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Meet Me in Monaco: A Novel of Grace Kelly's Wedding
Set in the 1950s against the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s whirlwind romance and glamourous wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco, New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb take the reader on an evocative sun-drenched journey along the Côte d’Azur in this page-turning novel of passion, fate, and second-chances.
Movie stars and paparazzi flock to Cannes for the glamorous film festival, but Grace Kelly, the biggest star of all, wants only to escape from the flash-bulbs. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique, fending off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy.
James Henderson cannot forget his brief encounter with Sophie Duval. Despite his guilt at being away from his daughter, he takes an assignment to cover the wedding of the century, sailing with Grace Kelly’s wedding party on the SS Constitution from New York. In Monaco, as wedding fever soars and passions and tempers escalate, James and Sophie—like Princess Grace—must ultimately decide what they are prepared to give up for love.
Movie stars and paparazzi flock to Cannes for the glamorous film festival, but Grace Kelly, the biggest star of all, wants only to escape from the flash-bulbs. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique, fending off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy.
James Henderson cannot forget his brief encounter with Sophie Duval. Despite his guilt at being away from his daughter, he takes an assignment to cover the wedding of the century, sailing with Grace Kelly’s wedding party on the SS Constitution from New York. In Monaco, as wedding fever soars and passions and tempers escalate, James and Sophie—like Princess Grace—must ultimately decide what they are prepared to give up for love.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 23, 2019
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About the author
Hazel Gaynor
22 books3,939 followersHazel Gaynor is an award-winning New York Times and internationally bestselling author of historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. A recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical Novel award and the 2024 Audie award for Best Fiction Narrator, she was also shortlisted for the 2019 HWA Gold Crown, and the Irish Book Awards in 2017, 2020 and 2023.
Hazel’s co-written historical novels with Heather Webb have all been published to critical acclaim, winning or being shortlisted for several international awards.
She is a regular speaker at literary festivals, co-founder of The Inspiration Project, and programmed and hosted a series of Historia Live events in association with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature in 2024. Her work is translated into 20 languages and published in twenty-seven territories to date. Her latest novel, Before Dorothy, the imagine life story of Dorothy’s Aunt Em from The Wizard of Oz, will be published in June 2025.
Hazel lives in Ireland with her family.
For more information, visit www.hazelgaynor.com
where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
Hazel’s co-written historical novels with Heather Webb have all been published to critical acclaim, winning or being shortlisted for several international awards.
She is a regular speaker at literary festivals, co-founder of The Inspiration Project, and programmed and hosted a series of Historia Live events in association with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature in 2024. Her work is translated into 20 languages and published in twenty-seven territories to date. Her latest novel, Before Dorothy, the imagine life story of Dorothy’s Aunt Em from The Wizard of Oz, will be published in June 2025.
Hazel lives in Ireland with her family.
For more information, visit www.hazelgaynor.com
where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,673 reviews
July 23, 2019
THIS is the book I’ve been most anticipating this summer! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Meet Me in Monaco is a story about the romance and wedding of famous Hollywood actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier. I knew next to nothing about Grace Kelly, other than she married a prince, so everything about this book enthralled me from the start.
The story begins in Cannes for the film festival, where Grace slides into the Duval family perfume shop to avoid paparazzi. The press representative she’s avoiding is James Henderson, who later befriends the owner of the shop, Sophie Duval, while Grace also forms a bond with Sophie that lasts more than thirty years.
It was so fascinating to view Grace through James and Sophie’s eyes, as the book is narrated by each of them in alternating chapters. It was also alluring to watch James and Sophie’s relationship build.
Meet Me in Monaco is a story of Grace Kelly and that most exciting time in her life, as she falls in love and married Prince Rainier. But it’s also a story about friendship and heartbreak. The wedding is a showstopper, and it was fascinating to be on the sidelines for all that it entailed.
As ever, Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor have seamlessly co-authored another beautiful and glorious book. All my anticipation has been worth it, and I’m so grateful to know more about Grace Kelly’s life and this compelling time in history.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Meet Me in Monaco is a story about the romance and wedding of famous Hollywood actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier. I knew next to nothing about Grace Kelly, other than she married a prince, so everything about this book enthralled me from the start.
The story begins in Cannes for the film festival, where Grace slides into the Duval family perfume shop to avoid paparazzi. The press representative she’s avoiding is James Henderson, who later befriends the owner of the shop, Sophie Duval, while Grace also forms a bond with Sophie that lasts more than thirty years.
It was so fascinating to view Grace through James and Sophie’s eyes, as the book is narrated by each of them in alternating chapters. It was also alluring to watch James and Sophie’s relationship build.
Meet Me in Monaco is a story of Grace Kelly and that most exciting time in her life, as she falls in love and married Prince Rainier. But it’s also a story about friendship and heartbreak. The wedding is a showstopper, and it was fascinating to be on the sidelines for all that it entailed.
As ever, Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor have seamlessly co-authored another beautiful and glorious book. All my anticipation has been worth it, and I’m so grateful to know more about Grace Kelly’s life and this compelling time in history.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
July 6, 2019
A delightfully sweet romance layered with historical fiction, life lessons, and difficult choices.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
The beautiful actress Grace Kelly is visiting the Cannes Film Festival in May 1955 where she is relentlessly pursued by a British photographer. Kelly enters a perfume shop where she is tucked away in an office by the shop’s owner, Sophie Duval just as the pursuing photographer enters the shop. Because of this act of kindness the two women form a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Sophie, a struggling perfumer, confronts the photographer, James Henderson and sends him on his way, but before he leaves he snaps a quick photo of the shop owner. In the days and weeks that follow, James can’t seem to forget his encounter with Sophia. He sends her a copy of the photo. After dealing with the death of a good friend, James is given the coveted assignment to cover the wedding of the century, and sail with Grace Kelly’s wedding party to Monaco. Before sailing to Monaco he sends a letter to Sophia requesting a date. Perhaps a romance will bloom!
REVIEW
MEET ME IN MONACO smells as delightful as the Duval parfumerie in Cannes. You can just smell the scents of jasmine, violets, lavender and tuberose wafting from the shop’s beautiful glass bottles, on the streets of Cannes and from the fields of Grasse, where Sophie’s family has grown their flowers for generations. I couldn’t stop myself from inhaling the pages.
Sophie’s character is smart, confident and independent, while James is an enigma, surprisingly sensitive at times and aloof at others. Grace Kelly’s meeting and marriage to Prince Rainer, and her interactions with James and Sophie are expertly woven into this cleverly layered fairy tale/romance. The writing was enjoyable and the story was full of life lessons, difficult choices and enlightening information about the creation of fragrances, and head, heart and base notes of perfumes.
One of my favorite parts of the book is James’s evident love and dedication to his ten-year-old precocious daughter, Emily. This pleasurable book would pair well with a glass of wine, a cheese tray and a lavender scented candle. Readers of romance will enjoy this light and bright story.
Thanks to Edelweiss for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher HarperCollins Publishing
Published July 23, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
The beautiful actress Grace Kelly is visiting the Cannes Film Festival in May 1955 where she is relentlessly pursued by a British photographer. Kelly enters a perfume shop where she is tucked away in an office by the shop’s owner, Sophie Duval just as the pursuing photographer enters the shop. Because of this act of kindness the two women form a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Sophie, a struggling perfumer, confronts the photographer, James Henderson and sends him on his way, but before he leaves he snaps a quick photo of the shop owner. In the days and weeks that follow, James can’t seem to forget his encounter with Sophia. He sends her a copy of the photo. After dealing with the death of a good friend, James is given the coveted assignment to cover the wedding of the century, and sail with Grace Kelly’s wedding party to Monaco. Before sailing to Monaco he sends a letter to Sophia requesting a date. Perhaps a romance will bloom!
