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Paris for two
The best cure for a terrible crush on someone like Windel Watson is a trip across the ocean. That's what twelve year old Petunia Beanly thinks, until she hears where her family is moving, Not Paris. Not France, Anywhere else would be better . Because that's where Windel will be too...
Paperback
First published April 26, 2016
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309 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe Stone
16 books156 followersBefore concentrating on creating books for children and young adults, Phoebe Stone had a very successful career established as a fine art's painter. During that time, she received two Vermont Council on the Arts Fellowships in painting and exhibited her work in many museums and galleries all around New England and New York City, and influenced many New England artists with her unique, brightly colored narrative and metaphorical style. "I was already working in sequences," she says, "but at some point I began to realize that I could combine my love for images and words in picture books for children."
Phoebe's picture books include When Wind Bear Goes Dancing, What Night do the Angels Wander, and Go Away, Shelly Boo! Original art from When Wind Bear Goes Dancing was included in the Society of Illustrators' Original Art '97 show. Go Away, Shelly Boo! was chosen as an American Bookseller Association's Pick of the Lists.
She has also written three novels, All the Blue Moons at the Wallace Hotel, Sonata #1 for Riley Red, and Deep Down Popular. The New York Times said of All the Blue Moons at the Wallace Hotel, "Stone's prose is poetic." The Boston Globe said of Sonata #1 for Riley Red, "Literature doesn't get much better than this."
Phoebe Stone lives in Middlebury, Vermont.
Phoebe's picture books include When Wind Bear Goes Dancing, What Night do the Angels Wander, and Go Away, Shelly Boo! Original art from When Wind Bear Goes Dancing was included in the Society of Illustrators' Original Art '97 show. Go Away, Shelly Boo! was chosen as an American Bookseller Association's Pick of the Lists.
She has also written three novels, All the Blue Moons at the Wallace Hotel, Sonata #1 for Riley Red, and Deep Down Popular. The New York Times said of All the Blue Moons at the Wallace Hotel, "Stone's prose is poetic." The Boston Globe said of Sonata #1 for Riley Red, "Literature doesn't get much better than this."
Phoebe Stone lives in Middlebury, Vermont.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 13, 2018
2.5 stars
June 30, 2016
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Middle grade Anna and the French Kiss? I couldn't possibly pass on reading such a story! Since I've been trying to get more into middle grade books for awhile now, when this title (with that blurb) came up, I just knew I had to check this out. Even though I've never read anything by Phoebe stone, let alone hear anything about her other books, I was so excited to read this MG book set in Paris.
Petunia Beanly's family is staying in France for her Dad's sabbatical. But it turns out she was wrong to think that this was a chance to escape the embarrassment she made of herself back in America. If nothing else, it's an opening to face the fact that she's got a mad crush on Windel Watson. However, stuck in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Petunia or "Pet" for short, has yet to find the courage to do so.
I so badly wanted to adore Paris for Two. I was so much alike Pet when I was twelve- awkward and shy and out of place. I wish I could say I connected with her because of this but it saddens me to report that I did not. A serious factor that affected this was the language used in the narrative. It just seemed off to me, especially the dialogue. I feel like it was trying hard to sound young so much that it sounded silly. The lack of contractions and frequent use of "Oh!" in the expressions vexed me.
At its heart, this is a book about sisters, which is something I can always appreciate because I have a sister myself. However, the sibling rivalry was a little absurd and I couldn't believe any older sister would be so antagonistic. Ava, Pet's older sister, was more childish than Pet was. I did understand where the friction between the two sisters came from but I detested Ava's behavior towards Pet, not to mention the obvious favoritism of their mother.
The parents in this book had very little to no personality, not to mention genuine parental concern. I mean who lets their twelve year old daughter traipse Paris alone without even making reassurances for her to stay on track and keep out of harm's way? Paris may be a romantic city, but it's also foreign and not always safe.
One thing I did appreciate in this book was Pet's adorable friendship with an aged concierge from her building. I have a soft spot for Grandma characters. The "100 year old mystery" that ties her and Pet together though? Not as interesting to me. I pretty much didn't care for any of the subplots really. I wanted to get into the depth of each character, and while the book does show the adversities and mishaps one experiences as a tween and as a little sister through Pet, I wanted more from the rest of the characters.
All that said, Paris for Two has its cute moments, especially when Windel Watson is in the picture. Phoebe Stone brilliantly portrays the feeling of having a first crush. Also, the resolution, although a little too perfect, was pretty good- heartwarming at best. I can definitely imagine young girls swooning over this.
Middle grade Anna and the French Kiss? I couldn't possibly pass on reading such a story! Since I've been trying to get more into middle grade books for awhile now, when this title (with that blurb) came up, I just knew I had to check this out. Even though I've never read anything by Phoebe stone, let alone hear anything about her other books, I was so excited to read this MG book set in Paris.
