Winterzauber in Paris

by Mandy Baggot, Jule Schulte (Translator)

Warmherzig, winterlich, wundervoll. Der neue Weihnachtsbestseller von Mandy Baggot.

Ava und ihre beste Freundin landen genau zur richtigen Zeit in Paris: Der erste Schnee fällt, der Eiffelturm erstrahlt in goldenem Licht, und der Duft von Zimt liegt in der Luft. Die beiden Freundinnen sind nicht ohne Grund in der Stadt der Liebe. Ava braucht nach einer hässlichen Trennung Ablenkung. Und was ist da besser als Pariser Weihnachtsmärkte, Spaziergänge an der Seine und warmes Pain au Chocolat? Gerade als Ava glaubt, dass sie gar keine Männer im Leben braucht, begegnet sie dem geheimnisvollen Fotografen Julien. Sein französischer Akzent, seine haselnussbraunen Augen – und um Ava ist es geschehen …

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult

503 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2016

About the author

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer represented by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary.

Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.

Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.

Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to books, there's nothing I like more then to read them on cold days, with a cup of chocolate coffee in my hand, while the Chirstmas (or Disney piano) music is playing.
And you know what kind of books I love to read the most?
Festive reads! They are my favorite, and I could read them all year long.

Now when the Christmas is officially approaching, Christmas books have overtaken my reading schedule.
I have already read more then few books that take part during winter, but One Christmas In Paris is the best festive read I had this year so far.

The story follows a woman called Ava. Her life has not been easy lately. She broke up with her boyfriend, lost her job and fights with her mom who's dream is for Ava to be a supermodel.
When her best friend Debs invites her to spend Christmas in Paris with her, Ava accepts and they start their wintery adventure.

The story is written in third person and it follows Ava's perspective, but it also follows Julien, the guy who Ava meets in Paris.

The writing style is really good. At first it took some time for me to get used to it, but after 50 first pages, I was totally invested in the story.

I feel like I have to mention that at the very beginning I found myself resented by some things that characters said.
At one point, there was an argument in which I felt like Ava was shaming rich people for being rich, but the rich guy responded by shaming Ava's look with sentence (this in not a quote but I'll do my best to write it as I remember) „By your hair I can tell you are probably interestied in girls.“, but he said it in a mean way, and I thought to myself „What is this, LGBT shaming?“
As it turned out, Ava actually wanted to look like that, but I was a bit put off with those comments.
I have to stress out it was mentioned only that one time, so I decided not to hold on to it.

The story was good, but the setting in amazing.
I love how Paris was present the whole time. By reading the story, the reader explores the city of lights along with characters and there's no way to forget where the story is taking place.

I happened to be in Paris during Christmas vacation few years ago, so I had no problem imagining streets of that wonderful city during winter, as I saw it mayself and, in my opinion, Mandy Baggot did an astonishing job describing it.

If you're looking for a festive read that not only will entertain you, but will also show you Paris during winter time, and will make you crave for french food, One Paris In Christmas is a perfect book for you.

Note: I got this book via Netgalley for free in an exchange for my honest review. Thank you Bookouture.

Read this and more reviews on my blog: http://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com

[Katharina | katharia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 Sterne
Am Anfang war ich ja kurzzeitig super genervt von beiden, aber das hat sich schnell gelegt. Seit Julien gesagt hat, dass er Coldplay mag, war alles wieder gut.
Mir hat die Atmosphäre des Buches so unglaublich gut gefallen. Man konnte sich alles so wunderbar vorstellen - vor allem wegen der Ortsangaben vor jedem Kapitel. Ich will nach Paris - JETZT!
Zum Ende hin wurde das Buch immer besser und fesselnder. Das hat mir am Anfang etwas gefehlt. Keine Insta-Love, aber trotzdem eine schöne Geschichte.

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas time is getting closer, but Eva's life is a mess, she found out that her boyfriend cheated on her, she's out of job and her mother is trying to persuade her to be a model, which is not something she wants to do. When Ava's best friend Debs offers to go to Paris, she is more than happy to do so. Eva and Debs have different reasons for the trip, but it's something they both really need.

