A Garden in Paris

A Garden in Paris #1

by Stephanie Grace Whitson

After 26 years as the trophy wife of a powerful man, Mary Davis is both a widow with no sense of identity and a mother who doesn’t know how to bridge the gap between herself and her increasingly distant daughter. When Mary finds a framed motto promising that “It’s never too late to be who you might have been,” she is haunted by the memory of an old flame and guilt over the way things ended between them. In a desperate attempt to reconcile the past and find a new future, Mary returns to Paris, the city where she won and lost her first love. Paris will change everything for Mary and her daughter, in ways neither could imagine.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, France, Drama

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

Reviews

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book, written in an almost haunting tone with a more 'literary' style than I expected. I love it when I find a likable main character my own age (as I get older, they seem to be harder to find!). In this book, newly widowed Mary is at odds with her only daughter, and takes off to Paris over the Christmas holiday to revisit her past. That past includes a handsome French sea captain with dreamy blue eyes. The daughter is a thoroughly dislikable young woman who has landed a gem of a fiance, but Whitson manages to make me care about her at the same time I wanted to put her across my knee. I figured out the plot's surprise element fairly early on, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of seeing the story develop. I wanted to see it played out, and enjoyed the way it did. Some touching moments, and even a chuckle or two. It made me want to return to Paris.

[Carolyn Scheidies]

Mom is trying to find herself after being released from a restrictive marriage. Her daughter doesn't even know who she is or who she used to be. This book draws Mom back to the woman she used to be even as her shocked daughter begins to learn about the Mom she's brushed off. Well drawn characters in the beautiful setting of Paris.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garden in Paris captured my interest with the detailed information about Paris sprinkled throughout. The story of Mary and her bratty daughter was difficult for me at times because the author presented Mary as an extremely passive person who allowed her husband and daughter to control her and mistreat her for almost 30 years. I also found it sometimes hard to believe that her daughter would change her behaviors with the speed that she did. Overall though, I did enjoy this book and felt I learned some interesting lessons about family relationships. The ending left me wondering if this is part of a series that I need to continue reading for answers to some of my questions.

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book says nowhere on or around it that it is Christian Fiction, so i was surprised when halfway through the story the characters started introducing their relationship with God. The story as a whole could have been better if it was known to the reader and carried throughout the book. The story itself was nice, but overall it was lacking in so many areas since it wasn't cohesive and quite forced at the end, there is a sequel, but i won't really bother!

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea this has a sequel. I'm so excited because I have it ready to read. Usually I read historical not contemporary but the title drew me. I couldn't get enough. I enjoyed walking the streets of Paris with Mary.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of Whitson’s books by now and really liked them, but this one was disappointing. There was something about the characters that didn’t seem quite real and I didn’t buy Liz’s sudden transformation. Jean-Marc was my favorite character and I thought he and Mary had good chemistry so I was also disappointed by the open ending.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never too late

This gentle story explores facing regrets, along with the family dynamics that accompany them, and surrendering to the God of second chances. I didn't expect so many viewpoint characters, and found that element frustrating at times. Nonetheless, the descriptions of Paris are enchanting and the story enjoyable.

[Joan]

Spoiled aimless woman who acts older than her years (always depressing). I read the first few chapters and couldn't find anyone I liked enough to want to read on. dnf

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book. I really empathize with Mary in her marriage. Love seeing her break free and find herself.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really more like a 3.75 star rating for me. If it wasn't for some editing issues, I could possibly have been persuaded to go 4 stars. I came to read this through a recommendation of a good friend, and I am glad I took up her advice and did so.

[Melissa (Vacation Mode) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two years after being widowed, fifty-year-old Mary Davis is ready to throw in the towel. Looking at a bottle of assorted pills she saved during her domineering husband's long illness, Mary is on the verge of ending her life. But then she comes across a saying: 'It's never too late to be what you might have been.' So instead of taking the pills, Mary writes a letter to an old flame and plans a trip to Paris.

