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The Paris Wedding
Ten years ago, Rachael West chose not to move to Sydney with her high school sweetheart, Matthew. Instead she stayed on the family wheat farm, caring for her seriously ill mother and letting go of her dreams. Now Matthew is marrying someone else, in Paris. The invitation sits innocently on the side, where Rachael dropped it like a rattlesnake after seeing the raised gold lettering. An all-expenses-paid trip to Paris - to watch the only man she ever loved marry someone else. The city of light has all kinds of surprises in store. And on the eve of the wedding, Rachael is faced with an impossible dilemma: should she give up on the promise of love, or destroy another woman's life for a chance at happiness?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2017
121 people are currently reading
2124 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Nash
30 books155 followersCharlotte Nash was born in England and grew up in the sunny Redland Shire of Brisbane. Before becoming a writer, she spent time building rockets and working as an industrial accident investigator (she swears the two were not related). Somewhere in that time, she acquired a penchant for motorbikes.
She now writes women's fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, teaches in some semesters, and works in technical writing with fascinating people. She has degrees in engineering and medicine, and a PhD in creative writing from The University of Queensland. She swears she is still fun at parties.
She now writes women's fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, teaches in some semesters, and works in technical writing with fascinating people. She has degrees in engineering and medicine, and a PhD in creative writing from The University of Queensland. She swears she is still fun at parties.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
September 27, 2017
An enjoyable read with locations in Australia and in Paris, all very well described. I have to admit to becoming exasperated with Rachael when she appeared to be in love with whichever man was in the room at the time, but she eventually sorted herself out.
Romances are not usually my cup of tea but this one had some depth to it which made it very readable. It was also very well paced and had a degree of suspense ( will she, won't she) which kept the pages turning.
Entertaining and nicely written.
Romances are not usually my cup of tea but this one had some depth to it which made it very readable. It was also very well paced and had a degree of suspense ( will she, won't she) which kept the pages turning.
Entertaining and nicely written.
June 23, 2017
4.5★s
When Rachael West received the richly embossed invitation to Matthew and Bonnie’s wedding, she knew immediately she couldn’t accept. Matthew was the man who had broken her heart ten years prior, when she’d stayed on the family farm to care for her mother instead of joining him in Sydney; and she still carried a torch for him. To see him marry someone else would be all kinds of heartache. But the invitation was for a week-long stay in Paris – all expenses paid; staying in a top of the range hotel; tours and sightseeing, plus airfares. Rachael had never been out of Australia – how could she pass up such a holiday?
Rachael’s mother had just passed away after a serious illness and she was feeling frail and grief stricken. Everyone, including her sister Tess, told her to take advantage of the invitation. So Rachael asked her best friend Sammy to accompany her – Europe’s city of love was in their sights…
The opulence of their accommodation had Sammy and Rachael gasping – and as their pampering continued, Rachael could almost forget why they were in Paris. Almost. It was when she saw Matthew for the first time in ten years that she knew she had made the wrong decision in accepting the invitation. What would happen during this week of turbulence and delight? Rachael’s confusion and sadness would mix with awe and pleasure – but what would the wedding day bring?
The Paris Wedding by Aussie author Charlotte Nash was an absolute delight to read. From the cover I imagined it would be pretty much a romance novel, but it’s not – it’s more to do with Rachael finding herself; working out what she wants to do with her life after sacrificing ten years to care for her mother. All her friends are married and most have children. Her sister has a husband and three children – and she’s younger than Rachael. She knows of her sacrifice but doesn’t regret it. Her grief at her mother’s passing at such a young age is real – Rachael is a very “normal” character; very relatable. From Milton near Parkes in country NSW to the bright city lights of Paris, The Paris Wedding is a well written novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review.
When Rachael West received the richly embossed invitation to Matthew and Bonnie’s wedding, she knew immediately she couldn’t accept. Matthew was the man who had broken her heart ten years prior, when she’d stayed on the family farm to care for her mother instead of joining him in Sydney; and she still carried a torch for him. To see him marry someone else would be all kinds of heartache. But the invitation was for a week-long stay in Paris – all expenses paid; staying in a top of the range hotel; tours and sightseeing, plus airfares. Rachael had never been out of Australia – how could she pass up such a holiday?
Rachael’s mother had just passed away after a serious illness and she was feeling frail and grief stricken. Everyone, including her sister Tess, told her to take advantage of the invitation. So Rachael asked her best friend Sammy to accompany her – Europe’s city of love was in their sights…
The opulence of their accommodation had Sammy and Rachael gasping – and as their pampering continued, Rachael could almost forget why they were in Paris. Almost. It was when she saw Matthew for the first time in ten years that she knew she had made the wrong decision in accepting the invitation. What would happen during this week of turbulence and delight? Rachael’s confusion and sadness would mix with awe and pleasure – but what would the wedding day bring?
The Paris Wedding by Aussie author Charlotte Nash was an absolute delight to read. From the cover I imagined it would be pretty much a romance novel, but it’s not – it’s more to do with Rachael finding herself; working out what she wants to do with her life after sacrificing ten years to care for her mother. All her friends are married and most have children. Her sister has a husband and three children – and she’s younger than Rachael. She knows of her sacrifice but doesn’t regret it. Her grief at her mother’s passing at such a young age is real – Rachael is a very “normal” character; very relatable. From Milton near Parkes in country NSW to the bright city lights of Paris, The Paris Wedding is a well written novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Hachette Australia for my ARC to read and review.
August 13, 2018
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4.5 stars
Established Australian rural fiction writer Charlotte Nash ventures further afield with her latest release. The Paris Wedding combines the rich beauty of Paris, with the dusty plains of outback Australia. The Paris Wedding features a strong romantic storyline, offset with a compelling story of self discovery.
Charlotte Nash is one of my favourite rural fiction authors. I have read all four of her previous books, so when I discovered her latest novel combines an Australian country setting with my happy place, Paris, I was over the moon to say the least! Thankfully Nash’s novel lived up to the high expectations I attached to it and more!
As this book is titled ‘The Paris Wedding’ do expect plenty of romance, complete with high and complicated emotions. Romance is in air in the form of leading man and Rachael’s former love, Matthew’s wedding to the wealthy Bonnie. Then there is a hopeful romance that sparks in the city of love, between Rachael and official wedding photographer Antonio. Nash also explores the nostalgia between past lovers Rachael and Matthew. While further complications in love come from a storyline featuring Rachael’s best friend and fellow wedding guest Sammy. Each of these romantic sub plots has the power to sweep the reader off their feet in the love stakes!
