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Meet Me in Paris
From the Amazon Bestselling Author of Sleeping with Paris comes a passionate memoir about love, loss, and second chances set in the most romantic city in the world…
What does a romance novelist do when she loses her own happily ever after? Take a lover and travel to Paris, obviously. Or at least this is what Juliette Sobanet did upon making the bold, heart-wrenching decision to divorce the man she had loved since she was a teenager. This is the story of the passionate love affair that ensued during the most devastating year of Sobanet’s life and how her star-crossed romance in the City of Light led to her undoing.
Meet Me in Paris is a raw, powerful take on divorce and the daring choices that followed such a monumental loss from the pen of a writer who’d always believed in happy endings…and who ultimately found the courage to write her own.
What does a romance novelist do when she loses her own happily ever after? Take a lover and travel to Paris, obviously. Or at least this is what Juliette Sobanet did upon making the bold, heart-wrenching decision to divorce the man she had loved since she was a teenager. This is the story of the passionate love affair that ensued during the most devastating year of Sobanet’s life and how her star-crossed romance in the City of Light led to her undoing.
Meet Me in Paris is a raw, powerful take on divorce and the daring choices that followed such a monumental loss from the pen of a writer who’d always believed in happy endings…and who ultimately found the courage to write her own.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
507 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Juliette Sobanet
28 books365 followersJuliette Sobanet is the award-winning author of five Paris-based romance and mystery novels, five short stories, a book of poetry, a bestselling memoir, and the screenplay adaptation of her first novel, SLEEPING WITH PARIS. Under her real name of Danielle Porter, she is the author of a new thriller titled, ALL THE BEAUTIFUL BODIES. Her books have reached over 500,000 readers worldwide, hitting the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon US, UK, France, and Germany, becoming bestsellers in Turkey and Italy as well. A French professor and writing coach, Juliette holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and an M.A. from New York University in Paris. She lives between France and the US, and she is currently working on her next novel. Visit Juliette’s website at www.juliettesobanet.com. She loves to hear from her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 21, 2017
“It is my firm belief that upon leaving one’s husband, one should immediately hop on a flight to Paris”
Indeed! France is balm for a broken heart. This is a very personal story of Danielle, who falls madly in love with Nick as her own marriage is faltering and this new relationship proves to be a catalyst in the ending of her marriage. A memoir with many tears along the way, periods of deep depression and oftentimes liberal use of Xanax (used to treat anxiety disorders).
I am not sure whether to refer to Danielle, the pseudonym, or Juliette, the author when I say the lead character is an absolute Francophile and it is to the country of France to which she looks for solace when things are going pear-shaped. It is also far from her home city of San Diego where she can immerse herself in her new relationship with Nick. Nick, however is himself married – he seems to run an open marriage with the blessing of his wife – and is not inclined to rock the boat at home.
So, she finds herself in a terrible bind as she is sucked into a passionate affair that takes over her life and, with it, the powerful emotions and passions that inevitably come with subterfuge. The exhilaration and depression are palpable as she wears her heart on her sleeve, feeling swamped by the cycle of love and loss. Indulgent as this memoir can be at times, ultimately, this is a courageous sharing of raw emotion.
From Paris to Lyon and the South of France, Danielle shares her love of the country. There are mentions of culinary delights aplenty like Pain et Cie and the Paul Bocuse eatery Le Nord in Lyon. She shares titillations at the lingerie shop Darjeeling in Paris where Danielle buys a soutien-gorge combo (love that word, French for bra). And it is on to Saint Tropez, as she writes: “All divorced women need to come to Saint-Tropez and eat la Tropézienne”.
She describes how she originally got in the mood for her French sojourn by listening to the soundtrack by Yann Tierson to the film Amélie, (and an author after our own TripFiction heart, she says “Just as books can allow you to travel, so can films…” and describes how watching French Kiss with Meg Ryan was a turning point in her burgeoning love for all things French).
This is a tumultuous period in the life of the author, rendered in such frank prose, that sometimes it can feel quite swamping. She is needing of those around her and of her reader, as she searches for the love that was withheld as a child (as she sadly describes: “The father who never wanted me…“). She is almost that small child who has been a parent to her mother and found her father emotionally unavailable, and now, in her adult skin, searches for that overwhelming, all-consuming and generous parental love in her partners… and, of course, struggles.