Julien is in a low point in his life, after losing his sister, he hasn't been the same man and has not taken any pictures, which is actually his passion. His relationship with his father is not in the best condition, because they deal with grief differently and don't understand each other. Julien's life changes the moment he spots Ava and takes his first picture after his sister's death. That's the moment that liberates him. That moment is a turning point for both of them.

It's a wonderful story with authentic vibes of wintry Paris and Christmas time.I loved how the characters all connected and came together as well as the setting, it really felt like being there by myself. If you're searching for a terrific Christmas book, that's the one.

[Eve Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this book. The Paris setting was lovely, completely Christmassy and beautifully romantic. One Christmas in Paris is rich and warm. Full of romance with witty touches that make the characters real and interesting. A great way to spend a cold afternoon, curled up in a cosy armchair next to your Christmas tree, indulging in great story-telling (and chocolates and tea!) :)

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5 Sterne

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, clever, and delightfully beguiling!

This story is set in the magical City of Lights and takes us on a journey into the lives of two main characters; Ava, a young woman trying to find her true self amongst familial pressures and recent heartbreak; and Julien, a young man desperately struggling to persevere after the loss of a loved one and personal injury.

The prose is elegant and effortless. The imagery is exquisite. The main characters are genuine, multi-faceted, loyal, fun, and charming. And the plot is the perfect mix of emotion, drama and romance, as well as a wondrous love story to Paris itself, the landmarks, the art, the culture, and the scrumptious food.

I have to say that Mandy Baggot has the rare, uncanny ability to sweep you away and immerse you in majestic locales you never want to leave, and this novel is no exception. It is incredibly engaging, intriguing, and heartwarming, and would be a real shame to miss.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ein zauberhaftes Buch, das die Magie der Weihnacht und der Liebe wunderschön einfängt♡.
ich bin komplett ohne Erwartungen an das Buch ran gegangen, aber hab mich verliebt.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas...Paris..French Food.....a girl trying to work out who she is...a dashing photographer....Christmas markets...and Mandy Baggot. What a fantastic combination, that has produced a wonderful story.

Lets take these one thing at a time - Christmas. There are definitely a lot of festive elements in this book, and I loved some of the smaller details, about baubles and other decorations in various places. France at this time of year sounds beautiful.

Which brings me on nicely to Paris, well the Eiffel Tower plays its part in this story, as do love locks and many other landmarks in the city. There are also some lovely off the beaten track places, some that only locals would know. The romantic night time trip down the Seine is definitely a highlight.

Ah yes French food, Ava has a massive fondness for Camembert, and snails in garlic butter, and just about any food she can get her hands on. Ava has a controlling mother who has been trying to turn Ava into a model since the age of 4, and now in her twenties she has had enough, and I think that is in part why she has such a voracious appetite for all the delicious sounding food in Paris!

Ava is trying to work out just what it is she wants to do with her life, she knows it isn't modelling, nor is it selling real estate. She has a passion that she has buried for years, that starts to be realised with the help of her friend, Debs while they are in Paris. It is Deb who has persuaded Ava to come to France with her, as she needs help with various things including some amateur private investigation, and the writing of some magazine articles.

Julien is the dashing photographer, who is gorgeous, and isn't entirely truthful to Ava initially. It took me a while to warm to him fully but once I had, I may just be slightly in love. His story is moving, and touches on up to the minute issues, and generally he has a lot of depth about him, but I'll not go into any detail as he is best discovered for yourself.

The Christmas markets in Paris just sound wonderful, and there are a couple that Julien takes Ava to that are brilliant. A great mix of food for Ava, and lots of little trinkets that Deb loves to buy, with lots of atmosphere and festive sparkle.

And the last piece of my fantastic combination is Mandy Baggot, I am a bigger fan of hers after every book I read, and I think this may be her best yet. I have a real soft spot for her New York based Christmas book of last year, but there is just something about this which feels more mature and turns the book into an all around wonderful story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.

[Ivy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leider schon das zweite Weihnachtsbuch der Autorin, das mich nicht überzeugen konnte.

[Camilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desideravo leggere una vera e propria un storia ambientata nel periodo natalizio e questa lo è a tutti gli effetti.
Protagonisti di questo libro sono Ava e Julien, una modella inglese alle prese con la recente scoperta del tradimento del fidanzato e lui, invece, un giovane fotografo francese rimasto bloccato nel lutto di un famigliare.
Dopo essere uscita dal parrucchiere ritrovandosi, dopo un colpo di testa, con un'acconciatura fuori dagli schemi, Ava si ritrova spaesata e soprattutto stanca delle continue pressioni della madre, che la vorrebbe affermata nel mondo della moda. E' pronta per fare il nuovo passo ma la vera occasione avviene non appena si presenta alla porta della migliore amica Debs. L'amica è pronta per partire alla volta di Parigi e quale occasione migliore se non partire lasciandosi alle spalle le continue ramanzine della madre?
Le due si ritrovano così nella città dell'amore per antonomasia, ognuna con la propria missione da compiere: Debs scoprire la verità sul suo patrigno e Ava, invece, trovare la sua reale strada. Entrambe hanno le loro liste di desideri fatte addirittura quando avevano diciotto anni e complice un incontro fortuito con due affascinanti francesi, Ava scopre che non tutta la sua fiducia negli uomini è perduta.
Nonostante il primissimo incontro tra i protagonisti non sia affatto amichevole, Ava e Julien iniziano a visitare le piazze più importanti e i mercatini più caratteristici, che ci fa scoprire la magia di Parigi nel periodo delle feste.
Julien insieme ad Ava scopre cosa vuol dire ritornare a vivere dopo la sua grave perdita. Riprende così a girare con la sua macchina fotografica catturando ogni momento degno di essere fotografato e per questo deve ringraziare la sua nuova musa londinese.
Ammetto che mi divertita nel leggere le investigazioni delle due giovani inglesi, e quando vengono coinvolti anche Julien e Diedier, il migliore amico del fotografo, ho sorriso parecchio.
Una vera e propria storia d'amore, ed è impossibile non avere gli occhi a cuoricino con un personaggio raffinato come Julien, tuttavia recrimino un poco la lunghezza del libro.
Sarà che non sono più abituata a leggere libri in terza persona, e sarà che il tempo durante le feste è stato scarso, tuttavia ho trovato la lettura quasi lenta.
Tutto sommato, però, non posso non dare meno di quattro stelline.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A total escapist bonbon, this romance sets all scenes in various parts of Paris. Ava is trying to escape her controlling mother, and cheating ex by accompanying her friend to Paris. I needed a quick enjoyable read and this was just that.

[lealonieeliest · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ich bin sehr unsicher, was ich von diesem Buch halten soll, in Weihnachtsstimmung versetzt hat es mich nicht so recht, denn nur weil diverse Weihnachtsmärkte besucht werden oder die ein oder andere Lichterkette irgendwo hängt, heißt es ja nicht, dass das gleich dieses heimelige, warme und gemütliche Gefühl hervorruft. Man begleitet Ava auf der Reise mit ihrer besten Freundin Debs nach Paris- vieles möchte sie hinter sich lassen, ihre nervige Mutter, den Exfreund, der sie betrogen hat. Klar, dann fährt man eben spontan mit, auch ohne einen Koffer zu packen, denn was braucht man im
Winter kurz vor Weihnachten schon an Klamotten. Angekommen nervt der Ex immer noch rum und plötzlich kommt vor dem Hotel ein fremder Typ daher, der einfach mal Fotos von einem macht, man ist tierisch wütend und am Schluss geht man halt doch mit ihm, seinem besten Freund und der Freundin essen. 😂
Besagter Fotograf hat auch eine harte Zeit hinter sich, hat seine Schwester in einem Feuer verloren und wurde selbst dabei verletzt. Die Familie ist nicht mehr so, wie sie war und überhaupt fällt alles schwer.
Die beiden verlieben sich erwartungsgemäß ineinander und am Ende ist alles tuttifrutti. Was mich ja überhaupt nicht stört, aber das alles in einer Woche? Und alles, was vorher einem Scherbenhaufen glich, fügt sich wie auf wundersame Weise zusammen?

Alles in allem fand ich das Buch ja nicht schlecht, es hat mich unterhalten und konnte es auch relativ schnell lesen. Doch die letzten 80 (?) Seiten war ich recht genervt davon, wie schnell dann alles abgefertigt wurde und die Probleme sich lösten. Dieses Kribbeln, das ich schon bei diversen anderen Liebesromanen/-geschichten hatte, kam hier einfach nicht auf.