REVIEW
MEET ME IN MONACO smells as delightful as the Duval parfumerie in Cannes. You can just smell the scents of jasmine, violets, lavender and tuberose wafting from the shop’s beautiful glass bottles, on the streets of Cannes and from the fields of Grasse, where Sophie’s family has grown their flowers for generations. I couldn’t stop myself from inhaling the pages.
Sophie’s character is smart, confident and independent, while James is an enigma, surprisingly sensitive at times and aloof at others. Grace Kelly’s meeting and marriage to Prince Rainer, and her interactions with James and Sophie are expertly woven into this cleverly layered fairy tale/romance. The writing was enjoyable and the story was full of life lessons, difficult choices and enlightening information about the creation of fragrances, and head, heart and base notes of perfumes.
One of my favorite parts of the book is James’s evident love and dedication to his ten-year-old precocious daughter, Emily. This pleasurable book would pair well with a glass of wine, a cheese tray and a lavender scented candle. Readers of romance will enjoy this light and bright story.
Thanks to Edelweiss for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher HarperCollins Publishing
Published July 23, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
July 22, 2019
I was in seventh heaven when I knew Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb were writing a book set in the French Riveria that was interwoven throughout with Grace Kelly's fairy tale romance to Prince Rainier of Monaco. The French Riviera, especially Provence and Côte d’Azur where the novel takes place (and of course, Cannes and Monaco), is where my husband and I spent an incredible two weeks for our 10th wedding anniversary, so the book transported me right back there. Grace Kelly is also one of my favorite actresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood, so reading Meet Me in Monaco has been at the top of my list all year, and I can say that it was spellbinding, magical, glamorous, poignant, and everything that I hoped it would be!
The lavender fields of Provence are one of the most gorgeous sites―and smells―I've ever encountered and with expressive, vivid writing Gaynor and Webb managed to take me to the passion, glamour, and fragrance of the French Riveria in 1955 where young parfumeur Sophie Duval has a fateful encounter with beautiful Hollywood star Grace Kelly. Grace is being pursued by an English paparazzi photographer when she runs into Sophie's perfume shop seeking a place to hide. In a surprising turn of events, the two women not only forge a friendship but Sophie and James, the tabloid photographer, develop a relationship that is lovely, yet poignant and bittersweet.
The novel is told through the alternating narratives of Sophie and James with news articles detailing Grace Kelly's love affair with Prince Rainier and her devastating death mingled throughout, giving the story such a wonderful historical context. The story unfolds itself gorgeously, much like one of Sophie's perfumes or the flowers she uses to handcraft the fragrance, and the way the book is divided into three parts: head, heart, and base notes like the way fragrance notes are blended for beautiful, perfect scent just intensified the way the story unfurls. Undeniably, such exquisite writing from this outstanding duo!
I have not had a lot of love for historical fiction this year, few books in the genre have wowed me as they have in past years, and I've often felt a disconnect, like I was falling out of love with the genre. Then Meet Me in Monaco came along and reminded me why I love the genre. It's an emotional story written so lusciously that you can't help fall in love. Grab a copy, grab a glass of wine, and let yourself be transported to sunny, fragrant France. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
This was a Traveling Sister's read.
**Thank you Edelweiss and William Morrow for an ARC. All opinions are my own.**
The lavender fields of Provence are one of the most gorgeous sites―and smells―I've ever encountered and with expressive, vivid writing Gaynor and Webb managed to take me to the passion, glamour, and fragrance of the French Riveria in 1955 where young parfumeur Sophie Duval has a fateful encounter with beautiful Hollywood star Grace Kelly. Grace is being pursued by an English paparazzi photographer when she runs into Sophie's perfume shop seeking a place to hide. In a surprising turn of events, the two women not only forge a friendship but Sophie and James, the tabloid photographer, develop a relationship that is lovely, yet poignant and bittersweet.
The novel is told through the alternating narratives of Sophie and James with news articles detailing Grace Kelly's love affair with Prince Rainier and her devastating death mingled throughout, giving the story such a wonderful historical context. The story unfolds itself gorgeously, much like one of Sophie's perfumes or the flowers she uses to handcraft the fragrance, and the way the book is divided into three parts: head, heart, and base notes like the way fragrance notes are blended for beautiful, perfect scent just intensified the way the story unfurls. Undeniably, such exquisite writing from this outstanding duo!
I have not had a lot of love for historical fiction this year, few books in the genre have wowed me as they have in past years, and I've often felt a disconnect, like I was falling out of love with the genre. Then Meet Me in Monaco came along and reminded me why I love the genre. It's an emotional story written so lusciously that you can't help fall in love. Grab a copy, grab a glass of wine, and let yourself be transported to sunny, fragrant France. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
This was a Traveling Sister's read.
**Thank you Edelweiss and William Morrow for an ARC. All opinions are my own.**
August 24, 2019
Overall: A light, fun, and intriguing romance set along the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s royal wedding. Perfect to enjoy on vacation with a nice glass of rose! 3.5/5 or 6.5/10
Summary:
“The idea of my life as a fairy tale is itself a fairy tale”—Princess Grace of Monaco
This story is told from two perspectives starting in the 1950s and is focused on the royal wedding of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier. James Henderson is a war veteran, father, and tabloid photographer from London who is on the hunt for the perfect picture of Grace Kelly while at the Cannes film festival in 1955. His pushiness drives Grace Kelly to enter a small perfumaria in an attempt to hide where she meets Sophie Duvall, a second-generation parfumeur whose livelihood is on the brink. This chance encounter between the three characters sets us up for the story ahead and follows these three characters through the royal wedding and after.
The Good: I loved learning more about Grace Kelly and the royal wedding. There were lots of details, a little bit of history, and this is such a fun topic it is hard not to get completely absorbed. I also really enjoyed learning more about the development and creation of perfume; Sophie’s perspective was definitely the one I enjoyed more. This book takes place in the most lovely settings and the authors do a great job with descriptions, so you feel like you are there. The characters overall are engaging, and I liked all three of the main characters, especially Grace!
The Bad: Too much romance and not enough history. I wish there was more of a focus on Grace rather than the fictional characters that drive the story. Grace Kelly was such an intriguing person and I did a lot of outside research on her while reading this book; I just wish the book was focused on her. Though the characters are likable there is not a lot of depth to them. The story itself follows a template and is quite predictable and the ending was rushed and a bit extreme on multiple levels (not the part featuring Grace but James and Sophie).
Summary:
“The idea of my life as a fairy tale is itself a fairy tale”—Princess Grace of Monaco
This story is told from two perspectives starting in the 1950s and is focused on the royal wedding of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier. James Henderson is a war veteran, father, and tabloid photographer from London who is on the hunt for the perfect picture of Grace Kelly while at the Cannes film festival in 1955. His pushiness drives Grace Kelly to enter a small perfumaria in an attempt to hide where she meets Sophie Duvall, a second-generation parfumeur whose livelihood is on the brink. This chance encounter between the three characters sets us up for the story ahead and follows these three characters through the royal wedding and after.
The Good: I loved learning more about Grace Kelly and the royal wedding. There were lots of details, a little bit of history, and this is such a fun topic it is hard not to get completely absorbed. I also really enjoyed learning more about the development and creation of perfume; Sophie’s perspective was definitely the one I enjoyed more. This book takes place in the most lovely settings and the authors do a great job with descriptions, so you feel like you are there. The characters overall are engaging, and I liked all three of the main characters, especially Grace!