This is a heartfelt, bare-all-memoir, that will take you from San Diego to France and back again. She will tug at your heartstrings, annoy you, flood you with personal emotion and finally win you over. Her writing style is good and very personal.
Indeed! France is balm for a broken heart. This is a very personal story of Danielle, who falls madly in love with Nick as her own marriage is faltering and this new relationship proves to be a catalyst in the ending of her marriage. A memoir with many tears along the way, periods of deep depression and oftentimes liberal use of Xanax (used to treat anxiety disorders).
I am not sure whether to refer to Danielle, the pseudonym, or Juliette, the author when I say the lead character is an absolute Francophile and it is to the country of France to which she looks for solace when things are going pear-shaped. It is also far from her home city of San Diego where she can immerse herself in her new relationship with Nick. Nick, however is himself married – he seems to run an open marriage with the blessing of his wife – and is not inclined to rock the boat at home.
So, she finds herself in a terrible bind as she is sucked into a passionate affair that takes over her life and, with it, the powerful emotions and passions that inevitably come with subterfuge. The exhilaration and depression are palpable as she wears her heart on her sleeve, feeling swamped by the cycle of love and loss. Indulgent as this memoir can be at times, ultimately, this is a courageous sharing of raw emotion.
From Paris to Lyon and the South of France, Danielle shares her love of the country. There are mentions of culinary delights aplenty like Pain et Cie and the Paul Bocuse eatery Le Nord in Lyon. She shares titillations at the lingerie shop Darjeeling in Paris where Danielle buys a soutien-gorge combo (love that word, French for bra). And it is on to Saint Tropez, as she writes: “All divorced women need to come to Saint-Tropez and eat la Tropézienne”.
She describes how she originally got in the mood for her French sojourn by listening to the soundtrack by Yann Tierson to the film Amélie, (and an author after our own TripFiction heart, she says “Just as books can allow you to travel, so can films…” and describes how watching French Kiss with Meg Ryan was a turning point in her burgeoning love for all things French).
This is a tumultuous period in the life of the author, rendered in such frank prose, that sometimes it can feel quite swamping. She is needing of those around her and of her reader, as she searches for the love that was withheld as a child (as she sadly describes: “The father who never wanted me…“). She is almost that small child who has been a parent to her mother and found her father emotionally unavailable, and now, in her adult skin, searches for that overwhelming, all-consuming and generous parental love in her partners… and, of course, struggles.
This is a heartfelt, bare-all-memoir, that will take you from San Diego to France and back again. She will tug at your heartstrings, annoy you, flood you with personal emotion and finally win you over. Her writing style is good and very personal.
September 17, 2016
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
I kindly received a review copy in exchange for an honest review by the author
Where to start with this review? This review will not do any justice compared to how amazing this book actually is. I’m totally stunned and blown away by Juliette Sobanet’s memoir. With this book she has made it on my list for “auto-buy authors”. I was given an eBook of Meet Me in Paris but this is certainly not enough. I’ll definitely get a print copy to put this fantastic book on my shelf.
This book is beautiful inside and out. Starting from this gorgeous, captivating cover to the absolutely emotional, heartbreaking and inspiring story of Juliette Sobanet’s life. I loved every minute of reading it. Meet Me in Paris is more than just a memoir to me, it is also a travel guide. When I am back in Paris one day, I would like to see all those wonderful places Juliette has been, to feel the love and the magic of this wonderful city.
In Meet Me in Paris Sobanet lays all cards on the table and tells the truth about her thrilling life. With every word I read I could feel Sobanet has put her heart and soul into writing this book, that’s why it touched me in so many ways. Along an emotional journey from the start I couldn't put the book down. I don't want to give away too much spoilers but I will say that Juliette is asking herself the big question “should I stay or should I go?” She left her husband who she loved since she was nineteen. She gets involved with a married man who will never be hers and put herself through a huge emotional mess to break free, to see the light again, moving on with your life and find herself in the end.