The Paris Wedding offers so much more than a heart and flowers style love story. Nestled within the pages of Nash’s latest novel is a powerful story that explores unfulfilled dreams and lost opportunities. It also conveys the feelings of how life can soon pass you by, delivering gut wrenching feelings of regret and longing. For Rachael, it comes from observing the personal growth of others around her in the ten years she cared for her mother and their family farm. Nash depicts these complicated but common feelings well in The Paris Wedding. She also examines the impact a terminal illness such as Rachael’s mother has on offspring. This is handled with sensitivity and insight. She also explores marital estrangement through a narrative thread involving Sammy, Rachael’s likable best friend. Also included in The Paris Wedding is an involving and authentic story thread concerning Rachael’s sister Tess, husband Joel and her young family battling to keep their farm from the financial strain. All these threads are touched with plenty of heart and understanding from accomplished author Charlotte Nash.
Nash’s cast list is full and well presented. I loved the lead Rachael from the very beginning, she had her flaws for sure, but it made her much more real. I desperately wanted Rachael to make the right choices in love and life. Rachael is supported by two male characters. Matthew, the high school sweetheart and now groom, annoyed me and I felt angered by his selfish needs! Antonio, a potential love interest for Rachael, was a much better choice. I enjoyed the interplay between Rachael and Antonio. Supporting Rachael, are a bevy of secondary protagonists. These include appealing Sammy (who also has a great side story delivering a fine plot twist), to Rachael’s sister Tess, who provides much depth to the story. Bonnie and her colourful family members were great additions to the novel, adding further interest to the book and they helped to ensure I kept the pages of The Paris Wedding turning quickly. Local residents Bev and Bernie, who were utterly endearing people, round off the book well, demonstrating how Rachael was supported by so many lovely people.
As a significant amount of the book is set in Paris, I feel that it is essential that I provide a comment or two on this setting. Firstly, I have to say how much I liked Nash’s choice to contrast the cosmopolitan setting of Paris, against the small town setting of Parkes in Australia’s outback. It certainly was a refreshing move. It is great to see rural romance novels breaking the mould and setting stories of this genre further afield. It is hard to fault Nash’s research on her setting. She obviously has spent a great deal of time and has drawn from first hand experiences in Paris to inform her narrative. Rachael’s experiences of Paris showcase this city from the eyes of a first time tourist to the city. There is a certain wide eyed perspective of Paris, which is the vibe I picked up from Rachael. It was nice to be taken back to many of the beautiful spots I visited in Paris myself through these sequences.
Readers of The Paris Wedding are also given a great side storyline, featuring the lead Rachael. We learn fairly early on in the novel that one of Rachael’s hobbies is sewing and dressmaking. In fact, she has played a pivotal role in the local community sewing costumes for local productions. This passion comes from Rachael’s mother, who was a talented seamstress. Rachael’s flair for dressmaking brings attention in the form of the bride to be’s grandmother, which later leads to a lucrative offer. I loved Rachael’s personal journey and this aspect of the novel very much. Nash rounds off her novel well and exactly like real life, there is no perfect ending or a drive into the sunset. However, for the lead Rachael and company, there is much hope for the future.
The Paris Wedding is a novel that spoke to me on a personal level. It contains many of the ingredients I seek in a good novel. The stunning settings, the full romance subplots, an engaging lead, with a solid character set and an entrancing narrative all combine just perfectly. I can’t get enough of Charlotte Nash’s work, she sits firmly on my favourites list of Australian women writers doing great things for fiction in our country.
The Paris Wedding, is book #94 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
Established Australian rural fiction writer Charlotte Nash ventures further afield with her latest release. The Paris Wedding combines the rich beauty of Paris, with the dusty plains of outback Australia. The Paris Wedding features a strong romantic storyline, offset with a compelling story of self discovery.
Charlotte Nash is one of my favourite rural fiction authors. I have read all four of her previous books, so when I discovered her latest novel combines an Australian country setting with my happy place, Paris, I was over the moon to say the least! Thankfully Nash’s novel lived up to the high expectations I attached to it and more!
As this book is titled ‘The Paris Wedding’ do expect plenty of romance, complete with high and complicated emotions. Romance is in air in the form of leading man and Rachael’s former love, Matthew’s wedding to the wealthy Bonnie. Then there is a hopeful romance that sparks in the city of love, between Rachael and official wedding photographer Antonio. Nash also explores the nostalgia between past lovers Rachael and Matthew. While further complications in love come from a storyline featuring Rachael’s best friend and fellow wedding guest Sammy. Each of these romantic sub plots has the power to sweep the reader off their feet in the love stakes!
The Paris Wedding offers so much more than a heart and flowers style love story. Nestled within the pages of Nash’s latest novel is a powerful story that explores unfulfilled dreams and lost opportunities. It also conveys the feelings of how life can soon pass you by, delivering gut wrenching feelings of regret and longing. For Rachael, it comes from observing the personal growth of others around her in the ten years she cared for her mother and their family farm. Nash depicts these complicated but common feelings well in The Paris Wedding. She also examines the impact a terminal illness such as Rachael’s mother has on offspring. This is handled with sensitivity and insight. She also explores marital estrangement through a narrative thread involving Sammy, Rachael’s likable best friend. Also included in The Paris Wedding is an involving and authentic story thread concerning Rachael’s sister Tess, husband Joel and her young family battling to keep their farm from the financial strain. All these threads are touched with plenty of heart and understanding from accomplished author Charlotte Nash.
Nash’s cast list is full and well presented. I loved the lead Rachael from the very beginning, she had her flaws for sure, but it made her much more real. I desperately wanted Rachael to make the right choices in love and life. Rachael is supported by two male characters. Matthew, the high school sweetheart and now groom, annoyed me and I felt angered by his selfish needs! Antonio, a potential love interest for Rachael, was a much better choice. I enjoyed the interplay between Rachael and Antonio. Supporting Rachael, are a bevy of secondary protagonists. These include appealing Sammy (who also has a great side story delivering a fine plot twist), to Rachael’s sister Tess, who provides much depth to the story. Bonnie and her colourful family members were great additions to the novel, adding further interest to the book and they helped to ensure I kept the pages of The Paris Wedding turning quickly. Local residents Bev and Bernie, who were utterly endearing people, round off the book well, demonstrating how Rachael was supported by so many lovely people.
As a significant amount of the book is set in Paris, I feel that it is essential that I provide a comment or two on this setting. Firstly, I have to say how much I liked Nash’s choice to contrast the cosmopolitan setting of Paris, against the small town setting of Parkes in Australia’s outback. It certainly was a refreshing move. It is great to see rural romance novels breaking the mould and setting stories of this genre further afield. It is hard to fault Nash’s research on her setting. She obviously has spent a great deal of time and has drawn from first hand experiences in Paris to inform her narrative. Rachael’s experiences of Paris showcase this city from the eyes of a first time tourist to the city. There is a certain wide eyed perspective of Paris, which is the vibe I picked up from Rachael. It was nice to be taken back to many of the beautiful spots I visited in Paris myself through these sequences.
