On the Book Train to Paris

by Norie Clarke

Could Paris be the place to turn a new page? The heartwarming and uplifting new novel from the author of The Library of Lost Love.
'All aboard the book train for Paris, filled to the brim with a fabulous story' Sue Moorcroft

Carly longs to make-over the family's Edinburgh bookshop, but her father is resisting change.
Upstairs, Fran is stumped by her next novel - and with how to fix her marriage.
In the flat below, Elsa cares for her husband, in need of a short breather to gather her strength.

So when a customer drops in and asks for help at his book festival on a train to Paris, it's the chance of a petit escape. And when a book mysteriously appears in the shop that Fran inscribed to a lover in Paris years ago, it seems too serendipitous to ignore. Boarding the train with Carly and Elsa, Fran wonders if revisiting her past will help her move forward.

But there are plot twists ahead. Could the book train to Paris be a passport to joie de vivre?

Readers ADORE On the Book Train to Paris

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'An absolute joy. I read this in one sitting because I simply didn't want to leave it'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A warm hug in book form. My perfect escape to Paris. The ultimate comfort read'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'I absolutely loved this book. Highly recommended'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A warm and totally enchanting read'

Praise for Norie Clarke's

'The warmest, most completely charming story to sink into' Jenny Colgan
'A wonderful tale proving change is always possible' Katie Fforde
'One of the sweetest love stories I've ever read' Sue Moorcroft

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2026

Reviews

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this book was a good summer read, it had the cutest romance, the perfect setting for booklovers. Some parts were too fluffy fir my taste. But i will still highly recommend it. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
In my year of train reading - here's a book about books on a train! I had to borrow it from the library!
It's a bit saccharine in places and predictable in others, but it's also warm and kind and an engaging listen. I liked the multiple POVs and I loved that the train goes from Edinburgh (my home) to Paris one of my favourite cities. Brilliant!

[Isabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes

A bookish journey worth taking.

((3.5 stars))

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Women Bound by Family, Friendship and Books | 📖 Character-Driven Story | 🔗 Intertwined Lives | TRW: Dementia | 🌍​ Edinburgh and Paris

On the Book Train to Paris by Norie Clarke tells the story of three women whose lives are deeply intertwined, bound by family, friendship, and a shared love of books.

First, there’s Carly, who has just lost her job at a children’s literacy charity. Determined not to drift, she wants to help save her father’s struggling bookshop in Edinburgh but he stubbornly refuses her help. Then there’s her mother, Fran (short for Frances), a bestselling romance author who, despite her success, is completely stuck. Writer’s block has settled in, and with it, unanswered questions about her past. Finally, there’s Elsa, a long-time family friend who lives with in Fran’s house while caring for her husband, whose dementia is steadily reshaping their lives.

The story truly begins when an unexpected visitor arrives at the bookshop asking for help with a book festival train traveling from Edinburgh to Paris. Soon after, a mysterious book appears in the shop—one Fran inscribed to a lover in Paris many years ago. Coincidence or fate? When Fran, Carly, and Elsa board the train together, Fran can’t help but wonder whether revisiting her past might finally allow her to move forward.

Honestly, doesn’t that premise sound wonderful? A train full of authors, readers and bookish people heading to Paris feels like the ultimate bookish fantasy. This was my first Norie Clarke novel, and on paper, it had everything I normally adore: a unique and cozy premise, relatable and likable characters, a strong bookish theme, gentle emotional depth, and—of course—Paris. What’s not to love?

And yet… while I truly enjoyed reading it, something was missing. I can’t quite pinpoint what it was, only that I kept waiting for the story to fully sweep me off my feet. It was lovely, comforting, and charming but it didn’t quite wow me. I found myself hoping for just a little more emotional punch or actually something more to happen.

That said, this is a character-driven novel with a good pace and a thoughtful focus on growth, love, memory, reflection and finding yourself. The relationships between the women are tender and realistic, and the themes of caregiving, creative identity, and second chances are handled with care. One absolute highlight for me was the Paris guide at the end of the book, which allows readers to visit the locations mentioned in the story—a delightful and very on-theme bonus.

On the Book Train to Paris is a heartwarming, bookish journey filled with reflection, second chances, and a soft touch of Paris. A comforting, character-driven read that may not dazzle—but still leaves you smiling.

I kindly received this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Headline.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Whilst this isn't always a happy book, it is a comforting book, a hug in a book, and I loved pretty much everything about it.

It is a wonderful premise: a beautiful train journey full of authors, books, and readers, and full of love - what more can you ask for.

I did get a little confused at first because there's a lot of characters across the three POVs, and they crossover so that took me a little while to get on top of.