I loved her focus on emotion and on being brutally honest with yourself in your writing--questioning your own interpretation of events and being willing to build your questioning into the story you're telling. I feel a great sense of respect for Juliette because I’d never realized before all the obstacles she has had to overcome to there where she is now. I was amazed by Juliette’s strength and courage to tell us this story. Her writing is so beautiful that I felt such a deep connection to her as if I knew her personally. Overall, this is a beautifully written memoir. I highly recommend it, weather you enjoy reading memoirs, if you ever suffered going through a divorce, or if you have a passion for good literature.
November 29, 2020
Self indulgent and repetitive
Good God! What a freaking mess this book is!
Self indulgent and repetitive does not totally describe this book, which could have been shortened by half.
Let me save you many hours and your money:
I was bored with my husband
I went to Paris after missing it for years
I had sex with a married man who won't leave his wife
We had sex again
We had sex again
We had wine and chocolate croissants til I had food-gasms
We are amazing together
His silver wedding band blinds me
We had sex again
We had sex again
I got divorced
I'm on xanax
I write bad poetry
I want to kill myself, but if I do I will never see Paris again
I'm happy now
The End
Good God! What a freaking mess this book is!
Self indulgent and repetitive does not totally describe this book, which could have been shortened by half.
Let me save you many hours and your money:
I was bored with my husband
I went to Paris after missing it for years
I had sex with a married man who won't leave his wife
We had sex again
We had sex again
We had wine and chocolate croissants til I had food-gasms
We are amazing together
His silver wedding band blinds me
We had sex again
We had sex again
I got divorced
I'm on xanax
I write bad poetry
I want to kill myself, but if I do I will never see Paris again
I'm happy now
The End
March 10, 2016
In 2013 I grabbed a copy of "Sleeping In Paris" on a whim. The first thing that captured my attention was the cover. Then the blurb, and being a diehard romantic, I thought, what the heck, I might find a new author here. I was 100% right, I automatically became a fan of Juliette Sobanet. So, when I saw she was releasing, "Meet Me in Paris" I couldn't wait to read it.
During the time of reading, her first two books, I also had the opportunity to interview Juliette on my radio show, and found the author to be as sweet, humble, and as personable as the characters she creates in her stories. So in reading, "Meet Me in Paris" I found the book to be a much more personal read for me. Instantly, I became so lost in Juliette's personal journey, it was very hard to put the book down. Without a doubt, writing a book like this is truly a very brave thing to do. Unlike fiction, where it's a gamble to share your work with the reading world, this was baring your soul with no protection at all. Often, I found myself, empathizing with her, while at the same time, feeling contempt for some of her actions. However, in her defense, love and divorce make you do crazy things. Things you most likely would never consider.
The story is so beautifully written and while Juliette doesn't spare the details, it's never obscene or offensive in any way. I don't think anyone can truly understand or appreciate this kind of struggle without having been in the same shoes. I loved every page of this book, and while, I think the author was concerned I would think of her in a less than flattering way, those thoughts never came to mind. If nothing, I've become more of a devoted fan! I Love Paris, and I love this story! Thank you Juliette for sharing your incredible story!
During the time of reading, her first two books, I also had the opportunity to interview Juliette on my radio show, and found the author to be as sweet, humble, and as personable as the characters she creates in her stories. So in reading, "Meet Me in Paris" I found the book to be a much more personal read for me. Instantly, I became so lost in Juliette's personal journey, it was very hard to put the book down. Without a doubt, writing a book like this is truly a very brave thing to do. Unlike fiction, where it's a gamble to share your work with the reading world, this was baring your soul with no protection at all. Often, I found myself, empathizing with her, while at the same time, feeling contempt for some of her actions. However, in her defense, love and divorce make you do crazy things. Things you most likely would never consider.
The story is so beautifully written and while Juliette doesn't spare the details, it's never obscene or offensive in any way. I don't think anyone can truly understand or appreciate this kind of struggle without having been in the same shoes. I loved every page of this book, and while, I think the author was concerned I would think of her in a less than flattering way, those thoughts never came to mind. If nothing, I've become more of a devoted fan! I Love Paris, and I love this story! Thank you Juliette for sharing your incredible story!