Readers of The Paris Wedding are also given a great side storyline, featuring the lead Rachael. We learn fairly early on in the novel that one of Rachael’s hobbies is sewing and dressmaking. In fact, she has played a pivotal role in the local community sewing costumes for local productions. This passion comes from Rachael’s mother, who was a talented seamstress. Rachael’s flair for dressmaking brings attention in the form of the bride to be’s grandmother, which later leads to a lucrative offer. I loved Rachael’s personal journey and this aspect of the novel very much. Nash rounds off her novel well and exactly like real life, there is no perfect ending or a drive into the sunset. However, for the lead Rachael and company, there is much hope for the future.
The Paris Wedding is a novel that spoke to me on a personal level. It contains many of the ingredients I seek in a good novel. The stunning settings, the full romance subplots, an engaging lead, with a solid character set and an entrancing narrative all combine just perfectly. I can’t get enough of Charlotte Nash’s work, she sits firmly on my favourites list of Australian women writers doing great things for fiction in our country.
The Paris Wedding, is book #94 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
June 11, 2018
I received a copy of this title via the publisher. It does not impact my review.
The Paris Wedding was the perfect weekend read. Full of family, love, and self-discovery, I never wanted to put this one down.
Rachael once had plans to go away to school with her boyfriend, Matthew, but when her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of MS, she decided to stay and take care of her. Now that her mother has passed away and she’s feeling adrift, she finds herself longing for Matthew and the future they were supposed to have. Then she receives the invitation to his wedding. The invitation includes a full week of events in Paris, all expenses paid, for her and a guest. She and her best friend, Sammy, decide to go so she can finally have the closure with Matthew she needs to finally move on. However, Matthew doesn’t seem entirely happy with how his life has turned out or about getting married and Rachel begins to wonder if there’s hope for that missed future after all.
To muddy the waters even further, Rachel begins to spend much of her time in Paris with photojournalist Antonio, who is photographing the week’s events as a favor to the bride. There is a slight love triangle, which I don’t usually appreciate, but I didn’t find myself minding it here. It wasn’t actually a huge part of the plot or the main source of drama. That said, I was totally team Antonio. Though he’s very opinionated and can come off a little pretentious and judgmental, he challenged Rachael in a way I think she needed. He was definitely one of my favorite characters in the book.
I really enjoyed the Paris setting, too. While I would be perfectly happy to never leave my apartment, this book definitely had me wanting to go to Paris. I enjoyed the description of not just the scenery, but how the city made Rachael feel. I liked that she learned a lot about herself while she was there, both good and bad. I also liked that she wasn’t transformed by that week alone. It was really just the start of her journey, not the whole story.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Paris Wedding. I liked the characters, the setting, the family dynamics, and the message of self-discovery. There is some cheating in this book, which always brings a book down for me, but it wasn’t really romanticized or the central part of the story. That and a few things being a little too predictable were the only real complaints I have about this book. This is my first book by Charlotte Nash and I know I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars
The Paris Wedding was the perfect weekend read. Full of family, love, and self-discovery, I never wanted to put this one down.
Rachael once had plans to go away to school with her boyfriend, Matthew, but when her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of MS, she decided to stay and take care of her. Now that her mother has passed away and she’s feeling adrift, she finds herself longing for Matthew and the future they were supposed to have. Then she receives the invitation to his wedding. The invitation includes a full week of events in Paris, all expenses paid, for her and a guest. She and her best friend, Sammy, decide to go so she can finally have the closure with Matthew she needs to finally move on. However, Matthew doesn’t seem entirely happy with how his life has turned out or about getting married and Rachel begins to wonder if there’s hope for that missed future after all.
To muddy the waters even further, Rachel begins to spend much of her time in Paris with photojournalist Antonio, who is photographing the week’s events as a favor to the bride. There is a slight love triangle, which I don’t usually appreciate, but I didn’t find myself minding it here. It wasn’t actually a huge part of the plot or the main source of drama. That said, I was totally team Antonio. Though he’s very opinionated and can come off a little pretentious and judgmental, he challenged Rachael in a way I think she needed. He was definitely one of my favorite characters in the book.
I really enjoyed the Paris setting, too. While I would be perfectly happy to never leave my apartment, this book definitely had me wanting to go to Paris. I enjoyed the description of not just the scenery, but how the city made Rachael feel. I liked that she learned a lot about herself while she was there, both good and bad. I also liked that she wasn’t transformed by that week alone. It was really just the start of her journey, not the whole story.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Paris Wedding. I liked the characters, the setting, the family dynamics, and the message of self-discovery. There is some cheating in this book, which always brings a book down for me, but it wasn’t really romanticized or the central part of the story. That and a few things being a little too predictable were the only real complaints I have about this book. This is my first book by Charlotte Nash and I know I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars
June 14, 2017
At 28 years old Rachael had given up the last 10 years of her life to care for her sick mother on their family farm in country NSW. She didn't begrudge those years, she loved her Mum and it was just the two of them but overhearing some women talk at the funeral, makes her realise that she did give up a lot and her first love Matthew. Now, the day after the funeral she receives an invite to Matthew's wedding to a Sydney socialite....in Paris with all expenses paid. Maybe it's time to live a little and the wedding might be just the event to let her move on from him.
I loved this story, for me it was unashamedly pure escapism. I experienced every emotion while I went on Rachael's journey along with some local town characters and her best friend Sammy (her +1 invite, who is having problems of her own). Rachael is also an accomplished seamstress, something she was taught by her mother and along with the beautiful descriptions of Paris, the descriptions of the dresses, fabric and stitching that Rachael had made/done was exquisite. Really, what I loved about this book is that is wasn't so much about romance, it was about Rachael finding herself after all this time.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for granting me a copy to read and review.
I loved this story, for me it was unashamedly pure escapism. I experienced every emotion while I went on Rachael's journey along with some local town characters and her best friend Sammy (her +1 invite, who is having problems of her own). Rachael is also an accomplished seamstress, something she was taught by her mother and along with the beautiful descriptions of Paris, the descriptions of the dresses, fabric and stitching that Rachael had made/done was exquisite. Really, what I loved about this book is that is wasn't so much about romance, it was about Rachael finding herself after all this time.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for granting me a copy to read and review.
November 13, 2017
4.5★s
“If it’s real love, you’ll find a way to support each other’s dreams. Otherwise, what’s the point?”
The Paris Wedding is the fifth novel by Australian author, Charlotte Nash. No way was Rachael West going to the Paris Wedding, even if it was all expenses paid. In fact, she’d already thrown out the fancy invitation. She was still grieving for her mother. How could she go to see Matthew Grant, her ex-boyfriend, her high school sweetheart, married to a society belle? Bonnie Quinn’s rich father was footing what had to be a hefty bill: a week in Paris with airfares and accommodation for guests included.