The Bad: Too much romance and not enough history. I wish there was more of a focus on Grace rather than the fictional characters that drive the story. Grace Kelly was such an intriguing person and I did a lot of outside research on her while reading this book; I just wish the book was focused on her. Though the characters are likable there is not a lot of depth to them. The story itself follows a template and is quite predictable and the ending was rushed and a bit extreme on multiple levels (not the part featuring Grace but James and Sophie).
September 20, 2019
3.5 *
I knew I had to read this book as I am a big fan of Princess Grace of Monaco. I grew up with and loved Princess Diana and she pretty much was the start of my love of all things, "royal." I sadly only discovered Princess Grace after her death in 1982. I remember watching her funeral to get a glimpse of Princess Diana. I started to read all the books about Grace and I was fascinated by this Hollywood star who'd become a real-life Princess. She was the ultimate fairy-tale.
The premise of this book was sweet. A love story based in the South of France (Cannes) around the time that Grace Kelly meets her Prince Charming, Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1955. The story is about Sophie Duval who meets James Henderson completely by chance (and with Grace Kelly's help...albeit unknowingly.) The story then follows Sophie and James throughout the courtship and eventual marriage of Grace and Rainier in April of 1956.
The writing was very good and the historical aspect well researched. Initially, I did not find myself drawn to the characters of Sophie and James. It felt like there was a lack of a build-up to the romance. I wish there would have been more of an exchange of love letters between these two as it would have correlated with the romance of Grace and Rainier. Although I did not initially feel the strong connection between these two about half way through the book picked up for me. That's where I feel the extra half star was deserved.
Still, a delightful book with a gorgeous backdrop of a setting (the south of France and Monaco!). Loved the time period and the cover is lovely!
I knew I had to read this book as I am a big fan of Princess Grace of Monaco. I grew up with and loved Princess Diana and she pretty much was the start of my love of all things, "royal." I sadly only discovered Princess Grace after her death in 1982. I remember watching her funeral to get a glimpse of Princess Diana. I started to read all the books about Grace and I was fascinated by this Hollywood star who'd become a real-life Princess. She was the ultimate fairy-tale.
The premise of this book was sweet. A love story based in the South of France (Cannes) around the time that Grace Kelly meets her Prince Charming, Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1955. The story is about Sophie Duval who meets James Henderson completely by chance (and with Grace Kelly's help...albeit unknowingly.) The story then follows Sophie and James throughout the courtship and eventual marriage of Grace and Rainier in April of 1956.
The writing was very good and the historical aspect well researched. Initially, I did not find myself drawn to the characters of Sophie and James. It felt like there was a lack of a build-up to the romance. I wish there would have been more of an exchange of love letters between these two as it would have correlated with the romance of Grace and Rainier. Although I did not initially feel the strong connection between these two about half way through the book picked up for me. That's where I feel the extra half star was deserved.
Still, a delightful book with a gorgeous backdrop of a setting (the south of France and Monaco!). Loved the time period and the cover is lovely!
September 20, 2021
Cannes, 1955. Sophie Duval is a struggling perfumer, who is hoping to come up with a luxury fragrance that would be her break through.
James Henderson is a struggling photographer from England, who is in Cannes, chasing Grace Kelly to get that one shot that changes your future. But at this time, for him it’s to photograph a Hollywood icon or lose his job.
Grace Kelly trying to fend off a persistent British press photographer finds shelter at Sophie’s boutique.
Thus, the connection is made among those three people. The story is woven mostly between Sophie and James, intertwined with snippets of reports for Herold magazine about Grace Kelly’s progress in her career and personal life – from a Philly girl to Hollywood Queen to becoming a princess.
The historical background is very light as I think it was put under HF genre as it involves Grace Kelly, but for most of the part this is a story of a French perfumer and British photographer, who got connected by Grace Kelly appearance in Cannes.
I’m not into romances, but there is something warm about those two characters, who both have careers they love and there are other people involved in their lives they love. However, the last 20% is overwhelmed with love and the frenzy of Grace Kelly wedding. I lost interest in those two characters at the end.
Nevertheless, it is a quick and enjoyable read, told with crisp prose, perfect for summer.
James Henderson is a struggling photographer from England, who is in Cannes, chasing Grace Kelly to get that one shot that changes your future. But at this time, for him it’s to photograph a Hollywood icon or lose his job.
Grace Kelly trying to fend off a persistent British press photographer finds shelter at Sophie’s boutique.
Thus, the connection is made among those three people. The story is woven mostly between Sophie and James, intertwined with snippets of reports for Herold magazine about Grace Kelly’s progress in her career and personal life – from a Philly girl to Hollywood Queen to becoming a princess.
The historical background is very light as I think it was put under HF genre as it involves Grace Kelly, but for most of the part this is a story of a French perfumer and British photographer, who got connected by Grace Kelly appearance in Cannes.
I’m not into romances, but there is something warm about those two characters, who both have careers they love and there are other people involved in their lives they love. However, the last 20% is overwhelmed with love and the frenzy of Grace Kelly wedding. I lost interest in those two characters at the end.
Nevertheless, it is a quick and enjoyable read, told with crisp prose, perfect for summer.
July 23, 2019
👑 👑 👑 👑 👑
As soon as I heard about this sumptuous novel, I wanted to get my hands on it! Princess Grace! The Prince! Their wedding! And an entrancing connection between Sophie Duval, a perfumer who protects Grace from paparazzi in Cannes, and British photog James Henderson, who falls hard for Sophie. I love, love, love this exotic Côte d’Azur tale, already named one of Popsugar’s best beach reads. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans, lovers of romance, and the legions enchanted by the legendary Grace Kelly.
#MeetMeInMonaco #PrincessGrace
As soon as I heard about this sumptuous novel, I wanted to get my hands on it! Princess Grace! The Prince! Their wedding! And an entrancing connection between Sophie Duval, a perfumer who protects Grace from paparazzi in Cannes, and British photog James Henderson, who falls hard for Sophie. I love, love, love this exotic Côte d’Azur tale, already named one of Popsugar’s best beach reads. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans, lovers of romance, and the legions enchanted by the legendary Grace Kelly.
#MeetMeInMonaco #PrincessGrace
April 24, 2022
"Meet Me in Monaco" combines the fairy-tale wedding of actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier with the fictional love story between a French parfumeur and a British press photographer. James needs a good photograph of film star Grace Kelly while she is attending the 1955 Cannes Film festival. He follows her to Sophie Duval's shop, but Sophie has hidden Grace in her office. The chance meeting of James and Sophie was the start of a relationship. Grace and Sophie formed a friendship which led to Sophie designing a special perfume for Grace's wedding.
The book also touched on themes of controlling versus healthy relationships, careers for women, and family obligations. A highlight of the book was the beautiful location in the French Riviera and Monaco. I also enjoyed reading about the designing of perfumes. My mother and grandmother were admirers of Grace Kelly, and I remember how devastated they felt to hear of Grace's tragic death in 1982. "Meet Me in Monaco" was romantic historical fiction with a bit of Hollywood glamour.
The book also touched on themes of controlling versus healthy relationships, careers for women, and family obligations. A highlight of the book was the beautiful location in the French Riviera and Monaco. I also enjoyed reading about the designing of perfumes. My mother and grandmother were admirers of Grace Kelly, and I remember how devastated they felt to hear of Grace's tragic death in 1982. "Meet Me in Monaco" was romantic historical fiction with a bit of Hollywood glamour.