December 19, 2015
Juliette Sobanet really goes all out to put the truth down on the page here. As a romance novelist with several books, she takes us through a different journey - that of memoir with account of huge upheaval: deciding to leave her marriage, taking up with a married man, jetting all over to see the married man, putting herself through one giant mess to come out stronger and more wholly herself.
It takes a lot of courage to put your own life and your choices into a memoir like this one and at times, Juliette infuriated me with some of her choices. But I really enjoyed the ending and am sure she'll do brilliantly with her move to France!
It takes a lot of courage to put your own life and your choices into a memoir like this one and at times, Juliette infuriated me with some of her choices. But I really enjoyed the ending and am sure she'll do brilliantly with her move to France!
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February 10, 2021
Pleasantly surprised since I had judged this book by the cover (right?!) and assumed it would be fluffy and poorly written. Her writing is quite beautiful, full of emotion, sincerity and detail. I really felt like I was there in France eating croissants with her, sharing in her love and heartbreak.
December 7, 2015
This memoir, from one of my favourite romance authors, is the true tale of a hopeless romantic addicted to writing, travel and France who found herself in a marriage where she had to be someone she wasn’t for everyday life to tick over nicely, despite loving a husband who also loved her. One day she spread her wings, took off to experience freedom and to find the passion she could only write about, divorcing her husband and having an affair that gave her great highs but deep lows too. She is a good example of the torment of the creative mind who needed to flee what she feared was slowing killing her inner soul, but the price of freedom was high. It was not an easy journey, there were some very dark days for her when loneliness and depression zapped her of her energy and threatened her life. There were times when I felt very sad, times when I felt she was selfish and times I wished she would just stop making the wrong decisions and get on a plane to France, which she does numerous times throughout the book.
Ultimately this book is a journey of discovery and recovery, where Paris and Lyon try their best to soothe her troubled mind and help her move forward to a happier place. She just needs to work out where to find this happiness; is it in France, in her marriage, in the arms of her lover or is there something else? Her writing certainly became very important in her healing process and this led to an emotionally charged memoir that contains some strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.
At the end of the book I found myself wondering how I felt. She has slightly deflated my dream of the typical life I expected a romance novelist like Juliette Sobanet to be living, but I can’t help but feel privileged she has shared her real life with her readers. Characters in a novel have ups and downs before finding their happily ever afters, real life is a different story altogether. She will always be Juliette to me and I can’t wait for her to feel ready to write another chocolate filled romance set in France.
Ultimately this book is a journey of discovery and recovery, where Paris and Lyon try their best to soothe her troubled mind and help her move forward to a happier place. She just needs to work out where to find this happiness; is it in France, in her marriage, in the arms of her lover or is there something else? Her writing certainly became very important in her healing process and this led to an emotionally charged memoir that contains some strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.
At the end of the book I found myself wondering how I felt. She has slightly deflated my dream of the typical life I expected a romance novelist like Juliette Sobanet to be living, but I can’t help but feel privileged she has shared her real life with her readers. Characters in a novel have ups and downs before finding their happily ever afters, real life is a different story altogether. She will always be Juliette to me and I can’t wait for her to feel ready to write another chocolate filled romance set in France.
June 1, 2016
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review and I loved it!
I would 100% pay full price for this book. Having never been to Paris or France at all I love how Juliette described her love for the country. Initially Juliette escapes to France to avoid issues in her marriage and life but gradually she comes to peace and learns to love France for France.
The affair with the married man is not something I agree with but I was interested in how the relationship developed and I would love to read a sequel to see what happened next!
If you love France and romance then this is definetly the book for you!
I would 100% pay full price for this book. Having never been to Paris or France at all I love how Juliette described her love for the country. Initially Juliette escapes to France to avoid issues in her marriage and life but gradually she comes to peace and learns to love France for France.
The affair with the married man is not something I agree with but I was interested in how the relationship developed and I would love to read a sequel to see what happened next!
If you love France and romance then this is definetly the book for you!