Matthew was the man she didn’t follow to Sydney, electing instead to stay on the farm with her mother, finally nursing her to the end, just weeks before. Matthew may have left her broken-hearted ten years ago, but she realised she was still in love with him. Her best friend Sammy suggested that maybe watching it happen would cure her of that and let her get on with her life. “And that was how Rachael ended up sitting on a Parisian rooftop after midnight with her ex-boyfriend’s new fiancée while wearing a pyjama top.”
Nash gives the reader a story with a plot that looks predictable: are these characters going to behave in disappointing ways and cause sadness to third parties? Will they make better choices and realise their potential? Nash’s characters are certainly very human with all their flaws and foibles. But, while some behave quite predictably, others surprise. She gives some of her characters wise words, succinctly expressed, and perceptive observations: “Think of nerves as a give-way sign on the road. Pause, have a look around, make sure there’s no danger. They’re not a sign to stop.” is one example.
“…most of us aren’t good at grieving, particularly in western countries. We’re so conditioned to think sadness and sorrow are bad, that they should be fixed as soon as possible. But you can’t fix them. Someone you loved has gone, and nothing will replace them. You can only carry the sorrow. You shouldn’t feel like you have to make it go away, especially before you’re ready.”
“Journalism is about cause and effect. And it’s most powerful when the cause is universal – war, disaster, governments - and the effect is hidden. The journalist’s job is to uncover and connect the causes and effects. A photojournalist can do it in one picture.”
Nash renders for the reader country NSW, the dust and heat of summer, as easily as she captures Paris in the spring. Her enthusiasm for the art of creating a fashion masterpiece is also apparent. Her descriptions of Rachael’s creations are certainly evocative but some readers might wish for illustrations. This edition also features the first three chapters of Nash’s earlier novel, The Horseman. A very enjoyable romance.
“If it’s real love, you’ll find a way to support each other’s dreams. Otherwise, what’s the point?”
The Paris Wedding is the fifth novel by Australian author, Charlotte Nash. No way was Rachael West going to the Paris Wedding, even if it was all expenses paid. In fact, she’d already thrown out the fancy invitation. She was still grieving for her mother. How could she go to see Matthew Grant, her ex-boyfriend, her high school sweetheart, married to a society belle? Bonnie Quinn’s rich father was footing what had to be a hefty bill: a week in Paris with airfares and accommodation for guests included.
Matthew was the man she didn’t follow to Sydney, electing instead to stay on the farm with her mother, finally nursing her to the end, just weeks before. Matthew may have left her broken-hearted ten years ago, but she realised she was still in love with him. Her best friend Sammy suggested that maybe watching it happen would cure her of that and let her get on with her life. “And that was how Rachael ended up sitting on a Parisian rooftop after midnight with her ex-boyfriend’s new fiancée while wearing a pyjama top.”
Nash gives the reader a story with a plot that looks predictable: are these characters going to behave in disappointing ways and cause sadness to third parties? Will they make better choices and realise their potential? Nash’s characters are certainly very human with all their flaws and foibles. But, while some behave quite predictably, others surprise. She gives some of her characters wise words, succinctly expressed, and perceptive observations: “Think of nerves as a give-way sign on the road. Pause, have a look around, make sure there’s no danger. They’re not a sign to stop.” is one example.
“…most of us aren’t good at grieving, particularly in western countries. We’re so conditioned to think sadness and sorrow are bad, that they should be fixed as soon as possible. But you can’t fix them. Someone you loved has gone, and nothing will replace them. You can only carry the sorrow. You shouldn’t feel like you have to make it go away, especially before you’re ready.”
“Journalism is about cause and effect. And it’s most powerful when the cause is universal – war, disaster, governments - and the effect is hidden. The journalist’s job is to uncover and connect the causes and effects. A photojournalist can do it in one picture.”
Nash renders for the reader country NSW, the dust and heat of summer, as easily as she captures Paris in the spring. Her enthusiasm for the art of creating a fashion masterpiece is also apparent. Her descriptions of Rachael’s creations are certainly evocative but some readers might wish for illustrations. This edition also features the first three chapters of Nash’s earlier novel, The Horseman. A very enjoyable romance.
July 14, 2018
4.5 stars I loved the story, loved the mature attitudes of the characters, and the romance was done right. This was a romance book I could believe and be surprised by. I just finished and miss this little world already. I was pleasantly shocked with the maturity this authors characters showed during some really testing moments. I expected the normal behaviors most books seem to have but no these "people" acted like adults. Amazing, yes ? I will be reading more from this author. I won this book from The Library Thing site- thank you
Racheal is left behind when her first love moves for school. She stays home on the farm to care for her ailing mother. ten years later her mother dies, she is just starting the recovering period after the funeral when she opens and envelop thinking it's condolences. No, it's a wedding invitation for her first loves wedding in Paris all expenses paid. Shocked hurt and bewildered she still goes in hope of finding closer. She finds a lot of complications, questions and truths. I had the feels all through her adventure, I was mad at her, sad for her, angry at the world for her and finally happy for her. The ending was unexpected and well done.
Racheal is left behind when her first love moves for school. She stays home on the farm to care for her ailing mother. ten years later her mother dies, she is just starting the recovering period after the funeral when she opens and envelop thinking it's condolences. No, it's a wedding invitation for her first loves wedding in Paris all expenses paid. Shocked hurt and bewildered she still goes in hope of finding closer. She finds a lot of complications, questions and truths. I had the feels all through her adventure, I was mad at her, sad for her, angry at the world for her and finally happy for her. The ending was unexpected and well done.
November 29, 2017
four and a half stars
28 year old Rachael West has spent the last ten years caring for her mother, running their wheat farm, and rueing the loss of her teenage high school love Matthew. When he moved to Sydney, she stayed on the farm. As the book opens she is trying to come to terms with the recent death of her mother. Her grief resonated strongly with me. On the same day as her mother dies, a wedding invitation is mailed to Rachael. Not just any wedding invitation but a weeklong stay in Paris for the wedding of Matthew to Bonnie, the daughter of a billionaire. Incredibly, airfares and accommodation are included. Several other people from the small town of Milton and Parkes NSW are also invited to the wedding. Among them are Bernie and Beverley, an older couple who have been feuding for as long as anyone can remember, Sammy Rachel’s best friend and several others. Rachael is unprepared for the events that occur over that week in Paris, leaving her questioning a lot of things.