It is generally a happy, romantic, uplifting story, but it doesn't ignore the hardships in life: relationship troubles, unemployment, feeling lost and isolated, money problems, and ill health.

There is a plot and it's an intersting one but for me this is a character-driven story. We have three main POVs, all women of different ages, but they love each other and it's that love that connects the three of them.

It is relatively predictable but that's not necessarily a bad thing because it's the journey to get to that place that was interesting. Equally, it's nothing new, but again that's not bad. This is a comforting story, one to read when you don't want to think too much and just want to relax. It doesn't thrill; it comforts and holds your hand and leads you into the city of love.

It's very bookish, which obviously I liked. If you're a real bookworm you'll really enjoy this as it shows the importance of books, storytelling, and a creative life.

I loved the section set in the Shakespeare and Company bookshop in Paris, it's somewhere I've always wanted to visit, but even though I've ben to Paris a few times, I've never found it.

There's new love, old love, and lost love, family, friendship, adventure, peril, old memories, new memories, and opportunities. It's about growth, moving forward, finding yourself, reflection, and identity.

It's perfect reading for a long evening wanting to unwind with a heartwarming story.

[yue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally read this as an ARC via NetGalley back in January, and reading it truly transported me back to my own emotional journey to Paris. I was immediately drawn to this story because I once found myself on a similar "train to Paris," and the author’s writing style perfectly captured that sense of anticipation. While the story was a quick and engaging read with relatable characters, I occasionally found the multiple perspectives a bit confusing to follow. Despite my personal struggle with the shifting POVs, the atmosphere was so authentic that it felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I really enjoyed this story, and even though my review is quite late, the magic of the setting has stayed with me.

Thanks again to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title in return for my honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title and synopsis of this book caught my attention and I knew it was a had-to-read book. However, it was just an okay read. It did not grab me and hold me captive until I had finished reading it. The characters are well developed and are pretty much what drives the storyline. There is no real wow factor. It is just a story of friendships between the women. Their three POVs is interesting and the way they truly care for each other is touching. I think the best way to describe this book is it is a comfortable read. There is no wow factor. But the journey through the pages will explore the influence of books and storytelling on our lives.

Thank you to NetGalley and Review for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. It had a lot of components I like: books, bookshops, authors and a fun book train ride from Edinburgh to Paris! What is a book train you ask? It is a luxury train that sells books and includes authors giving talks and workshops about their writings. It makes stops along the way where the riders can stop and visit local bookshops and libraries. I wanted to get on this train too! If this was real, I would buy a ticket. I love that the author also includes a list of cafes and bookshops to visit along the trail that they travel.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Book Train to Paris is exactly the kind of novel that feels like a gentle exhale — warm, hopeful, and quietly brimming with the magic of second chances. From the cozy corners of an Edinburgh bookshop to the romantic hum of a train bound for Paris, this story celebrates the small, brave decisions that help us turn a new page in our lives.

Carly, Fran, and Elsa are three women at very different crossroads, yet their struggles feel wonderfully intertwined: a bookshop in need of fresh energy, a marriage fraying at the edges, and the exhaustion of caring for someone you love. Each woman is drawn with tenderness and authenticity, and their desire for a little escape feels instantly relatable.

The invitation to help with a book festival on a train to Paris arrives like a breath of fresh air — and the serendipitous reappearance of a long‑lost, inscribed book adds just the right touch of mystery. As the three women board the train, the novel shifts into something beautifully reflective. Paris becomes less a destination and more a catalyst: a place where past choices can be revisited, friendships can deepen, and long‑buried hopes can quietly resurface.

What I loved most is how uplifting the story feels without ever becoming saccharine. There are real emotions here — regret, longing, resilience — but they’re handled with a lightness that makes the journey feel restorative. The plot twists are gentle but satisfying, and the atmosphere is pure joie de vivre.

Heartwarming, bookish, and full of charm, On the Book Train to Paris is a delightful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. A perfect read for anyone who loves character‑driven fiction, found connections, and a touch of Parisian sparkle.

My thanks to Norie Clarke, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Lee Ann Stamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows three women who board a book train to Paris. It is a book experience set up for passengers. Carly is in charge of selling her mother’s famous romance novels. Fran, Carly’s mother, has had writer’s block for months and needs to be convinced that readers still want to hear workshops from her. Elsie is a long-time friend of the family and cared for Carly as her own due to the death of Carly’s mother. Each woman carries emotional baggage onto the train. As the journey unfolds, each will learn more about their own life and what’s important. Will the lessons carry them home with new perspectives and direction or will they return home more confused than before? I won’t tell.