Mary and her daughter Liz have never seen eye-to-eye. Liz was always her father's favorite, and she never understood why her mother became a passive homemaker. When Mary announces that she is traveling to Paris for Christmas, Liz cannot believe it and doesn't understand. There are many things Liz doesn't know about her mother, and it takes Mary's bold step to begin to bridge the gap of communication between the two. Will Mary reconnect with the man she left behind? Is there hope for Liz and Mary to develop a real mother-daughter bond?

This is a sweet story with two parallel plots that converge into one. The first is Mary's self-discovery - her determination to return to Paris and find the parts of herself she left behind many years before. She spent decades hiding behind, and acquiescing to, her rich, powerful husband. The second is Liz's journey to learn about her mother - in the process, she also learns about herself. Both characters seem a bit forced and cardboard. Liz's stubborn refusal to believe anything good about her mother is unrealistic, and Mary's martyrdom is grating.

Other than that, the descriptions of Paris and its culture make the reader feel a part of the story. The secondaries are interesting, varied and add depth to the plot. Each character undergoes a different spiritual transformation, which mirrors real life. They experience struggles and have weaknesses that are similar to our own, making A Garden in Paris more meaningful.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Garden In Paris - Stephanie Grace Whitson- 2005 (Book One)

Mary Elisabeth Davies is now a widow and single mother and has had enough of her life. The Life she has been living the past 20-30 odd years when she was Married to Sam Davies. She gave up everything for him and erased any memory of her past life. Now with Sam gone and her daughter grown up, Mary has decided it's time to revisit her life and the past is always a good place to begin. Her past takes us back to France those many years when she was still a fresh-faced country girl with big dreams and she had the love of her life - a sailor named Jean Marc David. Made to become a society wife ,Mary has lost all her hopes and dreams , so one day she writes a letter to Jean Marc telling him to meet her in Paris. The two finally reunite and Mary finds herself becoming the girl she lost. However when Mary's estranged daughter Liz jumps a plane to confront her mother, things to sour as Liz has no idea about Mary's past life and the past Mary has told her is a jumble of lies. As the two confront each other , can Liz realise who her mother is and in this journey not only rediscover the love for her mother but also find out who she truly is and the truth about her birth. An excellent story for all Mothers and Daughters together , and with Mothers Day coming up in a couple of weeks - A Definite Mothers Day book to read. Keep your eyes peeled as I read and review in the next few weeks Book Two in the series "A Hilltop in Tuscany".

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part if this book takes place in Paris so I really wanted to like it. But just about the time the characters get there, the story becomes less about a rekindled romance and more a Christian testimonial. The characters are also largely not believable or even likable. A mother has never given any details of her background to her daughter? Not realistic. And the read husband was an abuser but is never called out in the story - like he gets away with it and his spineless wife compensates for him. Finally, everything and everyone act way too goody goody .one last thing - the writer (who is not bad) failed to keep any kind of consistent POV. 1st person, 3rd person, character to character w/in even a chapter. Sloppy and not necessary .

[Kathy Gover · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, a very uplifting story of a woman who is following the motto: It is never too late to be what you might have been. I could relate somewhat, just recently retired and feel I have alot of spunk to do things I really want to do - increase my talents, renew old friendships (female) and travel. I enjoyed the details of French living and Paris, her tidbits of wisdom and the way she looked back at her life with understanding. The ending was somewhat disappointing, I felt a sequel was not necessary since it was not a particularly fast paced story.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Paris and couldn't pass up another read through of a book I'd finished a few years ago. It's clear the author knows Paris and I loved walking through my favorite city with her--knowing exactly where I was and where we were going.

The theme of the story: It's never too late to be what you might have been. Secrets, grief, regret lead Mary Davis to seek forgiveness, follow old dreams, and learn who is she really is as she returns to Paris after being widowed. It's in Paris that she finds herself and her God.

Simple and quick read, but it made me smile. I'm ready to return to Paris!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's writing style and her characters seemed like real people, unlike some christian romances where the characters are rather flat or unreal. Whitson has a more sophisticated style. I like that this book explored the relationship between the mother and daughter. It's not just a romance.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Stephanie Grace Whitson, I'm a francophile, so I especially enjoyed being transported to Paris, if only for a few hours, but the true appeal of this book -- as is true of all of hers -- are the characters. They continue to live in my memory long after I've turned the last page.