Both the Australian rural setting and that of Paris really come alive. They are so wonderfully described you almost feel you are there. I loved some of the snippets of the Parkes Elvis festival. Bernie is a huge Elvis fan. He was one of my favourite characters and not just because he was an Elvis tragic. I chuckled over some of his antics. As an Aussie loved one of the slogans on his car’ I Am Australian: What’s Your Superpower?’ The descriptions of clothes, especially those Rachel makes, are incredible. The description of the wedding dress, reception and all that goes with it, is so over the top and dripping major expense and luxury. Hard to believe some people have that much money to spend on a wedding.
This is an enjoyable read with an interesting array of characters. It’s like submerging yourself in a scented bubble bath. But underneath the froth and bubbles there are some insightful points about grief, choices, regret, love and friendship. I enjoyed this read, shed a few tears with Rachael, mostly about her mother and had plenty of not so complimentary thoughts about at least one of the major male characters in this book. Anyone who likes a romance with wonderful settings, interesting characters and some points to ponder should love this book.
28 year old Rachael West has spent the last ten years caring for her mother, running their wheat farm, and rueing the loss of her teenage high school love Matthew. When he moved to Sydney, she stayed on the farm. As the book opens she is trying to come to terms with the recent death of her mother. Her grief resonated strongly with me. On the same day as her mother dies, a wedding invitation is mailed to Rachael. Not just any wedding invitation but a weeklong stay in Paris for the wedding of Matthew to Bonnie, the daughter of a billionaire. Incredibly, airfares and accommodation are included. Several other people from the small town of Milton and Parkes NSW are also invited to the wedding. Among them are Bernie and Beverley, an older couple who have been feuding for as long as anyone can remember, Sammy Rachel’s best friend and several others. Rachael is unprepared for the events that occur over that week in Paris, leaving her questioning a lot of things.
Both the Australian rural setting and that of Paris really come alive. They are so wonderfully described you almost feel you are there. I loved some of the snippets of the Parkes Elvis festival. Bernie is a huge Elvis fan. He was one of my favourite characters and not just because he was an Elvis tragic. I chuckled over some of his antics. As an Aussie loved one of the slogans on his car’ I Am Australian: What’s Your Superpower?’ The descriptions of clothes, especially those Rachel makes, are incredible. The description of the wedding dress, reception and all that goes with it, is so over the top and dripping major expense and luxury. Hard to believe some people have that much money to spend on a wedding.
This is an enjoyable read with an interesting array of characters. It’s like submerging yourself in a scented bubble bath. But underneath the froth and bubbles there are some insightful points about grief, choices, regret, love and friendship. I enjoyed this read, shed a few tears with Rachael, mostly about her mother and had plenty of not so complimentary thoughts about at least one of the major male characters in this book. Anyone who likes a romance with wonderful settings, interesting characters and some points to ponder should love this book.
January 13, 2019
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The Paris Wedding by Charlotte Nash. (2017).
10 years ago Rachael chose not to move away with her boyfriend Matt in order to care for her sick mum on the farm. Now she has been invited to Matt's wedding all the way in Paris, all expenses paid. Rachel is unprepared for everything that's going to happen in Paris and on the eve of the wedding faces a hard choice - should she ruin another woman's happiness for her own?
If you looked at the cover and thought rural romance, you would be mistaken (not that there's anything wrong with a good rural romance haha). This book has romance in it for sure, but it's also about a woman in her late twenties finding herself, and struggling with it, after a decade of caring for her sick mother. Rachael was an intriguing lead - it was clear that living on the farm and giving up her dreams caused her to be mature in some matters and yet immature and wide-eyed in others (specifically, around Matt). Rachel's emotional and mental journey in relation to herself and other characters was quite lovely to read. There are also a few side storylines that were enjoyable. This entertaining book would make a delightful holiday read.
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The Paris Wedding by Charlotte Nash. (2017).
10 years ago Rachael chose not to move away with her boyfriend Matt in order to care for her sick mum on the farm. Now she has been invited to Matt's wedding all the way in Paris, all expenses paid. Rachel is unprepared for everything that's going to happen in Paris and on the eve of the wedding faces a hard choice - should she ruin another woman's happiness for her own?
If you looked at the cover and thought rural romance, you would be mistaken (not that there's anything wrong with a good rural romance haha). This book has romance in it for sure, but it's also about a woman in her late twenties finding herself, and struggling with it, after a decade of caring for her sick mother. Rachael was an intriguing lead - it was clear that living on the farm and giving up her dreams caused her to be mature in some matters and yet immature and wide-eyed in others (specifically, around Matt). Rachel's emotional and mental journey in relation to herself and other characters was quite lovely to read. There are also a few side storylines that were enjoyable. This entertaining book would make a delightful holiday read.
February 29, 2024
The premise and the Paris wedding scenes were nice. But, I think the author paid more attention to the descriptions and other details rather than the characters.
June 29, 2019
3.5★ I really liked this, and in the beginning I thought it was worth 4★ - great descriptions, engaging characters. As the story went on, however, it did become a bit clichéd and predictable and a fairly stereotypical romance. I think I would still read more of Charlotte Nash's books - I listened to this as an audiobook, and I loved the narration.
November 26, 2019
The Paris Wedding is about young love, family loyalty and a second chance of achieving your dreams. Rachael West was grieving after the death of her mother when she received a wedding invitation from her high school sweetheart, Matthew and a plane ticket for two to Paris. At first Rachael West did not wont to go. However, after thinking and talk to her friend Sammy decided to go. The readers of The Paris Wedding will continue to follow Rachael to find out does she find happiness in Paris.
The Paris Wedding is another excellent book by Charlotte Nash. I love Charlotte Nash portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. The Paris Wedding is well written and researched by Charlotte Nash. The way Charlotte Nash describes the setting of Australia and Paris and allow me to picture the settings in my mind.
The readers of The Paris Wedding will learn about the problems, and the effect weather has on people in rural areas of Australia. Also, the readers of The Paris Wedding will learn about the terrible disease MS, and the three different types that can affect suffers and the pain this disease has on everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
The Paris Wedding is another excellent book by Charlotte Nash. I love Charlotte Nash portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. The Paris Wedding is well written and researched by Charlotte Nash. The way Charlotte Nash describes the setting of Australia and Paris and allow me to picture the settings in my mind.
The readers of The Paris Wedding will learn about the problems, and the effect weather has on people in rural areas of Australia. Also, the readers of The Paris Wedding will learn about the terrible disease MS, and the three different types that can affect suffers and the pain this disease has on everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
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October 4, 2017I adore Charlotte Nash's writing style and this book is no difference. The mixture of Rural NSW and Paris was wonderful. The feeling of both locations felt real and I could picture all of it in my head, some of my favorite parts of Paris were featured.