Each chapter follows one of the three main characters. Carly exposes her desire to work in a bookshop and give it a flare of Paris, but how can she afford it? Fran has writer’s block, but worst than that her husband says he’s tired of the struggles and wants to leave everything behind. Including her? She found memoirs of a time long ago of a fleeting romanace in Paris. Should she try to find him and then what? Elsie needs a break from being a caretaker of her husband and his increasing dementia. She can’t believe she’s losing him and is guilty because she wants more.

The story was well-written. There was not a lot of mystery oriented about outcomes, but it was enjoyable.

There were many landmarks, libraries, bookshops, and cafes explored giving the reader a mini trip of Paris. Then at the end the author, Norie Clarke, provides a list of all areas mentioned. I recommend this book for those looking for a light read.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the Book Train to Paris by Norie Clarke is a heart warming feel good book about second chances and love stories , dreams and heartbreak and it was a lovely way to while away a few hours while dreaming of the sights and smells of Paris.
Fran is an author who is struggling with falling sales and writers block , not to mention a marriage in difficulty, while her daughter Carly wants to take over the family bookshop which is facing financial troubles and try to turn it around. Their neighbour Elsa who is almost one of the family is worn down from caring for her husband. When Carly and Fran are offered the chance to work on a railway trip for book lovers travelling from Edinburgh to Paris it seems like the perfect chance to get away and figure out what the future holds for them and a chance for Elsa to take a much needed few days for herself.
This was cute and cosy and charming in a way that many readers will love and it is very clear that the author has a huge love for the city of Paris. The descriptions of the city streets, the bookshops and cafes made me long to visit. I have to say that I struggled to distinguish between the three main characters at times while reading, they did not have very distinct character voices, and because of that and the occasionally stiff dialogue it took me out of the story several times as I had to go back to check which character's POV I was in. This is very much a book for someone looking for comfort over the wow factor, and I fear that could make it forgettable.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young man enters a failing bookshop in Edinburgh and through him many lives are analysed, reawakened, and changed for the better. For all the passengers on the Book Train, it’s a voyage of self-discovery, digging deep to discover their purpose and finding direction.

The passengers and clients mingle and find themselves pampered by their grand surroundings on both the Scotsman and later their upmarket Paris hotel. It’s not just a novel of the Edinburgh library, books and authors, as each character has their own individual story, their desire to break loose from the past, but find their path for the future.

A strong theme runs throughput giving the characters confidence for a refreshed purpose in life and new relationships. An enjoyable train ride and anticipation of what awaits the passengers.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Sarah the reading addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, it has two of my very favourite things, Books and Paris and I was not disappointed. It transported me to Paris and by train too (even more of exciting)


I had a moment with my now husband of 9 years in Paris under the Eiffel tower and it will forever hold a place in my heart. 


I also had a very proud moment which came after a challenge, when I drown around the arc de triumph in a French car, in my head what felt like the wrong way round a roundabout and with not one but two backseat drivers...you get the gist. So it has some fond memories. 


I felt like I travelled back to that moment with my husband reading this book, it was romance and drama, relationships faltering and relationships growing. Understanding that what they had was enough and they needed to stop seeking more. 


It had authors and a bookshop and a book train....a book festival on a train! This got me thinking. I absolutely loved it.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Book Train to Paris was a warm and totally enchanting read. The concept of travelling on a train and meeting authors/workshops is very cool. Told from three POV: Carly, who runs the book shop, her mother Fran, a romance author, and family friend Elsa, who is the caregiver to her husband and in need of some respite on their train journey to Paris. This is a character-driven novel with a perfect pace; it’s about growth, love, and reflection.

Bonus at the end of the book, Clarke has included a Reader’s Guide to Paris, which is a list of the tourist attractions the characters would see on their trip, less well-known places they visit and some attractions that she regrettably could not include in the book, but we can visit!

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story told from the perspective of 3 women, Carly, Fran, and Elsa. Carly is working at the family bookstore in Edinburgh, trying to figure out what she wants to do next with her life. Fran is a famous romance author with writer's block, and Elsa is a close family friend who is caring for her husband, who is dealing with dementia. When a stranger comes into their bookstore and invites them to a book festival on a train to London, it might just be the fresh start that they all need.

I loved this story and the characters. I read this in almost one sitting. It was a fun romance, set mostly on a train to Paris with a fun group of characters. Carly, Fran, and Elsa were all looking for fresh starts when they participated in the book festival on the train to London. While on the train to Paris for the book festival, they meet new friends and old loves and come out with a fresh understanding of where they want their lives to go in the future.