June 9, 2020
3.5
Who doesn't like a Grace Kelly inspired story? I have always been an ardent fan and cried for a week after her tragic death. Here in Cannes right before Grace will become Princess Grace, an English photographer chases her into hiding in a perfume boutique. He follows her but finds only the young beautiful perfumer, Sophie, and sparks fly between them. Yes romance is in the air and I didn't mind it at all. At least until Sophie makes a really bad error in judgement and I lost some respect for her. The royal wedding is front and center as well.
Who doesn't like a Grace Kelly inspired story? I have always been an ardent fan and cried for a week after her tragic death. Here in Cannes right before Grace will become Princess Grace, an English photographer chases her into hiding in a perfume boutique. He follows her but finds only the young beautiful perfumer, Sophie, and sparks fly between them. Yes romance is in the air and I didn't mind it at all. At least until Sophie makes a really bad error in judgement and I lost some respect for her. The royal wedding is front and center as well.
August 10, 2025
This was a beautiful beautiful book. It had been on my TBR for quite some time.... A few challenge prompts allowed me to finally get to it.
Who would have ever thought that a book about the wedding of Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier, would be a backseat character, merely the setting of the novel, rather than the novel itself. The real novel, written from dual sides of view is the courtship between Sophie and James. Sophie Duval is a perfume designer in Monaco, James is the British photographer, one of many on the scene, who tries to get a photo of Grace Kelly, as she ducks into a small perfumerie seeking safety from the crowds. A friendship sparks between Sophie and Grace, who falls in love with "scent and memory keeping" and Sophie eventually, despite the machinations of the evil money grubbing billionaire lover, her perfume becomes the scent of the wedding.
James is down on his luck, and has to endure a lot of loss in his life. The only bright light that causes him meaning is his daughter Emily, the love of his life. And yet encounters with Sophie leave him lingering. The scent of memory haunts him too. But somehow, Grace Kelly manages to bring them together over time, and this love is undeniable. You can smell it across oceans. Even Grace got a whiff of it. I absolutely adored this novel. Through and Through. So glad I finally got to it.
Who would have ever thought that a book about the wedding of Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier, would be a backseat character, merely the setting of the novel, rather than the novel itself. The real novel, written from dual sides of view is the courtship between Sophie and James. Sophie Duval is a perfume designer in Monaco, James is the British photographer, one of many on the scene, who tries to get a photo of Grace Kelly, as she ducks into a small perfumerie seeking safety from the crowds. A friendship sparks between Sophie and Grace, who falls in love with "scent and memory keeping" and Sophie eventually, despite the machinations of the evil money grubbing billionaire lover, her perfume becomes the scent of the wedding.
James is down on his luck, and has to endure a lot of loss in his life. The only bright light that causes him meaning is his daughter Emily, the love of his life. And yet encounters with Sophie leave him lingering. The scent of memory haunts him too. But somehow, Grace Kelly manages to bring them together over time, and this love is undeniable. You can smell it across oceans. Even Grace got a whiff of it. I absolutely adored this novel. Through and Through. So glad I finally got to it.
April 1, 2019
Like their wonderful collaboration LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb have again crafted a spellbinding historical romance. Set largely on the lush Cote d’Azur, MEET ME IN MONACO is a tale of first, missed, and second chances–of relatable women and men trying to make good lives for themselves in spite of difficult circumstances. It is a fairy tale set in post-war Europe, with an enchanting, fascinating fairy godmother: Grace Kelly.
This novel about parfumeur, Sophie Duval, has a clever arrangement, with Part One: Head Notes (first impressions), Part Two: Heart Notes (falling in love), and Part Three: Base Notes (denouvement). Like a flower unfurling, a closed off Sophie begins to open herself to life and love. The quiet, gentle creation process she uses in crafting the perfect scent for the royal bride-to-be perfectly balances the paparazzi-laden frenzy preceding the wedding of Prince Ranier III to American Hollywood star, Grace Kelly.
It’s the kind of book the reader will devour in a few sittings. It’s a novel where a woman navigates her own business empire while a man wrestles with guilt over leaving his child. It’s a story that will send one scouring the internet archives for photographs, and the ending is unexpected and satisfying.
I adored MEET ME IN MONACO.
This novel about parfumeur, Sophie Duval, has a clever arrangement, with Part One: Head Notes (first impressions), Part Two: Heart Notes (falling in love), and Part Three: Base Notes (denouvement). Like a flower unfurling, a closed off Sophie begins to open herself to life and love. The quiet, gentle creation process she uses in crafting the perfect scent for the royal bride-to-be perfectly balances the paparazzi-laden frenzy preceding the wedding of Prince Ranier III to American Hollywood star, Grace Kelly.
It’s the kind of book the reader will devour in a few sittings. It’s a novel where a woman navigates her own business empire while a man wrestles with guilt over leaving his child. It’s a story that will send one scouring the internet archives for photographs, and the ending is unexpected and satisfying.
I adored MEET ME IN MONACO.
August 2, 2019
Meet me in Monaco is what would happen if the Hallmark Channel decided to start writing books instead of producing movies.
Much like Hallmark, the book is not bad at all, but the ending is predictable and the characters aren’t really ones that you feel like you get to know until later in the book. There’s that one thing that keeps you hanging on, even though it’s not super enjoyable and you can think of better things to do or better books to read. It’s like sitting on the couch watching a Christmas movie during that odd week in between Christmas and New Year. You know there are better things you can do to occupy your time, yet you can’t bring yourself to stop staring at the screen. And you have no complaints about the predictable love story or the believable acting, but you’ll soon forget the entire experience once it’s over and you walk away.
Much like Hallmark, the book is not bad at all, but the ending is predictable and the characters aren’t really ones that you feel like you get to know until later in the book. There’s that one thing that keeps you hanging on, even though it’s not super enjoyable and you can think of better things to do or better books to read. It’s like sitting on the couch watching a Christmas movie during that odd week in between Christmas and New Year. You know there are better things you can do to occupy your time, yet you can’t bring yourself to stop staring at the screen. And you have no complaints about the predictable love story or the believable acting, but you’ll soon forget the entire experience once it’s over and you walk away.
August 1, 2019
A chance encounter between Hollywood starlet Grace Kelly, luxury fragrance perfumer Sophie, and celebrity photographer James forever alters all of their lives. Alternating between Sophie and James, the story begins in 1955 and includes tidbits from Grace's real-life romance with Prince Rainier III of Monaco, while mainly focusing on the budding friendship/romance between Sophie and James.
"The three of us had apparently become as entwined as a tangled spool of thread."
Still grieving the loss of her beloved father, Sophie is determined to continue his legacy as a perfumer. As her father always told her:
"To be a perfumeur is to be a detective... a psychologist... [and] a keeper of memories."
But, does she have what it takes to preserve the company?
"Maybe meeting Grace Kelly was the touch of serendipity I'd needed." - Sophie
Meet Me in Monaco included so many of my personal favorites—a gorgeous setting, a historical backdrop, strong female characters (and men who appreciate them), a celebrity appearance, and a bit of romance—that I couldn't help but fall in love with it! Since I read it while vacationing in California, it took me longer than usual to finish it, but every time I picked it up, the incredibly dreamy, romantic, and swoon worthy story immediately transported me to another world. "Au revoir", Sophie and James... it is not goodbye, but rather, until we meet again. I vote yes to a sequel haha!