April 27, 2016
Wow. This is a book that will take your breath away. We've all had a relationship like this-passionate but that will suck the soul out of you, so you have to get out, but it's so tricky. And of course, there are a million other things going on. Aren't there always? The author was very brave and really wrote it like it is. It's not always pretty. Sometimes you are really alone. And then you make it through. I thought she did a great job of writing it how it really goes.
September 10, 2016
3.5/5.0
An emotional journey of struggle, hope and desire that is as close to fiction as real life can get, the author bares her soul so candidly that anyone can relate to much of her pain and happiness.
Read full review in the 2016 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
An emotional journey of struggle, hope and desire that is as close to fiction as real life can get, the author bares her soul so candidly that anyone can relate to much of her pain and happiness.
Read full review in the 2016 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 7, 2015
This memoir is courageous, raw and powerful, not to mention beautifully-written. I applaud Juliette for sharing such an intimate look into her life and know by her openness many will be comforted, inspired and changed. I certainly was.
December 9, 2015
WOW! this was not at all what i was expecting. It made me swoon, it made me drool, it made me blush. I feel like i know Juliette/Danielle personally in this book. I highly recommend this book and i want to wish her all the success in the world. All of her books come to life and i recommend them all
non-fiction
August 27, 2016For a star rating and full review please visit InD'tale magazine online, September 2016 issue. http://indtale.com/reviews/contempora...
October 20, 2018
I love all her other books, but I just couldn't finish this one.
August 4, 2024
I. Partie I
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 1 > Page 22 · Location 221
I give and I give and I give, often to the point of losing myself in the process,
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 2 > Page 26 · Location 275
we’re not a jealous couple. We’ve both acknowledged that it’s not realistic to think that we’re only going to want to have sex with one person for the rest of our lives.” “How progressive,”
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 4 > Page 35 · Location 400
every other married couple in the world has mastered what Nick and his wife have figured out—how to be happy together, stay sexually satisfied, and be honest with each other about the whole damn thing.
III. Partie III
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 13 > Page 84 · Location 967
polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS,”
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 13 > Page 84 · Location 968
When a woman has PCOS, she may develop cysts on her ovaries—cysts that can be painful and even burst—and it can be difficult to get pregnant.
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 15 > Page 92 · Location 1075
What I want to know is what will become of me without him? Of him without me? Who will we be without each other?
IV. Partie IV
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 16 > Page 100 · Location 1166
Which leads me to ask the questions: Are affairs just a way of life for some couples? Should we all be having them so we don’t mind as much when our partner does? Or will the end result be the same either way? If a couple isn’t meant to stay together—if it just isn’t working—will they ultimately find a way to break up the relationship, regardless of who was sleeping with whom or how many secret gardens were kept or unkept throughout the life of their relationship?
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 21 > Page 141 · Location 1752
It’s amazing how life weaves together such beauty if you just follow where it leads.
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 22 > Page 145 · Location 1795
he told me all about his own views on marriage. He found it to be an ancient institution that doesn’t at all honor human nature. “It’s not natural or realistic or fulfilling to spend your life with one person, and one person only,” he argued. “Think of all of the interesting people you can meet and the incredible experiences you can have when you’re not tied down to one person for the rest of your life.”
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 22 > Page 146 · Location 1815
“But don’t these women get jealous that you’re sleeping with other women? And don’t you get jealous that they’re sleeping with other men?”
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 22 > Page 146 · Location 1819
I think this is one of the biggest crimes in marriage—this assumption that you belong to your husband, and he belongs to you. That the two of you own each other—own each other’s hearts, souls, minds, and bodies. It’s ludicrous.”
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 24 > Page 164 · Location 2087
I want to be myself. Unapologetically me,
V. Partie V
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 36 > Page 304 · Location 4170
If your marriage is as strong and has as much depth as you say, I wonder why you have had to sleep with other people for so many years,
VI. Partie VI
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 37 > Page 312 · Location 4234
I remember that sometimes people sweep through our lives just at the right moment and change the way we see the world forever. These meetings are beautiful synchronicities. They are life’s way of extending a branch to us when we most need it.
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 39 > Page 334 · Location 4541
Where there is great love, there is also potential for great pain. Because I have hurt so deeply, I know that I have also loved deeply.