Rachael has sacrificed most of her 20's to take care of her Mum who has a degenerative disease. Instead of moving to Sydney and going to Uni she has stayed on the family farm and grown wheat and taking care of her Mum. She still holds a flame for her high school sweetheart Matthew and not long after her Mum's death she gets an invite to his wedding. Not knowing what do do with her life next she decides to accept the invitation to the wedding in Paris and work out where she is going in her life next.
What I loved about the book was the fashion and dressmaking, the descriptions of fabric, techniques and frocks was wonderful. My only small issue was I had trouble understanding at points why Rachael was so in love with Matthew.. My concern was only small and overall the story, but seriously, hot Italian Photographer.. YES PLEASE
Rachael has sacrificed most of her 20's to take care of her Mum who has a degenerative disease. Instead of moving to Sydney and going to Uni she has stayed on the family farm and grown wheat and taking care of her Mum. She still holds a flame for her high school sweetheart Matthew and not long after her Mum's death she gets an invite to his wedding. Not knowing what do do with her life next she decides to accept the invitation to the wedding in Paris and work out where she is going in her life next.
What I loved about the book was the fashion and dressmaking, the descriptions of fabric, techniques and frocks was wonderful. My only small issue was I had trouble understanding at points why Rachael was so in love with Matthew.. My concern was only small and overall the story, but seriously, hot Italian Photographer.. YES PLEASE
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September 18, 2024Aspettatevi tutto tranne che un romantico matrimonio a Parigi 😅
February 23, 2019
it's like if the hallmark channel wrote books
June 13, 2017
If you ever wanted a trip to Paris then this is the book to pick up, not only will have a fabulous holiday in Paris but you will meet country girl Rachael West who has lived her life on a farm in NSW Australia growing wheat she has been caring for her mother and running the farm for the last ten years and after her mother passes away Rachael’s life is about to change drastically. One big question does she still love her first love?
Rachel had chosen to stay in the small country town of Milton to care for her mother rather than moving to Sydney to study at university with the love of her life Matthew Grant who was going off to medical school they had big plans for their future but like some plans they change and people change and Matthew ends up breaking off their relationship and moves on in life leaving Rachael to carry on being the caring person she is.
So when the invitation to Matthew’s wedding arrives just after the death of her mother and it is an a trip to Paris for a week of events Rachael is torn between going or not, you see she still loves Matthew and this is going to be hard for her. With her best friend from school Sammy, she decides that going will get him out of her system once and for all but maybe not. Sammy goes with her on the trip that will uncover secrets pull friends apart and also make new friendships even if embarrassment makes the new friendships stutter a bit.
I really did love this story it is compelling reading once you pick it up you will not want to put it down it is beautifully written and yes there were tears, sadness and joy, MS Nash has captured the honesty and the strength that true friendship holds. The journey from country NSW Australia to Paris was amazing the descriptions made me feel like I was there and the clothes to be able to sew and design like that. This is a story that I highly recommend and will stay with me for a long time to come, oh to see Rachael realize what she needs to do with her life and Antonio is just what she will need a fabulous read.
Rachel had chosen to stay in the small country town of Milton to care for her mother rather than moving to Sydney to study at university with the love of her life Matthew Grant who was going off to medical school they had big plans for their future but like some plans they change and people change and Matthew ends up breaking off their relationship and moves on in life leaving Rachael to carry on being the caring person she is.
So when the invitation to Matthew’s wedding arrives just after the death of her mother and it is an a trip to Paris for a week of events Rachael is torn between going or not, you see she still loves Matthew and this is going to be hard for her. With her best friend from school Sammy, she decides that going will get him out of her system once and for all but maybe not. Sammy goes with her on the trip that will uncover secrets pull friends apart and also make new friendships even if embarrassment makes the new friendships stutter a bit.
I really did love this story it is compelling reading once you pick it up you will not want to put it down it is beautifully written and yes there were tears, sadness and joy, MS Nash has captured the honesty and the strength that true friendship holds. The journey from country NSW Australia to Paris was amazing the descriptions made me feel like I was there and the clothes to be able to sew and design like that. This is a story that I highly recommend and will stay with me for a long time to come, oh to see Rachael realize what she needs to do with her life and Antonio is just what she will need a fabulous read.
July 4, 2017
Loved this one Charlotte Nash! Along with the characters, I loved the description of the outfits and could see every one of them, they played as much characters in the story as the beautiful city of Paris itself. Such a delightful read!
July 5, 2017
Loved this beautiful coming of age story about Rachael who travels to Paris and finds the courage to follow her dreams. Who can resist a novel set partly in France and rural Australia? I highly recommend it.
October 8, 2019
2 e mezzo
April 26, 2018
3.5 voto
Salve readers.
Oggi voglio parlarvi di una nuova uscita Newton Compton: "Un romantico matrimonio a Parigi" di Charlotte Nash.
Rachel ha passato gli ultimi anni a prendersi cura della madre malata e a mandare avanti la loro tenuta. Alla sua morte, però, si rende conto di non aver concretizzato nulla nella vita, avendo vissuto secondo i bisogni della donna che amava di più. Per lei ha rinunciato ai suoi sogni, al suo primo amore, di cui è ancora innamorata, senza mai pentirsene.
Quando però si ritrova sola non sa cosa fare della sua vita. Un giorno, tra la posta ritrova un invito al matrimonio di Matthew, l'uomo che ha tanto amato.
Tra molte titubanze decide di partire per Parigi, dove si svolge il matrimonio, per dirgli "addio" e voltare pagina con il passato. Riuscirà il suo piano ad andare in porto o il suo amore per Matthew resisterà anche ad un rito così importante?
Penso che la trama vi abbia intrigato come è successo a me. Ammetto che il pensiero che il primo amore resista ad anni di lontananza, essendo romantica, mi ha emozionato. Prima di parlarvi del libro voglio farvi conoscere meglio la nostra protagonista.
Rachel si è sempre occupata della madre. Dopo aver finito la scuola e scoperto che la madre era malata, senza un attimo di esitazione, decide di rimanere con lei. Abbandona il sogno di essere una giornalista e di trasferirsi a Sydney insieme al suo ragazzo, Matthew. Passano dieci anni da allora e quando sua madre muore si rende conto di essere rimasta in stand-by. Sa che gli anni passati non le possono essere restituiti e mai una volta, durante la lettura, abbiamo l'impressione che Rachel abbia desiderato lasciare la madre. Nonostante questo avvertiamo il peso della consapevolezza di una donna che non sa come sarebbe potuta andare la sua vita se fosse andata via. Si rende conto che ama ancora Matthew e per questo quando le arriva l'invito ad andare a Parigi, la cosa la turba non poco. All'improvviso si rende conto che la vita degli altri è andata avanti e non sa cosa fare della sua.