Petunia Beanly's family is staying in France for her Dad's sabbatical. But it turns out she was wrong to think that this was a chance to escape the embarrassment she made of herself back in America. If nothing else, it's an opening to face the fact that she's got a mad crush on Windel Watson. However, stuck in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Petunia or "Pet" for short, has yet to find the courage to do so.
I so badly wanted to adore Paris for Two. I was so much alike Pet when I was twelve- awkward and shy and out of place. I wish I could say I connected with her because of this but it saddens me to report that I did not. A serious factor that affected this was the language used in the narrative. It just seemed off to me, especially the dialogue. I feel like it was trying hard to sound young so much that it sounded silly. The lack of contractions and frequent use of "Oh!" in the expressions vexed me.
At its heart, this is a book about sisters, which is something I can always appreciate because I have a sister myself. However, the sibling rivalry was a little absurd and I couldn't believe any older sister would be so antagonistic. Ava, Pet's older sister, was more childish than Pet was. I did understand where the friction between the two sisters came from but I detested Ava's behavior towards Pet, not to mention the obvious favoritism of their mother.
The parents in this book had very little to no personality, not to mention genuine parental concern. I mean who lets their twelve year old daughter traipse Paris alone without even making reassurances for her to stay on track and keep out of harm's way? Paris may be a romantic city, but it's also foreign and not always safe.
One thing I did appreciate in this book was Pet's adorable friendship with an aged concierge from her building. I have a soft spot for Grandma characters. The "100 year old mystery" that ties her and Pet together though? Not as interesting to me. I pretty much didn't care for any of the subplots really. I wanted to get into the depth of each character, and while the book does show the adversities and mishaps one experiences as a tween and as a little sister through Pet, I wanted more from the rest of the characters.
All that said, Paris for Two has its cute moments, especially when Windel Watson is in the picture. Phoebe Stone brilliantly portrays the feeling of having a first crush. Also, the resolution, although a little too perfect, was pretty good- heartwarming at best. I can definitely imagine young girls swooning over this.
July 12, 2020
this book honestly i thought about dnf-ing and i have to rerate this because i rated it too high. the book wasn’t a “romance” and it was more of a boring historical fiction. also the 3+ pages of JUST one persons dialogue got pretty annoying fast. the book was slow paced and not what i expected it to be
July 28, 2020
This was actually one of my favorite books I've read by Phoebe Stone.
This book has three storylines. The past, the present, and the distant past. So we actually get to see three different stories that all tie together to make the present richer.
I really felt for Pet, and how shoved aside she was, and how she tried to make things better with her family. Though I didn't approve of some of the things she did I loved how hard she tried.
The romance was rather unusual, since the characters are rarely together, or even talking, but somehow it worked really well. I loved how it worked out in the end.
My only complaint would be that Pet's attitude is not always the best towards her older sister, so that wouldn't be the best for younger kids to reach.
This book has three storylines. The past, the present, and the distant past. So we actually get to see three different stories that all tie together to make the present richer.
I really felt for Pet, and how shoved aside she was, and how she tried to make things better with her family. Though I didn't approve of some of the things she did I loved how hard she tried.
The romance was rather unusual, since the characters are rarely together, or even talking, but somehow it worked really well. I loved how it worked out in the end.
My only complaint would be that Pet's attitude is not always the best towards her older sister, so that wouldn't be the best for younger kids to reach.
March 15, 2019
Good book my oldest kid loved this book
December 11, 2024
I enjoyed it. I liked the doll factory background and WWII talk. I loved the sisterly bonds and how they become closer together.
Read
April 24, 2018Pet and her family move to Paris for a year for her fathers sabbatical Pet thought she would be so happy there... until she discovers, the boy she had a crush on is also going to be there. OH NO!! During her stay in Paris she learns of some of the history of WWll including the dolls. This inspires her to enter a jr. Fashion show. I Would recommend this book to a Friend because alot of girls this age have interests in this genre.
February 26, 2020
Great choice to read. I have read it many times and loved it more and more each time. Highly recommend for when you want to laugh. This book has many ups and downs happening and the main characters are really easy to relate to and I always enjoy reading it.
December 16, 2019
This book was good. Paris for two is a good name for this book, but not in the way you expect. A truly great book.
August 5, 2017
In my opinion, Phoebe Stone doesn't get nearly enough credit for her writing. I've been a hard core fan since Deep Down Popular. Stone writes realistic middle grade fiction. They are sweet stories with endearing characters. If I'm looking for tween romance, she is my go to person.
When I started this I wasn't looking for much more than a satisfying read. It didn't take long for me to become completely absorbed in the story and the characters. I admit that I was uncomfortable with the sibling rivalry and the mother's favouritism of the older sister. That was just plain creepy.