If you enjoyed reading about a perfumer, then I would highly recommend The Scent Keeper (4 stars) by Erica Bauermeister about a magical machine that tries to preserve scents as a way to invoke a specific memory.
Location: France (Nice, Grasse, Cannes, and Provence), England (London), and Monaco
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"The three of us had apparently become as entwined as a tangled spool of thread."
Still grieving the loss of her beloved father, Sophie is determined to continue his legacy as a perfumer. As her father always told her:
"To be a perfumeur is to be a detective... a psychologist... [and] a keeper of memories."
But, does she have what it takes to preserve the company?
"Maybe meeting Grace Kelly was the touch of serendipity I'd needed." - Sophie
Meet Me in Monaco included so many of my personal favorites—a gorgeous setting, a historical backdrop, strong female characters (and men who appreciate them), a celebrity appearance, and a bit of romance—that I couldn't help but fall in love with it! Since I read it while vacationing in California, it took me longer than usual to finish it, but every time I picked it up, the incredibly dreamy, romantic, and swoon worthy story immediately transported me to another world. "Au revoir", Sophie and James... it is not goodbye, but rather, until we meet again. I vote yes to a sequel haha!
If you enjoyed reading about a perfumer, then I would highly recommend The Scent Keeper (4 stars) by Erica Bauermeister about a magical machine that tries to preserve scents as a way to invoke a specific memory.
Location: France (Nice, Grasse, Cannes, and Provence), England (London), and Monaco
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2019
A chance encounter with actress Grace Kelly at Cannes during the international film festival in 1955 changes two lives forever. She dashes into the boutique parfumerie owned by Sophie Duval to avoid pursuit by an avid member of the paparazzi. Sophie directs her to her office where the actress can sneak out the back door. Meanwhile English photographer James Henderson rushes in looking for Grace and confronts Sophie. All he needs is a photograph of Grace to keep his boss happy but settles for a snap of Sophie instead.
When Grace contacts Sophie to thank her and ask for a gift for her sister, the two begin a lasting friendship which may just save Sophie's struggling business. When James develops the photo he took of Sophie, he realizes he'd like to see that attractive woman again. He is fortunate enough to be among the newspeople included when the actress meets Prince Rainier of Monaco for the first time and as the famous couple's relationship develops, he has a front row seat for much of it.
The love story of Grace and her prince always seemed like a fairy tale when I was a child. What fun to read how it all unfolded through the eyes of Sophie and James told in alternating chapters. There are also news articles sprinkled here and there, written by reporter Angeline West, to fill in some of the details. Very nicely-written piece of historical fiction.
I received an arc of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity to spend time in Provence and learn more about a fascinating woman.
When Grace contacts Sophie to thank her and ask for a gift for her sister, the two begin a lasting friendship which may just save Sophie's struggling business. When James develops the photo he took of Sophie, he realizes he'd like to see that attractive woman again. He is fortunate enough to be among the newspeople included when the actress meets Prince Rainier of Monaco for the first time and as the famous couple's relationship develops, he has a front row seat for much of it.
The love story of Grace and her prince always seemed like a fairy tale when I was a child. What fun to read how it all unfolded through the eyes of Sophie and James told in alternating chapters. There are also news articles sprinkled here and there, written by reporter Angeline West, to fill in some of the details. Very nicely-written piece of historical fiction.
I received an arc of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity to spend time in Provence and learn more about a fascinating woman.
May 21, 2021
Sophie Duval, a perfumeur in Paris, gets her big break when she is chosen to create the wedding perfume for Grace Kelly for her marriage to Prince Rainier. This love story between Sophie and English news photographer, James Henderson, unfolds against the pageantry of a royal wedding.
The book includes the in-depth story of Kelly's and Rainier's whirlwind romance and wedding, which I found interesting since I knew little about it already. Though it was a subplot, it did overpower Sophie and James' story, but I don't think it took away from the book as a whole. Sophie's and James' lives at the time were very much entwined with the Princess'.
I really enjoyed the history and the romance between the two main characters. This is just the type of historical fiction I love. It was well-researched and rich in history and covered an incident I knew little about. I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction and I am going to suggest this one for my historical fiction book club.
Thank you William Morrow and Custom House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.
The book includes the in-depth story of Kelly's and Rainier's whirlwind romance and wedding, which I found interesting since I knew little about it already. Though it was a subplot, it did overpower Sophie and James' story, but I don't think it took away from the book as a whole. Sophie's and James' lives at the time were very much entwined with the Princess'.
I really enjoyed the history and the romance between the two main characters. This is just the type of historical fiction I love. It was well-researched and rich in history and covered an incident I knew little about. I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction and I am going to suggest this one for my historical fiction book club.
Thank you William Morrow and Custom House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.
March 6, 2021
I just adore books written by this dynamic author duo and their latest, Meet Me in Monaco, is no exception. This is the story of Sophie, a boutique owner in Monaco, who finds herself in an unlikely friendship with royal bride Grace Kelly -- as well as in a romantic relationship with James, the very photographer from whom she shielded Grace. Fun!
February 7, 2024
I actually expected to read more about Grace Kelly and was surprised to find out that it was mainly focused on Sophie.
If you read the introduction of the book, it gives you the idea of a book on friendship and love.
None of these two were really present.
Sophie and Miss Kelly called themselves friends over the last few pages of the book but besides that, there wasn’t much of an interaction between them besides some letters that weren’t even delivered personally but always through miss Kelly’s workers.
I wouldn’t put this book into the romance category either because Sophie and James kissed and made love a few times but were never a thing and it took Sophie a hell lot of time to even realize her feelings for James. But when she did, it was already too late.
If you ask me what this book is REALLY about, I would say it’s an autobiography novel of Sophie and how she makes her Parfums.
I couldn’t root for any of the characters because the interactions between them were non-existent so there was no feelings or chemistry. It felt all a bit “dull”
The ending was also too rushed and there were too many deaths.
A nice read but nothing too special.
If you read the introduction of the book, it gives you the idea of a book on friendship and love.
None of these two were really present.
Sophie and Miss Kelly called themselves friends over the last few pages of the book but besides that, there wasn’t much of an interaction between them besides some letters that weren’t even delivered personally but always through miss Kelly’s workers.
I wouldn’t put this book into the romance category either because Sophie and James kissed and made love a few times but were never a thing and it took Sophie a hell lot of time to even realize her feelings for James. But when she did, it was already too late.
If you ask me what this book is REALLY about, I would say it’s an autobiography novel of Sophie and how she makes her Parfums.
I couldn’t root for any of the characters because the interactions between them were non-existent so there was no feelings or chemistry. It felt all a bit “dull”
The ending was also too rushed and there were too many deaths.
A nice read but nothing too special.
June 1, 2019
This was, until the last 34 pages, a perfect 5 star read. It’s still good, delightful, and beautifully written; but the ending, while ultimately sweet, initially left me bitter.
September 21, 2019
There were two reasons I had to get my hands on Meet Me In Monaco ASAP
* Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb wrote one of my all time favourite books Last Christmas in Paris
* Grace Kelly! Enough said.
Thanks to Harper Collins for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
My Thoughts
I adore old fashioned Hollywood Glamour and the backdrop of Grace Kelly and her marriage to Prince Rainier more than satisfied my fairytale notions. However we also got to see the more shadowy sides of her life which satisfied my celebrity gossip side.
Sophie, a perfumer, and James, a reporter, are the two main characters in the book, and I loved the quirky, unconventional tale that played out between them. They are like cat and dog, and it most definitely was not love at first sight.