Und zum Schluss, dieser (moderne) Dirtytalk, der ja eigentlich irgendwie lasziv und erotisch und heiß wirken soll, ist einfach irgendwie peinlich.
1. Witze über coq (au vin) machen keinen geil. Finde ich.
2. Plötzlich heißt man nicht mehr Hans-Hubert und Bärbel oder in dem Fall Ava und Julien, sondern Monsieur Fitoussi. “Hey, monsieur Vieh-Tussi, lass uns ma ‘n büsschn coq essen 😏!” Fand ich schon bei Shades of Grey doof. Wer redet denn (auch speziell kurz vorm Koitus 😂) so? Ich würde wahrscheinlich laut loslachen, wenn das mein Partner auf einmal auspacken würde. Am besten auch noch mit der rauchigsten Stimme, die er aufbringen kann.
3. Sich mit Fruchtfleisch einschmieren und ablecken? Ah ja. Okay. Cool cool cool cool cool. I’m out (obwohl Fruchtsäurepeelings ja echt gut für die Haut sind... 🤔).


EDIT: Gelegentliches Einwerfen französischer Wörter im Sprachfluss und die Erwähnung von Camembert machen KEIN französisches Feeling. Nope. Sorry.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2016/1...

It’s always the books you enjoy the most that are the hardest to share your thoughts about …

Ava, with her recently failed relationship and living her life to the prescript of her mother, is a fabulously flawed character who drew me in from the very first chapter. Off to Paris with best friend Debs to escape her latest let down she finds out there’s more to Debs’ trip to Paris than she let on.

A scene in Paris with Julien, his father Gerard and step-mother-to-be Vivienne left me in no doubt that this is a family separated by their loss. Not knowing how to get out of the dark pit and directing their anger and frustration at each other, it seemed as if nothing would make a difference. Even Julien’s best friend Didier hasn’t been able to motivate him …

… and then in steps Ava. Or rather steps out of the hotel arguing with Leo on her phone and Julien picks up his camera, snapping away at Ava’s expressions.

Both Ava and Julien narrate. I loved Ava’s zest for life and her optimism. A great balance to Julien’s balanced approach. Mandy Baggot skillfully draws out their complexities along with their hopes and dreams making them characters all readers will be able to identify with. Their friendship and romance took me on a journey of emotions.

Debs is a fab character too. Her mission leads her and Ava into some madcap situations …

Some of my favourite scenes are where Julien shows Ava his Paris. Not just the Christmas markets but a different perspective of the Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Quarter … such fabulous settings. I have to mention Eva’s enjoyment of the food. My taste buds were tingling! The sights, sounds, smells and taste totally drew me in. I feel as if I’ve been on holiday!

One Christmas in Paris is much more than a romance read. Mandy Baggot also tackles things that affect us socially such as the Paris attacks, body image and those responsibilities we give ourselves to please others. One of the most important messages for me is making sure that whatever you feel passionate about must be an integral part of your life, being true to who you are.

One Christmas in Paris has all the feels and I can guarantee will uplift your mood. You’ll be thinking about the story a long time after you’ve turned that final page.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,3 Sterne

Eine süße Geschichte, bei der mir aber irgendwie was gefehlt hat.

Es wurden sehr viele Themen angesprochen, aber ich finde, dass nur die wenigsten von ihnen richtig ausgearbeitet waren.
Die Liebesgeschichte hat mir wohl am besten gefallen. Wie sich die Beiden langsam kennengelernt haben, war wirklich niedlich und es ging auch nicht zu schnell, was ich zunächst befürchtet hatte.
Jedoch gingen mir dann ein paar andere Sachen etwas zu schnell, bei denen ich mehr Diskussionen erwartet oder auch einfach realistisch gefunden hätte. Die Lösung kam mir da einfach zu schnell.
Nachdem ich mir das Buch gekauft hatte, habe ich eigentlich nur eine süße Liebesgeschichte erwartet. Es gibt aber auch ein paar ernstere Themen, die mich dann etwas überrascht haben. Die Ausarbeitung davon hat mir aber gefallen.

Irgendwie hatte ich erwartet, dass mich das Buch etwas mehr in Weihnachtsstimmung bringen würde. Wie Paris im Winter beschrieben wurde, fand ich aber toll und ich werd wohl irgendwann auch einmal im Winter nach Paris müssen.