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 39 > Page 336 · Location 4549
I’ve rediscovered the unwavering strength within me, and I’m choosing to love myself the most.
VII. Partie VII
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 40 > Page 344 · Location 4648
Most importantly, for the first time in so long, I’m embracing what it’s like to be me with no apologies, no excuses, no exceptions.
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 40 > Page 348 · Location 4708
one simple but strong message: it’s okay to be who you are.
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 40 > Page 349 · Location 4726
this is the only path to take—the one we’re on. There are no rules, no absolutes, no shoulds. Only the pure bliss of not knowing what comes next in this intricate, weaving journey we call life.
Highlight(pink) - Chapter 43 > Page 372 · Location 5059
“Women tend to make more adjustments and compromises to keep everyone happy. But in doing so, they end up losing parts of themselves.”
January 26, 2023
I don't normally read romances or memoirs, so this book was out of my comfort zone.
I read Meet Me in Paris for a variety of reasons, but I do share the author's love of all things French.
I found the story both sad and encouraging, all at once. I read this is one long sitting, I was that enraptured by it, but at the same time, I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster and there is much relief that I have finished. I think much about the enjoyment of this book depends on where you, as her reader, are in your life and the paths that you have chosen for your own life. There is redemption, though, even through we all make really stupid choices at times.
We follow the author as she realizes that her marriage is falling apart, through an affair with a married man who does not want to leave his wife, and her subsequent divorce. It is emotional, raw, and all over the place, but that so it is with love, relationships, and learning how to crawl out of the cesspool of our past to move forward into a better future.
This book came into my life at a time when I really needed to read it. No, I'm not having an affair and I'm not even married, but some feelings transcend circumstances, and I am grateful for the author's willingness to be bold and courageous in sharing her story with us.
I read Meet Me in Paris for a variety of reasons, but I do share the author's love of all things French.
I found the story both sad and encouraging, all at once. I read this is one long sitting, I was that enraptured by it, but at the same time, I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster and there is much relief that I have finished. I think much about the enjoyment of this book depends on where you, as her reader, are in your life and the paths that you have chosen for your own life. There is redemption, though, even through we all make really stupid choices at times.
We follow the author as she realizes that her marriage is falling apart, through an affair with a married man who does not want to leave his wife, and her subsequent divorce. It is emotional, raw, and all over the place, but that so it is with love, relationships, and learning how to crawl out of the cesspool of our past to move forward into a better future.
This book came into my life at a time when I really needed to read it. No, I'm not having an affair and I'm not even married, but some feelings transcend circumstances, and I am grateful for the author's willingness to be bold and courageous in sharing her story with us.
January 18, 2021
I enjoyed the French phrases and expressions throughout the book and the details of the French cuisine and the different areas in Paris and Lyon being explained in details. I wish I could travel to France again. The writing is fluid and pleasant. I only found one typo.
Maybe I am too old to read a memoir of a 33 yr old who has had only 2 major relationships in her life. I almost stopped reading a few times because the repetition was annoying: "My ex-husband, my married lover" again and again and again... I started skipping them and getting to the bistros and cafes parts.
Also, all these best friends who are soul mates and just like family were people she knew for a maximum of 3 years having seen them once a year? Maybe I don't understand flighty people and shallow friendships but I have a feeling that was the reason for her constant depression and the bipolar tendencies. The self discovery part can be helpful to other young women who have the same issues, so I won't criticize this memoir too much. This book could have been at least half as long if the unnecessary repetitions were omitted. But I guess for a 33 yr old, that's how you have to fill a "memoir".
Maybe I am too old to read a memoir of a 33 yr old who has had only 2 major relationships in her life. I almost stopped reading a few times because the repetition was annoying: "My ex-husband, my married lover" again and again and again... I started skipping them and getting to the bistros and cafes parts.
Also, all these best friends who are soul mates and just like family were people she knew for a maximum of 3 years having seen them once a year? Maybe I don't understand flighty people and shallow friendships but I have a feeling that was the reason for her constant depression and the bipolar tendencies. The self discovery part can be helpful to other young women who have the same issues, so I won't criticize this memoir too much. This book could have been at least half as long if the unnecessary repetitions were omitted. But I guess for a 33 yr old, that's how you have to fill a "memoir".