The descriptions vividly transported me to the shuttered streets of Cannes. I could imagine the paparazzi traipsing after Grace everywhere, desperate to capture an unposed shot of the soon to be Princess. And I felt like I was walking through the sunny, perfumed flower fields of Grasse when Sophie visited home. Definitely a book to fill up all your senses.
Between the fab setting, the glimpses in to Grace’s romance, and the fabulous friendship that developed between our main characters, it was a book I read with my heart on my sleeve. And it has left an impression on my heart too. I hope these two talented authors continue to write together, as I love the unique yarns they spin together.
WHO SHOULD READ MEET ME IN MONACO?
If you love books that transport you to another setting, then I’d urge you to pick this up. Especially recommended to fans of historical fiction, or if you enjoy characters that melt your heart, and quirky love stories. I think if you’ve enjoyed Hazel Gaynor’s previous books that you’ll also love this one. Fans of Carmel Harrington, JoJo Moyes and Kristin Hannah should also enjoy.
* Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb wrote one of my all time favourite books Last Christmas in Paris
* Grace Kelly! Enough said.
Thanks to Harper Collins for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
My Thoughts
I adore old fashioned Hollywood Glamour and the backdrop of Grace Kelly and her marriage to Prince Rainier more than satisfied my fairytale notions. However we also got to see the more shadowy sides of her life which satisfied my celebrity gossip side.
Sophie, a perfumer, and James, a reporter, are the two main characters in the book, and I loved the quirky, unconventional tale that played out between them. They are like cat and dog, and it most definitely was not love at first sight.
The descriptions vividly transported me to the shuttered streets of Cannes. I could imagine the paparazzi traipsing after Grace everywhere, desperate to capture an unposed shot of the soon to be Princess. And I felt like I was walking through the sunny, perfumed flower fields of Grasse when Sophie visited home. Definitely a book to fill up all your senses.
Between the fab setting, the glimpses in to Grace’s romance, and the fabulous friendship that developed between our main characters, it was a book I read with my heart on my sleeve. And it has left an impression on my heart too. I hope these two talented authors continue to write together, as I love the unique yarns they spin together.
WHO SHOULD READ MEET ME IN MONACO?
If you love books that transport you to another setting, then I’d urge you to pick this up. Especially recommended to fans of historical fiction, or if you enjoy characters that melt your heart, and quirky love stories. I think if you’ve enjoyed Hazel Gaynor’s previous books that you’ll also love this one. Fans of Carmel Harrington, JoJo Moyes and Kristin Hannah should also enjoy.
July 25, 2019
5 romantic stars
This book made me yearn for another visit to Paris, Côte d’Azur, and to the lavender fields of Grasse! The authors did a fantastic job of location placement with this book, I truly felt that I was transported to another part of the world. The main character is Sophie Duval and she has grown up in a family perfume business. There are wonderful descriptions of the flowers and essence of France that go into perfume. I really want to visit this shop and have Sophie create a scent for me! Maybe then I would wear more perfume.
Sophie has a chance meeting with Grace Kelly that changes her life and also brings James, a British photographer, into her orbit. The interactions with Grace were such a fun addition to the story and the reader is pulled into the fairytale life of her courtship and the evolution to Princess Grace. The book is as much a love story of the world of perfume as it is the love story of Sophie and James and Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer. It was fascinating to read this bit of history in this way.
Sophie’s business is struggling and I rooted for her to find success as a female businesswoman while her mother is trying to sell the flower fields. This book is a great escape and I enjoyed being swept along to the magical world of France. I’ve had a chance to visit Monaco and this brought it all back. I love this writing duo of Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. I’ve read a few others, but need to read them all.
Thank you to Edelweiss, William Morrow, Hazel Gaynor, and Heather Webb (thank you Denver ComicCon) for an early copy of the book to read and review.
This book made me yearn for another visit to Paris, Côte d’Azur, and to the lavender fields of Grasse! The authors did a fantastic job of location placement with this book, I truly felt that I was transported to another part of the world. The main character is Sophie Duval and she has grown up in a family perfume business. There are wonderful descriptions of the flowers and essence of France that go into perfume. I really want to visit this shop and have Sophie create a scent for me! Maybe then I would wear more perfume.
Sophie has a chance meeting with Grace Kelly that changes her life and also brings James, a British photographer, into her orbit. The interactions with Grace were such a fun addition to the story and the reader is pulled into the fairytale life of her courtship and the evolution to Princess Grace. The book is as much a love story of the world of perfume as it is the love story of Sophie and James and Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer. It was fascinating to read this bit of history in this way.
Sophie’s business is struggling and I rooted for her to find success as a female businesswoman while her mother is trying to sell the flower fields. This book is a great escape and I enjoyed being swept along to the magical world of France. I’ve had a chance to visit Monaco and this brought it all back. I love this writing duo of Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. I’ve read a few others, but need to read them all.
Thank you to Edelweiss, William Morrow, Hazel Gaynor, and Heather Webb (thank you Denver ComicCon) for an early copy of the book to read and review.
March 26, 2020
3.5 rounded up
I really enjoyed this book club choice. It takes the backdrop of Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Rainier and entwines the meeting of photographer James and perfumier Sophie and their subsequent romance. I was fascinated about the parts that featured Grace Kelly and it made me want to learn more about her and her life. Overall this book has a great HEA, but some of the events that lead up to it could have been written better. I did have to keep reminding myself that it was set in the 1950s, and that colors the actions and reactions of the characters. I loved the parts about making and developing different perfumes, that was captivating to me.
If you're interested in historical fiction that is loosely based on fact, this is a great choice.
I really enjoyed this book club choice. It takes the backdrop of Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Rainier and entwines the meeting of photographer James and perfumier Sophie and their subsequent romance. I was fascinated about the parts that featured Grace Kelly and it made me want to learn more about her and her life. Overall this book has a great HEA, but some of the events that lead up to it could have been written better. I did have to keep reminding myself that it was set in the 1950s, and that colors the actions and reactions of the characters. I loved the parts about making and developing different perfumes, that was captivating to me.
If you're interested in historical fiction that is loosely based on fact, this is a great choice.
September 9, 2019
I thought this was going to be historical fiction about Grace Kelly's life, through her eyes or someone close to her. But that's not what it is. This is 2 people who interact with Grace Kelly and the romance between the two of them. I did not finish it. I was bored. I don't think it's a bad book or poorly written. It just wasn't what I thought I was getting nor what I like to read.
December 17, 2024
i only just read last christmas in paris a couple months ago, so it was fresh in my mind when i got this one. i had high expectations.
i struggled a bit in the first 30% but then it picks up. i was liking it but definitely not as much as the last christmas book, it just wasn't as readable or i wasn't clicking with it as quickly. i wasn't super happy with sophie and lucien, i really don't have patience for characters who stay with someone who is so obviously wrong for them, especially when it keeps them away from the person they are meant to end up with.
but it was all okay and i was liking it. but - .
that being said, i'll pick up another book by this author for sure. just hope for no more 30 year gaps.
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full review to come. can't decide on stars yet.
i was liking this, nowhere near as much as Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I, but liking it well enough... but one thing was annoying me and i wasn't terribly happy with it, but then! that one thing happens! i knew something like that was going to happen, but then it was like the book came to a fork in the road and i expected it to go left but it went right. not happy jan! ugh. it's made me cranky, i tell you.
so, right now, i am cranky, maybe the more i sit on it, the more i will calm down.
