin brings Paris to life in this fun and energetic enemies to lovers RomCom.
I loved Manon's hijinks and the introduction of Noah as the meddlesome neighbour, and love interest.
The addition of some widely known French words added to the flavour of the story but didn't need me to move over to Google every five minutes.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel is a heartwarming, slow burn romance with a mystery at its heart. The plot is well executed and I enjoyed the literary lean.
A sweet Christmas story perfect reading for any time of the year.
Anais is left with a rundown hotel in a bitter divorce. Along with her cousin and bestfriend, Manon, she is going to renovate then sell.
Rebecca Raisin brings Paris to life in this fun and energetic enemies to lovers RomCom.
I loved Manon's hijinks and the introduction of Noah as the meddlesome neighbour, and love interest.
The addition of some widely known French words added to the flavour of the story but didn't need me to move over to Google every five minutes.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel is a heartwarming, slow burn romance with a mystery at its heart. The plot is well executed and I enjoyed the literary lean.
A sweet Christmas story perfect reading for any time of the year.
January 28, 2025
I hated every fucking second of this. 😤
It seems like the author has no idea how bad Paris is, so she romanticized every inch of the city to make readers feel all warm and fuzzy. 🥴 Honestly, it didn’t even have that much Xmas going on, and no, I can’t just stop reading a book no matter how bad it is. So, my poor husband had to put up with me ragging about this mess for an entire week. 😅
Luka is salvageable. That’s it. Burn the rest. 🔥
It seems like the author has no idea how bad Paris is, so she romanticized every inch of the city to make readers feel all warm and fuzzy. 🥴 Honestly, it didn’t even have that much Xmas going on, and no, I can’t just stop reading a book no matter how bad it is. So, my poor husband had to put up with me ragging about this mess for an entire week. 😅
Luka is salvageable. That’s it. Burn the rest. 🔥
December 21, 2024
*Book Club Book*
Kinda like the flat elevator in an airport - Kristen (Lovers Book Club)
Kinda like the flat elevator in an airport - Kristen (Lovers Book Club)
December 3, 2024
1.5 stars
I have nothing good to say about it, it was boring and the grand reveal was boring
I have nothing good to say about it, it was boring and the grand reveal was boring
September 18, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I found myself engrossed in story, after Anais’s divorce settlement she embarks on refurbishing a derelict hotel into a bookish retreat. Who wouldn’t want an escape to Paris for Christmas and stay at a boutique hotel that caters to bookworms.
I found the story to be more about finding your way in the world, family, friendship and yes love. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books and wants a feel good read.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found the story to be more about finding your way in the world, family, friendship and yes love. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books and wants a feel good read.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2024
3.5⭐️ This was sweet. It was a creative ode to book lovers in the form of an old Parisian hotel that was the secret hide out of a famous author. Anais lands the derelict hotel as part of her divorce settlement and fixes it up, finding all sorts of surprises.
Unfortunately this dragged at times and I found my att wandering, the romance wasn’t as prominent as I’d hoped, and it didn’t have the strong Christmas vibes that I’d hoped for. It was set during the holidays but most of the story is taken up with hotel renovations.
Overall a cozy read that is really enjoyable.
Unfortunately this dragged at times and I found my att wandering, the romance wasn’t as prominent as I’d hoped, and it didn’t have the strong Christmas vibes that I’d hoped for. It was set during the holidays but most of the story is taken up with hotel renovations.
Overall a cozy read that is really enjoyable.
December 19, 2024
DNF @ 21%
Not vibing with the writing style at all. Too many other fantastic holiday books to waste any more time on a book I’m not enjoying.
Not vibing with the writing style at all. Too many other fantastic holiday books to waste any more time on a book I’m not enjoying.
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