Und Leute: Lest dieses Buch niemals hungrig. Wäre es nicht schon 10 Uhr abends gewesen, hätte ich das Buch auf jeden Fall kurz unterbrochen um mir Knoblauchbrot zu kaufen...

[One Book at a Time! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to net galley.com for the ARC!

This book is totes awesome! This book has amazing character development and how they opened themselves up to love and to possibilities of love was great! When the girls were following around Deb's step-dad's friend and then when they approached them in the restaurant so totes good and best part was the grow your own rainbow gift! So many good parts to this book, it is a page turner and a book that just transports you Paris at Christmas time. I loved these characters and the story was just awesome and sweet. Just a lovely book to curly up on the couch and read by the fire.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book x
This book had the magic of Christmas written on every page. Been transported to Paris made it even more romantic. I absolutely adored it. The characters were adorable, there were funny scenes too. This was a winters day book with a French baguette in the mix. Totally Scrumcious

I rate this book 5/5

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this was adorable! Loved every page of it and often had a little tear or two in my eye. Beautiful

[Jana at ThatArtsyReaderGirl.com · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I read the word "totes" ever again I might scream. And soooo much drama and sooooo many misunderstandings. Ugh.

[ItsMedea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 🌟 eine wunderschöne Weihnachtsgeschichte

[cocoline_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eine wundervolle Geschichte ❄️☃️🎄

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was just a magical christmas read.

The cover of this book is just as beautiful as the story inside.

I've always wanted to go to Paris especially at christmas! How lovely and romantic would it be, well I found out in Avas story.

From the very begining Ava is a character you just feel for, shes just found out her boyfriend was cheating on her and her mother is always on her back wanting her to do all these diets and get in shape for a ton of modelling jobs.

A drastic haircut later and her best friend wisks her away to Paris.

Both girls find unexpected love and have the time of their lives in Paris, with new beginnings opening up for them both.

I loved how half of the book was from Juliens side it gave us the opportunity to delve deeper into his character.

The perfect Christmas read to get cosy with on the winter nights.

Absolutely loved this! Every single page was just fabulous.

5* - So well deserved!!

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, feel good read oozing with Christmas spirit. Mandy Baggot writes with such assurance and charm, skilfully weaving a spell with her beautiful words that takes us right into the heart of this lovely story. I did not want to finish this book - loved the beautiful descriptions of Paris, and the food made me drool.. Loved this amazing read and would recommend it to everyone. A must read!

[Claire Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Christmas in Paris by Mandy Baggot is described as a perfect feel good Christmas romance and it doesn't disappoint. I've loved all of Mandy's novels, whether they are set in the summer or the winter. The only aspect that stopped me rating the novel 5 stars was the overuse of the word 'totes' - which is not a reflection on Mandy's writing skills - I just hate that word with a fiery passion. When Ava follows her friend to Paris in the run up to Christmas, the last thing she wants is to find love. She has just discovered that Leo, her boyfriend, was cheating on her. However, when she meets photographer Julien who is mourning the loss of his beloved sister, sparks fly and they soon find that the one thing they don't want is the one thing they both need

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

You love Christmas in New York?! Forget New York, here comes Paris.

A snowy Christmas in Paris must be truly magical. Something I never experienced, but Mandy Baggot brought it to life for me. The setting in Paris was simply wonderful and I could easily imagine the snow in the streets of Paris, the Christmas lights around all the beautiful sights.

I really ejoyed the story of Ava and Julien and it was wonderful exploring Paris with them. The love story develops rather slowly which I definetely enjoyed. Ava and Julien are wonderful characters with individual heart-warming stories.

The writing style was fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable. Mandy Baggot is a guarantee for a wonderful and romantic story.

[Bernadette Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this feel good romance set in Paris an 8/10 or 4 stars.

I really enjoyed this story and it was pure escapism. It's a long time since I've been to Paris and the story made me feel as if I was there. Mandy Baggot knows how to tell a good story and this was definitely a good story.

Ava and her friend Debs travel to Paris, to have a break. Ava is nursing a broken heart and Debs would like to find someone for Ava to take her mind off her ex. To find out how successful Debs is, you'll have to read the story.