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ARC received from Edelweiss in exchange for honest review
i struggled a bit in the first 30% but then it picks up. i was liking it but definitely not as much as the last christmas book, it just wasn't as readable or i wasn't clicking with it as quickly. i wasn't super happy with sophie and lucien, i really don't have patience for characters who stay with someone who is so obviously wrong for them, especially when it keeps them away from the person they are meant to end up with.
but it was all okay and i was liking it. but - .
that being said, i'll pick up another book by this author for sure. just hope for no more 30 year gaps.
----------------------------------------------
full review to come. can't decide on stars yet.
i was liking this, nowhere near as much as Last Christmas in Paris: A Novel of World War I, but liking it well enough... but one thing was annoying me and i wasn't terribly happy with it, but then! that one thing happens! i knew something like that was going to happen, but then it was like the book came to a fork in the road and i expected it to go left but it went right. not happy jan! ugh. it's made me cranky, i tell you.
so, right now, i am cranky, maybe the more i sit on it, the more i will calm down.
------------------------------------------
ARC received from Edelweiss in exchange for honest review
August 11, 2019
Each year, paparazzi and movie stars travel to Cannes in droves for the celebrated film festival. Among the movie stars is Grace Kelly, who will soon become the wife of Prince Rainer of Monaco. Grace Kelly, however, just wants to be left alone and it's when she's trying to get away from a photographer that she enters the store of perfumer Sophie Duval. This chance meeting between Miss Kelly and Sophie will forge a bond between them. But, Sophie will also forge another bond with the photographer trying to capture a photo of the future Princess Grace, James Henderson...
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
July 14, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"Forget Paris, I just want to meet someone at the French Riviera"
This is a historical fiction romance book. So, if you don't like romance, this is not for you. There are also two important things you need to be either interested, curious or delighted to read about: the story behind the love affair and marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco; which means you need to like reading about famous people; and also the magic behind the making of French perfume; which I love because French perfume is the best perfume in the world! But, if you're low on money like myself and don't think you'll ever have enough money to visit The French Riviera, this book will make you wish you could be there, on those beautiful beaches, the Cannes film festival, all the glamour of seeing the rich and famous up close (pre-Covid times obviously). In other words: daydreaming! In 1955, Grace Kelly attended the Cannes fim festival for the first and only time in her life. While trying to avoid getting photographed by a paparazzi, Grace finds shelter in struggling perfumer Sophie Duval's boutique. Sophie helps Grace escape the press guy. After the actress leaves, the man comes in and introduces himself, James Henderson, British press photographer. Jim leaves his card to Sophie (love at first sight!) and off he goes. Days later, Jim finds himself covering the first public meeting between Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier at his castle, which leaves the feeling that Grace and Rainier's love story was not love at first sight. After the festival, Jim goes back to England, he wants to be closer to his only daughter, but his ex-wife is a pain in the ass. He also gets fired because his boss does not think the photos Jim took of the meeting between Grace and the Prince would ever be of value. Of course he's wrong because months later the couple announce their engagement and Jim is re-hired to go to the U.S. to cover all the nuptials from the press conference, then sailing along with the future Princess on the S.S. Constitution and the week long wedding celebration in Monaco. Meanwhile, Grace contacts Sophie to buy some of her perfume samples, and she loves them so much that she asks Sophie to prepare an exclusive fragance for her to wear on her wedding day. Jim and Sophie's paths will cross again in Monaco during Grace's wedding week and there'll be some obstacles to bring these two together, like in every romance book out there. What I liked more in this one was: the making of French perfume which I did not know the ins and outs of making it from scratch; and more insightful details of the romance between Grace Kelly and her Prince, which I knew some of the events but not that much. I didn't know the Prince has his mind on Marilyn Monroe but his family refused because of Marilyn's reputation. Grace Kelly was nicknamed "ice queen" because she had this image of being a cold woman but she was actually very timid and reserved. Highly recommend it if you're interested in any of the things said before. I read it for the #ohwhatfunreadathon hosted by MacKenzie Lane, for the challenge: read a book set in your ideal summer vacation destination.
"Forget Paris, I just want to meet someone at the French Riviera"
This is a historical fiction romance book. So, if you don't like romance, this is not for you. There are also two important things you need to be either interested, curious or delighted to read about: the story behind the love affair and marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco; which means you need to like reading about famous people; and also the magic behind the making of French perfume; which I love because French perfume is the best perfume in the world! But, if you're low on money like myself and don't think you'll ever have enough money to visit The French Riviera, this book will make you wish you could be there, on those beautiful beaches, the Cannes film festival, all the glamour of seeing the rich and famous up close (pre-Covid times obviously). In other words: daydreaming! In 1955, Grace Kelly attended the Cannes fim festival for the first and only time in her life. While trying to avoid getting photographed by a paparazzi, Grace finds shelter in struggling perfumer Sophie Duval's boutique. Sophie helps Grace escape the press guy. After the actress leaves, the man comes in and introduces himself, James Henderson, British press photographer. Jim leaves his card to Sophie (love at first sight!) and off he goes. Days later, Jim finds himself covering the first public meeting between Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier at his castle, which leaves the feeling that Grace and Rainier's love story was not love at first sight. After the festival, Jim goes back to England, he wants to be closer to his only daughter, but his ex-wife is a pain in the ass. He also gets fired because his boss does not think the photos Jim took of the meeting between Grace and the Prince would ever be of value. Of course he's wrong because months later the couple announce their engagement and Jim is re-hired to go to the U.S. to cover all the nuptials from the press conference, then sailing along with the future Princess on the S.S. Constitution and the week long wedding celebration in Monaco. Meanwhile, Grace contacts Sophie to buy some of her perfume samples, and she loves them so much that she asks Sophie to prepare an exclusive fragance for her to wear on her wedding day. Jim and Sophie's paths will cross again in Monaco during Grace's wedding week and there'll be some obstacles to bring these two together, like in every romance book out there. What I liked more in this one was: the making of French perfume which I did not know the ins and outs of making it from scratch; and more insightful details of the romance between Grace Kelly and her Prince, which I knew some of the events but not that much. I didn't know the Prince has his mind on Marilyn Monroe but his family refused because of Marilyn's reputation. Grace Kelly was nicknamed "ice queen" because she had this image of being a cold woman but she was actually very timid and reserved. Highly recommend it if you're interested in any of the things said before. I read it for the #ohwhatfunreadathon hosted by MacKenzie Lane, for the challenge: read a book set in your ideal summer vacation destination.
July 21, 2019
As a little girl, I was obsessed with Grace Kelly. I was fascinated by her love story and in the end, her tragic death, and longed for the day that I too could become a real American princess.
But as I got older I moved on from princess dreams to horses and didn’t look back. That is until the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel. It was another famous American, marrying royalty and becoming a princess that reignited my interest in Grace Kelly.
When I saw that this book was coming out, I squealed in excitement. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb have written some of my favorite novels both independently and together. They make a fabulous team and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this latest collaboration and see how they incorporated Grace Kelly into this story.
This book was on the top of my most anticipated novels for 2019 and I couldn’t wait to start reading it! The setting was exotic and perfect for summer. As I have no travel plans for the summer, this setting made me dream of exotic scents and glamorous locations when I couldn’t get to be there myself! Reading this one was the ultimate escape for me and I adored every page!
It was dripping in elegance and beauty from the setting to the characters! I loved the royal wedding as backdrop to the larger love story between James and Sophie. It made the reader feel like they were experiencing the wedding but also getting to know the characters intimately.