September 9, 2020
I enjoyed this memoir as I was very much able to relate to it. After high school, I spent five years in Paris studying French and a year of droit civil.
The author brought me back to a time when I enjoyed my life immensely and had few worries apart from limited finances as a student. The author makes several trips to France and it takes her a while to realize that she isn't running away from her problems but going towards a place she feels at ease - as if substantial weight dropped from her body the very moment her plane touched down in France.
She depicts her struggles with men, family, work and severe depression very well. You can feel her despair. It takes her years to come to the realization that it's OK to live for yourself and not live to please others. She shows more and more courage towards the end of her memoir and is able to freely make a decision for herself. It's a lesson many women need to learn.
The author brought me back to a time when I enjoyed my life immensely and had few worries apart from limited finances as a student. The author makes several trips to France and it takes her a while to realize that she isn't running away from her problems but going towards a place she feels at ease - as if substantial weight dropped from her body the very moment her plane touched down in France.
She depicts her struggles with men, family, work and severe depression very well. You can feel her despair. It takes her years to come to the realization that it's OK to live for yourself and not live to please others. She shows more and more courage towards the end of her memoir and is able to freely make a decision for herself. It's a lesson many women need to learn.
September 2, 2020
A real-life romance novel
Juliette is an accomplished romance writer. But this book is more than that. It shows real life in all its rawness and emotion, as it deals with her marriage break-up and love affair with a married man. I liked the fact that this book was honest, both in terms of the reality of how things are, rather than how you might want them to be; and also in terms of the author sharing her real emotions and feelings. Her love of all things Parisian shines through the book, and ultimately this is a story of hope and self-love awakening through all the difficult times. It is well-written, a real page-turner, and I felt that I grew to know the author as I read each chapter. I am now off to read some of her non-fiction books. Recommended reading for anyone that enjoys a real-life story.
Juliette is an accomplished romance writer. But this book is more than that. It shows real life in all its rawness and emotion, as it deals with her marriage break-up and love affair with a married man. I liked the fact that this book was honest, both in terms of the reality of how things are, rather than how you might want them to be; and also in terms of the author sharing her real emotions and feelings. Her love of all things Parisian shines through the book, and ultimately this is a story of hope and self-love awakening through all the difficult times. It is well-written, a real page-turner, and I felt that I grew to know the author as I read each chapter. I am now off to read some of her non-fiction books. Recommended reading for anyone that enjoys a real-life story.
September 17, 2020
This was an excellent story of the ups and downs of life. It showed the euphoria of pleasure in cheating and then the worst depths of despair to be experienced afterward. This is a real experience to learn from.
Juliette certainly had a lot of friends. I could not keep track of all of them. She had a fulfilled life with so many good friends in each country. I got to understand Juliette and shared her triumph in the end.
I love Paris and France too. How nice to be fluent in both countries. When I visit the perks are offset by the language barrier.
It was a fun read and sometimes a thought provoking memoir. I felt empathy for what she suffered through. I love most that she forgave easily.
I like this book because Juliette shared all she was thinking throughout her life. Adding so many thoughts made the book most fulfilling. The only negative was that it sometimes got boring to rehash the same problems over and over again. Then again that is what happens in life.
Juliette certainly had a lot of friends. I could not keep track of all of them. She had a fulfilled life with so many good friends in each country. I got to understand Juliette and shared her triumph in the end.
I love Paris and France too. How nice to be fluent in both countries. When I visit the perks are offset by the language barrier.
It was a fun read and sometimes a thought provoking memoir. I felt empathy for what she suffered through. I love most that she forgave easily.
I like this book because Juliette shared all she was thinking throughout her life. Adding so many thoughts made the book most fulfilling. The only negative was that it sometimes got boring to rehash the same problems over and over again. Then again that is what happens in life.
August 11, 2020
The positive about this book is that it came at a time I needed something that would capture my attention. The notion that it was a memoir was also intriguing, along with the fact I have visited Paris many times and share my affinity of the city with the author. I found her rather self-absorbed; I view marriage as a commitment, and it seemed as if she had enough ties to stay with her original husband. Although she wrote otherwise, I did not see a true love in her relationship with Nick.