Il suo smarrimento mi ha trasmesso molta tristezza. Aggrappata al ricordo della madre, non riuscendo a togliere le sue cose dalla casa. Decide così di partire per poter voltare pagina. È proprio questo viaggio a cambiare le carte in tavola della vita di Rachel. Conoscerà persone e sbocchi lavorativi a cui non aveva nemmeno pensato. Rivedere Matthew non è facile, ma si renderà conto che dieci anni cambiano le persone non per forza in meglio.
Attraverso le pagine del libro sono riuscita a visitare Parigi. L'autrice ci permette di "vedere" le bellezze di questa città e ci permette di camminare per le strade insieme a Rachel, per questo motivo viene usato uno stile decisamente riflessivo e descrittivo. La nostra protagonista subirà una trasformazione che la porterà a cercare la sua strada anche se con il cuore a pezzi.
Ci saranno tanti altri protagonisti da conoscere e da apprezzare, altri un po' meno, ma fa parte del nostro essere lettore non riuscire ad amare tutti. Specialmente chi non si comporta come vorremmo.
Non mancheranno colpi di scena che vi lasceranno sbalorditi. Ammetto che alcuni momenti avrei preferito uno stile più incalzante, poiché la curiosità mi stava divorando.
Chiunque ami viaggiare stando seduto in poltrona può dedicarsi a questo libro, fa davvero venire voglia di visitare non solo Parigi, ma anche la fattoria di Rachel. Buona lettura.
Salve readers.
Oggi voglio parlarvi di una nuova uscita Newton Compton: "Un romantico matrimonio a Parigi" di Charlotte Nash.
Rachel ha passato gli ultimi anni a prendersi cura della madre malata e a mandare avanti la loro tenuta. Alla sua morte, però, si rende conto di non aver concretizzato nulla nella vita, avendo vissuto secondo i bisogni della donna che amava di più. Per lei ha rinunciato ai suoi sogni, al suo primo amore, di cui è ancora innamorata, senza mai pentirsene.
Quando però si ritrova sola non sa cosa fare della sua vita. Un giorno, tra la posta ritrova un invito al matrimonio di Matthew, l'uomo che ha tanto amato.
Tra molte titubanze decide di partire per Parigi, dove si svolge il matrimonio, per dirgli "addio" e voltare pagina con il passato. Riuscirà il suo piano ad andare in porto o il suo amore per Matthew resisterà anche ad un rito così importante?
Penso che la trama vi abbia intrigato come è successo a me. Ammetto che il pensiero che il primo amore resista ad anni di lontananza, essendo romantica, mi ha emozionato. Prima di parlarvi del libro voglio farvi conoscere meglio la nostra protagonista.
Rachel si è sempre occupata della madre. Dopo aver finito la scuola e scoperto che la madre era malata, senza un attimo di esitazione, decide di rimanere con lei. Abbandona il sogno di essere una giornalista e di trasferirsi a Sydney insieme al suo ragazzo, Matthew. Passano dieci anni da allora e quando sua madre muore si rende conto di essere rimasta in stand-by. Sa che gli anni passati non le possono essere restituiti e mai una volta, durante la lettura, abbiamo l'impressione che Rachel abbia desiderato lasciare la madre. Nonostante questo avvertiamo il peso della consapevolezza di una donna che non sa come sarebbe potuta andare la sua vita se fosse andata via. Si rende conto che ama ancora Matthew e per questo quando le arriva l'invito ad andare a Parigi, la cosa la turba non poco. All'improvviso si rende conto che la vita degli altri è andata avanti e non sa cosa fare della sua.
Il suo smarrimento mi ha trasmesso molta tristezza. Aggrappata al ricordo della madre, non riuscendo a togliere le sue cose dalla casa. Decide così di partire per poter voltare pagina. È proprio questo viaggio a cambiare le carte in tavola della vita di Rachel. Conoscerà persone e sbocchi lavorativi a cui non aveva nemmeno pensato. Rivedere Matthew non è facile, ma si renderà conto che dieci anni cambiano le persone non per forza in meglio.
Attraverso le pagine del libro sono riuscita a visitare Parigi. L'autrice ci permette di "vedere" le bellezze di questa città e ci permette di camminare per le strade insieme a Rachel, per questo motivo viene usato uno stile decisamente riflessivo e descrittivo. La nostra protagonista subirà una trasformazione che la porterà a cercare la sua strada anche se con il cuore a pezzi.
Ci saranno tanti altri protagonisti da conoscere e da apprezzare, altri un po' meno, ma fa parte del nostro essere lettore non riuscire ad amare tutti. Specialmente chi non si comporta come vorremmo.
Non mancheranno colpi di scena che vi lasceranno sbalorditi. Ammetto che alcuni momenti avrei preferito uno stile più incalzante, poiché la curiosità mi stava divorando.
Chiunque ami viaggiare stando seduto in poltrona può dedicarsi a questo libro, fa davvero venire voglia di visitare non solo Parigi, ma anche la fattoria di Rachel. Buona lettura.
January 10, 2024
First strictly romance book ever for me, maybe? The setting was a huge plus; I loved the Paris scenes and the Australian wheat farm scenes. So fun. And the main character is a sewist! So I can dream about making her gorgeous dresses.
June 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this in a goodreads giveaway.
This book I think will be very popular to readers who like romance books, in particular like authors like Nicholas Sparks, Danielle Steel etc., I personally just do not like these type of stories.
Not that it was well written but it was not my cup of tea.
This book I think will be very popular to readers who like romance books, in particular like authors like Nicholas Sparks, Danielle Steel etc., I personally just do not like these type of stories.
Not that it was well written but it was not my cup of tea.
February 24, 2019
A story of life after loss and redemption from past mistakes. The main character was certainly imperfect and made some questionable decisions, but her growth and change throughout the story made her much more likable by the end. The rest of the cast is filled with funny, interesting, and multi-dimensional characters, which helped create a fast-paced narrative.
June 25, 2019
Imagine like, Cinderella, but horse girls. And no horses.
June 13, 2018
Rachael West, 28, has just lost her mother. The woman had been ill for 10 years and Rachael was her caregiver. She loved her mother dearly and had devoted her life to her, giving up university and a man named Matthew.
Her sister, Tess, is pushing her to clean out her mother’s things which irritates Rachael. When they were kids, her parents divorced. Tess moved away with her father and Rachael stayed with her mother.
Rachael’s best friend, Sammy, is her support. When the mail brings an invitation to a wedding, she is surprised that it is for Matthew whom she lost, and a very wealthy young woman, Bonnie Quinn.
Racheal is not sure she wants to see Matthew again because she is still deeply hurt that he left her. But, since this is an all expenses paid trip, she decides to go taking Sammy with her as her “plus one.