Thanks to @headline, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Book Train to Paris by Norie Clarke is an adorable work for those who love books! Carly, her author-mom and dad own a decaying bookstore in Edinburgh and all are in search of new hope. Enter Flynn, a London book publisher who invites Carly and her mother on a book train to Paris. On the high-end Scottish train ride, several well-known authors give book presentations to invited guests. They, along with family friend Elsa are in for a host of surprises as the train stops in London and finally arrives in Paris. The walks and rides to key places such Gare du Nord, the Louvre, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, the Seine River, Notre Dame Cathedral, Garden de Tuileries along with other spots offered a nostalgic revist for me. This book is so creative and I read it in two nights. Highly recommended!

[Sue Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story. It takes you from Edinburgh to Paris by train which is a wonderful way to travel and tells the story of three women, Carly, Fran and Elsa. Fran is an author travelling to Paris and hosting a writers workshop on the train. Her daughter Carly works in the family bookshop and has joined the trip to support her mum and Elsa is a great friend of the family who has been looking after her sick husband and is in need of some time away.
The story of these three women is told with such empathy and emotion you just want to be on the train with them to share their journey and their stories. The characters are beautifully drawn and I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

[Caroline O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carly is in need of a job and her parents own a bookshop but it doesn't seem to be doing very well at all. Luckily an opportunity comes about when a customer asks her to join a book train going to Paris to be the on board book seller which is an opportunity that can't be passed up on especially when her mother, an author struggling for new ideas, is invited to go too.

Both Carly and her mother have their own unique experiences on the train, meet some very interesting characters whilst on their journey and it certainly sparks new adventures for both of them.

I loved the idea that this book was based on and I'm sure that a trip like this would sell out in a heartbeat!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Afton Chaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review and here we go.

this book was fine, it was very character driven and they were interesting but the dialog was very off putting for me. It happened a few times where one of the POVs would think something in their head and instead of just saying it to the others the author would say 'I explained' so and so situation to them. it felt more like her notes then true dialog.

There was also some moments where I felt like something was going to happen and it didn't. this really drove me away from the book and I had to drag myself back. it didn't catch me.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Carly is trying to modernise their family bookshop, but facing resistance. I loved the characters history and how they became linked.
I didn't know how a bookshop on a train would manifest itself. I loved the idea of a book festival with authors, readers, 'want to be' authors all coming together. Past histories emerge and possible romances.

This book had everything, interesting characters with issues to resolve, futures to dream about. Books , authors and readers all heading for an adventure in Paris
I wanted to get a ticket to join them.
I'm keen to read more by this author.

[Diane Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story for its mix of characters across different age ranges - there was something for everyone to relate to and the conversations between the characters were interesting as they worked their way through their problems. I enjoyed the romance of the settings too, taking readers from Edinburgh to London and Paris with detailed descriptions of the streets and the buildings I have enjoyed visiting myself. Overall, an escapist read, but with a lot of depth.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five star read by Norie Clarke. I am so impressed by her plotting and character development and just the overall charm she imbues her books with. There's a huge coincidence that could be viewed as a far-fetched plot device, or as a stroke of fate. I prefer the latter. Her two books have made me a devoted fan.

[Laura Merrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, easy read about three women : a famous romance writer, her daughter, currently a bookseller and their extremely chose friend, an artist. These three families live together in a large, 3-unit historic building that also houses their family book store. This store has been in the family for three generations, first as a art gallery, and then as a book store. The book store is not doing well, and the family is in debt, but the daughter has a lot of ideas for bringing the store back to life. Her father is not comfortable with the changes she is suggesting. The three women are offered an opportunity to participate in a "book train" adventure to Paris. This is a train journey that focuses on author presentations, workshops and book sales. During this journey, the women have a chance to consider their lives and change their personal journeys.

[Kathy Orwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story line of people and the love of books, from the owner of a bookstore, to a writer with writer block and a chance to travel to Paris on a train. The story involves several well-known authors give book presentations to invited guests. They, along with family friend Elsa are in for a host of surprises as the train stops in London and finally arrives in Paris.

[Stephanie Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely cosy story. It left me feeling warm and fuzzy. It was not complex, and I kind of knew how the story would end but I was never bored and happy turned the pages. I loved the setting, and the characters.

[Illyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good - it started out a little predictable: a young woman a little lost about her future, family business in trouble, etc. but once the potential of the train comes about and the journey begins, the story takes off and adds some truly interesting characters. The connections were intriguing; the author did a good job there. Not a bad read at all.

[Tami Jurgens · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a hot minute to get all the characters straight in my head but after that it was great. Nice to see different generations of characters.

[Lori Schwartz · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.

[Helen Fatseas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great escape, back to Paris

Having traveled to Paris many years ago, this book makes me think it's time to return, with a new perspective.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light read with a cute story about 3 generations of women on a train trip from London to Paris. Past meets present on one woman's life and makes her feelings clearer.

[Dian Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story for all readers. Paris from Edinburgh on train sounds lovely.