Furthermore, the frequent use of the word “myriad” was grammatically incorrect. “ Foodgasm” was an overused term; and with the overwhelming opportunities to describe Paris cuisine, I felt she limited the food choices significantly.
Furthermore, the frequent use of the word “myriad” was grammatically incorrect. “ Foodgasm” was an overused term; and with the overwhelming opportunities to describe Paris cuisine, I felt she limited the food choices significantly.
December 6, 2021
I’m always a little wary of these free Kindle books- more often than not, in my experience, they’re poorly written and incredibly, boringly predictable. But this one was different. While Juliette’s (Danielle’s) personal writing style is not one that typically resonates with me, I found the story itself to be more than compelling enough to make up for it. As someone who has been through a tough year, the constant reminder that happiness and self-love can only come from within really struck home. Though it’s a little out of character for me, I must say I’m now tempted to pick up some of this author’s novels, too.
March 17, 2017
It takes a lot of courage to write such a personal story, to share such intimate moments. Juliette did a wonderful job writing about her highs and lows and deepest emotions during this life-changing year. I was utterly absorbed by all the juicy details. I didn't always agree with the choices she made, but I appreciated her honesty and bravery. I empathized with her and even felt inspired and proud of her growth when I finished reading this book. Her descriptions of France only deepened my love for Paris. I can't wait to see it for myself next year!
April 16, 2018
I am not a person that likes to know every aspect of anyone life so I found this book a little to much. I like for things to be left to the imagination. I just wish I could move to France right this moment just like she did but I don't have what it takes. Maybe if I would know someone that would hold my "hand" for a few days I would do it. I love France. Planning a trip for next year. I am 78 years but feel like 50.
August 15, 2020
Mixed feelings
Juliette is a good writer and I enjoyed reading about her creative pursuits in ballet, art and writing. It was interesting to follow her journey through marriage and being a mistress but not usually my cup of tea in reading material. Parts were redundant and somewhat boring, but I admire her tenacity in figuring out her life and then writing it all down!
Am looking forward to reading some of her books now.
Juliette is a good writer and I enjoyed reading about her creative pursuits in ballet, art and writing. It was interesting to follow her journey through marriage and being a mistress but not usually my cup of tea in reading material. Parts were redundant and somewhat boring, but I admire her tenacity in figuring out her life and then writing it all down!
Am looking forward to reading some of her books now.
May 2, 2021
Way too much information! The agony of the author's year of extreme sex with a somewhat unavailable man and leaving a marriage while convincing the reader the husband is almost perfect at the same time inflexible, overwhelms the promised Paris romance. I am left wondering what her exes and multitude of friends worldwide thought after reading this. IMO this memoir should have been left in a drawer to be shared only with her analyst.
September 12, 2020
Good, but long winded
I enjoyed parts of this book and parts made me want to throw it across the room. A little too much self pity and wallowing in the sad aspects of a break up and hardly anytime on the great moments of self reflection and realization. I liked the writing, but maybe not the writer?
I enjoyed parts of this book and parts made me want to throw it across the room. A little too much self pity and wallowing in the sad aspects of a break up and hardly anytime on the great moments of self reflection and realization. I liked the writing, but maybe not the writer?
September 17, 2020
Delightful and Insightful Read
A delightful read about finding yourself and loving yourself in the process. Those you end up leaving, leave them with love. They were an intricate part of you and help to make you who you are. Be True to yourself. Do what you feel is right for you and you alone.
A delightful read about finding yourself and loving yourself in the process. Those you end up leaving, leave them with love. They were an intricate part of you and help to make you who you are. Be True to yourself. Do what you feel is right for you and you alone.
September 25, 2020
She bares her heart and soul in this book. Her emotions are so real. I, as I'm sure many other women, can relate to some parts of her story. It took her a tremendous amount of courage and strength to make many of her decisions. My dream is to move to Paris too. For now I'll just have to keep visiting as often as I can and keep reading novels about Paris.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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