[joyce lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

i like her historical novels a bit better than this one, but still ... WOW, some great twists! there were quite a few things that i never saw coming. and those that i DID expect, didn't quite hit me the way i'd anticipated or imagined them

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book by a Nebraska author. I was most impressed by the 4-5 different points of view she toggled throughout the book. I think I preferred it to a 3rd person narration since you got perspective from each character. I'd really like to read the sequel.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant reading material, would be great for a plane ride or the side of the pool.

[Kelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel about a woman who comes to terms with choices in her past and how she moves forward. It was a clean Christian fiction. Easy read

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and its central storyline. I found the main character to be very likeable and relatable. Plus, any book that ends in Paris is alright with me :)

[Amanda P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book. Waiting for a Hilltop in Tuscany to come in now to see what happens next! I liked how the writer talks about God, it was an unexpected pleasant surprise.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: The only problem with her life, Mary thought, was that she didn't have one.

Premise/plot: Mary Elisabeth McKibbin Davis is a fifty year old widow with a lot of regrets. The novel even opens with her contemplating suicide. (That is so not the typical start for a Christian novel.) But prompted by a cheesy, inspirational quote she dares to be brave, she dares to take the first few baby steps to living again. She writes an old friend--old lover--who lives in France. She tells him she'll be going to Paris in December and that he'll know where to meet her on Christmas Eve if he wants to see her again. She regrets how they ended things--abruptly with the oh-so-public announcement of her engagement.

Another regret Mary Davis has is that she does not have a good relationship with her daughter, Elizabeth. Her daughter (Liz) is barely civil to her--even when the two are in front of others, perhaps particularly when they're in front of others (like the board of the family business, like Liz's fiancé, Jeff.) Mary wants to be close(r) to her daughter but Liz seems unwilling to make the effort.

Most of all Mary regrets that she let her husband take away all the bits and pieces that made her her. She finds herself asking Who am I? What do I want? Why am I here?

So Mary journeys to Paris to the shock and dismay of her daughter. Liz finds herself questioning many things WHO IS THIS PERSON? WHY IS MOTHER ACTING THIS WAY? Liz perhaps realizes that her mother is oh-so-human and worth noticing for a change.

My thoughts: I read this practically in one sitting. It is contemporary Christian fiction. My comfort zone is historical fiction or historical romance. It's rare for me to pick up contemporary titles. But I've enjoyed Stephanie Grace Whitson's historical novels so I thought I'd take a chance on this one too. It was so GOOD.

I liked the focus on the relationship between mother and daughter and even the relationship between future son-in-law and mother-in-law. I liked how Jeff was Mary's advocate with Liz.

I liked the be-true-to-yourself theme.

I loved the characters.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Garden in Paris I discovered on my kindle one afternoon, and started reading it, uncertain as to what style of book I was reading. Was it a fiction or a Christian fiction. Even as I came to a close with the story, despite the introduction of Christianity within the pages, the preaching within wasn't overt.

The story is about Mary and her life, or the start of her new life. She is a widow and after nearly a year of just going through the motions of life, she has decided to rediscover who she really is. Who the person was before she married Sam Davis. So she flies off to Paris and rediscovers herself. In the meantime, we have her daughter Elizabeth who is so confused as to the change in the mother that she has always known, and wonders who this strange creature is. Did she not ever know her? In Paris, discoveries and new experiences help Mary rediscover herself, while reintroducing her to her daughter.

It took some searching to discover that Whitson writes for Bethany House, a Christian publishing house. But, like I mentioned above, the book is not overtly Christian. So while someone who isn't Christian may be bothered by the elements of religion, there are those on the opposite side of the spectrum who will think that the book was not religious enough. If anything, I could see this book as a successful crossover into a mixed media market.

Overall I did enjoy the book and traveling along with Mary as she experiences life. The end of the book just ended and I had to search around online to discover there was book two.