[michelle Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is struggling with a mother who wants to take over her life, a cheating boyfriend and the loss of her job. A trip to Paris with her best friend and a chance meeting of a good looking man changes everything. Is all in her life exactly as it appears?

A book filled with romantic promise and rather yummy French food. There cannot be a much better combination in my view.

[Emma Jonasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

En bok som utlöser många fnissatacker samtidigt som dem utlovar romantik och klichéer. Med andra ord en perfekt feelgood bok för mig. I sin genre är den värd fem stjärnor men om man ändå måste jämföra med andra böcker måste man kanske hålla igen lite?

[Buckley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story & likable characters, but the over use of words like "totes", "Madonna"... distracted from the story.

[Jenny Kastle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute. But why is no one talking about the best friend CONSTANTLY SAYING "TOTES?!"MY GOD. PAINFUL.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale immersed me in the sights and sounds of Paris and left me salivating for Camembert and croissants.

“We don’t wish the day away. We embrace every second. Every new sunrise brings the possibility of possibilities.”

One Christmas in Paris by Mandy Baggot is a contemporary romance set in the City of Lights and Love and teeming with the magic of Christmas. There’s French food, Christmas markets, sightseeing excursions to many famous Parisian landmarks, quirky supporting characters, a dashingly handsome photographer and even a bit of undercover intrigue. I had picked up this book last Christmas on a whim hooked by the words Christmas and Paris, thinking that the story might serve as a pseudo return visit to the lovely city I’d visited for a week years ago. Anyway, those same two words jumped out at me as I was browsing through my library of kindle titles, and, deciding it was a great time for an impromptu getaway, I started reading. This is the story of English ex-model Ava Devlin and French photographer Julien Fitoussi.

As the story opens, Ava is reeling from discovering that her boyfriend has cheated on her. Add in the facts that she’s now unemployed and that her controlling mother is after Ava to take on an unwanted modeling assignment. It’s all just too much and Ava wants to escape. When Debs, Ava’s best friend, asks Ava to accompany her on an assignment to Paris, Ava jumps at the chance to get away. Shortly after arriving in Paris, the two women meet two Frenchmen, Julien and his friend, Didier. Julien and Ava argue at dinner and thus begins their story!

I really liked both Julien and Ava… and besties Didier and Debs too. I thoroughly enjoyed watching from the sidelines as their relationship slowly evolved from enemies to friends to lovers. I’d already mentioned that Ava’s life was a mess. Julien was also coming from a rough place. He’d basically been a recluse for the last year since his sister suffered a horrific death. His family, who had been close before the tragedy, had come apart at the seams. AND, Julien, who had previously loved taking photos, hadn’t even touched his camera until Ava entered his life. They both desperately needed a new start. But, would they find that start together or apart?

My very favorite scenes in this story involved accompanying Julien and Ava as they traipsed around Paris visiting the sites. The author did a great job making me feel that I was there with them. When you pick up this tale, you can expect to visit the Eiffel Tower, take a romantic night-time dinner cruise on the Seine, visit markets and eateries all over Paris and much more…

Debs had an ulterior motive for being in Paris. I found that facet of the story to be silly and not needed. I almost quit reading at one point as I was so appalled at an over-the-top crazy stunt the two women pulled. Thankfully, I did not quit and soon after that, the clandestine sub plot resolved itself. Good riddance.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from One Christmas in Paris:

“Where they are setting up the market, it used to be a place for torture,” Julien remarked, indicating the place in front of them.
“Wow,” Ava said. “I know I said I wanted to ditch the romanticized idea of Paris with couples and hearts and flowers but I wasn’t thinking of touring all the places they once did waterboarding.”
---
“I cannot speak for someone I do not know, but he was looking for adoration not love and there is a big difference.”
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“I believe, in life, there is no such thing as a bad idea. Only ideas that work and ideas that do not.”

This tale immersed me in the sights and sounds of Paris and left me salivating for Camembert and croissants. It’s the first book I’ve ever read by Mandy. I hope to check out more books by her in the future. If you are looking for a humorous holiday read set in Paris in which you will visit many famous landmarks from your armchair and with an ending that will leave you smiling, I’d recommend that you check out One Christmas in Paris.

My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...