The Beanly family is in Paris while the father is on a sabbatical writing about Flaubert. Petunia, the younger sister, is happy to be away from America where she made a fool of herself because of a crush on Windel Watson. Unfortunately, Windel is also in Paris.
There are three story lines weaving their way through this book.
Petunia's humiliating crush on Windel Watson, a piano prodigy from her school, is told in flashbacks.
The adversarial relationship between Petunia and her older, beautiful sister Ava, is both backdrop and foreground to the other story lines.
Through Petunia's relationship with the elderly concierge, Collette, an historical component takes readers into the history of the Jumeau doll company and the second world war.
As someone who sews many of her own clothes, I was fascinated by the fashion and fabrication of clothing aspects to this novel. I hope that while the actual sewing might not appeal to readers, the fashion aspects will.
There is a Cinderella theme throughout this novel, although it isn't obvious immediately. Just like the fairy tale, the ending is happy.
When I started this I wasn't looking for much more than a satisfying read. It didn't take long for me to become completely absorbed in the story and the characters. I admit that I was uncomfortable with the sibling rivalry and the mother's favouritism of the older sister. That was just plain creepy.
The Beanly family is in Paris while the father is on a sabbatical writing about Flaubert. Petunia, the younger sister, is happy to be away from America where she made a fool of herself because of a crush on Windel Watson. Unfortunately, Windel is also in Paris.
There are three story lines weaving their way through this book.
Petunia's humiliating crush on Windel Watson, a piano prodigy from her school, is told in flashbacks.
The adversarial relationship between Petunia and her older, beautiful sister Ava, is both backdrop and foreground to the other story lines.
Through Petunia's relationship with the elderly concierge, Collette, an historical component takes readers into the history of the Jumeau doll company and the second world war.
As someone who sews many of her own clothes, I was fascinated by the fashion and fabrication of clothing aspects to this novel. I hope that while the actual sewing might not appeal to readers, the fashion aspects will.
There is a Cinderella theme throughout this novel, although it isn't obvious immediately. Just like the fairy tale, the ending is happy.
September 18, 2017
Petunia and Windel
Stories for young adults don't get any better than this! True to real life, historical flashbacks, insecurities at all ages, misunderstandings, family eccentricities and crazinesses, forgiveness, generosity—Paris for Two has it all.
The fam is in Paris for Dad the Flaubert scholar's sabbatical—somewhere it said year long, but events read more like spring semester. Main character Petunia Beanley – that at first I misread as "Beauley," probably because of Francophile Dad in a Parisian setting – has been crushing forever on schoolmate Windel Watson who by misfortune that in the end turns into good fortune also has come to Paris from the greater Boston area.
Phoebe Stone's characters all are that stereotypical "larger than life." So sorry about the Mom, who favors and coddles elder daughter Ava from a previous relationship, and who apparently is a gifted artist who can't find herself because she's socially and existentially lost on the wrong side of the vast Atlantic expanse. The apartment building's concierge shares a lot about and until the book's conclusion still spends much of her time reliving her World War !! mis-history; come to think of it, Collette may be the lynchpin of the entire narrative! Protagonist Petunia is creative, curious, enters her own sartorial creations in a fashion show ... that ultimately leads to her winning Beau Windel. However, Petunia and Windel end up together not so much because of the runway, but because complicated circumstances subvert sisterly envies and jealousies into sisterly love that would do anything to delight her younger sister.
Read the book!
Stories for young adults don't get any better than this! True to real life, historical flashbacks, insecurities at all ages, misunderstandings, family eccentricities and crazinesses, forgiveness, generosity—Paris for Two has it all.
The fam is in Paris for Dad the Flaubert scholar's sabbatical—somewhere it said year long, but events read more like spring semester. Main character Petunia Beanley – that at first I misread as "Beauley," probably because of Francophile Dad in a Parisian setting – has been crushing forever on schoolmate Windel Watson who by misfortune that in the end turns into good fortune also has come to Paris from the greater Boston area.
Phoebe Stone's characters all are that stereotypical "larger than life." So sorry about the Mom, who favors and coddles elder daughter Ava from a previous relationship, and who apparently is a gifted artist who can't find herself because she's socially and existentially lost on the wrong side of the vast Atlantic expanse. The apartment building's concierge shares a lot about and until the book's conclusion still spends much of her time reliving her World War !! mis-history; come to think of it, Collette may be the lynchpin of the entire narrative! Protagonist Petunia is creative, curious, enters her own sartorial creations in a fashion show ... that ultimately leads to her winning Beau Windel. However, Petunia and Windel end up together not so much because of the runway, but because complicated circumstances subvert sisterly envies and jealousies into sisterly love that would do anything to delight her younger sister.
Read the book!