I downloaded this book from Amazon for my own reading pleasure.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me with a lot of thoughts. Mary doesn't know who she is after her husband of twenty-six years dies. Mary has secrets and regrets. Because of the dynamics of her marriage, Liz, her daughter has no respect for her mother. Mary contemplates killing herself, but decides to write her first love in Paris. She goes to Paris to wait to see if Jean-Marc will meet her in the Notre Dame Garden. She arrives two weeks early because of a fight with her daughter. While visiting all the old places, Mary reflects on her marriage, her relationship with Liz and who she used to be before Sam. Liz has no idea of who her mother was before her father, and learns from the housekeeper some things about her mother. Liz follows her mother to Paris two days after she meets up with Jean-Marc. Liz has to deal with her feelings of the things she finds out about her mother and herself. Mary has to learn to live with herself and who she is after denying herself for over 26 years. My first thought is that when we reach the age when our spouse is gone and our children our grown. How do we go on? Is it possible to recapture the young woman I used to be? What is my relationship with my children? Will it survive, get better or worse? Although the author leaves the relationship of Mary and Jean-Marc up in the air, I leave with a sense that Mary will find her way. This book is well written and provokes deep thought.

[Jane Hoppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of Stephanie Grace Whitson’s A Garden in Paris, protagonist Mary Davis brings into her Omaha home a placard reading: It is never too late to be what you might have been. This saying gives her hope in a floundering recovery from her husband’s death two years ago. Widows commonly rediscover who they are after their husbands’ deaths, but what piques Mary’s interest in this hopeful aphorism is much more complicated.

This novel takes us to Paris with Mary on her journey to revisit who she was before her marriage and see what she wants to do next. We meet a former lover and new French friends. Worried about Mary, her hostile daughter Liz and steadying fiancé follow her to Paris. There, with these people, in the unique beauty of Paris, Mary seeks and finds forgiveness, lets go of regrets, and finds joy and laughter again.

I really cared about Mary. Forgive me if this is a spoiler, but I mention that Mary’s romantic possibilities, career/hobby choices, and spiritual journey are not resolved only because I want to read the sequel, Stephanie Grace Whitson’s A Hilltop in Tuscany.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Mary Elisabeth McKibbin Davis, you're fifty years old. You have no life of your own, no future plans, and no guts to do anything about it." Mary's husband has been dead for two years and Liz, Mary's daughter, has no use for her mother. Mary puts away the pills she was contemplating and instead writes a letter and travels to Paris to find if it really is "never too late to be what you might have been."
A Garden in Paris by Stephanie Grace Whitson has a few glitches---one scene started with Liz and Jeff in her mother's bedroom, but suddenly finds them in her office--but overall is a good read. Whitson created characters with depth that are not likable at all times, but you find yourself hoping that it all works out for them in the end. Whitson also shows you the beauty of Paris.
The other glitch is the way Whitson jumps from one point of view to another. It got confusing at times trying to figure out who's point of view I was reading. It was hard to follow who was telling the story from moment to moment.
Glitches aside, A Garden in Paris is worth the trip.

[G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. It's not something I would ever pick up on my own, but I gave it a whirl at my mom's recommendation. I can see why she liked it as an older woman with adventurous younger years, much like the main character Mary. I enjoyed following the twists and turns as Mary and her daughter Elizabeth unraveled family secrets. The Paris setting was enjoyable, but I wish it was a little more detailed. I also thought the religious aspect was nicely woven in. It felt natural and not preachy. I actually didn't even realize this was considered Christian fiction until I noticed a price tag on the back of my copy that showed it was purchased at a Christian store.

The main issue is that there were way too many viewpoints. I wish the viewpoints had just shifted from Mary and Elizabeth. I didn't need to read the perspective of the housekeeper, Elizabeth's completely boring husband, etc.

It was a nice change of pace for me.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Things were not what they seemed at the beginning. Mary Davis, a widow, was the central character. It was unique reading a story where a mature woman is the main character.

The book slowly revealed the layers of who Mary had been (prior to her marriage). It explained why she accommodated her husband during their life together. Adrift after two years as a widow, she embarked on a journey to build a new identity and rediscover her passions, interests and dreams. To do that, she returned to Paris.

This book alternated from the first person narrative between Mary, her daughter, her daughter's fiance, etc. That was a clever device. Bottom line, it was a pleasant, easy read.