They are both enamored by Paris and enjoy the sights. The photographer for the wedding is a handsome man who shows Rachael many areas of Paris. He is truly interested in what she wants from life. Seeing Matthew again brings back memories for Rachael, but she also likes his fiancee, Bonnie. Rachael is a talented seamstress and Bonnie’s grandmother is very interested in her talents as she was once a well-known French dressmaker.
As the week progresses, both Rachael and Sammy face some difficult decisions that they must make. Will Rachael be happy to return to her farm in Australia or does she want something more from life?
This is a very well-written story that depicts close family and friend relationships. It also shows readers what can happen if wrong moral decisions are made.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Her sister, Tess, is pushing her to clean out her mother’s things which irritates Rachael. When they were kids, her parents divorced. Tess moved away with her father and Rachael stayed with her mother.
Rachael’s best friend, Sammy, is her support. When the mail brings an invitation to a wedding, she is surprised that it is for Matthew whom she lost, and a very wealthy young woman, Bonnie Quinn.
Racheal is not sure she wants to see Matthew again because she is still deeply hurt that he left her. But, since this is an all expenses paid trip, she decides to go taking Sammy with her as her “plus one.
They are both enamored by Paris and enjoy the sights. The photographer for the wedding is a handsome man who shows Rachael many areas of Paris. He is truly interested in what she wants from life. Seeing Matthew again brings back memories for Rachael, but she also likes his fiancee, Bonnie. Rachael is a talented seamstress and Bonnie’s grandmother is very interested in her talents as she was once a well-known French dressmaker.
As the week progresses, both Rachael and Sammy face some difficult decisions that they must make. Will Rachael be happy to return to her farm in Australia or does she want something more from life?
This is a very well-written story that depicts close family and friend relationships. It also shows readers what can happen if wrong moral decisions are made.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 13, 2018
Rachel West lives on a farm in a small town in New South Wales, Australia where she spent the last ten years taking care of her mother, who has just died from primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
When Rachel was 17, she and her boyfriend Matthew promised to love each other forever, but then Matthew went off to college in Sydney and after six months, broke up with Rachel. Although they were only together for a bit over two years, Rachel has been carrying a torch ever since.
As the book opens, Rachel is still reeling from the loss of her mother when she receives, along with a few other people in town, an invitation to Matthew’s wedding to a woman named Bonnie Quinn. The invitation includes the offer of an all-expenses-paid trip to the venue in Paris; the father of Matthew’s fiancée is very wealthy. At first Rachel doesn’t want to go, but she thinks it might give her closure and allow her to move on from Matthew. She invites her best friend Samantha (“Sammy”) as her date, and they fly off to Paris. She leaves the wheat farm, now hers, in the capable hands of her sister Tess and her husband Joel.
They all stay for a week at the swanky Maison Lutetia, and we follow Rachel and Sammy around as they fall in love with the city. Rachel, to her surprise, also receives a couple of job offers while she is there. She is a seamstress, and everyone is wowed by the dresses she made herself for the wedding week. And one of those impressed is the photographer, Antonio, a dashing photojournalist who is doing this job as a favor to Bonnie.
Although this book seemed like it would be a predictable romance, there are definitely surprises in store, with some unpredictable developments. It all could end disastrously, or not. An epilogue seven months later fills us in.
Evaluation: This book is not only a romance, but a love letter to Paris, and to pastry! Speaking of pastry, there are some delightful side characters, one of whom runs an Elvis-themed French bakery back in Australia called “Blue Suede Choux.” The book is perfect for a light - but not too light - summer read.
Rating: 3.5/5
When Rachel was 17, she and her boyfriend Matthew promised to love each other forever, but then Matthew went off to college in Sydney and after six months, broke up with Rachel. Although they were only together for a bit over two years, Rachel has been carrying a torch ever since.
As the book opens, Rachel is still reeling from the loss of her mother when she receives, along with a few other people in town, an invitation to Matthew’s wedding to a woman named Bonnie Quinn. The invitation includes the offer of an all-expenses-paid trip to the venue in Paris; the father of Matthew’s fiancée is very wealthy. At first Rachel doesn’t want to go, but she thinks it might give her closure and allow her to move on from Matthew. She invites her best friend Samantha (“Sammy”) as her date, and they fly off to Paris. She leaves the wheat farm, now hers, in the capable hands of her sister Tess and her husband Joel.
They all stay for a week at the swanky Maison Lutetia, and we follow Rachel and Sammy around as they fall in love with the city. Rachel, to her surprise, also receives a couple of job offers while she is there. She is a seamstress, and everyone is wowed by the dresses she made herself for the wedding week. And one of those impressed is the photographer, Antonio, a dashing photojournalist who is doing this job as a favor to Bonnie.
Although this book seemed like it would be a predictable romance, there are definitely surprises in store, with some unpredictable developments. It all could end disastrously, or not. An epilogue seven months later fills us in.
Evaluation: This book is not only a romance, but a love letter to Paris, and to pastry! Speaking of pastry, there are some delightful side characters, one of whom runs an Elvis-themed French bakery back in Australia called “Blue Suede Choux.” The book is perfect for a light - but not too light - summer read.
Rating: 3.5/5
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March 17, 2020Wouldn't you like an all-expense paid trip to Paris (well, once the Coronavirus outbreak subsides)? And once there, wouldn't you love to accidentally bump into the one rich millionaire who can make your career, lying on the bathroom floor after a fall and you're right there to help her? Geez. (And this happens right after you helped another rich guy who was having a heart attack!) And Rachel is so humble and timid, and too blind and gutless to use up this once in a lifetime chance. So should I stick around for another few hundred pages to see if she found the courage or not? No thank you. Doubtless she will, after a tedious journey.
In general, the events of these books are directed by the emergencies of life (illnesses and accidents) and by coincidences. Definitely not for me. And sooo predictable.
In general, the events of these books are directed by the emergencies of life (illnesses and accidents) and by coincidences. Definitely not for me. And sooo predictable.
January 13, 2019
Just finished reading this book, I loved the cover first and foremost, and then once I started reading it I wanted to know more. This is the story of Rachel West, she receives a wedding invitation fromMatthew a man that she loved in the past, she ksn't sure she should attend but her friends and family say that she should go and that's where the story sets off. This story had adventure, memories and magic. Looking forward to reading more of this authors work
September 23, 2018
Romance is not my thing, so I'm not sure why I picked this up. Hard to say no to free, I guess. It actually wasn't that bad, as far as the romance goes. But Rachael spent a lot of this book being really stupid and that annoyed me. I thought she should have done a Kelly Taylor. Even though she didn't, I mostly liked the ending.
February 1, 2023
A book I could not put down. I loved the main character, Rachael. You truly feel for her and she is completely relatable. More than just a book about a past love. It was about letting go of the past and knowing there is a bright future ahead. Even if you don't know which direction. And how it's never too late to start something you want...
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