November 10, 2017
Though definitely not the most original book, I still appreciated the nostalgic and innocent mood from the book, capturing the feeling of being young, free, and having a crush while being socially awkward. I loved the Romeo and Juliet Code because of the adorableness factor. I was attracted to this particular book because of the cover and the title since I adore anything related to Paris.
I admire Pet because she's a little sister who is overshadowed by her more perfect older sister, but Pet is really talented for being twelve. I'm older than her, but I'm still horrible at fashion and don't know anything about it [typical Reenie outfit: t-shirt and worn-out dark jeans].
It wasn't exactly the most realistic or original book, especially with the ending and the whole cliche of the "supposedly perfect character wants what the main character has and breaks down crying and there is a huge kumbaya moment",
I admire Pet because she's a little sister who is overshadowed by her more perfect older sister, but Pet is really talented for being twelve. I'm older than her, but I'm still horrible at fashion and don't know anything about it [typical Reenie outfit: t-shirt and worn-out dark jeans].
It wasn't exactly the most realistic or original book, especially with the ending and the whole cliche of the "supposedly perfect character wants what the main character has and breaks down crying and there is a huge kumbaya moment",
February 14, 2021
I loved this book and I thought it had a very interesting plot. Pet is always getting compared to her sister, Ava, who's mother has a tighter bond with, and who has a different biological father. While Pet embarrasses herself all the time in front of her crush, Windel, Ava is graceful and never does. She is always perfect until the ending, which I loved. The sisters finally develop a bond and both cut off all their hair. Pet finally doesn't embarrass herself in front of Windel and they become friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2021
This will forever be a classic for me, ahh I love it and honestly, the ending is AMAZING. Though I am a bit sad that Collette had to leave. Also, I treasure this book since it is my first hardcover novel and one of the first books to get me into reading. And of course, I am in LOVE with Petunia and Ava's relationship by the end, and the story of Collette's grandmother was really interesting as well. Overall, it's a great book, especially for 11-12-year-olds, who might be able to relate to the characters better than other ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
I have to say...this book exceeded my expectations! While the storyline was somewhat predictable, there were some hilarious moments that I will always remember, and as the older sister in my family, it was VERY entertaining to see the insight that the main character (the younger sister) had about sister relationships. The downside for me was that there wasn't enough Paris. As said on my profile, I love books about vacation, but when someone visits a glamorous location like France, I expect lots of details, especially about the food. Maybe I'm just picky though.
September 14, 2017
A middle grade novel about a 12 year old American girl who goes to live in Paris while her father is on sabbatical. She meets her boy crush from school who's in Paris too and enters a fashion design contest where she bases her design on doll clothes a woman designed for dolls in 1945. A story that many middle school girls will enjoy, especially ones who are interested in Paris, France.
June 19, 2021
I usually enjoy kids’ books, but this one frustrated me. The characters, emotions, and plot were all over the place. I managed to finish it. There was some time-shifting which seemed unnecessary and took too long to clear up. I did like reading about the Jumeau dolls, but that part of the story also took forever. Most of the characters were annoying.
April 7, 2018
This was a sweet book. My 10 year old is reading it, so I thought I'd read it as well. Love the story about the two sisters. I feel it was a true representation of how sister relationships can be. I only gave it a 3 because I feel like the ending was needlessly rushed.
May 14, 2018
I really didn't like that Petunia's family wasn't very nice to her. It wasn't fair. It was nice that Ava started being nice to her, but why was she such a jerk in the first place? When Windel kisses the tip of Petunia's nose that was too much! They are thirteen for pity sakes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2018
I think this book was amazing if you love Paris this is great she learned how to speak French and then had the Nazis come so they had to be quite for a long time.And she also had a fashion show that she had to design some dresses.
April 7, 2022
I’ve read a lot of this author’s other books and I loved them. This one just seemed super slow to me. I did love all the wraps up at the end and the lessons the main character learned, but I almost quit on the book at least 4 times.
November 3, 2024
cute book. I filed this book under read a book that takes place in a country that won a gold medal in volleyball during the 2024 Olympics (France won men's volleyball). this prompt was for the 52 books 2024 summer mini
May 6, 2017
It was so amazingly heartfelt and the ending was wonderful!
July 14, 2018
It was cute.
The mom was a jerk and I honestly did not like her one bit. The sister was okay towards the end.
The mom was a jerk and I honestly did not like her one bit. The sister was okay towards the end.
April 18, 2019
It was awesome
January 3, 2021
Cute, easy read. This would be perfect for a middle school aged girl!
February 24, 2021
This book is very good. After my second time reading it, I still agree with my review of the paperback copy. This is a very good book.
June 14, 2021
Great book
November 11, 2023
It's a totally over the top and I'm getting kinda sick of this high romanticized version of Paris.
December 25, 2023
Cute book, loved the bit of history in it as well, I don’t know if it’s accurate but I’m sure there is some truth to it if it’s not fully true.
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