I was 100% emotionally invested in Sophie as a character. I loved her profession and thought it added a lot of sensuality to the romance. This book in my opinion is more romance than historical fiction, but I was completely ok with that. As a fan of historical fiction, I felt like my historical expectations were more than satisfied with the royal wedding and a few other little bits, but the romance was the shining jewel in this book! If you are looking for a book exclusively about Grace Kelly then this is probably not the book you are looking for, she is a character in the book but the focus is truly on Sophie and James, but the characters, location and time period will surly win you over.
I couldn’t put this book down and I thought about it throughout the day, eager to return to it and find out what happened next. I was in desperate need of a new historical romance on my TBR list and this book absolutely met all of my expectations and then some. I was satisfied with how it ended and sad at the same time because I didn’t want it to end. The realness and emotion in the pages was so wonderfully done.
Gaynor and Webb are a powerhouse team and together they make fantastic books. Do not miss this lovely book! There is so much to love and you won’t be disappointed!
See my full review here
But as I got older I moved on from princess dreams to horses and didn’t look back. That is until the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel. It was another famous American, marrying royalty and becoming a princess that reignited my interest in Grace Kelly.
When I saw that this book was coming out, I squealed in excitement. Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb have written some of my favorite novels both independently and together. They make a fabulous team and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this latest collaboration and see how they incorporated Grace Kelly into this story.
This book was on the top of my most anticipated novels for 2019 and I couldn’t wait to start reading it! The setting was exotic and perfect for summer. As I have no travel plans for the summer, this setting made me dream of exotic scents and glamorous locations when I couldn’t get to be there myself! Reading this one was the ultimate escape for me and I adored every page!
It was dripping in elegance and beauty from the setting to the characters! I loved the royal wedding as backdrop to the larger love story between James and Sophie. It made the reader feel like they were experiencing the wedding but also getting to know the characters intimately.
I was 100% emotionally invested in Sophie as a character. I loved her profession and thought it added a lot of sensuality to the romance. This book in my opinion is more romance than historical fiction, but I was completely ok with that. As a fan of historical fiction, I felt like my historical expectations were more than satisfied with the royal wedding and a few other little bits, but the romance was the shining jewel in this book! If you are looking for a book exclusively about Grace Kelly then this is probably not the book you are looking for, she is a character in the book but the focus is truly on Sophie and James, but the characters, location and time period will surly win you over.
I couldn’t put this book down and I thought about it throughout the day, eager to return to it and find out what happened next. I was in desperate need of a new historical romance on my TBR list and this book absolutely met all of my expectations and then some. I was satisfied with how it ended and sad at the same time because I didn’t want it to end. The realness and emotion in the pages was so wonderfully done.
Gaynor and Webb are a powerhouse team and together they make fantastic books. Do not miss this lovely book! There is so much to love and you won’t be disappointed!
See my full review here
September 2, 2019
“𝚃𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚏𝚞𝚖𝚎𝚞𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚎. 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎.”
—𝙷𝚊𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙶𝚊𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚛, 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚎𝚋𝚋 𝙼𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝙼𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝙼𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚌𝚘
I fell in love with Hazel Gaynor while reading The Girl at the Savoy, and then discovered the talented duo with Heather Webb while reading Last Christmas in Paris. Their writing really is like magic as the words transform the reader to another time and place in history. The characters are always so vibrant and I feel as if I am immersed right along wherever the historical fiction story takes me.
In this case, Meet Me in Monaco takes the reader to the glitz and glamour of Cannes, France along the French Riviera, during the 1950’s, as we get glimpses of Hollywood royalty through Grace Kelly.
I loved the storyline of both French perfumer Sophie Duval, and Hollywood actress and socialite, Grace Kelly. It’s no secret that I will always fall for a story with female friendship and this novel had such a beautiful connection between the two women.
*Thank you to the publisher for this gifted copy for review. All opinions are my own
—𝙷𝚊𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙶𝚊𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚛, 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚎𝚋𝚋 𝙼𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝙼𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝙼𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚌𝚘
I fell in love with Hazel Gaynor while reading The Girl at the Savoy, and then discovered the talented duo with Heather Webb while reading Last Christmas in Paris. Their writing really is like magic as the words transform the reader to another time and place in history. The characters are always so vibrant and I feel as if I am immersed right along wherever the historical fiction story takes me.
In this case, Meet Me in Monaco takes the reader to the glitz and glamour of Cannes, France along the French Riviera, during the 1950’s, as we get glimpses of Hollywood royalty through Grace Kelly.
I loved the storyline of both French perfumer Sophie Duval, and Hollywood actress and socialite, Grace Kelly. It’s no secret that I will always fall for a story with female friendship and this novel had such a beautiful connection between the two women.
*Thank you to the publisher for this gifted copy for review. All opinions are my own
April 14, 2019
The advanced copy fairy continues to treat me very well! Here are my thoughts about this fantastic book:
Webb and Gaynor’s latest collaboration is a historical fiction home run. The duo brings to life a vivid, engaging heroine, a glorious Côte d'Azur setting, and the ultimate princess, Grace Kelly. MEET ME IN MONACO is smart, romantic, and heartbreaking, and the tale captivates from the start.
Webb and Gaynor’s latest collaboration is a historical fiction home run. The duo brings to life a vivid, engaging heroine, a glorious Côte d'Azur setting, and the ultimate princess, Grace Kelly. MEET ME IN MONACO is smart, romantic, and heartbreaking, and the tale captivates from the start.
August 31, 2019
I loved everything about this book from it's whistful Hollywood Nostalgia to the delicious descriptions. A definite must-read for lovers of vintage Hollywood and romance
August 30, 2023
Ne vedem in Monaco este un roman cuceritor, în care pasiunea și frământările lăuntrice se împletesc. Sunt două planuri ale iubirii, acela dintre actrița Grace Kelly cu prințul Rainer de Monaco și Sophie Duval cu James Henderson.
Întâlnirea celor două personaje feminine se întâmplă accidental, însă destinul croiește legăturile acestor personaje. O carte care se citește ușor, dar din care poți înțelege că lucrurile trebuie lăsate și la voia întâmplării. Caracterul lui Sophie Duval este unul puternic, tenacitatea de care dă dovadă atât în viața ei profesională, cât și în cea amoroasă reprezintă resortul firului narativ. Dincolo de toate acestea, romanul este o lectură plăcută, ușoară, te rupe de real pentru a te purta într-o poveste de dragoste, într-o lume a emoțiilor și a dezamăgirilor, unde drama și bucuria se pot împleti sub același cer.
"Note se bază. Note care se impun când celelalte s-au evaporat; miresme care se difuzează lent, 8n timp. Notele care durează cel mai mult. "
"Evit să privesc în urmă. Prefer să am amintiri frumoase, decât regrete. " Grace Kelly
Întâlnirea celor două personaje feminine se întâmplă accidental, însă destinul croiește legăturile acestor personaje. O carte care se citește ușor, dar din care poți înțelege că lucrurile trebuie lăsate și la voia întâmplării. Caracterul lui Sophie Duval este unul puternic, tenacitatea de care dă dovadă atât în viața ei profesională, cât și în cea amoroasă reprezintă resortul firului narativ. Dincolo de toate acestea, romanul este o lectură plăcută, ușoară, te rupe de real pentru a te purta într-o poveste de dragoste, într-o lume a emoțiilor și a dezamăgirilor, unde drama și bucuria se pot împleti sub același cer.
"Note se bază. Note care se impun când celelalte s-au evaporat; miresme care se difuzează lent, 8n timp. Notele care durează cel mai mult. "
"Evit să privesc în urmă. Prefer să am amintiri frumoase, decât regrete. " Grace Kelly
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